CHARLES PERSON OF THE WEEK!!!!

My God??? Do you know it’s not an easy task in choosing the person of the week???



This week will also be a mystery individual.


My person of the week goes to all the people who has been fighting and educating the Lord Government for the last five years of the need of many methadone clinics around this Province.

I guess I could nominate myself on this one.

Take a close look at the title in my column? I have been writing about this issue for many years.



Yes, crime is at an all time high because of the prescription drug problem in this Province.

The waiting list are long and these clinics are located in nowhere land such as Ridgewood near the city of Saint John or Cambridge Narrows.

I would love to know the crime being done within the family unit that’s not reported to the Police.

Just this week, this guy robbed a pharmacy in Fredericton.



The funny part was that I was over my cousin place once I heard the headline on Global News - Robbery in Fredericton. I told my cousin and her husband that it must be a pharmacy that got robbed? Sure enough that what it was!

They were surprise that I hit the bull eye on that one.



The prescription drug problem in the Capital is bad. I heard that 70% of the inmates in the Provincial Jails around this Province are in there because of the Dilaudid problem on the streets!

The waiting list is around six months and while they wait? They go on a big expensive crime spree therefore causing many families much pain and suffering!

Does the Lord Government care? Of course not!

Yes, these people are my people of week.

These people are fighting with the Lord Government to do something about the prescription drug problem in this Province but their pleas are falling on deaf ears.

I would love to know how many New Brunswickers died because of Prescription drugs in this Province?




Take a close look at the issue of Ritalin?

Bernard Lord don’t care so therefore the drugging and the killing of the Children will continue till the next provincial election set for Oct 15, 2007!



Need I to say more? Enough said!!

OPPPPSSSS???????????????

I heard a good one yesterday on the streets! I guess the Saint John Police Forces busted a store that sold illegal Tobacco. Once they finish their job. The police put the smokes in their vehicle. They went inside the store for a few minutes and once they got to their vehicle? I guess the tobacco was gone!!! Only in Saint John? ...lol....

LET ME KNOW IF YOU HEARD ABOUT THIS BLOG IN THE RIVER VALLEY NEWS????

I'm just curious to know how many readers heard of this blog from my column in the River Valley News. I had my own little column in that paper for the last 5 years! Here's a copy! If you don't wish to leave a comment? Send me a private email at oldmaison@yahoo.com

DEATHS IN MEMRAMCOOK!!!!!!

A few weeks ago, another young person died from the Memramcook area. Last year, I wrote this little piece in my updates before I began bloggling! It's pretty scary!!

In 1986, I decided to look for work in Waltham Mass, U.S.A.!

Before I left I told my friend Julien Leger that when I return? I’ve have a 40 ounces of hard liquor.

I worked in the Boston area for over one year and I received the news that Julien in his late 20s had a terrible car accident and he was a vegetable in a wheelchair.

I collected $500.00 from people in the Waltham area and send it to the Family. Julien used to be to best pool player in the Moncton area and now is a vegetable.

Oscar LeBlanc in his mid 20s was planning to get married and was an avid hunter in the woods. He had an accident while driving his ATV. He’s now a vegetable
for the rest of his life!

In the early 1980s, Nicole Dupuis in her early 20s was a beautiful woman from Memramcook West. While walking near the road with her friend Louise in the Valley, she caught hit by a car and died!

I had a graduation picture from Nicole and you she wrote - Charles, always keep your will power!

Tom Malone, a well liked person in the Valley. He got electrocuted while doing his work and he quickly died soon afterwards. He was in his late 20s.

Marise Poirier was a very nice person who worked at a Super Market. In the 80s she quickly fainted and died. She was in her early 20s!

Rheal Gautreau< Cohouette > was a person who really love to agitate everyone around his surrounding. He loved sports! He died of Cancer in the early 80s at the age of 23 years old!

Marcel LeBlanc < george > was from Memramcook Lake and he was well liked by his friends. He died in a car accident. He was in his mid 20s!

Les Micros from Mmemramcook West! Two brothers who loved the wild life. They both died in the 80s and both were in their 20s and 30s.

Paul a Aurele another who love the wild life. He quickly died in his early 30s.

Mathieu Landry a young handsome kid from Mermramcook East decided to visit the world and drown near Australia. His body was never found again. Beautiful Mathieu was in his early 20s.

Thomas < Thomasman > love the wild life and died in a car accident. He was in his learly 30s.

Raoul LeBlanc and his sister Yvonne.

Raould committed suicide in his early 30s and his sister Yvonne died of Cancer in her early 40s.

Jean Guy Dupuis < Fune > a very good friend of mine. He died of Cancer. Jean Guy was in his mid 40s < with two little kids at home >

The Tingley family from Saint John who lost their only child in a car accident. He was in his late teen!

Michel LeBlanc< Calixte > died in the 70s. Mike wanted to visit the world and he drown in Swissland. Mike was in his mid 20s.

Gaston from Lourde who also love the fast life and he died in a car accident in the early 80s. Gaston was in his mid 20s.

A young 10 year old< I forgot his name> drown in the early 80 in the Village of Memramcook! He was 10 year old.

A Charles Leblanc from Saint Joseph drown in the Memramcook River. He was in his mid teen.

Jean Guy from Lourde < forgot his last name > died of cancer in his mid 40s.

Just a few weeks ago, Omer Dupuis from Lourde died of cancer. He was in his mid 40s!

Donald Richard < a Camille > from College Bridge died in his mid 20s!

Clovis a young girl of Charlotte a Paul Owen died while being hit by a car. Clovis was 8 years old.

Remi Cormier was killed in a tragic school bus accident a few months ago. Remi was 5 years old!

Guy Cormier, a young individual full of energy. He died in a car crash! He was in his mid 20s.



One young guy< I forgot his name > was killed in a tragic accident while working in Memramcook East. I guess he was welding and blew himself up! He was in
his late 20s.

Another young man in his late teen was killed while walking near the road in College Bridge. He was in his late teens.

Marcel Cormier from Cormier Cove was a very handsome and nice guy! He was in the Canadian Navy and took a heart attach. Marcel was in his mid 20s!

Bernard a Allie from Memramcook East had a child and beautiful wife. Bernard died in his early 40s from a heart Attack.
Jean Guy < I forgot his last name. > He live in the corner of Saint Joseph and Meramcook. He took his own life. Jean Guy was in his late 20s!

Romeo Cormier < Black Bear> was very well like by everyone in his own town of Pre D’en haut or Belliveau Village died while being a passenger in a Dune Buggy.
They drove down a hill on a main road and hit a bear!
Romeo was really missed! Romeo was in his early 20s!



Conrad Cormier from College Bridge died in the 60s at a young age of 5 years old!

Farold< forgot his name > used to run a pool room in Mermramcook. He found out he had Cancer and took his own life. He was in his mid 40s.

A happy young couple from Memramcook lost their first child to Still born! The father hair turned white over night. On a happy note? They were bless with two beautiful young girls afterwards.

Ok…what is this all about you asked?

These are the people that I have known during my 46 years on this planet and I’m certain that you must know a list of people yourself?

The bottom line is this! Think about it!

Life is so short! Enjoy it while you’re still on this beautiful planet!



You have a good day!!!!

CHARLES COMES FACE TO FACE WITH JUSTICE MINISTER!!!!

A few evening ago, I met a couple who’s been on my email list for a long while and
decided to go for a coffee.





Usually, we would say - Tim Horton’s but in last week blog. It’ace I wrote about
in last week blog. It’s clled Molly’s!!!! I noticed something that I didn’t mention in that blog.

Behind Molly’s on Queen Street across from Officer’s Square beside the private patio?

There’s a water fountain with huge gold fishes swimming freely. My God! They’re
huge!!! The couple agreed that it was a nice private spot especially located downtown! If you want a private meeting? May I suggest that you go there!

Ok…All the celebrations for New Brunswick day was cancel due to the rain! I still walked in the rain and went into the Lieutenant Governor building.



Once inside, there were no one around. I was alone for 10 minutes. I decided to sit on the fancy sofa while I waited for someone. Someone from Japan showed up and
he too was confuse that no one was station at the front door to greet the visitors.



I noticed the guest book and it had NEW BRUNSWICK DAY on top of the page.
No one signed the book so I was the first one on the list.

Later on in the afternoon, I walk in the huge building again trying to locate the Lieutenant Governor and asks him for his views on the Deportation of the Acadians.

Well? I still had no luck but this time around there were lots of highclass snobs present and I bumpred into Brad Green and his new wife.

Poor Brad, I believe that I ruined his day because I knew that once you meet these Ministers? You have to get to the point.

I told the Justice Minister about Boarders and roomers having no rights and he admitted that if the Rentalman received 5 to 6 complaints a week? That was a high number!



He took the info down on a piece of paper and told me that he will look into it but I
don’t believe that I finished my chat on a good note because I flatly told the Justice Minister that there was no way in hell that Bernard Lord will get
re-elected as Premier!

Lately, I have been debating this issue on many occasions with the P.C.’s! I have
to get them credit!

They truly believe in their mind that Bernard Lord is doing a fantastic job! They honestly believe they will win the next Provincial election!

I told Bard Green that he was out of his mind!

The conversation quickly ended and I was still looking for the Lieutenant Governor but he was nowhere to be found.



I Believe the staff was paying close attention to me so I asked them – How can a person meet the Lieutenanant Governor?

They told me to call the office in the morning.

I’ll wait till next week and send them a email!



Stay tune for more info on this issue in this blog!

WOULD YOU BUY A USED CAR FROM THIS GUY???

CFBC TALK OF THE TOWN WITH RICK MANTLE WILL RETURN ON AUGUST 22TH!!!!

I was certain that the show wouldn't return because of all the Anti-Irving callers! Are you happy that the show is returning? Let me know your views on this talk show!

BERNARD LORD....GOOD BYE FOREVER!!!!

HAY OF NB POWER HAS WEIGHT ON HIS SHOULDERS!!!!

ONE CITIZEN VIEW ON THE IRVINGS!!!! IT'S AN INTERESTING ONE!!!

The Irving family has retarded the growth in Saint John and will for many years to come .



The ideals of this family is to keep the population poor and hungry so when needed they have access to a cheap and egar labour force who will do anything for any wage in order to feed their families.


The way a community works is called clumpage .

A major industry, we'll say like S J drydock , will have need for satelite businesses to supply the materials and goods needed to build the ships . exm.( ocean steel) for metals ,( coastal bearings)for gears and bearings ,(strescon ) for cement , (irving foresty ) for lumber .

In other communities , John Doe may have owned ( ocean steel ) . As S J drydock prospers , so does ocean steel . John Doe ( who now has become wealthy ) may have had 2 sons.

One son ( charles )didnt care for steel makeing and decided to branch off into makeing small water craft and sales , and became wealthy with 200 employees , and had 2 sons and a daughter.

John Doe's second son ( Harry ) got a grand education in engineering and decided to build a plant to construct water sewage equipment.


As his business grew it employed 150 people constructing screens and filters, pumps and gadgets , and he had 2 daughters and a son.



John Doe now , in his later years , has slowed down his work life and took up golf , Haveing led a very successful life he decided to build a golf course in dedication to the people who worked so hard to make his business the sucess it was .

His children ( Charles and Harry ) also very thankful to the community people who worked hard to make there business successful decided to give back to the community in the way of a water park , so the families of the people who worked for them , could have a better quality of life.

Charles , who had 2 sons and a daughter , 1 son become major of Saint John and worked hard to give the people quality of life .

The second son became a doctor , and with the help of his family opened a clinic for less fortuneate people who had lost there way and needed guidance and help from addictions .

The daughter became a citizen of the people , fighting for the elemination of poverty and the protector of human rights .

Just one man , running a successful business led to a careing family who through the generations created thousands of jobs and a better quality of life for the dedication of the people, who worked so hard to make their family a seccess . but this never happened in Saint John , cause the same family that owned the dry dock , owned ( ocean steel ). alas.

John Doe , never excisted . This story could have been the same for the many plants and businesses that were needed to supply and assist S J drydock in its growth , but alas , one family owned them all . Tom Smith , and his 5 children , who may have owned (strescon) and went on to build a wind generation plant , never existed .

George Thump , who in the 50s owned a small engine and motor shop , with government aide , built generators and motors to supply the needs of the small craft shop that John Doe's son , Charles owned . but none of these people existed .

In Saint John , for the last 4 or 5 decades , the majority of business is owned by a single family , and the offspring of that family , has seen to it to use their wealth to buy governments and officials to allow monopolies on media , business and labor for their own personal greed . And what does this family give back to the people in return for their work to create such a beast of an empire ?

Well they throw a few bones out there to feed the dogs , but to pay for the bones , their boughten officials allow their pollution to go on tax free .

This beast of an empire , charges higher gasoline prices than any other province , so the citizens pay the wages of his employees .

They use government monies to break unions , they hire lawyers to find government grant money .

They use media to elect people like Bernard Lord , who in turn manipulates the economy to force small business closures or to retard competiton to the empires chain of business .

These boughten officials allow for poverty and despair so our community has no option but to once again allow the building of yet another potential disaster or pollution threat . ( L.N.G.) and at very little tax base for the citizens who are now struggeling to keep pavement on the roads .

The once vibrant Rockwood Park area , once filled with laughter and fun things to do for our children , cant afford lifeguards . What should be a gem of a tourist attraction with a championship golf course and a mega of activities encompassed around a clump of 6 or 7 lakes right in the heart of our city , sits idle , cause tourism is a word that a pollution beast cannot tolerate .

Those who are lucky enough to earn a decent living off the beast are in fear of speaking out , or just dont worry about other members of our community as long as their needs are met .

Some lucky enough to afford a better education , have fit into a tax bracket that is comfortable and have no inclination of rocking the boat thinking as long as the government is taxing the poorest of society , then they will be left alone .

But all this dont just fit on the shoulders of the beast , society itself is createing a wide spread desease of stress due to lack of income to the bottom feeders who now need 2 or 3 incomes just to maintain a roof over there families head .

Jobs in the 60s and 70s paid near as much as bottom feeder jobs now , but the price of goods are 4 to 5 times the cost .

Its as though the unforuneate of our society should be made to live in poverty and depair as an example to others and so the middle and upper class can have someone to look down on . and be thankful for their well being .

Most of the blame here lies with governments , who all the while being payed by the population , worked hand in hand with corporations and capitalist as to assure their own future and careers while allowing poverty to breed and create a lower class society of minimum wage earners who through stress and fear of the unknown future , turn to crime , alcohol , gamblin , and drugs to escape their misery or give them a false sense of being .

Family breakups are rampant in our lower income society now as governments and capitalist have stolen the hopes of the normal family life of so many , and replaced thier dreams with the stress relieving drugs of the present , alcohol , pills and gambling .

Poverty breeds poverty , only way to stop it , is to stop it . so yes Charles , we do need a champion to stir a revolution of the people in Saint John .

What should be the most attractive and the best little city in the east , is now becomeing a pollution toilet bowl by the manipulation of politics and personal greed .

I cringe when I see the smileling face of this so called leader Bernard Lord who was entrusted to do the bidding of the citizens , but abused that honor in pursuit of his own ambitions during his term in politics and ensureing his future , for when the population has had enough of his manipulating , tax the poor , feed the rich crap .

This little boy , playing the part of a big man , in a giants playing field will , when all is said and done , will live happily ever after , while those of us who pay the expense of his tatics , will worry about the life our children will have in a city of monoply and potential desaster . A city already with the poorest quality of life , in one of the most gorgeous provinces , in a country full of potential wealth .

I am sorry for being so negative and dramatic , but i'm high as hell on coffee and stress , as my 21 year career was snuffed out 6 months ago by what i think was just bad politics and I now fear for my future . No one listens to a man who almost made it , but fell through the corrupted cracks .



So this hurt and scared soul who may be lookin for just a little sympathy or just wants to let out some steam , felt your , what must be very tolerable readers , might just be interested in what my 50 so years of living in Saint John had processed .

3/4 OF THE KIDS ON RITALIN IN NEW BRUNSWICK ARE FROM POOR FAMILIES!!!

There’s a lot of people who seem confuse on the issue of Ritalin.

During my six months protest, I heard comment hundreds of suggestions of how the issue of Ritalin should be confronted.



Of all the suugestions I've heard? This woman came out with the best one.

Her name is Dawn and she has two children.

One with Autism and the other with ADHD. What a woman!


Every instance I get down on life? I think about her and I say to myself?

What the hell am I complaining about?

Anyway, I met this individual with a lot of patience during my protest.

She’s always on the front line when it comes to the issue of Autism.

During the last few weeks of the protest, she told me one major problem that exists in New Brunswick concerning Ritalin.

She told me that we need a proper double blind study!

What is that you asked?

Well? It goes like this!

There’s three players involved in this study. The pharmacist, the physiologist < is that who you spell it ? > and the teacher.

One day the pharmacist would prescribed a Ritalin and the other day he would prescribed a vitamin pill!



Only the pharmacist knows what is prescribed to the child.

The teachers takes notes of the attitude of the kid in the classroom.

After a three weeks period a physiologist collect all the notes and decides what to do with the child.

Now! Easier said than done!

This study will cost close to $1,500 per child.

Guess what?

The poor families around this province cannot afford this study so therefore the Prescription is been given without a proper study!

I confronted Elvy Robichaud on this but it’s like talking to a wall!



The Premier always say - Hey? It’s up to the doctors so therefore the Government won’t get involved on this issue so therefore the drugging and the killing of the
children will continue till the next election.

I bumped into Dr.Dennis Furlong last winter and he used to be the Minister of Health and education.

This is a transcript of what was said on the Melanson Live show last year!




Ok…last evening on Melanson Live there was a guest name DR.DENIS FURLONG!! Remember him?? He used to be the Minister of Health and Education.

While he was in the Cabinet - He told me in the past that there wasn’t a problem with Ritalin and the issue shouldn’t be studied.


Well? Last evening was a total different ballgame!! This is what was said after I phoned the show-

Dennis Melanson - Just a very quick Question of what Charles was saying. Is Ritalin a quick fixes?


Dr. Furlong - Ohhh Yes, I think Ritalin is over prescribed and I think that’s an issue for the Medical Profession. It’s only prescribed by the Medical
Profession. However? I, myself even seen now teachers who send parents and children to my office suggesting they should be on Ritalin and because not all of them
all on because not all of them are truly hyperactive.

Well? You have to have an accurate diagnosis in order to at least some hope that the therapy is going to work because for over activity disorders and active
kids Ritalin will have no affect.

Denis Melanson - OK…and that’s the last word we’ll hear about Ritalin tonight!!!!

NOW???? I BELIEVE THAT ONCE MY PROTEST WAS DONE??? THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SENT A MEMO TELLING THE TEACHERS THEY CANNOT ACT LIKE DOCTORS???

This is what he told Dennis Melanson last year on his television show.

Now he also told me that ADHD was over diagnose.

Only in New Brunswick that a Government will totally ignored the children.

A Government under Shawn Graham will put in place a Standing Committee to study the issue of Ritalin!



This is a certain fact!

Take a close lokk at this guy? He's the Minister of Transportation and as a child the system wanted to put him on Ritalin. See what I mean? If his mother would have agreed? I don't believe he would be a mInister today!



The prescription drug problem in this Province is totally out of control and the Lord Government just don’t care!



I wonder how many New Brunswickers have died because of the prescription drug in New Brunswick?



That’s for my next blog!!!!

TODAY < MONDAY > CHARLES IS 46 YEARS OLD!!!

Artist WCIE send me this picture as a joke!



Yes, tomorrow < Monday >is my birthday and I’m already 46 years old.

It’s a time to reflect of the good and bad times.

My God! How times flies. How much longer can I hold up with all the stress going on around?

God only knows. I must admit that he’s been watching over me all my life so only he knows what’s in store for me!

Thanks goes to artist WCIE for the funny picture!

MEMRAMCOOK!!!!!!!! ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SITE!!!!

As a person who hasn’t been in Memramcook for a few years.

I was amazes by this site!



At first, you would say what’s the big deal?



This is the Chruch located in Memramcook! < 15 milles from Moncton >

I guess it’s the first stone church in Canada!

Anyway, a couple of years ago, they decided to put huge spotlights in front of the House of God!

My God! It’s beautiful!

Just imagine from this distance, the Church at night? It’s real pretty!



I guess Father Brien played a roll in this brilliant idea!



I tried to have someone take a picture at night but they couldn’t do it because they needed some kind of a filter.

Too bad because it is truly a beautiful site to see!!!

If you happened to around that area at night? Go have a look!

You can see the beautiful church from miles away in the evening!

Maybe someone from the area of Memramcook will read this blog and send me a picture so I can share it with the whole world!

HERMENEGILDE CHIASSON A ROYAL BIGOT???

I’m writing a few blogs today because I don’t believe that I will do too much on Monday!



Yes! Monday is a great day!

It’s a provincial holiday! It’s my birthday!!!

This is the reason years ago the Government made it a recognizes day!..lol…

I have debated the issue of the Lieutenant Governor Hermenegilde Chiasson on the issue of his comments that the Acadians should forget an apology and move on!

Many are not too please with his remark!

We know that Bernard Lord is born in Quebec so therefore he doesn’t have too much Acadian pride.


Myself, I always been touchy with this issue.

I remember when the C.O.R. Party with Brent Taylor announced that the Government should remove the Acadian flag from the Legislature. Also my bigot buddy Jimmy Webb said the same statement.





I crashed that meeting with over 800 members of the C.O.R. Part present to denounced their bigot views? It was just like a black person disrupting a meeting of the KKK!!!

I went further by asking then Governor Romeo LeBlanc face to face if the Queen will grant an apology to the Acadians?



I was certain this would have been done in 1994 during Le Congres Mondial! The Queen just happened to be in the area but it never happen! He told me that some person was working on it but it never happen!!!

The Government of Canada apologizes to the Japanese people of the way they were treated during the second world war.



So why not the Acadians?

Good question and I don’t pay attention to the media on this issue!

Tomorrow I will see the Lieutenant Governor face to face and asked him my questions?

Will his Royal Highness have me beheaded for speaking out on behalf of the many thousands of families who went through a lot of hardship so the Acadian population is very much alive today?

Am I doing something wrong?

The Lieutenant Governor should have kept his mouth shut!

He got appointed by who he knew and therefore shouldn’t have never gave his views on this very emotional issue!

Stay tune!

When I’m done with this appointed individual? I may spend my birthday in Jail???..lol….

Is Hermenegilde Chiasson a royal bigot????



I’ll let you know in my next update after I asked the guy some questions?

Will he ignore moi?? Stay tune!!!

A person has to love living in the Capital!!!!

THE ISSUE OF THE NATIVES IN CANADA!!!!

There's been a lot of comments on this issue so I decided to open my own blog on this touchy issue!






Anonymous said...
This letter in Gleaner may be of interest to Spinks. Dan Innis makes compelling case:

=======
Treaties didn't sign away all resources in Canada
I would like to offer comment on the recent Supreme Court of Canada decision on Indians and Crown land wood. For any Euro-Canadian court to pass fair, unbiased and just judgment on Canadian natural resources it must begin from the standpoint of the land that now is known as Canada is the homeland of the Beothuk, Maliseet, Haida, etc. It must also take into account that our homeland was acquired by Euro-Canadian sthrough genocide, deceit, religion and theft.

How many Canadians today would trust a treaty that is written in a strange language with no opportunity to acquire appropriate translation and are forced to sign that treaty under duress at the point of a gun?

Another thing which must be taken into consideration is the fact that those treaties between our people and the transplanted Europeans did not sign away any land or resources. They were simply treaties of peace and friendship. All that these latest rulings affirm is the Euro-Canadian arrogance and racist mind set of "white is right" and "might is right."

The reason Euro-Canadians are now pushing for so-called modern treaties is so all of the things (land and resources) that their forefathers neglected to include within the old treaties can now be included so as to make the theft of our homeland look legitimate and legal. For any self-respecting modern day Indian to fall for that bit of deception is dumber than how Euro-Canadians already think of us.

One final but crucial point. That being the Euro-Canadian concept of their rule of law. This rule of law is something that Euro-Canadians speak highly of in terms of the origins of civil government and society and at its heart is third party adjudication when disputes arise between two parties. Without third party adjudication the rule of law is a hoax and will be seen as a hoax.

Since the Euro-Canadian act of genocide was incomplete there are a few of us who are still here, and because the signed treaties did not sign away any of our land or resources. We still have the outstanding issue of jurisdiction.

All along the white man's law, under the rule of law principal, has said that because the Indians were here first, and are humans, until territory has been purchased from them by the newcomers that the Indians have territorial jurisdiction. As has been previously mentioned our homeland was never purchased by the newcomers.

Dan Ennis Tobique, N.B.

5:24 PM


Spinks said...
Mr. Ennis probably writes more letters to the edirot than any other native in N.B. He's considered a bit of a maverick even among his own people and I've never been clear on what it would take to make him happy. I suspect if 3 trillion dollars was offerede, he'd want 4 and so on. What's the price on injustices done in the past? I don't think anyone knows.

8:57 AM


Anonymous said...
You have serious problem in comprehending things other than your own blinkers and what you see. Mr. Innis makes lot of sense. You did not suffer genocide, natives did. So it is easy for you to say all that stuff and hold your narrow-minded views.

11:33 AM


vivenewbrunswick said...
I agree, that was kind of snide. That letter makes a lot of good points, the fact that the author writes many such letters is hardly a damning retort.

Native groups are similar to everyone else in that it is made up of individuals, so that he would be considered 'a maverick' by some isn't pertinent. No doubt I am considered a maverick by some, no doubt you are. Such a label has no real meaning and only serves to detract people from the real issue-which is the CONTENT of the message. If you can't comment or criticize the comment, everything else is just distraction.

This is a very real issue and must be dealt with openly. Natives have a fundamentally different way of viewing society, and they have valid reasons for attempting to recognize those rights. Our disservice is that we refuse to even discuss it. You'll notice that native representatives have never even asked for reparations, even though they would be perfectly justified in doing so. What they want now is commercial access to the land and self government. Continuous talking about the absurdity and amounts of 'reparations' just detracts from the REAL conversations that need to take place.

11:51 AM


Spinks said...
Interesting theory Vive, but lots of discussions over the years have taken place. What's a real discussion and again what's a real workable solution short of throwing exorbiant amounts of money which doesn't exist without taxing the population to the poorhouse.

12:30 PM


vivenewbrunswick said...
Find one quote from a native representative that asks for an amount of money that would 'send us to the poorhouse'. Find one. Somebody posted a post away back mentioning an absurd number, perhaps even being tongue in cheek. However, anonymous blogs at a blogsite is hardly representative.

So ask yourselves this: what negotiations have taken place? Where? What was said? What is the natives position? WHat have natives asked for?

I'll answer it for you, you have no idea. In fact, I'd do a poll right now and ask anybody who may still be reading this for the name of three native organizations in New Brunswick. Name them and who their representative is.

It's a good bet that hardly anybody knows because New Brunswickers have no idea what is going on. We almost had a ruling that would have let natives run to the woods and cut trees for commercial use. Obviously natives want that. Why do they need a ruling? Why CAN"T they do that? As New Brunswickers we own 50% of the land in NB, why can't half of that be set aside for natives to manage? This would actually be good because natives hire far more people per capita than Irving or the forestry companies do.

Native use would be closer to the management of private woodlot owners, where people take care of one certain section, rather than having Irving with it's not even 1500 cutters simply using technology (which our tax system lets them depreciate) to wipe out vast tracts.

Now, this is just me talking and thats just my opinion. I doubt that natives have even asked that much, even though as a voter and taxpayer I would GLADLY offer that deal.

So the question is, how many have asked their representatives what the government's position is? How many know what the native position is? From the above letter we can quite easily understand their point of view, but that has nothing to do with negotiations. The point of racism in Canada is that of course we ASSUME that government is doing it's job and playing by the rules, etc. The opposite is the case, and ignorance of that is no excuse. I'm not preaching here, I'm no different than anybody else, I don't know what their position is either, so I'm going to stop wasting time here and go find out.

3:12 PM


Spinks said...
Intriguing and you have a good point. I think part of the problem is there are so many different native organizations, MAAIW is one that comes to mind and they've never really spoken with once clear voice because of course there are hundreds of independent First Nations. Then you add in that if one group does sign a deal, people within the group buck it and want more on top of it. Big Hole Tract in 1995 on the Miramichi would be one example. It boils down to this, there's a whole bunch of different opinions out there among natives as to what they want and just like non-natives (the municipalities issue is probably the closest example I can think of) there doesn't seem to be that magic solution. That's part of the reason I raised the question, what's sufficient for the most people possible. Racism might play part of it but I suspect the bigger problem is a lack of understanding of what the solution is. I sure don't have it or I'd be a millionaire lawyer.

5:31 PM


Anonymous said...
How many cents lawyer are you then?

5:48 PM


vivenewbrunswick said...
Just because some people will try to skirt the law doesn't mean that's a reason to not negotiate. I read an article that talked about how the federal government is trying to dump native issues onto provinces. Even though we won't be making decisions, it's a good idea to know what's going on.

Native groups have chiefs(mayors) and councillors, just like municipalities. However, we have to remember that SOME reserves have huge problems with this because native culture has always been far more democratic so they don't always like the one group speaking and acting for them. There current form of government is one that has been forced on them.

However the bands themselves have various memberships just like your municipality does. This isn't confusing, your town council is a member of literally HUNDREDS of organizations. That doesn't mean it has any effect on the actual decisions that the council makes.

The so called 'warrior societies' are a different matter altogether. Usually if they get involved then something radically out of the ordinary is going on. When they are involved you have to be VERY careful where you get your information, because it's a good bet that editors have been at it.

12:39 AM


Anonymous said...
Before we get onto worrying about native demands we should keep in mind that our own government had a Royal Commission on Aboriginals which had a series of recommendations which are gathering dust on a shelf.

12:46 AM


Anonymous said...
That 12:46 AM post makes lot of sense. There is a lot of lip service but no action on the part of governments.

8:19 AM


Spinks said...
I've observed several different native negotiations for various things first hand and I just don't see a solution. I think you can satisfy some of the First Nations and then others will want more and then the first ones you settled with will want more again. It doesn't mean you stop trying but negotiations are just that, give and take. Given what I've observed there seems to be little room for give. It's usually all or nothing. Former NB Indians Assn. Chief Roger Augustine was an exception and saw how negotiation could move things forward and the First Nation he was Chief of - Eel Ground, is to this day one of the better off in N.B. I have tremendous respect for the man which is why I do get defensive when I'm called racist and hate natives because I simply have criticism or questions some people don't want asked. Although Vive, since you've added your name, you've been nothing but respectful.
St. Mary's First Nation has done some phenomenol work as well by creating business and jobs in the community. So many are grumbling instead and waiting for something to drop out of the sky such as the comments by Mr. Anonymous earlier about trillions and that every non-native should start paying rent and back-rent. I'm not familiar enough with First Nations outside of N.B. to offer comment.

1:31 PM


vivenewbrunswick said...
We'd really have to have more detail on that before we just buy into that bit about negotiations. You mean to say that you were a negotiator? Or that you simply followed it in the press?

Under federal law if one band receives a certain concession, then other bands are obligated to recieve the same concessions. No band I have heard of has ever asked for reparations, so we can simply drop that. The federal government has a clear history of breaking its own laws, there are tons of information on that on the web-even from government sources.

The propaganda in Canada is exactly supposed to be the above-you are SUPPOSED to think that it's all or nothing, that natives want so much and so our government has to 'be reasonable'. This is FAR from reality. In fact not even close.

There are of course different native tendencies, they want to 'manage' their own affairs. That doesn't mean they don't negotiate, or negotiate 'reasonably'. They have 5% of the cut, which is miniscule, even though they often hire non-natives. To suggest that if we offered 10% they would refuse and say "we want it all or nothing" is simply absurd. They would JUMP at it. It may not stop their court cases, but it would spur on negotiations.

2:03 PM


Spinks said...
No not a negotiator, an observer. There just never seemed to be much room for negotiation. That's why I can't agree with the propaganda comment. I am certain there are those who are willing to give and take, I've just never witnessed it and considering so little has been settled in hundreds of years, that would seem to be the way it's going. I have little doubt governments are to blame too and on certain issues aren't willing to move either, but it is a two way street. Both have to be willing to move significantly and I just haven't seen it. Again, I've been very impressed with native leaders who want to continue the negotiations but are also willing to create better lives for their people within the confines of what currently exists instead of waiting for whatever to take place. There are far too few of those leaders.

3:16 PM


Anonymous said...
I think that trillion of dollars thingy, Spinks, someone was just pulling your leg as you were making outlandish statements about natives and on the issue of racism. In final analysis we are all humans and there is a basic human goodness in all of us. It depends which part of the person you appeal, good or bad.

If certain issues were not solved for centures that does not mean that there is no solution. As was said before governments (Federal ,Provincial and to certain extent municipal) pay lot of lip service to buy time and push things under the rug. When there is sincerity on the part of governments there may be a backthrough. Also natives have to get their act together otherwise divide and conquer tactics of whiteman will continue.

3:37 PM


Spinks said...
I'm not sure what was outlandish but I'll chalk it up to point of view and that it's a sensitive issue so things can be perceived as such. I agree if First Nations want to make serious progress, unity is required with a common plan of goals and objectives. Can't say I agree with the the statement "divide and conquer tactics of whiteman", although you may not have meant it the way it sounds. I don't think every white person is looking for that although I'm sure a few are. I still think statements like that are racist because it's categorizing everyone the same because of their skin colour, it just happens to be white, but I know I'm alone on this thread about that one.
Sincereity would be a major step but given the current Minister Andy Scott's track record on say one thing and do another, I don't think it will happen with this minister.

4:15 PM


Anonymous said...
I said 'whiteman' on purpose to draw you out that how quickly you will react to that and how sensitivity works when it is directed at the person himself/herself. Yes it is wrong to generalize and I am glad you recognize that. If you met a few natives then you cannot generalize that particular encounter to the whole first nation - such as that they are racist or other attributes you assigned to them.

The "divide and conquer" have been tactics of those who are in power and those who control. In colonial times those tactics were used successfully and still that approach is being used by powerful nations of the world against weaker nations. I will go so far as to say that U.S is using those tactics in Iraq as those fellows are killing each other more so than fighting occupying forces.

'Divide and conquer' is reference to the government in control. I hope we are on the same wavelength now.

4:52 PM


Spinks said...
Sure. I'm really not offended and never have been by terms such as whitey. In fact you'd be hard pressed to find s white person who was. The point was that there is a double-standard on such terms. I don't think every native is racist, nor do I think every white person is racist, but racism is alive and well on First Nations just as much as it is in the north end of Saint Joh or anywhere else. In other words, two wrongs don't make a right.

5:01 PM


Anonymous said...
Here is another fact of life we must recognize. A dominant group in a society does not suffer from racism as much because minorities know if they push their luck too much there will swift consequences. Unfortunately opposite is not true. Here in Canada, natives and minorities (as word applies they are not dominant) suffer the brunt of racism. However, in the long run the whole society suffers. Dominant group has to set an example to have more livable and peaceful society. In Canada we have a long way to go to achieve that livability and peace. You will be wrong to say that natives are racist therefore we are equal. Not at all.

I will give you an example. Rich can ignore the poor for a long time but poor and hungry sooner or latter will break into the rich man’s house because they do not have food, TV or microwave and money. To say that let us ignore the problem because rich man has his own hardships to deal with and poor do not work hard and are lazy. That approach in the long run helps no one. There are many factors in play here. That is why governments have programs to get people in the job market and reduce the poverty. Hey you cannot eliminate the poverty completely but you cannot ignore it either. Same goes for racism.

6:04 PM


Spinks said...
Interesting point of view. Obviously I don't totally buy into it, because if a white person is racially attacked in say, China, he's the minority but let's be honest I don't think it would be reported as racially motivated even if it was. However you have sold me on the fact natives for example aren't really equal in many respects. I'm still of the view racism is unacceptable no matter who you are and to whom, and there is no excuse no matter what the people of one race have done to another but you've given me an understanding about why some natives may feel that way and feel justified.

7:04 PM


Anonymous said...
"...but you've given me an understanding about why some natives may feel that way and feel justified." That is very encouraging to hear. You have come long way my friend since your early posts.

Someone posted earlier that how well they were treated in China. I have never heard any racial attacks in China. The people, that I know, who have traveled to China have nothing but praises for Chinese society and its people. Now we are not talking about governments and its agencies we are talking about society in general.

Yes there are anti-American sentiments in China and elsewhere for totally different reasons. It has nothing to do with race. If you are an American and black or native and you are known to be American then there may be a problem. Race does not matter. My experience is that as soon as you show maple leaf and that you are Canadian people's attitude changes.

A dominant group has a responsibility to treat minorities well if we want a peaceful society or if we want to be known as a civilized society. We have more resources to do so then most nations in the world.

Natives have received short end of the stick for centuries. There is that built up anger.

Let me come at you from another perspective. Statistics show that crime rate is higher amongst poor than rich. You know why? Not that poor are criminal minded. Poor kids have suffered growing up and there is that built up anger. There is considerable literature in sociology which reveals that frustrated youth from poverty stricken environment retaliate against the society. As a society we have to understand that anger before we start laying the total blame on the poor. More understanding there is fewer problems there will be.

If you want to understand the world then travel the world if you have not done so already.

8:32 PM


Spinks said...
I hear what you're saying. I'm simply more of the mind that the individual still has a choice on which direction they want to take their lives. Lots of poor people have overcome the adversity and anger and made a difference in their lives and often in many others. Aboriginals the same thing. That's why I have so much respect for those who try and not as much for ones, who for lack of a better term simply "whine" about their lot in life. There was a great story on 60 minutes 15-20 years ago about a black woman in Chicago or N.Y. who worked with ghetto kids and told her students to stop wallowing in self-pity and make a difference in their own life. The when life gives you lemons make lemonade adage. 95% of her kids went on to college in an area where almost none did. That story always stuck with me as I went through a similar situtaion as a youngster (except for the black part, obviously). Tougher for poor, minorities, etc. no doubt but not impossible.
It's interesting this discussion started with my criticism of CBC for trying to create a story about a second attack on Chinese students. I stand by it when even the Chinese student interviewed told the reporter she had no way of knowing that particular attack was racism although the first one definately was. Too often stories are created and not reported on. I've witnessed native disputes drag out for days or weeks solely because of media manipulation (most often CBC was the culprit thus the target of my disgust). Anyway I digress and we have covered the gamut. You've given me a different point of view to ponder. I hope I've done the same for you.
Our critics are our friends;
they show us our faults."
-Benjamin Franklin

9:14 PM


Anonymous said...
Native: We are our own nation not part of yours, we want our own system of governance, we want our freedom.

Colonizer: You aren't being reasonable, here, we will give you access to some of the land under our guidelines, we will provide some investment and money to sustain and educate you.

Native: We are our own nation not part of yours, we want our own system of governance, we want our freedom.

Colonizer: You aren't being reasonable, we'll give you some more money, we'll let you handle your own books (sometimes), we'll give investment when you come up with a business plan.

Native: We are our own nation not part of yours, we want our own system of governance, we want our freedom.

Colonizer: You aren't being reasonable. Just because our supreme court SAID you could manage your own affairs doesn't mean you can. You might get irresponsible with the environment (unlike us) and damage it. We'll train some of you and get you some equipment.

Native: We are our own nation not part of yours, we want our own system of governance, we want our freedom.

Colonizer: Clearly you simply can't be reasonable, we are doing our best but we simply can't let you be 'free'.

Remember, at Burnt Church the natives came up with their OWN fisheries management program which was studied by Fisheries officials and recognized as being very sound. It was SENIOR fishery officials-who know NOTHING about fisheries who called in the police and made the whole issue unsustainable and resulted in the violence.

10:19 PM


vivenewbrunswick said...
There is some validity to a point earlier made, but as usual, some closer inspection shows that it really isn't an issue.

At the committee on wood supply, the following was stated by Pat Paul:
Whereas the Wulustuk Grand Council has never ceded any land and is the rightful owner of said territory, we hereby advise any person, community or corporation to not presume to buy, sell, cede, auction any land described heretofore.

Now, if this was reported in the media, one could well imagine that readers would think that the post above is correct. Clearly this quote seems 'unreasonable', and means that we can't do ANYTHING on the land.

First, we have to realize that the speaker was the leader for the 'traditional council', meaning that he is not part of official negotiations with the province. However, one could argue that he SHOULD be, as he is the 'traditional leader'.

So if we assume he speaks for many people, let's look closer at what he actually says. He says that no entity shall "buy, sell, cede or auction" any land. This is perfectly reasonable, since he is talking about discharging land, not the utilization of it. So really it is not such an 'unreasonable' claim.

To go further, we can skip what natives are saying altogether and look at what our own government said:
(d) There is a presumption in respect of the historical treaties that

• treaty nations intended to share the territory and jurisdiction and management over it, as opposed to ceding the territory, even where the text of an historical treaty makes reference to a blanket extinguishment of land rights; and

• treaty nations did not intend to give up their inherent right of governance by entering into a treaty relationship, and the act of treaty making is regarded as an affirmation rather than a denial of that right.

This is what the Royal Commission had to say, and current government policy is far, far different.

So let's look a little closer. Natives are allowed 5.3% of the allowable cut, therefore they have a significant interest. 92A of the 1982 Charter grants forestry power to the provinces, but clearly states that it is subject to Section 35 which guarantees treaty rights. The charter clearly stipulated that natives must be a PARTNER in forest planning, not merely another presenter to wood supply committees.

So we can also note that Stephen Ginnish, Chair of NAFA, states unequivocally that third party management of crown land is completely opposed by First Nations members. Now, we can also note that third party management is opposed by virtually EVERYBODY who presented-except for industry. We can also note that third party management is now the norm at the Department of Natural Resources.

So we see that when we discuss these things and find out the facts, there are very simple steps that can be done to 'bridge the gap' between natives and non natives. We can first note that a significant similarity exists between native and non-natives, and the only ones 'on the other side'- is industry and our own government.

12:32 AM


Anonymous said...
I see Spinks is still around with his misguided and misleading views. Sloganist style such as poor can pull themselves out of poverty. His examples are exceptions and not the rule. Some from poor can make it but not the majority. Do not blame the poor. The hurdles are simply too many and that is when society and government's role comes in. Take an enlightened approach.

Chinese students: All attacks on them were racially motivated. It is odd to assume that someone threw stuff and Chinese students happened to be in the way everytime.

CBC: the best news. The least biased media outlet compared to all others. Thank God we have CBC.

Natives: They were wronged for centuries and continue to be wronged.

9:59 AM


Spinks said...
5.3% of the allowable cut seems fair. The aboriginal population in NB is 1 to 1.5%, I believe although I stand to be corrected. Seems reasonable. We do have to all live together no matter what transgressions were made in the past. Probably an argument for a bit of a higher percentage given the high unemployment on First Nations but I wouldn't suspect much more.

11:47 AM


vivenewbrunswick said...
It isn't based on YOUR idea of fairness. In fact, that was the argument before, that since there are hardly any natives (once we killed them all off) then they shouldn't get ANY of the land, we'll simply hire some of them if they will work for it. The plan was to 'integrate' them into society and then all the land would be everybody's. That didn't work, thank god, and its never morally justified when trying forcibly integrate another culture.

So the colonial mindset is exemplified PERFECTLY above, because it ASSUMES that natives are the same as any other minority and their access should represent their demographics.

This is NOT an 'equal opportunity' debate. The above argument, even if it were reasonable, does not take into account future population growth and most importantly CONTROL. Natives do not WANT our forestry system, in fact a good percentage of european descent New Brunswickers don't want it either. That 5% does not include control, that merely means that we will let a certain amount of them work in the forestry industry. The allowable cut does not mean we 'set aside' a certain amount of acreage for them to manage-they dont' get the rights of private woodcutters who themselves have very strict rules in how they cut. The are simply 'brought into the machine'.

Human rights have NOTHING to do with demographics, look it up in the UN and canadian charter. The one with the whip ALWAYS assumes they are being fair, its when you try to walk a mile in their shoes that the colonial mindset finally departs. These are issues of justice and rights, not issues of governmental policy. I hate to sound derogatory, but essentially the definition of a narrow mind is one that only sees issues within certain parameters. Take the blinders off and actually LISTEN to some natives and you'll hear a whole different story.

12:39 PM