Well the Election is over. Quite a dirty ride wasn't it? Life will go on. I was quite surprised to see B.C. elect 2 more Liberals than last time, and the Conservatives lost 6 seats. That NDP went up 3 seats was not unexpected.
Southern Ontario killed us, although we gained 22 seats over the last vote. We have to keep chipping away at the fears of Eastern Canada. Too bad certain individuals in the Conservative Party couldn't button their lips, like Ralph Klein and Randy White.
Here in Alberta, on one of the talk shows, I heard a number of frustrated voters calling for Western Separation. Personally, I do not believe this is the answer. A united Canada is my country but for the most part we are a nation of wimps unable to change the status quo for fear of rocking the boat and maybe tipping it over.
The old pioneering spirit has given way to malaise and complacency. It is no wonder Western Canada is frustrated. Got to run, will post more later.
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Saturday, June 26, 2004
Let's Try A Change
Hi all, I am forwarding this letter to you as it says what I feel and probably says it better than I could. Please read it and make your own decision.
I think that we need a majority Government, with a strong Opposition looking over their shoulders. I do not think that a minority Government ruling the country is a good situation. They can pick and choose what favors them at the time and abuse the situation by siding with whoever provides the best personal benefit to themselves. Not that our vote in the West has enough power but maybe a strong message from us can make the power in the East look our way.
Anyway I will get out of the way and let you read this letter.
Hello!
My name is Alan Robberstad
I am a Canadian
One voter out of millions of Canadian Voters.
Paul Martin is not friend of mine.
Liberal governments have not made my life any better.
Liberal governments have made the future worse for my children.
Jean Chretien and the Liberal Party came to power many years ago. Guess who was the Liberal Finance Minister...Paul Martin!... Lest We Forget.
Since 1993:
(1) My taxes have increased.
(2) My children's share of the National Debt has increased.
(3) My personal expenses have increased.
(4) My waiting time to see a doctor has increased.
(5) My concerns for my family"s safety have increased.
(6) My costs to educate my children have increased.
(7) Government interference in my life has increased.
(8) My personal debt has increased.
(9) My income has more or less stayed the same.
(10) My savings have decreased.
(11) The buying power of my dollar in Canada has decreased.
(12) The value of my dollar in the U.S. has decreased.
(13) My trust in elected officials has decreased.
(14) My trust in the Judicial System has decreased.
(15) My trust in the Immigration System has decreased.
(16) My hope that a Liberal Government won't waste my dollars has declined.
(17) My dreams of a better future for my kids, in Canada, have disappeared.
That is my story since the Liberals came to power.
I am not voting for Paul Martin's Liberals.
I am voting against Paul Martin and his Liberal Party on June 28, 2004.
I am voting for Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party.
Do I like the Conservatives?
Not particularly.....I don't really like politics.
I am not political by nature.
I am not passionate about politics.
I am a middle age guy (48). I live in a small house on a fairly quiet street in Edmonton.
I have a wife, Kathy and two children (ages 19 and 17).
I have no pets. I am a middle class man. I don't usually say too much.
Until now.
Now I am going to say something!
In 35 of the past 37 years, Canada has been ruled by:
(1) Pierre Trudeau - a multi-millionaire Lawyer from Quebec.
(2) Brian Mulroney - a multi-millionaire Lawyer from Quebec.
(3) Jean Chretien - a multi-millionaire Lawyer from Quebec.
(4) And now we are going to vote for Paul Martin, a multi-millionaire Lawyer from Quebec?
The Leader of The New Conservative Party, Stephen Harper is,
(1) Not a Lawyer
(2) Not a multi-millionaire
(3) Not from Quebec.
Stephen Harper says the Conservative Party will:
(1) Reduce my taxes
(2) Pay off the National Debt as fast as they can
(3) Shrink the size and influence of the Federal Government.
BUT WAIT!
Paul Martin is now saying the same thing.
My mother told me forty years ago:
"Fool me once, shame on you.
Fool me twice, shame on me".
The Liberals have had 34 years to be financially responsible. Remember Jean Chretien was Trudeau's Finance Minister. Paul Martin was Chretien's Finance Minister. These people have been raising my taxes for 34 years!
They have been Miss-spending my tax dollars for 34 years!
34 YEARS!
And now Paul Martin says he will stop spending and taxing. No way.
Thank you for reading my story so far.
Why am I relating this to you?
Although I feel alone, I know that I am not alone.
Your story may be similar to mine, and you may also feel alone.
One small voter in the midst of millions of voters.
What can you and I do together to change things?
Here is my idea:
Lets you and I join up together.
Just you and I.
Together.
As a small team of two.
You and I can fight this huge Political Machine!
You and I have two things that we can use:
(1) Our individual personal connections
(2) The Internet
The Internet is supposed to be this global "zing" tool,
Let's put it to use.
I have 27 Canadians in my personal e-mail address book.
I am sending this e-mail to each of them.
I'm asking you to do two things:
(1) Forward this letter to every Canadian in you own address book
(2) Vote against Paul Martin and the Liberal Party June 28.
Alan Robberstad
Edmonton, Alberta
I think that we need a majority Government, with a strong Opposition looking over their shoulders. I do not think that a minority Government ruling the country is a good situation. They can pick and choose what favors them at the time and abuse the situation by siding with whoever provides the best personal benefit to themselves. Not that our vote in the West has enough power but maybe a strong message from us can make the power in the East look our way.
Anyway I will get out of the way and let you read this letter.
Hello!
My name is Alan Robberstad
I am a Canadian
One voter out of millions of Canadian Voters.
Paul Martin is not friend of mine.
Liberal governments have not made my life any better.
Liberal governments have made the future worse for my children.
Jean Chretien and the Liberal Party came to power many years ago. Guess who was the Liberal Finance Minister...Paul Martin!... Lest We Forget.
Since 1993:
(1) My taxes have increased.
(2) My children's share of the National Debt has increased.
(3) My personal expenses have increased.
(4) My waiting time to see a doctor has increased.
(5) My concerns for my family"s safety have increased.
(6) My costs to educate my children have increased.
(7) Government interference in my life has increased.
(8) My personal debt has increased.
(9) My income has more or less stayed the same.
(10) My savings have decreased.
(11) The buying power of my dollar in Canada has decreased.
(12) The value of my dollar in the U.S. has decreased.
(13) My trust in elected officials has decreased.
(14) My trust in the Judicial System has decreased.
(15) My trust in the Immigration System has decreased.
(16) My hope that a Liberal Government won't waste my dollars has declined.
(17) My dreams of a better future for my kids, in Canada, have disappeared.
That is my story since the Liberals came to power.
I am not voting for Paul Martin's Liberals.
I am voting against Paul Martin and his Liberal Party on June 28, 2004.
I am voting for Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party.
Do I like the Conservatives?
Not particularly.....I don't really like politics.
I am not political by nature.
I am not passionate about politics.
I am a middle age guy (48). I live in a small house on a fairly quiet street in Edmonton.
I have a wife, Kathy and two children (ages 19 and 17).
I have no pets. I am a middle class man. I don't usually say too much.
Until now.
Now I am going to say something!
In 35 of the past 37 years, Canada has been ruled by:
(1) Pierre Trudeau - a multi-millionaire Lawyer from Quebec.
(2) Brian Mulroney - a multi-millionaire Lawyer from Quebec.
(3) Jean Chretien - a multi-millionaire Lawyer from Quebec.
(4) And now we are going to vote for Paul Martin, a multi-millionaire Lawyer from Quebec?
The Leader of The New Conservative Party, Stephen Harper is,
(1) Not a Lawyer
(2) Not a multi-millionaire
(3) Not from Quebec.
Stephen Harper says the Conservative Party will:
(1) Reduce my taxes
(2) Pay off the National Debt as fast as they can
(3) Shrink the size and influence of the Federal Government.
BUT WAIT!
Paul Martin is now saying the same thing.
My mother told me forty years ago:
"Fool me once, shame on you.
Fool me twice, shame on me".
The Liberals have had 34 years to be financially responsible. Remember Jean Chretien was Trudeau's Finance Minister. Paul Martin was Chretien's Finance Minister. These people have been raising my taxes for 34 years!
They have been Miss-spending my tax dollars for 34 years!
34 YEARS!
And now Paul Martin says he will stop spending and taxing. No way.
Thank you for reading my story so far.
Why am I relating this to you?
Although I feel alone, I know that I am not alone.
Your story may be similar to mine, and you may also feel alone.
One small voter in the midst of millions of voters.
What can you and I do together to change things?
Here is my idea:
Lets you and I join up together.
Just you and I.
Together.
As a small team of two.
You and I can fight this huge Political Machine!
You and I have two things that we can use:
(1) Our individual personal connections
(2) The Internet
The Internet is supposed to be this global "zing" tool,
Let's put it to use.
I have 27 Canadians in my personal e-mail address book.
I am sending this e-mail to each of them.
I'm asking you to do two things:
(1) Forward this letter to every Canadian in you own address book
(2) Vote against Paul Martin and the Liberal Party June 28.
Alan Robberstad
Edmonton, Alberta
Thursday, June 17, 2004
A Day
Gorgeous sunshiny day. Built a cabinet around the outside Gas Meter. Marion did the grass and hoed the garden. I don't know what we did to tick off the Big Guy upstairs but there is a forecast of frosssst for tomorrow morning. Heaven preserve us and get out the blankets for the vegetation.
Marion and I will be going to vote at the early poll tomorrow afternoon. Might as well. No one is going to change our minds anyhow. Marion may get called out to work before the 28th. So it works for us.
Those Liberal scare ads on TV are getting on my nerves. Harper should run rebuttal ads directly after. Also tired of these old, blow hard, wealthy Professional Politians. Time to give a younger generation a try.
Marion and I will be going to vote at the early poll tomorrow afternoon. Might as well. No one is going to change our minds anyhow. Marion may get called out to work before the 28th. So it works for us.
Those Liberal scare ads on TV are getting on my nerves. Harper should run rebuttal ads directly after. Also tired of these old, blow hard, wealthy Professional Politians. Time to give a younger generation a try.
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
The Great Canadian Political Debate
I spent 2 hours of my remaining life listening to four political leaders of Canada try to impart to me why I should vote for them. Actually it was only three as Ducette is only interested in his own Province and how much more money he can get transferred from the rest of us to his "nation". However, he was persistant and pilloried Martin on numerous occasions. Martin was also persistant in not answering direct questions and always turning it back on the Conservatives.
Jack Layton put in a good performance. He was articulate and confident. Of course, his job was to put down both leading parties. I think he gained a few votes today
Paul Martin looked like a desperate man on his way out reiterating the same old tired promises he should have had in place 10 years ago. The Grits agenda was a retread covered in the grafitti of time.
Stephen Harper although sometimes not forceful enough (for me) in overiding the bluster of Martin did a good job and got his message across. He refuted the blatant scare tactics to his credit and generally by his calm and deliberate delivery looked to me like he he would be comfortable as our Prime Minister. Ah, for a little honesty and integrity in a Prime polititian! I think I will vote in the early polls, as nothing will change my mind anyway. This country deserves a change.
Jack Layton put in a good performance. He was articulate and confident. Of course, his job was to put down both leading parties. I think he gained a few votes today
Paul Martin looked like a desperate man on his way out reiterating the same old tired promises he should have had in place 10 years ago. The Grits agenda was a retread covered in the grafitti of time.
Stephen Harper although sometimes not forceful enough (for me) in overiding the bluster of Martin did a good job and got his message across. He refuted the blatant scare tactics to his credit and generally by his calm and deliberate delivery looked to me like he he would be comfortable as our Prime Minister. Ah, for a little honesty and integrity in a Prime polititian! I think I will vote in the early polls, as nothing will change my mind anyway. This country deserves a change.
Monday, June 14, 2004
Liberal Facts
A few items you might remember if you are thinking about voting Liberal:
1. $100 million given to friendly ad firms in Quebec.
2. $1 billion frittered away on bogus HRDC job-creation grants.
3. $2 billion gun registry program.
4. The heating subsidies for snowbirds and convicts.
5. $160 million in contracts for Martin's Canadian Steamship Lines.
6. The phoney invoices for "free" flags.
7. The many ethics violations.
8. The times when Americans were referred to as "those bastards to the south" and not reprimanded or relieved of their duties by Martin.
1. $100 million given to friendly ad firms in Quebec.
2. $1 billion frittered away on bogus HRDC job-creation grants.
3. $2 billion gun registry program.
4. The heating subsidies for snowbirds and convicts.
5. $160 million in contracts for Martin's Canadian Steamship Lines.
6. The phoney invoices for "free" flags.
7. The many ethics violations.
8. The times when Americans were referred to as "those bastards to the south" and not reprimanded or relieved of their duties by Martin.
Saturday, June 12, 2004
Friday, June 11, 2004
Freedom Day
Spent about five hours of my day watching the State and family funeral of Ronald Reagan. At some point my wife asked why I was weeping, I said, "because I will never go out that way". I was very impressed at the precision and pageantry. The eulogies and anecdotes were fit for a king except there were no embellishments. What a storied life! Brian Mulroney's words rolled like honey from his silver tongue in dulcet tones. No wonder Paul Martin didn't show. Of course, he wasn't personally invited to give an eulogy. Margaret Thatcher was impressive, flying to California. She has had several small strokes and was advised by her doctor to stay at home. That is friendship and respect.
Got a little rain but didn't see the sun all day. Grass will be as high as Steamer's eye before it gets cut again. Anybody watch the Dennis Miller show? It is on nightly on cable. Wicked, topical, timely sense of humor. Good interviews and rants as well.
Catch it if you can, you may get addicted.
10 PM and M has toddled off to bed. The chiropractor pulled her leg today and the hip is still sore.
Gonna shut this down for now I'm pretty burned out by the Reagan watching. Later.
Got a little rain but didn't see the sun all day. Grass will be as high as Steamer's eye before it gets cut again. Anybody watch the Dennis Miller show? It is on nightly on cable. Wicked, topical, timely sense of humor. Good interviews and rants as well.
Catch it if you can, you may get addicted.
10 PM and M has toddled off to bed. The chiropractor pulled her leg today and the hip is still sore.
Gonna shut this down for now I'm pretty burned out by the Reagan watching. Later.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Rainy Day in Alberta
So MSN.Ca, My Homepage, is now Sympatico.MSN.Ca. Interesting, Sympatico or course is owned by Bell. The two internet portals have joined together in Canada
Another great talent has passed. I am talking about Ray Charles. A lot younger than Ronald. Did you know he had 9 children by 7 different ladies! Funny, you never heard much about his private life.
Got a nice steady rain today. Right after we put a few patches on the lawn, so it should catch. The forecast is no precip for the next week but our rainbarrels are full.
Our Governor General, Adrianne Clarkson (the queen) and Brian Mulroney will be giving their eulogys for Ronald Reagan tomorrow. Mulroney at the Reagan's personal request. Wish our leader had the same rapport. Perhaps the beef and softwood lumber problems could have been resolved in quick time. Let's hope Stephen Harper can have a better relationship with our biggest trading partner. Shame on Paul Martin.
Another great talent has passed. I am talking about Ray Charles. A lot younger than Ronald. Did you know he had 9 children by 7 different ladies! Funny, you never heard much about his private life.
Got a nice steady rain today. Right after we put a few patches on the lawn, so it should catch. The forecast is no precip for the next week but our rainbarrels are full.
Our Governor General, Adrianne Clarkson (the queen) and Brian Mulroney will be giving their eulogys for Ronald Reagan tomorrow. Mulroney at the Reagan's personal request. Wish our leader had the same rapport. Perhaps the beef and softwood lumber problems could have been resolved in quick time. Let's hope Stephen Harper can have a better relationship with our biggest trading partner. Shame on Paul Martin.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
A few observations.
The Ontarians are stirring! According to the latest poll today Ontario has shifted it's preference to The New Conservatives by a whopping 11%. Maybe there is a real awakening in this country after all. And what is with Paul Martin not attending the State Funeral for President Reagan?
Sure would have been great to see the Stanlely Cup in Canada, especially since there may not be a hockey season this fall. Fine effort Calgary!
M and Me just working on the yard like crazy. Backs are sore. Sleeping soundly though. Soon it will be just maintenance.
Anyone see the transit of Venus today? Me neither.
The thing that crossed my mind today was the American Election process. The candidates and electorate will be suffering through the interminable barrage for an entire year. We will only be on the line for 5 weeks (even that seems a long time), so living in Canada definitley has some advantages.
The weather office advised us to cover our tomatos and such last nite against frost! Can you believe it, 7th of June! However, it only went down to 5C overnight in the city. I wasn't alarmed but WorryWart covered everything with burlap.
We erected small fences around the flower beds today as Marion was concerned that Steamer, Noble Dog Of The North, would raise his leg against her endeavors. I agree, he is a chlorophyl terrorist, an enemy of Greenpeace, but still, in the end, man's best friend.
Sure would have been great to see the Stanlely Cup in Canada, especially since there may not be a hockey season this fall. Fine effort Calgary!
M and Me just working on the yard like crazy. Backs are sore. Sleeping soundly though. Soon it will be just maintenance.
Anyone see the transit of Venus today? Me neither.
The thing that crossed my mind today was the American Election process. The candidates and electorate will be suffering through the interminable barrage for an entire year. We will only be on the line for 5 weeks (even that seems a long time), so living in Canada definitley has some advantages.
The weather office advised us to cover our tomatos and such last nite against frost! Can you believe it, 7th of June! However, it only went down to 5C overnight in the city. I wasn't alarmed but WorryWart covered everything with burlap.
We erected small fences around the flower beds today as Marion was concerned that Steamer, Noble Dog Of The North, would raise his leg against her endeavors. I agree, he is a chlorophyl terrorist, an enemy of Greenpeace, but still, in the end, man's best friend.
Mr. Ronald Reagan
Well, Mr. Reagan it seems like I have known you all my life. I hope your transition was peaceful and illuminating. I know you hadn't recognized your wife for years, but she was with you, as were many of us. Sometimes our focus was shifted by world events and happenings in our own lives but deep down there is the awareness of the changes that you helped facilitate to change the world for the better. You shall be remembered as a great leader.
I remember your humanity, decisiveness, sense of humour, integrity of office and marriage. It saddens me that your body outlived your mind. I hope from where you are that you can see the many great (and lesser) people that have come to pay homage to the life you have lived. You will be missed but not forgotten.
I remember your humanity, decisiveness, sense of humour, integrity of office and marriage. It saddens me that your body outlived your mind. I hope from where you are that you can see the many great (and lesser) people that have come to pay homage to the life you have lived. You will be missed but not forgotten.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Another nice day in Edmonton
Welcome to MSN.ca
Spent about five hours in the yard futzin about, staining, planting, working on the fence, etc. 22 Celsius, perfect! Leaves just about full now. Muscles still complaining though.
Stephen Harper vows to increase spending on the milititary immediatly. The next day Paul Martin derides that by stating building aircraft carriers and beefing up the military isn't what the Liberals are all about. They would rather spend the billions on health care and kindergarten facilities. And then today Martin announces he will provide 5,800 more personnel for our Armed Forces! Can we really believe anything this guy says? Of course, 11 years ago they were going to provide nationwide child care. Like Jack Layton (ND) also said today, all we are getting from the Liberals are reruns.
Spent about five hours in the yard futzin about, staining, planting, working on the fence, etc. 22 Celsius, perfect! Leaves just about full now. Muscles still complaining though.
Stephen Harper vows to increase spending on the milititary immediatly. The next day Paul Martin derides that by stating building aircraft carriers and beefing up the military isn't what the Liberals are all about. They would rather spend the billions on health care and kindergarten facilities. And then today Martin announces he will provide 5,800 more personnel for our Armed Forces! Can we really believe anything this guy says? Of course, 11 years ago they were going to provide nationwide child care. Like Jack Layton (ND) also said today, all we are getting from the Liberals are reruns.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Short Post
MSN Hotmail - Inbox
Why do they bury Calgarians 10 feet under? Because deep down they're not all that bad.
Not much happening on the campaign trail today that hasn't all ready been said. Jack Layton, though is not looking very Prime Ministerial. Paul Martin seems blustery. Stephen Harper looks relaxed. I guess you don't want to fire all your salvos until the final two weeks. Electorate memories can be short. I'm glad Crosby chose not to run for the Conservatives in Newfoundland. That old warhorse has had his day. We need young blood.
Oh, a cucumber is 96% water.
Why do they bury Calgarians 10 feet under? Because deep down they're not all that bad.
Not much happening on the campaign trail today that hasn't all ready been said. Jack Layton, though is not looking very Prime Ministerial. Paul Martin seems blustery. Stephen Harper looks relaxed. I guess you don't want to fire all your salvos until the final two weeks. Electorate memories can be short. I'm glad Crosby chose not to run for the Conservatives in Newfoundland. That old warhorse has had his day. We need young blood.
Oh, a cucumber is 96% water.
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