Exposing The Truth On The RocK

Our Lives Without Healthcare

2010-12-03T19:14:00.000-03:30

Dear Editor,

Over the past few months, I have been alarmed at the discussions regarding healthcare.

It seems Alberta and Newfoundland are taking the lead on destroying the healthcare system.

In Alberta, Conservative MLA Dr. Raj Sherman was kicked out of the Tory Caucus for his scathing e-mail about political interference and leaks of a private healthcare document. Add to that the firing of the head of Alberta Health Services, Stephen Duckett, because of his refusal to speak with reporters about the issue. Duckett's wife even accused that Duckett was hired to cut $1.3 Billion from the healthcare budget in his first year.

In Newfoundland, the Conservative government has battered and bruised medical doctors to the point where 14 specialists have resigned, an unprecedented move that has thousands of Newfoundlanders wondering where they will get specialized medicine after February. All the doctors wanted was salary parity with Atlantic Canada doctors. Yet, the Conservatives refused to allow Binding Arbitration, knowing full well they would lose.

It will take one swipe of a pen to allow healthcare to be cancelled in Canada. The Federal Conservative Government has hinted that they will drop the funding for healthcare should they get a Majority government. This would leave the provinces holding the bag and we all know that no province can afford to do that, not even Alberta.

So what do we, as Canadians, do? Are we going to elect another Conservative government that is hell bent on killing healthcare or do we make a change?

How do we pay for our Healthcare? Just as we pay for new items at home with a pay raise, we have to raise taxes. Put the 2% back on the GST that the Conservative government took off (2 cents for healthcare is cheap). End the tax breaks for large corporations. Tax banks on profits from service fees and other user fees that are charged to patrons. Decrease salaries for our provincial and federal politicians by 2%. Abolish the Senate (that savings alone could fund a third world country). Co-operate companies that declare bankruptcy so workers and government share in the profits. Place a 2% tax increase on people who earn more than $100,000 per year, 5% tax increase on people who earn more than $200,000 per year, and 10% tax increase on people who earn more than $300,000 per year. Levy a 2% tax on jackpot lottery winnings.

If we don't take charge now, we will lose healthcare. Two percent is not a lot to pay, but the Conservatives don't care, they would rather give your money to the rich, big corporations, banks, and spend it on fake lakes and extravagant meetings with foreign dignitaries while depriving Veterans of a pension.

Where do you want your money spent and can you qualify for private healthcare with your medical background? Swipe your pen in the next election and get the Conservative governments and their rich friends out of power.

//signed//
Robin Brentnall, CD

The Hangover

2010-12-03T19:13:00.000-03:30

Dear Editor,

I woke up this morning feeling very empty.

Am I suffering the effects of a Danny Williams hangover, where everyone looks back at the great time we were having only to wake up this morning and see that it was a drunken state of hipnosis?

I realized this morning that we still have High Unemployment, High cost for gas and home heating oil, ours doctors are upset and leaving, healthcare is in a shambles, trade workers heading to Alberta again due to no work here, Rural NL in ruins, IGOR victims still without help (comparable to the people in New Orleans after Katrina), no firm deal on the Lower Churchill (only a term sheet which is like a grocery list that will change as items become unattainable), and much more facing our seniors than they should ever have to face as a senior?

Did I mention the union employees still fighting on picket lines for a raise?

Thanks for the drinks and entertainment Danny, but I believe we drank too much too quickly and now the party for NL is over. We better take a couple of aspirin and call a doctor in... Oh right, our doctors are leaving.

I feel sick to my stomach.

Robin Brentnall, CD

HARPER’S HEALTHCARE HERESY

2010-08-10T14:26:00.005-02:30

HARPER’S HEALTHCARE HERESY

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has recommended to Health Canada that a tax-deductible long-term care insurance be considered to alleviate the healthcare costs in Canada. The CMA has stated that the, “Public healthcare system is unsustainable”.

On 5 August 2010, Canadian Premier’s from all provinces and territories met in Winnipeg and they too stated that, “there is an elephant in the room” referring to the cost of healthcare.

Over the past year, there have been too many coincidences and slips regarding healthcare. It appears that governments across Canada have been testing the water with their comments and insights into the cost of healthcare, and what else that money could be used for.

Premier Danny Williams tested the water with both feet when he went to Florida for surgery that he could have gotten in Canada within a week. He even did a full interview on NTV News and stated "The surgery I eventually got … was not offered to me in Canada.” The exact same surgery was available in Canada and his comment spawned an outcry from Canadian cardiologists, who stated that he could have gotten the surgery within one week in Canada.

Now we see Harper paying $130 Million dollars for Williams’ gaff on the AbitibiBowater Expropriation. Could this have been a payment for the seven seats in Newfoundland and Labrador? After all, Williams did drive the Conservatives out of NL with his ABC Campaign (Anything But Conservative), which saw six seats go to the Liberals and one to the New Democrats. Maybe Harper and Williams are making deals for those seats to help Harper get the majority he so desperately craves in order to enact his capitalist agenda and get rid of any and all Public Services in favour of “Pay As You Go” American style social programs.

We are being played as fools by the Canadian and Provincial governments. With healthcare being in the state that we currently find it, they are hoping that we will agree to the CMA’s recommendations and then government can get the elephant OUT of the room.

If a Federal election is called in the near future, healthcare will be one of the major players in whether the Conservatives will get a majority, a minority, or even retain power. As long as Canadians continue to close their eyes to what government is doing and support their healthcare incompetence, we continue to get closer to losing healthcare as we know it.

If we allow this to happen, we will see other social programs such as Employment Insurance, Old Age Security, and the Canada Pension Plan become the next “elephant in the room”. Harper has already poured salt into the wounds of our Soldiers and Veterans, do you think he really cares about you?

/signed/
Robin Brentnall
Gambo, NL

A "ROBIN HOOD" ELECTION PROMISE

2010-08-08T09:45:00.006-02:30

:-)
Many people believe we pay taxes to provide the Healthcare for our sick children, mother, or aunt. It is meant to provide schools and recreation, makes our roads safe to drive on, helps those in need, assists those in misfortune, and helps our province provide safe drinking water and infrastructure such as Fire Trucks and Community Centres. The people who believe that would be correct.

In a society with Social Programs such as those above, there is a need for Social Reforms that puts our tax dollars into social programs FIRST. If any is left over, we can put them into other areas of Investment.

In order to provide those programs, we have to collect enough taxes to pay for them. When our government, in an attempt to sway your vote, decides to lower taxes, as they have done in the last budget, they once again begin to lower our ability to pay for our Social Programs. When our government starts to take away taxes from our Social Programs and puts them into what they call Investments (Giveaways to Large Corporations), our Quality of Life begins to diminish.

This is comparable to your boss cutting back your salary, the government being the boss and your income being taxes needed to provide a home, food, clothing, and so on for your family.

Our government is cutting taxes by giving tax breaks to those who earn over $65,000 a year. There was only a very small tax reduction for those earning $40,000 a year and NO BREAK for the truly poor! This means that our government gave a tax break to the rich and nothing to the poor!

Since I was a child, my friends called me “Robin Hood”. My view of the world has always been “everyone is equal”. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way and many of those who disagree with my attitude are in the high-income range and didn’t want to share even as a child.

My idea of government is to tax the rich, lower taxes for the poor, and seniors would never pay taxes again! They’ve paid enough throughout their life.

Are you in agreement with me? If you support my views, if you believe in my way of governing, if you want to take back what is rightfully yours, I am here for you.

I appreciate your support.

Robin “Hood” Brentnall
Gambo, NL
2011 Election

DRUNK DRIVING WITH AN OIL RIG

2010-07-08T10:09:00.002-02:30

PUBLISHED IN THE COMPASS NEWSPAPER 20 JULY 2010

A few years ago, long before oil was discovered off our shore, Newfoundland and Labrador adopted a law that made drinking and driving an offence.

It changed the habits of many, keeping most off the roads when they had a few too many.

However, there are still a few who over indulge and get behind the wheel, taking a chance on getting home without having an accident.

Those few may get home every time, the odd one will have a fender bender without damaging anything but their own car, and some will damage someone else’s property but leave before they are caught.

One may take the life of your child, spouse, relative, or friend.

Oil companies are drunk on profits, unfit to steer their corporations through our neighbourhood, and so intoxicated with keeping the price of oil down in order to prevent cleaner energy from taking over, that they cut corners, dodge regulations, and pay only a small portion of the costs if they cause damage.

Big oil likes to have a drinking buddy.

They have found one in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Tonight, a life may be lost to a drunk driver. Tomorrow, the environment, tourism, and the fisheries may be lost to a drunken partnership.

Will you take the keys from them?

It's time we sobered up.

SLIPPERY AS AN OIL SOAKED SEAL

2010-07-05T11:09:00.003-02:30

Danny Williams stands and gives the fisheries a wave, "I'm supporting you, see what I'm doing?"

He is putting $14 Million of our money into a project that is supposed to be the Federal Government Department of Fisheries responsibility.

I often wonder what Danny is up to and the following news release answered the question:

"News Releases , Government of Newfoundland and Labrador:
While the major focus of this research will be on fisheries, to the extent that resources permit, it may also be possible to explore other areas of oceans research and development. For example, it may be possible to engage in seabed mapping for the purposes of developing the province’s oil and gas industry."

"It may be possible to engage in seabed mapping for the purposes of developing the province’s oil and gas industry".

Reality will show that this is just a way to map the ocean floor for Oil Exploration, which is an Oil Company responsibility, not the Provincial Government.

Danny Williams has found another way to deceive Newfoundland and Labrador and spend Taxpayer's money in support of his "Oil Baron Bravado".

Do you feel had?

REAL LEADERSHIP OR JUST FANCY SLOGANS?

2010-07-04T12:11:00.001-02:30

:-)
After I posted my last article “Dunderdale Deserves A Mulligan” to my blog, it dawned on me that whenever there is super good news, Danny Williams is front and center, taking all the credit for whatever the good news item is.

However, when it is something that is not going to go over well when the true facts or consequences come out and may make Williams look “Stunned As Yer Arse”, he makes Kathy Dunderdale or Kevin O'Brien or Jerome Kennedy or someone else stand and deliver.

The deal between Lott/Motion Invest and the government was one such scene. Poor Kathy, looking stressed to the max, stood and tried to tell the people of this province that a buyer was in the works, yet no price for the Mill in GFW was ever mentioned.

We know that this government talks numbers, percentages, and anything else financial to make themselves look like they are taking care of our “Tax Dollars”.

It’s time Danny Williams stood and told us the real price of the Mill, or is Kathy Dunderdale going to do that too?

If we are giving it away for $1 (as Abitibi paid for Stephenville), we need to know why. We have spent (or are being sued for) Millions of dollars already and we need to get that money back. That was the reasoning behind the Expropriation, to have assets to SELL.

Danny Williams talks a good talk and has fooled nearly everyone in the province. Slogans like “Polluter Pays” and “No More Giveaways” have made Newfoundland and Labrador feel like we finally have a “Real Leader At The Elm”.

Real leaders give ALL of the news, not just the good and leave the bad to his flunkies.

Danny Williams is giving away “Safety Requirements” for Chevron profits, making Taxpayers “Pay for Polluters” with Abitibi cleanups, and now he is “Giving Away” the Mill in Grand Falls-Windsor plus $52 Million in Taxpayer dollars.

Fancy slogans are just window dressing, obeying those slogans makes a Real Leader!

//signed//
Robin Brentnall
Gambo, NL

DUNDERDALE DESERVES A MULLIGAN

2010-07-02T10:30:00.002-02:30

For the second time in less than 6 months, Kathy Dunderdale has been tasked with standing up and delivering a statement that would make her look totally incompetent in her duties as Minister of Natural Resources and Deputy Premier.

Facing the cameras in January, Deputy Premier Dunderdale was tasked with trying to deflect pressure away from Premier Danny Williams for going to the USA for surgery, which he could have gotten in Canada within a week. It sparked national attention and argument by Cardiologists across the country.

Now we see Kathy floundering with the Lott/Motion Invest file and telling the province that the deal is not dead, it is just under review. In reality, the deal should never have been considered in the first place, given the fact that Lott/Motion Invest were asking for $27 Million to start up the mill.

Who tries to buy anything by asking the seller for money? Apparently Lott/Motion Invest does! “Give us $27 Million to open the doors and we will buy the mill”.

No price was ever disclosed to media of what Lott/Motion Invest was planning to pay us for the mill. I assume they were going to be given the Mill for $1, the same price Abitibi paid for the Stephenville mill.

Danny Williams does it again. He is making MHA’s stand up to do his dirty work in order to deflect his poor leadership, and it has become rampant over the past year.

Kevin O’Brien is signing a deal with France to allow French residents to be able to use their driver’s licence in NL, yet France had the biggest opposition to our seal hunt. That makes Kevin look incompetent.

It is time for those who have been forced to look incompetent to cross the floor of the House of Assembly and sit with the opposition or as an Independent, rather than allow Danny Williams to make them look stupid. Maybe then they could be allowed to represent the people who voted them into government and not be set up to fail those same people by looking “Stunned As Yer Arse”.

LION JIM EASTMAN TRACK

2010-06-24T09:27:00.003-02:30

Minister Denine,

During our 2010 Special Olympics 18-19 June 2010, many parents and athletes were wondering why the beautiful sports field where the events were taking place did not have washroom facilities or a building to utilize should inclimate weather become an issue.

The Gambo Recreation Commission, through ACOA, applied for but was denied funding for a Field House that would be used for that purpose and also for Cross Country Skiing. Gambo sports a first class Cross Country Ski Trail System adjacent to the Lion Jim Eastman Track and a Field House is required to store equipment and keep participants warm during winter games.

Gambo has hosted both the Summer Special Olympics and Winter Special Olympics at this location and it is being considered for future events, just as Mount Pearl will be.

Therefore, I am requesting that Gambo be given priority consideration for funding for a new Field House and funding to fix our track (lines and rubber top) in order to make our next Special Olympics a provincial success. Media coverage of the event would bring renewed appreciation for the work that was done.

Should any further information on the site, structure, and field repairs be required, please contact myself or the Chairman of the Gambo Recreation Commission, Jim Pritchett *(carbon copied) and we will get the information for you.

Thanks in advance.

Robin Brentnall
Gambo, NL

BAILOUTS AND BOONDOGGLES

2010-06-22T12:30:00.002-02:30

PUBLISHED IN THE CHARTER NEWSPAPER ON 28 JUNE 2010.
PUBLISHED IN THE GANDER BEACON NEWSPAPER ON 8 JULY 2010.
...

If a person from a large corporation (let's use Kruger) and a Person from the Heart and Stroke Foundation came to your door at the same time, whom would you give a donation to?

That is the question that I keep asking people and they keep getting the answer right, but then they vote for the wrong answer!

The Danny Williams Government (and Stephen Harper's Conservative Government for that matter) keeps taking taxpayers money and giving it (or being sued for it) to large corporations (bailout of Kruger, expropriation of AbitibiBowater, etc).

If a company can't make it in the business world, it's usually because of poor management or a downturn in the market. When we bail them out, they are taking our money, money needed for Doctors, Nurses, Roads, Infrastructure, Parks, Senior Citizens, etc.

Kruger doesn’t bail us out when we need a new road or have to pay more property taxes because of government cuts to our Infrastructure Grants, so why should we bail them out?

The Danny Williams Government thinks it can give bailout money away to corporations but make us beg for better healthcare, roads, clean drinking water, government services, Senior's Pensions, etc? It’s our MONEY!!! This is an experience being felt all across Canada as well.

Lowering standards for Chevron by the Conservatives is not in our best interest. It will put our Fishery, Environment, and Tourism in danger.

Danny Williams says that if we don’t let them lower their standards to reduce costs, he will have to make cuts to our Healthcare and other public services. That’s a THREAT!

It was Tommy Douglas in Saskatchewan, first leader of the NDP and voted Greatest Canadian, who introduced Healthcare, Unemployment Insurance, Old Age Pension, and Central Banking. These are still our best services in NL and Canada today. Back then it was about people, not profits.

Let’s cut the BS! Let’s cut the Conservative “Bailouts and Boondoggles” with our money and get back to governing for the PEOPLE, not catering to corporations!

GAMBLING ADDICTIONS

2010-06-16T09:30:00.000-02:30

PUBLISHED IN THE AURORA NEWSPAPER 31 MAY 2010 AS: TEENS ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TOO

Dear Editor:

I would like to ask Mr. Marshall this:

You gave the answer to a question posed by Lorraine Michael during Question Period on 26 May 2010 that stated and I quote:

"I must say I have some real difficulties with those numbers because for that many junior high-school students and high-school students to be actually gambling on VLTs; they have to get into these bars. That is prohibited and if that is the case then the police are going to be asked to crack down on that in a major way."

Mr. Marshall, your answer tells me that because a student is in a bar underage and due to that being against the law, you feel your government is not responsible for helping them with Gambling Addiction.

What about Drug Addictions? Isn't using drugs illegal? In all honesty Mr. Marshall, I consider you the only one on your side of the House who has a clue.

We have a problem with teens and VLT's; help fix it!

Robin Brentnall
Gambo, NL

HEALTHCARE IN DANGER?

2010-06-16T09:23:00.001-02:30

PUBLISHED IN THE CHARTER NEWSPAPER 9 MARCH 2010 AS: HEALTHCARE TO END HERE?
PUBLISHED IN THE WESTERN STAR NEWSPAPER 34 APRIL 2010 AS: THE WAY I SEE IT

Stephen Harper and Danny Williams have a long history of not liking each other. Now they like each other. All of this just before Danny was scheduled to depart Canada and our wonderful healthcare system for warmer climates and expensive, difficult to get for the poor, healthcare provided by the Americans. Stephen didn't flinch. The Conservative Government on both sides didn't flinch. No one flinched except the New Democratic Party.

Remember, it was the first NDP Leader, Tommy Douglas, who created Healthcare in Saskatchewan. Since then, it has been an election issue and threatened by the Conservatives and Liberals with being too expensive. It has stayed because Canadian's refuse to do without it!

Now let's look at the world scene as it stands today: The Americans have dragged us into a conflict which has cost us billions of dollars. Our veterans are being dealt a painful lesson when trying to get enough to live on due to the Conservative and Liberal governments refusal to provide proper care for them. There are constant rants in the news about the high cost of healthcare by conservatives.

Barack Obama is trying to get Canadian style healthcare for Americans. The Republican Party (Conservative) are trying to block it as best they can. They even use Danny Williams as a poster boy for how good their current healthcare is compared to ours. The Republicans would rather buy guns and bombs than provide healthcare for their citizens. They want Canada to do the same.

What are Stephen Harper and Danny Williams up to? The way I see it, there is a move afoot to drive healthcare into the ground so that Canadians will beg for American style healthcare. Danny Williams already greased the pan with his rant against the NL Medical Association and our doctors, who are very hard to get in the first place. Even the Minister of Health called them names, inciting a fight and a demand for arbitration. I believe the plan is (and you can judge for yourself) that Harper and Williams are starting in Newfoundland and Labrador with crushing healthcare. Danny is so high in the polls that even if he lost a third of his support he would still have a majority. Then he would institute (with his money and making a profit for himself) health maintenance organization's (HMO) just like the Americans have.

Don't believe it? One word: AIRBUS. Brian Mulroney and Frank Moores made off with a lot of money just by buying aircraft for Air Canada. How much do you think the American HMO's, weapons producers, drug company's, and Republican party would pay Stephen Harper and Danny Williams to buy American style healthcare for Canadians? How much did Diefenbaker get for scrapping the Avro Arrow, after which we had to buy American built fighter aircraft?

Healthcare started in one province, Saskatchewan, under the governing NDP. The Conservatives are trying to end it by starting in one province, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Bombs away boys, vote for the party that brought healthcare to Canada, for your health's sake! But that's just the way I see it.

Robin Brentnall
Gambo, NL

AN EXCELLENT JOB

2010-06-16T09:18:00.001-02:30

PUBLISHED IN THE CHARTER NEWSPAPER 9 MARCH 2010 AS: AN EXCELLENT JOB

Although some may think Danny Williams has done an excellent job, the truth is he has failed in nearly everything he has tried.

Danny Williams' only real accomplishment has been to sell oil-drilling rights to an oil company when oil was $140 a barrel, something any 5th grader could have been done.

What concessions are enclosed in the deal if oil prices drop, well that remains to be fully disclosed.

Danny has failed to renegotiate the Churchill Falls agreement.

Danny, in his big mouth way, is failing in his Lower Churchill project having now upset Quebec to the point where they tried to purchase NB Power in order to block the Lower Churchill power line route.

Danny has failed Grand Falls, Stephenville, and soon to fail Corner Brook as the pulp and paper mills are closed/closing. We are also being sued for $500 million by AbitibiBowater.

Danny's province has the highest gasoline, electricity, and home heating oil prices south of the 60th, even though we have as much or more resources than anywhere else in the country.

Danny Williams has cut infrastructure grants to communities; small towns cannot provide clean drinking water or repair buildings and roads, forcing towns to raise taxes to compensate for Danny's cuts. Cuts were in the range of $200,000 per year, essential funds to run any small town.

The province's fish harvesters are threatening to stop fishing if the plant owners are given the okay by Danny Williams to set prices.

The seal hunt has failed and Danny has done nothing but buy a sealskin coat so that the rich might think it's fashionable, the same rich who had condemned the hunt in the first place.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can't afford a sealskin coat.

Now Danny has failed his province, country, and neighbour to the south (USA) when he thought only of himself and jumped the queue, going to the states for surgery that he could have gotten here.

That has put Canada's healthcare system in jeopardy, bringing about such articles as was reported in the Calgary Sun that questions the cost of health care by Conservative bean counters and further putting the less fortunate in danger of losing their health care benefits.

Even Obama has had to seek concessions from the Republican party, which will most likely kill healthcare for Americans, especially those who are being left behind by the system they have right now.

If that's what doing an excellent job means, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are in trouble. The media must open the eyes of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and show them the true Danny Williams and his shortcomings. ABC (Anything But Conservative) for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Robin Brentnall
Gambo, NL

FITZ IN THE HOUSE

2010-06-12T16:28:00.001-02:30

...

For weeks leading up to and including election day, hopeful politicians walk the streets, knock on doors, attend functions, and anything else they can do to persuade the general public that they are the "Person For The Job". They would never act like children in a playground.

Successful persons are sworn in and become a Member of the House of Assembly (MHA). The Party Leader becomes Premier, with others appointed as Ministers.

One is named Speaker of the House. At this time, the Speaker is Roger Fitzgerald, a distinguished man with a deep, judge style voice. His job is to maintain House Rules and ensure that all elected officials are behaving themselves (which they should be anyway) and abiding by those rules.

Lately, MHA Fitzgerald has been allowing kindergarten style antics to be displayed and bullying to continue in this sacred place of politics, even though it is against the rules that he is charged with upholding.

I had asked the Speaker of the House to have the Premier apologize to Lorraine Michael for his disrespectful comments last month, but no apology was asked for, leaving me to believe that he allowed the Premier to break the rules of the House of Assembly.

If a Kindergarten Teacher allowed the same to continue in the classroom, what kind of children would we have?

Maybe a Quebec Judge should be made Speaker of the House? They seem to act unbiased and they surely aren't afraid of our Premier.

//signed//
Robin Brentnall
Gambo, NL

DANNY WILLIAMS THREATENS CUTS

2010-06-07T17:57:00.002-02:30

...
PUBLISHED IN THE CHARTER NEWSPAPER 16 JUNE 2010 AS: DEEP WATER, SHALLOW MIND
PUBLISHED IN THE GANDER BEACON NEWSPAPER 17 JUNE 2010 AS: DANNY WILLIAMS THREATENS CUTS

What kind of Premier stands in the House of Assembly and threatens the People of NL with cuts to social programs and benefits if he doesn’t get his own way?

Danny Williams stated that if we do not continue to allow Chevron to drill in deep water, the loss of profits would be felt. “I think the trade-off for that - if we take the billions of dollars that could be lost - would be the loss of social benefits and social programs for the province,” Williams said.

What Danny Williams is doing to the people of NL is comparable to extortion. Trying to convince the people of NL that without that oil, we will sink into starvation and that is nothing less than an idle threat.

NL has survived 60 years without the deepwater wells. To hang our future on deepwater oil now shows what a shallow mind Danny Williams really has.

By going ahead with the drilling, we put our fisheries, tourism, and environment in danger. The billions of dollars those industries would lose and costs for cleanup that would be left to the province if we have an accident would be astronomical.

We should be putting our money into the future: Green Energy, Wind Turbines, Aquaculture, and Renewable Resources.

Without the deepwater oil, we can still survive without cutting social programs. Cuts to our social programs and healthcare would bring this province to her knees.

I think for NL’s sake, it’s time to remove Danny Williams and the members of his think-tank.

IF WE ARE A “HAVE” PROVINCE…

2010-06-07T10:06:00.002-02:30

PUBLISHED IN THE NEWFOUNDLAND HERALD FOR WEEK 27 JUNE - 3 JULY 2010

...

I had visitors from British Columbia this week and we took pride in showing them around the beautiful rural Town of Gambo.

They were very impressed with the people and the friendly attitudes displayed by those who had very little but were willing to share the little they had.

They were impressed with the wonderful parks, trails, and recreation areas within walking distance or short driving distance of my home.

They wanted to be part of the “HAVE” province! That is until…

I told them we can’t drink the water from our taps, we have to go to the communal watering hole to collect spring water to drink, just as they do in Third World Countries. They were shocked to see elderly citizens trying to lift water jugs into their vehicle, obvious strain and struggle being observed in their efforts.

I told them our town has had it’s Infrastructure Grants cut by $200,000 per year by Danny Williams, a significant sum that is needed to provide the clean drinking water, a necessity of life that we used to get from the taps in our kitchen.

I told them the previous government, not the Danny Williams government, provided the recreation areas and trails that they enjoyed visiting. We have not received much since, except higher Property Taxes and will soon be paying a higher price to have our garbage driven halfway across the province instead of utilizing a local dump.

They admitted that if this is what being a “HAVE” province means, they will go back to BC and their “HAVE NOT” conveniences.

//signed//
Robin Brentnall
Gambo, NL

What About Rural Healthcare?

2010-06-03T16:22:00.002-02:30

...
To: Minister of Health and Community Services

Minister Kennedy,

To date, the NLMA have not accepted the government's offer and continue to bargain for better wages and working conditions.

Have you given any further consideration to my proposal? http://www.scribd.com/doc/30984488/Newfoundland-and-Labrador-Rural-Medical-Clinic-Proposal

Air Ambulance moves are very expensive, expropriations of Mills are very expensive, and having to send patients to other provinces for treatments is very expensive.

If this government needs to spend millions of dollars extra just for the sake of spending taxpayers money, they can adopt my solution and pay me $25 Million for a consultation fee. Or you could the right thing and save money and adopt my proposal as is.

The article below was refused by the Managing Editor of The Telegram, calling it "Yesterday's News". It is obvious that Healthcare in this province is always today's news when people are dying due to the governments refusal to accept "Simple, Cost Effective" provision of Healthcare.

Get with the program Minister or move from the portfolio.

Robin Brentnall
Gambo, NL

Health care delivery must be simplified http://www.gulfnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=341664&sc=346
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
ROBIN BRENTNALL
The Gulf News

Dear Editor,

In 1983, I went away to work, like everyone else during the tough years. Newfoundland and Labrador had high unemployment, tough times in the fisheries, logging was not profitable, fuel prices for cars and heating oil were high, government was in deficit, the poor were getting poorer and big business was still paying little or no taxes due to "employing" people and keeping work in the province.

However, even with all of that, health care was still available on a walk-in basis in my hometown and you could drink the water out of the tap.

In 2008, I retired from the Canadian military and could not wait to return to the 'Rock' and resume my life in the "HAVE" province, under the leadership of Danny Williams, hero of the common Newfoundlander and Labradorian.

Things had changed in NL over the 25 years that I was away. We had high unemployment, tough times in the fisheries, logging was not profitable, fuel prices for cars and heating oil were high, government was in deficit, the poor were getting poorer and big business was still paying little or no taxes due to "employing" people and keeping work in the province, and we had oil.

However, I was very dismayed to find that healthcare was in ruins due to fighting between the government and nurses, and I could not access my doctor unless I had an appointment, which was normally three weeks down the road. To add to this, I could not confidently drink the tap water due to boil orders being frequently advised.

I began to wonder. Why are the people of this province believing that things are better then they were? In my view, from what I had witnessed in my travels, things in NL were worse than ever, except for the Avalon, things were booming there.

I had requested to give a presentation to the Department of Health and Community Services on how we could administer healthcare in rural communities that would not cost anymore than we were spending now.

The Minister of Health rejected the presentation, even before it was given, stating that it was too simple. I fought and won another chance to give the presentation; however, it was cancelled the day before it was scheduled and at that same time, our doctors were being ostracized for wanting a contract that was "over the top", according to our Premier, who coincidentally does not use our healthcare.

If our healthcare is going to succeed, we need to simplify its delivery. A two-hour window should be open in every rural medical clinic to provide walk-in service. This will allow patients to see their doctor when they are sick, not two to three weeks afterwards. It would reduce wait times at emergency rooms due to fewer people being required to travel the highways when they could see their own doctor.

I believe people who are looking to make healthcare profitable, just as it is in the United States, are intentionally demolishing our healthcare system in order to privatize healthcare.

A very high percentage of residents of NL would never qualify for healthcare insurance due to their health history. The only winners in this situation will be insurance companies and government.

Robin Brentnall

Gambo

PLIGHT OF PUBLIC SERVICE PENSIONERS

2010-05-30T13:17:00.001-02:30

PUBLISHED IN THE SOUTHERN GAZETTE NEWSPAPER 8 JUNE 2010 AS: THE PLIGHT OF PUBLIC SERVICE PENSIONERS

To: Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance

Mr. Marshall,

My Father, Robert Brentnall, was a Public Servant with the Department of Highways until he retired.

Due to an unannounced government decision that would cease the automatic Cost of Living indexing for pensions, their union did not stipulate it within the Bargaining Agreement due to it being thought of as “automatic”. If our government had stated at that time that they intended to cease the indexing, the contract would have been renegotiated to include cost of living increases. Unfortunately, no one understood the consequences, so nothing was done.

When my father passed away in 2002, my mother continued on receiving his pension and has been trying to survive on $1300 per month. It has caused great hardship and the family has helped her out so she can maintain her home and vehicle that is needed for daily living.

Over the past year, I have seen people who did not work for the Provincial Government receive Severance Pay when the Mill in Grand Falls-Windsor closed and that money was provided utilizing Public Funds, funds that could have been used to update and index the pensions of our retired Public Servants. Public funds were also used to help Kruger Pulp and Paper maintain it's mill, again, nothing to do with Public Service. Hundreds of millions more public funds are being lost on the AbitibiBowater expropriation at the Grand Falls-Windsor mill and still more millions to clean up other sites. Billion's are being spent on the Lower Churchill Project which is in danger of being just another dam on a river if a negotiation cannot be settled to allow the power to flow to buyers.

Yet, the people who spent a lifetime providing safe highways, snowplows, fixing potholes, and keeping our province moving, are being denied a simple cost of living increase in order to allow them to live out the rest of their natural lives knowing they were appreciated by the government they worked for.

Is your government going to take affirmative action on behalf of our Public Service Pensioners who were mislead in 1989, and apply cost of living indexing to the pensions for those affected by the government’s decision at that time?

//signed//
Robin Brentnall
Gambo, NL

RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT

2010-05-29T13:38:00.002-02:30

...
RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT

Many politicians make reference to being a part of Responsible Government, a term used to represent a governing party doing what is right for the people it represents.

Premier Danny Williams, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, currently is responsible for providing Responsible Government in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Yet, the Premier has performed, participated in, or allowed the following irresponsible actions to occur on his watch:

- He has pulled the Canadian Flag from the Confederation Building (comparable with burning our National Ensign);

- He has made religiously based, derogatory comments towards a former Nun of the Roman Catholic Church in the House of Assembly;

- He has expropriated property, costing NL nearly $1 Billion;

- He has utilized a foreign healthcare system for an operation that was available in Canada and openly lied to the people of NL during a news interview stating that the operation was not offered in Canada;

- He has caused Hydro Electric projects in Labrador to fail due to being aggressive in his negotiations with another Province of Canada and then blaming it on a partial, bias Justice System in that Province and not on the technical failures in the law suit itself;

- He was outspoken when dealing with the NL Healthcare System and stated in the news that Laboratory Technicians “Should be Shot” for a mix up in testing;

- He has lost respect with the Province’s Nurses during contract negotiation;

- He has lost respect with the Province’s Doctors during contract negotiations;

- He did not remove the Minister of Health and Community Services from that portfolio when he stated that he was not confident in the healthcare system that his government provides but refused to fix the same problems that he perceived being wrong; and

- He did not discipline a Member of the PC Caucus who stated in the House of Assembly that it was not a government’s responsibility to provide a Healthy and Nurturing Society. He went on to say that “It is not a share and share alike” system of government.

All of these things, with the exception of the first listed, happened in the past year while still maintaining a very high confidence rating in the polls.

Is Premier Williams still effective and providing Responsible Government? You be the judge.

Bob Ridgley's Idea Of Government

2010-05-28T16:17:00.000-02:30

...

Recently, MHA Bob Ridgley, who represents St. John’s North, gave a startling speech in the House of Assembly regarding the “communal” statement of Lorraine Michael, Leader of the NDP.

In his statement, Ridgley said “She went on to say, Mr. Speaker, 'It is the job of elected government to make sure that the communal pot is shared so everyone is living in a healthy and nurturing society.' An ideal, Mr. Speaker, worthy, I suppose, of us pursuing, that everyone would share equally from the communal pot. We remember the days of communism, Mr. Speaker, and I suppose, if you want to pursue that, it may be a worthwhile ideal that we are all equal, but I do not think, in reality, it is a realistic philosophy for the society in which we live. It is not a share and share alike. There is no element, I suppose, of Robin Hood in it: rob the rich and give to the poor.”

Bob my boy, why do you think we have a government made up of elected officials and not made up of only the rich and powerful? We elect government to do exactly what Lorraine Michael stated: To make sure that the communal pot is shared so everyone is living in a healthy and nurturing society. Otherwise we would live in a country comparable to Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, to name but a few.

In your biography, I noted that you were an Educator of children, a School Principal, and had extensive public involvement. A person with your outlook on life and what you believe a politician and government should do is not only deplorable, but damaging to those who hear your opinions! Your statement is within the realm of a Dictator and I cannot believe you were actually being given a Cheer and not a Jeer for your comments by our lead newspaper in the province, the Telegram.

We are being lead down the garden path by those who try to relate Responsible Government with Communism. The fact of the matter is our government is singing the praises of Democracy yet following the ideals of a Capitalist Dictatorship and this is causing most Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to be left to the wolves.

Tommy Douglas, the first leader of the NDP, lead initiatives such as Healthcare, Unemployment Insurance, Central Banking, and Old Age Pension. Lorraine Michael is following in his footsteps and continuing to provide for all citizens, not just those of pomp and privilege.

Bob Ridgley is a sad little man who believes he is better than us, above us, and he probably taught your children the same when he was a teacher.

It’s time for the people of St. John’s North and NL to show the government who is really King: The People!

//signed//
Robin Brentnall
Gambo, NL

Kruger Mill in Corner Brook, NL

2010-05-20T10:34:00.001-02:30

...
Mr. Premier:

In the news across Canada today I noticed several articles on Kruger and their cutbacks in two Quebec mills that will affect 440 workers.

Given the fact that your government has invested $15 Million of taxpayer’s money into Kruger Corner Brook, are there plans by Kruger to make cuts at the Corner Brook mill similar to those in Quebec?

As well, can you confirm that an Environmental Assessment is planned for the Kruger site? We are currently learning a painful lesson on the environmental damage at the Grand Falls-Windsor site of the AbitibiBowater Mill and we cannot afford to lose another dollar to cleanups and misappropriation of assets.

Thank you in advance.

Robin Brentnall
Gambo, NL

http://www.ctv.ca/generic/generated/static/business/article1574241.html

THE WORD "NEWFIE"

2010-05-11T10:00:00.002-02:30

...
ARE YOU A NEWFIE?

Many Newfoundlander’s get upset when they are referred to as a Newfie. Why? Just because someone told them it’s derogatory? Most Newfoundlander’s don’t even know what derogatory means because we take everything with a grain of salt, except our food, which gets lots of salt!

We are known for our colourful language, beautiful scenery, and acceptance of everyone. When someone calls me a Newfie, I know it is because they know I’m from Newfoundland, they are my friend and understand what kind of people Newfie’s are.

For those who do not agree with me, that’s ok, I understand. But remember this, if Newfoundland was ever being recognized for the kind, loving people we are anywhere in the world, and all of the “Newfie’s” were asked to stand up, would you? I bet you would and would be proud to be distinguished as a Newfie from the others in that place.

Here is another question: Do we rename our famous train from "Newfie Bullet" to "Newfoundland Bullet", Roy Payne's song from "Goofy Newfie" to "Funny Newfoundlander", or maybe the words to Simani's song "Saltwater Cowboy" from "you're still just a Newfie in a Calgary hat" to "you're still just a Newfoundlander in a Calgary hat"?

Get over it. Newfoundlanders are Newfie's, Newf's, By's, and whatever other friendly term we may be called. But if you put "Stupid" in front of any of those, that is an insult to all Newfoundlander's.

I love being a NEWFIE and I am damn proud of! Not everyone in this country can wear that distinction. Oh Lard Tunderin’, we’z a Distinct Society. Now how’z about dat by’s?

Robin Brentnall

...

PRIVATIZED HEALTHCARE?

2010-05-07T10:44:00.002-02:30

PUBLISHED IN THE GULF NEWS NEWSPAPER 31 MAY 2010 AS: HEALTHCARE DELIVERY MUST BE SIMPLIFIED

...
In 1983, I went away to work, like everyone else during the tough years. Newfoundland and Labrador had high unemployment, tough times in the fisheries, logging was not profitable, fuel prices for cars and heating oil were high, government was in deficit, the poor were getting poorer and big business was still paying little or no taxes due to “employing” people and keeping work in the province. However, even with all of that, healthcare was still available on a walk-in basis in my hometown and you could drink the water out of the tap.

In 2008, I retired from the Canadian military and could not wait to return to the Rock and resume my life in the “HAVE” province, under the leadership of Danny Williams, hero of the common Newfoundlander and Labradorian.

Things had changed in NL over the 25 years that I was away. We had high unemployment, tough times in the fisheries, logging was not profitable, fuel prices for cars and heating oil were high, government was in deficit, the poor were getting poorer and big business was still paying little or no taxes due to “employing” people and keeping work in the province, and we had oil. However, I was very dismayed to find that Healthcare was in ruins due to fighting between the Government and Nurses, and I could not access my doctor unless I had an appointment, which was normally 3 weeks down the road. To add to this, I could not confidently drink the tap water due to Boil Orders being frequently advised.

I began to wonder: Why are the people of this province believing that things are better then they were? In my view, from what I had witnessed in my travels, things in NL were worst than ever, except for the Avalon, things were booming there.

I had requested to give a presentation to the Department of Health and Community Services on how we could administer healthcare in rural communities that would not cost anymore than we were spending now. The Minister of Health rejected the presentation, even before it was given, stating that it was too simple. I fought and won another chance to give the presentation, however, it was cancelled the day before it was scheduled and at that same time, our Doctors were being ostracized for wanting a contract that was “over the top”, according to our Premier, who coincidentally does not use our healthcare.

If our healthcare is going to succeed, we need to simplify its delivery. A two-hour window should be open in every rural medical clinic to provide walk-in service. This will allow patients to see their doctor when they are sick, not 2-3 weeks afterwards. It would reduce wait times at Emergency Rooms due to fewer people being required to travel the highways when they could see their own doctor.

I believe people who are looking to make healthcare profitable, just as it is in the United States, are intentionally demolishing our healthcare system in order to Privatize Healthcare. A very high percentage of residents of NL would never qualify for Healthcare Insurance due to their health history. The only winners in this situation will be Insurance companies and government.

HEALTHCARE PROPOSAL FOR RURAL NL

2010-05-06T13:18:00.007-02:30

PUBLISHED ON CBC NEWS 22 MARCH 2010 AS: CALL FOR CENTRAL NL WALK-IN CLINICS

This is the presentation that the government cancelled because it was proposed by a New Democratic Party Candidate.

What do you think?

http://www.scribd.com/doc/30984488/Newfoundland-and-Labrador-Rural-Medical-Clinic-Proposal

A man who's been fighting for more walk-in medical clinics in central Newfoundland says he's disappointed that the government doesn't seem receptive to the idea.

Robin Brentnall was supposed to pitch his idea to Health Minister Jerome Kennedy at a meeting Monday.

However, on Friday, Brentnall was told the meeting was cancelled.

He says people in the area often face a long drive to the nearest hospital.

"For sicknesses, flus, ailments, to have to get up and dress and drive, you know, an hour on a snowy winter road to go in and sit in Gander or Clarenville in the hospital for four or five hours waiting in line in the emergency room is crazy," said Brentnall.

He said he's not going to give up on the idea and will keep lobbying government to listen to his concerns.

LEWISPORTE DISTRICT MHA SUPPORTS BASHING OF FORMER NUN

2010-05-03T10:47:00.007-02:30

PUBLISHED IN THE TELEGRAM NEWSPAPER 1 JUNE 2010 AS: HOW ABOUT THAT APOLOGY

...
When asked to support a request to have the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador apologize in the House of Assembly for comments directed at the Leader of the New Democratic Party, Lorraine Michael (a former Nun), Wade Verge, PC MHA for Lewisporte District stated "I will not do as you have requested".

Mr. Verge states that he is a member of a local Church in Lewisporte and also said "I have accused some people of being "Holier than thou" in some situations. This expression, in my mind is an expression of disgust with a self righteous attitude being portrayed by an individual."

It should be noted that Lorraine Michael was asking a legitimate question during Question Period in the House of Assembly when Premier Danny Williams berated her and slung slurs of "Sermon on the Mount" and "Holier Than Thou" directly at Ms. Michael.

When asked if he would ask his Church fellowship what they thought of his decision, Mr. Verge would not comment.

Robin Brentnall