Webpage Info for: Letters to the (Standard) Editor Re: Politics
My interests in attempting to change the directions of our future societies got me involved with political issues. These are a collection of most of my letters pertaining to Municipal, Provincial and Federal politics, submitted to the editors of The St. Catharines Standard.
(Disclaimer:I apologize for any links within any of my websites which may have become inactive over time.)
TrendLinks ( ¶ ) tie into SustainableNiagara.ca's Sustainability Resources Portal, to offer summaries of, and links to related websites. GlossaryLinks ( Δ ) tie into the Sustainability Glossary to offer definitions and informative resource links and StatLinks ( § ) tie into the Stats/Info Portal to offer valuable insights.
Try this >¶ <, this >
Δ < or this >
§ < to see what you get for Sustainability.
Harper has shown the entire world he can't be trusted Published in The Standard, December 5, 2008
On Thursday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper crossed the road to request the Governor General to grant him a prorogation. Hey, you know, that may spark a whole new run of why the chicken crossed the road jokes.
Anyways, I'm concerned that Governor-General Michaelle Jean didn't turn Harper down. Notwithstanding the dangerous precedent the Governor General has now set, the record will show -- and history will record -- that Harper put partisanship well before the interest of the nation.
Beyond that, however, during this time of national democratic upheaval, Harper initiated, if not repeated, one blatant lie after another before the Speaker of the House and the entire nation; the lies of greater magnitude pertaining to the realities of our democratic process and the true extent of the Bloc Quebecois' agreed involvement with the coalition. The latter may yet prove the cause of further national divisiveness.
Harper's justification for prorogating this session of Parliament had to accompany his request of the Governor General. Harper showed the entire world he cannot be trusted. On those grounds alone, for the sake of the nation, Jean should have turned Prime Minister Harper's request down flat, demanded his resignation and allow the legitimate democratic process of a coalition to play out.
People, wake up! At any time in our history, do we really want a proven liar as our prime minister? How can that possibly be in Canada's best interest? Does anyone really think that such a leader could possibly lie Canada's way out of a tanking global economy?
Bernie Slepkov St. Catharines
I Don't Trust Harper's Leadership Published September 12, 2008
It is said that this election will hinge on federal leadership.
But while Harper has displayed strong and decisive leadership, so has many an historically infamous leader. Now I am not about to declare support for any 'national' party, yet I challenge anyone to say Dion's preparedness to center his party's platform on contentious strategies intended to address the most critical issue of our (children's) future isn't a clear display of decisiveness or strength.
To be clear, the period immediately following these federal elections will be mainly about Canada's place in a global community addressing the cause and effects of climate change.¶§Δ It will also be about our Canadian economy.
For me, the issue must to be based on trust, trust in those more willing to honestly and earnestly address the issues most affecting my (grand)children's future in Canada and abroad.
From that perspective Harper, and his party fail miserably. But don't take my word for it. Gauge it by our current standing throughout the global community.
By all accounts, climate change¶§Δ can be addressed in various economically responsible manners, many of which are said to even stimulate industry and job growth.
Therefore, with the expectation of increasing economic uncertainties, I am willing to publicly declare that I don't trust Harper's leadership nor his party's fashion in dealing with the broader issues.
My trust lies more with those leaders more willing to propose newer, more relevant economic models.
Bernie Slepkov St. Catharines
Organizing to look into the future Published May 12, 1997
How many times have we heard and read about our desperate need for better visions and better visionaries? Our future hinges upon gaining the insight of knowing what to do with them.
Coverage of Mike Harris' recent fundraiser in St. Catharines brings to the forefront, matters critical to essential `leadership.' First "he (Premier Harris) acknowledged the human toll of his mandate to balance the budget, cut taxes and attract investment." Second as Harris spoke, he and his supporters dined on beef tenderloin or filet of salmon. This is yet another example of our leaders trying to sell the public on the importance of their 21st- Century policies, attempting to invite our active support and participation while ignoring the sad realities of the real pain people are experiencing.
It is not surprising that Canadians are cynical of their politicians. None of them appear to adequately offer us the answers we either want or need in order to create a better community for ourselves and our children. We are -- and will continue to be -- paying dearly for it through high taxes, youth crime, and unemployment, reduced health care, and increased homelessness. It seems the only answers our leaders provide us is yet many years down the road, and still in the making - but that is not good enough! The time for action is now, before elections!
What this community -- and this country at large -- desperately needs is leaders that truly know how to combine fiscal responsibility with compassion -- not just use it as a platform absent of a plan of action; and leaders who know how to utilize the democratic process for the Canadian public at large, not just act like bulls in a china shop. These leaders must realize how times are changing and that with wise vision and directions, ordinary people can and will recognize that they too can impact upon future of their communities.
These ideas and more, are the foundations of an organization being founded to provide comprehensive vision, rooted in inspiring people helping people, through proactive planning and revitalization through diverse socio-economic initiatives, or small businesses started with a vision to create a pathway to a better future for the Niagara Region.
We believe we can help build a better vision for the people in Niagara by inviting people aboard to help move it into action.
Bernie Slepkov St. Catharines
Disclaimer: The information provided through For Legacies' Sake is without charge as a convenience to visitors. Any reference to products, services, links and other information not produced by me, Bernie Slepkov does not constitute recommendation, endorsement or sponsorship. Nor does it particularly reflect the views and/or opinions of Bernie Slepkov, as an individual. I apologize for any links which may have become inactive over time.
