Brian Mulroney gave us GST. You may remember that he went from a majority government to holding his caucus meetings in a phone booth because of the hated tax. He never suspected that taxpayers were prepared to respond with such collective retaliation. He underestimated, or possibly misinterpreted just how strongly people felt about the issue even if they didn’t march in the street. It became a life lesson for every politician in Canada that we don’t always say everything we are thinking.

Although Wilmot Township’s taxpayers haven’t marched in the streets in a HST tax revolt (it just isn’t our style), I am convinced that the modest reaction to such a significant increase in taxes does not mean that we believe what we have been told about the tax. In fact, the most common response to questions about the tax is that people don’t believe the government about the personal impact of the HST. They are suspicious and cynical about the cost. They may have been reflecting on the Smart Meter Answer Book which Mr. McGuinty distributed across the province. We were told, as you may remember, that the new system was a way for us all to save money on our electric bill – NOT.  In reality, hydro prices for the same usage were increasing significantly. If you wanted to save money you would have to cook your meals and do your laundry between 9 pm and 7 am – a bit inconvenient for most of us to say the least. The “spin-doctors” where working overtime and what we were “sold” and what we got were very different.

With the G20 ending, some economists suggest that we have entered into a world-wide third depression which they are calling the Long Depression characterized by deflation and continued unemployment. Ontario’s manufacturing sector (our greatest strength) has been destroyed over the last 20 years by NAFTA and globalism in general. The challenges the province faces are of a grand scale and the remedies (if there are any) are multifaceted. Raising taxes seems like the easy way out again. But my conflict with Mr. McGuinty is that  we have been sold the HST with less than half truths; in particular, how higher taxes will increase employment and make all of Ontario more prosperous. If there was any truth to that, I would be the first to suggest doubling taxes. I understand the cynicism among taxpayers because what we are being sold and what we will get I think will be quite different.

Over the next few months the illusions about HST will fade and reality will become evident. If Mr. McGuinty has oversold his “product”  there will be a great deal of anger and possibly voter retaliation to a government which has “ zoomed” us yet again. Sadly, by then it will be too late for taxpayers. Rarely are bad taxes ever repealed even by the succeeding government. If nothing more, we will be reminded of the old adage: “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”.

Recently, a friend sent me a link to a website where two “good ole” southern boys were demonstrating a simple solution for cleaning up the Gulf oil spill. In the opening seconds of the video, one of the guys explains how he had been thinking about a solution to the problem when he was struck with the idea. The video goes on to demonstrate, within the limited scope of their laboratory, a seemingly simple answer for what a few thousand scientists have worked feverishly and unsuccessfully for months to find. I can’t comment on whether their solution will actually work or not, but the cynic in me screamed at the top its lungs – “It doesn’t matter!” Even if these “outsiders” had a cure for cancer, or world hunger, they are not going to get anywhere. The powerful companies that advise and influence government and the media are not about to let a simple inexpensive answer to the problem put them on the side-lines. I can speculate that these forerunner-problem-solvers are not going to even get a hearing. If they do, every “hired gun” scientist is going to swear on his mother’s honour that these guys don’t know what they are doing and that their misguided idea of a solution will only make things worse.

I do believe there are solutions available for almost every problem. Forerunners all over the world are laying awake at nights thinking about solutions to problems we have never even heard of. Forerunners have proven over and over again that they can overcome problems of monumental proportion. Some of them are insiders, but most of them are outsiders. Like the guys in the video, they don’t have a bank of hired “experts” and lobbyists to sell their ideas to the people that matter. If they aren’t insiders or experts or have a qua-zillion dollars they won’t even get serious consideration. Where an idea comes from is more important to most people than the idea itself and that is a dangerous place to be because that eliminates many of our best people and ideas.

Problems persist not because there aren’t solutions, but because viable solutions often are disenfranchised by vested interests. It is a mystery to me why lobbyists of any sort are permitted since they obviously exist to get governments to do something they wouldn’t normally do without the lobbyist’s “influence”. Since most lobbyists represent private interests, they are in conflict with the fundamental concept of democracy. It is the special and private interest groups who have high-jacked democracy and pushed simple solutions to the outer fringes. Insiders don’t let outsiders anywhere near their gravy-train, and as long as they have the King’s ear, simple solutions will never get anywhere. The guys in the video deserve a “listen” by Obama and BP. They may have a simple solution to a very big problem.

Here is the link to the website. Let us know what you think: Will it work or is it just a couple of guys dreaming in technicolor?

http://www.wimp.com/solutionoil/

- In the beginning: some scientists “think” the world is getting warmer
- An “official” panel is setup to promote the views of these scientists (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – IPCC)
- About 2500 scientists join their ranks
- The official platform of the IPCC becomes: we can identify the problem but science can’t solve it – we have to stop carbon emissions – we are sure of that!!
- When the “science” of global warming becomes known, 33,000 scientists and climate experts in the USA sign a petition denouncing the theory.
- No one really knows for sure if there is climate change, or if there is, what is causing it.
- A politician makes a film which makes Global Warming a household word
- There is a law suit over the “facts” and a judge calls the film “Political Propaganda” and requires it to be labeled as such in the UK
- No one says anything about the film’s misrepresentations – more scientists join the opposition
- The major media promotes the Global Warming campaign and marginalizes the opponents
- People start to believe there is a problem and activists get into the game of saving the planet.
- It becomes social leprosy to question the science of the IPCC’s climate change campaign for those in and out of science
- A war erupts between the “warmers” and the “skeptics” – the politicians have to step in.
- Politicians refuse to take testimony of global warming opponents in the US and UK – why confuse the issue?

- Politician turned filmmaker/activist starts carbon trading company to profit from a system that does not yet exist – what does he know that we don’t??
- Major stock exchanges set up trading facilities to handle Cap and Trade (carbon credit trading) businesses years before there is a carbon tax law.
- Politicians, businesses, and scientists are “sure” that only by introducing a Cap and Trade Carbon tax can they save the planet – They didn’t want to do it – they had to!

- Businesses who are given Carbon Credit Trading licenses (politician/filmmaker included) are now making boat loads of money – more than anyone could spend.
- The scientists who said there was no solution to Global Warming (but cutting carbon emissions)  - now have a solution – “we can save the planet just give us the money”
- Politicians, who supported the Global warming (scam) are now getting kickbacks from the carbon traders in the form of carbon credits which are better than money and totally unregulated. – who thought of this great idea!!!
- Governments are getting their piece of the action from the Carbon Tax, the rest goes to “offsetting” the emissions. – this is great for the economy
- The highest consuming nations (the US included) actually get rewarded for their unbridled consumption because every company who sells them products has to buy carbon credits from them. Don’t you just love it!!
- The US Government and their “friends” are getting rich in the carbon credit scam and consumption and credit income is up – thank God, we need the money!
- The IPCC now has unprecedented powers – no one dare challenge them – there is too much at stake.
- Scientists who don’t cooperate with the “IPCC” are branded as “environmental terrorist” – disgusting people, get off the planet!
- Scientists get all the money they want to “experiment” with cutting carbon emissions without cutting consumption – and they are getting rich too!
- They of course can’t solve the problem “overnight” – it’s too complex for that, but given enough time and money they will stop the sky from falling

- The average guy is getting hosed for another few thousand bucks a year  – but that’s not the worst of it.
- Carbon cops are looking up everybody’s butt in the name of saving the planet
- Democracy and freedom is redefined as “living green our way and liking it”.
- Orwell rolls in his grave.
- The rich are getting richer on the carbon trading scheme – they pay their carbon tax with glee.

- The planet is no better off – probably worse.
- The decimation of our forests and seas (a real cause of climate change, if there is change) are forgotten – didn’t we solve that problem?
- The US, and UK force nations who trade with them to get into the game and “save the planet” or be penalized.
- No one can buy or sell anything without Carbon Credits – everyone and everything has to be monitored!
- The IPCC and their “science” becomes the final authority on just about everything – uniting everyone under one great religion
- They put a mark on your forehead or your hand so they know who’s playing the game and who’s not.
- The US controls the Carbon Credit “Currency” and world-wide commerce- why shouldn’t they, it’s their “game”
- Round two of “pillaged the nations of the earth”.
- Nice thing about this “deal” is there is something in it for everyone – but the average guy.

For years the FDA defended Aspartame, and made it difficult for competitors to get access to the market. Then in mid December (2008) they approved Stevia which Coca Cola has developed as an alternative to Aspartame. Coke would be jointly liable for the damage Nutri-Sweet (Aspartame) has caused and needed an alternative to give discerning consumers confidence in their products.

Stevia was approved under the “Substantially Equivalency” provision of the Food and Drug Act. By claiming the product is found in nature it is exempt from scrutiny or study. I point out that lots of toxins and poisons occur in nature. What needs consideration is how these ingredients affect humans. I am not convinced Coke hasn’t jumped from the frying pan into the fire, and that Stevia is safe for human consumption. I also think a prudent person shouldn’t assume because the FDA says its OK, that it is! The only people who can prove Stevia is safe are the scientists. Politicians and bureaucrats are not very convincing to me!!! In matters of food safety, manufactured products should be judged dangerous until proven safe.

By the way Searle is a subsidiary of Monsanto, and the Aspartame approval is the work of former Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfelt of the Bush Administration (that in itself should say enough).

In light of the facts I wondered if it was a propaganda “play” to give the poor American “sucker” hope in a dismal situation or they (Time) really believed he was the best choice, in spite of the fact he had done nothing, but “talk” a great leader.

When I read the The Runners Up for MOTY it gave me a better clue as to what was going on. Henry Paulson, Tresurery Secretary and the man most responsible for letting the crooks bankrupt the country was Time’s SECOND CHOICE. I couldn’t believe that they could actually be so blind and deceived as to think they could make black white. Paulson, should be indicted for treason, stupidity,and or corruption.

It says more about Time than anything else. They are pumping out the propaganda to calm the naive masses while they and their friends suck the last dime out of the people’s pockets. They won’t get far with it, though.

Somebody said, “you get the government you deserve”. The Americans are among the most materialistic people on the planet. They invented and refined consumerism and have exported this cancerous greed around the world. Now they have proven it is a dead end street and they will suffer for their folly. The problems they have started are only beginning. Their solutions are not solutions they only delay the impact. But it is coming….too bad they are going to take so many innocent by-standers with them.

Corrupt Russian officials are creaming off about $120bn (£61bn) a year – the equivalent of a third of the national budget, a senior prosecutor has said.
The country’s new President, Dmitry Medvedev, has pledged to tackle the problem – although correspondents say few expect things will change quickly. Reuters – Friday, 6 June 2008 18:12 UK

Comment
Corruption is prevalent in all levels of government and is seemingly not considered too serious a crime in North America. There is not much outrage when corruption is exposed. Corruption is more serious than the money that is lost from the public purse. When corruption becomes wide-spread the country becomes sick. The systems don’t work and there is a breakdown of society. Our reaction to corruption is a measure of the restraint and the level of integrity we demand. When there is corruption exposed we must (for the sake of the country) oppose it strongly, because it threatens the entire country. Rome wasn’t defeated, it collapsed from within. Corruption is a very real Trojan horse for America – let’s not repeat history, but learn from it.

Among the greatest threats to the US and Canada is not terrorism from the outside not terrorist from the inside but the threat of the breakdown of society through corruption.

Paul Weigel

Report Findings:
- no relief in the high food prices in the next ten years
- cost of food has doubled in the last 2 years

Causes:
1. Biofuel use of grains
2. Speculators
3. Inflation
4. Drought

Effects: millions of people are being effected drastically – mostly in under developed countries. For example: 60 percent of income is used for food in Bangladesh, 27 percent in China, and just 10 percent in the United States or Germany

Recommended Actions:
1. Urgent and immediate need for humanitarian aid,
2. promote genetically modified seeds,
3. more research on the benefits and problems of biofuels, because the US and Europe are planning large growth in biofuel production.

The world is a very complicated place, because we are all linked together through globalization. I have seen enough of the ill effects of world markets over the last 20 years to come conclusive down on the side of abolishing them. If you are thinking that these ideas are crazy I would challenge you to think outside the box for a moment. The question is why should we let large corporations determine how and what we will and won’t do. Globalization is their idea of giving themselves special priviledge. Goods and services move freely across borders but labor movement is heavily resticted. They move production to a country where they can exploit cheap labour then suite countrires tha try to put up trade barriers to the sale of their goods. They unemploy people and claim it is because they aren’t productive enough. They want the taxes and benefits playing field leveled which really means severe cuts to both. They have set up their own government agencies such as the WTO, and the Federal Reserve, and the World Bank. All of these agencies are being used to subject people and governments to the will of the corporate elite. Why any thinking person would support globalization is really a product of fear and manipulation.

You won’t even hear someone suggest in the mass media that we should reevaluate globalization and NAFA and how other trading groups have negatively affected the people they were promoted as serving. Such thinking would be considered a threat to the control of the multi-national corporations what are close to running the world. The media is the main enablers of their agenda to control and plunder the masses. The Marist expression that religion is the opiate of the people is completely wrong. The mass media is the opiate of the people. It is the single greatest factor in the control of the masses. It guarantees compliance and detracts the masses from demanding governments act in their interest.

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The Comment:
Everyone is jocking for position in the battle for control of the greatest field of resources to be harvested in this century. The arctic may contain 25% of the world energy resources. These are new resources, yet to be tapped. The oil companies and the Peak Oil promoters claim they haven’t found any new oil in 25 years. Oddly enough they don’t include the oil found off the coast of Brazil estimated to be as much as in Saudi Arabia (a lot), or the heavy oil of Canada (a very lot), or what they are expected to find in the Arctic (a ton).

It is odd that they don’t include ANY of the new finds and still base their peak theory only on existing reserves which by-the-way are project to last for another 100 years in some cases. Furthermore, when investigating the sources of the data that support the Peak Oil theory, I could only find oil company source data. There is NO independent data available. Apparently, only the oil companies know for sure how much oil they have available to them, and they don’t let others do independent research on their reserves.

I am not suggesting that the oil companies are lying to us, but I am saying that the mouse is clearly in charge of the cheese.

Here is a question that needs answering. Everyone knows how outrageously profitable the oil business is, yet they haven’t built a single refinery in 20+ years. They also don’t seem to concerned about finding more oil. So it would appear that they are not reinvesting in this very profitable business. Instead they are taking all the profits and doing something else with them. So why???

I laugh and cry when the daily news asserts that “prices climbed to record highs today on concerns about supplies or refining capabilities.” But the thing that makes me the most mad is the common attitude that if you question the peak oil theory you are either an idiot or an enemy of humanity. The corporate owned media is brainwashing the entire population into thinking that if you challenge their story, you must be minimized. The most diabolic thing is that the people who reject legitimate discussion on the topic are those who are promoted as rationale and progressive by the establishment.

The thought control is evident in a few other areas such as the theory of evolution verses intelligent design(see the film Expelled), and Global Warming. Where are the forerunners and boat rockers who don’t mind asking the tough questions.

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By Barbara Lewis
LONDON (Reuters)
Speaking about the increasing price of oil:

QUOTE: ……Investors have been drawn in by a weak U.S. currency, which has made dollar-denominated commodities relatively cheap for holders of other currencies.

Speaking to Reuters during a visit to Venezuela, OPEC Secretary General Abdullah al-Badri said the soft dollar was one of the factors that could keep pushing oil higher.

Tanker tracker Petrologistics said on Wednesday OPEC’s oil output in May had risen by 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) compared with April.

Extra OPEC crude has had little impact as the market has instead focused on short-term refinery problems, which are symptomatic of chronic underinvestment.

The Comments

It is clear from these reports that prices have NOT been established by supply and demand. Wealthy investors are using commodities as hedges against the devaluating US dollar. You can’t read that in the major media because they defend the system. They defend the system, because it is a system developed by and promoted by large corporations. In fact any questioning of the system is considered blasphemy, which is punished and that has quieted a lot of intelligent and knowledgeable people.

There has not been an increase in fuel consumption by 12% this year, nor has there been a 12% decrease in supply, so what justifies a 12% increase in the price? The Answer: nothing! The markets are not free, they are distorted significantly by speculators who know that the consumer has few if any alternatives. With the consumer up against the proverbial wall, speculators have driven the price up regardless of supply and demand ratios.

Oil supplies have increased and consumption is at its lowest in the year, yet prices have increased dramatically. Price increases are justified by paper thin excuses over fears of supply problems. Even when those fears never materialize, the prices continues to increase and the medias continues to defend the system and its abuses. They assert that the problem is OPEC, which keeps people from pointing their finger at the real problems and demanding the government does something about them.

Governments have not protected the consumer from the abuses of the system. They have failed not because they didn’t know what was happening. The housing crisis was a disaster waiting to happen and the government did nothing. It has effectively transfered the wealth of millions of citizens to the wealthy, turning the country into a labor camp.

If the markets were truly free, then they would reflect the actual price a consumer was willing to pay for a product. The fact that this week 84% of Americans had concerns about the economy and high energy prices, indicates that the market does not reflect the consumer’s willingness to pay the price the market is dictating. Furthermore, it is not just the US which is bidding for world oil. Countries with far weaker currencies should effectively lower prices if it was market driven. The markets are far from free. They are being manipulated by speculators who are holding the entire world hostage and extorting from them their life blood.

The idea that markets can operate freely is idealism in this present world. General Motors has more revenue than the majority of countries in the world. When there are corporations with the financial capacity to dominate markets there is no hope of truly free markets. The consumer becomes the victim of extortion. In the case of food, people go hungry, become weak and sick, and even die in third world countries, because of market speculators and the irrational defense of the myth of free markets. There is something wrong with a system that can destroy lives and kill people in the name of profit?

Paul Weigel

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