BS: This seems a bit harsh ...

Subject: BS: BC: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 05:18 PM

Lifetime ban from legislature mean and vindictive - www.bcgeu.org

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) is demanding the Campbell Liberals lift the lifetime ban from the B.C. legislature imposed on the five women arrested in March for trying to secure funding for the province's 37 women's centres.

"This is nothing short of mean and vindictive," said George Heyman, BCGEU president.

"There is absolutely no reason why these women should be banned from the legislature. They are not a threat to anyone. All charges against them have been dropped. They did nothing wrong, and should have access to the legislature the same as any other British Columbian."

Heyman said the five women's centres coalition representatives, who were at the legislature March 12 for a meeting with Minister Ida Chong, should never have been arrested in the first place, let alone handcuffed, hauled away in paddy wagons, fingerprinted, and thrown into jail.

"This over-the-top, knee-jerk reaction is indicative of how the Campbell Liberals treat legitimate interest groups, in this case women, who disagree with their regressive, ideologically driven agenda of cuts to vital services for the most needy and vulnerable people in our society," Heyman said.

"The government's message here is 'if you dare to criticize what we do, you'll be sorry'."

Heyman demanded Premier Campbell immediately revoke the ban. "Even Gordon Campbell -- who thinks his government can do anything it wants, and does -- can't ignore the rights of citizens in a free society, including the right to advocate for others and to have access to our legislators.

"These five women were trying to save women's centres for the hundreds of thousands of women in B.C. living in poverty or violent relationships who rely on this community lifeline. All they got in return from this government was jail. The Campbell Liberals have already closed the door on women in our province. Now, they want to close the legislature."

The government cut $1.7 million in annual core funding for B.C.'s 37 women's centres on April 1. Since then, at least half of the centres have either closed, or cut back on hours of operation and staff. Most will be forced to close over the coming weeks.

Women's centres provide a wide range of services, including information and referrals, support groups, crisis counselling, job entry programs, legal aid workshops, child care
services, housing registries, stopping violence against women programs, clothing exchanges,
food programs, and advocacy.

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 05:23 PM

Perhaps they should run for legislative office. If they get elected, that might stir the pot a bit.

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: dianavan
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 09:19 PM

I expect nothing more from a Facist. Anyone who is a threat to him is axed. Teachers and school boards are blowing the whistle and nobody can stop him. He has now appointed and re-written the rules governing our profession which includes a "duty to report" any suspicions you may have.

He has gutted our education, healthcare and social services. Everything that has made us one of the most livable cities in the world, he is sacrificing for the Olympics and the businesses that might profit. We, the taxpayers, are paying for it all. Oh, sorry, I means those taxpayers that earn under $60,000.

He hates the working class and the working class poor. He has no compassion for anyone that may need a helping hand. He especially hates "uppity" women. It is, of course, the women and children, the elderly, the physically disabled and the mentally challenged that are rcvng. his cuts. Any past practices that have guided our "collective social conscience" have been gutted by legislation.

If he were from the U.S. he would be licking the boots of Bush. He probably is, anyway.

I didn't vote for him, but I know alot of people who did. Luckily, people in Vancouver slapped him in the face with a landslide victory for progressives in the city, the school board and the parks board. Too bad there's not much we can do about provincial politics at this time.

There's a reason they built the provincial capital on an island!

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: Peace
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 06:46 PM

We in Alberta have Ralph Klein. There would be no point offering to trade, because you'd be getting more of what you have already.

Bruce Murdoch

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 07:03 PM

There seems to be something missing from the information given so far. Presumably the women in question must have something other than "...trying to secure funding for the province's 37 women's centres."

Or at least they must have been trying to secure the funding in some specific way that got them into trouble. Were they attempting to rob a bank perhaps?

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: Metchosin
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 07:30 PM

Hell, the mainland sent Gordon here, he's evenly publicly stated that he hates Victoria, you're welcome to take him back anytime.

I've been advocating the succession of Vancouver Island for years. I figure we're bigger than PEI by area and population, so why not reap some major perks. A bridge wouldn't be in the running, but a drawbridge might be nice.

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: Metchosin
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 07:51 PM

Naw......this is BC, McGrath, here is further information

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: dianavan
Date: 25 Apr 04 - 02:18 AM

We definitely do not want Gordy back in Vancouver.

Mass demonstration is particularly difficult, however, when the Capital is so remote. Odd, how they located it away from the center of the population and how it is actually surrounded by a huge moat.

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: Metchosin
Date: 25 Apr 04 - 04:08 AM

Remote? I don't find it remote.*BG* Don't want Gordon back? He spends more time in Vancouver and Palm Springs than he does here.

At the time Victoria was designated the Capital, oddly enough, there was a lot more going on here than in the soggy little logging town of Vancouver. However, when we gain provincial status for the Island, feel free to reinstate New Westminster as your Capital again.

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: dianavan
Date: 25 Apr 04 - 12:39 PM

Metchosin - I think making Vancouver Island another province is a great idea. Although I have no love for Victoria (the British wannabe), I love the island. I also think Nanaimo sucks.

I think the capital should be Vancouver so that when people want to hold a public rally at the capital or demonstrate on the steps of the legislature, the politicians can see it. I know you don't feel remote or isolated, but the politicians sure do.

I have no special affinity for Vancouver. In fact I don't really like city living at all. I just think the people should have better access to the legislature.

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: Metchosin
Date: 25 Apr 04 - 04:57 PM

In reality, anything remotely British about the city of Victoria is a figment of the imagination of the Chamber of Commerce as a result of a few old buildings, but if you believe them and that's all you care to see, that is what you'll base your opinions upon.

One of Victoria's main problems is that there is relatively little emloyment for young adults, other than servicing the elderly. Its a great place for nurses, doctors and those who play golf. Vancouver as well, used to be a nice city, before it lost it's soul.

In provincial politics there are always other ways to access government, however, IMO, waving signs in front of the legislative buildings might be a good morale booster for rallying the "troops" and to further foster an "us against them mentality", but does little to effect positive changes from politicians. No matter how large the demonstration, it will be ignored as the railings of a polarized lunatic fringe, whatever political party is in office.

If you think putting the Capital in Vancouver would solve the problem of unresponsive and oblivious governments, IMO you are dreaming, but I'm sure Gordon would love the idea. In fact, I'm sure the Bay Street boys would love to have Toronto designated as the capital rather than Ottawa, it would make it so much more convenient.

The election of provincial governments in BC is based upon rigid ideological driven agendas and the insular self-interest of both extremes. Common sense or what truly works for the higher good and benefit of all, is a rare commodity.

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: Peace
Date: 25 Apr 04 - 05:00 PM

Ya don't get to vote on the way things are, Ya already have.

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: GUEST,peedeecee
Date: 25 Apr 04 - 05:09 PM

New moniker for pdc, to avoid confusion with pdq.

I agree with everything that Dianavan, Metchosin, and all other BC residents said upthread. When people voted Campbell in, it was because the NDP (very leftwing) had screwed up royally. However, to give them their due, they were at least trying to benefit the people of the province. Campbell is following the Bush mode of trying to benefit only the well-off and the corporations.

The main problem that BC has, as I've seen it for 35 years, is that politics is so polarized -- we have an opportunity to vote for extreme right or extreme left, which gives us wild swings in administrations, and a lot of tearing down what the previous administration did. I really wish our parties were more centrist.

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: Metchosin
Date: 25 Apr 04 - 05:30 PM

yup, that's the problem when you only have an on switch and an off switch and no volume control.

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: dianavan
Date: 25 Apr 04 - 06:55 PM

Exactly. B.C. voters very rarely vote for the guy in office. They always think the grass is greener on the other side. The pendulum swings back and forth. Add to that a large number of voters (mostly immigrants) who have very little historical reference. Oh me oh my - wouldn't it be grand to have some stability? What about Hartcourt? Do you think he might consider politics again? Do you think he would have a chance? Who would have a chance, provincially.

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: Metchosin
Date: 25 Apr 04 - 07:27 PM

I think he might just laugh, this province eats up its politicians and spits them out. Right now the NDP just consists of a couple of angry women that nobody listens to. Some stability? I wouldn't hold my breath. Sorry, wish I could be more optimistic, but all I can forsee next time around is maybe a couple of more angry voices, particularly from the Kootenays. Greener grass? Nobody in this province votes foranything, they vote to get rid of that of which they have had enough.

Subject: RE: BS: This seems a bit harsh ...
From: Metchosin
Date: 25 Apr 04 - 07:51 PM

Come to think of it, voting here is more often than not, seen as a way of inflicting punishment, we're not going to get any stability until we overcome the habit of knee jerk reacions and start paying attention to the concerns of both sides. We are all bozos on this bus.