ALBERTA: Wildrose VS. PC

Did you watch the debate? I thought it was good. We saw the two main competitors, Danielle Smith and Allison Redford, go toe-to-toe. Redford had many speech gaffs (saying the wrong words) and looked quite shaky at the beginning. She settled down and began hammering her socialist rhetoric. Let's get one thing straight, there is only one right wing party in this race and its not the PCs.

If you would have asked me which party I was supporting during the PC leadership debate, I would have told you: "I am supporting the PC party leadership of Gary Mar, while endorsing several Wildrose candidates that I thought would make a good individual impact." When Redford was made the party leader (yes, a couple of unions infiltrated a former right wing party and changed the game) I became concerned. I saw many good Wildrose candidates, but as a whole, I thought many were just too new and I was not sure you would want a government where everyone, including the leader was a rookie. Ask me today, and my mind has been totally changed. The discipline of the WRA candidates, their leader, their message, is spot on. It is inspiring and it makes me feel better about the future of Alberta.

Yes, Radical Raj Sherman was there at the debate, talking about how he wants to make schools more open and become more part of the "community" with new cafeterias, libraries, etc; I guess Raj wants to invite the neighbourhood pedophiles into our schools for a coffee and a book. My girlfriend, who was also watching the debate just shook her head and couldn't believe what the heck he was talking about. The thing that bugs me most with Raj Sherman is he doesn't care about economy or budget. Yes, I get it! He was a doctor.... The thing is we need efficient and affordable healthcare, more than ever!

At least Danielle Smith didn't back down on her support for private delivery of healthcare with public coverage (which is a great compromise), as it allows for private hospitals to come in, offer immediate care, shorter emergency wait times, higher quality care, (I could go on and on), while maintaing public regulation for standards and insurance. This is not American style healthcare, actually it models Germany's healtcare system which is among the best and most cost efficient in the world. Redford on the otherhand = Just pump more money into the problem and continue to shut down community hospitals and centralize servers in Edmonton and Calgary; if anyone remembers communist Russia, they have a story to tell about centralizing powers; ask them how efficient they were!

Brian Mason.... O boy... At least I like the fact that he speaks highly of religious freedoms of any instituion to practice their faith fully and without prejudice. HE IS CONTRARY to the purely controlling ideas of Janice Sarich and Thomas Lukazsuk, with their brainchild "BILL 2" which takes rights away from parents, religious institutions and anyone else involved instructing a child on issues of morality. If BILL 2 becomes part of our framework of living in Alberta, I will not raise a family here. I don't want the HRC knocking on my door, trying to put me in jail or fine me because I teach my children issues of morality and how I would see them get a firm foundation in these morals. I accept people openly and the whole gay marriage debate isn't a hot topic for me because it doesn't affect me nor what I feel the institution of marriage within the church - BUT - any PARENT, religious school, or church/synagogue/mosque should have the full right to educate their children in religious morality.

I believe in freespeech fully, up to the point where an actual hate crime is present (where someone directs violent or disruptive physical action towards a person, using speech, because of their religion, race, creed, culture, gender, or lifestyle) which should NOT be confused with 99.9% of HRC (human rights commission) garbagecan, "hurt feelings" laws which have no place in the lives of free people.

The PCs are becoming a controlling, manipulative bunch of worn-out politicians. Under Redford' regime, things could actually get quite scary. I hope Lukazsuk gets removed from office for Bill 2. He had plenty of opportunity to say he would re-visit the bill, adjust it, or look for alternatives. But he did not, he stuck to it, even though he knew it was divisive, wrong, and would continue to take away the liberties of free Albertans.

PCs I hope you get decimated. That way maybe the party can rebuild in the coming years, and get back to basics.

Telecommunications in Canada -The Axis of Evil (Bell, Rogers, & Telus): Part 1

Well, I don't believe I am alone in my opinions on our telecom companies in Canada, but I think we need to bring up the discussion a bit more, so I wrote this article based on my personal experiences.

First I will explain clearly the first situation I experienced with Telus and what in my opinion is, a horrific scam. From 2008 to 2011, I had telephone, internet, and television service from Shaw and was paying $90 a month for the package. I believe the regular price was $130 per month, but I was receiving a loyalty discount. The price didn't change for the 3 years I had service through them. I wasn't happy with the internet speed (I am in an old neighborhood in Edmonton) and one day a Telus rep called me and discussed switching to them.

I told the Telus rep that I would be willing to consider it if they could match the service I was getting and the price point I was paying. They said they would need to have me fax them my current Shaw bill and he said he would try and match it. So I faxed it in and later the rep contacted me and said they could match the service. I was also adamant that I receive the same TV channels I was getting.

I also asked for this in writing and the Telus rep supplied me with this:

Seems pretty clear-cut, no? Let the nightmare begin...

So for the first 6 months, I was getting a great deal, was happy with my service, no real major problems. The Telus installer put a huge hole through my bathroom wall, but you know what, some dry wall mud and paint, no big deal... Then, after a while I noticed I was not paying that deal price... I was paying much more and now Telus had inched back to $120 a month... So I called in last week and pretty much demanded they honor the price above, that the sales rep said I would be paying. I went through the normal low-level peons, who really aren't listening to what you are saying and are trying to appease you as quick as possible, without fixing the situation. Basically stuff like "How about I give you super channel for a free month?".... "How about I take $25 off your next bill.." These band-aid solutions really make me mad, but I don't yell at people on the phone, so I just asked for my call to be escalated.

I spoke to a manager and he said he would be happy to adjust my bill for me, but only for the next 6 months. After that I would be paying a full price of $130 per month. I said this was unacceptable as I have a quoted price from a Telus representative on how much I would be paying per month. The $86/month price does not say it will be raised in 6 months... 1 year...etc. They would not relent and now I find myself making phone calls to the CRTC and Competition Bureau.

I am definitely considering taking Telus to small claims court at some point this year regarding my quoted price not being honored.

Telus, Bell, Rogers are part of the Canadian Telecom Axis of Evil. I am going to write a second article on my experience with Bell, cell phone service plans in Canada (and their gouging), how smaller players like WIND, Mobilicity, etc. can't properly break into the market due to government restrictions, and basically how the Axis of Evil are possibly price fixing their oligopolies.

Alberta Politics. 0.08 to 0.05

Well, I have been thinking about this the past few days and thinking what is the best way to respond.

The Alberta government has been changing the way we drive lately, some good, some bad. They stopped cell phone use behind the wheel, kudos, I guess... They also changed the Blood Alcohol Content (B.A.C.) you were allowed in your blood before having an automatic license suspension and the facing of a felony. The old limit was 0.08 and it is now 0.05.

The old law, if you were below 0.08 the officer had to immediately return your license. This is because we had scientific fact and research to suggest if you were OVER 0.08, you started having negative effects from the alcohol being in your system that would impaire you driving. As someone with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, I would have to agree with the above statement and admit that I have read several of these research papers at one point in my studies.

Now, this 0.05 thing! Having a B.A.C. of less than 0.08, specifically 0.05, where did this come from? This is not science, this is social engineering. Now if you have had those 1-2 drinks, with friends, at a celebratory event, and your driving is NOT impaired and below 0.08, the government can still make a criminal out of you.

Even though, it has been proven time and time again, that most vehicular fatalities caused by drunk driving, the drunk driver has exceeding limits FAR and ABOVE 0.08 and are either repeat offenders or problem drinkers, the new law has decided not to go after these individuals, but rather those of us who enjoy a drink or two at a social occasion. I hate seeing drunk drivers on the road, but someone at 0.05 is in no way a drunk driver, nor do they have their driving significantly impaired. What's next 0.03?

I would recomend that the current government readdress this before the next election.

Peter Goldring: Drinking and Driving

After acting as the Vice-President for the Edmonton-East riding association for several years, prior to this year, I am deeply saddened by the actions of MP Peter Goldring.

Drunk driving is a dangerous act and many people are injured and killed, especially during the holiday season, every year. I am glad that proactive police work allowed a potentially deadly incident to be avoided and that thankfully no one was hurt.

MP Goldring has resigned from the Conservative Party and its cacaus.

I remind everyone this holiday season to please take taxis, call a friend, or sleep on a couch, rather than deciding to drink and drive and be a hazard on our streets.

Nathan Kotylak Escpaes to US

You would think, that since a person has a pending criminal investigation against them, it would be odd they would escape to another country...

In the case of Nathan Kotylak, I guess not.

We all remember Nathan, the individual who was caught on camera igniting a police car and participating in the Vancouver riots and also a hopeful for Canada's 2012 Olympic Water Polo team. I am glad the recent ruling by the Canadian Water Polo team has given Nathan a suspension and he can no longer participate in the 2012 games. This ensures that another more deserving person can attain to that spot vacated by Nathan Kotylak on the team.

Nathan Kotylak, the "crying" hero was quick to admit his guilt to attempting to ignite the gas tank of a police car; however, recent video evidence shows that he could also be found guilty for other incidents that he was not open about... He also has been spotted on video trying to ignite the backseat of a second police car, slapping a young girl on her bare breasts, and passing out beer bottles from a garbage can to rioters to throw at police officers.

Nathan Kotylak, no one believes you nor should they.

Nathan has left Canada to California to play water polo at a school there. Once he is demanded to return back to Canada, maybe he will have to be extradited, to face his charges (which I hope is soon) he should be considered a flight risk and not receive bail. He could very likely could escape back to his cushy life in California. I truly hope he receives jail time, a criminal record, and enjoys his future as a deep fryer mechanic.

A Canadian Film on Afghanistan

I have the great privledge of being the Director of an upcoming Canadian film, entitled Return, with Producers Curtis Petersen and Shaun Donnelly. The film is based upon the incredible true story of Paul Franklin and his experiences after suffering an attack of suicide bomber in Afghanistan and his return coming home.

View the above video interviews!

As Canadians and readers of this blog, you are probably thinking, this film is a good idea and will give justice and insight into the experience of our soldiers and a mission that Canada has been involved in for over 10 years now. We do too, that is why we are doing the film and we could use your help.

Currently, the film industry relies on production loans and private investment to get films to screens. We are currently working with several Federal, Provincial, and private funding partners to ensure this great story gets told. If you are interested in getting involved in this project and help us secure Canadian support, please don't hesitate to contact us through Coldspark Studios at www.coldspark.ca/productions.

A Fiscal Watchdog For Edmonton

Kerry Diotte, former Edmonton Sun Journalist, has announced yesterday, that he will be seeking the voter's confidence in the next Edmonton civic election, this upcoming October. I have been asked by Mr. Diotte to be his campaign manager, of which I have accepted.

Speaking with Kerry Diotte, I hear a lot about fiscal responsibility to the taxpayer and how Edmontonians deserve better core services.

I will continue to support this strong candidate as we direct our attention to city hall and the needs of the taxpayers.

To read more about Kerry Diotte, visit his website at www.KerryDiotte.com

To view Kerry's YouTube interview visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8epmS1Ikko