Saturday, February 2, 2008
RACE AND THE DEMOCRATS
I have talked a little over the past week about the impact of Obama's win in South Carolina on the Democratic race for the presidency. The issue of race and the impact it could have on the Democrats this fall has been a tough issue to discuss. Sorta like not discussing religion and politics in polite company.
The Economist had a good take on the matter in the last issue. They explore the white middle class Americans, Latino vote and the African American vote.
DISTRACTION: KEYNES ON SUPPLY AND DEMAND
When I hear the name John Maynard Keynes I think of The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money. I think of macroeconomics. I think of Keynesian economics and the impact his theories had on government policy. This is the guy who hosted the Bretton Woods International Monetary Conference way back in 1944 that gave us the World Bank, the IMF and established both gold standard and designated the American Dollar as the peg for International Currancy Exchange. He also a great debater .
What I did not know was that Keynes was a pretty sexually liberated chap. He kept extensive diaries of his sexcapades, which have now become the topic of research. Despite marrying a Russian ballerina, his preference before and after marriage was men. He kept very good records of his sex partners' initials and developed some sort of code to rank performance, quality and age. He records the number of times each activity occurred, and when. For example, between May and August, 1911, he performed (if that's the right word) C sixteen times, A four times, and W five times. Breaking the code has become an area of curiousity for some.
Evan Zimroth has been trying to crack the sex code of one of the world's greatest economists. Fabulous insight into the other world of this brilliant man.
I wonder if his theory of government interference in times of depression and saving in the good times was at all formulated through his cycles of sexual partners?
What I did not know was that Keynes was a pretty sexually liberated chap. He kept extensive diaries of his sexcapades, which have now become the topic of research. Despite marrying a Russian ballerina, his preference before and after marriage was men. He kept very good records of his sex partners' initials and developed some sort of code to rank performance, quality and age. He records the number of times each activity occurred, and when. For example, between May and August, 1911, he performed (if that's the right word) C sixteen times, A four times, and W five times. Breaking the code has become an area of curiousity for some.
Evan Zimroth has been trying to crack the sex code of one of the world's greatest economists. Fabulous insight into the other world of this brilliant man.
I wonder if his theory of government interference in times of depression and saving in the good times was at all formulated through his cycles of sexual partners?
TOLERANCE AND COEXISTANCE: THE MORMONS AND CHANGE
If you follow this blog at all you will know of my on-going conversations with a couple of young Mormon missionaries were assigned to St. John's. I liked these two. They were friendly, and as interested in learning about other religions as I was about learning about theirs.
I was impressed not by their zealousness but by the commitment and passion of taking two years out of their lives, cut off from family and friends, to spread the word of Mormonism where ever they were sent. They were only allowed a few personal items and could be moved at any time. For about four months I spend a few hours a week talking to these guys.
I never found the story of Joseph Smith's visions that convincing. At least, I did not feel the urge to reject my Roman Catholicism in exchange for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That said, I grew to have tremendous respect for these two missionaries and their adherence to their faith.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is thirteen million members strong. Nearly half of the membership lives outside of the United States. They are subjected to a great deal of misunderstanding and suspicion. They are struggling not only to recruit new members but to retain them.
Last Sunday the Church leader and prophet Gordon B. Hinckley died at 97. The governing council is called the quorum of the twelve. From them one will be selected as the new prophet. Only of the 12 is from outside the United States.
The Associated Press published an article that provides a great deal of insight into the Church Of Latter Day Saints and the challenges it faces. If you're interested in learning more about their faith this is a good read.
The challenges of growth, retention, change and accommodating diverse cultures worldwide with their very American worldview will be the key to future success or failure.
I was impressed not by their zealousness but by the commitment and passion of taking two years out of their lives, cut off from family and friends, to spread the word of Mormonism where ever they were sent. They were only allowed a few personal items and could be moved at any time. For about four months I spend a few hours a week talking to these guys.
I never found the story of Joseph Smith's visions that convincing. At least, I did not feel the urge to reject my Roman Catholicism in exchange for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That said, I grew to have tremendous respect for these two missionaries and their adherence to their faith.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is thirteen million members strong. Nearly half of the membership lives outside of the United States. They are subjected to a great deal of misunderstanding and suspicion. They are struggling not only to recruit new members but to retain them.
Last Sunday the Church leader and prophet Gordon B. Hinckley died at 97. The governing council is called the quorum of the twelve. From them one will be selected as the new prophet. Only of the 12 is from outside the United States.
The Associated Press published an article that provides a great deal of insight into the Church Of Latter Day Saints and the challenges it faces. If you're interested in learning more about their faith this is a good read.
The challenges of growth, retention, change and accommodating diverse cultures worldwide with their very American worldview will be the key to future success or failure.
IN THE LAND OF BARNEY WHO NEEDS A SCIENCE ADVISOR
"The Flintstones weren't a documentary"
Warren Kinsella
Why should anyone be shocked that the CONservatives have sacked the national science adviser. What is the purpose of having a non-partisan national science adviser to speak truth to power. That could only get in the way of the CONservative agenda and potentially embarrass them as they continue to ignore science and fail to heed logical advice.
In an era dominated by frankenscience, where cloning, patents on life forms, green house gases, genetics and alternative energy uses are debated and discussed, the last thing the CONservatives need is some scientist getting in the way of business.
Besides, this is the party of Stockwell Day. Science is the enemy of religion, remember. These guys are still pandering to fundamentalist Christian beliefs about homosexuality, evolution and abortion. Who wants science?
The federal union representing 55,000 scientists, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, issued a statement yesterday describing Ottawa's recent decision to terminate the position as “deeply disturbing.”
COUNCIL RESOLVED TO ACTION OR NOT
A cut in pay might go a long way toward curbing Mayor Andy Wells' appetite to stay on as Mayor so the taxpayers can help him pay for his legal bills. Councilor Gerry Colbert has purposed the idea and it seems to be taking hold. Section 6 of the City of St. John's Act does provide for council to determine the renumeration received by the mayor.
I am not sure how the motion would work, or if the Mayor would just agree that it makes sense and allow a pay cut.
Like many people in the city, most of council does not see how the mayor can do justice to the Mayor's job and act as CEO and Chair of the Public Utilities Board.
I guess the next council meeting will be a litmus test for how strongly the council feels about the matter. It is one thing to mumble behind the scenes, and quite another to vote with your feet.
One avenue open to the council is to consider requesting utilizing section 204 of the City of St. John's Act to ask for an investigation of the administration of the city, or even to use its authority provided under section 308 and hold a referendum to remove the mayor.
Another possible avenue would be Section 317 which allows for council to replace an official that is unable to perform their duties:
There are options. The public really does not like to be made fool of, and all of council may feel the sting of the Mayor's arrogance if they do not act.
6. The mayor, deputy mayor and councillors may be paid the annual remuneration that the council may determine by resolution
I am not sure how the motion would work, or if the Mayor would just agree that it makes sense and allow a pay cut.
Like many people in the city, most of council does not see how the mayor can do justice to the Mayor's job and act as CEO and Chair of the Public Utilities Board.
I guess the next council meeting will be a litmus test for how strongly the council feels about the matter. It is one thing to mumble behind the scenes, and quite another to vote with your feet.
One avenue open to the council is to consider requesting utilizing section 204 of the City of St. John's Act to ask for an investigation of the administration of the city, or even to use its authority provided under section 308 and hold a referendum to remove the mayor.
Another possible avenue would be Section 317 which allows for council to replace an official that is unable to perform their duties:
" Where an official under this Act is unable, because of absence, illness or another cause, to exercise or perform his or her duties, the council may appoint a qualified person to exercise the powers or perform the duties of that office for the period that may be necessary."
There are options. The public really does not like to be made fool of, and all of council may feel the sting of the Mayor's arrogance if they do not act.
YOU WIN SOME AND YOU LOSE SOME
A number of years ago when I was the Executive Assistant for the Minister of Environment, I had an opportunity to accompany the boss to Voisey Bay site. At that time there was no runway, just a tent village located on a bog. Diamond Fields had just picked up the property and we were escorted around by c0-discovers Alan Chislet, Chris Verbeisky and his father Mort. Over supper we heard the story of the find. I am not sure who it was that spotted the reflection of a rusty outcrop on a hill top and asked the helicopter pilot to set down. In any case, that flash has made the discovers, the province and many other people a lot of money.
Well, another helicopter set down has cost millionaire venture capitalist and co-Voisey Bay discover Chris Verbiski a pile of money and some possible fines. He was involved in a helicopter crash at Ptarmigan Mountain, which is part of a protected wilderness zone in the Shoshone National Forest in the United States.
The helicopter went down while attempting to land on the 3,600 metre peak for a pee break. Verbiski directed the pilot to land and his orders were followed. Something went wrong and the chopper landed hard. All four were injured leading to a rescue operation.
Forestry and aviation officials are looking at fines and repayment of costs associated with the rescue mission and the clean-up. Verbiski's $3-million Agusta A119 helicopter looks to be a write off as well.
At least he is taking responsibility and has lived to tell the tale. I suppose his original helicopter put down has given him the means to absorb the costs. Although this landing had to be a little harder on his ego than the big find.
Well, another helicopter set down has cost millionaire venture capitalist and co-Voisey Bay discover Chris Verbiski a pile of money and some possible fines. He was involved in a helicopter crash at Ptarmigan Mountain, which is part of a protected wilderness zone in the Shoshone National Forest in the United States.
The helicopter went down while attempting to land on the 3,600 metre peak for a pee break. Verbiski directed the pilot to land and his orders were followed. Something went wrong and the chopper landed hard. All four were injured leading to a rescue operation.
Forestry and aviation officials are looking at fines and repayment of costs associated with the rescue mission and the clean-up. Verbiski's $3-million Agusta A119 helicopter looks to be a write off as well.
At least he is taking responsibility and has lived to tell the tale. I suppose his original helicopter put down has given him the means to absorb the costs. Although this landing had to be a little harder on his ego than the big find.
TURN IT UP, TURN ME LOOSE AND TURN ME ON TO YOUR MUSIC
I love introducing people to a good book, movie, game or song that I enjoyed. There is something about passing along good news or fun. For example, this past fall I got into reading reading George Martin's "A Game of Thrones." It was a science fiction-political mix that stood out from my usual taste in reading. I fell in love with it. Could not put it down. I have now read all four books that he has written in his A Song Of Ice and Fire series and am impatiently awaiting the next.
I started recommending it to friends who sorta turned up their noses at first but took my suggestion, and all of them are equally addicted. I bought several copies of the books at used bookstores just to give to people I know because it is such a good story.
Which gets me to the point of this post. CBC personality and host of "The Hour" George Strombolopolous has launched a really neat project called Disc Drop. The premise is that people make cd's of their favorite tunes and leave them around at drops. It is sort of like the Geo Cache phenomena with GPS users.
Here is what you do:
I love the idea. Even though I was a dj for a number of years, it surprises me how much good music I have missed until someone points out a tune once in a while. Great project. Get burning folks!
I started recommending it to friends who sorta turned up their noses at first but took my suggestion, and all of them are equally addicted. I bought several copies of the books at used bookstores just to give to people I know because it is such a good story.
Which gets me to the point of this post. CBC personality and host of "The Hour" George Strombolopolous has launched a really neat project called Disc Drop. The premise is that people make cd's of their favorite tunes and leave them around at drops. It is sort of like the Geo Cache phenomena with GPS users.
Here is what you do:
STEP 1: Make a mixed CD of your favourite tunes. Somewhere on the disc write: "DISC DROP - cbc.ca/thehour"
Be sure to include a track-listing so people can track down more music by the artists on your disc.
STEP 2: Drop off your disc in a random public place.
STEP 3: Go to the "I Dropped a Disc - What Now", click on the comments, and write down where you dropped off your disc and the track-listing. Check back later to find out who picked it up, and where it's heading next.
I love the idea. Even though I was a dj for a number of years, it surprises me how much good music I have missed until someone points out a tune once in a while. Great project. Get burning folks!
WESTMINSTER EMULATES HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY?
It would appear that the British Parliament has its own share of problems. Earlier in the year I spoke about the issues related to Members of Parliament buying Christmas presents like Plasma TV's and Ipods with their constituency budgets.
Conservative MP Derek Conway just got suspended for ten days and is facing a police probe following allegations of misappropriation of his budget. He has acknowledged paying his wife, Colette, his sons and his son's friend parliamentary wages totaling hundreds of thousands of pounds in public funds.
The controversy led to a review of all MP's, exposing members from all parties -- including 70 Conservative members -- that are paying relatives for jobs covered by public funds.
I am sure there are a few folks in the House of Assembly, past and present, who would have no qualms about seconding Newfoundland and Labrador Auditor General John Noseworthy to Westminister to clear things up. At the very least, perhaps the Speaker could send his clippings file and the Green Report across the pond.
Conservative MP Derek Conway just got suspended for ten days and is facing a police probe following allegations of misappropriation of his budget. He has acknowledged paying his wife, Colette, his sons and his son's friend parliamentary wages totaling hundreds of thousands of pounds in public funds.
The controversy led to a review of all MP's, exposing members from all parties -- including 70 Conservative members -- that are paying relatives for jobs covered by public funds.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has promised greater transparency surrounding parliamentary staffing and some critics have called for an outright ban on MPs hiring family members.
Last year's scandal led to tighter restriction for MP spending but Parliament refused to open its books to outside scrutiny, citing parliamentary privilege.I am sure there are a few folks in the House of Assembly, past and present, who would have no qualms about seconding Newfoundland and Labrador Auditor General John Noseworthy to Westminister to clear things up. At the very least, perhaps the Speaker could send his clippings file and the Green Report across the pond.
Friday, February 1, 2008
I WANNA SHOP HERE
Nancy just sent me a neat link. It is the web page of a Dutch store called Hema, that appears to be the equivalent of a Target or Biway store. What is neat is the graphics and the use of animation. Great marketing tool. Be fun to log into the Future shop and get entertained like this.
Why aren't more people on this side of the pond as creative in using web applications to market themselves?
Why aren't more people on this side of the pond as creative in using web applications to market themselves?
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE DOING BETTER
Sometimes we butt heads but I've always had a lot of respect for Ed Hollett. Today he posted his thoughts on the on-going furor over the insecurity of personal information entrusted to the Provincial Government. It is a good post.What I do not understand is why, between the last breach and this breach, Government would not have ensured that outside consultants handling the same confidential information as internal workers were following the same safety protocols.
I would be shocked if a freedom of information request on discussions and recommendations following the last leak did not examine the potential of third party leaks of confidential information. If so, why were measures not taken to prevent this from happening.
I tell yea. I have worked with the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission and I have represented people who have appealed decisions. They compile a heck of a lot of personal information about you. They have your financial and health information. Not only would it be a ideal source of information to steal someone's identity, but imagine how embarrassed you would feel to have the details of your mental health or your Viagra prescriptions out in the public domain. The extend of the depth of personal information in these files is incredible. Yet 108 people's information, entrusted with the province, is out in the public domain.
The government's reaction is a bit like closing the barn door after the horse has escaped. This was preventable. If outside consultants cannot guarantee the confidentiality of client information than they should not be doing any third party work.
In the meantime I am pleased that Electronic Warfare Associations (EWA) is around to clean up the mess, or at least determine how big the mess is.
O WHAT TANGLED WEBS WE WEAVE
The revelation that Brian Mulroney has hired a lobbyist to work on his behalf to discuss issues related to the ongoing House of Commons Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics hearings has raised a few eyebrows. From Warren Kinsella to the Globe & Mail and the Ottawa Citizen, folks are asking questions.
Robin Sears, former Chief Of Staff to Bob Rae, has registered with the Lobbyists Registration System as a lobbyist. He listed the hearings as the subject matter and listed the Prime Minister as a potential contact point. He also includes the name of his client, The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, P.C., C.C., LL.D.
In the fall, CONservative Prime Minister, Stephen Harper said that there would be no more contact between his office and his former adviser, Brian Mulroney. On November 09 2007, the PMO released this statement: "'I'm announcing today that I will be appointing an independent and impartial third party to review what course of actions may be appropriate given Mr. Schreiber's new sworn allegations." In response to questions from the media he said, "And I think it will be incumbent upon myself and also upon members of the government not to have dealings with Mr. Mulroney until this issue is resolved."
While Sears will not say what he has been up to in terms of meetings and discussions, one NDP Member of Parliament says Sears' company has been trying to arrange meetings with members of the ethics committee. I think all members of the committee should declare if they have met or discussed Mulroney with Sears. If so, they should step down.
Now, I am not a lawyer but there are some pretty interesting clauses in the Criminal Code about paying a third party to exert influence on a decision maker. In this situation, the buyer hopes that the influence of the person being paid will be sufficient to convince the decision maker to decide a matter in his or her favour. I am not saying anything illegal has occurred but someone with more expertise might want to look at the rules and determine if it is proper for a lobbyist working on behalf of a witness to discuss issues with the MP's on the committee. The Ethics Committee is not a court, but it seems a lot like the defense lawyer is discussing the case with the judge and the jury.
Now let's see if I got this right. The star witness into the hearings has hired a lobbyist to discuss issues related to the ethics committee investigation with everyone from the Prime Minister to the members of the ethics committee itself.
A million questions are running through my head but the first one is this. Why is it okay for Mulroney's surrogate to try and influence questions and opinions of members of the ethics committee, but it is not okay for a CBC reporter to do the same? Krista Erickson was thrown out of Ottawa and bussed down the road to Toronto for supplying some questions to be asked of Mulroney, who would not answer them for her directly. I can only speculate that Mulroney was not answering questions on the advice of his communications adviser, Robin Sears.
I am looking forward to another Nixonisque denial of any knowledge from the PMO.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON SILLINESS
You can't hide your lyin' eyes
And your smile is a thin disguise
I thought by now you'd realize
There ain't no way to hide your lyin eyes
So what tune is bouncing around in your head today?
A BUSINESS CAREER ON THE BACK OF POLITICS
As promised the text of the story in today's Business Post about Tim Powers. Special thanks to Craig for permission to post it.
Lobbyist, TV personality and Conservative insider Tim Powers has built a business career on the back of politics
By Craig Westcott
The Business Post
Most Newfoundlanders -- and other Canadians -- know him as the jovial but sharp pundit and Conservative Party insider on CTV Newsnet.
His friends home in St. John’s remember him as a play hard, party hard, athlete -- in fact, he made Canada’s national Under-21 rugby squad.
But in Ottawa, where Tim Powers now lives and works, Powers is acknowledged as one of the most powerful lobbyists in the country, a vice president of Summa Strategies. From the company’s 10th floor boardroom on Sparkes Street, Canada’s Peace Tower sits at 12 o‘clock.
For all that, Powers is the first to acknowledge he wound up in Ottawa, and politics, thanks to a mixture of good fortune and nepotism. But while his family connections with political powerhouse John Crosbie may have provided his initial opportunity, even his opposing Liberal and NDP panelists would agree that it is Powers’ talent and persuasive personality that has cemented his role and reputation on Parliament Hill.
Likes competition
Powers’ first experience with politics came around the family dinner table, in boisterous debates with his parents Barney and Debbie Powers. Politics was in the blood. Powers’ great grandfather, William Warren, was a Prime Minister of Newfoundland. His grandfather, John Crosbie Sr., was a finance minister in Warren’s cabinet.
But as a youth Powers was more inclined towards sports.
“It was more fun to be in the weight room and the Breezeway than it was debating the finer points of Canadian political theory,” he admits. “I was more interested in sports and cracking heads with my fists rather than with my wit and brain.”
Not that he didn’t have a brain. Powers is a quick study, which soon became evident. And thanks to his father, who was a political supporter of Crosbie as well as an in-law, Powers got a chance to demonstrate it during a summer job in the federal cabinet minister’s St. John’s office in 1991. He had just graduated from MUN with a degree in history and political science. That fall, he joined Crosbie in Ottawa as an assistant for Newfoundland issues.
“He’s a great man and I was very lucky as a young guy to have John as my first professional mentor,” Powers says. “Anybody who has worked for him will tell you the same thing, that it was an incredible experience.”
Powers says Crosbie was demanding but fair, that he set a high standard for himself and expected it of his staff.
“He was never one -- and this is rare in the current environment of politics right across the country -- but he was never one to discourage you from pursuing things,” Powers adds. “He was certainly one to welcome open debate and discussion, because that’s who he is himself.”
Powers soon discovered he liked the family business.
“It’s the competitive nature of it,” says Powers. “That’s the thing that I still like to this day, that it’s a competitive thing, that there are game elements to it and when it’s done the right way you can play hard all day and still enjoy the company of people from other political parties. And John always encouraged that, which was an important learning thing as a young guy. Many people in the current political environment don’t necessarily get the same encouragement to go and mingle with people from other parties. But hey, life is long and there are lots of interesting people out there and they don’t have to wear a blue sweater all the time.”
When Crosbie retired following the transition from Mulroney to Campbell, Powers went to work with the minister of Indian and Northern Affairs. He had gained familiarity with Aboriginal issues working on Innu issues for Crosbie.
“It became a central element in my life, because doing that inspired me to go back to school and both of the graduate theses that I did were based on that whole relocation decision,” Powers says. “Coming from St. John’s, you really don’t have any experience with non-White people. Dealing with the Innu and just being open to that world and learning a different culture, a different approach and different ways of thinking was tremendous.”
When the PCs lost office in ’93, Powers was out too. He took French training and got hired by a couple of people he had worked with at Indian Affairs to work as a negotiator dealing with the Innu and other First Nations in Atlantic Canada. Powers ended up working for Indian Affairs for about two-and-a-half years before entering St. Mary’s University to work on his masters degree.
Communication is key
Upon graduating, Powers left for England to study at the London School of Economics where he earned another masters degree, this one in media and communications. It was just after Tony Blair had come to power and some of the people who had worked on his campaign were teaching at the school.
“That was probably one of the best years of my life,” Powers says. “The field of media and communications interested me because 90 per cent of politics is communication.”
Powers finished that degree in the late fall of ’98, returned to Newfoundland and after about six months returned to Ottawa, this time as PC Leader Joe Clark’s policy director.
“The bug was still there,” Powers says.
But he was in for disappointment.
“It was six years after the big defeat and Clark had come back and I sort of naively believed that maybe he had learned a few things and that maybe it would be an interesting adventure,” Powers says. “It was a great adventure, but I was sort of personally disappointed at the way Clark managed things. But it all worked out in the wash, in the end the party got reunited.”
After that, Powers joined the firm where he works now, Summa Strategies Canada Inc., where is the vice president of communications. The lobby group was founded by former Liberal cabinet minister and Ottawa insider Doug Young. Powers became a part owner in 2005. It’s a busy life. His clients include Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, Provincial Aerospace, Aliant and CTV Globe Media. Summa’s client list also includes everything from pharmaceutical to transportation firms. Summa was the lead consulting group on the last two significant military procurements by the federal government, one involving Boeing aircraft, the other Sikorsky helicopters.
Besides that, Powers lectures in communications at the University of Ottawa. Then there is the television role. For years, Powers was a staple pundit in Ottawa’s parliamentary newspaper, The Hill Times and he is the leading Conservative Party voice on CTV, especially Mike Duffy’s show.
The exposure is good and bad. Powers knows it’s possible to ‘immolate” on television.
“Television is a very unforgiving medium,” he explains. “One stupid crack or one inappropriate remark and it can hurt, but so far so good.”
His debating style seems to be one of winning over his with humour and civility, while keeping his points simple and crisp.
“Part of it is from having watched John (Crosbie) and seeing him up close and personal,” Powers says. “We travelled a lot so I got to see him speak a lot. He himself is a very shy person, except when he comes out into the crowd. He was one of the few people I thought who used humour effectively. I guess it is a developed style, but one that comes comfortably because of where I come from. Our home in Newfoundland was always a house filled with great debate but also great laughter and I think I just carry that over.”
Has Powers, who will turn 40 in September, felt the urge to run for political office?
“I’m cursed with the disease of political addiction but I’m enjoying business too much right now to give that any real serious thought,” Powers says. “You never say no. But business is good. I’ve seen too many examples of people going into politics at the wrong time, not having done enough beforehand, or having protected themselves from the uncertainties that are politics. And as I say, I’m really enjoying the business experience that I’m having here.”
Powers doesn’t see lobbyist as being a “dirty word.” Lobbying is the most regulated industry in the country, he notes.
“Before there were regulations, it was the wild west and our fellow countryman Frank Moores did very well here from a financial perspective. But they did things differently than it’s done today,” he says. “We tend to deal only with the CEO’s or the senior executive leadership teams of companies. We’re privy to some of the fascinating projects they’re involved in and get to quickly understand how their businesses work and then assimilate that and turn it into advice, strategy and guidance on how they may want to take their opportunities and challenges to government. So it’s kind of neat.”
Meanwhile, he comes home to Newfoundland as often as he can. The most important thing he’s learned in Ottawa is to never lose touch with who he is.
“This is a city that is full of a lot of bullshit artists,” says Powers. “There are lots of well meaning and good people here, but it’s a city where you can get lost, you can get drunk on power, it’s a city where you can get Ottawashed, to use a great Preston Manning term… Ottawa is like a big high school and if you remember your days at high school as I do, you needed to go home at 3:30. The same is true here: You’ve got to get out of the city and go home. For me going home to Newfoundland is great, it’s a source of recharging and I will always self-identify as a Newfoundlander.”
editor@thebusinesspost.ca
SHOCKIN' THAT IS, SHOCKIN'
I feel real bad for beating up on Mayor Wells. earlier this week. The poor guy. Here I was challenging his decision to stay on as mayor. Wells wants to save the tax payers money. He is willing to pull double duty in two demanding full-time jobs. That type of altruism is all but dead anywhere else. So let's give him a break. He has to take on all that extra work and at the same time he wants to save us a ton of cash.Whoops! Stop the presses. Turns out that there may be an ulterior motive in staying on a little longer. A
The
It turns out the purse that Wells is concerned about is his own. Apparently he has been saddled with some hefty legal bills rising out of his failed defamation case against former city councilor Paul Sears. His sookiness cost him an estimated $100,000 in legal bills. He was ordered to pay Sears’ costs as well.
He told reporter Tara Mullowney, “I’ve got some serious legal bills that I’ve got to pay, arising from my performance in my duty as mayor, which is not my fault. Whatever extra money I get is going to go towards paying those legal bills”.
Well boy Andy I got a problem with that. Council changed the rules to prevent the taxpayer from being dinged for frivolous law suits coming out of the Council Chambers. Not your fault. Really! Who filed the defamation suit? Whom did the courts side with? Why should my tax dollars assist you?
The residents of the city should be outraged by this little revelation. I hope that Tele-link will consider redoing their poll now that you have seen fit to let people know why you need the extra money. The hell with democracy, Andy needs to pay his legal bills, which he incurred being a bully at City Hall. The man who can give it runs to the courts for a remedy because he can’t take the abuse he hurls at others, and we are supposed to feel badly for him. Give me a break. I feel hustled, what about you?
REPUBLICANS FRACTURING LIKE AN ICEBERG IN AUGUST
Further proof this morning of the juxtaposition between the now friendly rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination and the growing split over in the Republican Party.It is all smiles and giggles for the Democrats who showed the country last night that the real enemy is Bush Republicanism. The flavour of the season is love, we can work it out and work with each other. United we stand.
Outspoken conservative Republican mouthpiece Ann Coulter has launched a salvo at Republican front runner John McCain, indicating that a backlash is building in the GOP. Ann is the holy trinity of the republican party. She speaks for the hive and the hive is not happy.
She says McCain is a Republican in name only and went further to say she would support Hillary Clinton over John McCain.
This pronouncement sort of blows right out of the water the gospel according to the Obama campaign and the vociferous anti-Clinton Democrats, that a Clinton presidential campaign will energize the Republicans.
Clinton will benefit from this GOP spat as the Obama campaign loses a very powerful talking point. Republicans are not inspired by those folks seeking the top job. The default position will be Hillary Clinton whom they see as a strong leader for the country.
Okay, before you hit comment and declare that this can cut both ways, I acknowledge that. The anti-war folks are going to say that the Republicans think Clinton is not as dogmatic on the pull out as Obama. The truth is she is pragmatic about the time-line.
You can count on one thing. When the next President is sworn in, the first thing she is going to do is issue the executive order to start pulling troops out of Iraq.
ATTENTION POLITICAL JUNKIES: HERE IS A GREAT STORY
Craig Westcott's The Business Post has a great story entitled " Our other man in Ottawa". If you're a political junkie like me you will love this story and probably turn a little green with envy over the success of this amazing, not quite 40 year old.
It is about a Newfoundlander who is known as one of the most powerful lobbyists in the country. That man is Tim Powers. You may know him as the face of the Conservative Party from debates on CTV's Newsnet.
Powers is part of the Crosbie clan and his great-grandfather was Prime Minister William Warren. It is a great story about an Ottawa insider who transformed his experience as a political assistant into a lucrative business career.
Warren Kinsella, eat your heart out!
I'll e-mail Craig and seek permission to post this story. It is really good. It is not posted on his website either, which is a shame because this story deserves a wider circulation.
THEY THAT GO DOWN TO THE SEA IN SHIPS
They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Psalms, 107:23-30
Sad news this morning that two people perished in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic Ocean last night. The crew of the Check-Mate III, a49 foot steel tug reported problems and within minutes abandoned ship. According to media reports in both the Telegram and VOCM, both were wearing survival suits.
Stories like this always grab me at the heart. My father is a fisherman, as much of our family has been for generations. It stops with him; none of his three sons has elected to pursue the fishery as a livelihood.
Our family has seen its share of drownings at sea. It is a reality of life when working in small boats in a hostile environment every day of your life in just about every season and type of weather.
My dad has been a volunteer with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary for many years and has assisted in man