The family tree

Loyalty to an English monarch wasn't the whole reason my German-speaking loyalist ancestors found themselves camped on the shores of the St. Lawrence River facing the prospect of carving farms from the dense, deep forest. They were grateful and loyal to Queen Anne for harbouring them from strife and religious persecution of course but simple loyalty to the crown was not what prompted them to fight and finally flee the New York Pariots. It was the fear of freedom lost that motivated the bloody Tories. Lets face it, not all revolutions turn out as well as the one that began in 1776.

Andrew Coyne liked the freedom aspects of Governor General Jean's first address to the nation. So did I.

"Every Canadian woman, every Canadian man prizes that freedom and would defy anyone who tried to take it away -- of that I have no doubt." The same words might have been uttered by Joseph Howe or D'Arcy McGee, or any Father of Confederation. But today? Doesn't it sound a little too ... American? Would any Canadian politician so much as mention "freedom" without automatically balancing it against some equally valid opposite, like order, or equality, or the notwithstanding clause?

Update: If Paul Wells thinks Coyne is smitten by Governor General Jean's address, I say Beaverbrook at the Monarchist is fair giddy.

Up the Crique

When we were kids we went to the crick in the spring to catch mudpout(aka catfish, barbot). Luc, the hired man, was French speaking and made many trips to the crique to fix fence, so my mother just assumed we picked it up from him.

At college years later in Calgary I heard a fellow student talking about the crick. He was raised on a farm in Saskatchewan but a good distance from any French settlements. He wasn't sure why he said crick instead of creek.

So I'm curious. If you or someone you know grew up "going to the crick" please leave a comment.
I have no idea why this is of interest to me today but I'd like to know if it is particular to rural eastern Ontario and Saskatchewan.

Practice makes perfect

I don't practice enough myself .... go ahead and drop him an email. He'll tell you. But even if I were one of those people who only find themselves in a place of worship for weddings and funerals I don't think I'd forgo the bible. From the National Post, (subscriber only - try the google thing.)

Michaelle Jean, the governor-general-designate, has chosen not to swear an oath on a Bible during her installation ceremony on Tuesday and will instead pronounce a solemn affirmation, her press secretary has confirmed. "She's not going to swear on the Bible because she is not practicing herself, so it would show a lack of respect to the people who have faith," Catherine Gagnaire said. Officials in the Canadian Heritage Department could not confirm whether Ms. Jean will be the first Governor-General ever to be installed without a Bible. "The corporate memory we have, which is about 25 years, points in the direction that this would be the first time in the past 25 years," said a department spokesman.

Did you notice girls that I've stayed out of the Governor General Jean discussion/debate? Nor have I ever dogged the outgoing Adrienne Clarkson either that I can remember. I don't believe the office is purely symbolic and was disappointed that the appointment appeared to have more to with Paul Martin's vision of Canada than the roll and duties of a Governor General in a parliamentary democracy. That vision including, of course, that Martin continue to be Prime Minister.

I didn't think it fair for the new GG to be labeled, rightly or wrongly, as a pawn for two reasons. One, the position is an honourable one and should be treated as such. But mostly, I was ready to wish the girl well and see what she could do with the position now that she had it. I was hoping for the best.

.... I still wish her well.

But, faith aside, she sure isn't showing too many smarts. She's taking hits from every corner and in a parliamentary system based on tradition you'd think she be trying very hard to uphold those traditions. At least for now. From the National Post and Jean's imprint on the swearing in:

During a ceremony rich in history and pageantry, the 48-year-old journalist is expected to articulate a passionate attachment to her adopted country in hopes, among other things, of putting to rest once and for all any lingering suspicions about her alleged sovereigntists sympathies.

From the same story:

Officials say Jean had a hand in everything from picking the performing artists for the morning swearing-in ceremony on Parliament Hill to agreeing to allow outgoing Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and her husband John Ralston Saul to join other guests in the Senate chamber for the ritual transfer of power.

I'd really like to say she's making an imprint. But today she's looking like her own worst enemy and tomorrow we'll see how many "people of faith" think she was being respectful. You know what brutal honesty gets you ..... hurt.


Update: oops spoke too soon about her worst enemy

The Prime Minister's Office has insisted that incoming Governor General Michaëlle Jean nix plans to hold an intimate affair at Rideau Hall tonight following her installation, and instead is throwing a giant dinner party, a Rideau Hall source said.

The dinner will be in the basement ballroom of Lansdowne Park, Ottawa's football stadium.

"Everyone, including Michaëlle Jean, thinks it's ridiculous," the source said. "She has, and we have now, quietly resigned ourselves to the fact that the PMO wants to make what they think is a big deal out of this dinner".

Paul Wells comments on the performing artists.
Hat tip to Darcy who has more to say about faith then I do

Raid on Farmers Market A No Show

The anticipated raid of two farmers' markets by police- escorted health inspectors didn't occur in the Ottawa Valley on Saturday. But the Ottawa Citizen reports that vendors, farmers and landowners will now take the Rural Revolution directly to the Health Unit's office in Brockville.

The inspector did not show up, so now the farmers' markets and landowners' associations say they will take the fight to the health unit. On Oct. 6, four days before Thanksgiving, vendors from Gananoque, Brockville, Prescott, Carleton Place and Perth will set up shop in an impromptu market in the parking lot outside the health unit's Brockville head office

The farmers argue that regulations cited by the health unit apply to supermarkets not producers and farm gate sales. At issue also in recent months is a crackdown by health inspectors on church and community hall kitchens. But do we really need to be protected from the church lady's lemon meringue pie? From Bob Runciman, Leeds Grenville MPP

“I have never heard of anyone becoming ill from products bought at a country market, or people attending church dinners or potluck suppers. Incredibly while I was hearing about the assault on market producers, provincial media were blasting reports about 160 diners becoming ill in Burlington after attending a buffet prepared by a professional caterer who prepares his meals in a licensed kitchen, regularly inspected by the area health unit.

Those tempted to view the Rural Revolution as a tempest in a teapot might want to consider not only the growth of county associations but the number of people taking up memberships. The two-month old Carlton County group already has 500 members and the Dundas-Stormont Landowners boast a membership of 350.

Back in April AgriNews Staff writer Tom VanDusen asked:

Could it be only a matter of time before the revolution goes province-wide?

With Durham-York-Victoria, Simco, Hastings and Flamborough now on board I'd say that time has come. And with these folk repeatedly using phrases like common sense and revolution Dalton and the boys should be quaking in their boots and the provincial conservatives sitting up and playing attention.

We all know what happened that last time the rural masses embraced that vocabulary.

Red Ensign Standard xxvll

The Last Amazon raises the Red Ensign Standard.
Lots of rainy day reading.

Enza Anderson a victim ... nah

We don't really need to be reminded what a class act Carol Jamison is but Jack has pictures and a bit of editorial comment that shows that Enza is a chick(? ) who at least knows how to play the game.

Tom Manley to Jump Ship?

Breaking ....

Rumour has it that Tom Manley,leadership contender,Agriculture Critic and Co-Deputy Leader of the Green Party has jumped ship and will seek the Liberal nomination in the riding of Stormont Dundas and South Glengarry.

Update:No longer rumour. This will be good news for local Liberals as the slate of nominee was ... well... lets just say less than stellar. He will most certainly win the nomination. Tom has been the perennial Green candidate for several elections both federal and provincial. I can't see him taking any of his Green supporters with him but the Manley family (grandfather Peter Manley was a provincial member)have deep Liberal ties in this riding and he may bring a few disillusioned Liberal back into the fold.

For those of you not on Tom's email list his letter of resignation is here:

Open Letter to the Chair of the Green Party of Canada.

Dear Bruce.
I hereby resign today my membership, duties and appointments in the Green Party of Canada.

The only way to change government is to get involved. Talking about problems and potential solutions is valuable, but legislative actions are desperately needed to implement the required progressive changes. I therefore committed myself to taking the message of sustainability into the halls of government.

In these short years with the Green Party, my exposure to global and local issues has given me a heightened sense of urgency as our communities and our planet face daunting challenges: severely degraded eco-systems, dwindling non-renewable resources, population explosion, eroded rural communities and infrastructure, unsustainable farms, and international crises in trade.

During two election campaigns and since then, my constituents supported my agenda and my offer to represent them. But they will only commit their vote in sufficient numbers when they know that I and my party have a reasonable chance of getting elected and actually implementing our ideas. Emerging ideas and political parties are victims of our voting system.

The Green Party of Canada is a long term project. My endeavours in the GPC were directed to that project: capacity building, organizational development, candidate training, and internal governance. I fear however that the Green Party still has a long way to go. Despite our progress, I am still powerless in bringing about real progressive changes to Canadian public policy. Competitive political pressure is not enough; I seek to deliver results.

On the other hand, the sustainability movement has largely succeeded in placing its agenda in the forefront of the media, the public and the government. Rather than talk about change on the outside, I undertake to facilitate and influence change directly within the halls of government. As you are all aware, I am a person of action. I want to act sooner than later!

True to my mission to serve, I resign from the Green Party of Canada and I announce my intention to seek the nomination as a candidate for the Liberal Party of Canada in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry.

I greatly appreciate my experience in the Green Party. I have met wonderful people with great ideas and strong commitments. I cherish these friendships and fond memories. I wish everyone and the Green Party a bright and sustainable future.

Tom Manley

Mounting Tension Down on the Farm?

Ian, who keeps regular tabs on the Rural Revolution, has posted an email from the Lanark Landowners Association (LLA) asking supporters in eastern Ontario to come out and take a peaceful, disobedient stance. Ian's post with the entire email message is here.

The LLA has learned that the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Health unit has requested and will receive police participation during their raids on the Perth & Carleton Place Farmers markets this Saturday (September 24).

I ask all members and supporters of the Landowners and all those who support farmers markets to come to Perth or Carleton Place Farmers markets this Saturday and stand with the Landowners as we deny the inspectors entry into the markets.

At issue is this, - Health Unit regulations that dictate what may be sold at a farmers market.
There are points to be debated in the selling of ungraded eggs and tomatoes to be sure but the safety of the food certainly isn't one of them.

The Landowners are old hands at protests and rallies but this .... this is .... I really don't know what to say. A raid on a farmers market?

I was sold

Saw Carol Jamieson on CTV last night(no video link) taking about how cold Stephen Harper is. At the risk of sounding catty I was moved by the warmth and charisma she exuded. That, as we say, is one tough cookie. CTV labeled her a top conservative organizer which is interesting in that according to Stephen Taylor she has a history of trying to take down leaders. She's had a go at Stephen Harper, Stockwell Day, Joe Clark and John Diefenbaker.

Jamieson claims Harper needs to get out and sell himself. Like a used car salesman perhaps? Now maybe I got him on a good day but after a handshake and a few brief words with Harper I was sold.

It's been said that Mrs. Harper reads blogs. I doubt she reads this one but on the off chance she does ... c'mon Laureen, the girls want to know. He isn't really cold is he?

hat tip?... well, just about everyone in my bookmarks this morning.

Stuck on stupid

I didn't write a single post on Katrina. The magnitude of the storm and the ineptitude of the authorities from mitigation right through to recovery has been too thick for me to wade through. The only conclusion I could make with any certainty was that a whole lot of people either couldn't or wouldn't implement the plan.

I'm the information coordinator for this municipality's emergency management committee. My duties are really very simple. Follow the plan.

In the early stages of a disaster getting information out to residents is an Emergency Management Plan priority and that effort involves the cooperation of the news media. You don't even think about playing the blame game until the danger is over.

At a press conference with New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin yesterday, the Ragin Cajun took control of the reins. As Rita approaches the gulf this exchange between military relief coordinator Lt. Gen. Russell Honore and the media is most telling. I've posted a snippet below.

Honore: ........ And we understand that there's a problem in getting communications out. That's where we need your help. But let's not confuse the questions with the answers. Buses at the convention center will move our citizens, for whom we have sworn that we will support and defend...and we'll move them on. Let's not get stuck on the last storm. You're asking last storm questions for people who are concerned about the future storm. Don't get stuck on stupid, reporters. We are moving forward. And don't confuse the people please. You are part of the public message. So help us get the message straight. And if you don't understand, maybe you'll confuse it to the people. That's why we like follow-up questions. But right now, it's the convention center, and move on.

Male reporter: General, a little bit more about why that's happening this time, though, and did not have that last time...

Honore: You are stuck on stupid. I'm not going to answer that question. We are going to deal with Rita. This is public information that people are depending on the government to put out. This is the way we've got to do it. So please. I apologize to you, but let's talk about the future. Rita is happening. And right now, we need to get good, clean information out to the people that they can use.

If you're thinking that Honore is being a belligerent SOB you'd best rethink it. Not only is he implementing the plan and reminding the media of their role in a disaster but he has delivered the best come back any of us have heard in a very long time.

hat tip Small Dead Animals and Daimnation

Confession is good for the soul

The truth is I'm a liberal. I hide that truth by saying I'm a fiscal conservative with libertarian leanings but that's merely a clever disguise.

I just don't want wing nuts who think like me running the damn country. I've come up with some pretty harebrained ideas in my day ... still do ... and the last thing I want is a government that thinks I might be onto something.

I'd sleep a whole lot better at night knowing I can live my open-minded, progressive lifestyle with a good solid conservative government at the helm. If a progressive idea is worth pursuing we should have to do just that. Pursue it. Long and hard until it resonates with the majority.
If an issue is divisive its time has not come - the process not adequately thought out or the debate not complete.

Have I mentioned lately how much I admire Stephen Harper. How in the run up to the Conservative leadership race I waited, like many progressives, for the new face of the new party and how in the end I was relieved to be able to support my first choice, which was Stephen Harper.

Confession is good for the soul. But I'm Presbyterian so I'll have to make do with saying this just between us girls. Every conservative party membership I ever bought and every election campaign I ever worked was actually a covert act of liberal insurgency.

I can't wait for Harper's next visit to this riding cause I really like the guy. And there are a couple of progressive issues I want to discuss with him.

Power of Positive Linking

A networking seminar spawned the creation of Women Entrepreneurs of Cornwall and Area.
Inspired by what they heard that day a handful of women decided that an opportunity to network, increase knowledge,and share ideas was needed. Within six months membership in the organization had grown from 12 to 80 members.

It has taken seven years but finally founding members have been able to do what they have long hoped to do. Bring Donna Messer back to see the results of her original visit.

The Power of Positive Linking will be held October 15 at the Cornwall Golf and Country Club, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Information and registration forms here.

Oh, and if you're worried about the cost ... don't. They've made it affordable for everyone.

howling at the moon

I've always liked the hunter's moon best but if the weather cooperates we should be able to enjoy a harvest moon this weekend. I suspect the last bonfires of the summer will be lit this Saturday night. You city folk, restricted by open fire bylaws, might want to considered a really big bag of charcoal in the hibachi. With the right company and enough liquid refreshment it will be just wonderful. Really, it will.

Cross Border Relations

After we finished up with the Open Doors event on Sunday Maggie Wheeler hung around Nightingale House for a media interview. Click here to listen to Maggie's interview with North Country Radio's Todd Moe.

Tough Gig

We had another wonderful Open Doors weekend in the garden of Lesley and Stuart O'Gorman's Nightingale House Bed and Breakfast. It was a great oportunity for all those folks who drive by that magnificent house and wonder what it looks like inside. Although to be fair, I'm sure they've be happy to give you a tour if you asked.

Mom was there of course to flog the October launch of her latest book Of Curds and Whey- more about that in the weeks ahead. And just like last year we were joined by two really cool chicks and damn fine writers Anne-Marie Shields and Maggie Wheeler .

Me? I drank iced tea and sampled every one of Lesley's baked goodies. Several times.

Seawayvalley.com is running photo of "us girls" if you want to have a look. But be quick. There will be a new photo up there by tomorrow and I may not be able to post it here.

Sweet September

Where have I been?

Here...squeezing every last, sweet, drop of summer.