SAVE DEMOCRACY
I spent a busy day in Brandon … Oct. 9, for it was a day the political leaders were delivering their speeches and declaring nominations. I decided to attend and listen to Green Party leader Elizabeth May. I was not disappointed with my choice.
The near two hour presentation, with questions and answers included, was a joy to listen to, and the standing ovation of appreciation was well deserved.
Green leader Elizabeth May does not make promises that are only bafflegab by the majority of today’s politicians. She is a superb speaker and a great parliamentarian that tells it like it is, and makes no bones about it.
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Her one discussion Save Democracy from Politics, was factual of what is taking place in Canada.
It would be a great deal less expensive for all Canadian citizens and taxpayers to send robot drones as our constituent representatives to Ottawa, she tells us, for the grassroots concept has been virtually eliminated.
I think the robot drones are definitely a worthy consideration. A little lubricating oil and occasional spray to keep irritating squeaks to a minimum would not be expensive to maintain.
Through time, former prime ministers and the (Stephen) Harper government of today have accelerated the PMOs office as the Borg collective control.
Resistance is futile and our MPs are assimilated, or cast aside and eliminated. (Those familiar with The Next Generation can relate to the Borg). And like a spreading disease of cancer, this has infected levels of our provincial and municipal governments as well.
But seriously, Canadians must speak out and breathe life back into the flickering embers of democracy to restore the flame, or in years to come, anarchy, such as we see and read about in other countries, will become a reality in Canada. Is that what we want?
It sure is not something that I would want to look forward to for my children and grandchildren.
John Fefchak,
Virden, Man.
FUTURE OF MEAT
Your columnist Kevin Hursh, along with the (Sask. premier Brad) Wall and (prime minister Stephen) Harper governments, always seem to tout “the science” when making claims that (genetically modified organisms) GMOs, hormones, antibiotics, and the like are safe for animal and human consumption.
I’m left wondering what science they are using to back up these claims, however.
In September 2012, the results of the first ever long-term animal feeding trial of genetically modified corn and glyphosate residue were re-leased, led by Gilles-Eric Seralini of the University of Caen in France.
The study results found much higher incidences of tumours, digestive problems, organ damage, and premature death in lab rats fed GM corn and glyphosate residue, the primary ingredient in Roundup.
In 2013, the results of a feeding study done on just-weaned pigs were released, conducted by Judy Carman of Flinders University in Australia.
It found that a diet of GM corn and soy produced severe stomach inflammation in the pigs, as well as enlargement of the uteruses in female pigs, indicating digestive and reproductive damage from GM diets.
Also in 2013, the results of a study on glyphosate excretion in the urine of Danish dairy cattle were released, led by Dr. Monica Kruger.
This study found that glyphosate was excreted in varying amounts by all the cattle studied from eight different farms. Blood tests showed toxicity, with a particular effect on liver and muscle cells, indicating glyphosate is toxic to the metabolism of dairy cattle.
People don’t want added hormones, antibiotics, steroids, or genetically modified organisms in their food.
The beef industry can adjust to this fact and provide what the people want, or it can step out of the way as companies like A&W move forward.
Antibiotic, hormone and GMO-free meat is the future. Good job A&W for reading the writing on the wall.
Jillian MacPherson,
HEALTHY INDULGENCE
Cam Dahl’s belligerent op-ed “Good old days were not always so good” (WP Oct. 3) is rife with simplistic reasoning, starting very early with his inclusion of gluten-free with certain other dietary demands.
Whereas many criteria — local, organic, etc. — are on the rise out of concern for future health — bodily, environmental — the rising need for gluten-free food is immediate.
Without having Celiac disease, Mr. Dahl can’t comprehend the ill effects of eating gluten for one out of 133 Canadians (Canadian Celiac Association).
In the good old days, maybe fewer people were gluten-intolerant. Tiring of hearing about the growing list of dietary restrictions/demands, and seeing fit to downplay, dismiss and counter them wholesale, is the indulgence of someone blessed with health — or, in possibly many cases, someone who doesn’t realize he could feel healthier with some dietary changes.
Greg deJong,
Clearwater, Man.
PICTURE NOT SAFE
Sept. 26 paper, on the cover you show a man that is not wearing any safety gear. The man is not wearing coveralls, face mask and a helmet. He did not put a rock under the machinery that he was welding, and the machine could have fallen on him.
In school, we learn about farm safety. Your picture is not safe.
Kayla Bertschy,
Milo, Alta.
WHAT A BUY
Anyone having gone to an auction sale would hear the words, “Wa da buy”. I applied it to my cheque from Viterra shares.
Backing up to my original shares in the (Saskatchewan Wheat) Pool and UGG (United Grain Growers), I had approximately $60,000. My monies from the new owners were $615. “Wa da buy!”
This treatment seems to carry on in our government. The money from the CWB was taken by the government.
The minister of agriculture said we would have a vote before the demolishing of the board. I very much question the use of the word “honourable” in front of the title minister of agriculture. Have a nice day.
Gerald Kobelsky,
Landis, Sask.
FROSTY FULL MOON
A few issues ago of The Western Producer, a front page story stated that full moon and frost have no correlation.
I awoke Sept. 20, and discovered that my Environment Canada minimum thermometer registered -2 C. I looked on my calendar and found in large letters on Sept. 19 — full moon. Sure enough, they do not have any correlation at all. It is a fact.
Our ancestors living here in Saskatchewan found out quite a long time ago that it was better than a 50-50 chance of frost on or very near a full moon in September.
Modern technology is all very fine but 90 percent of the time I will put my money on local legends because they are not run by computers.
A frost and the full moon may not occur as often as the dawn of a new day occurring at sunrise, but it certainly can most of the time in September.
Delwyn Jansen,
Humboldt, Sask.
