explaining the shell games is always interesting to us dim witted.

i guess we just didn't learn at the carnivals when we were younger,that people of the campbell brothers ilk always play with an extra edge .

those greasy smiles and fast talking vendors have taken over our governance and seeing carole taylor with those glasses on almost makes her look intelligent,of course that's the deception her handlers were going for.

Speaking of RAV, the real cost to the taxpayers will be about $6 billion over 40 years and that is 2003 dollars and that is if the project is built at the Predicted $1.9 billion. But costs have now past $2.2 billion and serious work on the project hve yet to begin.

The Auditor General's report on RAV is now many months late, with rumours that he is unhappy with ridership modelling and subway costs.

RAV is no longer a PPP as public service pension plan money is now funding RAV and if the project blows-up in the Premier's face, they may need several billion to build it or pay off law suits!

This is why Falcon want to make TransLink a Crown Corporation (the current SkyTrain/Grinell/Vancoc - TransLink Circus) to hide the fact that Campbell & Co. screwed up big time on RAV!

The current Minister of Finance is an old Liberal 'hack', married to an even older Liberal 'hack' and will fudge the books big time.

but will, natural gas has almost halved since the fall. should she have budgeted based on the inflated, post-katrina prices or taken a more cautious approach?

It is good to read all that rhetoric explained. As a public sector union member I never once thought that money would magically disappear midnight March 31. I always said she under forecast her surplus because of negotiations. Now how about a break on gas or land transfer tax which is giving them the windfall?

Why not just put your "signing bonus" towards that?

There is no doubt that there has been some fudging.(p) However, the greedy and ungiving BCGEU and BCTF will be more than a little willing to gouge the BC tax payer for more and more and more.... (p) Frankly, I've had enough and applaud any attempts to keep my taxes down.

"Why not just put your "signing bonus" towards that?"

The Liberals stole a lot of money from Hospital workers by ripping up their contracts and rolling back their wages. The Public sector has lived with a stream of zero percent wage increases over the last 10 years.

In order to avoid labour disruptions in the run up to the Olympics, Carole Taylor offered a carrot to the govermnents unionized workers "the signing bonus". It seems to be getting them what they wanted, quick settlements. I don't think they'd have any of these deals done without the bonus.

Actually I will be putting my bonus toward the increased cost to heat my home, the jump in my property taxes, the increased fees now being charged on all the government services I use.

The government should use some of the remaining budget surplus to bring these costs down for everyone, not just rolling it all into investments and debt reduction.

to bad the disabled don't get a signing bonus ,maybe then they could pick themselves up by their own bootstraps...

that is , after they can finally buy a pair !

no children's signing bonus,no poor single mothers signing bonus,no bonus or squat for the poor in general...then again most of these people don't vote...because they are NIHLISTS...they have lost all hope and with people like taylor at the helm of the good ship MEFIRST ,it's small wonder.

Very true. However, in theory, the union negotiated those 0-0-0 contracts in exchange for other things; typically, benefits, pensions, limitations on contracting out, and other non-wage (but non-trivial) compensations.

It is all a giant game between the unions and employers. The province could have easily given wage increases in previous years instead of a costly "signing bonus" this year, but then it would not have been able to posture as thrifty, no-nonsense guardians of the taxman's purse come election time.

Similarly, the union leadership is always able to posture as tough, no-nonsense guardians of the worker, e.g. taking their members out on a strike in order to obtain a settlement which very nearly matches the lost wages.

good points YAMMER ,and one thing those rocket scientists running the unions missed is,what does the rest of the populace think about those signing bonuses?

that was the premise of my short piece above.

DO YOU REALLY THINK THE PUBLIC ACCEPTS THIS BULL$HIT...SIGNING BONUS...FOR WHAT?

are you some sort of PRIMA DONNA HOCKEY PLAYER...

do we really need you ? or can we fire you,like REAGAN FIRED THE CLOWNS THAT THOUGHT THEY WERE INDISPENSABLE?

the fuel has been added to the fire,look to more union busting by the ubnions themselves.

Good article!

However, remember that you have to play politics with budgets, especially in BC.

Natural Gas prices have been halved since August, and revenues are due in part to resource prices.

Special interest groups don't see past today. The see a massive budget and want funding NOW - whether it be tax cuts or social spending.

The problem with funding is that once it is given, it is very difficult to yank - or else, there is a massive public back-lash.

People always want more in good times, but are never willing to give back during the bad times. So, the government must be very careful in establishing new funding - especially in light of the volatility of provincial revenues.

mabellbc or is it carole taylor ? it doesn't matter does it , it's the government playbook you are reading out of.

and it doesn't matter which government,they are all the same when it comes to doling out the cash,give it to the ones that will vote for us,we don't care if they don't need it,they will always find a way to spend it.

playing the numbers game always benefits those that least need it in any budget,and while those that have scream about the fudge ,those that have not keep costing us more and more.

looks like your elderly parents will be getting more soon,to bad it's coming out of our pockets and not just yours,you might learn what hardship is all about.

mabellbc
Given this statement, I take it you're in favour of a tax increase right now so all you high-achieving coupon clipping land owners can give back some of the excessive profits you've been pocketing since your buddy Campbell came to power. I guess you're also in favour of even bigger contract for all your labour union friends who have been cutting the wood and drawing the water for you too.

Things have been pretty good for you lately, mabell, as you're busy pointing out on another thread at this very time. Time for a little pay back - right!

I am so fed up with self serving union rhetoric.
Mr. Kann is quite correct when he points out the needs of the little income people in this province.
When the public looks for services, you can't have Saturday office openings (like those I remember as a kid) or longer service hours. NOOO! Heaven forbid we should expect something from these over-paid whiners. Unions all want the big bucks and benefits for their members (and that's their job), but somewhere along the way, the average non-union worker in the fast food joints, the full-time-part time employee at your local super market, the waitress/single mom in the local greasy spoon all work for peanuts and tips from cheapskate union people... get nuthin'.
And once again, the tax paying public, mostly those the unions say their interests they are looking out for, get royally screwed.
If the unions really wanted to impress the public, they would demand a rebate or something like it for the people. But... greedy and self serving... they won't.

freebc
No question nonunionized people should get a better deal. Walmart workers should have a union, so should the guys at the 7/11 and the corner store. But don't forget who got the biggest tax savings when Gordon Campbell's government was elected. It sure wasn't working people. Know your facts, find out who your real friends are and remember the greediest pigs are usually the ones who own the trough and that sure as the devil isn't the unions.

g west,you're getting a little excited in your last statement,they don't OWN THE TROUGH...WE DO.

unfortunately,we don't get to feed at it,so i can see where you are coming from,BY DEFAULT,because we don't fight for our rights,THEY ARE THE PRIME FEEDERS.they just throw out crumbs once in awhile to us other farmyard animals...where's george orwell when you need him ,eh ?

then again we are talking about carole taylors fudge and mmmmmnnnn aint it good !

Excellent. I knew you and 2 or 3 others would get the point. Man, we have'nt even broken a sweat yet, I get more hot and bothered about kilometer 5 of my daily 8 k run.
Keeps both mind and body at their best.

The biggest feeders at the trough are the Board of Trade and Chamber's of Commerce. They love that taxpayer money for their pet mega projects, but heavens forbid, if some working grunts get a few extra sheckels.

It's easier to hate unions than actually understand where the money is really going. Just blame the unions and you will feel better!

Carole, Campbell, & Co. have to start thinking about finding the money for the MASSIVE 2010 overruns that WILL haunt BC for decades to come..............

IOC President Jacques Rogge says if there is no snow in Whistler in 2010, why we can just scrape some off the surrounding mountains and truck it to Whistler. That in itself will use up a few billions.......wonder who might have that contract.....?

Nothing in this piece disturbs me. It makes lots of sense for the government to sock away the windfall revenue from commodity prices.

The last NDP government failed to do that. Instead, they made long-term spending commitments on fickle resource revenue sources, and look what happened to BC: "excessive revenue optimism" as then-finance minister Elizabeth Cull called it.

Taylor's approach to securing labour peace seems to be working. The only union that is not taking the signing bonus plan seriously is the BCTF. Their leader will lead them over another cliff as sure as day follows night.

freebc:

I know this sounds simplistic and glib, but: why not contact the union of your choice and have them send out an organizer? The MickyD worker in Germany is unionized; why not in Canada? And WalMart! Get with the program! If you're not part of the solution (unionized), then you're part of the problem.

Martin:

NDP and windfall revenues is something like an oxymoron. The NDP were salvaging this province from the devestation wrought in Socred times (why else did the people elect them?), and were set to reap windfall benefits when the 5th columnist Clark scuttled the party.

Martin... so very true. The TF president has that public opinion noose firmly around her neck already.

i was right you are a liberal toady,rightleftideologue.

an ideologue ...right...left...are you confused to where you are ?

i forgot ,you are here to troll...have fun !

You don't need to walk the line to see that the TF has dug its own grave. People will see that every other public sector union has settled and wonder why the teacher's can't do the same?

RightLeft:

They may well wonder. But if it turns out as you predict, I'll wager it's because there are unresolved non-wage issues that need to be addressed (working conditions).

However, I hold out a modicum of hope based on the fact that, as per media reports, the BCGEU has come to some agreement on contracting-out provisions. Perhaps there's hope for teachers' working conditions issues yet.

I suspect that the non-wage issues, such as the number of designated students allowed in each class, will be worked out this time around. Taylor's strategy may see teachers who teach subjects that are difficult to staff, such as French, special ed., or Physics, receive pay raises that are higher than others. This should have been done a long time ago...school boards would have like to do it back when the shortages were really being felt. As for other teachers, a small increase might be acceptable (on par with the BCGEU). This might seem fair. Eventually the government is going to have to get around to gutting some of the rather rich benefits package that teachers have. Things like reproductive drugs should not be covered by the taxpayer...they are simply too expensive.

RightLeft:

Trust me: NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN!

I'll bet the farm on it. That violates fundamental union principles (like them or not). Just like elementary and secondary teachers in this province earn the same -- that's just how it is (and will stay).

RightLeft:

What ARE you talking about?! What's rich? Be specific....

Grub:

Reproductive drugs are covered by the health plan, or at least were, until 2002. I am not sure if they are still, but I would suspect they still are.

Orthodontics are also covered, though I am not sure what the deductible is now. I am trying to find some info on this right now.

RightLeft:

I plead ignorance... I haven't a clue what they are.

Anyway, are you suggesting teachers swallow them by the bucket-load? Is that why it's an expensive benefit?

RightLeft:

I thought all reasonable plans had this partially covered... I guess I'm a lucky guy... not just the teachers...

The information for costs of the health plan are not on the internet. When I have a chance, I will dig it up. When I last looked though, the discussion was that ONE cycle of reproductive drugs (the cost may have come down since 2002) was in the order of $50,000. This may include the costs of the ancilliary services needed to assist the process, but regardless, that is that is a substantial amount of money.

There are many uses for our resource windfall, but is it ours...

a non-renewable resource used is a cost to future generations...

if we are looking for ways to utilize these public windfalls, and they are public, then let's look to see how these monies can support our future generation's 'health'. I mean 'health' in the broadest sense.

Health may mean, free post education, a resource and supportive-rich learning environment, a clean environment, the ability to resolve conflict without harming others, etc...

And then there's our elderly...

The vemonous anti-union rhetoric of haroldkann and others is getting a bit thick.

So now the "greedy unions" won't look after the non-union workforce. Give it a rest fellow.

You sound about as deep as a vulture angry that it's meal provider eat too much of the carrion.

All I can suggest is if you don't like the pecking order get organized.

Instead of insisting that unions quit negotiating anything that might improve their memberships' income, benefits and rights, why don't you go and ask your non-union boss why he or she won't give you a raise?

Rather than looking like a fool with your ill-thought rant, why not just insist that the boss quit counting on your willingness to do more work for less.

Or could the issue be Haroldkann, that you are the boss and you simply don't like having to pay competitive wages and that you want your government to unfairly intervene in the constitutionally protected right to free collectively bargaining?

As for the signing bonus, it's rather arrogant of you to suggest union workers volunteer to give it up so that some of that money can be paid to subsidize workers who are ripped off by cheats, intellectual thugs and other "free-enterprise" business types.

The signing bonuses were part of Carole Taylor's scam. They were not something the unions put on the table and remember that this is the same government that took far more away from workers in the last set of public sector bargaining when it simply ripped up contracts.

Now, having said all that I would urge you to come back to this debate with a shred of fact rather than the usual tripe tossed out in Vancouver Sun editorials or trumpetted by right-wing business funded "think tanks like the Fraser Institute or the Vancouver Board of Trade.

allan:

Instead of insisting that unions quit negotiating anything that might improve their memberships' income, benefits and rights, why don't you go and ask your non-union boss why he or she won't give you a raise?

Too right!

typical union whiner that you are allan,i expected a bite from some frothing at the mouth blowhard,like you in particular.

i worked with the united auto workers and can sit here for the next couple of days relating horror stories of DEADBEAT UNION WORKERS.

but,i can also spend the time talking about the EXEMPLARY UNION WORKERS.

you see ,i see things EVENLY.

when you get signing bonuses like HOCKEY STARS ,i want to know why you,FAT AND BLOATED,are getting something that ,OTHERS DESERVE JUST AS MUCH,IF NOT MORE.

if you think you are more deserving than some poor putz that has been CHEATED out of WCB,a fair hearing and is laid up the rest of his/her life through no fault of their own to suffer in misery on disability.let us know allan,because we all know how you like to froth at the mouth about how great your unions are .

i love your ,bloated union rhetoric,but what's more is that i love the union members that know what's right and work QUIETLY on those issues and resolve them without question or asking for accolades.

so,blow as hard as you can allan,show us what stuff you are made of,besides hot air and union rhetoric.

I don't see how bargaining signing bonuses make Union members seem like Hockey Stars. The signing bonus is a normal part of bargaining strategy. It is to the Employers advantage to bargain a signing bonus. The signing bonus is used to entice the employees to accept a smaller percentage increase. This saves teh employeer millions of dollars as a signing bonus is a one time payment.

As for that dimwitted comment about a worker beeing cheated out of their WCB claim, I don't see how that has anything to do with Unions. The government controls the WCB and has demisished its effectiveness significantly. If you don't have a Union representative to help you through the WCB appeals process, you will get screwed, you can the Gordo for that.

Fortunately, some 64% of the working population in BC in non-unionzied, so we get to have the say in what public sector unionized workers get. I think thats only fair. Well, and we pay the majority of their salaries and benefits.

another blowhard,that thinks just because he is in a union ,whatever the union does is right.
you running interference for that mental midget allan,i have been in a few of the bigger unions and i have never gotten a signing bonus.UNITED AUTO WORKERS,STEELWORKERS,TEAMSTERS

so i would say you are full of sh!t...this signing bonus scam as it was called by one of your peers is exactly that.a scam to get you back to work and also to show the rest of the populace what special people you think you are,you played right into carole taylors hands,her stint at the CBC running it smoothly should have set off alarm bells in your union big wig offices,apparently they were at the local watering holes already drinking up their bonuses.SMART BUNCH!

the fat a$$ed jack munroe clones of the good ship MEFIRST.

and like most rabid union members you know everything about WCB,POLITICS,ETC.and the best answer you can supply ,is,blame gordo.

shows the scope of the mental dexterity used by many of the rabid union members that like the sound of their own voices.

I too blame Gordo only because he deserves it. He broke all his promises to his constituants to please his corporate supporters on Howe street.

i blame the KAMPBELL KLAN for a lot of things as well,but i try to aim my shots,not cheney style shotgun blast with birdshot everywhere hoping to hit something.

KAMPBELL is a moron and an easy target,so what else.was the fact that legal aid was cut so people like the victim i mentioned can no longer get help,and the system now pays when it should have been his employer.THAT WAS KAMPBELL.

a little common sense and less hot air is what i expect from the intelligent sector of the unions and i know for a fact,it is there, as usual quietly working in the ranks while the blowhards exercise their vocal cords and their limited vocabularies.

'THAT WAS KAMPBELL'. how pedestrian of you to simplify so carelessly. have you any understanding of gov't at all? i'd say you might be the moron here.

haraldkann

Easy with the "mental midget" references, eh? What you're very clearly failing to comprehend is that the UNIONS DID NOT put the signing bonuses on the table. The gov't side did that.

So what would you have the unions do? Say, "No thank you." After having contracts gutted over the past few iterations, it'd be kinda nice to get a wad of cash along with some percentage increases. [And i think everyone see them for what they are: bribes!]

haraldkann:

Hey, chill, buddy! You've got some very deep-seated anger issues. Rather than engaging in drive-by postings, why don't you share some of your pain with us. All that rage can't be good for you.

i know exactly who put the BONUS on the table and the reasoning behind it,as i have shown in previous posts.carole taylors turds are smarter than most of your big mouthed union reps.god every time i think of people like jack munroe i want to puke,big mouth ,arrogant blowhards,that is the view from the peanut gallery,when i was working and in a union,that persona was the first i was questioned about...HOW CAN YOU BACK A CREEP LIKE,BUZZ,JACK,WHOEVER ?

as i said it was an incentive to sign,but also to piss off the others/rest of us,that the unions were getting a bigger piece of the pie,thereby creating ANIMOSITY in the masses.the liberals knew of your greed and exploited it perfectly,thereby busting unions more effectively than any other device i have seen,you shot yourselves in the foot accepting those signing bonuses.

and i am not saying you dont deserve it,i am saying others deserve it more.

LOOK AT HOW MANY HOMELESS ARE ON THE STREET.
that is the KAMPBELL KLAN at its best and you are helping them there with your self interest.do i see any unions building anything for community use to house and feed the homeless the poor,the disabled.you seem to want them in your camp when you are in bed with the NDP but as soon as the elections are over,bye,bye.

so don't presume you know everything by reading a post,because first you have to understand what it is you are reading and when you comprehend,then intelligent debate can begin.
as to the enthusiasm of my posts ,i make it clear you are not dealing with an intellectual lightweight with no experience.

my politics are centrist/humanitarian,right down the middle,you are no more than what you provide for the better of all,and good unions/members are as important to me as ,good government/politicians,as is good citizenry.

and as we all know,there is a real short supply of decent people around these days,they are usually quietly working or running to get out of the line of fire.

and your cheap dime store,psychology should be practised ,elsewhere...

I'm certainly delighted that you took up my challenge to debate haroldkann, but as usual you forgot to provide any facts.

In fact, I doubt you worked for the United Auto Workers. You might have sponged of the UAW memberships' ability to get better than average benefits.

Oh, and please don't give us this weak-kneed management line about "lazy union workers who can't get fired."

Shallow, shallow, shallow fellow. All it takes to fire a "lazy union worker" is due process, usually through a progressive discipline process.

I realize that's a bit deep for you, but believe me any manager worthy of the title ought to be able to get through it.

It's usually note taking, speaking with the individual worker about performance and then progressively stronger penalties if the problem continues.

Now sometimes a manager will simply say "you're fired", but the union worker does have a right to a fair hearing through the greivance process, as all workers should, and if the manager has been a slacker himself and not done his homework then he gets to wear the dunce hat.

Pretty simple, I'm surprised you missed that mechanism, or maybe it just got in the way of your intended anti-union blather.

Now I realize even progressive discipline is lots compared to the process non-union workers may be subject to, such as being told to screw-off or you're fired, even if it's simply because the boss doesn't like your looks.

But I suspect you came to Tyee not to talk about your union involvement but to try to throw crap as you have been doing.

Look fellow, I don't know you, but I think you are hot air and if I'm a mental midget you were stillborn.

You stated specifically the unions demanded signing bonuses and now that you have been challenged and look like a dork you try to weasel your words to suggest you knew that already.

If you did, why didn't you say so. I think it's because you know the government offered the bonuses but you were not gifted with either much honest nor integrety allowing you to say just about anything to try to prove a point.

As I stated before, try introducing a real fact.

Please elaborate on this because most people see right through you little charade. We all know we are not dealing with an intellectual lightweight with no experience. You are a lightweight and your experience is certainly lacking in your post.

Go ahead and try to insult me lightweight, but, as I mentioned before add a fact or two.
The bullshit and blather is rather pathetic for an adult. You are one, aren't you?

the usual rabid unionist tripe,you are so vacant.

haroldkann, that is such a pathetic way to weasel your way out of a debate.

Hey, I'll let others compare my rabid with your rabid.

I, at least, used facts to back mine up, not the empty rhetoric you spew. Actually, I must thank you for not doing it in caps, which must have been quite a challenge to a hothead like yourself.

Hey, at least tell me more about those "lazy union workers" who can't be fired. Counter my arguments on progressive discipline.

Don't run away mouthing shallow insults. That's what lightweights do.

BTW haroldkann, you write and use the same rhetoric as another guy who used to post here but hasn't in recent weeks. Tell me, do you too have a Brain?

sitting here reading your pathetic attempts to instigate a hollow debate is as funny as watching one of your brain dead reps screaming about the ruling class,spit,drooling down his chin...

keep it up,i really enjoy your vacant posturing.

the fata$$ed jack munroe comes to mind when cretins like you start mouthing empty rhetoric...

Well haroldkann, I'm going to ignore all the cheap trash you spew and just deal with what you put forward that might be considered fact.

It won't take long even if I stretch credibility by calling some of it factual.

A hollow debate: Well you said union workers can't be fired. I proved they can but not if management is as shallow as you.

"One of your brain dead reps screaming about the ruling class, spit, drooling down his chin": now that's quite the comment but a little off the mark..

I am not involved with any union and haven't been for more than a year so I don't have a rep, brain dead or not.

Most of the reps I worked with in the last union I worked for (rather than being a member), were women, but then I'll let that slide and give you time to catch up on changes in the workplace since the 1960s.

Let me pull your best comment out of that last blather, the "screaming about the ruling class."

It would appear you watch too many old movies. Terrible place to get an education Brain.

Since this Tyee topic was about public sector unions, I suspect reps would be screaming about right-wing governments, but don't take my word for it.

Go and ask a couple of them, but turn down your open hatred or you'll find out pretty fast you've lived most of your life in the slow lane my friend.

"The fata$$ed jack munroe comes to mind" : has got to be the winner. BTW, Jack Munroe hasn't been a union leader since Bill VanderZalm was a premier, but don't let a mild case of staledating temper your wisdom there wise one.

Next time you might toss in Jimmy Hoffa (the original), or Sam Gompers or one of those other near current names.

Oh, and of course, the final prize goes for "mouthing empty rhetoric" : did you just think that gem up or borrow it from one of your earlier Tyee postings Brain?

Your turn.

i saw jenny sims on the news tonight and she sounded really good,compared to what she used to sound like.

jack,buzz,doesn't matter what the date,those dinosaurs turn peoples stomachs,even today when the union mentallity rises it's ugly head in the news.

and not being able to fire someone? i have seen so many cliques in unions and you know allan,they all have people like you ,uninformed big mouths,but really good at kissing a$$e$,and smoozing bigtime,rarely see you working when your hanging off the bosses and union big boys/girls.really the epitome of sycophancy.

haraldkann, earlier I suggested that you've got some very deep-seated anger issues. I asked if you'd share some of your pain with us. What brings about your hatred of unions? It appears almost irrational.

Share with us, brother.

Hi Haraldkann,
Lets assume you're right, Unions are bullshit and don't have the right to exist. They are full a**holes and think only of themselves, they've never done a lick of good, get rid of them forever.
So tell me fellow citizen Haraldkann, what have you and/or your buddies done for anybody but themselves lately? I don't see your government helping out your disabled friend with her WCB claim, and by the way, who turned WCB in the piece of shite it is today?
I've been a union member/activist for many years and have been through several rounds of bargaining (private sector).
Signing bonuses are to the employers advantage, as they are much cheaper than a percentage increase. I feel that its the employees who are ripped off when they agree to accept signing bonuses.
Unions are tied to the left wing and actively support their cause. Why is that any different than the people who support the right wing cause?? Should all the Unions and lefties disappear off the face of the earth just because you had a bad experience? If thats the case, the right wing should be exterminated because I've had bad experiences because of them.

Haroldkann (aka The Brain), for a second there I thought you were going to actually present a fact, but alas, just more anger and dumbness.

Careful fellow, that leads only to frustration and, given your propensity to flash, could push your blood pressure beyond the popping stage.

No, your comment about firing people in your last paragraph was simply a lead-in for some quite nasty comments.

What do you mean uninformed. I informed you about progressive discipline, I informed you that Jack Munroe is ancient history and I informed you that the article was about public sector bargaining, but no, I'm the one not informed?

I would ask you to take back some of those comments in your last paragraph as they are mean-spirited, but that would be a waste of time with someone as petty as yourself.

Besides the comments are so you, which most readers will no doubt have noticed by now.

Instead I'll simply tell you I don't hang off anyone or kiss anyone's ass as you claim little boy.

No, in fact I recommend readers go into the Tyee archives covering the past six months or so and look for you columns under your old handle (The Brain), where you gave lessons on lip persing for benefit.

It is quite amazing that you continue to show your ignorances of so many things you over-write on.

Look haroldkann or The Brain or whatever tag you might show next week, if you are going to flit about on Tyee like some still-wet-behind-the-ears junior social butterfly, think before you type and then think before you hit send.

Finally, I suspect that I am likely close to two decades older than you but I would be delighted if somehow someday you would make those same statements right to my face.

But I hardly have to worry about that from someone who hides behind so many different names. None-the-less, the offer is out there should you wish to take me up sometime.

Brain, you can hide behind any number of noms-de-plume but not for very long. Most of us know how deep your deep end is from your Brain diatribes.

thats my name ,not my handle.

and your invite to personal fisticuffs is a joke like your dialog.had you read my posts more carefully ,you would have seen i said nothing of firing deadbeats.i threw that in my last post because they are like you ,big mouth,smoozing,sychophants.hot air and little else.

i am in the phone book,LOOK ME UP

I didn't invite you to fisticuffs Brain (aka - haroldkann) I invited you to make those statements to my face.

Subtle difference that is obviously lost on someone of your depth.

Look the best thing you can do is grow up and get over your hatred of something you are really thin on knowledge about.

Yes it shows. Your anger just highlights the lack of detail in your posts. Insult, insult, insult.

You may have changes your name here on Tyee, but your stripes are as anti-union as I've seen and the anger, well it says volumes about your state of mind.

allan, you may be right, but I don't see the brain in harald's posts... brain = long and ponderous... harald = staccato with bad punctuation

which leads to a comical aside wondering who posts under what names... have allan and frank ever been seen together... i find your views and styles VERY SIMILAR...

i hunt and peck on the keyboard and having read brains long postings,i would still be typing out my first post at those lengths.

and i don't hate unions,just blowhards that can't read...

and as an ex pyschiatric child care worker dealing in behaviour modification(my first job after the military)i can tell you,that in no way are you qualified to tell me i have anger issues...you cannot even read !

but i do notice,you really have some mental health issues,you can't seem to be able to make sense,you just babble on,and on,and on,and on.

Grub, I wouldn't be upset if someone thought that I had written most of frank's postings.

I happen to agree with him often, but I don't want to saddle him with any suspicion the stuff I let loose trips off his fingertips.

Besides my rants are usually longer than his.

Brain gave himself away with his strident anti-union stuff and his reference to one time links to the UAW.

When I began to call him on his post today his anger at being challenges was exactly the reaction I got from him before he adopted the haroldkann tag.

Yes, his posts are shorter. I'd say that was an effort on his part to move away from the epic posts that were his trademark.

The other clue was the lack of much of a fact base. Brain has always peppered his posts with more names and, when pushed, his posts have degenerated into repeat insults.

Maybe Haroldkann has simply opted to copy his style, but I think it takes a rational calmness neither have displayed so far to pull that scam off effectively.

No Haroldkann's inability to respond without anger and insult is not new to Tyee.

Grub, see what I mean. Look at his latest explosion.

Brain or haroldkann or whatever you wish to be called. Let's be clear, I am not the first on this post to suggest you have anger management issues that need fast attention.

No, you did not come on this post to slam me. It was unions you were bashing and bashing and bashing and then I called you on it so now it's me and unions you are bashing. Oh and this is about the fourth time, I believe you have claimed I have mental health problems.

Another habit of yours apparently when you lash out.

But you know what, I'm in good company. If you do have any expertice in behaviour modification I'd recommend you heal thyself sick puppy.

and your kind of hillbilly psychology allan is typical of union braggarts who have fallen in love with their egos.

your pathetic attemps at trying to discover something that is not there is typical of the vacant mind continously ...running on empty.

like i said,i am in the book,LOOK ME UP.

lefties fighting lefties. doesn't get any better than this.

like a weakling looking for verification...oh ! look .he's calling me names

what a pathetic genetic cesspool

i'm no leftie elliot,never have been,not a right wing biblethumper either

right down the middle, a centrist/humanitarian

My hands clap for Allan, I wish I could counter like that. Haraldkann you are going to blow someday.

look allan,more of your kind verifying your not alone in your vacuum...quick,collect some dues

finally allan,validation !

C'mon, let's get back to the surplus. Who was it that said Carole Taylor deserves the "Smart Cookie Award".

Ah heck with it.... I am enjoying some of the silliness, it's like sugar.

Ever notice that Carole Taylor never poses for photos standing straight? Always on that angle... do an image search on Google.

Any photographers here that can comment on that pose? I know Gordon has adopted that angle pose too....

the photo question is one you can answer youself,as in do you like it? and why do you like it?
photographers are not only used to take your picture,but to use their talents to make you look better than you really do and to garner empathy and trust,in other words,sell the product.

the tilting has an attractive empathetic quality,like a head tilt your child uses with his/her big eyes staring at you.the DISARMING POSE that children use ,is commonly used in photography.
not only does she look good,she is disarming and viewers open to her,you like the picture,you like her.
basic pyscholgy and basic photography,rolled into what we know as ADVERTISING and we know how much they spend on that.

Haroldkann(aka The Brain), in regard to your last post. Sorry buddy but I think I was simply verifying what a number of others had stated before me.

You are in need of some serious reflection, but I would receommend you not try it on your own.

"Hillbilly psychology" you say. Wow, you really loaded your flamethrower with the goods on that one Brain.

Actually I don't really look at it as psychology, but rather a simple analysis of writing styles and responses.

It certainly doesn't take a PhD to pick up on the fact that someone always picks up a scatter gun to deal with doubters.

There is a story making the headlines today out of Ohio that may give you a cause for real reflection Haroldkann.

It's about a whacked out old retiree who thinks his front yard is holier than thou.

His 15-year-old neighbour kid had the nerve to challenge his resolve when he cut across the grass on a quick run home.

The kid didn't make it. The old koot blasted him from inside his house with one barrel of a double barrel shotgun.

Then to make sure, apparently, that the child wouldn't endanger his well trimmed grass again, he walked out and emptied the other barrel on the child, killing him.

Tell me Haroldkann do you own any guns?

Will McMartin is wrong about the NDP's so-called Fudget Budget. The NDP DID, unfortunately, balance the budget. They did it the rightwing way---not raising welfare rates, cutting services, etc., etc. The NDP left the odious Liberals a $2 Billion surplus which a surprised Campbell quickly gave away to his rich friends. As for Taylor's reputed good photos-- I don't see it. I see an opportunistic, heartless, shallow-thinking spin doctor. There is not one iota of generosity or charity evident in those eyes and lips. Vacuous would describe her quite well, as it would the halfwits here who think that unions have outlived their usefulness. While I strongly believe that we need to cut off the timid heads at the top of most Labour organizations, unions are needed now as much as ever. Unions have the welfare of the people of Canada--and even the workers of the world--at heart. The overpaid, greedy and corrupt CEOs of major corporations don't give a darn about their workers--or even their customers (Telus' CEO Endwhistle is a good example of that). CEOs want slaves,and cheap slaves at that. They don't care about the environment or the survival of the planet and its wildlife. The Guillotine was made for fat heads like theirs.

STOP STOP STOP !!!!!!!!
ALL OF YOU STOP!!! (Me too)
Bitching is the only thing we are able to do in this stupid country.
In a desparate attempt, the Socreds introduced a referendum and asked whether we as BC'ers wanted recall and initiative.
Overwhelmingly, BC'ers said YES!
NDP premier Mike Harcourt obliged us with the pi$$ poor excuse for legislation we have today.
Unworkable recall, and initiative legislation that at best can only be descibed as a strongly worded suggestion to the house. Even if an initiative was to pass by the rules in place... the house and it's MLA's are under no compulsion to enact the results of any such referendum. WHY????
Because no political party, union, business group ect... wants the public, the people, the taxpayers, the voters... to have right to final say. Even if like our US friends, it's never or rarely used.
But we are Canadians. We just bitch and are hamstrung to be able to do anything about it. Something the feudal lords of Brittian stuck us with.
So. How do we fix it?
How about a political party who is put together to simply get these changes in, then fold?
Any takers? taximikeat telus dot net.

great revisionist history by marysue. shocking.

allan,you and i proved through our postings yesterday the animosity and rancor that is out there because of ILL THOUGHT OUT DECISIONS.

the bonuses were offered by the govt.to the unions as a scam(your words exactly and i agree)so to the consternation of the rest of us,the meatheads at the top figure it's a good idea to grab and brag.

so look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are really bright enough to understand the situation.

i think you are ,but being a rabid unionist you figure you"re deserving and right in every way.

there are more people not in unions in this province that work for a living and think you are not deserving.

like i said,carole taylor is UNION BUSTING and you are to greedy and unaware in your comfortable little cocoon to notice anything but your comfort.

and talking nonsense really isn't your style allan,i have read your previous postings,so get a rabies shot.

mmmmmnnnnn aint that fudge gooooood,thanx carole!

haraldkann"

They may "think" that, but what makes them right?

Further, you've never really answered the question: "why are they not in unions?" What about the bank workers? The fast food industry workers? The hospitality industry employees? If they think that they too are deserving (or even more deserving), why don't they get out and organize?

I guess they're not motivated enough.

who wants to pay a thug for protection ?

that's the line my father heard 50 years ago when he was an organizer in britan and that mentallity is here to stay,especially with windbags like allan frothing at the mouth.

you see when you are talking,you are not listening and that's the biggest turn off to many who know the constant union rhetoric is nothing more than brainwashing,pure and simple.

they may think they are right,but what makes them right? the same thing that makes you think you are right.TAXES AND THE FACT WE LIVE IN A DEMOCRACY.for you to get,others give and not just the employers.

and sounding like a real right winger"they're not motivated enough.

i have read your posts and if i nam not mistaken ,you claim to be a teacher,or have been,and your rhetoric is just as rabid ,once you get going,as that blowhard allan.

so ,you see,most of us just don't like being around people like you unless absolutely necessary,we don't like being sprayed with your spit while you're ranting about anything that irks you that day...instead of working.

G West -

Just took a look at your post - yes, I am paying more taxes - more than I ever have.

My tax rate may be lower, but my taxable income has more than increased to off-set the tax cuts.

Economics my friend! Our simple business has done better than ever, although we have benefited from the building boom. No, I am not a developer or in construction.

mabellbc:

Hey, for a change you got things right!

However, to what do you attribute the building boom? Can you spell L-O-W interest rates? Can you spell demand for C-O-M-M-O-D-I-T-I-E-S? Can you comprehand the relationship between demand for commodities and the value of our dollar?

haraldkann -

they sure do swallow their union rhetoric, although I guess I may swallow the pro-business rhetoric.

it all boils down to what we want in society.

left-wingers are generally the less-motivated "have-not's" of our society - some are actually very caring. they envision a society with more holidays and more wealth equality. they want more for less, end of story. they are generally "lifestyle" people.

right-wingers are generally well-off and more motivated. they wish to maximize their earnings and wealth. we too are selfish. they believe in hard-work and opportunity even at the sacrifice of lifestyle.

each side spins it and both are right to a degree. many people are worse-off under the campbell administration - however, at large, more are better off than not. That is why they were re-elected, and will be re-elected in the future.

mabellbc
Good for you! Since the rates are lower, and that's especially the case if you're operating an incoporated business, then you are doing very well indeed. I supposrt your good taste and might suggest - were I to know you better - that you selected your parents and your friends very well. If you know what I mean

Would that the people who actually need extra money were doing as well too.

Should be 'incorporated' and 'support' above - sorry. I can't get over the fact that you're not female and I'm old enough that I can't prevent my traditional deference toward the fair sex keep me from being more dismissive of the rest of your largely meaningless post. But I'll get over it!

G West... you have to be retired. You have way to much time to play.

I have to wonder how many people are actually looking at this and thinking about what is being said.
Course you gotta think that some here aren't thinking...

freebc
Actually not, retired, I mean, I'm doing bloody tax returns and the boredom gets to one now and again.
So I shut it down for a few minutes and see what inanities I can find around here to deal with. It is quite therapeutic and I’m avoiding going for my daily run because it looks like rain. I'm paying the bills and I keep the time clock and this stuff is really like piece-work (the tax forms I mean) anyway. The hard work was getting the petit bourgeois business people to empty the boxes they use to keep track of their 'very efficient' and productive operations. Is that enough irony for you,
Cheers.

mabellbc:

I am a lLeft-winger" , am self-employed tradesperson, and am about as motivated as anyone else I know. However, becauase I want to avoid the all-too-predictable fate of many "right-wingers" (see below), I want to be able to enjoy myself somewhat during my wealth accumulation. But as a "left-winger", I beleive in initial welath equality. No one person (including corporate entities) has any more "right" to the physical resources of this nation than anyone else. They simple cannot be privately owned. We have yet to find a reasonabvle way to distribute this wealth, and while we prevaricate over this, it is being shipped out at ever-increasing rates, and one day we will come to a solution, only to find that "Fraser has left the building".

You've got to ask yourself "to what end though". Most "right-wingers" I know spend most of their lives assembling their assets, then don't know what to do, especially when they find out the "goals" are quite empty of any real meaning.

grub -

It's been a while, but I did once obtain a minor in economics - as you can tell from my posts, i stayed far away from english and literature.

I could find you a couple of graphs, which prove what tax cuts do for an economy.

Also, you neglect discuss the change in the regulatory environment. For starters, do you believe the NDP would let the oil and gas drillers have their way? They would be all over them.

Business has had the freedom to operate, and red-tape has been reduced.

Grub - stop buying into your union rhetoric. The economy will always do better under the BC Liberals.

At whose expense?

For whom?

More to the point.... at the sacrifice of life itself.

Well-off? Hardly.

Lynn
Like I said, I have to keep remembering that he's not a woman. I suppose that might seem sexist, but I assure you it's not. You'll remember I thought maybellbc was channeling Grace McCarthy when I took him for a woman.

In any case, nicely done.

mabellbc:

That would have to have been "minor" with a capital-M. From your posts on Tyee, you'd better stick with whatever your major was, 'cause your grasp of econ is fleeting at best. It puts me in mind of: "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing".

You ask:

Answer "NO!"

Question: "Do you think the oil and gas drillers should have their way?" [I like the way yiu phrased it; much like rape -- the oil and gas drillers having their way with our environment?]

BTW, are they "having their way" under the Liberals?

mabellbc:

Here you show that you're really not cut out for econ or any other academic pursuit. It's very rare that you can "prove" anything (a math proof, perhaps). You might show or demonstrate some sort of relationship between variables, but proof? NOPE!

And, of course, looking south of the border, we can see what tax cuts have done (do you have a graph on that one?). Brilliant, tax cuts when going to war??!!??? And you're going to "prove" to us what tax cuts can do?

mabellbc:
As an economist, you will be familiar with the term "externalizing costs".
http://www.friedkitten.com/archive/2005/04/externalizing_c.html
In it's simpler form, it means foisting costs onto others (usually anyone who cannot "foist" back), in order to make a profit. Now I direct your attention to this bastion of free enterprise":

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/03/10/oilsands-chipewyan060310.html

and would ask you if this very real cost should be borne by the oil companies(and severely cut into profits)? Or will this cost be externalized, so the general public will have to pay through the healthcare system, or better yet, just let these folks die, so a few can enjoy their prosperity?

rickw all you have to do is look at the statistics for WOKERS COMPENSATION to understand the phrase "externalizing costs"

if the victims can be written off,all the better for profits.

that is one subject that will bond most on this site.

Haraldkann:
and WCB is an insurance company - a business. But it's a business with one great advantage. Other businesses are compelled to use it. Creates a virtual monopoly - another aspiration pof business.

I find it somewhat boggling that businesses, the owners and managers of which purport to be adherents of free enterprise, try to "corner the market", to create monopoly situations in which competition ceases to exist (the ultimate in externalizing costs)

the WCB Legislation was given by the government to big business back at the turn of the century to avoid litigation.

anyone ever says that the WCB is for the benefit of workers is either,working for WCB,a businessman/woman,or a government flunkie.the monies saved by cheating victims is enormous and the cost borne by the community is enormous,welfare/disability may be cheap,but the ripple effect shows who really pays,you and me.

so you can see why the business people love WCB so much,they pay pennies.

RickW

JK Galbraith once made the point that we're all in favor of free enterprise... for the other guy! When it comes to ourselves, we'll always find some reason why we should get special treatments -- protective tariffs, subsidies, etc. In essence, to become as close to being a monopoly as possible.

galbraith,another canuck that had to go elswhere to make it big.

anyways,SELF INTEREST is always at the head of the line,my postings of late have tried to point this out time and again.

and when self interest loses control,we make mistakes,BIGTIME,and those around us,start to aliaenate and eventually shun us.

you took a bigger piece of the pie and we are pissed.

monopolies are built by those that do not care.

haraldkann:

There's no doubt you're correct. However, your incessant attacks on unions are way off base if for no other reason that, through no real choice of the unions, labor relations in North America is adversarial (and the Anglo-American legal system as well). It is designed that way. So the parties naturally slip into "self-interest" mode. If they didn't, the other party (note that the system generally assumes only two parties) would take advantage.

There are other sytems, but they exist only where/when mandated by law.

unfortunately our society thrives on adversarial systems,our courts,our parliment,etc.

when we want results from each other,we debate.it is always one side or the other.

when i talk of being a centrist/humanitarian,that is my position inpolitics and life,i like things even minded,well thought out,not costing someone their daily bread by giving me,mine.

so when,i have experienced life with some of the largest north american unions,i have no problems stating what i have experienced and taking some potshots at unions is allowed in this country last time i looked.BLOWHARDS like allan always seem to crawl out from under the rocks spitting and screaming how great and benevolent unions are and my life would be sh!t without them.

which as i pointed out in my posts i agree,there are,some good unions,lots of good union workers and they have benefited society.

unfortunately,rabid unionists cant read very well,especially when they are venting.
suggesting to allan he really read closely is redundant,so i prefer to yank his chain even more,showing the real rabid cretins that all of us hate,in unions.

like i said,good unions are out there as are RAT unions,unfortunately,most of the public don't know the difference and any union misconceptions are put in one bag.

so this last little bonus scam carole taylor is utilizing aint winning any friends for the unions,the SELF INTEREST is evident and i will point out again that UNION BUSTING is the prime motive behind these actions,getting people back to work is a joke,when you hand out carrots.

haraldkann:

I don't think it's losing the union any friends either. Most people (even many IN the unions) don't understand that bonuses are anathema to union principles. Unions want percentage increases (that keep on giving), not once only payments.

Fundamentally, you make valid points, but to call those who support unions rabid tends to take things a bit far. More people would listen if the message were a tad less shrill -- nobody feels like picking through the trash (talk) to get to an occasional gem.

if allan knew how to read there would have been nothing further to add after the first post for me,but i do like yanking the chains of the rabid unionists and i can be really nasty with the holier than thou .

Haroldkann (aka The Brain), here you go again with your "I'm a centrist-humanitarian".

You are a puffed up phoney who is so transparent it's laughable.

Wow, Brain, that's one blurred pile of rhetorical filler. Sends shivers up and down my spine, but jesus it leaves me hungry for a fact or two.

Please sir, enlighten us unwashed as to "some of the largest unions in North America" you "have experienced life with"?

Toss it out there and maybe toss in which locals and where so we unwashed have some sense of what unions and can verify your claims.

BTW, did you work for them or they for you bro?

Another BTW for you Harry. In a recent post you spoke of having great experience and a forceful presentation to show you were not a lightweight and so (in essense) 'don't mess with me'.

Your evil brother The Brain also used a line like that when he first darkened the streets on the Tyee. He implied he was (I'm paraphrasing or I'll start to laugh), that he had such an intellect that he called himself The Brain so as to warn people not to mess with him.

Definitely some A type issues I'd say.

Non-the-less my friend you are the same person who wrote on the Tyee as The Brain. Of that I have no doubt.

As The Brain you continuously attempted to provoke disputes over unions with your antiunionanimous comments intented to propel hate.

However, when challenged you consistantly proved to be entangled in the most misguided of understandings of the union movement I thought possible in a so called educated Canadian.

Do you even know what "rat unions" are Brain?

If so, please humour me with a concise answer based on the BC labour scene.

Your sleezily implied suggestions in the post above must have just oozed out of you.

Now, one tiny clarification laddie. You consistantly refer to me as a rabid unionist. I must protest. I have neither belonged nor worked for a union for some time. I don't pay dues or get to vote at union meetings so how could I be a rabid or any other type of unionist?

You mix up your died-in-the-wool perspective with common sense.

Just like Churchill used to rattle on about Democracy being poor but better than any other alternative, I happen to beleive that unions may not be perfect, but they are far better than the alternative of not having a union.

Oh, I forgot. You like to label people so you don't have to think much deeper than a radio ad demands.

Look Brain, drop the new suit. It looks too much like that last loud outfit you wore with so much difficulty.

your pathetic replies really are boring and your attempts at understanding the situation show you are truly vacuous.

you couldn't understand my first post because of your rabid stupidity and i don't plan accomodating you in your late life education.

you are a true dinosaur...

and your fixation with the brain is really unhealthy,having erotic dreams about him ?

Rich teacher benefit packages!?

I wish...our package has remained unchanged since 1992...show me a dentist who has taken zero percent for 14 years...all my package buys is cleanings...one filling and I'm into my own pocket... that's rich?

I'm really disappointed in you haroldkann(akaThe Brain).

What happened to all the knowledge and experience you bragged to have.

Caught and found to be lacking in anything but vile ignorance, you lash out in response with cheap insults that, I think, more reflect your true depth.

First you try to portray unions and union leaders as idiots and then when you are found to be the idiot, you then attempt to shift away from hating unions to attacking me.

Pathetic.

Now come on and tell us which union locals of those "largest North American unions" you have had your experiences with. Here's your chance to finally put forth a fact that might support your foolhearty claims.

I understand the "situation" well haroldkann. You once again started nose stretching and got called on it just as The Brain often did.

Because you can't answer questions without another nose stretch popping into view, you opt to lob cheap, personal insults.

And now it's almost at rock bottom with your reference to "erotic dreams".

Besides nose stretching and schoolboy insults, I see you have a little homophobia in the bag of troubles you pack around little guy?

If you can't answer a few points about your outlandish behaviour from strident union-hater to near life long union activist then it's ok for you to lash you once again.

I'll understand. I'll know that you've reached your depth and are like the proverbial cornered rat, hissing, snarling and making one genuine stink.

not homophobic at all allan.

just proving you always want to be on top/in control/cracking the whip

like i said people need only read your pathetic replies to see you have mental health issues,you are a real CONTROL FREAK.

they need only go to the first post and read carefully then come to your last post,cause they are all the same,to see you are a real dinosaur intersted in one thing,yourself.

and i really like that last refernce to a cornered rat,shows you have never cornered any animal in your life,cause even a mouse will attack a cat when cornered and you know,pound for pound.the tiny vole is one of the most ferocious figters on this planet.again showing your depth of intelligence is,in your words,really shallow

you are pathetic excuse for a human being

then again you highlight the self interest so predominant in us all.

look out allan ,your id is showing...

oh there i go again,thinking you are intelligent enough to understand the complex workings of the inner mind,when yours is so VACANT...

hope you don't hurt the brain in those erotic dreams and again i point out,keep this stuff in your dreams,cause it seems you got some real issues to work out.

Harald:

Gordon Gecko?

Anyway, unions ARE about self-interest - collective self-interest, because, in an adversarial system (which grub mentioned) there is power in money and in numbers, and those who can corral both.....win!

Haroldkann (aka The Brain), I think a cornered rat is a pretty good analogy of your predicament despite your shrill denials.

As I said you are hissing and snarling and in human terms turning to cheap insults in a pathetic effort to attack your way out of your self imposed corner.

Please fellow, I've got to go off until late this afternoon, so in the meantime could you try to answer even one of the questions posed regarding your amazing career as a long time unionist-turned anti-union nose-stretcher.

Here's another one if my other questions embarrass you or prove too difficult: Why is it you claimed in a recent post on this thread that your working experience was your military career followed by a stint in child behaviour modification, yet you also managed to spend much of your working life with "some of the largest unions in Northg America"?

Ain't no democratic unions in the military soldier. If you have served you'll know that. So was all your North American union experience involving mind control?

Were you by any chance posted at Roswell Texas?

Haroldkann, your story didn't hold water when you started on this thread and it's now looking much like badly kept Swiss cheese.

Give us all a break and bury it.

Now I'm off for at least eight hours which is plenty of time to clear the air here fellow.
Remember leave the nose stretching to those who can at least do it with a bit of consistancy.

Haroldkann, playing Pinnochio will not get you out of that corner you've backed yourself into.

Tell us the truth for once rather than tossing the childish insults or you'll just have to continue standing in the corner until you learn your lesson.

control to uncle allan...

hey allan,i see you got your shorts in a twist.i am really happy(i am giggling like a little girl i must be happy)that you spend so much time trying to get control over this situation,it proves my point.

i saw colin,doing the same thing a little while back with another poster who he thought changed identity,that was a real giggle,colin went and got help as well,some rabid military whackjob from texas.

that you people actually think you can control a situation so out of your hands shows some deep seated mental issues.you are in a realm of real concern to those of us that know what mental illness is.

cut and run allan,you cannot win,the pinnochio analogy is as childish as it gets,you are really strecthing(oooops)to get anything to sound intelligent.

rick w,you hit the perfect modern day example with gordon gecko,still one of my favourite in books and movies.

yes,unions are about self interest as i noted but some are above that old school mentality and some along with the dinosaurs they protect are pathetic citizens,that plod along willing to screw whoever gets in the way.

too bad,only the good die young

harald, allan; give it a rest. you're both obnoxious and nauseating.

'I wish...our package has remained unchanged since 1992...show me a dentist who has taken zero percent for 14 years'
matelo; you sound like a typically uninformed teacher who believes all the babble and blather the bctf throws at you. some teachers, depending on their district, have absolutely 100% dental coverage because they bargained for it with their boards. you were given ALMOST NOTHING by your buddies, the ndp, but then you were given 7.5% by the libs. if you'd wake up and smell the coffee you'd realize that you stand to be given another 12 or so this time around, plus a $4000 bonus if your idiotic leadership would come to their senses and quit playing politics. isn't it time some of you gutless teachers started standing up for yourselves?

i love your position elliot,you must have seen that phrase a thousand times replying to your postings.

obnoxious and nauseating,musta been an easy cut and paste...ha...ha...

wonder how many will look at those words after reading you?

.

That's how some people bribe children, isn't it...eat your vegetables and be a good boy and girl..play our game...and we'll give you a brand new golden yo-yo.

It's all about establishing control and unions should not buy into it. Anyway, shouldn't the real bonuses, the real defining rules, have been about working place rights and conditions...like not tearing up contracts, policy surrounding back-to-work legislation and the relentless privatization taking place. How does mere money change anything in the long run?

Isn't that the Campbell creed - that the defining principle for absolutely everything is always money...that anyone and anything can be bought and price-tagged?

Why play that game?

It is interesting because in the debates surrounding this signing bonus... as usual... Carole Taylor was extremely light on details. Read the hansard for Kwan's questions on the issue of "certainty" surrounding this issue.

how dare those bastards offer money?

oh,elliot ! you are so eloquent and the depth of your comments,takes my breath away...

'Read the hansard for Kwan's questions on the issue of "certainty" surrounding this issue.'
why would anyone care about anything jenny kwan has to say. ndp'ers should be embarrassed that she's hung around for so long. decorative lampshade with the bulb burned out.

I am coming to learn that Elliot is the only guy that makes any sense on this forum.

decorative lampshade with the bulb burned out?

hey elliot,a lampshade don't burn bulbs out,but lamps do.

so with posturing like this it's small wonder you have mabellbc at your side,two for the price of one...typical right wing mentality,two men to talk about jenny kwan trying to make things better..

and bitch n qvetch,while jenny is doing...typical.

your posts are getting even more difficult to comprehend. check your meds.

sorry poop i was going for an elliot...

mabellbc:

ROTFL... I shouldn't do this, but I can't resist... do the expressions "damning with faint praise"... "don't do me any favors".... "with friends like you"....

mabellbc, we know how much sense you make with your minor in economics (that still cracks me up -- is there anything else you'd like to "prove" today LOLOLOL!!!), are you sure elliot wants your support?

Mabellbc, I have connections in the post secondary sector. If you'd like, I can see if we can revoke that "minor in economics", as it clearly wasn't earned.

oh! really sorry now.

should have read,sorry elliot was going for a poop

grub - good work! you got me laughing there!

The minor in economics was tongue and cheek. I barely remember that the demand curve is downward sloping.

I was emphasizing that tax cuts and de-regulation have a positive impact on the economy - social policies aside. You are very naive, if you think the Campbell government has had no impact on the economy.

grub - good work! you got me laughing there!

The minor in economics was tongue and cheek. I barely remember that the demand curve is downward sloping.

I was emphasizing that tax cuts and de-regulation have a positive impact on the economy - social policies aside. You are very naive, if you think the Campbell government has had no impact on the economy.

In fact Grub - you get an A+ for swallowing your union's rhetoric. They should award you a PhD in Gullibility!

mabellbc:

I'm ashamed to admit but, since I'm semi-retired, I barely pay attention to what my union has to say about anything.

So, you're saying, without qualification, that "tax cuts have a positive impact on the economy", are you? Would that also be true when an economy is over-heated? During a time of war?

And de-regulation? How is it good to de-regulate safety issues, for example? More injured workers are, by your reasoning, somehow good for an economy? I don't get that one. Please use your minor in economics to explain that one.

Haroldkann (aka -The Brain), I am disappointed.

I gave you eight hours to come up with a proper reply and you waste it on silliness and juvenile insults.

No, sorry, but my pants aren't in a knot and I'm certainly not trying to control anything. I gave up the control game decades ago little boy.

I just happen to get some joy out of outing jerks who think they can fool everyone all the time.

No Brain (aka Haroldkann), but I am glad you are laughing "like a little girl".

That tells me you have likely taken your meds or at any rate, were not battling within a rage of your own creation when you wrote the post this morning.

Your primary problem this time Haroldkann(aka The Brain), is you are simply a very shallow person. You come on the Tyee warning readers you
have experience and aren't about to take any sass from mere humans.

It's actually quite funny, but even better than that it is almost identical to the failed ploy you tried when you showed up as The Brain.

Then you humoured us with your deadly serious warning that you had a superior intellect and woe to anyone who would dare counter you.

Remember that Brain(aka Haroldkann)?

I do. I laughed and when you began to go overboard with your ego-driven leaps of logic, I and others challenged you.

What did you do?

Same thing as you are doing now as Haroldkann. You lost it buddy. Right over the edge. Rage, insults, but not one salient fact.

Sorry fella but you can't get rid of your fingerprints and you can't get rid of your thought patterns and, obviously, your inability to control your anger.

It's like someone giving a quick paint job to an old rust bucket and trying to flog it to the gullable.

Only problem is the doors are still falling off, the engine wheezes and coughs and the dents stand out even more under the shiny new paint.

Other similarities: as The Brain you showed you were actually quite ignorant of unions, but that didn't stop you from proving that to the world.

Now as Haroldkann, you've got yourself in yet another pickle for spouting an embarrassment of ignorance about unions.

How is it you had a job performing behaviour mod. with children when you can't even control your own anger?

Hey, I'm still waiting to learn the names and locals of those "largest unions in North America you were involved with".

I am of the firm opinion that comment was a pathetic effort by you to imply you know anything about unions. In fact it was a nose stretcher, wasn't it Brain?

Come on, be honest for once here Brain.

Oh, BTW, I'm bored with your denials and refusals to back up your claims.

Until next the Tyee issue where you again are seen as nose stretching and insulting in my perspective, I'll let elliot have at you up for a while.

pathalogically obsessive and controlling...

i hope you aint reproducing allan !

harald:

So you are saying that Gordon Gecko and unions have much in common....? If so, then this whole topic is redundant.

all living beings are steeped in self interest,it's called survival.

only human beings have philosophical differences,like gordon gecko,the epitome of the me first mentality ,to group self interest/preservation(unions,churches,politics,etc)

the only commonality is self interest and the degree to which the parties will go to attain those goals,gecko would do anything to attain his goals and some unions will do anything they need to do,not all unions but some(rat unions)

it's like a hot day,it's all in the degrees

Hello everyone. I am new here and I really appreciate The Tyee.

I am interested in talking about the Community Social Services Sector bargaining - a sector that primarily serves The Ministry of Children and Families Development. This sector took horrendous budget cuts in 2002.

We tried to tell Premier Campbell these cuts would affect service and recruitment but he wouldn't listen. Employers did not advocate on behalf of the staff nor the individuals we support. Now, and in a recent poll, Group Home Managers have stated, "Starting wages are an insult"; "Workers discouraged and leaving this field of work", "Wages should reflect the work and the current wages do not" among many other pointed observations.

Inconsistency, resulting from the revolving recruitment problem, is affecting the people we support. Challenging behaviours are on the rise; injuries are on the rise, and staff are unable to take needed time off due to the severe labour shortage.

While the Honorable Carole Taylor dangles the signing bonus, the government's bargaining agent is offering this Sector 1.5% over 4 years - with serious reductions in benefits. The most recent proposal brought to the table by the government is even worse that the initial above mentioned. :(

I am a proud Union member but my scramble for a decent contract is not just for me and my ability to responsibly meet my obligation as a taxpayer. My scramble is for the people I support.

The fact is, low wages, particularly in light of our rich global economic state, do not benefit anyone. It is, I am afraid, selfish to think otherwise.

Thank you,

Helenpz

PS Special thanks to Will McMartin for this excellent article.

the children and families ministry,the ministry with more turnovers than a pancake breakfast.

there was a little artcle here a few weeks back about the childrens budget and how generous carole taylor was to the kids in care.

check the archives for names that may be able to help,if you don't get any results here.

and you can always ask allan ,he knows everything.

Grub -

I never said that deregulation was necessarily a good thing for social policy. We are not debating the impact on society, rather the stimulus to the economy.

No you are correct - tax cuts are not always good. However, our economy was hardly overheating when Campbell implemented the cuts - 10 years of NDP rule will do that to you!!

However, the best deflationary policy is an increase in the overnight lending rate. Interest rate increases can put an immediate hault to the economy - as the effects are noticed immediately and not when people/business file their tax return.

Grub -

Tax cuts work. They worked in Canada, they worked in the U.S.

Say what you want to say about their current account deficits - however that country has a hot economy. Growth is high, employment is high.

The best social policy is a good economy!

"the best social policy is a good economy" is a brilliant mantra mabellbc,but KAMPBELL INC selling of our resources for instant gratification doesn't help our childrens,children,now does it?

we have an overheated economy because people are scared sh!tless,not because there is any confidence in the economy.banks are lending out so much money the printing presses are overheating.

why don't we wait and see how long it is before you neocons start jumping out of your office windows,i hope you are on the ground floor,because i enjoy your banter.

mabellbc
I take it that means you think a $9 trillion debt, (what is that, about $30,000.00 for each living American?) is a 'good' indicator. When the proportion of that debt that's owed to off shore investors gets a little closer to one third, and it's getting close, maybe we can talk again.

Right now, in Canada, a similar calculation will show that our per person national debt in Canada is less than half that of the US. That's still not good, but it's a lot better than down there.

Better keep shopping! And whistling!

Harald:

There is also a proven collective survival trait, not only among humans but other species as well, and has more to do with survival of the species. It serves to explain such "heroic" acts as self-sacrifice (falling on the grenade kind of thing). That is what makes societies possible, which is both a good and bad thing.

mabellbc:

But good for whom? As well, you would need to define "good"......For some people "good" would mean a career spaning 25 years, then retirement on a pension that allows a certain enjoyment. To others, it means "cashing in" now........

Haraldkann, you are the most me person I have ever met and your flippant comments in response to a heartfelt plea by Helenpz only goes to highlight it.

Humanist, you call yourself. You pal are no humanist. You are an inflated ego, driven by drugs, booze or too much unearned wealth to even grasp the concerns of others.

As usual, you take a request such as Helenpz's and use it as a launching pad for cheap insults and what you sadly think is humour.

I've also noticed , on another article thread in Tyee (the Afghan polling story), others are pointing out your lies, omissions and general lack of anything that might be passed off as factual.

This is not new. In your recent past presence as The Brain you showed little regard for facts and when confronted by others over your blathering nothingness, you immediately reverted to the typical tactics of a bully hoping that intimidation would be as effective as rational debate or (and this is asking much from you), a single fact that you will back up.

You are like the little man who gets outed at the end of The Yellow Brick Road, all noise.

Haraldkann, you are a small man just as you so often proved when you used to wrote under the handle of The Brain.

Helenpz, let me apologize for the shallowness of some of the people who lurk behind names here. In a free and democratic country we simply have to accept that uncaring jerks will use any means to get attention.

I agree that the Community Social Services sector has been starved by this government. It was among the first of the despicable acts of the Campbell government in taking office, and why?

Because workers in that sector had finally had enough and sought union help. I also know that many managers at that time were not unhappy that workers opted for a union because they too know that ghettoizing the very people who work to keep the troubled and unable out of the ghettos of life doesn't work.

Gordon Campbell and his minions are trying to break the solidarity of the workers and thus their commitment to the people they serve for several reasons, not the least to hand the entire community social services sector back to the private sector control where profits rather than people are the motivation.

That is exactly what was in place in the late 1990s. That the sector is once again a revolving door for employees is ample proof of this.

Gordon Campbell has about as much compassion for those who need care and help as Haraldkann (aka The Brain) has regard for the truth.

In fact, Haraldkann would celebrate with Campbell if you were to lose your union status.

mabellbc

And you're able to divorce the two (economy and society), are you? And here I always thought the role of an economy was to support the society. Silly me!

mebellbc:

That's the most brilliant thing you've ever said. Furthermore, I don't think truer words have ever been spoken on Tyee! WELL DONE!!!!

But, unfortunately, since these words came from mballbc, we need to stop and reflect, for these words beg the question: "what's a good economy?"

I fear your definition and mine might differ considerably.

haraldkann:

I agree. I just offer up two points to mabellbc to consider.

(1) what happens to the US economy (and the BC economy by default) when -- I don't believe this is a case of "if" -- more and more oil nations insist on trading in Euros as opposed to US dollars? (HINT to mabellbc with a minor in economics -- it has to do with the demand for US dollars and the subsequent value of those dollars).

(2) what happens to our economy when (again, I don't believe it's a matter of "if") the income disparity in China reaches the point where a series of regionalized revolutions break out? (ASIDE: last year there were about 74,000 major protests and riots throughout China -- that's predicted to reach 100,000 by next year)

allan your posturing is really insipid,brain is posting under a new name and on this site and the fact you can't find him is all i need to keep pointing out your complete and utter stupidity...typical of the goon mentality of rabid unionists.

you are a pleasure to read ,for the little sadist in me and you are right i shouldn't be enjoyimg this...but i am.

you are a true whinging,whining,union blowhard,the kind that others distance themselves from for a reason...because they are busy trying to make things better for themselves and others.

you allan...you just pontificate from on high.

Grub:

Consider this alternative: What would happen to the world and US economy (and Walmart) if China were to "shut down"? The prosperity in China is shared by some 250 million people. The countryside (at this point) is being starved in order to force bodies to the cities in support of that 250 million. But the Chinese military has traditionally drawn it's support from the peasantry. The Chinese leadership doesn't particularly give a fig about the well being of the 250 - they are simply there to help China accumulate the wealth it needs (but doesn not perpetually need) to become dominant in the world economy. At some point, the Chinese leadership can easily placate the disparages between country and city by shutting down the factories, feeding the countryside, and taking the factory workers and put them into military training. The city folk would follow along, or fall by the wayside. They will be of no consequence to the greater plan.

So where would the USA be without China in its present incarnation?

Haraldkann said:

While I try not to resort to personal insults - this one is good! He is right Allan, people do try and distance themselves from your type.

RickW:

That's my point exactly: down the tubes!

As to the state of affairs in China: I agree with most of what you say, except your optimism that the government can keep a lid of the growing unrest.

I don't think they can (or would) turn back the clock by closing factories. And, they may not give a fig about the upper 250 million, but, keep in mind, disaffected peasants are the muscle of most revolutions while the disaffected middle class is usually the brains and the spark of the revolution. And man would those 250 million constitute one helluva pissed-off middle class if the economy ever slowed down.

I fear there is no positive outcome to this scenario.

I

.

"Horrendous" is an apt choice of word, Helen...it was sheer bullying by the government in the ultra-quick and very efficient way they went about having all involved sign to agree to these cuts...cuts still not restored despite our supposed booming economy.

What we are really looking at here are greater and greater governmental moves towards the privatization of children's services...Community Social Services being the first to fall.

As I said "horrendous" is a really good choice of word, Helen.

Grub:
http://www.noblenet.org/reference/inter.htm
I think whatever happens in China is definitely provide soome "interesting times".
http://www.cbc.ca/chinarises/intro/index.html

Inconsistency, resulting from the revolving recruitment problem, is affecting the people we support. Challenging behaviours are on the rise; injuries are on the rise, and staff are unable to take needed time off due to the severe labour shortage, wrote Helenpz.

As in all moves to privatization, the neo-cons want the public system to fail...facilitate it, in fact. They purposely sabotage a good system...as we see with our health system...then they tell you it's "not working". Magic wand: Bring in the privateers.

Allan:
You know... I haven't posted here in a couple weeks much, or more, work and all... and you still can't stop running me down. Some pretty ignorant put downs, I might add.

Other than some head shakes, and good core laughter, there isn't much else I can add.
You know, just nod my head with what Haroldkann said.

Was I given a choice?

Aside from this, the story is a good one, I liked the link especially. Our provincial debts Canada wide should be more well known publicly, especially if commodities hold in oil and metals. There should be surplus's in BC's future and the next provincial election and outcome could be influenced strongly by it, possibly enough for the Libs to win again, being my fear, depending on how the media and PR is handled especially.

Good numbers reflect better times for everyone, if they can be substained. The question from here, is... how will Campbell react to future union contracts in light of better times? Likely the same. And, its too bad.

Regardless of what people think of unions, past or present, what they have done in terms of guaranteeing labour rights and pay throughout history has been tremendous. When we think about it, unions have created a middle class, or at the very least, have negotiated for them. Who belongs to unions? How much do union members make on average overall?

From manufacturing and trades to government employee's, unions have set the middle class standard in today's world. In this light alone, it is easy enough to infer that I'm infering that Gordon Campbell doesn't favor middle class, but leans to the rich.

Anyway's, I'd better quit hogging this thread so you can run me down and bash me some more because of my views on unions or otherwise. (yawn)

mabellbc, that you avoid me is not a surprise. Like your pal haraldkann (aka -The Brain), you spew waste on this site and then when challenged you seldom ever respond because you're as bankrupt of valid arguments as your buddy.

lynn:

And what gives away thw whole scam is that, in healthcare at least, the BCMA et al, wants to be private but still wants to get paid from the public purse. Wants to bill the government and to by-pass the messy business of commerce with the client/patient. Doesn't want even the remote possibility that it's doctors may have to chase down non-payers....or that, as in a REAL self-employment, they (shudder) might have to give estimates so clients can shop around......that doctors might actually have to COMPETE for business. How distasteful!

What they want actually, is a monopoly. Anything BUT free enterprise.........

finally allan ,you are shown for the vacant lot that occupies precious space on this grand globe.

lash out,spit venom,vomit bile,c'mon allan give us your best shot.

oh,i left one of the union locals i was associated with on another thread,the rat union.

one of the best i worked for was back home and it was the steelworkers local 7135,me and the wife had our wedding reception at the steelhall both of us have nothing but fond memories of the people we knew there,course that was way back when.

so why don't you show everybody how smart you are now you have the info you said you needed.

well i can say when i get back monday morn,there will be squat as far as a reply from you posted here...

cause you are so vacant.

rick w ,you posts about the self interest shown in animals is interesting as well.

pack animals are the same self interest driven creatures as we are,the pecking order,the whole nine yards when it comes to politics within the pack.

they just cannot wax and wane eloquently about their philosophies as we can...ha...ha...ha

Interesting HaraldKann, aka The Brain.

So you worked for National Steelcar in Hamilton. Was it the paint fumes that got you seeing and acting double?

Hey, insult me all you like. The reality is you simply blew any credibility as The Brain after flashing here once too often.

Despite your best efforts to sneak back into
Tyee with a new persona, it took about a half dozen of your posts before The Brain started leaking out.

Then you have the nerve to post under your old handle in a pathetic effort to try to prove The Brain is someone else, but you haven't the brains to change your style.

It's the arrogance, insults and definite lack of factual detail that stands out the most under both names.

So keep trying little boy. I'm still waiting to learn all those unions you were involved with.

Oh and BTW, I too worked at NSC eons ago, but the local didn't have a hall so your employment there must have been quite recent or, pray tell, you've gone and made something else up again.

Was that after you got into behaviour mod. Certainly doesn't ring very true to me pal.

Anyway, that is one union, not many of the largest unions in North America and Local 7135 is hardly what would be deemed a major local.

Allan:
Well, I've never belonged to a union, you should have known it from one of our "discussions" and maybe you're sniffing glue or worse, to think me and Harold are one and the same. Tell you what, control freaky, stalkie, rabid, foamy at the mouthy, just happens to suit what you're projecting, here, pal. The fact that any blogger would rant on and on, and on... about anyone, never mind me from a blogger battle a month later, is, well, I'm glad you don't know my real name! But that's where it gets dull from here. You don't.

I'm going to try to give you advice for your own good, here (knowing that you won't listen to it solely because it came from me, naturally). Whats turned into rants and raving acusations of me being this, that, the other, and someone else, was driven by motives that should have been nothing more than a "Fart in the wind", deserving a similar response, other than the obsessed, controlling, put down ways of yours truly for what is turning into months now. Sometimes, the best way to get out of the hole your in, is to "stop digging". And, its all getting very old.

You know...

Cause no one likes a smelly old Fart.

it seems that one thing most everyone can agree with around here is that allan is a blathering windbag.

Try again Haraldkann -aka- The Brain.

When you are down to insults as a defence you've pretty much tapped your credibility.

I realize you have elliot bambozzled, but then that's not saying very much, is it?

Look chump, if you are going to try to take on another personna, get hypnotized or something because you don't have the smarts to differentiate your insult laden, factless bs of one character from you're second public face here at Tyee.

This is quite the little mess you've got yourself into now, isn't it Haraldkann -aka The Brain.

Oh, BTW your professed claim not to have ever belonged to a union runs counter to claims you made several months ago, when you tried to defend your anti-union blather, claiming you had been a union member.

It's just like telling a lie (it is a lie), The Brain -aka- Haraldkann. Lies sometimes lead to more lies (like this current whopper), which in the classic sense, and you fill that description well, require more and more lies.

Brain, perhaps you could get the other half of your personality to answer (honestly) some of the questions I've posed, given that you've changed course several times in you rants.

In the meantime, keep up the cheap insults. It's easier to track you through your various masks.

BTW, will you be insulting unions again today as you did when you jumped into this thread, or are you still trying to kiss ass by pandering to others here who objected to your anti-union rants with more politeness than I did?

I speak of your 180 degree turn around in your comments about unions since being shown to be a know-nothing.

Now, apparently you think unions have been great achievers for the middle class etc., etc., etc. These would be the same unions that were stooges, self-interested thugs etc. in your words earlier.

I'm assuming that's so union people like Bob the cat or Grub will think you are a real trade unionist because you don't like Jack Munroe and you know who Jinny Sims is.

Oh, and remember that other post you wrote when you told another poster you had posted under a different name to avoid being identified?

I certainly do.

And I suppose that was just a one time thing eh?

Still blathering on, Allan? If you quit digging for shit and step outside of your own ass, you'd see what you've become. That rabid foam dripping from your mouth, maybe its from swallowing instead of spitting, sniffing gas... to many hits on a pipe, I don't know. I think its the software more than the hardware, myself, but the word "spun" comes to mind in trying to accurately describe you. No point fixing fences here. Too unstable.

posers seem to have got a little off topic here I think. The bottom line here is the rules have changed and if the NDP had adopted this style of creative book keeping they would still be in power. The mistake was that the Howe Street Gang had a plan after the 1997/8 election and they were not prepared for it. Keep telling people things have never been better and they start to believe it.

tell a lie enough times and it becomes the truth,the mantra in advertising.
you can sell anything,to anyone,just look around your home and you will find all kinds of things you just could'nt do without that for some reason,is just sitting there collecting dust.

got that garage sale sign handy ? with the liberals in power for the next few years some are really going to need that sign,you are not going to be able to live without it

hey allan, you're a pain in the ass to both lefties and righties. quite an accomplishment. perhaps you should start listening to the winds.

Such a dilemma. Poor old Haraldkann caught with his The Brain outfit half on and telling whoppers.

So what does he do?

He gets his other half to trot out more bs in a pathetic effort to try to imply his isn't a two-faced cyberpest.

But when both noses take on gargantuan proportions and the whistles and jeers and calls for a little truth get louder our confused couple pull out their big weapon.

They throw insults.

Sorry The Brain, but it was Haraldkann's turn to insult me this time. Now you got yourself confused too I see.

But hey, life's not a total wash up. Elliot's still in your corner.

Allan:
You just aren't getting it. Its not sophisticated to run someone down in commentary over and over, when they haven't even been on the site for weeks. And the fact that I had a right to call you or anyone else on it, should they be dumb enough to try something so dimwitted, doesn't justify my own tone either. We're not in a popularity contest, here, but this stuff simply isn't fit to read. We're now both wasting other peoples time.

Maybe I should have just ignored you, but how many other future threads would you ruin, incessantly bringing up my name over and over negatively, without relevance? Do you not see a possible need for therapy, all insults aside? I do. In all seriousness, (and I'm being serious, here) I see you in need of help, and I hope you find it.

The Brain, I suspect therapists could be kept employed on a 24/7 basis trying to figure out what makes people on Tyee tick.

As for what's sophisticated. That's something you'll have to aspire to fellow, but first of all I'd recommend two things.

Learn to take a bit of criticism without lashing out with cheap insults and provocative comments you can't back up.

Realize that if you are going to use those tactics some people are going to get committed real fast and firmly to taking you on.

Insult me all you want, but do remember next time if I sink my teeth into something I'm not going to let go until I'm satisfied I've dealt with it.

I can be a bit of a pit bull at times and I will not apologize to you or anyone else for it.

Too harsh for you. Well then be a little less cavalier next time you step out into traffic.

You are right about one thing "we are not in a popularity contest."

But here's something else for you to think about. You have every right to make whatever statement you wish here at Tyee.

That right is balanced (in my view) by my right to do the same thing and that includes criticizing your comments.

Let me end this on a positive note by stating I think it's just great now that you have ended this Haraldkann charade and gone back to just being The Brain.

the rumours of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.

allan,i give you info you asked for and that is all you can provide.as i said,you are nothing more than a vacuous rabid unionist toady all that time and thats all you have to offer ?

well i went fishin,had a great time.

and ,i actually made a mistake,that union is my sons union.

the few not the many unions i was with were,mine mill local 598,steelworkers local 6500,caw local 1520 and the rat union teamsters local 213 which i noticed you said nothing about allan,how come? that your union allan ?[B]

anyways,gotta clean out the truck,see ya round putz,and see a shrink about that obsession you have with the brain.

Allan -

The real reason I don't respond is because I really don't continuously monitor this site. I pop in about once (sometimes twice) daily.

Usually - by the time I re-visit the site, there have been 50 new posts and the topic has changed entirely.

I continue to maintain that I know very little about social policy. I do know a little bit more about the economy and small business.

Further, there is little point in responding 95% of the time. Some of us will never agree!

I merely post my thoughts, and enjoy the opportunity to read others'.

just as i figured,you're totally vacant allan with nothing to say .

now,why am i not surprised ?

lets see what kind of union man you really are allan,answer this simple question.

what,did the mine mill halls hold that no other union halls held?

three hints:swedish descent
:union radical
:murder

harald
even if allan seems to have disengaged, i'd be interested in the story
cheers