wendyhoo's pre-posterous

My space for random thoughts

Hespeler is where it's at:

Small towns are where it's at: Hespeler (Cambridge) Ontario is a lovely place to live.  Great shops, friendly people, a beautiful library, a growing history museum (also known as the Company of Neighbours), a river with walking trails, and all within walking distance of home.  What more could a girl want? 

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Easter Sunday at Cootes Paradise

It was a gorgeous day at Cootes Paradise, a part of the Botanical Gardens, in Hamilton, Ontario.  Cooler temperatures made us bring our jackets though we didn't really need them.  We walked about 7 kms starting at the Bruce Trail head office and going as far as the Bull's Outlook where we had a lunch that included hard boiled Easter eggs (of course).    

We're all a little weary, especially the 5 yo and the dog, who seem to travel twice the distance that us adults do, especially considering their shorter legs! 

Some attached photos include my ongoing quest for the perfect honey bee picture.   

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No Prorogue Rally in Waterloo: photos plus rant

Today's No Prorogue Rally went smoothly.  Thumbs up to all the organizers, speakers, musicians and attendees; thumbs down to all the absentee MPs who refuse to acknowledge their constituents' displeasure.  

If you take a look at pictures from today's event, it's obvious that attendees are not just political activists, university kids or grandmothers.  People from all walks of life are upset about what they see happening to our democracy.  There is a serious decay of democratic process in this country.  No amount of hyperbole and erroneous historical examples can erase what people are starting to recognize as fascist actions by our current government.  

Unfortunately, I am certain that Harper will NOT return to work on January 25: he would not be able to bring himself to eat such bitter, humble pie.  From what I've seen of this man, he is incapable of saying, "Oops, my bad" sarcastically, or otherwise.  Instead, he'll stick to his guns, and continue refusing answers to any question that makes him uncomfortable. To be sure, he'll be holding an election at the next moment the polls are in his favour.  He is fully aware that the Liberals don't have a charismatic leader, that the NDP is weakened and that the Green Party does not yet have enough popular support to be a threat.  

At this point, I fear that many people might be pacified by the Olympics.  Harper is, after all, giving us bread & circuses. Bread in the way of matching funds for Haiti and circuses as in the Olympics.  Please, PLEASE, do not forget your anger, dismay, indignation and disgust at what this government has done to our democratic process.  This is not acceptable and should not be condoned nor forgotten.  

Parliamentary reform needs to be our next step so that this manipulation of Parliament cannot happen again.  

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An open letter sent to Gary Goodyear, MP for Cambridge, Ontario

I thought I'd make this an open letter to Mr. Goodyear, Member of Parliament for the City of Cambridge, Ontario. I'm hoping for a response from him and will certainly post his answer if/when I've received it. As you can read below, I'm fairly upset with the fact that our government has chosen to cancel parliament for three months.

If you'd like to send Mr. Goodyear a letter, you are welcome to do so through this website: Contact Gary.

One more point, I am a little bit dismayed about Mr. Goodyear's motto on his banner. I do hope that we can somehow bring leadership back to this country. I also hope for a better Canada. So far, I'm not predicting a good year for Cambridge or Canada.

Hello Mr. Goodyear, 
I'm writing in good faith, and hoping for a response from you. My previous letter went unanswered [sales tax on used merchandise 9/23/09]. 

At any rate, I'm writing today to show my displeasure about our federal government's choice to prorogue parliament.

I hope you have noticed the Facebook group called "Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament". It is quickly gaining support and its numbers have doubled in 24 hours (currently at 52,000 supporters). I am excited, but not surprised, by the overwhelming response of Canadians against prorogation. Members of this on-line group, and certainly other Canadians who can't access Facebook, are now speaking out proving that Canadians do care.

From the many statements I have read, it's clear that we need to settle our national issues democratically and openly. Parliament must be allowed to do its job.

Otherwise, I am forced to question the reality, and the efficacy, of our democracy. This country is being insulted on the international stage and now it has been crippled at home. Let's get down to work. You need to do the work that you were elected and are still being paid to do.

If you are interested in my vote next election, please respond to my request. Please avoid form letters; I find them insulting and easy to recognize.

Sincerely,
Wendy Hood-Morris, BA