MPP Toby Barrett speaks out

We see once again the media is trying to say that people in Caledonia do not want me around. After so many months and many examples of how I get more people out to my gatherings than any other person it is still being said no one supports what I do.

Although I had not tried to speak to Mr. Barrett since the Oct 15th. March for Freedom, I called him to express my concerns that once again the media was focusing on numbers and not on the message. The following is his expressed view to me and should not be seen as his support for everything on this site or for everything that I have done.

I asked him one basic question which was whether he saw what I have done as something the people in his riding needed?

He stated that my web site provides a 'very important service' for the people of Haldimand County. The site 'pulls so much information together' and it has 'always been that way. The most important thing for Caledonia is the sharing of information'.

He states, "I feel very strongly about the right to speak out in a democracy, unfortunately for you, you play another role and that is that everyone always wants a whipping boy or a scape goat and you have become that. If it wasn't you then it would be someone else."

As far as events are concerned Mr. Barrett informed me that he was out at the Dec. 2 and the Dec. 16 flag raising events - for moral support. He will be out of town for the Jan. 20th Canadian Flag Raising Event and so he will be unable to attend

He was a guest speaker at the March for Freedom on Oct. 15, 2007. He was the only politician who saw the importance of the day and took advantage of the media attention to get his message out. Mr. Barrett expressed his appreciation for Oct. 15th and for the opportunties to speak out and for the need to do so. He stated he was 'encouraging people to throw $5' in my donation box.

He stated that, "in spite of a lot of angry phone calls and emails regarding the Oct. 15th rally, I did speak at the March for Freedom, at the rally, I just feel that it is very important, I am an MP and this is my riding and I will speak out."

Mr. Barrett immediately suggested that I post my desire to take Febrauary off and clearly stated that local Leaders in the Community needed to finally step forward and start to speak. He stated, "You are the easy way out for many people and it is incumbent on other leaders in the community to step forward.. it is time for a few others to shoulder this."

Mr. Barrett understands that there are many who don't like my methods because it brings media attention to Caledonia and some of the businesses are concerned, but there are other important issues here.

He states, "the important thing for the community is the freedom to access information, communicate... heaven forbid that we continue on for 10-11 years toward Ipperwash... that would be down right dangerous and outright irresponsible."