There he goes again. I'm always amazed at how out of touch politicians manage to find the room to fit two adult sized feet into their mouths. Uncle Monte has done it again. First it was his comment outside the Legislature that he wasn't sure if the Caledonia thing was an OPP or Local Police issue. Remember that beauty? Yesterday he suggested to reporters that the Caledonia thing is really nothing at this point that the protest was simply symbolic and that the town is doing fine.

WHAT AN IDIOT!!!!!!

There have been at least two incidents of violence in the town recently between natives and non-natives and now the OPP and Six Nations Police are investigating after some goofball began throwing objects from the bypass onto Hwy 54. This time the morons actually hit a truck causing significant damage. Can you imagine if someone had been seriously injured or killed. That fuse would be lit and the powderkeg would surely blow.   Kwinters remarks prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Caledonia has been cut off, is not considered a priority and in fact is not even significant to the politicians or police.

and one more thing....get the electricity and hydro CUT OFF to DCE. There is no way we the province of Ontario should be paying to keep the illegal occupiers comfy with free hydro and water. Cut it off NOW.

What the?....

Why is Judge Marshall wasting everyone's time with his dragged out non stop Q&A sessions on his court order not be followed that would have removed the occupiers from DCE? I believe that he was the last hope for the reinstatement of the Rule of Law for many Caledonias and now just like the others he's refusing to take decisive action. Why? because just like all the other leaders he's afraid to upset the apple cart.   Things are relatively calm in Caledonia is the suggestion even by me but in the last couple of days I have come to realize that many confederacy representatives have been stirring things up in a few isolated incidents in Caledonia. They're trying Caledonia residents on again and again the problem is being ignored.

This judge had and squandered an opportunity to stand up for the law and failed yesterday. Going as far as to say that he will take his time on making any decisisons about chasing contempt of court charges against the occupiers. Just like the province and the feds Marshall has decided to take the rest of the summer off.   Let's hope the relative peace will prevail.

I have mixed feelings about the individual officers wanted posters being posted on that website but I understand the thinking behind it.

I don't believe it is a threat to any officers but more of a way t0 embarrass the OPP as an organization into enforcing the law.

This is still Canada and freedom of expression is still guaranteed. This is free expression at its finest. Yes it appears tough but tough talk is exactly what is needed especially directed at so called leaders like OPP Commish Gwen Boniface and other elected officials. 

I don't blame individual officers generally and I don't believe that's the point of the website. I believe its about expressing anger over the fact that the rule of law has been totally abandoned for politics in the Caledonia Crisis.

Maybe I don't get it...what do you think?

So now the Six Nations Confederacy protestors are trying to leverage good will off of something the OPP set up over a month ago. How desperate the illegal occupiers are to get media attention. It's working because I'm talking about it and blogging about it but....there is no way that the buffer zone between Thistlemoor residents and DCE has anything to do with true goodwill.   It's another attempt to manipulate people into believing that they're giving something.   The only reason they do these things including removing the entrance blockade is to benefit themselves...not out of a sense of giving.

Again, the protestors have been leading a few reporters around by the nose showing them what they want the reporters to see and hoping that they'll get some good ink.

It's very important to them that their cause not disappear from media radar screens. I fell victim to this kind of nonsense before Victoria Day when Clyde Powless took us on organized media tours behind the lines to "show Caledonia residents that they have nothing to hide". The tour was a well orchestrated and crafted manipulation.

A couple of months later its deja vu all over again.

The Caledonia story is a bizzare one to say the least.

Yesterday I interviewed Valerie Vanderwyk who through this blog met "Bea" a Six Nations Resident. It was in the days immediately following the big mess on Victoria Day weekend.

There were many thoughts exchanged between the three of us and a lot of disagreement but some agreement as well. Valerie decided to open her mind and wanted to engage "Bea" in more dialogue away from this blog. She asked me to broker an email contact for her. I did and the two women carried on their discussion away from the blog.

Valerie contacted me a few days ago to say that on Canada Day, Bea's family was invited to Valerie's Home to meet her family and get to know each other better.   The invitation was gladly accepted and the two families including the children all enjoyed the celebrations in the park on Canada Day. They followed that up with a BBQ at Valerie's home to wrap up a terrific day.   They deliberately stayed off of the hot issues and decided to first and foremost get to know each other as human beings, as mothers, as spouses etc.

In short, the experiment was a HUGE success. So much so that the two have agreed to start talking about some of political issues affecting both of their communities.

It took courage and leadership to extend the invitation...it took equal amounts of courage and leadership to accept especially in a place where the two communities ARE divided. It's a sad reality but it is reality. Caledonia and Six Nations are divided. I believe that we can all learn something from Val and Bea. I was excited about telling the story on the air yesterday because some have accused me of only trying to keep the fires of anger burning. Funny thing though...we did the interview live and I later played the entire thing back again on the same show. Twice it was heard and to my surprise there was very little feedback on the phones or the email. Disappointing.

As for Val and Bea...congratulations, you're great examples of hope in the community.

Well what a difference a day makes....thanks to MOST of you for your responses to yesterday's entry. I'm happy to report that the OPP apologized to us in a very respectful and contrite manner yesterday afternoon after we visited the Unity Road command centre to complain. The constable we met and Sgt. R. Kelly were very decent, human and professional.

The Sgt. promised to follow up with us, which he did a short time later and told us that the officer in question had been reprimanded and had offered to call us to apologize personally.   I applaud their response and appreciate it.

Some callers to the show today wondered if they would have done the same if I wasn't a media type? I have to admit I wonder about that myself but I will give them the benefit of the doubt that they would treat anyone in a similar circumstance the same way.

What do you think?

They lied to me. The OPP that is. Last night I was stopped at the Caledonia mini storage facility where I have a locker with some old dusty boxes of junk that I've held on to over the years. I suppose the first lesson is that I should get rid of that stuff. The second lesson is don't believe that every police officer is telling you the truth.

Two officers stopped me as I was leaving the compound to get in my car with wife and child accusing me of....of...well I'm not exactly sure what they were accusing me of but the officer asked me what I was doing "hopping fences back there" I asked him if he actually saw me hopping fences to which he replied "I certainly did". I told him that he's a bold faced liar because I had in fact walked through two open gates and was a paying customer.

I went on to berate the officer for the OPP's complete and utter failure to uphold the law in Caledonia and that he should go back to whereever he came from because as a taxpayer, I didn't feel like I was getting a good return for my tax dollar.   I then told him to turn around and leave us alone and that he should be ashamed of himself.

Was I out of line?

I'm talking about the goofy emails and blog posts that are submitted by a few individual whackos among the protestors.   I was inundated with email over the weekend from people who are getting wound up by a few ignorant and apparently illiterate morons who want to suggest to the people of Caledonia that there are ongoing threats like poisoning the water supply. To you terrorists out there making those threats...you are gutless, dishonourable, creeps.
To those who listen to this crap. Forget it. Put it out of your mind. It's time everyone in Caledonia and Six Nations to realize that these kinds of threats are the work of sick individuals and should be given the credit they deserve...absolutely none.

******

Now then...on to Diane Finley...I'm sorry but I had to laugh when I found out that she called in sick to the Caledonia Canada Day Celebrations.   What can you possibly say except keep an eye open for that next election date.

Oh yeah...even funnier is the fact that a school in Caledonia hands out a "Leadership" award with Finley's name on it to one of it's students. To the student...congratulations on the award and if you decide to run in the next Federal election, I'll vote for you. Surely you'll do a better job than Finley.

That's my rant for today....

The floor is yours.

I talked with Brantford Mayor Mike Hancock today. Very nice guy and a pretty good Mayor from what I can gather but to listen to him suggest that there is little concern over Six Nations Confederacy flags being planted in strategic places in his town is nothing short of being in complete denial. I've had several calls from people who have told me that Mohawk Warriors have been standing in small groups blocking or delaying entrance to the Lynden Park Mall in Brantford as well.

Remember, not many people thought that much would come of the Caledonia information pickets and small demonstration in the early days of what has become the longest native land claim occupation in Canadian History.

The sense I got from Mayor Hancock was that Brantford and Six Nations somehow have a better relationship and understanding than the people of Caledonia and so they'll work it all out. You know...Brantford called to help Six Nations when their dirty water problem was brought to light.

Let's hope the goodwill is enough to prevent another Caledonia but from my perspective I doubt it.   I really really hope I'm wrong.

Well it's finally happened. I knew it would. It always does. It's just a natural part of the cycle of a news story that lasts over 100 days.

A Caledonia resident has fired the first shot at me for my coverage of the Caledonia Crisis. Some dude named "WHEAT" responded to yesterday's blog by suggesting that I have had a lot of nerve to question whether Queen's Park demonstration organizer John Gould was disappointed in the turnout the other day. I asked him if in light of the fact that those goofy Friday night rallies would draw 400 people, if 70 on the buses was a disappointment? I wasn't casting any personal judgement on this. I realize that people have to work etc but it was a fair question based on the fact that are roughly 10-thousand in town.    The demonstration itself was obviously a success and those who took part should be proud.

"Wheat" then took issue with the interview I did earlier this week with Janie Jamieson....suggesting it was "Brutal" and that I was "too scared" to challenge her on her "Lies".   I reminded him that I have done more on this story than any other radio talk show host you can name, to the point of near obsession.   While he now considers my recent coverage as "weak" I can tell you that there are many other listeners who would rather have me move on completely from the Caledonia story.    The fact that Jamieson would join me at all was a coup considering how much the confederacy dislikes my position.   I thought the best thing to do was let her talk and let you make up your minds.   My goal was to suggest a meeting that could resolve everyone's fears and clear up some misunderstandings so that residents close to DCE could get some relief. She actually admitted the idea was a good one.   If that's weak on my part...then so be it.

It's important that everyone reading this understand something. I am a talk show host. I am a journalist but I'm also a Caledonia resident which makes my job covering the story even more difficult. What I am not is a PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCY for those who feel that I should only pound away on this issue from one side.

If that's what you want...you've come to the wrong place.

Have a great weekend and keep it cool.

The Hennings are being bought out. I'm happy for them but not so happy for Ontario taxpayers. What will the province do with that land now? Will they attempt to get the feds to buy it and take over control while negotiations with the protestors continue. I sure hope the people of Caledonia get a say in this...but I doubt they will.

Also...Remember all the hoopla over the Rule of Law? Why is the occupation allowed to continue despite the fact that all the parties are now at the table negotiating?

I would say the protestors have more than made their point and with a moratorium on the land and a promise of no military action...what is there to fear? Just asking.

Lots of movement over the last few days and today will no doubt be interesting to say the least with all stakeholders back to court in Cayuga to answer to Judge David Marshall. What will come out of this is anyone's guess but I suspect you'll see the Feds suggesting that the crisis is really a provincial matter in this case which in turn will put even more pressure on McGuinty to get the occupation resolved before the larger land claims issues can be resolved.

Some in Caledonia suggest to me that a major environmental disaster was imminent at Stelco's Lake Erie works last week as the steelmaker was unable to use the railline to ship chlorine needed to clean up by products of steel production. The tanks were close to overflowing and the company was not about to shut down while the province stood by and did nothing. Apparently their pleas fell on deaf ears at the provincial level and so...somebody...tipped off the Americans who just happen to share Lake Erie.   They apparently got up here right smartly and put some heat on the province to act which they did. Stelco for their part denies that the story is even remotely true after I called them this morning.   

The bottom line is...the province in my opinion doesn't really care about nabbing the 7 protestors who have arrest warrants with their names on them.

The Americans are now involved, watching and trying to help.

Too bad our leadership has to go under the 49th parallel to get an understanding of what real leadership is like.

By the way....HAS ANYONE SEEN DIANE FINLEY? just asking.

The talks are back on. Dalton believes the Six Nations police are cooperating to apprehend the 7 who are under arrest warrants, yet Janie Jamieson says those people are being dealt with by Six Nations and won't be turned over. Two days ago the Premier suggested that protesters had delivered on half of his demands by opening the road. Today the opposition is accusing him of back pedaling on part two. Let's hope that we don't see any more ugly incidents but how much faith do you have in a provinicial government that remains hypocritical on the rule of the law and The Ontario Paralyzed Police.

In my opinion the wanted 7 have already gotton away with it...and will never be brought under arrest.

Let me clarify my position on the OPP.

I believe that the only officers with real credibility where the Caledonia crisis is concerned are the Haldimand and Cayuga officers who are a part of this town. They get it because they live here and THEY CARE. They are being let down terribly by their leadership. This force needs to be overhauled from the top down for our sake and the sake of the rank and file officers.

My anger is directed at the white shirts including Mo Pilon and Gwen Boniface. It's also directed at their HORRIBLE communications branch. And finally, it's directed at the handful of officers who stood by idly on Friday when people called for their help, and those out of town imports who view Caledonia as nothing more than an opportunity to make a lot of overtime cash that will pay for their sunny vacations in the south.

To the men and women of the OPP who are part of our community and who will continue to live with us and share our pain.   I support you and respect you.

Hope that clears up any confusion otherwise.....

A positive day for sure. Word is Aborginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay had a face to face meeting with Chief MacNaughton yesterday. The bypass is being re-opened.

It's nice to see positive developments happening this morning.

Your thoughts....?   I sure hope these new developments are enough to get things back on track to come up with a final long term peaceful resolution.

More violent conflict resulting in a CH cameraman going to hospital with injuries.

Ontario Provincial Police stand by and watch it happen.

Car hijacked and stolen on a quiet street. OPP stand by and watch it happen.

I never thought this would happen but....I can't find the words anymore.

That is a good thing. It's been nice to see more of the town of Caledonia focussing on what it needs to keep itself together and moving forward.   Let the Elected big shots deal with the Land Claims issue.   This town needs to get on with it as best as they can by keeping the pressure on those leaders, by putting up a million signs showing their solidarity as a town and by continuing to take the high road no matter how much crap the protestors throw your way.

One step in the right direction is for the Caledonia Citizen's Alliance to become more transparent to everyone in Caledonia. They're doing that as of today with a public meeting and more scheduled for next week. Go to their website for details.

Look carefully at how our government wants to divide us and get us into a fight with Six Nations so that they can't be accused of causing a conflict. Don't fall for it.

The Caledonia Crisis is the most obvious example of partisan politics that I have ever seen in my life.   It is proof that those who seek elected leadership are in most cases just a bunch of mealy mouthed cowards.   It's proof that they wanted to be elected as a career move, not to serve their community.   It is proof that there are very few elected officials who are in it to lead and make positive and progressive changes. You can't make anything happen if you don't make a decision.   NONE OF THESE YO's YO's want to make a decision. They might make the wrong one. They might whizz somebody off. They might lose votes and that would mean they might lose their cushy pay, benefits and indexed pensions.   

I'll take Diane Finley for example. People ask me all the time..."Jamie, what would you do if you were her?"

I can tell you that I would have shown my face on the streets in the early going...I would have shouted from the rooftops of the Parliament buildings to bring national attention to the issue...I would not have been willing to clam up because the Prime Minister told me to....I would have told Harper that the people sent me to Ottawa and my place is with them particularly during a crisis. I would have then said Mr. Prime Minister, if that means giving up my cabinet post or being punished by you and relegated to the back benches then so be it because I will stand with the people who elected me.

But of course that is called leadership....Haldimand Norfolk was sold a bill of goods by an MP who is interested first and foremost in personal political gain. The scary thing is she's not the only

"HAS ANYONE SEEN DIANE FINLEY?" "LEADERSHIP?"

....is exactly what the sign read on my front lawn as I plucked my local paper off the porch this morning. The answer of course is NO.

I spotted a couple more on my way into Hamilton this morning and I have to say...CONGRATULATIONS on a terrific and peaceful protest effort.

The mysterious campaign is a beauty and hits the nail on the head.   My little birdies tell me that 25O of the signs have been printed and will be dotting the Caledonia landscape within the next couple of days.
Here's a suggestion: do a print run of signs that ask..."HAS ANYONE SEEN GWEN BONIFACE OPP COMMISSIONER?"

or how about....

"HAS ANYONE SEEN THE LAWS WE WERE RAISED WITH?"

or

"HAS ANYONE SEEN THE FEDS DO ONE THING IN THE LAST 100 DAYS TO DEAL WITH LAND CLAIMS?"

add your own sign here___________________.

By the way Finley says she might grant me a couple of minutes on the air at noon tomorrow. Word is she's pretty steamed about these signs and to that I say GRRREAT!!!!!

I thought I was done with Caledonia on this blog for awhile but...then I heard about the cowardly email suggesting that people rally at the Caledonia arena to get in the way of a Six Nations lacrosse game.

To the morons circulating that email. Get a life!! Stop suggesting that everyone on Six Nations is a protestor and grow up.

If you're angry then spend some time organizing a proper demonstration against leaders who can make a difference. If you don't have the courage to identify yourselves then do everyone in the town a favour and shut up. I understand your anger but you're not helping in any way shape or form to resolving the problem by acting like red necks. That's exactly what the protestors want. Don't give them what they want.

My two cents....

That's basically what I was told this morning when I called to ask about last night's ugly incident between OPP officers and some protestors.   I actually feel sorry for those officers who wear the OPP shoulder patches. They just like us are victims of a complete vaccuum of leadership.   
How could these officers wander into an area that was off limits? Were they newbies as has been suggested or were they not properly briefed. Regardless it's just another black eye on the OPP and on the Town of Caledonia...

Now then on to something else...What does it say about our government and the provincial police when you allow a private security firm to guard something as important and valuable as a hydro transformer.
The poor schmuck who was sent there to sit in a car and "guard" the thing was terrorized last night, threatened and then fled his post in his own private vehicle. The security vehicle was apparently destroyed.
Have you ever felt secure with one of those lame, cop wannabe security guards.
No wonder Caledonia is angry and fearful.

That's the sentiment of many Caledonians I talk to these days.   I have a strong sense that Chief Allan MacNaughton of the Six Nations Confederacy probably feels the same way.

I don't know for sure because he won't return my calls but he was quoted in a native newspaper as saying that Mr.Peterson is reneging on a deal that was working toward gradual disengagement of the barricades.

No new talks are scheduled but both sides say they're waiting for their phone to ring.   

For his part Peterson has admitted to me on my program in the past that he was naive about the complexity of negotiating with the protestors.   He also told me on the air two weeks ago that "Trust" is a critical factor in moving forward toward a resolution.

The trust is shot. It's gone and we're back to square one on the barricade issue.

Word is the Province recognizes this and may be looking to elevate the status of some Caledonia leaders who have emerged as credible and sensibile by Caledonia residents and by native protestors. This could be the key to getting something done where people like Peterson from way outside of this area haven't been able to do that.   By the way I don't have great faith in Stewart and MacDougall either.

As for municipal leadership taking more of an active role...forget it...the province has NO faith in the skill set of the elected officials at Haldimand County. So we're heading in the direction that I predicted weeks ago would be the only way out.   Get the people on the ground, who are invested in the town and who understand the history and culture and style of the protestors to the table and let them try to negotiate a win win deal for all concerned. It couldn't hurt could it?

***special note*** Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay will be on the air with me today at 12:40 to discuss this.

Have a great peaceful weekend.

I got a call from another Caledonia politician this morning suggesting I was being too rough on Craig Ashbaugh. He went on to list some of Craig's accomplishments including being instrumental in the development of the new Caledonia arena complex and getting a skateboard park up and running for young people in the town.   He also pointed out that Craig has been attending meeting after meeting on the Caledonia land issue.

Way to go on those young people issues Craig. You deserve your props for that but....on this critically important issue you have been invisible. Maybe it's just that like many small town politicians you just aren't comfortable answering questions from the media. Heck you might have a dislike of the media. You wouldn't be alone but as an elected leader you need to realize something in 2006, your constituents depend on the media to ask the tough questions and gather information for their benefit and to be a forum for debate on the issues.   It is necessary for you and other elected leaders to make yourself available to the media for those purposes. It's part of serving your community. Fear is not a characteristic of leadership.   Having taken hundreds of hours myself on and off the air to talk to people in Caledonia and former politicians in surrounding communities I've come to the conclusion that "THE OLD BOYS CLUB" of country councillors has to go in November.   The stories of infighting at the Haldimand Council make me sick.   The high turnover of County Staff speaks volumes for the lack of a proper and healthy vision for Caledonia.   It's obvious to anyone with eyes that Caledonia is one of the worst planned towns in existence.   People should start focussing some attention on the town's strategic plan and what role it has played in helping the Six Nations Confederacy protest gain legs. The jig is up on they way this town has been run. It's time for a wholesale change. The people of Caledonia deserve nothing less.

Where the hell is Craig Ashbaugh? If you don't know who that is, I'm not surprised because the Haldimand Councillor who supposedly represents Caledonia is blending into the background like a professional chameleon.

He's another prime example of a guy who thought he would always just coast along in his comfy council chair by shaking hands and cutting cakes and ribbons. He for sure is not a leader and should be turfed out of elected office the first chance we get.   When I first arrived in Caledonia four years ago I asked my neighbor about Craig Ashbaugh and what he had accomplished as a councillor. He couldn't name one thing.   I asked him why he keeps getting elected and his reply was..."well I don't know, we've just always voted for Craig Ashbaugh"   That tells you that Caledonia sunk to the lowest common denominator in electing a person who by many accounts is completely useless as a leader and visionary but who apparently could make a sailor blush with his harsh behind the scenes rudeness and disrespect for the Mayor of the County according to sources close to the myriad of meetings and talks that go on out of ear shot of us peasants in Caledonia.   Let me be clear....the guy doesn't get it and my little birdies in Caledonia keep me well informed of his impotence as a leader.   I in turn will keep you informed.   

My suggestion is to start calling him and asking him some tough questions about his leadership. Ask him for his thoughts on how the town can recover from this mess? Ask him who he spoken to and what specific ideas he's contributing to the discussions with residents and business people?
Go ahead call him and ask him.   I hope you have better luck than me....a constituent and talk show host who after four weeks is still waiting for the invisible man to show some courage and call back.

by the way....get on the phone with me today starting at 1:15. Wait till you hear the minutes from the Ontario Legislature I'm going to read to you from Monday's session involving our man Toby Barrett...who by the way has the courage to talk to people.

I agree fully with the position of the Haldimand Law Association which recently published its position in the media.

For those who haven't seen it....here's an excerpt....

"We believe that the failures of the OPP to enforce direct court orders has serious implications in respect of the administration of justice, both real and perceived, and the rights of landowners not only in Caledonia, and Haldimand County but throughout the province. We understand that the actions of the natives in this matter are motivated by frustration by the process and manner in which native land claims and other related issues have been dealt with by the federal and provincial governments. However this does not permit these individuals to ignore court orders and to violate the law of this Province and Country. A fundamental characteristic of any democratic civilization is the governance of the Rule of Law. When the Rule of Law comes under attack so do the rights and freedoms of every individual in that society. The Rule of Law is under attack in Haldimand County and the powers that be, that have been entrusted to ensure the operation of the Rule of Law and to protect the rights and freedoms of the residents of Canada, are either refusing or neglecting to act."

I firmly agree with this position. I am a Canadian and I don't accept that there are two laws for different people even if they declare they are from a different nation. People from all other nations of the world have to abide by these laws when in Canada. This situation is not different. If you thumb your nose at the law you should expect to be held to account and if convicted of an offense to be punished.   NO ONE IS ABOVE THIS.

The Jamie West Show has learned that Mr.Justice T.David Marshall has called a special sitting to deal with a number of outstanding issues related to the situation in Caledonia.

The date of the court sitting is This Thursday June 1st at 11am in Cayuga.

Among those who are being ordered to appear in Cayuga court on Thursday are the Commisioner of the OPP, The Attorney general of Ontario, Counsel for the Henning Brothers, The Six Nations elected council and the Confederacy or their counsel, Raillink Canada Ltd, The County of Haldimand.

The judge has also indicated that the Haldimand Law Society should be allowed seek status before the court in this sitting.

From the court document...."This court directs the clerk to apprize these individuals and organizations today and failing their undertaking to appear-to serve them with the direction of the court"

CHML NEWS WILL BE THERE to cover this story.

Just a quick one today....

I'm sick of hearing from protestors who do nothing but hurl insults and get mad at me because unlike most media types I'm not afraid to say what I feel. I'm not a fence sitter and while I sympathize with a number of things that happened to first nations people hundreds of years ago I can't help believing that many if not most first nations people have chosen to bring their wonderful culture, and traditions forward in a postive way for everyone to be a part of in Canada, just like hundreds of others nations who have "arrived" in Canada over the last couple of hundred years.

The way I see it is...you can fight a losing battle among your own people like you have for the last 80 years as was pointed out by Six Nations Elected Band Council Chief David General on air with me, or you can find a way to come together with all Six Nations people and present a united front to stand up and be proud and let the rest of Canada know exactly what you stand for. To find a new and postive direction for your children in modern times.

We will have David General back on our program on next Thursday and I hold open my invitation for Mr.Laughing, Mr.Powless or Ms. Jamieson to join us to represent the confederacy view. They have my number and one of them is more than welcome to be at the table.

I do believe Six nations people were ripped off monetarily by past governments...Canada should own up to this and pay up. But if all you want to do is yell and hurl insults then please just shut up. Same goes for you Caledonia hotheads.
Just shut up!!!! until you're ready to move the discussion forward in a calm manner.

Let's continue to try to take this discussion to a higher level.

Most of us already have but a few need to be told.

I don't care what Janie Jamieson or any of the other confederacy protestors say, in Canada which we are clearly in whether she likes it or not is a country with laws to be abided by and enforced.
We should never judge anybody by simply who they are, their cultural or religious background but by how they act.
I remain disgusted at the one law for one group, one law for another situation.
.....

The town needs to continue to pound on their elected officials and frankly start looking to choosing new leaders when the next elections roll around. Open your eyes and start seriously thinking about who you want to represent you. This crisis is actually giving you an opportunity to do that.

....

If there's a moratorium on the Douglas Creek lands. Why is a road being built by natives on that land?
.....

so much hypocrisy....so little leadership...so few answers.

If I'm reading the tone of Caledonia correctly today. Most people are taking a breath, restocking their fridges and spending time thinking about what the next issue is on the road to normalcy. It bugs me that some media suggest that that town is getting back to normal now that Argyle St. is open.

That couldn't be further from the truth.   The bypass is still closed and the land issue isn't even close to being dealt with.
Now Caledonians are faced with the immediate need for answers as to who is going to pay for repairs, for lost inventory, for lost business? Sorry to be negative but if you really look at the situation since it started in February, the town is actually further behind despite the celebration around Argyle Street opening.   Our elected leaders and police officials remain absent. The town is still left to fend for itself.

I'm largely staying off the Caledonia topic on the air today because there just isn't much of anything to report in terms of how the government is addressing the residents losses.

The best thing we can all do today is take a breath, think and regroup to keep fighting the government to move their asses and get something done.

I hope you have a good day...God knows you deserve one.

It's good news for sure but Caledonia is not going to get back to "normal" until all the blockades are removed and the Hennings are looked after by the government to their satisfaction.   The road may be open through town but its going to be a very long road to resolution. Yesterday proved that people on the ground away from the hoo haw of the political big shots can get things done.   

So here's my point.   Cool heads and keeping the hate and anger muzzled WORKED. It will continue to work and the people who were front and centre in negotiating yesterday's small victory should be supported and encouraged to keep building trust.   We have a lot of issues to work through let's recognize the good leaders on BOTH SIDES of the issue and keep encouraging those people to lead and represent the people on both sides. Lets keep our heads cool but never let go of the issues until they really are resolved. The worst thing the people can do is become complacent again or on the other extreme to let their anger get the best of them again.

We're all becoming smarter through this experience. Harness that knowledge and a positive outcome is guaranteed for Caledonia even without our absent elected leaders.

And remember...Oct of 2007 will be Dalton's Day of Reckoning. It can't get here fast enough.

Laughing told the cops the barricades are coming down today.

Our reporter says the hydro tower across Argyle has been removed. This is a great sign but its just a start. I'm happy to hear this news and spread it but HYDRO is still out and a lot of faith is still lost.

However, This is a start and my advice to the people of Caledonia....keep staying away from the native protestors. Stop giving militants an audience and start pounding on your elected leaders at the provincial and Federal levels.

Caledonia has a lot of work to do in just holding The McGuinty jokers and the invisible Feds to account. Hang on to all your expense receipts for lost food, generators etc.   I know I'll be asking our government to cough up for these items.

I talked about being proud Canadian a few weeks ago. Oddly enough I don't feel very patriotic anymore.

BRING IN THE ARMY NOW!!!!

Disrupting the hydro supply to Caledonia and surrounding towns is the last straw. There is NO security...the OPP refuse to enforce the law and protestors on both sides are becoming more angry and violent towards each other.

Stop pretending that the protest is peaceful. It is NOT.

We need to restore law and order in Caledonia now.

I'm sick of the political double talk from both sides and I fear that more people will be hurt in the absence of law and order.

Here's another bit of advice to the people of Caledonia...STOP ATTENDING THE BARRICADE and take your anger to your elected officials and force them to get the army into Caledonia now.

The entire complextion of this dispute changed with that act of domestic terrorism yesterday.   

So now CHML is racist. What a crock. If that is all the protestors have to stand on...they are not going to win an intelligent and intellectual debate. This morning we were banned from the Confederacy newsconference.   

The protestors have taken a "if you're not with us, you're against us" attitude.   The protestors called a 10am newsconference and then decided to ban us and CH News.

I am outraged at the STUPIDITY of this move.   

I have been nothing but balanced in my reporting of this story and have bent over backwards to allow all voices to be heard. I begged protestors a week ago to fill the phone lines when the barricade was partially opened....Nothing.

I invited Chief Allan MacNaughton and Sub Chief Leroy Hill into studio and offered them an hour of the show to explain their position in the early days before the OPP raid. They agreed and then arrived and said they would only speak for half an hour. They gave up a half hour of air time!   I have repeatedly taken native protestors up on offers to hear their voices including taking their "Clyde Powless" led organized tour behind the lines a couple of weeks and as recently as Friday evening, I arrived at the barricade to meet with a protestor who had emailed me suggesting we have coffee and talk.   He expressed surprise that I actually showed up. We talked for over an hour respectfully and we both listened. We didn't agree on a number of issues but we each allowed the other's voice to be heard.   He suggested I walk back to the barricade with him. I did and was told by at least two women that I was a racist.   I offered to give them and their spokespeople two full hours on my show to make their case.

Their response was SILENCE.   In all my years as a journalist 20 of them now...I have never had more difficulty connecting with the protestors and other confederacy leaders.   I have litterally had dozens and dozens of phone calls and messages go unanswered.

It's 2006 and if you can't communicate and shut out reporters from your newsconferences you'll never get your message heard. Does that make sense?   

I suggest the Six Nations Confederacy get some serious communications help now.

This is a disgrace.

The dirty tactics I'm referring to are the ones imposed on The Henning Brothers by their own government. Time and time again throughout the discussions, debate and discourse on the Caledonia Occupation John and Don Henning have been treated like 4th class citizens.

Take for example the news that Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay has promised the native protestors an unspecified moratorium on the Douglas Creek lands without so much as a cursory chat with Henco who the province has granted legal land title.

No discussion about the length of the moratorium, no discussion about compensation, no nothing.   

If a move like this doesn't scare the you know what out of you, it sure should.   Your government has now set a precedent of not recognizing your rights as a legal landowner in the province of Ontario. Ramsay's letter included a thinly veiled attempt to intimidate the protestors by saying that progress on talks to bring down the barricades must continue but that line only came after first committing that no further development will go on at Douglas Creek until further notice.

The correct course of action is to immediately END the talks until the barricades come down.

What a complete slap in the face to the Henning Brothers who by all accounts have made huge and valuable contributions to Caledonia. These men are LOVED in the community and have been since long before this crisis put Caledonia on the map.   It's well known in the town that the Henning's are more concerned about the long term effects of this crisis on the town than they are about their own personal suffering and understand this....THEY ARE SUFFERING BIG TIME.   They keep a fairly low profile in the media...why?...because they're concerned about anger flaring. They don't want any violence and they don't want the town to suffer. Their belief is that "the system" and the laws of the land will provail.   Their heads are in the vice and THEY STILL BELIEVE.   Talk about strength!!!! these guys are amazing.   The Hennings could easily hold a clinic on COURAGE....I suggest we sign up the OPP and all three levels of our impotent government.

So yesterday a bench warrant was issued for four native protestors for failure to appear when summoned. Today despite knowing the whereabouts of the suspects, the OPP are sitting idly by doing nothing to enforce the law. How embarrasing for all of us in this province.

The only thing more embarrasing is the complete incompetent lack of knowledge displayed by Ontario Community Safety Moron Monte Kwinter.   Yesterday at Queen;sPark when asked by a reporter to explain why the police were not enforcing the bench warrant. Kwinter suggested that he'd have no comment because he wasn't up to speed on the court development and wasn't sure if it was a local police matter or an OPP matter.

A LOCAL POLICE matter. This idiot doesn't even know who's supposed by in charge of the safety of the people of Caledonia.   This is nothing short of a complete disgrace. Kwinter should resign immediately and apologize to everyone in Caledonia. This long time liberal weasel clearly doesn't have a clue.   That revelation is only helping to ramp up the doubts and anger of everyone involved in this crisis.   It's not a protest or land reclamation anymore. It's A CRISIS.

I'm really worried about the number of emails I'm getting from people who sound like they're ready to take the law into their own hands.   I hope they don't because nothing will be accomplished. They must keep the heat on the elected officials but I understand how hard it is to fight the good, peaceful fight when everywhere they turn they get lip service.
I called Kwinters office to get him on the air today to explain. I was rebuffed because they didn't think it was worthy of their attention.

I invited the OPP on to explain why they weren't enforcing the bench warrants...they agreed and then litterally chickened out saying to me that the bench warrants are an "operational issue" and that they wouldn't be prepared to comment at this time.   I suggested they explain how they intend to keep the peace this Holiday weekend in the whole province when so many officers are in Caledonia? No response. I asked them about the level of anger rising in the town because of a perceived double standard of law enforcement....no response.

Bottom line here is this....the big shots are all running and hiding or else continuing to serve up heaping helpings of BS.
There are even people blaming me for continuing to talk about the story from both sides of the issue.
When we stop talking about this just like the officios want us to...we're all guaranteed to lose no matter which side of the issue you're on.

THIS IS NOT SOVIET RUSSIA.....or is it?

Every day that goes by in this thing has me reaching for the gravol. Not just cause I'm feeling nauseated with the whole affair but because it is getting so difficult to sort all the mixed messages that fly around with regards to the barricades, the negotiations, the partial blockade opening yesterday, who's doing the talking and who isn't.

One minute it's Clyde Powless, the next minute it's Chief Allan MacNaughon, the next minute we're getting news releases from Janie Jamieson and Hazel Hill and where is Micheal Laughing. Last week he was supposedly speaking for the protestors.   There's contradiction everywhere you turn. The blockades are open for a brief time yesterday...but only to native vehicles and emergency vehicles....then it's closed again...then opened again because of a serious accident on the detour route...this time everyone can go through except OPP but only until the accident is cleaned up and then the doors shut again.   The bottom line here is that the protestors aren't being straight with anyone on statements made by Chief MacNauton. He said last Friday that the whole issue would likely be settled within a week. Friday's coming folks and there are lots of townies expecting something good to happen, but unfortunately there's been no update on those talks since last Friday...nothing...nada...not a whisper from either side.   I must of had a dozen calls and several dozen emails yesterday suggesting that the accident on McKenzie road was like lighting a fuse of anger in the community.   It just once again reminded them of the OPP's complete and I do mean complete FAILURE in this whole affair....and of the danger in using a secondary winding road for handling large traffic volumes that should be using Hwy 6.

It reminded them of how choked off they are from other nearby towns. It reminded them of how people from outside Caledonia believe the town is tainted. It reminded them of their own government's failure to deal with land claim's issues for decades, it reminded them that there's no organized leadership and that the town is being paid lip service by a bunch of has been politicians like Peterson, McDougal and Jane Stewart who by the way is in a conflict of interest because she and her husband own land in Paris considered to be on Six Nations territory. It reminded them that straight answers are hard to come by from the natives themselves and yesterday was a catalyst for another wave of unproductive anger.

For crying out loud.....!!!!!!! will somebody say something?????

I'm getting dizzy just trying to follow who is doing the talking and who really represents the views of the native protestors in Caledonia. Last week we made a big deal of the fact that Clyde Powless was out as official spokesperson for the protestors and that Michael Laughing was in.   Laughing has been essentially silent. Now I'm reading quotes in the local papers from none other than Clyde Powless AGAIN and Janie Jamieson and Hazel Hill.   All of whom have different cryptic styles of speaking.   Meanwhile we have Confederacy Chief Allan MacNaughton making statements about blockades coming down and resolutions being reached that protestors on the ground say are premature and most of Caledonia suspects were simply a way to turn down the pressure valve on the community.   Most people I spoke to this weekend on the ground believe that David Peterson simply put MacNaughton up to making the statement in order to try to cool off hot heads.    Whether it's Peterson, MacNaughton, Jamieson, Hill or Powless all you really get is double talk and cryptic code that to be deciphered.    There's no straight talk coming from the talks and frankly that bugs me.

And while the talkers keep talking...the citizens of Caledonia are getting more organized and they have some heavy hitters of Caledonia business joining their group.   It's the Citizen's Alliance that seems to have the heart of the people with them and none of the locally elected leadership which again fails to advocate for the people of Caledonia and the business owners.   It's one thing to stand up and say people are suffering in the town but how about trying to do something about it Mayor Trainer instead of sitting back in a submissive pose waiting for the other levels of government to invite Haldimand into the talks?

I laughed this morning when Peterson told my colleague Roy Green that the blockade is inconvenient but not that inconvient for most people in the town because the Douglas Creek Lands are on the edge of town. Tell that to the people who live in the huge subdivision directly beside Douglas Creek.   Again....little true understanding of what's happening on the ground and little concept of how important it is to choose words carefully.

He just made that announcement on CHML a short time ago. He and Peterson made a big show of calling Roy''s Show to let everyone know that progress was being made and that he expected a resolution to the Caledonia standoff within a week not months.

That appears to be good news on the surface. But I'll hold my confetti until a deal is actually reached and then I'll be very interested in the terms.

For now though...a bit a good news for a town that needs some thread of hope.

Looking forward to your calls starting at noon today.

It's simply NOT going to get resolved quickly. Sorry to be so negative but I'm a realist. This mess is going to take a long time to settle.   A couple of new observations.   First, more mixed messages from the Six Nations Elected Band Council who's Chief is David General.   The band council is kicking in 10 Grand to the confederacy protestors to keep them fed at the barricade. This is the same Chief who earlier said that he doesn't support this protest. Which is it David?

Secondly,   Damning videotape show by CH News clearly shows what everyone already suspected that objects were tossed from the overpass on the weekend onto River Road.

Protestor Spokesperson Janie Jamieson when asked about it told CH that those protestors were provoked into their actions and that their actions were to protect women and children. What a crock of Bull that is!!!!   Even if I stretch my imagination a mile wide...and slightly buy into that B.S...explain to me why it would be necessary to toss objects onto the roadway if the ones "provoking" were right in front of them. By the way...none of the "provokers" were tossing 2x4's over the barricade at native protestors.   I guess this is the peacefullness the protestors continue to speak of. They should be absolutely embarrased by these actions.

Thirdly, the OPP have lost enormous credibility. They have become absolutely politicized choosing to turn their back on the laws they are sworn to uphold. In Caledonia, A church last evening prepared a dinner to show appreciation and support for the OPP rank and file officers. A gentle human and postivie gesture to be certain but...and this is big but...on a larger level, what are we thanking them for? For not doing their duty, for not enforcing the same laws for native protestors that non protestors are expected to follow?

None of us...the police, the protestors or the residents of Caledonia can expect to pick and choose when the law applies and doesn't.   

I'm embarrased. Everything I grew up being taught about obeying the law is becoming hollow when I look at the double standard being created in Caledonia. Vandalism, acts of intimidation, public hwys blocked and NOTHING but OPP officers standing around trying to keep two sides physically apart while anger and fear continue to rise.   

When police fail to enforce the most basic laws for some but not others it leads to anarchy.   Fear particularly gives rise to vigilantes. If sworn officers of the law fail to enforce those laws then the lesson from history is that the people take up arms. This can't happen!!!! Everyone would lose. However, perhaps its time for the Federal law enforcement agencies namely the RCMP or the Canadian Armed Forces to take over policing duties in the town.   Let's be honest, things have gotton worse with the mood in the town on all sides. Communication on the talks continues to be non existent, rumours run rampant, the police are saying nothing, the government ministries at all levels are saying nothing, the leadership on the native side is saying nothing.

Meanwhile, the protestors are becoming bolder with every passing day.   Now there are two blocades, spray paint on a provincially funded overpass (total disrepect), flags on hydro towers, hydro towers cut up and welded to the overpass, accusations of objects being tossed from the overpass and strange carvings in farmers fields being created in the darkness of nighttime.

Again...the province and the feds are failing to show any strength, leadership or a desire to take a tougher stand.

They better do it soon because if the odds makers are right and this thing lasts for several more months....it could be one long, ugly, hot summer.

Caledonians can hold their heads very high in the face of intimidation by keeping their cool and demanding of their elected officials and police that the law be enforced NOW.

Word around Caledonia is that Clyde Powless spokesperson for the native protestors has been given his walking papers by the Confederacy.   In his place apparently is Michael Laughing a spokesperson who was more prominent at the protest site in the days before the OPP raid that resulted in the protesters establishing the blockade of Hwy 6.

The difference between the two by most accounts is obvious. Michael Laughing told the media he'd be willing to die for his cause. Clyde Powless is viewed by those on the other side of the baricade as more moderate.   It was Powless who had developed repoire with the media and the OPP.   Now it appears that repoire will have to be built once again which in my opinion is regressive. Governments on both sides can talk all they want about the talks at the SECRET LOCATION but anyone with half a brain knows that things are worse on the ground now than they've ever been and the full time challenge at ground level is not to develop an agreement but to simply keep all the hotheads on both sides in check.

I'm apalled that the province and the feds haven't even invited the Haldimand government to the table in an official capacity. They have given them an observers seat and let's not mince words, they're keeping the municipal officials in the dark. Is it any wonder that voters don't bother to show up to vote in municipal elections.   Sure I've been critical of the local Haldimand Council but those people represent us and they should be at the table if for no other reason but to offer insight into the positive relationship Caledonia has had with Six Nations for many many years. Anything less is yet another abandonment of Caledonia by the Province and the Feds. Remember all of this when elections roll around.

I would say things are really going very well in efforts to end the Caledonia land stanoff wouldn't you? David Peterson's been on the job dealing specifically with the blockade on Argyle street for over a week now. It's still there. Jane Stewart and Barbara McDougall have been appointed to the talks that supposedly are on going at the SECRET LOCATION and so far the result of that has been A SECOND BLOCKADE!!!

The native protestors have now set up shop north of the Grand River on the by-pass. At face value, no big deal since the OPP have had the By-pass blocked off for weeks but the problem is the danger of falling objects from the bypass onto hwy 54 or as most townies call it River Road. Now the OPP are having to detour people around that area, more inconvenience, more law breaking, more anger, more frustration and still no resolution.   In fact the closest thing Caledonians have to cling to for hope is Peterson's statement that both sides in the dispute have "reached a tentative understanding". What the hell is a "tentative understanding"? Either there's an understanding or there isn't. and don't confuse the word understanding with agreement.

An understanding could simply be that both sides understand each others position.   It's an agreement that's needed.

It's also my "tentative understanding" that the native protestors are the only ones who have not appointed representatives to come up with an agreement.   If they're in such a hurry to get their land claims issues resolved then what are they waiting for? You'd think they'd be the first at the table.    Not much has changed in the public support department for the protestors since my last entry. Some are still breaking the law and at least doing stupid things that do nothing to win them support. Again...whether they think so or not....they NEED the support of people who are not residents of Six Nations.   They also NEED to get control of their radicals and understand some basic rules of diplomacy.

Maybe I'm missing something here and if I am, tune me up because for the life of me I can't really understand why our Federal and Provincial governments continue to bring outside negotiators and mediators to the table to try and resolve the Caledonia standoff.    What did David Peterson accomplish? Nothing that I can see.   He's gone back to his Ivory Tower in Toronto and the Argyle St. blockade is still there.

What will Jane Stewart and Barbara McDougall accomplish? I guess it remains to be seen but in the absence of a hard deadline for an agreement to be reached this thing could drag on for several months. I demand that the elected leaders who work under the laws of Ontario and Canada set a hard deadline and if an agreement can't be reached then the Province and Feds will tell everyone including the natives exactly how its going to be.

The town of Caledonia must be released from the criminal activity of having their road blocked.   The protestors have NO RIGHT to block that road. They have destroyed their credibility by burning tires, bridges and more recently looting the HENCO office and stealing...that's right stealing the henning's personal property.   Today...they're showing off their warriors in Army fatigues as another attempt at intiimidation.

They have got to get into 2006 and recognize that without the support of the larger community outside of Six Nations, they absolutely cannot win.   

The people of Caledonia need to ask why their elected leaders are not leading by representing themselves at the talks. What do we pay these ding dongs to do in the first place? I'm sick of seeing a bunch of political has beens coming forward at 1000 dollars a day to do the job our elected and well heeled politicians are supposed to be doing.

GET IT DONE....GET IT DONE NOW....or make a decision to remove the protestors and get the road open. Caledonia can't wait forever.

Another song reference. I remember that song being played on a radio station in December 1980 right after the announcer told us of the death of John Lennon. Most of us don't stop to think very long about the lunatic fringe which is exactly why it is so dangerous.

The lunatic fringe is starting to rise in Caledonia with flyers making their way around the town calling for a "final solution to the Indian problem" and feature members of the KKK.

This is serious stuff although I suspect it is the work of a couple of kooks. Police are taking it seriously and so should every resident in Caledonia.   

It is critical that none of us condone red neck or outwardly racist remarks about the native protestors.   The rumour mill has to be brought to a grinding halt as well. Unfortunately in the absence of regular updates and communication between the residents and all three levels of government, rumours will run rampant.   With the appointments of Jane Stewart (province) and Barbara Macdougall (Feds) there is renewed hope that a resolution can be reached. It's not going to be easy especially when you consider that once an agreement is negotiated it must be ratified by protestors behind the lines. So it looks like we're in this for awhile yet which makes it even more important to discourage the lunatic fringe. You know the difference between legitimate debate and disagreements and hate. You are a smart community. Each of us has an obligation to shut down, shout down and stamp out racist non-sense and keep the peace.

And to the jokers who distribute such garbage...you're complete losers, social misfits and cowards.

How appropriate that David Peterson was in a Caledonia grocery store yesterday because the whole thing was a load of Baloney or Bologna if you're really picky.    I never thought I would see the day that the big shot Toronto Lawyer would be walking the aisles of my local grocery purveyor. The last time I saw David Peterson face to face was in his Scotia Plaza tower office on September 11, 2001. That fateful morning I was there for a scheduled interview with Peterson for a documentary I was producing on the life of Lincoln Alexander.

Now he's standing in the produce section. Weird.

Media types think his appearance at the Zehrs store to tell everyone that "Caledonia is open for business" was a way to appease requests for interviews and information on the talks.

I don't see that as an unreasonable request in the first place, but that staged grocery store love in including buying a native protestor flowers just about does it for me.   Everytime I think that this story can't get any more bizarre, it does. These poliiticians and cronies on both sides continue to insult everyone's intelligence.   For starters, my guess is that David Peterson has never set foot in Caledonia in his life before Sunday and so he failed to realize that natives and all others have shopped side by side in Caledonia for years. His photo op yesterday was not a revelation to ANY Caledonians.

Let me give it to you straight here. Peterson should not be wasting even one millisecond on photo ops. The province has given 50-grand to Haldimand to launch their own marketing campaign. Caledonians will take care of marketing the town and the sooner a resolution is found the less marketing they'll have to do. Every minute of his time should be spent on getting a resolution.   If he doesn't have anything to say about progress to the media than he should shut up until he does have something to say.

I was hopeful about Peterson's arrival but I understand he's leaving town today with a lot of requests from the natives to take back to Queen's Park.

I might be wrong but I think we've all been the victims of a typical government softshoe.   We deserve more.

When last we left the impotent elected officials of Haldimand County we had just finished ripping several strips off Deputy Mayor Tom Patterson for hiding his identity and not speaking up on the air last week. (See "Cowards of the County" a couple of postings below this one).    I'm both pleased and relieved to note that in the last 48 hours Tom Patterson has shown more leadership than the entire Haldimand Council combined since the beginning of the standoff.

First, he called my program yesterday afternoon as the Deputy Mayor to offer his and the Council's wish that last night's rally go off peacefully. As it turned out it barely went off at all and was in fact peaceful.   Tom also offered up to my radio audience an update on talks that were taking place between the County and the Province in regards to financial compensation for loss of economic activity etc etc. Details and amounts to be hammered out later. By now you might even have heard that the province has been talking to the Hennings about some financial assistance to help them stave off financial ruin while the SLOW talks continue at the SUPER SECRET Location (A motel in Brantford).

To top it all off Tom Patterson was seen working his way through the 400 people at last night's rally, stopping and discussing issues. Now THAT impressed me. In fact I walked up to Tom and shook his hand and told him that I as a Caledonia resident was proud of him for his change in approach to the situation. To be fair, most of the what's happening at the SECRET LOCATION is between the province, Feds and the Natives. The county is being treated like a little child who doesn't really understand and is better off over there at the "kids" table where they can spill their milk without messing things up for the 'Adults".    What Tom Patterson clearly understands now is the value of simply trying to keep his constituents in the loop and offer any updates in a clear manner.   He also seems to understand the importance of just BEING with the people when they gather to share thoughts and ideas and share information.

He did it on the air...without me even having to brow beat him into doing it and he did it face to face with the residents of Caledonia last night.   Give credit where credit it due...Tom Patterson is on the right track here.

Now...an observation from the gathering last night at the blockade.   I refuse to call it a rally because it simply wasn't. It wasn't organized. It featured no speeches or key messages or inspiration or information. It was as it has been for several nights before....a gathering of gawkers, none of whom were participants but simply spectators with nothing else to do on a Friday night but head on down and see if a scrap breaks out.   They were disappointed I'm sure. If it weren't for my job as a media type, I would have stayed home. As it turned out I left early knowing that the hype and sizzle leading up to the non event turned out to be just tripe and fizzle.   The gathering reminded me of those commercials encouraging people to vote... you know.. where the guy gets up when given the floor and then has nothing to say. You remember the line...."why not speak up when everyone is listening?" As much as I dump on the politicans for being cowards....I'm beginning to wonder if many of us are too?

More observations from the Caledonia standoff...

Last night I took part in a well calculated and choreographed tour of the native occupied lands at Douglas Creek Estates. I was skeptical before the tour began and I remain skeptical of the motives of protestors who suddenly felt it was important to allow the media back to see their sacred fires, first aid tent, supply tent , mess tent and cooking facilities. There were also pristine signs posted with rules including no littering, watch your speed and posted rules for youth in the camp that include a 9pm curfew and that all youth must carry proper i.d and must sign in and out of the camp.

The whole excercise in my opinion was designed to get more media attention in time for the 11pm newscasts on a day that most media types felt was "slow" in terms of developments in the story.   Native protestor spokesperson Clyde Powless told me that he met a young mother in the local Horton's who told him that her child considered him the Bogeyman. That bothered him and he wanted the people of Caledonia to know that protestors weren't hiding anything scary behind the lines.   Again I say BALONEY. There were two reasons for the tour. One was the pressure being put on protestors by non-native media for access. The other was the pure desire to keep the protest front and centre on Front pages, Televison newscasts, and talk shows.

The PR move was largely a failure due to one native protestor who just a short time later came out from behind the lines and confronted a native OPP officer, ordering him to get the police lines moved back to where officers were on the weekend.   The officer was accused by now two protestors of being treasonous to his own people. The officer responded by saying that his job is to keep everyone safe. The protestor threatened to "roll that F-ing car and burn it". A few minutes later Clyde Powless came out and retrieved the foul mouthed protestor and escorted him back to the camp. So another hothead muddies the water and so it goes and has been going since Monday when a group of hotheads moved on the protest site following the big organized town rally that called first and foremost for calm and peace.   

In the absence of progress reports and updates on timelines from elected officials at all levels, I fear the US vs Them mentality will only continue to root itself in the community.

How bizzare is it that people are now coming down to the protest site in the evening and pitching lawn chairs in front of the Canadian Tire store to watch the evening's events or non events unfold.   I'm starting to see the same faces night after night on the Caledonia side of the barricade. For some this thing is becoming a hobby or even a source of entertainment.   If rumours of a big rally of Caledonia residents tonight come to fruition, the lawn chair pitchers could get the payoff they're looking for....but as the old saying goes...be careful what you ask for because you might just get it.

That's the question I asked native spokesperson Clyde Powless last night when I met him for the second straight night at the obscenly blocked site of the occupation. Every time I look at that blockade I become more angry. Angry at the law breaking tactic and angry that our political leaders let it get to that point. Let me be clear. That blockade is a DANGER to the citizens of Caledonia. Having worked as a paramedic, I can tell you that the native's promise to let ambulances and fire trucks through comes as hollow reassurance when seconds literally count to save lives.

If that road were open those ambulances would be screaming with heart attack victims well above the speed limit to get the patient to hospital. As it stands now that can't be done safely. They have to crawl through the blockade so as not to create a few more patients in the process of dealing with the one they're transporting.   However, I digress.   I told Clyde Powless to tell his people to stop emailing me and calling me to tell me I'm a racist simply because I disagree with the tactics employed by the protestors over the last week.

It's time for at least one media person to make the following observation and I guess it will be me...The protestors in my opinion have a complete "if you're not with us...you're against us attitude" For a group that suggests to the residents of Caledonia that they see many shades of grey, they sure act and speak in black and white.

The bottom line is the same as it was on day one of the protest...THE FEDS and the PROVINCE have to deal realistically with land claims issues and DECISIONS made popular or unpopular to get this over with.

The problem my friends is that there are politicians on both sides of the blockade who are more interested in their political hides than doing what needs to be done to move forward. Regardless of what any or our versions of history are...it's 2006 and we need a modern day applicable solution NOW.

I can hear the old Kenny Rogers song ringing in my ears.

In this case the cowards of the county are the collective of Haldimand County Council.   They're afraid...very afraid. Why? because they're being exposed for the figure heads that they are. Make that impotent figure heads.   They're great at cutting ribbons, kissing babies and attending spaghetti dinners and giving the local rags the quotes they need to fill their mostly hollow pages. When it comes to advocating on behalf of their constituents...they are a huge failure and they are cowards.   An example is the absurd request made of me last week on my show when Haldimand Councillor Tom Patterson called the show and asked me to hide his identity before going on the air to voice his thoughts on the native standoff. I refused. He told me today that he felt it was Ok to call as a private citizen on the issue as well as an elected official and he chose to call as a private citizen. This "leader" is now carrying the title of Deputy Mayor and official spokesperson for Haldimand County Council.   These gutless officials are afraid because they know that situations like the Caledonia standoff seperates the men from the boys. The men so far are people like Ken Hewitt who organized the rally while trying to operate his own business, pay taxes and feed his family. People like Steve Tong who went behind the lines to talk with the protestors...the same people he went to school with and played sports with. Unlike the elected officials he got something done by reaching an agreement that would prevent the protestors from buzzing down his street at high speed on ATV's near the protest site.   It's people like Mark Watson who was not afraid to voice his rage and tell the people of Caledonia that they should withhold their taxes because they are getting nothing in return.  

He is right!!!!!!!!! The people of Caledonia are getting nothing but political double babble, excuses and apologies for the stupid things the county leaders are saying.

No leadership...no advocacy...no plan....no ideas that would lead to resolution.

Take a careful look at the people who have emerged as the real leaders in Caledonia perhaps they should be sitting in council making the decisions that these gutless politicians won't make.   Real leadership always rises to the top when times are tough...so far all of the fakes with the offical titles have sunk like stones.  

Spent most of the weekend at the site and had a chance to see how people on both sides of the issue are capable of behaving. The media stands by waiting for something to erupt between Caledonia residents and natives.   With the exception of a few hot heads who approach the site most interaction between natives and non natives is peaceful, polite and cordial.

Even as I stop to chat and with Clyde Powless, spokesperson for the protestors, I find him almost jovial. I watch as he interacts with OPP officers on the other side of the lines.   It's raining. Clyde approaches a small group of OPP cruisers. He gets inside the front passenger seat of one vehicle and engages in a discussion with the officer. I can see them sharing a smile and a laugh. Most of these officers at the site are part of the A.R.T or Aboriginal Relations Team of the OPP. A special group trained in native culture.

It's still raining and I see a group of native protesters cross the barricade on "Canada's" side of the barrier.   They're armed with garbage bags. It's earth day. They're picking up litter and garbage along both sides of Hwy 6 and in a polluted creek bed near the the Tim Horton's that has been serving as the neutral zone in this dispute.   I watch an OPP officer approach one of the native protestors who is leading the clean up crew. The officer asks how he can help? The man replies..."Get us more garbage bags".   The officer goes back to his vehicle and then heads directly over to the Canadian Tire store. He returns a few minutes later armed...with more garbage bags.   The officer and the native protestor meet directly in the middle of hwy 6 still on the "Canada" side of the barricade. The officer hands the man the garbage bags. The two shake hands and exchange smiles.

Later...two men come from inside the baptist church now land locked behind the lines. They're officials with the church. They've just completed a meeting with protestors who have assured them that their parisishoners will have easy and open access to worship at their church on Sunday.

It's still raining...Clyde Powless turns to me and says "see, even the creator wants cooler heads to prevail today"

Let's be clear. This protest can not go on in this style for much longer.   The protestors are losing ground as far as winning support outside their group from non natives because of the stupidity of burning tires, cutting hydro poles, burning bridges and other acts of vandalism.

It's a great way to get attention but I would say the wrong kind of attention. As long as the Six Nations people remain divided among themselves, their hope for a long term peaceful resolution will remain elusive.

As for the OPP.   They have failed. Their actions yesterday were taken simply because Henco Industries was in court threatening to suit the OPP for not enforcing the two court orders to remove protesters that were already in place.

Again...the Feds are brushing it aside. The Prime Minister says he's watching. How about some action and less navel gazing?

Meanwhile...the drastic actions of some protesters does little to cool the hot heads outside their community who make stupid and stereotypical remarks about Indians stealing cars and being drunks.

If what's happening in Caledonia isn't a form of anarchy, I don't know what is....I fear its going to get much worse before it ever gets better.