A Political Idea..? Attn: Kato

[Cedar]

I just had this "lightbulb" go on in me head after reading the "The Election is Coming" thread! Maybe this is just a real dumb idea, but have to share it anyway!
Kato often mentions how we should be writing to all these politicians, etc. Great idea, maybe would do some good...however, I, for one, am not that great at composing such letters and getting all the necessary details and wording things effectively! I'm not sure how many other cattle people fall in this category...but anyway, I was thinking...how about if somebody (perhaps a group of well-spoken individuals from this forum)composed a form letter that we could all copy and paste into an e-mail, along with all the e-mail addresses (and/or snail mail)to send it to. Even better, perhaps we could all agree to send these on a certain day and absolutely flood their e-mail systems with lots and lots of copies of this letter!!!! We could all contact everyone we know to stop in here and grab a copy to send, it would only take a few minutes of everyone's time. Maybe that would get some attention!!!???? Perhaps it would show them that the "peasants" are uniting and not going to take it anymore!!!!! The bigger the "squeaky wheel", the more grease it needs! Watcha think?

[Joe-2]

In Manitoba our $2.00/head checkoff goes to MCPA.Producers have the option of filling out some forms and getting their money back if they want.
I'm going to get in touch with MCPA (asap) and tell them if they come out and publicly support 100% mandatory testing they can keep my money.If not,I want it back.EVERY NICKEL.Perhaps everyone should consider doing the same.
Personally it will take more than this "voting against fining the packers" thing for me to vote Liberal.I'm not willing to forget things like sponsorship,gun control,scrap the GST,the NEP,corporate welfare for Bombardier, THE METRIC SYSTEM,and all the other 'wonderfull'things the federal Liberals have done to this country.

[Joe-2]

What about the Cam Osterman Essay Cedar?
Well written and self explainatory.

[kato]

I agree, that essay is the best expression of the state of affairs that I have seen yet.

[kato]

I just sent it to Bob Speller and Paul Martin.

Hint.. save the essay on your computer as a pdf file when you open it. That way you can attach it to your email.

Bob Speller email - spellerb@agr.gc.ca
Paul Martin email - pm@pm.gc.ca

Paul Martin's office actually anwers emails, believe it or not.

I think this article should be in much wider circulation than it is right now. Let's get it out there.

Anybody else have any email addresses to share?

[rusty1]

I wish I had the solution to wether 100% testing is the way to go or what. However here is an interesting fact
In Japan each BSE found has cost 13.8 million per animal.
In Europe the cost has been 4 - 9 million per. (depending on which coutry you look at)
That has done nothing to increase consumption or confidence.
And as we all know the human health risk is basically nil.
The Jap's won't give us a PO if we do 100% testing.
So why test everything? (honest question)
Scientifically it is acceptable that at a certain level of testing you will know statistacillay the answer.

I am sure about 1 thing. All the decisions in the past are political trade related, so why are we trying to open boarders with science. The politicians are happy we stay focused on the science of the thing instead of the real "Trade issue".
I'm still stuck of the only solution being that of trade retaliation.
Start a rumour that 1 Asian boat out a 1000 carries Avian Flue. and turn them all around at the port and send them back.

[jensend]

so what has our animal cost us because we aren't willing to test more animals? our one positive has cost us billions because we aren't willing to either prove our beef is clean or prove that we sell only safe beef.

[kato]

There's also the fact that if it becomes common knowledge that the cattle producers in Canada are actively lobbying for testing, perhaps someone will pay attention?

I think we all know who.

What's the best way to stop us from pushing the testing issue?

I think we all know what.

It's a political problem, so let's play a little politics. If the border doesn't open, then so be it, we'll have our cattle tested and be open for business again. It just could save our butts if/when the Americans find a native positive cow of their own.

Our backs are up against the wall right now, and it's time we stood up for ourselves. No one else is going to do it.

After reading the essay again, there's only one thing I would add to it. That's the fact that loss of the feed market isn't the only thing that's going to hurt grain producers. What about all the pasture that's bound to be worked up and turned to growing grain? Boy, talk about hurting grain prices.

I think we need our grain growing neighbours in on this as well.

[kato]

No, I haven't been on the computer all day! Between posts we processed 30 replacement heifers to get ready for pasture, assuming the grass grows.

But what I did do as well was to submit the link to the essay to the W-5 website.

Go to ctv.ca Follow the link to W-5.

They actually have a spot there where you can submit story ideas. If they hear the same suggestion a few times over, maybe they will think it's worth reporting.

I have a bad feeling that the cattle industry is going to be forgotten in this election.

Besides, I think they owe it to us to show our side of the story, because right now there's a story about tainted meat on the page. Remember guys...balanced reporting!

[15444]

Excellent idea Kato! I just finished submitting the link to W-Five myself.