sNaFU question

[blackpowder]

Ok, perhaps I'm a masochist. And I don't want to give any credence to this 'binding vote' bullskat. But, they were on radio again.... so here is question.
Can the sNaFU kindly give me an example of the question they would ask on this 'binding vote'. AND a definition of an ELIGIBLE VOTER!!
They seem very gratified to have all the labor unions and hippies on side, and to declare this issue a 'national food policy' matter!.
SO dangit.......... ANSWER THE QUESTION!!

[charliep]

No trying to be a masochist either but why ask question? The effort seems to be to turn the debate into a social and political one versus a business decision made by individual managers/an organization that is focused on providing value.

From my last couple of days, the grain supply chain and even the CWB operations side are ready to move forward on the new business model.

[blackpowder]

Well put, Charlie. I should eat lunch before I post. The NFU has become nearly redundant so why bother.
The answer might have been entertaining though.

[chuckChuck]

Hi Charlie,
It is always interesting to see your posts but I had to laugh when I saw your comments.

"The effort seems to be to turn the debate into a social and political one versus a business decision".

Many of the posts on Agriville over the years have focused on the freedom argument. I have had many anti CWB types say it doesn't matter whether the CWB gets a premium or not I want the right to sell my own grain.

Surely you must recognize that this has always been a political and social issue along with a business issue for CWB supporters and critics?

Most of the Conservative support in the last election came from non-farmers who could care less about the issue or the impact on farm business. And yet these voters are having a tremendous say in the future of ag policy in Canada.

Why is it then that the list of the groups who want a binding plebiscite are not legitimate? Is it only because you don't agree with them or don't like them?

You are entitled to see the world from your conservative point of view, but making statements like above makes me wonder whether you have really thought this through very well?

[gregpet]

chuck who would decide on the wording for the question(s) for a plebiscite?

[malta]

Greg: Here is the question.(This will stir up the NFU types.)
Choose 1
1. I want to be forced to sell my wheat to the Canadian Wheat Board?
or
2. I want to be able to sell my wheat to a voluntary Canadian Wheat Board or another buyer of my choice.

The voters list would consist of anyone having sold more than $100,000 worth of grain in any of the last three year who is still actively farming.

[chuckChuck]

Gregpet and malta. Harper has set a fine precedent for managing ag policy in this country. Inevitibly governments change and when the next government imposes a changes in ag policy you don't like, without consulting farmers fairly, you can just suck wind.

You might want reconsider your endorsement of the process. That is unless you think it is okay for governments to impose their will whenever they want.

[FarmRanger]

The government is getting out of the "imposing
their will" business. That's what the market
freedom bill is all about.

[charliep]

chuckChuck

Will our discussion matter to the end result?

Perhaps the real failure over the past was the majority CWB board of directors decision to take a political path versus a business one.

The CWB business is to provide a valued service to farmers, high quality service to end use customers and finally be an active part of the supply to provice low cost logistics.

A challenge to you is to provide leadership as to the services a revitalized CWB could offer.

Not complicated. Sign up farmer grain contracts - maintain the sales relationship with end use customers - work with the supply chain to make things happen.

I look forward to your positive contribution to this process.

[blackpowder]

Chuckless: I happen to live in Alberta and am quite accustomed to "sucking wind" as you say.
I remember the NEP, carbon tax threats, every damn gun law put in with an Order in Council. I don't even remember anyone asking for the metric system. I remember a lot of Quebec based prime ministers. Should I go on about the transfer payment system and its cost to Eastern Canadas productivity level??
Whatever. Even governments reach a point where they have to "move it or paint it". SO I ask you Chucky, how does it feel to "suck wind"??
And while I'm at it quit blowing about supply management as its days are numbered as well and most of us don't care. It's an unfair tax on the poorest of consumers and really hasn't turned the tide of ag industry value added loss any way.
Your comments on GM wheat are just dumb. When the industry wants it, it will be here the next day.

[sumdumguy]

Well said Blackpowder.