If you wanted to say something to Mr.& Mrs. Public

[parsley]

What would you want them to know about the
CWB that caused you to seek marketing
freedom? Pars

[jimbobobaroo]

I agree with you parsley on trying to get something to stick in the
public that promotes awareness of the issue rather than just what
they are hearing already. There are a few good reports, bits of
interviews, etc. but the real message from farmers wanting
change is not shown. Although I may have missed it, I don't even
think the judges ruling was shown on CTV in Calgary during the
news.

The problem, in my view, is that the CWB has taken a very
strategic stance and is convincing the public that the CWB is for
all intents and purposes the voice of "all" farmers. Not only that,
but the farmer is need of saving from the Harper government. An
excellent tactic rallying support in places where they don't even
know what the CWB does; all the public seems to know is they
have to Save the Canadian Grain Farmer.

How does one work around this? One way, I think, is the feds
should have started announcing education and transition
programs for farmers nationwide months in advance of now.
Give the uneasy farmer a little peace of mind that their hand will
be held in this time of transition, but make the ads public to all,
not just the farmers so everyone can hear what's going on.

Another possible flanking of the CWB would be to propose
legislation enacting the CWB nationwide. Feedback will be swift
and public as it will be coming from the East.

Or really come out of left field and start making statements that
the CWB causes higher domestic food prices because of it's price
monopoly. Also reaction will be greater than it is now.

Now matter how it is, I think the feds have done a great job of
putting their head down and walking with the ball, but a very
poor job of creating positive spin on the issue. There was a time,
maybe not anymore, where the public could have been convinced
that freeing Western Canadian Grain farmers from the CWB was
"Their Idea" and something that needed to be done.
Unfortunately the CWB has beaten Harper to the punch on that
idea.

[grassfarmer]

"...start making statements that
the CWB causes higher domestic food prices because of it's price
monopoly."
You'd have to be careful not to shoot yourselves in the foot with that one, lol.

[parsley]

Shouldn't mrs public also be hearing that awhile
ago, the wheat board was also told by the judge
not to spend money pushing the monopoly?
Did that judgment get lost in the silence!

[parsley]

Did I miss a press conference of the choice
bunch of farmers who went to ottawa on c18
day? I've been googling for it since I got home.
Couldnt find it?.....,,,pars

[sumdumguy]

Yes i would like to say something, "let my people
go!"

[oneoff]

And I'd like to say "Does anyone really want to also lower themselves to spreading pure propaganda, completely pure personal attacks, conjecture and political bias.
The debate gets a lot wider when you marginalize the lefties, NFU, commies, Nazi's, envirionmentalist flavors, judiciary and courts and any other individual and group that you currently think you despise. THAT HAS NEVER BEEN A SMART way to gain additional support for marketing freedom options for ALL Western Canadian farmers in a rapidly changing modern free trade world environment.

Thats the message that must be sold.

[gustgd]

Parsley there were a couple guys that went to the Ministers press conference that morning, and did talk with media. If they did not get air time...........
The reason that we did not have a full on Press conference with all farmers attending was that because we were spending our own time and money, we flew in on many different flights.
The next day many flew out early.

The bulk of us did not get to the hill until just before the vote. Maybe we could have had something after but it was late and thought that the regular news crews would not show up. Maybe an opportunity lost?
Honestly I thought the photo would have been the MP's clapping through out the vote or us filling the visitors gallery.
Now why would the media choose to ignore a group of farmers who make effort to be less reliant on the taxpayers of Canada?

[Braveheart]

Oh look smiling farmers. Doesn't sell newsspapers. Would never go viral on the web.

Cherilyn Jolly Nagel gogo dancing in high boots and a miniskirt on the steps of the house, "Hot young farmer dances with glee over marketing freedom bill", now that would sell.

Catching the media attention with positive messages is tough. Sensationalism or confrontation is an easier sell.

[parsley]

I listen to Charles Adler and Rex Murphy. I will
admit Rex is very sexy. Pars