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

[parsley]

Gusty, a group of you have done much. It's very
appreciated. And I know you will continue to so
more. But number wise, it's an onerous when
you farm full time

We need ten Kevins. And you know, having half
a dozen Gusty look alikes on TV would likely get
the female ratings up. Pars

[farmaholic]

Parsley: it's Rex's way with words that has you enamored with him!!

[parsley]

I am indeed a woman who is seduced by words
conceived from an enticing thought. Pars

[craig]

The only general public that have an
interest in this debate are those that
want to use it as a tool to promote left
wing thinking. For the most part the
general public doesn't care. If you
follow the news the CWB story is well
down the list and here today gone
tomorrow. Everyone knew the board would
not go down without a fight. If you look
at all the money spent I would suggest
for the most part they are getting poor
return on their investment. I see no
ground swell of support. Be positive and
lets move this thing forward.

[farmaholic]

Taken from a previous thread, thought it applies to this one as well.....

Good luck Parsley, no sarcasm intented. With the name calling, lack of diplomacy, lack of respect for the opposite sides opinion and position, emotional rants, you may have trouble finding what your looking for.

If we wanted to grow wheat, barley and durum we were forced to use a system of marketing that grain, no one "stole" it we simply lost control of it.

There is rhetoric on both sides of the argument. The pendulum on the pro-choice side has swung too far. The public needs to hear the facts not rhetoric.

I recall posting in a previous thread long ago not to hold our breath on the 08/2012 date, that it would be met with challenges. Also that if it is going to happen to make sure it is done right and not rammed through, they(Cons) have 4 years to accomplish it, but this is what happens when you rush things. I have found that when I take the extreme emotion out of decision making and base it on reason and facts I tend to make better choices.

Marketing freedom will come yet, but relax and use common sense and diplomacy, respect others opinions and views. Is that asking too much from a bunch of grown adults?