Question For CharlieP

[Burbert]

parsley, Slick. Are you mellowing out? Farmed for 40 years and a professional too, bet you had a real humble upbringing. I must admit, shock and awe, IIIII don't know what to say, except you are obviously a legend in your own mind. My suspicions have all been laid to rest, cause you said it on the NET, and I am forced to accept it at face value, it must be the truth now because it's in writing. Do you play poker? I bet you bluff a lot.

[Burbert]

charliep, Did you feel that little knot tighten in you stomach when I asked this question, obviously expecting an answer? Guess Tom4cwb did, when he rushed to your defense! At any rate, it is the same gut reaction we all feel, when stressed (Fight or Flight) I think that is what they call it. This CWB issue is being clouded with smoke and mirrors. It should/will ultimately be decided by farmers, it is our agency we run it, we will decide its fate... Your input is interesting and informative, but not unbias, after all Alberta Gov't policy does want the CWB destroyed. Doesn't it?

[silverback]

Very Mature.

If Charlie can hasten the freedom of choice in Alberta, I will vote for him to become the next premier!

Go Charlie.

[wedino]

Burbert, "after all Alberta Gov't policy does want the CWB destroyed."
You made the statement, why don't you back it up?

[charliep]

Burbert

Your question was legit and relevant to the discussion. Alberta/civil servants were asked to take a new direction just the same as the CWB staff are being asked today. Your follow up comment was also correct - at the end of the day a decision by politicians and upper management at Alberta Agriculture.

Does the Alberta government want to destroy the CWB? Why would they? As long as it provides Alberta farmers with products and services that help them management their business better/add to profitability, the CWB will be supported in an open market. You have to realize there are other farmers in Alberta who have a different view than you do - we also have to listen to their views.

A final comment is that Alberta government has been consistent in their position over time (at least for the 30 years I have been around). I will note that several people in this discussion have indicated we have not gone far enough/been too slow.

[charliep]

The barley plebescite will be an indicator of where farmers sit on the single desk/open market. My guess (not scientific) is the results in Alberta will be about 1/3 status/single desk, 1/3 who want an open market with the CWB as an alternative and 1/3 who want to get rid of the CWB altogether. Someone (not me) will have to start a contest to see who can forecast closest to the final result.

[Burbert]

wedino, The Alberta Barley Commission,s position on the CWB, is to hasten its demise. Am I wrong in thinking that the Alberta Barley Commission is an arm of the Province of Alberta, and they get their marching orders there?

[Jman]

Parsley: here is your response to me in a post a few weeks backs regarding Ag Econ Professors providing input into the barley plebisite:

"Jman,

But he (Rolf Penner - small pig farmer in MB) is a fellow farmer, though, rather than a ballet instructor or a drag queen or a botanist studying June grubs".

"You don't mind if the professors are subsidized via scholarships, bursuries, or contract work, but you cannot seem to stand another farmer giving or getting value".

Parsley
****************************

Contradicting your opinions aren't you?
The wind seems to blow in all direction here.


Speaking of studying June grubs, even your hero Steve Harper is now a fan of environmentalism, even preaching about green house gases. Alberta's oil and gas industry is going to be a big loser under new Harper policies. Afterall, who is not going to vote for them next time around, regarless of how he treats Alberta?

They will probably also implement a new environmental taxes on farm fertilizer and fuel too.

[wedino]

I don't believe The Alberta Barley Commission wants to hasten the demise of the cwb. All it wants to do is remove the chains & leg irons.

[parsley]

Jman,

On January 22, I made the point that Penner was a farmer, (obviously valued), and noted you resented him getting paid, but you did not show the same resentment towards professors getting paid.

On February 6, I made a posting saying if educated elite (professors) are worth their weight in salt, they will be well paid.

1. I think I have made the point many times on Agr-ville, that I have no issue with paying farmers or professors, and paying them well. You did.
2. I try to respect other farmers putting their opinions forward. I don't always do it well, but I do aask for their argument, their reason, their logic. But I indicated that I'm happy that the Government, any government, gives a seat at the table, to a farmer, rather than a non-farmer.

I don't think I stated any contradiction.

wedino, I agree. The compulsory, leg-shackling, jailing, force component of the Board has to be removed, along mentality of the Directors who enjoy engaging that force and jailing and fines.

What kind of people enjoy doing these acts to fellow farmers?

What kind of Board would play every card in the book to impede another farmer trying to make a living, rather than trying to help him?

The Bill Nicholson's and the Larry Hills and the Ken Ritters and the Allan Obergs and the Kyle Kornichuks and the Rod Flamans and the Ian McCrearys of the world all appear to agree that farmers should be put in jail for trying to sell what they grow just so the CWB can get more money.

Parsley