April 9, 2008
Some recent comments that have been made about my previous columns indicate that there are people who really do think that I am being political.
So I decided that I must re-evaluate my position to see where I stand.
Conclusion: I am not political because I refuse to take the side of any political party.
I will continue to pressure those in positions of power regardless of their political stripes in a search for the truth.
It has, however, been pointed out to me that I do sleep like a politician.
I sleep soundly and without guilt or remorse.
I lie on one side, then I lie on the other.
Now I have to admit that sounds political.
You could probably ask any politician who has ever been in Ottawa, either side of the House, if they have ever told a lie and they will look you straight in the eye and lie again.
Only they don't call it lying.
When politicians are in Opposition, they call it 'doing the right thing' to make demands of the official Governing party. They demand answers, demand action, and go to great lengths to express how they would handle any given situation.
Then these same people end up as the Governing party.
Ask them now what they demanded and stated when in Opposition and see where it goes.
It will be either ignored, was never uttered, misunderstood, taken out of context or the recording was doctored.
But it never was and still isn't a lie.
So we can assume the present Minister of Veterans Affairs, Greg Thompson never demanded a Public Inquiry into the CFB Gagetown spraying. When the subject comes up now he frequently referrs to the Base Gagetown Area Fact Finding Project as an inquiry.
It was not an inquiry and to call it an inquiry is to, shall we say, propagate a rumor. When Thompson was in Oppositon the BGAFFP was termed a waste of time.
A severe case of 'a change of positions' changing a position, but it is not to be referred to as a lie.
And Prime Minister Stephen Harper never promised to look after all the victims of the Gagetown spraying for all the 28 years. That must have been a doctored recording that I saw and heard. Those damn gremlins get into everything and they could actually destroy a man's credibility. They could even make a person look bad, maybe actually catch him in a blatant lie that just will not go away.
And still, these prominent politicians face the public daily, forever telling us how great they are and how much they have accomplished.
And they believe that.
There are people like that.
They can convince themselves after a while that they are telling the truth.
They are totally in belief of themselves so they aren't really lying any more.
Then at election time they have to try to convince the electorate.
Now THAT'S politics.
Jim Cadger
_______________________
March 29, 2008
I get a lot of phone calls.
Thats not a complaint, in fact I consider it a compliment when people call to find out whats going on with the CFB Gagetown spraying issue.
I have maintained personal contact with a large number of people throughout the period that this story has been in the forefront, made some good friends, supported those friends and have been supported. Those people account for the majority of my phone calls.
Occasionally, maybe because of my 'unusual' last name that makes me easy to track down, a stranger calls to ask questions about something that they have heard or read about the CFB Gagetown spraying.
This past week was a bonus week with calls from Ontario, Nova Scotia, and the State of Maine, USA, each one leaving an impression on me in their own way with their own situation, their own interpretation, their own needs.
One man in particular has made this column an easy one to write.
He had just come away from our web site, having spent extended time reading information.
He told me that he has never been in the military, has never even visited near the area that the spraying took place, and had just now come to realize the magnitude of what took place at CFB Gagetown for 28 years.
He offered his own observations from what he had read on the subject.
He emphatically noted that the government has turned this tragedy into a travesty, and he could now understand fully why we appear to be so emotional about the issues.
We talked about that, and he said he was unable to accept an invitation to come with me some time and visit some of the older, sick and dying veterans to get a full appreciation of how emotional this really gets; to witness first hand some of the people in distress, to listen, to see, to know all you can do is promise to help - often times that being enough, just for them to hear that much.
Then he began to ask questions.
The questions on Gagetown I felt competent to answer.
The very questions every Canadian should be asking went unanswered.
How can Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who obviously lied when he promised that all the people for all the 28 spraying years would be looked after, represent Canada?
How can any country believe what our Prime Minister Harper says if Canadian citizens can't?
How can Harper even show his face in public without being embarrassed?
Who is Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson, really?
Or, who does Greg Thompson really think he is?
Is that Harper's thumbprint seen on Thompson's head?
Where are the Atlantic Canada MP's, in fact, where are ALL the MP's in Canada.
Where is Peter MacKay as Defence Minister?
Who or what is Peter Mackay - or should I ask David Orchard that question?
How can all these MP's collect a high salary for pretending to represent the people?
How does the one-time $20,000.00 ex-gratia payment compare to an MP's annual expense account?
Wasn't it Kruschev that said of politicians, 'He will doublecross that bridge when he comes to it'?
Does all this make you extremely proud to be Canadian?
I don't know, my friend.
I decided early in life to maintain my integrity and honesty, so I am not into politics.
Jim Cadger
jimcadger@agentorangealert.com________________ February 23, 2008
I wonder where the compassion that lives in each of us goes when one becomes a politician.Undoubtedly the same place their pre-election promises go. I wonder how someone who has never worn a pair of boots, done their job under severe discipline, experienced real heart-thumping fear, or known a hungry day or a cold night can sit in judgment of those who gave their lives to this country.
These judgmental politicians now live the way they do because so many have given their all. These same politicians who should be grovelling for a chance to even have the right to speak to a Veteran are the ones who are now making the decisions, not standing up for and not supporting the Veterans and their families that need assistance.
I lost yet another friend a short while ago.It was not only his death that saddened me deeply, but the way he died.A once proud, straight and strong man who would have gladly laid down his life for his country at any time, he left us so full of hurt and hate.His legacy now will be a family left behind that feels exactly the same. But he is one more that the government will not have to compensate.One more victim of the massive spraying at CFB Gagetown from 1956 to 1984.One more that did not make the Institute Of Medicine 2004 list of diseases that were the criteria for the ex gratia payment for being a soldier sprayed with Agent Orange in Gagetown.
The government saw a need to use the year 2006 as a cut-off date for compensation.The year the Harper government took power.Was that a political statement? I see all kinds of political statements.
I see their use of the IOM 2004 list of diseases instead of the updated IOM 2006 list for compensation while using 2006 to their own advantage as a cut-off date speaking volumes.
I see Greg Thompson's call for a Public Inquiry while in opposition, then forgetting it was ever said, shouting back at him loudly.
I see Stephen Harper's promise to look after the military and civilian victims of the Gagetown spraying from 1956-1984 as something that will not be forgotten.
I see the government's stall tactics on the Class Action lawsuit just another ploy to drag this issue out over a long period of time, with people dying every day.
I see the need, the absolute NEED, for a Public Inquiry.Not next month, next year, or as bait to the voters when an election is looming.Do the right thing. NOW ! CALL FOR A PUBLIC INQUIRY With a saddened heart, I ask that you take the time to really read the poem attached below titled "A Soldier Died Today".It was obviously written by a man who knew both 'politicians' and the 'real people' of this country.
Believe it or not, Veterans Affairs Canada has this poem on their web site.
Jim Cadger321 Cherry Ave
Fredericton, NB
E3A 2A2
(506) 459-8499
jimcadger@agentorangealert.com
A Soldier Died Today
By Lawrence Vaincourt, RCAF Veteran, Second World War
He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast.
He sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of the war that he had fought and the deeds that he had done,
Of the exploits with his buddies, they are heroes, every one.
Tho' sometimes to his neighbours his tales became a joke,
His Legion buddies listened; they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer; he has passed away.
The world is much poorer now; a soldier died today.He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary, uneventful, quiet life,
Held a job, raised a family and quietly went his way;
The world won't note his passing, Tho' a soldier died today.When Statesmen leave this earth, their bodies lie in state.
Thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell their stories, from the time that they were young.
The passing of a soldier tho', goes unnoticed and unsung.It's so easy to forget them, it was so long ago,
When our young men left for battle, but this we should know.
It was not the politicians with their promises and ploys
Who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys.Should you find yourself in danger, with enemies at hand,
Would you want a diplomat with his every shifting stand?
Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn we will defend;
His home, his kin, his country; he'll fight until the end?He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us; we may need his likes again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldiers part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the bureaucrats did start.If we cannot do him honour while he's here to hear our praise;
At least let us pay him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say:
"Our country is in mourning, a Soldier Died Today".__________________
January 26, 2008
As I write this, the federal Conservatives are meeting behind closed-doors in Ottawa to plot strategy for the resumption of Parliament.
Caught in allegations that the government covered up news that Canadian troops have stopped transferring Taliban prisoners to Afghan authorities, a quick shift of blame went to the Military, a just-as-quick retraction of that statement, and of course begins the Politician's neverending offering of support to one another.
How about a REALLY RADICAL approach to the resumption of Parliament.
Its HOT. Its called Honesty, Openness and Truth.
Do we dare dream..............?
In my previous column, when speaking of Government accountability, I made reference to the Federal Accountability Act.
Undoubtedly some were wondering how the issue of the Gagetown spraying and the Act were possibly connected.
Even from a layman's view the Act is a real piece of work, similar to the Agent Orange Compensation package in respect of not being done as promised, only partially implemented and full of loop-holes that effectively makes it ineffective.
The Harper 'New Government' promised to be accountable, more transparent, and promised 52 measures to stop everything from patronage to untendered contracts.
The Harper 'New Government' also promised to stand up for full compensation for persons exposed to defoliant spraying during the period from 1956 to 1984.
Well, we know where the promises of truth and justice for the Veterans and victims of the Gagetown spraying issue went.
Apparently so did the promises of the Federal Accountability Act, and although I stand to be corrected on any or all of the following items, this is the way I see it until somebody can prove differently.
Probably the single item that stands out to me is the fact that the Act didn't contain all the promised measures that would have made the federal government more transparent.
In fact, only 30 of the promised 52 items were brought forward and only 24 of those implemented.
Well, implemented may be a strong word for something so full of loopholes.
Patronage.
Patronage is still alive and legal and cabinet ministers can appoint unqualified party loyalists and friends because the Conservatives failed to establish an independent Public Appointments Commission. The commission would or should have used advertising to the public to select appointees on the basis of merit and ability, not political affiliation. No changes made here.
Untendered Contracts.
Government officials are still allowed to decide that only one company can provide a product or service, therefore no tenders required.
If a particular favourite company get an untendered contract and it is questioned by others offering the same services, should the Minister or his officials be held accountable for trying to deceive the public?
Of course they should, but not in this government.
As I see it the new Federal Accountability Act actually cuts out the rule that requires cabinet ministers, their staff and senior government officials to be honest.
I am under the impression that there used to be a rule stating that federal politicians and government officials can be penalized if they lie about or hide such activities as handing out contracts without a bidding process, and it doesn't seem to be there now.
So we have party patronage and untendered contracts.
Add in some 'legal lobbying'. Why not?
Lobbyists, making use of the present rules, are not required to disclose how often they are in touch with politicians or officials. While the Act bans former cabinet ministers from becoming a lobbyist for five years, ministers can exempt their staff from the ban, so you have a neat loop that feeds the minister while he is in office.
Oh yes, this government is HOT.
Honesty, Openness and Truth just seems to ooze out of Ottawa.
And I'm not even Political - I'm still just looking for the truth.
Jim Cadger
________________________
December 30, 2007
During the past two and a half years that I have been involved with the Agent Orange issue, I have been described as controversial at the least and political at the worst.
It is my intent to provoke the citizens of Canada into becoming more aware and demanding answers for all that has happened in the 28 years of defoliant spraying at CFB Gagetown, N.B.
I can state emphatically that I do not favour politics or politicians.
Since I am an advocate for truth and justice, that should immediately eliminate the idea that I am politically inclined.
You should also know that I concentrate on those individuals who should be responsible, regardless of their political colours. The only 'politics' I am concerned with is the truth, and my quest continues to find a politician who actually tells the truth and sticks to it. In other words, a politician who is actually as good as their word.
I subscribe to Mark Twain's statement: "Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it."
So with those words as a guide, lets have a look back.........
I heard the Request:
"In June I asked the Government of Canada to conduct a public inquiry into the herbicidal spraying program at CFB Gagetown from 1956 to 1984. About 90% of that base is in the riding I represent. I said that the public inquiry should have the authority to make recommendations for compensation of all persons affected, both civilian and military." - New Brunswick Conservative MP Greg Thompson in Opposition.
I heard the Promise:
"Our government will stand up for full compensation for persons exposed to defoliant spraying during the period from 1956 to 1984. We'll disclose all information concerning the spraying to veterans and civilians, and will provide medical testing to anyone who may have been exposed." - Stephen Harper, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, on the campaign trail in Woodstock, N.B.
I saw the Result:
An ex gratia compensation package of $20,000.00 to very few for a very limited time period.
Appearing to be a watered down version of the former Liberal government's plan, it offers less money, a shorter time frame; (4 months in 1966 and 4 months in 1967) and a disease list not up to the 2006 Institute Of Medicine standards. A further weakness in the package is evident in the fact that potential claimants must have been alive on Feb 6, 2006, the date this Conservative government took power.
And of course I have opinions:
This package is an insult to the veterans of Canada's Armed Forces, the victims who believed, and the families of both.
Greg Thompson failed to get a public inquiry while in Oppostion and now fails to call for one as a Minister.
It appears the word 'fail' seems to be aligning itself with Greg Thompson and failure may be a prominent player in the next election.
Harper apparently lied to the people while he was on the campaign trail. He never followed through with the promises he made while in Oppostion.
Harper's 'New Government' totally missed the opportunity to seize this issue, to be ACCOUNTABLE, and to do what no other governing party in Canada had ever done before and that is to recognize the problem and acknowledge the suffering of those who never imagined that they would be placed in harms way in their own country.
This government's chance to become 'heroes' to thousands blew up in their hands and was scattered in the wind like the sprays of Gagetown.
In fact, it was not the defoliant Agent Orange (a mixture of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T) sprayed by the Americans that caused the majority of the problems. Canada had sprayed 2,4-D and 2,4,5,-T for 10 years prior to the US spraying less than 500 litres in 1966 and 1967. Canada continued to spray Hexachlorobenzene for 20 years after that period, making the spraying of Dioxin laden products only 2% of the total sprayed.
This is an insignificant amount relative to the spraying of the Tordon products containing Hexachlorobenzene, a deadly organic pollutant.
HEXACHLOROBENZENE: Canadian Environmental Protection Act - Hexachlorobenzene has been categorized as CEPA toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, anthropogenic and is now slated for virtual elimination (VE) under the Toxic Substances Management Policy (TSMP) adopted by the federal government in 1995. It is listed on the UN/ECE Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) Protocol as a toxic with the potential for long-range transport through the atmosphere.
It is among the most volatile of organic compounds and it is also very lipid soluble and hence readily bioaccumulated; it can remain in the environment for a long time. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified hexachlorobenzene as a possible carcinogen to humans, based on evidence in experimental animals. Exposure is also associated with dermal and neurotoxic effects in humans. It breaks down very slowly; it does not dissolve in water very well, so most of it will remain in particles on the bottom of lakes and rivers; it sticks strongly to soil. High levels can build up in fish, marine mammals, birds, lichens and animals that eat lichens (like caribou), or fish and vegetation.
The catch-phrase 'Agent Orange' was used by government to its full extent to keep this compensation package at a bare-bones minimum in both time frame and monetary compensation.
The government ensured that the focus went to those few months in 1966 and 1967 when the United States sprayed at CFB Gagetown.
On September 9, 2005 during Question Period and while in Opposition, Greg Thompson said, "Despite all of this spray program over the years and the millions of litres sprayed, only one person has been compensated."
Obviously he was aware of the amount of spraying that took place at CFB Gagetown.
Not good enough.
This was a 'Made in Canada' problem, executed in Canada, had Canadian participation and Canadian government approval and caused so much grief to Canadians and to anyone who ventured onto this poisoned area of Canada from other countries.
Greg Thompson's drive for a legitimate solution to the problem while he was in Opposition was left behind when he became a Cabinet Minister in Harpers "New Government".
Harper promised to compensate all the victims for the full 28 year period. He did not.
There are some people declaring that this government actually DID something regarding the CFB Gagetown defoliant sprayings.
There has been no admission that the situation exists, no apologies for previous government's lack of inaction, no hope for the veterans and victims who are dying and in need of medical help, no hope for their spouses and children left behind.
Today there is a large number of totally disillusioned people: former Conservative Party supporters, military people with continued loyalty to Canada's government, and those who just plain believed that our government would never harm its citizens.
Those same disillusioned people are now joining in a court action that when successful will provide the country with the truth and Government accountability, and the victims with the help they deserve.
Harper did promise that Canada's 'New Government' would be accountable.
Well, the FAA (Federal Accountability Act) is another subject, and another column.
Jim Cadger
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