Friday, March 7, 2008

Haldimand "Merlyn Kinrade needs your Support"

Update March 9, 2008; Thanks again to Numberswatchdog. For full coverage of today's event please go to http://www.numberswatchdog.com/ In the video/audio section. I was given the opportunity to Ask Councillor Grice about the Proclamation today, and he confirms what Mayor Trainer said, that Council will not support this. My question is under Toby Barrett and the Proclamation. For those that are on dialup, numberswatchdog has an audio file, thanks from all of us that are on dialup.

If you read my blog on a regular basis you will know that I often write and post comments and concerns of the residents of Haldimand County. If you feel you are an "Unheard Voice", and you are respectful, I will post your story.

So in saying this, Merlyn Kinrade of Caledonia is asking for "Your" support on Sunday in Caledonia. I have often stated that it is better to receive information first hand before you make a "Judgement", whether it be attending a "Public" meeting at Council, or doing just this, passing information on to you. The ultimate decision is yours to whether you attend or not.

I will be there on Sunday, that is if I can shovel out from the "50" centimetres of snow that we are apparently suppose to get here in Haldimand County over the next couple of days. I will update you if this demonstration date changes.

I would like to add a personal note here; I have personally met Merlyn Kinrade on many occasion's. Merlyn is a passionate and caring person. You may not agree with some of the things that Merlyn has said or been involved in, but I have got to say that Merlyn truly cares about his community and therefore he has my support!

Merlyn has asked that anyone who has the means to send this along to as many people as possible, so as "Haldimand's Unheard Voice", that is exactly what I am doing. See you Sunday!

Merlyn's Letter to the Editor

It has become more apparent than ever that extortionist Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI) are out of control and appear to have the blessing of the Province and OPP Commissioner Fantino.HDI spokesperson Aaron Detlor says they met with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing – "we advised them that they were going to need our consent and we were going to have to take time to review the plan and be given the resources to do so".

The plan being Haldimand Country official plan.Mr. McGinty would you treat the Mafia with the same respect?

Your government has repeatedly rejected the authority of the HDI to charge fees and yet you meet with people who should be arrested. Need I say more, the lawlessness continues unabated?

A rally is planned for Sunday March 9th 2008, 1:00p.m. At the Caledonia Centre (twin pad area).

I am appealing to Mayor Trainer and council, MPP Toby Barrett, MPP Tim Hudak, PC leader John Tory, all the protest groups, the movers and shakers and all the rest of the citizens that realize now that we have been duped for two years and counting.

If you care about the business community and the very survival of Caledonia and indeed Haldimand County we need your support.

The Ipperwash or whitewash inquiry is a millstone around Dalton McGintys neck, strange how vindictiveness has a habit of coming back to bite oneself in the butt. We all suffer because of this scam.

In closing Mr. Detlor stated (channel CTS) that the Haldimand Tract is only the beginning, Ontario, New York and parts of Ohio are all under land claims. He appears (Detlor) bent on conquest.It’s up to us to ensure our voices are heard.

M. Kinrade
RCN Ret’d

11 comments:

  1. Everyone has the right to their own opinion, and I know if Merlyn was reading your comment, I am sure that he would say: this is not the worst thing that someone has said about me. The reason why I stated this is that I was going to delete your comment, and have decided not too, as I believe that the negative posts are as important as the positive.

    I have also had many people say things about me, and I find it is much easier for people to critize a person than compliment them.

    It is obvious that you dislike Merlyn and that is fine, as we can't like everyone.

    I received a wonderful e-mail from Merlyn thanking me for posting this story. Merlyn respects my opinions as I respect his, we don't always agree with each others methods, but at least we are trying.

    If you do "nothing","nothing" will happen.

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  2. Thank You Donna.

    You make a very good point. Critizing someone is easy. Actually doing something isn't.

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  3. Thanks for your comment.

    I recall when I was about 18, I worked a part time job and the security guard that worked the night shift was a very interesting individual. I will never forget what he said to me one night on our break. There is only one rule in life and if you follow this rule you will make out very well in life.

    Do onto to others as you would have them do onto you.

    We may not always agree, but we must always be "respectful" of each others feelings and opinions. Sometimes things are better left unsaid.

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  4. Dear Donna,
    I feel so badly that some residents are content to ridicule and insult their peers rather come up with alternatives to what some are doing to get the word out. We experienced the same at Ipperwash, and where did this infighting get us. NOWHERE! SN although not totally united is closer than most of the non-native residents of Caledonia. If a small victory even is won in this mess by the out spoken residents, will anonymous be able to hold his/her head up as being part of the solution??
    These are unprecedented times, and unusual tactics have become necessary. I am appalled that John Tory knowing and having proof of the HDI extortion now against the Province is not screaming for a full investigation and arrest of those involved with HDI. We will regret the re-election of McGuinty. In three more years the claim on most of Toronto could use the same tactics. Brace yourselves. This is far from over when the law has been pushed aside.
    In the meantime I suggest that those affected not insult their neighbours as long as they are not breaking the law in going public. No one knows for sure the degree of agony each is experiencing.

    Respectfully Submitted,
    Mary-Lou

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  5. Thanks you for your comment Mary-Lou.

    I do agree with you on the point you made of John Tory. Why hasn't he asked for an investigation? It makes me wonder whether he is just full of hot air.

    I value your advice as you have had 12 or so years experience first hand on these very issues.

    A little more respect on all sides wouldn't hurt anyone.

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  6. So, why hasn't Toby called out his Federal counterpart Diane Finley??..... ask him that?....he avoids the subject like the plague....ask him!

    Dare ya!

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  7. All we ever hear coming from this board and Merlyn's mouth, is about the so-called lawlessness, two-tier rhetoric and how bad the residents are for not blindly following Gary McHale and his methods of 'poke at the natives until they react' approach.

    If the crime rate, due to native lawlessness, is so bad in Caledonia, show me the stats.

    Donna, the native issues are human rights issues. Not too much different than labour issues and their battle with Government in the Thirties. Or Women's world wide battle with the Suffragette movement at the turn of the century.

    Why can't you understand that?

    Yes, two years ago there was a major stand-off. But where is the lawlessness now that we should all be afraid of?

    I never hear you or Merlyn mention a word about the core of this entire issue. It is always about law and order, Blah! Blah! Blah!.

    Everybody wants to have an ordered society. Including Fisrt Nations. But they want to choose how they conduct their society. That is the difference.

    These people have a right to practice and protect their culture in this country unencumbered. It is their human right and it is guaranteed in the Charter.

    All of this law and order mumble jumble smoke screen rhetoric isn't going to change that. The constant rhetoric is just going to create greater problems. For once, why don't you just acknowledge that Six Nations has legitimate issues and grievances?

    Why do you think that you and your associates never get the attention of the Government or anybody else of authority? It is for that reason.

    If you think that by getting the attention of the media is helping Haldimand, think again. The businesses are hurting because of Kinrade's and McHale's foolishness. Six Nations and Caledonia are not going away anytime soon so stop bitching in the media and start talking to Six Nations. Although I do not know why they would ever want to talk to you with your obvious slant against them.

    If Merlyn loves this town so much, then why doesn't he ever have a decent thing to say about it or it's residents?

    One last point, it is obvious that Merlyn Kinrade and his associates Gary McHale and Jeff Parkinson have never attempted to understand the bigger issues about Six Nations claims or the rights of the oldest continuing culture in North America. From what I have read on this board Donna, neither have you. Your silence on anything positive about Six Nations speaks volumes. Your lack of knowledge and inability to acknowledge their issues to this day, comes as no surprise.

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  8. Thank you for your comment, and very well said. I would like try to clarify a few things.

    "All we ever hear coming from this board and Merlyn's mouth, is about the so-called lawlessness, two-tier rhetoric and how bad the residents are for not blindly following Gary McHale and his methods of 'poke at the natives until they react' approach".

    If you read my site, most of what I post is about "local issues", not relating to Native issues.

    I will give you a fine example of "two tier justice". Councillor
    Sloat's assault charge was dropped last week at the Cayuga Courthouse; reason; unwanted touching, not "enough of an assault! This may seem trivial to some but for me it is not. There were charges that were laid on December 1st, that are less of a charge and yet they still stand.

    I am not a follower of Gary Mchale!

    "I never hear you or Merlyn mention a word about the core of this entire issue. It is always about law and order, Blah! Blah!"

    I will speak for myself here not Merlyn. You are correct, bang on the head! I have always tried to write what I know, not what I feel. In 2006 when I ran in the election, I spent over an hour and a half speaking to Janie Jamesion about the issues. It seems for me that in the last year, things have changed as to what the real issues are. I myself am quite confused as to who is doing what for who, and why, at least according to my conversation with Janie. The Province purchased DCE and I am sure that the land will be given to Six Nations, but that is my personal opinion. I wrote about this as well, and basically said how can a problem be solved when it has so many sides!

    "Everybody wants to have an ordered society. Including Fisrt Nations. But they want to choose how they conduct their society. That is the difference."

    On the reserve this is fine, but once out of the reserve, there should be "one law for all". Now you state "First Nations", I am also very confused about that even our council is calling "Six Nations", "First Nations". Further clarification on this as to when and why their status changed, or it is just simply a case of I don't know my history. Hence why I do not get into the core issue, as I am not educated enough to go there!

    "These people have a right to practice and protect their culture in this country unencumbered. It is their human right and it is guaranteed in the Charter."

    Agreed, and I also have rights under the Charter.

    "For once, why don't you just acknowledge that Six Nations has legitimate issues and grievances?"

    I have never stated that they didn't. As I stated earlier, I try and write about issues I am educated on. I support Haldimand Residents, as Six Nations supports their residents. We are not always right on either side of the issue.

    "If you think that by getting the attention of the media is helping Haldimand, think again."

    For both sides of the issue getting the attention of the media is important,this let's the government know that we are paying attention to what they are doing, at least in my personal opinion.

    "The businesses are hurting because of Kinrade's and McHale's foolishness"

    I shop at least once a week in Caledonia, we purchased a new vehicle in Caledonia last fall, I have always supported local business as much as I can. Now in saying that, I get my hair cut in Caledonia as well, last year Haircrafters shortened their busines hours because of lack of business. When I asked them some questions about this, they told me that the Natives were not coming in anymore. So once again both sides of the issue are affected.

    "Six Nations and Caledonia are not going away anytime soon so stop bitching in the media and start talking to Six Nations. Although I do not know why they would ever want to talk to you with your obvious slant against them."

    I really didn't think that I have an obvious slant, but that is your personal opinion, you have the right.

    "If Merlyn loves this town so much, then why doesn't he ever have a decent thing to say about it or it's residents?"

    Merlyn has said good things about the residents. I do believe that like most people that are involved in an issue there is a certain level of frustration, and again on both sides of the issue.

    "One last point, it is obvious that Merlyn Kinrade and his associates Gary McHale and Jeff Parkinson have never attempted to understand the bigger issues about Six Nations claims or the rights of the oldest continuing culture in North America."

    That you will have to speak to them about, not me.

    "From what I have read on this board Donna, neither have you. Your silence on anything positive about Six Nations speaks volumes. Your lack of knowledge and inability to acknowledge their issues to this day, comes as no surprise."

    You have already judged me and as I have stated in the blog, too many people judge others without the facts. It is a fact that I am not fully educated on the issues of Six Nations, Land Claims etc. You have once again judged me because of my silence, I would rather be silent than to state something that is not the truth.

    If you read my whole site you will see why I started this blog about a year ago. I am "Haldimands Unheard Voice", I speak for myself and often let other's speak for themselves by posting their "Unheard Voices".

    I have often said that the comments on my blog are more important then the blog itself!

    Thanks again for letting us hear "Your Voice".

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  9. Donna,

    Thanks for responding to my post.

    Donna said:

    If you read my site, most of what I post is about "local issues", not relating to Native issues.

    Local issues are native issues as well from Six Nations perspective. This is an important point that needs to be addressed or we wouldn't be where we are today in Haldimand County.

    That is what the land claims are all about. You have spent an hour and a half speaking to Janie and you think that is good enough? There is a whole territory of people who want people to hear what they have to say and who feel that nobody is listening.

    Janie is not representative of the Six Nations people. There are many more members of Six Nations who also happen to be residents of Haldimand County.

    Many of these residents are actively engaged in positive community activities. They also are also supportive of seeking positive outcomes for Six Nations grievances. Many of these people as well as residents of Six Nations are angry with with those whom resorted to violence during the emotionaly charged days in 2006Many of those that have used violence as a means have been since arrested. Do you support these people as well?

    The perception is that his, McHales, Parkinson's and Vandermaas's message of continually pounding away at the lawlessness in Caledonia are really saying arrest the natives who are legally on the DCE as a symbol of a protest for native rights. Fear mongering at it's finest.

    Merlyn is not the only resident in Haldimand County. He has wrote many letters in local newspapers seeking out and or belittling the residents of Caledonia to support Gary McHale.

    I am sick of these protests in Caledonia against our neighbours in any form. If they want to protest, they should protest in Ottawa where the resolution to land claims sit. If they want their town to recover, they should start creating dialogue with Six Nations. There are obviously many on Six Nations who do not feel welcome here in Caledonia or Haldimand because of the actions and words from people like Merlyn.

    The key is grass roots communication. An hour and a half with Janie won't cut it, if you really do care about the residents of Caledonia collectively. Supplying sound bites for the media won't do anything and hasn't yet.

    Nobody is judging you Donna, just judging who you throw your support to so carelessly and with admission that you know little about the issues.

    Thank you for your time.

    Just call me Jack for now.

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  10. Thanks Jack for your response back. Usually when a person posts,I don't hear back from them again after I respond to their comments. So I thank you for that.

    I never intended for you or anyone one else to think that my speaking to Janie was enough, I drove over and spoke to her while I was campaining for the election of 2006to gather information. I have met many Native people, including Wes Elliot. Had a coffee with Wes and was educated on the Grand River Navigation Company.

    I am not a representative of the people, and I don't think that anyone would expect me to go out and seek information on the streets, that is not what I do. I go to council meetings, read staff reports and ask the appropriate people questions. We have elected officials who are suppose to give us information about the issues of the day, but they choose to not go there.

    I have never stated anywhere that the Natives that are on DCE, should be removed. My opinion is that the Province bought the property and they have given the Natives the right to be there. I am not saying that that was the right move either.

    Regardless I choose to write what I please, if someone doesn't like my blog they simply do not have to read it.

    I am far from a careless person. I respect peoples opinions and I try to pass on information to whomever is interested in what I have to say. Our local newspapers don't have the time to do the research that I do.

    I find this forum very difficult to express all the information, so please do not judge people by what you think you know.

    If each of us had to fully agree with what each of us do or don't do, we would have no friends.

    My phone number is in the phonebook, feel free to call me anytime.

    Thanks Donna

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  11. Why don't they protest at the HDI office? The HDI do have a physical address now and Hazel is always there maybe they should go protest there.

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