from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Sun, Sep 7, 2008 at 8:29 PM
subject Fwd: Stephen Harper just quit his job
Dear Stephen,
Sorry I haven’t written all summer. I decided a vacation should mean vacation, so I took a long break from writing. Of course, not having steady internet access meant I couldn’t write you every day, even if I so wanted.
We’re back in Montréal now, and already we’re getting busier than ever. There is so much going on and so much to do here. Not to mention organize against your government’s pitiful cuts to various arts programs. I’ll get more into that in subsequent letters, suffice to say that myself and everyone I’ve spoken to about them find the cuts ridiculous, and the lame excuses at making programs more efficient just ring hollow and untrue.
I’m too exhausted to get into it now. I spent the better part of the day plastering at Oboro, punctuated by a visit to the MAC to see the WWKA performance, of which Claudine and thirty other lovely ladies were a part. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera.
The cats are safe and sound, having thrived at Mom and Dad’s place, and survived the long car ride home. Now they act as though they never left.
And now this election business; I have to say, my heart is just not into an election at this moment in time. It feels sneaky and opportunistic.
I’ll sign off with a forward from Jack. I admire his chutzpah, but I’m still probably going to vote Green.
-chris
———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Jack Layton <eNDP@e.ndp.ca>
Date: Sun, Sep 7, 2008 at 9:04 AM
Subject: Stephen Harper just quit his job
To: dearpm@gmail.com
Jack Layton
My Friend,
Well this is it! Stephen Harper just quit his job as Prime Minister. Today, I’m applying for that job. Yes, I’m running to be the Prime Minister that puts you and your family first. I want this to be your campaign. I want you to be a part of it, starting today.
Click here to listen to a special election message to you. And I hope you make one of the first donations to this crucial campaign. Whether it’s a $25 donation or a maximum donation of $1100– your immediate support is so important. It’s true. Over the next 37 days, you and I will bring about change that’ll take us forward, not backward.
Stephen Harper listens to the boardroom tables, not the kitchen tables. Now you can elect a Prime Minister that’ll put you and your family first.
Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done. Listen to my message to you and donate today.
Jack
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 9:15 PM
subject Man left to die on Toronto’s Highway 401; Harper courtise les communautés ethniques
Dear Stephen,
I’m too tired to write this evening. The very mention of “Decision Canada 08” drains me of energy. Did you see the Youtube video of you that compares your recent arts funding cuts to Hitler? It’s a hilarious clip, though I myself wouldn’t go that far. However evil you might be, I honestly don’t think that you support the elimination of a people. When it comes to the arts, the environment or other social programs, I think you just have your head up your ass and therefore no clue.
Justin Trudeau is running in my riding. Since, to use your own logic, a vote for the Green party is the same as the Liberals (talk about a lame excuse for excluding Elizabeth May from the debate), maybe I’ll vote for him. Or go back to the NDP. I guess a vote for any of those parties kind of splits the vote on the left, probably making another minority or even a majority possible for you. Maybe the other parties could learn to work better together as a coalition. Imagine a Liberal-NDP-Bloc-Green party coalition as a minority government. Now that would make Canadian politics interesting!
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 10:25 PM
subject Day 4: Economic woes greet campaigners in vote-rich Ontario; Hôpitaux universitaires: la facture gonfle, le projet rétrécit
I often wonder why it is you seem so smug and sure of yourself. Today I think it is because despite having such bad policies, despite being such an obviously bad choice for Canadians, you seem to have a healthy lead in opinion polls that you’ll form the next government, perhaps even gaining a majority. Which really makes me wonder: who the heck votes for you? Can you please give me a breakdown, a demographic of sorts? Because all I see, all day long, throughout my day, are signs that nobody in their right mind would vote Conservative. In fact, there seems to be an “anything but him” campaign underway. And it’s not like I have leftie blinders on or anything like that, I try to remain open-minded, absorb a little bit of news from a variety of sources, but in the end it just seems that more information is reaching me that completely discredits your party. I don’t understand how this all adds up.
I just signed a petition against your most recent cuts, and joined a Facebook group denouncing you and your party. I was going to work on a CALQ grant but cooked supper and waited for Claudine to come home from an Oboro event, which kept her late. We watched Get Shorty, as she fell asleep when we tried to watch it this summer. I bought a copy at the Jean Coutu whilst buying toothpaste, toothbrush and hair clippers. I really need the clippers for my summer beard, which I’ve decided to keep through the fall. Like a hockey player trying for the Cup.
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 7:14 AM
subject Tories target to aim at NDP, Greens; Allégations de Jean Brault: Coderre refuse de commenter
Dear Stephen,
Sorry I didn’t write this past weekend, it was a busy one. Friday after work I stopped by Oboro to help out and ended up being there until almost eleven; there was still so much to do, but remarkably, it was all in place for the opening on Saturday, which was huge. The galleries, hallways and office were packed with people. Sort of sounds at odds with what you apparently said the other day, something about ordinary Canadians not caring about culture, to justify your arts cuts. Are you a complete idiot? Don’t you realize just how big the culture industry is, and just how many “ordinary Canadians” are involved? Do you not understand that everything from TV, the ads on TV, movies, music and more is culture? What do you think all your “ordinary” Canadians are doing with their free time and money? I appreciate that you have differing opinions from us lefty artists, but we often come from “ordinary” families, and have “ordinary” friends? What does that word even mean? What is yours and Jack Layton’s obsession with it?
Yesterday we went to Shawinigan with Rudie and Sarah, and took on the d’arbre en arbre course. It was a lot of fun, a more refined course than what Clo and I did in Gaspesie a few years back, and we found it a little too close to a central through fare. It can be distracting to be in the woods and hear car traffic. After the treetop adventure we had lunch at a divy bar/café, then went to the museum. It, too, was surprisingly busy; the Ron Mueck sculptures being easy enough to market to “ordinary” Canadians, but we were there mostly for the Guy Ben Ner videos and installations, which were extremely clever peppered with moments of hilarity. A big crowd-pleaser, especially moment like the singing penis. You should try to see it before it closes in a couple weeks.
Last night Clo made supper and we rented There will be blood. Great film. “I’m finished”.
Now I’m off to work.
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 10:22 PM
subject Liberal MP predicts gas prices will fall 9 cents a litre; Duceppe minimise l’importance de la dissidence
Dear Stephen,
I found the article in the Globe with your remarks about the arts cuts. You said there was no point funding programs “people actually don’t want”. How do you determine what programs, what type of music or art (abstract or representational? Shades of blue or green?). What does “cut off from public need or public demand” mean? How can you say that an artist, who may be pushing boundaries in his or her field, or perhaps experimenting with norms and traditions, or outright rejecting tradition to open up a new way of thinking, is “cut off”, when you are the one doing most of the cutting? The subsidiary programs – everything from Pacart to Prom Art to teaching art in classrooms – help to infuse the everyday life with art.
So today after work I joined the Facebook Conservative Party Group. The wall there has become a hotbed for debate regarding the recent arts cuts. One writer has been on all day long, writing diatribe after diatribe against the Liberals and artists of all stripes (despite claiming to be one himself). Here are some of his most recent posts:
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 10:54pm
Wow, The Faceless people have managed to this forum from a political forum into an Arts and Culture forum. By the way your comment about getting a return on a taxpayers investment is the exact opposite of what I just said. Please actually read the post. I was making the point that I have had financial success through arts and I didn’t need the government to do it. If Art is good then it will sell itself.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 8:59pm
Services and products are rendered in return and it is a good return on the investment.
I have never seen a single dime for, “Funding Artistic Investments” There is no return for taxpayers on handing-out money to people. I am in favor of cutting spending to the C.B.C. they are the mouth piece of the Liberal party and don’t even pretend to be unbiased. Fuck the C.B.C. they have never done anything for me. Unless you count misinforming the public and completely ignoring the Liberal Sponsorship Scandal. You let me know when our cheques are in the mail for all the money our government has made off of, “Artistic Investments”. There is no return that makes it a, “Hand-out”.
If the title fits…. you are definately not a Conservative if the only issue you consider important is “Welfare for Artists.” programs.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 8:42pm
The fact that so many Liberals have come on here to try to derail the conversation away from important issues and instead replace that with babbling and crying about having their hand-outs taken away shows how truly pathetic the Liberals and their supporters are.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 8:37pm
I am not stopping you from rendering your art freely and neither is Stephen Harper. You yourself are responsible for rendering your art freely not the government. Why is this concept so hard to understand?The Harper government is say no to hand-outs not art!
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 8:05 PM
subject Common chemical in food containers linked to heart problems, diabetes; Dion veut réduire la pénurie de médecins
Dear Stephen,
I am now a card-carrying Conservative Party Member! I also joined the NDP and Green Party, just to provide some balance.
I’ve also emailed the four principal parties in my district asking for lawn signs. The only response I have had so far is from the Liberals, who simply added me to their mass-email list (I’m already getting email from the NDP). But so far, after almost 24 hours, no signs.
Here are a few more fun-filled posts from one of your biggest supports, Blair Skulmoski:
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 6:18pm
To all those who oppose Bill C-10
GET OFF WELFARE! YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO THE TAXPAYERS MONEY BECUASE YOU ARE AN ARTIST!
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 6:16pm
“your ilk have an uninformed opinion which is based on fear, willful ignorance and resentment of all that you do not understand.”
You are the one using tactics of fear saying that the artistic community in Canada will somehow suffer if hand-outs to artists are stopped. I understand Bill C-10 just fine. It’s you who are tryinfg to use fear and ignorance as a tactic stop the Conservative Party from being elected. Like I said if you are not a welfare addicted artist why would even care if Bill C-10 passes? Just because someone is an artist means that the Canadian taxpayer has to foot the bill for them? Once again the Liberal philosophy of entitlement seems to have clouded peoples perception of reality. Reality being that if an artist can’t make a profit on his own it is not up to the taxpayer to fund them. Why is this concept so hard to understand Welfare Addicts?
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 6:02pm
“If there was a Facebook group for Nazis, would you not post on it because you aren’t a Nazi? Or would you want that stopped?”
There is a facebook page for Nazi’s it’s call the Liberal Party of Canada page. There’s a page for blood-thirsty communists too it’s call the N.D.P. facebook page.
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 8:14 PM
subject More of Blair Skulmoski
Dear Stephen,
I missed a few of Blair’s wittiest postings. Here they are below:
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 5:20pm
“put downs labelling artists as ‘bums'”
If your JOB is being an artist you don’t need the government to give you hand-outs because you understand the concept of business and make a profit doing it. If you need money from the government not only to make your, “Art” but to put food on your table then you are a, “BUM”!
Using Art as an excuse to collect welfare = Bum
Paying your own way in life = Artist
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 5:13pm
People who are against Bill C-10 are just paranoid welfare addicts who need to go out and get jobs to fund their art instead of using my tax dollars to make crappy, low budget porno!
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 5:11pm
Perhaps your rather hostile reaction to the concerns of Canadian Artists stems from a lack of information, and dare i say, an understanding of what’s at stake here?
I don’t look to the government to fund my art or put food on my table so there is no reason for me to support Bill C-10. By the way I noticed lot’s of you on here are on the Liberal Party web page as well so why get angry when I call you Liberals? It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that a lot of people on here are Liberals who are here for the sole purpose of causing trouble. Like yourself Dan.
“Just like American Republicans. No intellectual discourse -just angst”
Wow you really are this stupid aren’t you? Like I said go back to the Liberal Party webpage where you belong. Don’t deny it I saw your name on there dipshit!
And now for something completely different, from your other admiring (yet far more eloguent) pen-pal, Yann Martel:
PromArt, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs, helps cover some of the travel costs of Canadian artists and cultural groups going abroad to promote their work. The grants to individuals are small, often between 750 and 1500 dollars. The budget of the entire program is only $4.7 million dollars. That’s about 14 cents a year per Canadian. For that small sum, Canada shows its best, most enduring quality to the nations of the earth. To remind you of what I’m sure you already know, a country cannot be reduced to the corporations it happens to shelter. Businesses come and go, following their own commercial logic. No one feels deep, patriotic feelings for a corporation, certainly not its shareholders. They will vote where the money leads them. So while Canadians can feel proud about such global players as Bombardier and Alcan and hosts of others, we should not pin our identity to them. Canada is a people, not a business.
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 7:14 AM
subject More from Blair
Dear Stephen,
I cannot resist, here are more postings from throughout the night from our friend Blair Skulmoski:
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 1:44am
“Why can’t these art institutions survive on the customer’s paid admission or tuition?”
They can’t survive because most of the, “Art” in Canadian galleries is terrible and isn’t worth the canvas it was painted on. That’s why there are so many people on here bitching. Their art is crap and they can’t sell it in a free market to anyone but the government. Please moderators remove anyone on here that doesn’t have a profile picture. They are only here to detract from the important issues at hand and cause pointless arguments.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 1:49am
“I’ve said all I’m going to say to you. I hope, someday, you can learn to appreciate the beauty and innovation that went into the design, binding, typography and pagination of some of those beautiful old the law books you read.”
I hope some day you will grow up and realize that your tax dollars and mine are being wasted on meaningless projects that only benefit individuals who are other wise unemployable. The whole Bill C-10 issue is a waste of everyone’s time. Is that the only issue that Liberals can come up with to condemn Stephen Harper as, “Pure Evil”. That’s truly and utterly pathetic in every way I can think of. Get jobs, then get lives, then pay your own way Liberal Welfare Addicts!
“I am entitled to my entitlements” – David Dingwall
Every time someone comes on here and babbles about Bill C-10 don’t argue with them just qoute David Dingwall. That will shut a lot of Welfare Addicts up.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 2:00am
“What do you intend to do for a living? (Besides live without art.)”
So you are saying that without government funding there will be no arts? You really are ignorant if you believe that. Is it the government that creates art or is it individuals? If every person that was artistic needed the government to make art then art has become a meaningless, totalitarian medium. Bill C-10 will keep my tax dollars from funding pornography. That is why I support it. Pornography is an industry that revolves around drugs, pedophilia and the destruction of family values. Why should my tax dollars go towards funding that?
“I’m entitled to my entitlements” – Brainless for the Arts
And on other election-related news, I received an email from the Green Party. Running tally: First response from the Liberals, second from the Green Party. I already received news from the NDP. Nothing yet from the Conservatives and as of now, no phone calls or election signs.
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 6:36 PM
subject Good grief this Blair guy is too much!
Hi Stephen,
I can’t help it, I have to post more from Blair:
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 2:02pm
Trudeau was a Nazi sympathizer, draft dodger, anti-semite, wanted to ethnically-cleanse Quebec, and gave criminals more rights than their victims. Harper would have to be in power for 500 years to even come close to the devastation Trudeau did to this country.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 2:04pm
I am not gonna die from eating it…….and I want that freedom for you as well. Harpwr is gonna cut food inspection 30% by 2010 part of the less govt regulation and savings to taxpayers… Wake up!!!
Let’s see the evidence asshole. What’s that you have none? That’s what I thought. Take your communist propaganda elsewhere shithead you are not making logical or honest arguments so please fuck off. Go wipe your ass with an owl.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 2:07pm
“Toronto is the economic engine of Canada they are the ones making lots of money….they just want a little of their share back”
Ontario has been robbing the West of it’s oil and money for 125 years you stupid asshole. Toronto deserves to get nothing. It is a city full of welfare bums.By the way Calgary and Edmonton are Canada’s New Economic Engines. When you compare job growth between Ontario and Alberta you’ll notice that Alberta is growing economically a thousand times faster. Wake Up.
“I’m entitled to my entitlements!”
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 2:08pm
“Courtney I don’t really give a shit about one cent lower GST “
You are a fucking retard if you actually want to have higher taxes.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 2:21pm
Blair open your eyes not voting Liberal either!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Liberal, Green Party there is no difference. You are left-bent communists who think they are smarter than everyone else and should control everything.
“I’m entitled to my entitlements” That’s the theory you live by isn’t it? Get a job you fucking welfare bum.
You haven’t proved a single point on here dipshit. I have. Go screw your sister with a banana peel condom. You obviously haven’t evolved yet. If you put a thousand monkies on a thousand typewriters you would have the Green Party platform.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 3:07pm
“I step outside. Still fresh air? Check! No need to vote green then!”
Keep in mind that people in Toronto can’t step outside and breathe fresh air because Toronto is a filthy dump. They have daily smog alerts there in summer and the water is undrinkable. This could be why there is a higher concentration of idiocy in Ontario than out here in the West where the water is clean and the skies are blue instead of grey.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 3:21pm
“As with every part of Canada, Toronto and Ontario play a vital role in the future development of our great country!!!”
Ontario is becoming less and less important economically to Canada. Really the West has the natural resources to rid ourselves ot centralist rule once and for all. I am not opposed to Western seperation. We hold all the cards. Ontario has none. Manitoba – Hudson’s Bay, enough fresh water to last 1000 years. Saskatchewan – Canada’s bread basket, Alberta – The second most oil in the world, B.C. import and export routes to Asia and South America. Really the West doesn’t need Ontario at all. That is a myth that centralists like to propagate because they are scared of losing the power they have had for 125 years.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 3:25pm
Smog alerts where I live in B.C. this year – 0
Boil water orders this year – 0
I can see why you vote Green Ontario is a horrible, horrible place to live. It is filthy and full of welfare bums. The Lakes stink and the people are ignorant. Northern Ontario is cool though. Northern Ontario should split from Southern Ontario and become it’s own province.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 4:13pm
“we hold all the cards” hahahahaha Blair its Ontario thats gonna decide whether your precious Conserrvatives get a majority so just sit back and enjoy the show on Oct 14th.
Actually if Quebec and the West vote together we could defeat Ontario. Quebec is more in favour of the Conservatives than ever and B.C. has gone from 26% Conservative support in the last election to 49% This is typical thinking of centralist government that needs to be stopped. If the Maritimes, Quebec and the West unite we can decentralize government and give power to the provinces where it belongs!
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 7:42 PM
subject Des candidates bloquistes mettent en garde contre la droite; Day 11: Tory’s listeriosis joke overshadows daycare pledges
Dear Stephen,
I’ve had more action regarding the lawn signs. Costa Zaphiropoulos, the NDP candidate for Papineau, himself called twice to arrange a time to drop off a sign. He was originally going to do it tonight but was called away on a conference call. He said someone from the party office will drop a sign off before Saturday.
Still no word from the Conservative Party, and still nothing from the others regarding signs.
Claudine is not feeling so well; I picked up some epsom salts for a bath, and made her a soup. Tonight I’m going to try to tackle more organization. Stephen and Monica arrive Friday morning; I plan to take the day off work.
I’ll keep you posted,
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Mon, Sep 22, 2008 at 9:06 PM
subject Police put ex-con on bus before passenger stabbed; St-Pierre attribue par erreur une subvention aux Têtes à claques
Dear Stephen,
Sorry I haven’t written in awhile. I haven’t been posting much on the Conservative Party Facebook page either. Though I’ve glanced through some of the back pages tonight and noticed that our friend Blair has been just as vigorous in his defence of all things Conservative.
It was a busy weekend! Thursday we went to a launch of a recent book by Marc-Antoine Pineuf, then went to see the new Cohen brothers film, Burn after reading, at Excentris. The film was funnier and better than I had been lead to believe, and the book launch featured a free barbecue of tiny, tasty sausages.
Friday morning at 6am we awoke to a phone call from S & M at the bus station; no, they had not been stabbed, they had just arrived early. We gave them directions for the metro and then we all went to the Jean-Talon market for coffee and breakfast and veggies; made a nice lunch at home, then went shopping for the afternoon along St. Denis. That evening we went to their friend Chantal’s new condo for a little get-together that involved a dip in the hot-tub on the roof. We finished the evening off late at La Banquise, for poutine and political talk with random strangers.
By the way, I have yet to receive a party sign from anyone.
Saturday was more walking and shopping, spent a little more time downtown, then wandered the old Port area, eventaully finding our way to Le club chasse et pêche, a restaurant Monica had been talking about all week. Have you ever been? Expensive, but incredibly well-planned and exquisite. Afterwards we wandered down to le quai Jaques-Cartier and merged seamlessly with the crowd gathering to enter the concert grounds for Sigur Rôs. And the concert was spectacular. It was quite honestly beyond words…
We seemed to go on a bit of a tear after the concert, running into most of the In Flight Safety band (friends of S & M) who wanted to stay in the disgustingly-overrun tourist trap that Old Montreal becomes late at night, but we finally managed to go at least to St. Elisabeth and then up to St.Laurent. In fact Monica and I sprinted for a number of blocks, amusing ourselves by trying to dodge men, women, tarts, dogs, vehicles and bicycles.
Sunday we had brunch at Schwarz’, then S & M left for NB with Charlotte, who will stay with them for awhile. She had found out the day before the wedding that her job with Zoom! was over because Zoom! had gone bankrupt. She’s moving to Montreal next month. In the afternoon we went to the talk at the CCA by the editor of Cabinet magazine, which we loved. After that we went to see the new Woody Allen film, which was funny, quirky and mostly pleasant, and then we went home and cooked the delicious tomato pasta that Monica had been marinating in the fridge but which we had neglected to eat together. Just not enough time.
I’m off to bed early to catch up on some sleep and reading; the next Men’s Drinking…er Reading Club is in less than a month and I’ve only just received the book. It is a graphic novel called the Watchmen and deals with vigilantes, costumed adventurers and American post Cold-War politics. Although it is a tad dated—it takes place in the 80s—it has moments of relevancy.
Tomorrow night we’re planning to go to an event against your recent cultural cuts. I’m sure you’re aware of the recent YouTube video making the rounds, but if not here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrATQeLLKX0
Hilarious. Have a good night,
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Mon, Sep 22, 2008 at 9:28 PM
subject More goodies from Blair
Hi Stephen,
Shortly after I sent you my last letter I had some responses from Blair on the Conservative Party Facebook page. Here is his critique of Michel Rivard’s YouTube video, le culture en peril:
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 10:10pm
Yes, I actually did watch it. Not biased one bit. The picture of Harper with an American flag in the background was quite well placed as well. Plus implying that Conservatives don’t know how to speak French was quite amusing. Quite the little nugget of propaganda. What’s sad is that Harper can spoke better French than Chretien and Dion can’t speak English at all. What if it were Dion sitting on the board and an English Canadian being interviewed? There would be no communication because Dion doesn’t even pretend to speak English. If 3/4 of the country can’t understand what Dion is saying then it kind of makes that little film hypocritical doesn’t it? Maybe that bum with the guitar should get a job and stop depending on the government for hand-outs.
And then he followed that up with a rant against David Suzuki (from a previous thread):
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 10:16pm
“Suzuki told the students: “What I would challenge you to do is to put a lot of effort into trying to see whether there’s a legal way of throwing our so-called leaders into jail because what they’re doing is a criminal act.””
Ya, that doesn’t sound like totalitarianism at all. Anybody who doesn’t agree with Suzuki should be thrown in jail? And of course science has never been proven wrong and theories should be taken as gospel because Suzuki says so…Suzuki should stick to science and leave politics up to accountants and economists. He makes himself sound like a crazy homeless person.
I’ll keep you posted,
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 12:05 AM
subject Husband claims wife stole lotto jackpot – then filed for divorce; Thibault devra s’expliquer
Dear Stephen,
I was up late last night alternating between the Conservative Party Facebook page and working on my presentation for Alice’s class tonight at Concordia. I worked all day, then had an engaging and interesting discussion with Alice’s students about the differences in curatorial practices amongst the various artist-run centres I have been involved with.
I finished earlier than I had anticipated so I stopped by SKOL for the members’ meeting. I joined the programming committee, then cabbed up to Sala Rosa to meet Melissa and catch the end of the 1-minute film festival screening. We had a beer afterwards and discussed future plans, work, long-distance relationships, and politics.
And here are a few more golden moments from our friend Blair:
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 6:17pm
Chris and Cory are just pissed off because Harper’s cuts would be the end of their rhythmic gymnastics team. Sorry, gays… I mean guys! Chris needs government funding to supply the paint for his finger paintings and Cory couldn’t afford a new a new slide whistle if Harper has his way. Support these otherwise unemployable losers. Today I am Brainless for the Arts.. just like Cory and Chirs. Too bad about your rhythmic gymnastics team not making it to Beijing. Maybe next time. Of course the Arts are a far more important issue than the fact our country is at war. Anybody as brilliant and who spends as much time in his Mom’s basement as Chris would know that.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 4:41am
Chris Lloyd is a dickless fagget that deserves to be beaten. Many of my friends are in Afghanistan. To disrespect our soldiers like that is unacceptable!
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 4:36am
“Didn’t Russia already win the war in Afghanistan?”
FUCK YOU! how dare you make fun of our troops in Afghanistan you piece of fucking SHIT! You had better not ever show your herpe infested face around Kamloops B.C. you piece of fucking dog shit.
Well, wasn’t that exciting! Does it count as a hate-crime, perhaps? You are certainly into being tought on crime.
And, Stephen, news flash: artists at galas are not neccessarily rich. Most likely they are the opposite:
Earnings, however, are generally lower for cultural workers than the rest of the labour force. While average employment income in Canada was $31,757 in 2000, actors earned $21,597, painters and sculptors earned $18,666 and musicians and singers earned $16,090. In comparison, senior government managers earn $65,020. As Statistics Canada indicates: “for every successful creative and performing artist there are many with earnings below those of the average Canadian worker.
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 9:18 PM
subject Bank of Canada governor lauds U.S. bailout; Pas de récession en vue au Québec, affirme Charest
Dear Stephen,
Can you even imagine what $700 billion looks like? I can’t, but I read this morning in the La Presse that in $1 bills stacked end to end it is twice the distance to the sun.
I’m impressed, however, that in the midst of such cataclysmic financial news from the US, how muchcoverage there was today of the recent artist uprisings, concerts, events and new Facebook groups. Ordinary Canadians DO SUPPORT the Arts, Mr. Harper is currently at 11,781 members and growing strong.
And regarding the Conservatives page, I only have a few lovely responses from Blair Skulmoski tonight. I think another user flagged him for nasty comments and he hasn’t been around in awhile.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 9:11pm
Sorry, Chris and Cory I guess it was in bad taste letting everyone on here know that you are flaming homosexuals would guzzle each others jizz
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 8:34pm
Now the arts funding is going towards making porn
Your gay lover Chris just named a smut film made with tax payers dollars and there are no standards set by the Liberals as to what is pornography and what is not. So, yes the government as it stands will give out grants to fund pornographic movies as long as they have a script!
I’m off to have a shower before heading to bed; was building stuff in the Bunker today, and moving wood up and down stairs.
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 6:59 PM
subject Layton: race now between NDP, Tories; Les provinces réclament une rencontre sur la culture
Dear Stephen,
Stopped by SKOL after work yesterday to meet Robin but he wasn’t there. Stayed for a beer and a chat with Anne, discussing politics, arts funding and the recent news of a local artist/curator, Patrice Duhamel, who passed away fdue to complications from Diabetes the other day. He was 38. Today Clo and I went to Galerie UQAM to see the Irwin Werm exhibition, which Patrice curated. Fun and interactive, a real crowd-pleaser. And crowds there are: From Friday until tomorrow are les journées de la culture here in Québec. Museums, galleries and theatres of all kinds are pen and hlding special events. DHC was packed all day Friday. Packed ful of Ordinary Canadians. BTW the “Ordinary Canadians DO SUPPORT the arts” Facebook page now has over 26,000 members.
I’ve focused a lot on Blair in my recent letters to you, but I want to switch gears a little and provide some of the dialogue from Courtney Morrison, a law student in Vancouver. For one reason, Blair hasn’t posted recently, and for another, he sent me an email that was completely contradictory:
Blair Skulmoski
Add as Friend
Today at 7:42am
Report Message
I just argue with people on here for fun. It’s hilarious when people think I’m getting crazy by insulting people. Mostly the internet is for letting the imagination loose. The truth is I don’t even vote and if I did I would probably vote Liberal Seeing as my Dad ran for the Liberal Party several times and lost. I just want to test the limits of peoples tolerance!
So what do you suppose the deal with him is?
Here are some golden words of wisdom from Ms. Morrison:
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 7:47pm
And peter no I do not want immigrants living beside me but I also don’t want welfare people living beside me either.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 7:41pm
Zhen just because you live off govenment handouts does not mean everyone one else does or wants to. And I am going to be living in the USA and Chris had it almost exactly right about my living space. For once Chris and I agree on something.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 5:14pm
And Peter you say they take away a 25 dollar subsidy, how else do you think they get the money for the 100 dollars? Maybe you think it grows on trees in their backyards? People who can’t afford their childen should not have people who can or people without children to support them.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 5:10pm
If you can’t afford children don’t have them. It’s that. Simple.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 3:32am yesterday
If you feel that you represent the liberal party then lying, cheaters must be one of their best qualities.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 8:13pm on September 25th, 2008
“Art improves quality of life, period.”
That is your opinion so it cannot be a definite statement
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 4:15pm on September 25th, 2008
Art does not save lives. Art does not promote freedom. Therefore I can see no justifiable reason to support it.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 3:57pm on September 25th, 2008
I think the more technical term should be A FEW Canadians support the arts. Those that support them and those who don’t alike should have the choice of funding them. Personally I don’t want to so I shouldn’t be forced to
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 1:17am on September 25th, 2008
Well Chris, believe it or not, but you’re not the only person I was suggesting the books to. Notice I said everyone. I would recommend not being so judgemental before you read the books, they’re quite enlightening, and hardly right-wing propaganda.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 12:28am on September 25th, 2008
There are several great books that I want to recommend to everyone:
1. Glenn Beck’s “An Inconvenient Book”
2. “The Really Inconvenient Truths, Seven Environmental Catastrophes the Liberals don’t want you to know about because they helped cause them” by Iain Murray
3. “The Politically Incorrect Guide to Global Warming” by Christopher Horner
and just for fun: 4. “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Green
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 4:56pm on September 24th, 2008
I’d much rather be cold hearted than whiny and sensitive and more or less a loser
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 12:49pm on September 24th, 2008
As well, Chris, insulting me still does not provide proof that climate change is caused by humans, so it was an awful attempt at diverting the subject, remarkably pathetic, but at least you tried right?
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 12:42pm on September 24th, 2008
“Courtney, I’ve never seen you post one single fact to back up any of your ‘arguments’. I wish you luck, because if any of us on this site are going to end up homeless and in need of welfare, it’s probably going to be you”
I’m not trying to prove the existence of anything, therefore proof isn’t needed. Besides no one is asking for proof so ‘m not going to waste my time… and homeless and on welfare? Ha, I think not. I would rather die before I go on welfare. There is no reason at all that I should ever be reduced to the pitiful existence of homelessness or welfare, so please do not even remark on it.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 12:10am on September 24th, 2008
“But all that to say is the the recent spike in C02 can be attributed, in large part, to human behavior”
There is no proof of that. No evidence that supports that claim.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 11:49pm on September 23rd, 2008
Because humans were not around during previous ice ages and they still happened and the earth still warmed back up…all without the help of humans. Who’s to say that what’s happening now isn’t natural just like during the last ice age, which makes quite a bit more sense.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 11:37pm on September 23rd, 2008
“In the face of global warming we can either elect a government that is at going to at least try to address the issue or ignore it.”
For the eightieth time scientists are do not use the term global warming and in fact use climate change… global warming no longer exists (not that it did in the first place)…. as well did you not hear the wide spread news that scientists said we have at least a 10 year reprieve from global warming because of ocean currents….because of all the flip-flopping and lack of conrete proof I can conclude that there is not one shred of truth about humans changing the temperature of the world. That being said I will allow that earth’s temperatures may be changing if higher or lower(they are lower than in the 1920s) but it is not in any way caused by humans. Previous ice ages, I believe, prove that humans have no impact whatsoever and it is nothing to be concerned with or waste money on.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 10:58pm on September 23rd, 2008
can I just say that everyone who keeps saying conservatives are fear mongers…. may I point out that Leftists going on about global warming and the killing of the planet and animals etc.. is fear mongering too.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 9:13pm on September 23rd, 2008
The last words my art teacher said to us in grade 8 were: goodbye and I hope I don’t see any of you ever again. And he never did lol
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 4:40pm on September 23rd, 2008
Before I go again I’d like to say that I hope Harper is like bush because I like him
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 1:40pm on September 23rd, 2008
Well said Blair. And I’m not opposed to them retaining their culture as long as they learn English don’t go on welfare and only practice their cultures and edligions in their own homes and that their customs do not harm another human being besides themselves
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 1:16pm on September 23rd, 2008
Never have I been taught, not in highschool nor university that set has helped shape nations. Wars yes. Rebellions yes. Art no. And I’m pretty sure Handsworth is one of the top academic highschools in brutish Columbia actually I know it for a fact.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 12:26pm on September 23rd, 2008
“Yes, the heritage department’s budget has increased by that amount, but the majority of funds have been diverted away from arts and into sport, english as second language programs and multiculturalism activities. That’s not to say these areas don’t need funding as well”
…speaking of which.. I wholeheartedly agree with teaching English, and I think every single immigrant who comes into Canada should learn to read, write, and speak English. But I absolutely disagree with multiculturalism. If you move to Canada assimilate. It’s fine to practise your own culture/religion in your own home, but not in public. If they want to keep their own culture so badly they can go back to whatever country they came from.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 12:22pm on September 23rd, 2008
“What will this time in Canadian history be celebrated for in the future?”
In troubled times such as these there are far better uses to put the money towards..namely military… and trying to catch up with the rest of the word… I’d rather be alive surrounded by friends and family than dead surrounded by art.
Why does it matter what Canada is remembered for in 500 years anyway…we’ll all be dead, we won’t know anyway, besides, the world might not even make it that long.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 11:00pm on September 21st, 2008
“The NDP/Liberals want to lay down and watch the fight come to us.”
that’s exactly it. At least we’re keeping the war in the middle east and not here in north america.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 3:51pm on September 21st, 2008
I stand by my belief that the environment is fine and environmentalists and anyone who believes in global warming being caused by humans in my belief are delusional and lack common sense
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 3:49pm on September 21st, 2008
“take a womans rights from her”. What rights are conservatives taking away from women? And “free passes to destroy the environment”. The environmeny being destroyed is a beleif held by some that is undeniably wrong. And I believe in less taxation all together for everyone.and by nothing for free I mean no welfare no free medical no free anyhing for illegal immigrants and refugees
Isn’t she something else? And she is one of your biggest supporters.
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Sun, Sep 28, 2008 at 11:09 PM
subject More Conservative Party Member wisdom
Dear Stephen,
The weekend started on a light note but lately Blair has been back on the Conservative party Facebook page, and he and others have been offering up some political wisdom that I thought I would share with you:
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 11:59pm
Okay well Desperate Housewives on now…thanks for the lively discussions…:)
Gustav Nelson (Winnipeg, MB) wrote
at 11:49pm
I guess we’ll find out how big the arts are of an issue on election day. If the Conservatives don’t get a majority Chris, i’ll buy you a Coke, or a paintbrush.. your choice!!!
Glynn Plantz (Sudbury, ON) wrote
at 10:26pm
John and Chris, Listening to you talk is like watching a Monkey fuck a football!
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 10:19pm
Chirs give up no one cares what you have to say about the arts spare us all please.
Chris is just trying to keep people from discussing real political issues on here. His goal is to detract from issues like the economy, military, tax-cuts, etc. Chris is like having blood in your stool. You just try to ignore it and hopefully it will go away on it’s own. There’s no point answering any of his asinine questions. He is a mental midget politically.
Glynn Plantz (Sudbury, ON) wrote
at 10:13pm
Chirs give up no one cares what you have to say about the arts spare us all please.
Darin Biyak (Edmonton, AB) wrote
at 9:18pm
what is a joke it dion attacking laton about a tax hike on corperations that could see people lose their jobs when he judges the conservative government about kyoto after liberal years of neglect and pushes for action that would see how many canadians lose their jobs
Glynn Plantz (Sudbury, ON) wrote
at 7:03pm
Blair! You finaly made the morons like john and chirs queit. I agree with everything that you said they our not the majority of Canadians just a few ignorant ones. Who only see the world through their misunderstood minds.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 6:35pm
Chris’ Logic
Popular = Right
In a time economic crisis why wouldn’t you cut funding to non-essential programs i.e. The Arts, Sports funding, Spending on, “National Unity”, or bloated politicians salaries? With the U.S. headed into an economic recession being spend-thrift is a good thing that benefits all Canadians in the long run. Phony, “Carbon Taxes” and Kyoto Accords will not help Canadians one bit economically. In fact they will hurt the average Canadian at the Grocery Store, Gas Pumps, etc… The environment must take a back burner to securing our economy. What good will fresh air do you if you can’t afford to eat or drive to work?
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 5:39pm
There are 21,000,000 people in Canada who use the Internet on a regular basis. If 100,000 people are against Stephen Harper that means that less than 1% of people are against him. How could less than 1% be a, “Majority of Canadians” Chris?
Yvon Sanscartier wrote
at 3:39pm
Hey Sum Ling look in the mirror. Nobody cares about you or what you think.
Where are all moderators? The special interest groups are taking over this group.
Courtney Morrison (Vancouver, BC) wrote
at 12:56pm
You cannot base s fact off a facebook group Chris, even if you get 100000 people to join that arts group that is not the majority of Canadians.
Well, Stephen, you are probably aware by now what a snowball your arts and ordinary Canadians and galas comments have become. It is an issue that is not going away, and I for one, as a member of the Conservative Party of Canada, hope that you at least come up with an arts policy before the election.
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 9:38 PM
subject Judge expresses doubts about clemency shift for Canadians; Charest réaffirme les revendications traditionnelles du Québec
Dear Stephen,
It seems I have been booted off the Conservative Party Facebook page, and some of my comments removed. Nice way to deal with dissent! Seems I’ve been rubbing some folks the wrong way. So I re-joined the group and have continued the “debate”. Here are a few juicy comments from today:
Blair Skulmoski a écrit
à 21:57
I realize that in Quebec people think that living off of government handouts is considered a job but in the West people have to work to make a living. It’s high time that all the wasteful government spending in Quebec be put to a stop. I realize that in Quebec people have grown up in a culture of entitlement but in the West we have always been cheated by the government. i.e. Petro-Can. If you can’t realize that our economy is more important than how much of an increase Arts funding is going to receive then you truly are blinded by your own greed and smug self-importance. Harper has increased funding to the Arts by 400 million if 48 million are dollars are reduced it is still a major gain for the Art community. Why didn’t you complain about the lack of funding when the Liberals were in power. They put less money into the Arts than Harper has?
Blair Skulmoski a écrit
à 21:45
3) He is willingly makes uneccessary cuts to government social programs.
Unnecessary cuts? Have you been watching the News? Three major European banks are teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.The Arts are a NON-ESSENTIAL social program. the budget for the Arts went up 400 million dollars under the Harper government. Stop your fucking whining it’s getting annoying and makes you look childish and uneducated.
Ronald Ngai (Burnaby North Secondary) a écrit
à 20:07
MY LAWN SIGNS GOT STOLEN 2 TIMES!!! WAT KIND OF RETARDS WOULD STEAL SIGNS… STEAL SOMETHING VALUBLE…..
Blair Skulmoski a écrit
à 19:55
I expect that in sports but I’m shocked that I am seeing it here. You are not doing your party any favours.
This is not the official Conservative Facebook page Peter. Anyone can come on here. Hell, half the people on here are Liberals or Green’s just here to argue and try to refocus peoples attention on unimportant issues like the Arts instead of the Economy!
Glynn Plantz (Sudbury, ON) a écrit
à 17:37
Wow Peter your a very bitter man what do you do for a living, are you recession ready. Or more importantly can u loose your job to China like everyone else if we dont improve the economy!
Clayton Shelley a écrit
à 16:55
DOWN WITH THE LIBERALS!!!!!!
Leon Whytock (Canadore College) wrote
at 3:55pm
Sweet mother of god Chris Lloyd, NO ONE except you and MAYBE John on this group cares how may people are in that stupid group or about the arts issue. Im not saying what side im on because i dont wanna hear another bloody word about it. You and John should come up with some facts and figures that substantiate your arguements and how your party would benefit our country instead of lipping people for their spelling and brining up some BS numbers about the war in Iraq. Iraq is not part of the conversation, it is the Americans problem right now, i wish the poor buggers could win over there but you cant help he who wont help themselves, at least the Afghans seem to be in favour of rebuilding their country into a stable democracy.
Steven Zerebeski (Edmonton, AB) a écrit
à 01:23
I love Canada, so naturally my vote is with Stephen Harper and Conservative Party of Canada!
-chris
from chris lloyd <dearpm@gmail.com>
to pm@pm.gc.ca
date Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 8:38 PM
subject Schools locked down after second attack in Edson, Alta.; 430 000 cigarettes de contrebande saisies à Cornwall
Dear Stephen,
What do you know about the pipeline in Afghanistan?
A Gas Pipeline Framework Agreement, signed by representatives of the four nations (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India–or TAPI) on April 25, 2008, commits the four nations to initiating construction of the $7.6 billion gas pipeline in 2010, supplying gas by 2015.
“Canada’s debate has been devoid of any discussion about how building a U.S.-backed pipeline through Kandahar would affect Canadian Forces’ efforts to build peace and stability in Afghanistan’s most troubled province,” said Bruce Campbell, CCPA Executive Director. “Will Canadian Forces become guardians of this pipeline?”
The report notes that Canadian Members of Parliament and officials have participated in regional energy meetings; but in government speeches and media reports, it’s as if no meetings have ever taken place.
So can you answer, will Canadian peacekeeps become pipekeepers?
In other news, Costa Zafiropoulos, the NDP candidate for Papineau, called again to try to arrange dropoff of a lawnsign but I wasn’t home and Claudine was in the bath preparing to go out. Still no word from the other parties, though I still get email updates from both the NDP and the Liberals.
I did get a pamphet in my mailbox from the Conservative candidate, Mustaque Sarker. So I visited his website, asked again for a sign, and left this message for him:
“I would like to know your position on arts and culture, specifically the recent $46-million in cuts to programs that promote Canadian artists abroad, the cutting of the PACART arts transport service, and $11-million in other arts-related cuts to DFAIT since 2006. Does the Conservative Party have a comprehensice plan in the arts and culture sector?
Thanks for your time,
-chris lloyd
And now for more enlightened reading from members of the Conservative Party of Canada Facebook group:
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 7:05pm
By the way, it is not communist to have children in daycare, hahahahhaha. Again, right wing conservatives just don’t understand politics, or common sense!
Have you ever read Brave New World? Look at residencial schools. Try raising your own kids instead of leaving that burden on the rest of society. It is not my responsibility to take care of some teenage Mom’s brat because she spread her legs for anybody. Early education? That is raising children you are totally condradicting yourself. My Mother taught me to read not a government employee. Fucking Socialists think that from cradle to grave the government needs to be in control of every aspect of everyones lives.
Blair Skulmoski a écrit
à 18:41
The whole federalized day care program was to help children begin their education at a younger age, thus giving the next generation an edge over other countries. If this current PM does not have priorities for the future generation’s well being, than he is NOT a good leader!
That’s right we should start education for children the minute they are delievered. That would take the burden of raising children off of parents. The Government should raise all our children, right! Kids need to be brainwashed by the government early on because it is much harder to convince someone that communism is right if they have been raised by parents instead of government employees and televisions.
Yvon Sanscartier wrote
at 5:46pm
Peter, you drop your kids in a day care? YOU ARE A LOUSY PARENT! All the number crunching in the world won’t change that reality. And while you’re at it borrow your child’s pacifier. This group will really appreciate it.
Blair Skulmoski wrote
at 1:12am
TSX down 840 points. 100 billion dollars lost! Poof. Fuck the Arts! Cut non-essential spending now before it’s too late!
Good luck with the debate tomorrow.
-chris
DEAR PM 