2009 was a refreshing year for us. We backed off on some of the workload and had a little quality time. Some of you may have seen the postings on my bike rides.
The world is still an uncertain place however. The economy continues to improve and people who were laid off are gradually getting back to work, at least here in Alberta. The flu season is nearly over and although H1N1 is a pandemic, it has not been nearly as serious as it could have been. We still have conflicts around the world and some are trying to bring these conflicts to the shores of North America. We need to continue to support our military in this regard as they are the frontline in this fight.
Martial arts are our common ground and stability. Regardless of what is happening elsewhere, or our own economy, we always have the martial arts to focus on. We can always keep our focus and maintain our physical and emotional health through the pursuit of the martial arts.
Dianne and I hope that 2010 will be a prosperous year for you all, and we look forward to seeing you again in our humble establishment or on one of our courses.
August 28, 2010
So now there are a bunch of US owned companies operating here in Edmonton and other locales in Alberta, who say we are bad because of the oil sands. Well too damn bad then, buy your oil from the Arabs then. We have enough oil and gas in Alberta to look after north America for decades, and if they don't want any, that's their loss. The Alberta oil patch runs this country. Not just Alberta, but the whole damn country. The spin off is huge. Is it any coincidence that all the tax money, equalization payments etc that Alberta sends to the Feds pretty much equals what the feds give to Quebec? Hmm, but don't get me started on that one. Or how about the tar sludge filled swamps up north that get reclaimed after the tar sands are removed and are now thriving growing forests? Is that a bad thing?
So about these companies who don't like our oil sands? Guess where the money comes from to patronize their businesses? Well if they don't like where that money comes from then perhaps they should close up shop and go elsewhere. Or, we could even help them with that by boycotting their businesses. Yup, works for me. Normally we would name all these perpetrators but in this litigious society, they would probably sue us. Watch the news and you'll figure it out. By the way, these companies don't have any problems using tractor trailer rigs to haul their products all over north America. Nor do they have any problems lighting up their stores so bright, you can see them from outer space. Let's not even get into the packaging these guys use either. They complain about fossil fuels but they are the biggest abusers. But hey, on the flip side they probably get all their product handmade in Vietnam by kids making a buck a day so that evens it out right?
August 21, 2010
If you have been following the news this week, especially on Global TV, you couldn't have missed the clips on MMA. It seems a medical group is pushing for a ban on MMA. They say the injury rate that they are currently seeing in the ER's is growing exponentially.
As a little back story, I was very instrumental in the sanctioning of MMA in Edmonton. At the time I was a Commissioner with Edmonton. We went to Vegas and met with Dana White, the Nevada Athletic Commission, and their doctors. We spent a lot of time discussing the issue of injuries and watched a lot of fight video. Their opinion at that time was that MMA was safer than boxing. I believe that to be true to this day.
However, the popularity of MMA has grown exponentially in the last six years. The problem I see now and believe me, we hear about it every day in the shop, is that far too many "fans" are so called "training" at home in their basements. These are the guys with no experience, trying to learn from books and videos, with little to no safety gear, that are beating the crap out of each other. These are the guys who are too damn cheap to purchase quality gear and pay a gym for classes with a qualified coach. And subsequently, they are getting hurt and having to make those hospital trips. Again, we hear this all the time.
We also know that statistically very few pros are ending up in hospital. These guys know how to train and use the appropriate equipment. We also know that very few serious injuries, those requiring a hospital visit, are occurring at the gyms. So it's the guys beating the crap out of each other in their mothers basements that are causing the sport to be under the magnifying glass. The same thing happened in WWE wrestling years ago when for some strange reason, people seemed to think it was OK to jump off their roof and body slam their buddy in the backyard. Come on people...grow a brain!
August 10, 2010
Ok, so just what does it take for people to actually stand up for an issue? The motorcycle bylaw came into effect over a month ago and although I heard a lot of griping, no one did anything about it. I wrote City Hall on several occasions and have had correspondence with two councilors. They won't be happy until we are all forced on to factory (unmodified) mopeds. Calgary and the Province are watching Edmonton as they intend to follow suit and I have it on good authority that Saskatchewan is going to do likewise.
I also signed the petition but that will probably be a dead horse as the City is notorious for giving out false information or changing the rules such that a petition is usually shot down. Just look at the Municipal Airport issue. They also know that the biking community will be hard pressed to come up with close to 80,000 signatures.
Well, you could still write City Hall and bitch. You could also remind them that there is an election coming up this fall. You could also "actually" show up and vote this fall. Somehow, I doubt that any of this will come to fruition as society in general has become such a pathetic waste of skin. Just remember, you will always get the Government you deserve.
July 30, 2010
So just what do you and 50,000 of your motorcycling buddies do for the weekend anyway? How about hanging out at Laguna Seca for the Moto GP races? Awesome weather, lots of bikes, Boz Bros. custom motorcycle show, dozens and dozens of vendors, all the major manufacturers set up with huge displays, and let's not forget the Umbrella Girls! Oh ya, and 300 of us got to ride our bikes around the race track. Rumor has it that a black Busa with beetle bags was seen going down the main straight in excess of a 120K but that couldn't be verified as of this writing. Hey, we were told that we could get around the track as fast as we wanted as long as we didn't exceed 25 mph...wink wink, nudge nudge. Now if I could just figure out where I parked my bike...hmmm
.All in all, I rode 6300 Km's over the 15 days I was on the road. Very little time was spent on the Interstates. A couple highlights were Logan's Pass on the Road To The Sun. This is a great road with awesome views. Downside, when I went it was under construction...a lot. So what should have been an hour ride turned into three. Next was Highway 12 coming out of Missoula Montana. There is a big warning sign that says "Caution curvy road for next 99 miles". Now I didn't see a problem with that. Although after a while, you do start looking for a straight away so you can rest a bit. The next road was #431 over Mt Rose coming out of Reno to Lake Tahoe. This is a very nice curvy road that goes up to about 10,000 ft. Awesome scenery and a great ride, but don't get too carried away. It is so popular with bikers that it is "very" heavily policed. Stick to the speed limit and enjoy the ride. Lastly and a little closer to home is Hwy 20, the North Cascades route that parallels the CDN border. I rode in from the west this time near Bellingham Wa. and rode to Hwy 25 and crossed the border near Trail BC.
I also mounted an onboard video system for this trip to capture some clips. Man, I love technology. Thirty years ago I was lucky if I even had a film camera with me. Can't wait to get this stuff downloaded to a disc. If you want to chat about this system or even some routes that you might want to ride, stop by sometime. Now I need to start planning for next year.
July 8, 2010
It's Thursday, have you hugged your bike today? Oh good. Now if you haven't signed the motorcycle Bylaw Petition yet, get after it. You can find one at pretty much every bike shop. Make it happen.
By the way, if you are not residing in Edmonton, you can still help us out, email Edmonton City Council ( Councillors@edmonton.ca ) and tell them you will avoid bringing your bike and your business to this City. Really. They don't give a crap about a few pissed off bikers but they will take notice if it appears that they might in fact cost the City or it's businesses revenue. Please give us your support. We need to shut down this bad Bylaw before it comes to a community...like yours!!! By the way, Calgary and the Province are watching to see how this works out. Their plan, to implement it "Province Wide". So just because you don't reside in Edmonton doesn't mean you shouldn't sit up and take notice.
July 8, 2010
You would have to live under a rock to not know about City Council wanting to close the Municipal Airport in Edmonton. This is just another backwards agenda by "silly council". Take a look all over North America and you will see that most "major" centres are serviced by one or more airports in addition to their local International airports. City Hall argues that this airport is not used efficiently. Well it's their damn fault, along with their cronies, the Edmonton Airport Authority. They have established such ridiculous protocols such that any commuter service trying to run out of the "Muni" would be operating at a loss. Give these guys some numbers that they could actually survive with. City Hall also states that medivac units such as Stars could land at a hospital helipad. These "gomers" also don't realize that the majority of medivacs actually arrive via fixed wing aircraft. They would have this service moved to the International airport where it would increase travel time to the patient by a minimum of 30 minutes.These arguments espoused by City Hall are all lame. This airport is a historical landmark in Western Canada. It can be a vital air service centre if they allow it to be.
Oh, and recently while on an overseas junket, Mayor Mandell finally realized that the Edmonton Indy is also a significant event for the city. No kidding ! Indy races are followed by a very strong fan base all over the world. That one event does more for this City than all the hair brained schemes by that money sink called economic development Edmonton put together. You can bet that the only things Alberta is known for besides the Calgary Stampede is the Edmonton Indy. Well, ok maybe the oilsands, but that's another topic.
We should keep this airport regardless of what those socialist, art loving, eco freaks on City Council think. Go here to Demand The Vote and place your vote to keep this airport open.
June 29, 2010
The motorcycle noise Bylaw comes into effect in a couple days. If you have not signed the petition, what are you waiting for. But here's the catch. There are only about 15 to 20 thousand registered bikers in Edmonton. This petition requires about 80,000 signatures before City Hall will look at it. That means you have to get your spouses, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, neighbors and cousins 14 times removed to sign this petition. THIS IS IMPORTANT FOLKS...DO IT !!! By the way, I signed the petition at Alberta Cycle but I am sure there is a bike shop closer to you that has a copy, just phone around and make it happen.
On another note, I had correspondence with some councilors at City Hall. Their true colors started to come through. They won't be happy until we are all riding 100% STOCK motorcycles. This was as much said to me in an email by Councilor Sloan. So you see, the noise bylaw is just the beginning before they legislate us all back to mopeds. GO SIGN THE PETITION and KEEP WRITING CITY HALL. Remind them there is an election looming this fall.
June 22, 2010
I wrote the following to a couple City councilors today. This morning on the news it was reported that motorcyclists would ride on City hall to protest this Bylaw. I went. The turnout was pathetic. Motorcyclists are pathetic. Everyone bitchs and whines but won't do a damn thing to stand up for themselves. The quiet bike guys think, oh I'll pass so I'm not worried. Oh ya, wait till they decide to lower or change the Bylaw such that it does affect you....too late dipstick. The loud guys stay away because they are the offenders and they think they'll just keep riding till they get caught and then they'll pay the ticket. The politicians or bureaucrats thrive when they can divide a group like this. They did it to the firearms lobby. The hunter / fisher types thought oh I don't care about those black rifles or handguns. Well, you cared a lot when they came for some of your hunting rifles later didn't you? Every motorcyclist in this City should have banded together and spoke up in an effort to stop this Bylaw. If it still passed, at least you tried instead of just laying down and surrendering like some useless meat puppet. I hope you guys get legislated to a florescent yellow 75 cc Vespa. At least I tried, and I am not done yet.
Notice the Constable that is supposed to be watching the tach is looking backwards (my tach went to 5500) and the other one has the measuring tape "inside" my exhaust, which by the way was rattling like hell because it was resting on the pipe and vibrating. Do you think that added to the ambient sound? I don't think he was impressed with my "Major League Infidel" sticker either!
Councilors;
We have spoken a number of times during my tenure with the Stoney Plain Road and Area BRZ both as a committee chair and as a board member. This time I write to you because your recent actions will affect my hobby and passion of more than 40 years.
For over four decades I have ridden motorcycles. At times for sport, and others for mere transportation. Now that I am 55 years old, I have discovered that I once again wish to pursue long distance travel by motorcycle. In fact, I will be departing on a 6,000 kilometer trip in just three weeks.
Yet my riding pleasure here in Edmonton is being attacked. This new legislation aimed at loud and obnoxious bikes is misplaced and threatens the entire motorcycling community due to the actions of a few. Don't get me wrong, I hate the loud bikes just as much as the next person. I also hate the loud car stereos and the diesel trucks with their megaphone style exhausts.
Every year I get stopped by EPS members numerous times over the course of our very short riding season. I feel as if I am in some third world European country when the uniformed agent in his knee high black boots steps out in front of me and demands a "document check". Must I now start carrying my passport or some other state issued ID other than my AB. Operators permit? This will now be compounded by mandatory sound checks of my motorcycle. I've already passed, how many more times must I be tested?
I do not exaggerate here. Rarely on a ride around the city will I arrive home without the requisite "document check" taking place. For the record, I have "never" been stopped in my vehicle nor have I received a citation on my motorcycle for any reason.
The motorcycling community in Edmonton is small and hence, easy for city bureaucracy to legislate. However the demographics will show that this community is also made up of people with significant disposable income. For many, the motorcycle is for enjoyment rather than just transportation. This summer, a major motorcycle rally will draw enthusiasts from across the country to Edmonton. Several hundred bikes can easily equate to tens of thousands of dollars spent in our community. Every year, numerous charity rides are held that generate thousands of dollars for needy causes. I could see many of these groups considering other more "motorcycle friendly" locales to host their events or to be the recipients of their charitable donations. The annual Santa Toy Run alone see's many thousands of dollars raised with usually a couple tractor trailer trucks filled with toys all generated by about 3000 motorcyclists for young kids who otherwise would not see any Christmas gifts. These are the people you will alienate with this bad legislation.
Not only is this legislation misguided by penalizing an entire community due to the actions of a few, it is also poorly written. I recently took part in the EPS testing. My bike passed as I was confident it would. However I saw numerous issues with the process and when I questioned the EPS constables including a senior officer, they either could not or would not answer my queries. There are too many points to bring up here but I would be comfortable in saying I doubt a concerted court challenge would fail in defeating this bad piece of legislation. One question I do have though is that the constable asked whether my bike was modified or not. Was this not supposed to be a sound test, or does the city plan to ban any or all motorcycle modifications?
Sometimes, you just have to admit you are wrong, and a bad law is just that, a bad law. I understand the purpose, and I think bikers with loud obnoxious exhaust systems should get fined, just like the owners of loud stereos, loud trucks, etc. Penalizing an entire group of people due to the actions of a few is just wrong though, but since when have we known politicians to act morally. After all, the motorcycle haters will be applauding your efforts and hey, there may be an election in the fall, when all the bikes have been put to bed for the winter, and you can use those votes right?. Remember though, those bikers with the disposable income vote as well. Some are business owners like myself, some are involved in the media, and all can influence those around them to their cause. In the meantime, we will inform our customers that Edmonton is not motorcycle friendly and also encourage motorcycle charities to seek communities that will welcome them.
Mike McGuire
June 21, 2010
Bill C-391, the Bill to repeal the long gun registry, is before committee. However, some opposition MP's have voted to bring it back before Parliament and have it quashed. This is a LINK to the addresses of some opposition MP's who supported this Bill. Write them an email and encourage them to stand their ground regardless of what "Iggy" or Layton is trying to make them do by following the "party line". If you shoot, or want to, or have firearms or want to, or have a license or want to get one, take the couple minutes to cut and paste a note and send it to these guys.
June 19, 2010
I didn't write this but it's awesome
For the truth is, they are frightened that we will find out how pitifully few they are compared to the mass of the citizenry they seek to frighten into compliance with their tax collections, property seizures and bureaucratic, unconstitutional power-shifting. I strongly recommend everyone see the animated movie "A Bug's Life". Simple truths may often be found sheltering beneath unlikely overhangs, there protected from the pelting storm of lies that soak us everyday.
"A Bug's Life", a childrens' movie of all things, is just such a place. The plot revolves around an ant hill on an unnamed island, where the ants placate predatory grasshoppers by offering them each year one-half of the food they gather (sounds a lot like the IRS, right?). Driven to desperation by the insatiable tax demands of the large, fearsome grasshoppers, one enterprising ant goes abroad seeking bug mercenaries who will return with him and defend the anthill when the grasshoppers return.
(If this sounds a lot like an animated "Magnificent Seven", you're right.)
The grasshoppers (who roar about like some biker gang or perhaps the ATF in black helicopters, take your pick) are, at one point in the movie, lounging around in a bug cantina down in Mexico, living off the bounty of the land. The harvest seeds they eat are dispensed one at a time from an upturned bar bottle. Two grasshoppers suggest to their leader, a menacing fellow named "Hopper" (whose voice characterization by Kevin Spacey is suitably evil personified), that they should forget about the poor ants on the island. Here, they say, we can live off the fat of the land, why worry about some upstart ants?
Hopper turns on them instantly."Would you like a seed?" he quietly asks one. "Sure," answers the skeptical grasshopper thug. "Would you like one?" Hopper asks the other. "Yeah," says he. Hopper manipulates the spigot on the bar bottle twice, and distributes the seeds to them.
"So, you want to know why we have to go back to the island, do you?" Hopper asks menacingly as the thugs munch on their seeds. "I'll show you why!" he shouts, removing the cap from the bottle entirely with one quick blow. The seeds, no longer restrained by the cap, respond to gravity and rush out all at once, inundating the two grasshoppers and crushing them. Hopper turns to his remaining fellow grasshoppers and shrieks,"That's why!"
I'm paraphrasing from memory here, for I've only seen the movie once. But Hopper then explains, "Don't you remember the upstart ant on that island? They outnumber us a hundred to one. How long do you think we'll last if they ever figure that out?"
"If the ants are not frightened of us," Hopper tells them, "our game is finished. We're finished. Of course it comes as no surprise that in the end the ants figure that out. Would that liberty-loving Americans were as smart as animated ants.
June 19, 2010. More On Motorcycles
Today, EPS is performing voluntary sound testing on motorcycles to determine if they will pass the proposed legislation. Riders are being advised that if their stock bikes do not pass, they should return to the dealership and have quieter exhaust systems mounted. Now if I purchased a "legal" bike that the City now determines to be illegal, I am not paying for alterations.
My bike passed the noise test as I was confident that it would. When the EPS constable asked if I had an aftermarket system, I told him no. Now I do have an aftermarket Yoshimura system on my bike, but is this test for sound levels or are they really looking to ban aftermarket exhaust systems? I asked several questions of the constables as well as of a senior officer. They were unable to answer any of my questions. Or perhaps, just unwilling. At present, I still believe this Bylaw would fail an overt court challenge. But it's too late folks....it's already passed !!!
What gets me is that I have heard nothing from the motorcycle industry at all. Not one dealership has stepped up and complained. For some, this could potentially affect their business substantially. They are certainly not going to alter their inventory which is legal across North America to comply with an Edmonton standard. At least not without passing on that cost to the consumer.
I just took part in a motorcycle charity event. What do you suppose the chances are that EPS will target these events for violators of the noise Bylaw. I don't know, but potentially these events could see smaller turnouts. That would be a shame for the involved charities. If I lived in another community, I wouldn't be in a rush to ride into Edmonton for an event or to patronize businesses knowing that I could possibly get busted with a violation. In fact, I would probably boycott Edmonton as a destination.
Any way you look at it, this is a bad law. It is discriminatory. The testing procedures are flawed. Yet it passed because not enough people stood up against it early enough. Getting Bylaws off the books is far harder than stopping them beforehand. In many jurisdictions in Europe, you pay significantly higher taxes based on the size of your motorcycle. Absolutely "nothing" on the bike can be altered. In some places, it may take as long as a dozen years before you could drive a bike in excess of 750 cc's. They have very long graduated licensing programs.
If you ride a bike and you did nothing to stop this bad legislation, shame on you. Don't start bitching when some bureaucrat legislates you to a 75 cc Vespa, that has to be white by the way. It's called a death by a thousand cuts. Every new piece of legislation is another cut, until they get what they want. I really hope this sees a very concerted court battle, because that is the only way it will get changed. And even then, it will be a change. Unlikely that we will see it repealed. Pretty democratic eh?
June 12 Ride For Sight.
The Ride For Sight was held this weekend in Kananaskis country. The Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino played host to this event. If you are looking at a great weekend get away without the "cost" of Canmore or Banff, check out this facility. It resides on the corner of highway 40 and highway 1 just a few minutes drive east of Canmore.
We had two days of great weather and great riding. There were literally hundreds of bikes in attendance not counting all the other bikes that were just up in the mountains cruising. We are truly blessed to be able to ride in such a majestic mountain landscape. It is practically impossible to keep your eyes on the road with that kind of vista rolling by.
Meanwhile, at the resort, there were all kinds of events to take in as well. There were safety courses, silent auction, motorcycle stunt team performance, and numerous vendors set up in the spacious parking lot. There was even a mobile dyno set up so bragging rights about the most horsepower could be decided. Ok Andrew, so you beat me by a mere 4 horsepower. But don't forget...torque rules the day!!! Oh, and the "crotch rockets" severely kicked butt in the horsepower quotient over the big V twins.
Kananaskis Helicopters is based at the resort and they were flying tours with three machines non stop all weekend. If you think the mountains look awesome as you cruise down the road, try flying between those mountain peaks and getting a killer aerial view. The pilots give an excellent commentary on the various peaks and other points of interest. Somebody got a birthday or other notable occasion coming up? I bet a helicopter tour of the rockies would fit the bill.
On Saturday night, the resort aired the Vancouver UFC and Rising Sun sponsored this by providing MMA apparel for the resort to give away by a draw. There were some happy fight fans that got dressed from head to toe. And after Chuck Liddell's loss, well some people did need a little pick me up.
It was a pretty busy weekend all around and all the funds raised go to a good cause. So you guys will have to excuse us for missing work today (Monday 14th) but we will back at it tomorrow as per usual.
Update: June 10, 2010
Bylaw passed by City Council: Following was sent to City Councilors
This is a dark day for Edmontonians and motorcyclists who live in this community. Thanks to a few bad apples and "extreme socialist councilors", we have the worst legislation that I have seen in my 55 years.
This Bylaw is discriminatory against one segment of the population, motorcyclists. I have been riding in excess of forty years. Every summer I am subjected to EPS scrutiny as if I was living in Eastern Europe during the cold war era. Myself and numerous law abiding motorcyclists are pulled over by EPS every year for the so called "document check". Should I start carrying my Passport? I find this very intrusive and annoying but have to put up with it numerous times over the course of our riding season. Like I had a choice anyway. For the record, I have "never" been stopped in my vehicle.
Now, I must submit my motorcycle to being tested as well as being scrutinized myself. I can tell you this, I believe that my bike will pass this test as it is a quiet bike. But, I will not assist in this roadside testing and potentially incriminate myself in any way. I trust all these EPS members that will be administering this test are familiar with all the various types and makes of motorcycles and are capable of starting and operating them. I can see the potential for damage and subsequent lawsuits. As stated, I cannot be forced to incriminate myself by participating in that process.
Just out of curiosity, was Council aware that motorcycle instruments today have an acceptable margin of error to + / - 10%? No two bikes idle at exactly the same speed and if the bikes are to be tested at an engine speed above idle, how will the EPS member determine that engine speed? Since the EPS members are not qualified motorcycle technicians, how will they be able to determine if an exhaust system has been altered? What becomes of all the factory stock motorcycles that exceed the sound parameters? I would hope that the manufacturers would file suit against the city over the potential lost sales of their "illegal" motorcycles.
It is probably worth mentioning that the City's own fleet of EPS Harley Davidson's will more than likely fail this test as well. I guess the funds obtained through fines will have to go towards a retrofit of quieter exhausts or a replacement of that fleet of motorcycles.
Finally, history has shown that any Government that has micromanaged it's populace through intrusive legislation is never satisfied. Those of you on council and to all the eco Prius driving populace who are gloating over this legislation, your day will come too. This Government or the next will infringe on some aspect of your life too, and it will be our turn to gloat, even if we all lose. Face it folks, sometimes common sense must dictate and bad laws will always just be bad laws.
M. McGuire
Edmonton
*LET ME SEE IF I GOT THIS RIGHT..*
IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR.
IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY.
IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER ILLEGALLY, YOU GET SHOT. (hmmm, how many people from this country live in Canada?)
IF YOU CROSS THE SAUDI ARABIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE JAILED.
IF YOU CROSS THE CHINESE BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU MAY NEVER BE HEARD FROM
AGAIN.
IF YOU CROSS THE VENEZUELAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE BRANDED A SPY
AND YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED.
IF YOU ENTER CUBA ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE THROWN INTO POLITICAL PRISON TO ROT. ( And how many Canadians like to holiday in this COMMUNIST country?)
IF YOU CROSS THE CANADIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET
* A JOB,
* A DRIVERS LICENSE, (offered in TEN languages)
* SOCIAL INSURANCE CARD,
* WELFARE,
* CREDIT CARDS,
* SUBSIDIZED RENT OR A LOAN TO BUY A HOUSE,
* FREE EDUCATION,
* FREE HEALTH CARE,
* BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED IN YOUR LANGUAGE
* THE RIGHT TO CARRY YOUR COUNTRY’S FLAG WHILE YOU PROTEST THAT YOU DON’T GET ENOUGH RESPECT
I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I HAD A FIRM GRASP ON THE SITUATION…
Now the Province Wants Our Body Armor
I mentioned before that this was coming down the pipe and now it has passed first reading. Below is a copy of an email that I sent out to the Sun, Solicitor General, my MLA and the Premiere's office. I urge you to do likewise. You can take the fatalistic approach that it won't matter or you can actually step up and be heard. That's up to you. I won't sit idly by and have the Feds micro manage and legislate us back to the stone age because it is the PC thing to do.
Mike
*Subject:* Province Takes Aim At Bulletproof Vests
First of all I would like to clarify that there are no such items as "bulletproof" vests. There are Ballistic vests that depending on the threat level may or may not stop a certain size of projectile. I would expect such terminology from the media as they also feel that every firearm is a weapon.
Secondly, this suggested ban on the private ownership of ballistic vests is worse than the controls placed on firearms ownership. At least firearms can be registered and owned. If 70 years of handgun registration in this Country has failed to keep said firearms out of the hands of gang members, what makes you think a ban on ballistic vests will do any better? This is nothing more than a feel good gesture to the masses to give the appearance of a crackdown on gangs.
Are you aware that there are in fact numerous companies operating in Canada (at least one right here in Alberta) that manufacture ballistic vests and trauma plates? Or that a company in Quebec manufactures ballistic material for the greater majority of ballistic vest manufacturers in North America. Are you aware that there are even more companies such as my own that do or have sold ballistic products. The buyers range from law enforcement agencies, military, security firms and even doormen. Not to mention numerous law abiding private citizens. Perhaps a few lawsuits due to a cessation of product sales and infringement of lawful enterprise would be in order.
As a range officer and firearms trainer, I wear a ballistic vest when I am on the range training people. This is simply another level of safety and security for me. I will continue to do so.This pending legislation serves no good purpose what so ever. As with the Firearms Act, it serves only to once again penalize law abiding citizens. The gangs will still access illegal products just as they acquire illegal firearms. I am highly skeptical that gang members are currently purchasing these items through law abiding retailers.
All law enforcement agencies train for the eventuality that should they become involved in a lethal threat situation where body armor is suspected, to follow through with a secondary line of defense. So this legislation also does nothing to make law enforcement officers safer. If you really wanted to protect law enforcement, you would issue sidearm's to Peace Officers who patrol our counties everyday, by themselves, "unarmed". You would also issue Level III A ballistic vests and trauma plates that would protect them from large calibre handguns and some rifle rounds, instead of the Level II A vests they currently get. These will barely stop a 9mm round. Ah, but that would mean a budget increase. If common sense were only so common, this issue would not have even surfaced.
I trust you will rethink this agenda as it will affect the commerce of numerous businesses, strip another layer from the backs of law abiding citizens, and serve no purpose towards anyone's safety and security except the gangs who will still have them.
March 2010
Ramblings
What's this world coming to ? Dianne and I are very "familiar" with Alberta Health, having utilized it many times. Well folks, it is broke beyond repair. And I'd like to know why someone felt they needed to bring in an "Aussie" to try and fix it. That was bright. Have a look at Australia and their system is as broken as ours if not worse and somehow this "bloke" is supposed to know how to fix ours (?), hmmm.
Someone explain to me why a procedure that has been covered for us for 5 years is no longer covered? Now we have to pay for it at a cost of a couple thousand dollars. Let me also say that this is not an elective, but a necessary procedure. So much for social health care. There have been a couple articles in the newspapers of other people experiencing similar difficulties.
I saw a video the other day of a British Minister of Parliament that was quite disturbing. I say disturbing, not so much about what he said but because the same thing is happening here. In essence he was encouraging his fellow Muslims to get involved in politics. At first glance you would think this is not so bad. That is until you get to the part where they say they want to "control" Parliament. PARDON ME ??? The video I watched stated exactly that and some Muslim politicians in Ontario have publicy stated as much. So I am not making this up. As far as I am concerned, this Country was founded by Anglo Saxons which initially formed a Democratic Government. I am not at all pleased that this Country, Canada, might one day be run by a Government made up of a group of people with a religious agenda. PEOPLE...YOU NEED TO GET OFF YOUR BUTTS AND VOTE, AND THINK BEFORE YOU VOTE.
Feb. 2010
Political Correctness
It never ceases to amaze me how the English language can change and evolve. Every year we are adding new words to the dictionary, such as "twitter". But what also amazes me is how we can twist words in such a way so as to not "insult" or hurt someones feelings. As little as five or ten years ago, there was nothing wrong with saying that someone was on welfare or that they were homeless, a vagrant, or a panhandler. Today we have to refer to them as "marginalized people". WHAT does that mean ?
If someone was a spoiled ass brat, well we just called them that. Today we have to say, they are of the "entitlement generation". I'd like to entitle them to the sole of my boot ! You know, sometime you just have to call a spade, a spade. Oh, as far as I know, a spade is still an implement...isn't it ?
Groundhog Day: No need to worry folks, we took care of that situation !
December 2009:
Some recent political issues have occurred that we felt deserved mention. We mentioned on here previously that the TV broadcast network Al Jazeera wanted the CRTC to allow them to broadcast in Canada. We even included a link on here for you to follow and read up on it. Well, the CRTC has caved in and granted them approval. Not a swift move in our opinion but obviously the CRTC didn't get enough objections to it.
Next up is Bill C-391. This Bill is now before Committee and should be back in Parliament in the new year. This could possibly be the beginning of the dismantling of the long gun registry. Contact your MP and let them know how you feel about this. For us, it has been a horrendous waste of 2 Billion dollars.
Finally, Bill C-428 has been submitted by Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla. This Bill would allow an immigrant to move to Canada and live here for "only three years" and qualify for a pension. This is without being a productive member of this society or even paying into the pension fund. The same fund that you and I pay in to for "decades". That is absurd and should never happen. What about your parents or grandparents who are currently getting the pension or will qualify soon? Wouldn't you rather see them get a decent pension, one that they could actually live on, with dignity, above the poverty line? This is simply a grossly blatant attempt at buying the immigrant vote and it must be stopped. Let Ruby know how much she is off track with this: dhallr@parl.gc.ca
Oct. 2009
Is it just us or have you noticed all the Eco types espousing the benefits of Bamboo? One of our martial arts manufacturers has bamboo t-shirts. Do you know how expensive it is to turn bamboo into a cloth? Or the chemical treatments, etc. of that process? How about the bamboo products that can be purchased like flooring as an example.
Let's think about this for a minute. Panda bears are on the virtual brink of extinction. Where do pandas' live? Where the bamboo is, because that is their diet. The bamboo forests are nearly obliterated which means no food for pandas.
Yet the Eco freaks and Hollywood types would somehow have us believe that bamboo clothes and bamboo floors are good...how???
This whole "Buy Green" and "Live Green" mentality is the sales pitch of the century and people are lapping it up like "snake oil". Have you not noticed how expensive all this "green" stuff is. You can't tell me there isn't greed associated with that sales pitch.
Oct. 2009
This was in the news the other day and we back it up 100%. If your just seeing this for the first time, make sure you make your thought known on this issue to the Feds. Ban The Burka
Sept. 2009
Have a listen to this folks. We have the Federal Government telling us what we can and cannot do in regards to defense of self and property.
I love Ted Nugent, for like me, he says what most people will only think. I cannot believe that the United Nations is actually debating the topic of whether "free men and women" on this planet have a RIGHT to self defense !
Tell "that" to the victims of genocide around the world. Sorry bud, it's your turn to die today, you don't have the "right" to defend yourself, the UN says so.
Well not on my watch. There is not a human being on this planet that will decide that fate for me or anyone under my care. I choose life.
Anyhow, have a listen as Ted is far more articulate than I will ever be: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_QjEL0uUgo
July 06, 2009.
Riflemans Creed
This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I master my life. My rifle, without me, is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than any enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will...
My rifle and myself know that what counts in this war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit...
My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn it's weakness, it's strength, it's parts, it's accessories, it's sights and it's barrel. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will...
Before God I swear this creed. My rifle and myself are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. We are the saviours of my life. So be it, until victory is America's and there is no enemy, but peace.
Major General Rupertus.
June 30, 2009
This was just sent to me by one of my American acquaintances. Take the time to look at it. This video is bang on. Now think of it in the Canadian context as we are not that far removed Governmentally. I wish someone would do a similar video that was related to our Government.
Folks, we are most likely looking at a fall election again. Do you really want "Iggy" to be our next PM? He will be every bit as Socialist in his policies as NObama. He has already stated that he intends to follow through on the Liberals mandate to "disarm" the populace of this country.
Like this video suggests, I think we should be burning up the email lines to Government. They need to be reminded that they work for us. We want to keep our guns. We want immigration reform and tighter borders. We want our elderly to be treated with respect. Why should an elderly Canadian Citizen be forced to subsist on approximately $1200 a month while an immigrant who has done nothing for this country and in no way contributed to our social system gets twice as much money per month. That is an atrocity that must be changed.
There is more...much more. Watch the video and decide for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=jeYscnFpEyA
Wednesday May 06.
In response to yet another article in the Sun today, I wrote the following. Mayor Mandel is continuing forward with his agenda to control knives in Edmonton. We urge you to write City Hall and the Sun as we have to try and curb this idiocy before it goes any further.
Thanks,
Mike
Further to your article on knives, I could not disagree with Mayor Mandel more. We do not need more Laws. At what point do we stop making new Laws ? So today, we say you can't walk around with a hunting knife. Where do we legally draw that line for hunters, fisherman, sportsman, collectors and the like ? At the City limits ? Do we start registering knives ?
We already have this predicament in place. It's called C-68 or the Firearms Act. Handguns have been registered in this country for over 70 years. So why do we still have shootings every single day in this country ? Because criminals, by their nature, do not follow the Law. The result, law abiding citizens get punished as a result. I make a part of my living in the firearms industry. I teach the CDN Firearms Safety Courses for licensing and I also teach people how to shoot. I typically work with law enforcement and military personnel. My hobby and occupation is threatened by people who seem to think that banning some object will magically erase crime.
Why then is violent crime in Great Britain increasing at approximately thirty percent a year when firearms are totally prohibited ? I am also a martial artist and co own a martial arts supply business. We sell knives and I also happen to teach people how to use them from a martial arts perspective. This activity too is totally banned in Great Britain ! Yet crime involving these implements continues unabated. I also like to collect custom blades. Will I have to register my collection if Mayor Mandel gets his way, or will my collection be seized by the Government ?
I formerly worked in the EMS field and I have seen all kinds of trauma, stabbings, shootings, and beatings with blunt instruments. You would be surprised how many people are beaten down with baseball bats, but I don't hear for any crack downs or the registering of these evil weapons. I cut a picture out of the paper some time ago when EPS responded to a major brawl and an EPS constable was walking to his car with an armload of bats. Poor little Johnny will have to find another sport because we can't have all those clubs, I mean bats, loose on the streets. Perhaps hockey will be to his liking...oh wait, more sticks. That won't do. Do you see where I am going with this ? More Laws do not alleviate the problem.
Let's address the term "weapon". According to the Law, a weapon is "any item intended" to cause injury or bodily harm. As a journalist or scribe, you might be inclined to actually use a pen rather than a computer for work. What if you used said pen to poke someone in the eye ? Your "intent" was to do harm and your "weapon" was a pen. Should we ban all pens and pencils ? Again, the object is not the problem, it is the person. A person must have three things to create this scenario, intent (you want to hurt someone), means (you have a pen in your hand) and opportunity (the object of your anger happens to be in range). We have more than enough Laws in place. We need a justice system that will severely punish criminals when they break the Laws. Not let them off with a slap on the wrist.
Criminals will always find ways to accomplish a task. Look at how many weapons are found in our penal institutions. Do you really think that in a free society (more or less) that criminals will not find or make their weapons of choice ? Meanwhile, you and I can't even own a decent steak knife let alone a custom Greg Lightfoot Zambezi with an eight inch blade in Mayor Mandels utopian society. I would implore you to write columns based on facts rather than emotion or Mayor Mandels agenda, when the implication of your suggestions can potentially affect many people in many different ways. Hundreds of people in Alberta alone are employed in a business activity that requires, uses, or sells knives.
Your comments regarding the legalities of knives are in error. A knife does not become a weapon until it is used against another person. Until then, it is a utilitarian implement. Only a knife with a blade length in excess of four inches would be considered "a concealed" weapon if it were in fact not in plain view. Your typical pocket knife can be out of sight and as long as the blade length is under four inches, then no law is being broken. How can you have a Bylaw on the sale of "dangerous" knives ? Define for me what is a dangerous knife as opposed to not ?
The typical response by any politician, especially when wanting to be seen by the public as "doing" something is to make another Law. A simple look at other countries and jurisdictions where similar enforcement policies have been attempted will attest to the effectiveness or not. Lets not waste time and taxpayers money trying to reinvent the wheel. The problem bars in Edmonton would be wise to start using metal detectors before they are mandated to do so. It would also be the prudent reaction less they be seen as part of the problem. In that case, they would certainly be on the radar of EPS and perhaps even AGLC and lose their license to operate.
In closing, criminals are the problem, not the implements they choose to use. These types of legislative processes have been shown time and again to have little to no effectiveness on the criminal element and serve only to affect the Law abiding citizen. Lets accept that and move on. City Hall has real issues to deal with and another useless Bylaw is not one of them.
Mike McGuire
Edmonton
Here is a quote to think about. It’s not about guns or knives but the message is the same…
"In Germany they came first for the communist, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time nobody was left to speak up." - Martin Niemoeller
Folks, have a look at this and maybe it will convince you that "civilian disarmament" is not the way to go. As you watch this video, I'd like you to think about this quote: "At last a civilized Nation has complete gun registration. Our streets will be safer, Our police more effective, And the whole world will follow our lead". Adolf Hitler 1935. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkS2BRoCd2I&NR=1
Notable Quote:
'You don't want the truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises & sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide & then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said 'thank you' & went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a weapon & stand at post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to '. Jack Nicholson - A Few Good Men
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If your reading this in English, thank a veteran