Goodbye to "Ralph's World"

Ralph Klein's Legacy

2007-01-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

Now that Ralph Klein has officially handed things over to Ed Stelmach, there will be a spate of "Ralph's Legacy" stories. Some will praise him for eliminating the provincial debt. Others will condemn him for his shoddy treatment of those who couldn't take advantage of the Alberta Advantage; the homeless, the poor, the disabled, the seniors on fixed incomes.Ralph Klein brings to mind another

SENSIBLE HEALTH CARE # 17

2006-09-16T10:55:00.000-06:00

FIRST DRAFT OF POSSIBLE LETTER TO CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONAMA Etc.We are firmly convinced that further movement toward the privatization of medical services in Canada will undermine and destroy the high level of trust and esteem that the medical profession, and physicians in particular, now hold in the public eye.We firmly believe the following to be true:- (1) That the high level of trust,

SENSIBLE HEALTH CARE # 16

2006-08-21T17:31:00.000-06:00

UNDERHANDED, SNEAKY, DECEPTIVE AND IRRESPONSIBLE“Alberta government quietly releases ‘Third Way’ health plan”Those investor-driven corporatizers inside the Klein government function exactly like a prairie coyote skulking around the chicken coop in a farmers’ yard.They don’t come right out in the open where the people who have done all the hard work of raising the chickens can see them. They know

ALBERTA'S SENIORS DESERVE BETTER

2006-05-14T10:53:00.000-06:00

The immediately prior posting (SENSIBLE HEALTH CARE # 15) refers to the launching of a campaign on behalf of Alberta’s Seniors. On Tuesday May 9/2006, a widely representative panel, organized and moderated by the Chairpersons of Public Interest Alberta’s committee on Seniors; Noel Somerville and Bill Moore-Kilgannon; presented, in a powerfully moving manner, what too many seniors having to

MEMORANDUM

2006-05-13T18:02:00.000-06:00

TO OUR FAITHFUL READERS : (If there are any) The management and staff of RALPHS WORLD have taken off to far-away places for the summer. That includes the technical department - hence no pictures. Only junior contributors who write posts for the purpose of clarifying their own thoughts are left to carry on. Recently only one contributor remains extant. Others would be welcomed with opened spaces.

SENSIBLE HEALTH CARE # 15

2006-05-13T17:33:00.000-06:00

SENIORS IN LONG TERM OR EXTENDED CARE KNOW KNOW HOW THE THIRD WAY IS HURTING THEM Short term pain for long term gain can be justified if, in fact, that pain is inflicted in order to remove some obstacle to healing. Long term pain inflicted elderly and vulnerable persons for no purpose higher than political or financial gain can never be justified AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

SENSIBLE HEALTH CARE # 14

2006-05-06T10:37:00.000-06:00

KLEIN’S POPULISM IS PRETEND DEMOCRACY;HIS ATTACK ON HEALTH CARE HAS MORE TO DO WITH BATTLING OTTAWA THAN SAVING THE HEALTH OF ALBERTA *Please note: This post draws on concepts found in two fine books on democracy. (1) Historian John Lukacs’ “DEMOCRACY AND POPULISM” subtitled “FEAR AND HATRED” is an insightful analysis of how political power is more and more the result of a leader’s ability to

SENSIBLE HEALTH CARE # 13

2006-04-29T17:37:00.000-06:00

FIGURES DON’T LIE BUT LIARS FIGGER The trouble is that, when liars who figger are caught lying, they don’t stop lying. Instead they hire high priced research outfits, or some university research chair, to do more figgering and submit a report designed to prove they weren’t really lying. It’s just, they always conclude, that people generally aren’t smart enough to understand their figures. Few

SENSIBLE HEALTH CARE # 12

2006-04-22T10:38:00.000-06:00

IT’S TIME FOR QUIET SATISFACTIONBUT NOT FOR RELAXATION FROM VIGILANCE “Tories bury third way” Edmonton Journal April 21/06 Understandably, no citizens in Canada today are more entitled to a victory celebration than the people who have given so much of themselves to opposing Ralph Klein’s ‘third way.’ Thousands of pamphlets, skillfully written and distributed. Hundreds and hundreds of hours

Towel Guys and Fat Cats

2006-04-20T12:41:00.000-06:00

"I go to the club and I work out, and you get some of the fat cats – you know, the rich guys – saying, 'You know you should spend it on education. You should do this and you should do that,' "But the guy who handles the towels says 'Right on, right on.'"With these words, Premier Ralph Klein, the guy who claims to stand up for the little guy against those “fat cat” oilmen, justifies his preference

SENSIBLE HEALTH CARE #11

2006-04-15T16:38:00.000-06:00

ME AND MY NEIGHBORNEIGHBOR: I’ve got to set you right.ME: Oh! how come?NEIGHBOR: You’ve been praising up those Liberals.ME: I don’t recall doing that.N: You’ve been writing in the paper in favor of universal health care.ME: Oh! that. Just trying to keep Ralph Klein from ruining our health care system.N: That’s where you’re wrong; everything should just be turned over to private insurance

Who Sucks Best at the Public Teat?

2006-04-11T07:28:00.000-06:00

I don't know which Tory I admire more when it comes to extracting taxpayer money for their own personal use. There are so many worthy candidates to choose from.Admittedly the Klein government has set things up so it is pretty easy for Tories to get at our money. Performing government contracts where the deliverables are strictly oral in nature ala Rod Love and Kelly Charlebois is but one example

Alberta Health Care and Unlucky #13

2006-04-10T12:08:00.000-06:00

For those Ralph's World readers interested in "Third Way" discussions have a look at this article by Terilyn Paulgaard.Unlucky #13 refers to Iris & Ralph's private health insurance initiatives. This is what the Tories, including the new leadership contenders, think will make health care sustainable in this province of ours.Read the article and you be the judge.

SENSIBLE HEALTH CARE # 10

2006-04-08T12:20:00.000-06:00

RALPH’S WORLD WITHOUT RALPH EQUALS HOPE FOR HEALTH CARE?A HEALTHY AND SENSIBLE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM STANDS ON A FOUNDATION OF TWO ESSENTIAL HUMAN QUALITIES: EMPATHY AND RESPONSIBILITY. The first foundation , EMPATHY, is the basis of all civilization, society and community. Empathy is simply our name for allowing ourselves to feel, in imagination if not in reality, at least something of what

SENSIBLE HEALTH CARE #9

2006-03-31T09:39:00.000-07:00

POLITICAL MYTHS ARE REALLY LIES* Please note: - This posting builds on two books introduced in a previous posting:“THE BOTTOM LINE” by Diana Gibson & Colleen Fuller and “DON’T THINK OF AN ELEPHANT” by George Lakoff. IF Mark Twain had written “The Bottom Line” he would have named it “LIES, LIES, AND DAMN LIES.” A bold faced lie becomes a political myth when it is repeated over and over again by

SENSIBLE HEALTH CARE # 8

2006-03-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

INVESTING WISELY IS NOT SPENDING FOOLISHLY*Note, this posting refers to two books highly relevant to the Premier’s posturing about the “Third Way” that threatens Alberta’s health care.Putting public money into health is not SPENDING, it is “INVESTING WISELY” in one of Alberta’s most valuable assets.BUT ALBERTA’S PREMIER CALLS IT “SPENDING TAXPAYERS’ MONEY,”HE NATTERS INCESSANTLY ABOUT “COSTS” AND

SENSIBLE HEALTH CARE #7

2006-03-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

OPINIONS CLASH AND CONFUSEINFORMATION CALMS AND CLARIFIES*Please note:- This posting builds on, and is supportive to, the previous one entitled, "TWO SIDES TO THE THIRD WAY DEBATE." That attractively presented article vividly illustrates he vast chasm between superficial, uninformed opinion, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the presentation of conclusions based on research and rational

SALT Presentation to Iris Evans

2006-03-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Seniors Action Liaison Team had the opportunity to present to Alberta Health Minister Iris Evans for half an hour on March 13, 2006.This is a copy of the presentation they delivered. To provide feedback to SALT please click here and we will forward your comments to them.SubmissionToThe Honourable Iris EvansMinister of Health and WellnessAs part of the consultation on theHealth Policy

Two Sides to the Third Way Debate

2006-03-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

With so much written about Ralph Klein's Third Way for providing health care in Alberta, the staff at Ralph's World has combed the media reports to bring you the two articles that we feel best represent the opposing sides of this issue.In order to appeal to all Albertans, and not just those interested in health care, we have chosen to display the picture at left. It is our hope that those of you

SENSIBLE HEALTHCARE #6

2006-03-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

(SUPERFICIAL DIAGNOSIS/SHODDY TREATMENT)The most sensible thing a responsible health practitioner does when preparing to treat a patient is to listen with great care to what the ill person is experiencing.In Ralph Klein’s Alberta, unprofessional politicians prescribed treatment for our health care system over a decade ago. That politically prescribed treatment was forced on this province’s health

SENSIBLE HEALTH CARE #5

2006-03-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

(EXPLODING KLEIN'S POLITICAL MYTH)Politically created myths can be very powerful and are often socially destructive forces when widely disseminated and unquestioningly believed.By far the most sensible way to provide timely access to medical services on an equal basis to all of Alberta’s people is by strengthening the public system financially and by increasing its efficiency.Significant steps

Furnace Replacement Subsidy - An Interesting Tale

2006-03-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

This classic Catch-22 was sent in by a Ralph's World reader from St. Albert. The following is from a letter that she sent to her MLA looking for advice. Now that my gas bills are running around $300 per month, this warmest winter ever in the Province of Alberta, I am motivated to quit dithering and try to wrestle a furnace replacement subsidy out of the (unwilling?) hands of the Government of

Online "Third Way" Consultation Process Enhanced

2006-03-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

Dateline March 3, 2006 - RW NewsWire - EdmontonStung by opposition criticism that one month was not enough time for Albertans to provide input to the new Third Way" health initiatives, Premier Klein has ordered Health Minister Iris Evans to implement major enhancements to Alberta Health's Online Public Consultation System."The system has to provide instant feedback to those Albertan that take the

A Wink and a Grin - The "Third Way" is In.

2006-03-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

Premier Klein and his faithful sidekick Iris Evans have together conceived a new 18-page white paper entitled Health Policy Framework along with a spanking new webpage to explain it all to us rubes. This is the legendary "Third Way" for Alberta health care that the Premier has been teasing us with for the last few years.For an overview of what it's all about you might want to read "Klein moves to

SENSIBLE HEALTHCARE #4

2006-03-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

The “THIRD WAY” is NONSENSE By far the most socially sensible thing Canada has ever done was when the Federal Government finally legislated the only possible way for all citizens to share equally in the benefits of modern medicine was that those services be paid for by the whole of society. Socially and morally and, likely illegally, the most insensitive and irrational thing a province of

John Clark Moves On

2006-03-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

John Clark, the most prolific contributor to Ralph's World of late, has decided to create his own weblog. He has asked that we remove his postings which we are in the process of doing. He plans to re-post a number of these on his new site.John's new weblog is called "Alberta -- The Details" and is located at http://www.albertathedetails.blogspot.com/.The management and staff at Ralph’s World wish

Ralphamatics

2006-02-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

For those that doubt that Premier Klein could be that confused about health care costs, here is the interchange from Hansard between Mr. Klein, Premier of Alberta, Mr. Mason, Leader of the NDP, and Ms. Blakeman, Liberal Health Critic. Comments in red are mine.ALBERTA LEGISLATURE SESSIONThursday February 23/06, 1:30 pmQuestion Period:-Mr. Mason: Why is this Premier keeping the government’s plans

SENSIBLE HEALTHCARE #3

2006-02-24T16:17:00.000-07:00

QUEBEC’S SENSIBLE BEATSKLEIN’S IRRATIONAL “THIRD WAY”Comment # 3If I understand Senators Michael Kirby and Wilbert Keon, writing in the Globe and Mail (2/18/06), they are solidly in support of having all medical services financed by the state from public revenues. Quebec, they say, is in no way following Ralph Klein’s insane (see previous posting) attempt to throw the public system open to an

Pesky Decimal Points

2006-02-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

Premier Klein is shown here explaining to a group of journalists how a simple misplaced decimal point along with a misunderstanding about how zeros work caused him to think that healthcare spending was out of control.The following quote from a story in today's Edmonton Journal explains the problem."During Thursday's question period, Klein made gaffes while trying to defend his plans for health

SENSIBLE HEALTHCARE #2

2006-02-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

SENSIBLE BEATS “THIRD WAY”(Interpreting the Chaouilli ruling)Comment # 2 - (click here for Comment #1)Michael Kirby and Wilbert Keon, two Senators who have forgotten more about Canadian Healthcare than Ralph Klein will ever know, state in the Globe and Mail (2/18/06) “Governments must either live up to their end of the medicare bargain and deliver timely access to care, or they must allow

Kevin Trudeau Appointed Alberta Minister of Health

2006-02-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

Responding to criticism that last night's infomercial on the future of Alberta in the 21st century was fluff-filled, an animated Alberta Premier Ralph Klein today announced the first substantive step of his highly-publicized "Third Way" health care initiative – the replacement of beleaguered Health Minister Iris Evans with health guru Kevin Trudeau.The Premier elaborated."Colleen gave me this

SENSIBLE HEALTH CARE #1

2006-02-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

SENSIBLE BEATS “THIRD WAY”First comment:- According to Senators Michael Kirby and Wilbert Keon (Globe and Mail Feb. 18/06) Quebec has used the Supreme Court verdict (Chaouilli case) in a very sensible and responsible way. The focus of the case was not on the phony issue of who delivers the services but, rather, on the very real one of whether Canadians have the right to timely access to the

Cleaning Up Our Communities

2006-02-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

Ralph's World relies on an extensive network of correspondents throughout the province to bring forth timely, tasteful, and most importantly, relevant news to our readership. This just in. “We are going to clean up our communities and keep them that way,” said a spokesperson from Alberta’s Department of Protected Environments.The Premier’s Taskforce on Waste Elimination will deliver 400 free

"Third Way" Makes Debut

2006-01-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

“There may be violations (of the Canada Health Act) but we don’t know yet because there are all kinds of steps to go through. But hemorrhoids are uncomfortable.”With these carefully weighed words at a press conference yesterday Premier Klein provided a glimpse into the future of two-tier health care in Alberta. He went on to say that in Alberta people have to wait up to a year to receive

For Alberta - A Wish Comes True

2006-01-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

The Alberta Right Wing Dream TeamWe got a Texan and two Albertans running things now.Canada - we're coming to get you.

What is Mr. Harper's real position on health care?

2006-01-17T06:07:00.000-07:00

The media has been giving Mr. Harper a "free ride" on the issue of health care. They have generally ignored the position Mr. Harper has taken during the past eight years, and he has given no clear explanation as to what his position is now.In 1997, Mr. Harper quit being a Member of Parliament for Calgary Southwest to lead the right-wing lobby group, The National Citizens Coalition. It is

Season's Greetings

2005-12-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

From the management and staff at Ralph's World we wish all our readers a happy Hanukkah, a happy Ramadan, and a very merry Christmas. To those politicians we poke away at please remember that it is only your policies we don't agree with.Peace on earth!

HAS THE CBC SOLD OUT?

2005-12-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

As a life long listener to and supporter of the CBC I cannot believe there was anything but political influence behind the choice of CBC programmers to air the the Medicare Schmedicare attack on Canada's belief in the necessity of requiring people of the state as a whole to be the sole source of funds for the health and well being of Canadians.Keenly aware as we are, here in the Province of

Mark Norris and Grassroots

2005-12-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Edmonton Journal recently published a story headlined "Norris backers ante up $1M". You can read the story by clicking here.It is a story of 106 Albertans who have ponyed up $10,000 each to help Mark run for Ralph Klein's job. The names of these generous fellows are listed in the story. The Journal had asked for the names of the donors and they were provided.Full marks to Mr. Norris for

The Ant & The Grasshopper & The CEO

2005-12-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

I feel blessed. I do believe I am on the same e-mail distribution list as one of our most esteemed citizens in Alberta.Let me explain.Rick Bell of the Calgary Herald wrote an article covering a speech by EnCana CEO and prominent federal Conservative fund raiser Gwyn Morgan; - the esteemed citizen I'm referring to. You can read Rick's article by clicking here and smile back at Gwyn by casting your

DR. FLOOD COOLS RALPH KLEIN'S JETS?

2005-12-07T15:14:00.000-07:00

DR. FLOOD POURS SOME COLD WATER ON RALPH KLEIN’S JETS? Dr. Colleen Flood, originally from Australia, holds the Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy at the University of Toronto. She addressed a large and interested audience of Students and Public on November 23/05 at the UofA. This is a try at passing on Dr. Flood’s challenge to the assumptions made by the Supreme Court of Canada (

Fee Fine Fo Fum at the ASC

2005-11-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

Bill Rice, chairman of the Alberta Securities Commission was recently fined $1,000 for being a couple of months late in disclosing the insider trades he made in the shares of Tesco Corp., a well-drilling company he was also chair of until the beginning of November. You can read all about it by clicking here.ASC spokeswoman Siobhan Vinish announced it this way. "He was assessed a late-filing fee,

Klein's "Third Way" Fallacy

2005-11-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

This letter appeared in the Edmonton Journal November 28th. The author is Noel Somerville who is Co-Vice-Chair of the Seniors Action Liason Team. Thank you for printing Paul Krugman’s article, “U.S. health insurance system fails nation,” (Journal, November 17).It beautifully illustrates the fallacy of Premier Klein’s assertion that there is a viable “third way”, a two-tier system that combines

Klein's Loch Ness Monster is Ugly, Immoral - & Stupid

2005-11-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

Stupid? You ask. Aren’t Alberta’s MLAs intelligent and educated?Well, yes, but since humans arrived on earth, doing stupid things has never been confined to those of low IQ and poor education. Stupid is when intelligent men turn a blind eye to warning signs and dive into waters that suck them under and countless others with them.Want to see stupid? Think what’s happening to the supposedly

Long Term Care - Alberta Style

2005-11-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

Have a look at this. If you have trouble reading what the billboard says click on the picture to enlarge it.Pretty much says it all about long term care in Alberta.Make sure you visit the Alberta Government Response page.

Preston's War on Medicare

2005-11-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

This article by the Toronto Star's National Affairs writer Thomas Walkom provides an insight into the strategies used by those that want to trash our public health system.Walkom describes the goings-on at the two day Saving Medicare Healthcare Summit recently held in Vancouver. The cost to attend the conference was $1100 + which pretty much guarantees that ordinary citizens will be excluded.The

Klein's Choice

2005-11-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

Premier Klein theory of governing is to provide people choices. The word "choice" is sprinkled liberally throughout his speeches and “giving Albertans choice” is the justification for the many privatization initiatives his government has undertaken over the years. Better to choose your electricity from either Enmax at 8.10¢/kilowatthour or Direct Energy at 8.05¢/kilowatthour rather than have

Naughty Songs Upset Premier

2005-11-18T14:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a news item to make Albertan's proud of our Premier. It was just reported on CJAD radio in Montreal, just as Mr. Klein is heading East next week to promote our Province. Click here to read all about it but here's the nub of it.Remember the “Official Alberta Song” contest? Turns out 335 songs were submitted for our 100th birthday celebrations. The winner was Mary Kieftenbeld and you can

Klein's Loch Ness Monster - Immoral as well as Ugly

2005-11-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

As we see more than just the ugly head of the mostly hidden monster undermining health care in Alberta, it becomes clear that it’s not only ugly, it is also immoral.Immoral, you say, isn’t that a bit strong?Well think about it. The moral foundations of Canada’s Health Care system were laid well before there was this Canada Health Act. Klein is chipping away at the legal protection of health care

Health Economics 101

2005-11-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

Premier Klein, Health Minister Iris Evans, and everyone else who is involved in setting health care policy in Alberta need to read this article. It is called Health Economics 101 and it is written by US economist and New York Times writer Paul Krugman (see photo). Click here to read this short but to-the-point critique of private health insurance.What makes Krugman unique is he explains why

Lest We Forget

2005-11-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Is the THIRD WAY a good idea?

2005-11-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

Consider these key questions…Premier Klein has talked about his THIRD WAY for some time but has avoided any specific explanation of what he means.The specifics of what the THIRD WAY may mean emerged from the Request for Proposals (RFP) that the Alberta government recently sent out to the insurance industry.This RFP is alarming and raise a number of important questions.Why is the Alberta

Klein's Loch Ness Monster Raises It's Ugly Head

2005-11-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

The most secretive government in the history of Alberta has suddenly had its hidden strategy for undermining Health Care exposed.Only those who still believe the world is flat should be surprised to see the emergence of a corporate outfit called AON Consulting as the gang hired to tell the Klein government what it wants its corporate backers to hear. When the tobacco industry wanted to keep

Preparation HealthCare

2005-11-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

Today spin doctors at the Alberta Public Affairs Bureau moved quickly to ease Albertan’s fears about Third Way Health Care initiatives being proposed by the Klein government.The move came after the Alberta Liberal Opposition obtained secret government documents outlining an agenda to violate the Canada Health Act and allow doctors to practise in both the public and private system. The documents

The Aon Affair

2005-11-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

Last May Alberta Health hosted an international symposium at a hefty cost to Alberta tax payers. It’s purpose was to provide answers about how Alberta should proceed with Premier Klein’s “Third Way” initiatives. The answers provided by the symposium did not fit with the government’s view of what the answers should be. Speaker after speaker provided evidence of increased healthcare costs if

Aon is A-OK with Klein Government

2005-11-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

Dateline Edmonton - RW NewswireThe wide-eyed look on the face of Alberta's Premier Ralph Klein, (shown here on the left), came about after the Premier keyed the words “Aon corruption” into a Google search box.The occasion was a press conference called to explain why the Chicago-based consulting firm Aon Corporation was hired by Alberta Health to consult on Third Way initiatives in spite of the

Tyson/Lakeside Packers Strike

2005-10-13T11:12:00.000-06:00

Dateline: RW - Brooks, Alberta "Only 50 striking workers will be allowed to picket outside the Lakeside Packers plant at a time, the province's labour relations board has ruled. The board, responding to a request from Tyson Foods, which owns the plant, also said the union can stop vehicles long enough to make them aware there is a strike, but can't prevent them from entering the plant." Click

Support for CBC - Edmonton Journal MIA

2005-09-22T10:21:00.000-06:00

An estimated crowd of 50,000 people gathered outside the CBC studios in downtown Edmonton yesterday to show support for the locked out CBC workers. OK, so it wasn't 50,000 but it was a few hundred - enough to get some interest from the local media.I looked in my Edmonton Journal this morning for coverage of this event. It was noticeably absent. Given the pro business/anti-union editorial the

How Oil Companies Lie to Consumers

2005-09-18T07:34:00.000-06:00

I was at my local Petro Canada gas station the other day and picked up a brochure that explains how the oil companies are eeking out tiny profits in spite of the outragous cost at the pump. As you can see from the picture on the left, Petro Canada would have us believe that they make a paltry 2% profit. You can read their whole pitch by clicking here. In describing their profits here's how they

ASC's New Logo replaces Sex Doll Theme

2005-09-04T11:37:00.000-06:00

At a splashy Photo Op held last Wednesday, Alberta Securities Commission CEO and chairman Bill Rice, former managing partner of the Calgary based Bennett Jones law firm, unveiled a new logo for the beleaguered commission. See related story here.The cute blue doggy greets you with a friendly "Hi Ya" which is designed to make Alberta Investors feel confident in Alberta investments. This is a marked

Klein Sells "Maverick Brand" on E-Bay

2005-09-01T17:37:00.000-06:00

Dateline Calgary - RW Newswire:Today out-going Alberta Premier Ralph Klein auctioned off his "Maverick Brand" to political hopeful Jim Dinning for an estimated $3.9 million. The transaction took place on E-Bay, the world's largest on-line auction house. Dinning lost no time in having an article placed in the Calgary Herald entitled "Maverick spirit defines Albertans".When asked what he would do

US VP Dick Cheney Invited to Dinner

2005-08-31T13:24:00.000-06:00

Dateline: Calgary - RW Newswire On September 8th, US Vice President Dick Cheney will be in Calgary attending a $5000 to $10,000 a plate "by invitation only" dinner. Cheney will be here at the invitation of Michael Walker, CEO of the Fraser Institute.Also attending, although certainly not paying, will be Alberta's Premier Ralph Klein and BC's Premier Gordon Campbell.When asked about the high price

Senior-Bashing from the Fraser Institute

2005-08-21T19:11:00.000-06:00

The following article was sent to Ralph's World by a senior Albertan who has taken great exception a recent report published by the Fraser Institute. Also included was his brief summation of the article which you see on the left. His article is reproduced here unedited.Why is The Fraser Institute Reviving its Program of Senior -Bashing?On June 21, 2005, The Fraser Institute released a publication

Raging Grannies are Back

2005-08-18T16:15:00.000-06:00

Below are a few photos taken at a rally against Ralph Klein's "Third Way" held today in Edmonton.In addition to the Grannies and a number of well-soaked seniors, Raj Pannu (NDP), Hugh MacDonald (ALP), and Bill Bonko (ALP) also showed up to lend support and address the crowd. No Progressive Conservative MLAs attended.

2005-08-18T16:11:00.000-06:00

Raging Grannies Return

2005-08-18T16:07:00.000-06:00

Nice Shorts

2005-08-18T16:06:00.000-06:00

Hugh, Raj, and Bill address the crowd

2005-08-18T16:05:00.001-06:00

American Insurer's Can't Wait

2005-08-18T16:05:00.000-06:00

How the Third Way works.

2005-08-18T15:59:00.000-06:00

Alberta Seniors Remember

Iris explains total privitization of health care!

2005-07-31T13:44:00.000-06:00

Below is my response from Iris Evans. Response from Iris EvansResponse from Iris Evans (continued)Form Letter from Iris Evans

What it all means is in this reply

2005-07-29T23:16:00.000-06:00

As a one time hospital board member I know how it works!John Clark14815 – 123 AveEdmonton, AB T5L 2Y7July 25, 2005cyberclark@shaw.caThe Honorable Iris Evans, Minister,Alberta Health and Wellness.Phone 780-427-3665Fax 780-415-0961Iris Evansiris.evans@assembly.ab.caRe: - Confirmation of total privatization of hospitals and health care.Dear Minister,According to your letter it is your clear intent

Iris Explains Public Health motivation in mailer.

2005-07-29T23:11:00.000-06:00

TAKING ACTION AIBERTA HEALTH AND WELLNESS Message from Honourable Iris Evans Minister of Health and Wel!ness GETTING ON With BETTER HEALTH CARE Alberta's health system has gone through a lot of changes in the last ten years. Most of those change, have been designed to Improve Albertans' access to quality health care. Regional health authorities, health care prowlers, and a whole host of community

Iris explains total privitization of health care!

2005-07-29T22:52:00.000-06:00

ALBERTA HEALTH AND WELLNESS Office of the Minister July 12, 2005 Mr. John Clark 14815 -123 Avenue Edmonton,Alberta T5L 2Y7Dear Mr. Clark:Thank you for your June 15, 2005 letter regarding a recent article in the Edmonton Sun. I appreciate your support and am pleased to respond.As a

Billboards Beautify Alberta Countryside

2005-07-26T14:02:00.000-06:00

RW Dispatch - Brooks, AlbertaAn alert reader of Ralph's World from Brooks sent along this photograph of a new billboard been erected on HW 1 just west of Brooks' city limits. Billboards will now be used to enhance the Alberta countryside which has been characterized by many Tory MLAs as "drab and barren".Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Lyle Oberg, who introduced the new billboard

Conservatives cover up Seniors Abuse in St. Paul AB.

2005-07-23T15:11:00.000-06:00

John Clark14815-123 AveEdmonton, AB T5L 2Y7cyberclark@shaw.caJuly 23, 2005.The Honorable Ralph Klein,Room 307, Legislature Building10800 - 97th AvenueEdmonton, AlbertaT5K 2B6Phone: 780 427-2251Fax: 780 427-1349Dear Premier:The ongoing investigation on the wholesale fleecing of seniors through what amounts to terror tactics in the town of St. Paul Alberta is only an icon of what is transpiring

Law comes down on exploiters of Seniors in St. Paul.

2005-07-22T22:58:00.000-06:00

July22, 2005On a trip to St. Paul Alberta this past week I tripped across still another breaking story having to do with Senior Abuse which, the Conservatives deny.An individual or individuals in the local Credit Union were apparently working in conjunction with a person or persons in the local “old age home” in a shake down operation targeting seniors who owned property.These seniors were

Private Health care is here and now!

2005-07-19T21:28:00.000-06:00

John Clark 14815-123 Ave Edmonton, AB T5L 2Y7 July 19-05 cyberclark@shaw.caThe Honorable Ralph Klein,Room 307, Legislature Building10800 - 97th AvenueEdmonton,

Who gets the "on line health informaton?

2005-07-13T21:58:00.000-06:00

John Clark 14815 – 123 Ave Edmonton, AB T5L 2Y7 July 13, 2005.The Honorable Iris Evans,Minister of Health,107 Legislative BuildingEdmonton, AB T5K

The turd way is upon us- here are the mechanics.

2005-07-13T09:12:00.000-06:00

John Clark14815 – 123 AveEdmonton, AB T5L 2Y7July 13, 2005.The Honorable Iris Evans,Minister of Health,107 Legislative BuildingEdmonton, AB T5K 2B6iris.evans@assembly.ab.caThe Honorable Ralph Klein,Room 307, Legislature Building10800 - 97th AvenueEdmonton, AlbertaT5K 2B6Ralph Kleinpremier@gov.ab.caRe: Ralph’s only “The Turd Way on Health Care”Dear Ministers:Again, a vague and frightening leap

Pandering to rural vote explained.

2005-07-09T21:04:00.000-06:00

Consider the politics on the no smoking letter written to Dear Iris and good old Ralph. I think Ralph and company are willing to dump the cities in order to garner votes in the rural area!1 in every 6 Albertan’s who are eligible to vote actually vote.Thanks to conservative tinkering in the balance of votes split between rural and city dwellers, the 1 vote cast in the rural riding counts for about

A last surviving Alberta Industry being Strangled by indecision.

2005-07-06T21:24:00.000-06:00

John Clark14815 – 123 AveEdmonton, AB T5L 2Y7cyberclark@shaw.caJuly 6, 2004.The Honorable Ralph Klein,Room 307, Legislature Building10800 - 97th AvenueEdmonton, AlbertaT5K 2B6Phone: 780 427-2251The Honorable Iris Evans,Minister of Health,107 Legislative BuildingEdmonton, AB T5K 2B6iris.evans@assembly.ab.caThis government’s complete lack of concern for small business not oil oriented is astounding

Hitler? Stalin? Klein? Pinochet? Harper?

2005-07-05T14:25:00.000-06:00

Days after this publication, Ralph Klein took the podium to say Alberta will not object to the same sex marriage laws. A breth of fresh air. On the other hand, Harper, ex paramilitary seems to think the charter of rights is over done! Write him!Harper.S@parl.gc.ca Hitler? Stalin? Klein? Augusto Pinochet? Harper?Some came to power by sorting out minorities. Some sorted by

Conservatives asked to pass Homophobic test!

2005-07-03T10:51:00.000-06:00

John Clark, 14815 – 123 Ave Edmonton, AB T5L 2Y7 July 3, 2005 cyberclark@shaw.caThe Honorable Ralph Klein,Room 307, Legislature Building10800 - 97th AvenueEdmonton, AlbertaT5K 2B6Ralph Kleinpremier@

Some of Ralph's "things to do' hitting hard

2005-06-27T17:18:00.000-06:00

Today I received an EPCOR bill for half a month; a Fortis line transmission charge for part of a month and a "Alberta Energy Savings LP" the latter being one of thoes contract sellers the Government said better not to buy. (They bought out EPCOR's contracts).The Alberta Energy Savings bill does not include any Fortis charges yet. I'm told they will show up some day. No one seems sure when the

Ralph's World Preditions-Archives 03 come true.

2005-06-22T13:29:00.000-06:00

You have heard Ralph say he didn't believe it when I wrote him on the beatle infestation.In truth he will ignore all until our fresh water is down-hole, no charge to the oil comanies to reclaim gas or oil.Because of the current relevance, I have chosen to re-post current. Check our Archives section it is all true and valid. NOTE THE DATEHonorable Ralph Klein,August 26, 2003Room 307Legislative

Program Funding tied directly to Vote potential-Whats's new?

2005-06-20T09:25:00.000-06:00

John Clark14815 – 123 AveEdmonton, AB T5L 2Y7June 20, 2005.cyberclark@shaw.caThe Honorable Iris Evans,Minister of Health,107 Legislative BuildingEdmonton, AB T5K 2B6iris.evans@assembly.ab.caDear Minister:Re: - No help for the working poor in Diabetes supply assistance.I am writing as a disenchanted conservative who has spent much time on the election trail for one conservative candidate or

Careful answering health questions on phone! Ralph's trick!

2005-06-16T18:54:00.000-06:00

Heads up friends. Western Opinion Research is phoning people in a survey to collect opinions about Health Care in Alberta.Many of the questions are obviously biased in favour of supporting a third way (al la Klein), P3s, delisting et cetra. There is no option for the interviewee to opine that the Health Care system is simply underfunded or to suggest that the adaquate funding of Health Care as

Low incomes working take beating under Health Care

2005-06-16T12:06:00.000-06:00

John Clark14815 – 123 AveEdmonton, AB T5L 2Y7June 16, 2005.cyberclark@shaw.caThe Honorable Iris Evans,Minister of Health,107 Legislative BuildingEdmonton, AB T5K 2B6iris.evans@assembly.ab.caDear Minister:Your press release and meetings are centered on preventive measures to improve our overall cost on health care.As I mentioned previously, Ralph’s un-sustainability coupled with loading the

Healthy day for Health care.-Tell the Minister what you think!

2005-06-15T10:35:00.000-06:00

John Clark14815 – 123 AveEdmonton, AB T5L 2Y7June 15, 2005.cyberclark@shaw.caThe Honorable Iris Evans,Minister of Health,107 Legislative BuildingEdmonton, AB T5K 2B6iris.evans@assembly.ab.caDear Minister:I enjoyed an unusually refreshing read in the Sun this AM having to do with your direction in penalizing or rewarding people for the way they take responsibility for their own health. In this,

King Ralph’s reign coming to an end

2005-06-11T13:32:00.000-06:00

FFWD Weekly - June 9, 2005: "Premier Klein will be trashed by all for the mess he's created in Alberta"An interesting perspective on the Reign of Ralph in the Calgary FFWD Weekly paper.

Health Care-Destablize then take it over.

2005-06-10T10:24:00.000-06:00

John Clark14815 - 123 Ave.,Edmonton, AB T5L 2Y7June 10, 2005.cyberclark@shaw.caHonorable Ralph Klein,Room 307Legislative Building,Edmonton, AB T4K 2C6premier@gov.ab.caDear Premier:Off and running again!You seem to have one plan to execute over and over again. Destabilize, cause a crisis; put in your own personal fix. You can hardly wait for the flood figures to come in so you can make a natural

No Plans to help Failing Alberta Manufacturers

2005-06-09T12:48:00.000-06:00

John Clark14815 - 123 Ave.,Edmonton, AB T5L 2Y7June 9, 2005.cyberclark@shaw.caHonorable Ralph Klein,Room 307Legislative Building,Edmonton, AB T4K 2C6premier@gov.ab.caOn April 13th I wrote the quote captioned below. You responded in the media you would have a plan in a month’s time. I had predicted to respondents that I did not think you were capable of a plan let alone a new one!As I travel

Private Hospitals - Bad Idea

2005-05-11T07:33:00.000-06:00

Albertans have just had two conferences on the future of healthcare in this province;Weighing the Evidence, sponsored by the Friends of MedicareandUnleashing Innovation in Health Systems sponsored by the Alberta Government - Health and Wellness.Both conferences provided excellent speakers from Europe, New Zealand, Australia and the United States in addition to a number of Canadian speakers. The

ASC Sex Dolls Now Fully Clothed

2005-05-08T07:33:00.000-06:00

Warning: - Read this entire article and think carefully before choosing to click on the highlighted "BEFORE" link below. Clicking on the "BEFORE" link should only be attempted by Albertans over the age of 25 AND accompanied by a parent or a member of the Alberta Public Affairs Bureau who can properly interpret the anatomical features found at that link. The staff at Ralph's World take no

Understanding the Mackenzie valley pipeline will cost Alberta Taxpayers.

2005-04-30T20:29:00.000-06:00

John ClarkEdmonton, ABApril 30, 2005Ralph was talking McMurray Railroad and planning MacKenzie (Hay River) rail. A champion of misdirection. Then, he says "No new McMurray railroad" but says nothing about his real target, Hay River.The jewel in the Arctic gas lies in the ethylene to be extracted from the gas to support the plastic industry. Laws were put into Alberta natural resources which

Child Care Ralph's way or no way at all!

2005-04-30T18:55:00.000-06:00

John Clark 14815 – 123 Ave Edmonton, Alberta April 30, 2005

What is Harper and the Conservatives about?

2005-04-30T12:04:00.000-06:00

John Clark 14815 – 123 Ave Edmonton, AB T5L 2Y7 April 30, 2005 cyberclark@shaw.caConservative Party of Canada #1720 - 130 Albert Street Ottawa,OntarioK1P 5G4Toll

"Unleasing Innovation in Health Systems" Contest

2005-04-26T11:11:00.000-06:00

The image seen on the left is the logo being used by the Alberta Government to promote their Symposium on Health Conference which is coming up May 3rd to 5th in Calgary. The motto of the conference is "Unleashing Innovation in Health Systems".The management and staff here at Ralph's World, admittedly not the brightest bulbs in the box, were nevertheless puzzled about how the somewhat poofy

Blow-up Sex Dolls

2005-04-21T21:55:00.000-06:00

"But let's just say you don't often see "Alberta Securities Commission" and "blow-up sex dolls" in the same sentence as we did in a front page national story last month."These words from the Edmonton Journal’s Graham Thompson in last Wednesday’s paper prompted a flood of inquiries from anxious Ralph’s World readers. One reader even sent in a photograph (see left) which she believes captures a