|
|
|
Message From Michael (Day 14) |
Dear Friends of Glencolton Farms
I need to let you know how thankful I am about all the wonderful people keeping the farm running as smoothly as possible. The constant threat of another raid, the unknown future of our farm, the concerns about the animals, and our day-to-day tasks like meals (but not for me!) and cleaning are all so much that I sometimes worry about how they will manage in the long run. Christmas looks so distant to us at the moment. So many things we would normally be doing cannot be done. We live up here from day to day. We live artfully in the moment, not knowing what the powers-to-be have in store for us.
At the same time, most of the people in the world live like this because there is no future. How many in the world can actually plan the next day or week. So, it is all relative. Considering the pain and hardship that most people are living in, we are actually doing fine.
One should only enter into a battle if there is the willingness to accept the battle and not worry about the outcome. That means if you lose, you have a choice to resign to it or you gather strength and face the dragon again.
Yes, Thursday’s vote in Parliament is neither the end or the beginning. It is just a little step along the way. Another chance to be seen, to be heard, and maybe even to be respected.
Mother nature undeterred sends us snow, reminding us of its innocence.
We ARE making progress
Regards Michael
|
|
|
Private Member's Resolution - Dec 7th |
Private Member's Resolution - Your attendence at Queen's Park is NEEDED!
MPP Bill Murdoch will introduce his Private Member's Resolution on Thursday, Dec. 7th between 10am and Noon and the vote on the resolution will be held sometime between 11:30am and 12pm. You can watch it live on the Ontario Parliamentary channel.
Ballot Item Number 65 – To be debated on December 7, 2006. The wording is:
Mr. Murdoch – That, in the opinion of this House, the Government of Ontario should immediately form an all-party task force to examine the issues surrounding raw milk and that the all-party task force report its findings to the House before the end of the spring session.
It is strongly suggested that as many supporters as possible be in attendence that day. It is common when proposing a bill, for the Minister to refer to the crowd of people who physically came to show their support for it and is apparently very powerful to have a showing there.
Please be there early to get a visitors pass.
Please act in a respectful and dignified manner. Our presence may be made known if we are referred to by one of the members of Parliament who is speaking – just stand up without speaking. Also, please refrain from slogan t-shirts, banners, etc. in the gallery.
For those of you who will not be in the Legislature but on the grounds of Queen's Park, please remain at all times in a peaceful manner. Do not engage in any combative situations. Take care of each other.
Remember, we are representing Michael Schmidt on this day and don't behave in any way that will reflect badly upon him and those who support this cause.
The legislature is at Queen's Park on University Avenue at Wellesley Street West, just north of College Street. You can get Visitor badges and ask at the South West entrance to watch House Proceedings.
|
|
|
Open Letter From Michael Schmidt |
December 5, 2006
Premier of the Ontario Legislative Assembly, Dalton McGuinty
Minister of Natural Resources, David Ramsay
Minister of Agriculture and Food, Leona Dombrowsky
Minister of Health, George Smitherman
OPEN LETTER FROM MICHAEL SCHMIDT
Since the raid on my farm on Tuesday, November 21, 2006, I have been utterly shocked at how desperate many, many people feel watching this situation unfold. By now, you may know of me. I am a farmer who has sincerely tried, since 1994, to cooperate with the government to develop a strategy and plan that would regulate certain aspects of farm fresh milk.
We need to work this situation out in a positive way that can benefit all. By cooperating with each other and other existing organizations, we can come up with a modern, updated regulation that not only will help resolve the current dilemma of farm fresh milk but also could involve an examination of the need for farm subsidies within the current farm income crisis. If we can give our shrinking population of farmers, especially small-scale farmers, new venues to raise their earning potential through direct farm sales to local consumers, this would go a long way toward securing our food supply in communities across the country. This has many benefits for all people in relation to the environment and our public health care system through healthier food choices and minimized transportation of food commodities.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Message From Michael (Day 13) |
Dear Friends of Glencolton Farms:
It was a wonderful day going down to Toronto. Thanks to all the helpers who came to the farm to escort the Blue Bus on its weekly journey to meet those who care soooo much for the food and for us, tied up as we are with this legal and political battle.
One has only to go into the barn and see the cows, calves and horses to understand how far removed today’s world is from its roots. Farmers have been the backbone of society, culture and social life. Now the country side is devastated through factory farming and destroyed, fallen down barns. Farmers work somewhere else so that they can afford to farm. Our whole food system is on very shaky ground because it is based on quantity and not on quality. Quality seems to be linked to food safety and the absence of bacterial contamination. Living food is a term which does not seem to count. Focusing on helping farmers to produce nutritious, healthy food would be so much cheaper than dealing with the growing crisis in health care (‘sickness care’ as some say).
Let me encourage all of you to be proud to be part of this wonderful journey, regaining rights and responsibilities and relieving our over-stretched health care system. I sense the freedom to actually have the courage to swim against the stream. It is harder, but upstream is spring.
Cheers! My 13th day of fasting was full of energy.
Regards Michael
|
|
|
Queen's Park Press Gallery Fax Numbers |
For those of you who can't make it down to Queen's Park on Thursday, here are the Press Gallery's fax numbers below.
Ask the Press to question Premier McGuinty or the Natural Resource Minister Hon. David Ramsay after the reading about the Raw Milk debate.
Here is a good sample question:
"Premier McGuinty/Hon. Ramsay, does your govt and the milk marketing board plan next on going after the Mennonites in Ontario to arrest them for consuming and distributing raw milk among their group like you did with Mr. Schmidt’s?"
http://photosc.msspro.com/citizen/pol.htm
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Message From Michael (Day 12) |
Dear Friends of Glencolton Farms:
It is tragic how health officials pull out all the stops to paint a picture of doom around Milk. Milk, natures perfect food. The Milk of human kindness.
More and more, I receive support from everywhere . People totally disgusted about the methods used now to shut me up and down. Many phone calls encouraging me not to give up. People in town shaking my hands thanking me and praying for me.
For sure, our Government and Officials know how to scare. It reminds me of the months leading up to the Iraq war. Let’s not forget how easy the human face of every individual gets lost once they are dependent on pay cheque and power. Let’s not forget that the Art of War is to still love and understand where they are coming from.
Let’s not forget that this kind of battle is more than milk. It is also about us, the farmers, who want to serve and preserve what we as society need to be healthy. It is about you and your responsibility for your health. Let’s not forget to keep our heads up because our request is a basic human right.
Keep researching so that we all understand the issues. Keep phoning friends to encourage them to write letters, volunteer or donate to help resolve a long standing issue.
European newspapers are already carrying our story. In disbelief, phone calls are coming in asking what’s wrong in Canada. There is nothing wrong in Canada; we were just sleeping a little bit too long.
Friends this is the 12th day without food. I can see and feel it.
Be well and keep up fighting with love . . .
Regards Michael
|
|
| | << Start < Prev 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Next > End >>
| | Results 106 - 112 of 128 |
|
