In defence of our Premier, Danny Williams

This blog should not have to be written. The attacks against our Premier, and leader need to be answered. The big political question would be: "Why now?" Why are certain segments of our society picking now as the time to character assasinate Premier Williams? Perhaps the answer lies to the West.

Seems to me that recently our Premier made it official that Hydro Quebec (read: government of Quebec), was no longer a player in future hydro development in Newfoundland and Labrador. Coincidence? Perhaps. It does seem though that they have a lot of scores to settle with the Premier. First there is the oh so close loss in the gamble to take over New Brunswick's hydro utility, thereby permanently shutting Newfoundland and Labrador out of the hydro business. That failed. Thank God. Then there is the secret little letters going to Ottawa to try and prevent two maritime provinces from coming together and building a sub sea cable with federal help. That was exposed. Quebec's motives bare for all to see. Then there was the promise of a new and agressive approach toward Quebec on the renegotiation of the upper Churchill Contract. Finally, the declaration at the PC convention that Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia were going it alone in the Lower Churchill. Perhaps there is also the chance that France's hydro giant may lose it's bid to build a nuclear plant in New Brunswick now that a "friendly" government is in place there? That will not make them happy.

Sounds like a stretch, but is it? The remaining value on the Upper Churchill agreement for Quebec is about 73 billion dollars with zero inflation based on today's rates. The Lower Churchill will be less, but still significant. Then factor in Newfoundland and Labrador's early exploration and drilling on the disputed Old Harry site. Again billions at stake. The numbers start to get into the hundreds of billions. Is it a stretch to say that perhaps the government of Quebec, and their supporters, have launched a war of their own on Danny Williams? Do they see him as the only wall between them and Newfoundland and Labrador's resources. Is this a covert attempt to destroy the reputation of the Premier and cause some sort of "regime change?"

No? Well explain how it is that of all the politicians in Canada, our Premier is being singled out as a bully. Their is a certain premier who is refusing to respect the will of his people and is ramming an HST down their throat - despite a legal democratic challenge. Isn't he a bully? There is a certain Prime Minister that fires people out of caucus and party without legal cause. Is he a bully? There is another Premier to the west that tries to stop our province from recieving funds through a federal funding program to the detriment of our people. He must be a bully? The list goes on. So why target our Premier?

Danny Williams, a man of his own wealth, does not need politics. He did not need the publicity of politics to be known. He did not have to subject himself, and his family, to the rigour of public life. He did so soley out of his concern for the future of our Province and her people. Pure and simple. The rarest of politicians. The people love him for it, and, just as importantly, for what he and his government have achieved on their behalf. At 85% popularity Mr. Williams is in a stratosphere of his own. Perhaps he would not have such a high popularity in other provinces where personal sacrifice and monumentous achievement go unappreciated. This is Newfoundland and Labrador, and these qualities are seen and appreciated. At 85% Premier Williams has his place in history as the most popular politician in Canadian and probably North American history. That's history. Not just the last month, or the last year, that is as in history! An achievement that other politicians can only fantasize about. His place is assured not only in Newfoundland and Labrador's history, but also it's folklore. In other words, he is a folk hero to the people here.

Personally, I believe the people of Newfoundland and Labrador should hold a huge rally in St. John's to show support for our Premier. To send a message to those that are trying to undermine him, and what he stands for. We will not tolerate the personal attacks on our Premier. You won't influence us to turn against him. Our ties are stronger than your will to break them. Let's rally for the Premier not out of hero worship, but out of solidarity with him, and against those that are trying to divide and conquer Newfoundland and Labrador's people and their destiny.