P.S. reading the comments you get a ton of commies on this site. Love it.

(Response: I would love to have more response from the right … but they don’t need this blog …they have a much wider audience on CKNW, Canwest’s newspapers etc which speak for them. h.o.)

I say embarrass the hell out of them for their failure to deliver on virtually all of their committments! Shame on them!

But you be the judge:

Business Development
- Develop opportunities for existing and emerging local inner-city businesses and artisans to promote their goods and services

Civil Liberties
- Provide for lawful, democratic protest that is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Commit to a timely public consultation that is accessible to inner-city neighbourhoods,
before any security legislation or regulations are finalized, subject to lawful and legitimate confidentiality requirements

Employment
- Create training and a continuum of short and long-term employment opportunities for innercity residents to encourage a net increase in employment

Financial
- Provide disclosure of all financial aspects of the Games, including expenditures and
revenues, in the bidding and organizing phase of the Games
- Commit to a comprehensive annual financial audit

Health
- Showcase a commitment to public health issues, including a comprehensive alcohol and drug strategy

Housing
- Ensure people are not made homeless as a result of the Winter Games
- Ensure residents are not involuntarily displaced, evicted or face unreasonable increases in rent due to the Winter Games
- Provide an affordable housing legacy and start planning now

Input to Decision-Making
- Work with and be accessible to an independent watchdog group that includes inner-city
residents
- Develop full and accountable public consultation processes that include inner-city residents

(Response: Terrific points ..and I have no problem with Pivot and other groups raising the issues every day with the various governments or VANOC . But don’t use/exploit the homeless themselves, gathering them up and stage directing them into bright red tents … using them as bit players for some giant Olympc photo op. h.o.)

(Response: I think we CAN be concerned when any group (government or Pivot) are exploiting people .. like the homeless .. using them as characters in some ongoing political play. But you are certainly right about what we are going to face after the party is over: tougher times; anger; loss of more services, labour strife etc. h.o)

I fully understand why you would feel the need to correct me on this. And I feel especially terrible, given how much I admire your commitment to the pursuit of what is good and decent.

My passion hijacked my brain (no excuse there though).

Again, my sincere apologies.

(Response: Lots of credit to you! That’s what I like about the dialogue on here … most are mature enough to admit errors when they make them ..even me. As for the others.. we’ll both keep working on them. And hopefully not lose our passion in the process. h.o)

(Response: Actually that $10 million tent might be fitting as public housing AFTER the Games … that would help amortize the ridiculous cost … for a tent! And provide a “lasting Olympic legacy” .. until the wind blows. h.o.)

Why would a national homeless strategy necessarily translate into FREE housing for the poor?

(Response: Well I don’t think we should expect homeless people to pay for housing… at least not for some time after they get a place. First get them settled, then provide health and social services to give them a lift up …and I say let them keep their welfare $$ to build up a basic home and themselves. h.o.)

There are many people in the province who can’t afford the rent. If my partner died tomorrow, I would be homeless next month, but you wouldn’t know, because I would be on someone’s couch, or in a tent on the outskirts of society.

I am from here Harv. Metis. Not on your radar.

(Response: I do know someone who is unemployed, and every month is a struggle just to survive and keep a roof over his head. And is regularly helped by me and others he knows … so I understand the problem and support calls for more funds to help. I’m just saying .. because I know how politicians are .. you MUST push them for action, you MUST pressure them to act… even publicly before their electorate. BUT if you EMBARRASS them before “outsiders” … if you PEE on their parade, and if you TAKE attention away from their spotlight moment … you give them a perfect excuse NOT to speak to you, NOT to receive your delegations, NOT act on your submissions for a long time to come. etc. Do you REALLY believe that by embarrassing them … they will thank you by acting faster after their “guests” leave?? NOT!! h.o)

(Response: I would agree on loss of moral compass … BUT we are dealing with politicians who don’t take kindly to embarrassment. Put yourself in their place: If you made a huge expensive party (wedding, anniversary etc ) and invited many friends and family etc ….and say, some religious group massed 500 people outside warning you to repent or go to hell ..how likely would YOU afterwards to entertain their request for a large donation??? I’m just trying to Keep it Real and let people ..and Pivot … know they will be making a BIG mistake, unless their ultimate aim is political. h.o)