Sandra Finley

2014-01-29 Two-tiered internet, Avaaz petition important

AVAAZ, Freedom of Speech. (Remove some wrong postings from category) No Responses »

Jan 292014

From: Pascal V. – Avaaz.org
Sent: January-29-14 1:07 PM
Subject: Internet Apocalypse?

Dear friends,

The US and the EU are on the verge of giving rich corporations the right to control what we all see on the Internet. It’s the apocalypse of the Internet as we know it. But free speech advocates and web companies are fighting back. Click to join the largest call for a democratic and free Internet ever:

The richest 1% could now control what we all see on the Internet forever. It’s the apocalypse of the Internet as we know it, and will erase the democratic promise of an information highway for everyone the founders of the world wide web imagined.

Together, our community has built on that vision, using the web to fight corruption, save lives, and bring people-powered aid to countries in crisis. But the US and the EU are on the verge of giving the richest corporations the right to show content fast, while paywalling or slowing down everything else. Avaaz’s ability to show the world citizen journalist footage from Syria, or run campaigns to save our planet is under threat!

Decisions on both sides of the Atlantic are being made now. But tech innovators, free speech advocates and the best web companies are fighting back. If millions of us join them now we can create the largest call for a democratic and free Internet ever. Sign up now and tell everyone:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/internet_apocalypse_loc/?bYHahab&v=34949

Until now, any improvements in the speed and functioning of the Internet benefited all of us — if Rupert Murdoch’s ultra-conservative Fox News got a faster way to stream videos, it also benefitted independent media showing reality on the ground in Ukraine, Syria, or Palestine. Politicians called this “net neutrality” and laws protecting it used to exist in the United States until a court just struck them down. Now, the EU Parliament is threatening to pass regulation that give ISPs the right to carve up the web and control what we see, by slowing down or charging for sites that don’t pay.

But we can stop this. First, we will show up with massive global numbers into this week’s public meeting in the United States to decide whether to reinstate Internet protections. Then we will unleash a high powered lobby team to target the EU Parliament to ensure its committees listen to the public. This will be the big first step we need to win these important battles over the next few months.

Web providers like Verizon and Vodafone are lobbying hard for an Internet for the rich. And without a massive response from citizens, they could win, and put our whole community’s work at risk. Most of our Internet is located in the US and the EU so this affects us all. We don’t have any time to lose. Click below to join now:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/internet_apocalypse_loc/?bYHahab&v=34949

When our community was less than half of the size it is now, we rallied and helped kill the ACTA treaty and stopped massive Internet censorship laws SOPA/PIPA. Today, we are more powerful than ever. Let’s now join together and ensure that what connects us all stays open.

With hope,

Pascal, Emma, Dalia, Luis, Emilie, Luca, Sayeeda and the whole Avaaz team

SOURCES:

On dangers of non-Network Neutrality (ABC news):
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/major-ways-internet-change-net-neutrality/story?id=21541399

Save the Internet
http://savetheinternet.eu/en/

EU telecoms market reforms threaten net neutrality and privacy (Wired)
http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-11/19/eu-telecoms-reform-concerns

Federal court strikes down FCC net neutrality rules (The Verge)
http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/14/5307650/federal-court-strikes-down-net-neutrality-rules

Summary of BEREC positions on net neutrality (BEREC)
http://berec.europa.eu/files/document_register_store/2012/12/BoR_(12)_146_Summary_of_BEREC_positions_on_net_neutrality2.pdf

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2014-01-11 Hooray! Research, Canada, on neonics (chemicals killing bees and other pollinators). Star Phoenix

Freedom of Speech. (Remove some wrong postings from category), Health, Sustainability, Take back the University, Water 1 Response »

Jan 282014

Congratulations to Professor Christy Morrissey at the University of Saskatchewan! See the article below, U of S research serves as check.

#neonics #bees #pollinators #MarchAgainstMonsanto

Thank-you Christy:

Not just for doing the Research on neonics (the chemicals that are killing bees & other pollinators).
But also for being willing to speak up.

There will be attempts to discredit Christy Morrissey. The chemical / biotech corporations are too entrenched at the U of S for it to be otherwise.

Following the article: copy of the email I sent to Christy,

RELATED:

Note:

January 27th, Star Phoenix, CropLife Canada (the industry lobbyists) wrote their usual ” no problem with neonics .. We are the most highly regulated industry .. “
Many of the March Against Monsanto (MAM) groups have a “Save the Bees” component, to raise awareness of the neonics. Is there a MAM group in your community? . . . click on Z to find out. The next March is May 24, 2014. Become involved. It’s a way to support what Christy is doing.

U of S research serves as check

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/technology/research+serves+check/9375823/story.html

The Star Phoenix January 11, 2014

The research being done by University of Saskatchewan assistant Prof. Christy Morrissey on the presence and impact of neonicotinoid pesticides on prairie wetlands underlines why Canada needs to support the work of independent scientists as a check on claims by industry groups in marketing agricultural products.

Neonicotinoids are a relatively new pesticide that entered the market in the early 2000s, but their use as a seed coating has grown during the past five years and nearly all of the canola grown in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta is now treated with it.

Ms. Morrissey told CBC reporter Geoff Leo that she’s alarmed by the early findings of her four-year study, with sampling by researchers of hundreds of Prairie wetlands showing that more than 80 per cent to 90 per cent of these areas are contaminated with neonicotinoids.

What’s of even greater concern is that they found the chemical in the water before spring seeding, suggesting the chemicals persist in the water for months. The presence of the pesticide in concentrations at least three times greater – and in some cases 100 times more – than what’s been deemed tolerable for insect habitat can be devastating to bugs that range from mites to mosquitoes, which are a prime food source for birds and waterfowl. While Ms. Morrissey notes there’s a lot of evidence to indicate that bird and insect populations are declining, she admits any role played in the wetlands ecosystem by nicotinoids isn’t clear.

However, that’s a far cry from the reports issued by chemical manufacturers and industry lobby group CropLife Canada. They say that what they call “neonics” have been rigorously tested and found to be safe since being introduced to the market, and that there’s no reason to believe the chemical persists in the water for long periods. This research in Europe and North America was conducted by the companies, and Ms. Morrissey’s study is the first in Canada to investigate the effect on wetlands of the widespread use of neonics, which she conservatively estimates were used on 44 per cent of Prairie croplands in the year she reviewed.

“This class of insecticide had extremely low toxicity to humans, extremely low toxicity to other mammals as well as birds and fish,” CropLife spokesman Pierre Petelle told CBC. However, note that insects, which play a huge role in the wetlands ecosystem, aren’t mentioned.

While the manufacturers have consistently said no direct evidence exists to connect neonics to declining bee populations, the European Union last April placed a two-year ban on the chemical after complaints from apiarists. Even Health Canada’s pest management regulatory authority has raised concerns about the possible impact of neonics on bees in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba, where treated seeds are used to grow corn.

In this context, the work of researchers such as Ms. Morrissey is invaluable, not only to push chemical companies to reassess their studies and public claims, but to serve as a reminder to a province such as Saskatchewan, which is turning over more environmental stewardship responsibility to farmers and ranchers, of the need for scientific rigour and independent oversight.

The editorials that appear in this space represent the opinion of The StarPhoenix. They are unsigned because they do not necessarily represent the personal views of the writers. The positions taken in the editorials are arrived at through discussion among the members of the newspaper’s editorial board, which operates independently from the news departments of the paper.

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I EMAILED PROFESSOR MORRISSEY:
Sent: January-28-14 1:55 PM
To: Christy Morrissey

Subject: Your researh on neonics. Thank-you so much.

Dear Christy,

Your work is a wonderful contribution to the welfare of the people in Saskatchewan and in Canada.

Whether you count that first, or the contribution to the health of the environment and its creatures first, is not material.

I have posted the article at http://sandrafinley.ca/?p=12302 and will email it into networks.

The posting (titled Hooray! Research, Canada, on neonics (chemicals killing bees and other pollinators). Star Phoenix) has commentary and links to seven articles circulated into networks in the last year. It is important for you to know that there ARE informed people who are very grateful for your work and voice.

When time permits, I’ll post to all the Canadian and some American March Against Monsanto facebook groups. Many of them share information about the neonics and are connected with the Save the Bees networks.

Thank-you so much for being willing to speak up about the neonics.

The stranglehold of the chemical / biotech corporations at the University AND in the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) of the Federal Government are the reason there has been a paucity of research in Canada on neonics.

You may or may not know an earlier statistic: the Canadian market for roughly ONE THIRD of ag chemicals is in Saskatchewan. The industry will be watching you closely.

It is very important that you and your work are supported.

I’ve had run-ins. A federal scientist with the PMRA, located in Innovation Place, threatened to sue me a few years ago (to silence my voice). I replied that the industry is well-known for using the threat of the justice system to silence critics. No different than the mafia using the threat of broken bones.

I am an elected Senator, University of Saskatchewan. I have received the same threat of legal action against me, from the U (arising out of a challenge to the conflicts-of-interest at the U). I replied in the same vein as to the PMRA scientist.

In neither case did I hear another word. They are bullies and intimidators.

You are on solid ground. But that doesn’t mean that there won’t be attempts to discredit you. I used to maintain a list of the scientists that the industry has gone after. They cannot do it so freely these days – – too many people are onto them and share information.

Please feel free to get in touch anytime, if I might be of assistance.

All the best to you, Christy.

Sandra Finley

2014-01-23 Provincial candidate?

X1B Postings No Responses »

Jan 232014

From: John Murney Sent: January 23, 2014 8:22 PM To: Sandra Finley Cc: VictorGRN Lau RobertGRN Cosbey Subject: Re: CHANGE: Ashu Solo

Hi Sandra,

Based on his behaviour and his penchant for sending angry, there is no way Ashu would be allowed to become a provincial candidate either. We’ve had the misfortune of being somewhat diverted by this controversy. As we speed up election planning and he becomes ignored, I expect Ashu will fade away.

Thank you for clarifying the matter about the GPC ethics committee – I was unclear about that.

Onward, John

On Thu, Jan 23, 2014 at 10:14 PM, Sandra Finley wrote:

Thanks John.

I should just clarify re the GPC. Re your . I look foward to what the GPC Ethics Committee has to say about the report you have filed.

The short reply: (I hate to take away what you are looking forward to!) It is possible that there will not be a reply.

I have not received an official notice, and I don’t expect to. There is the difficulty over what CAN be done if he is not a member. The complaint I submitted was contingent: IF he takes out a membership, THEN the complaint can be activated.

But in addition, Ashu is no longer taken seriously. Dealing with him is not productive. He diverts time and energy from what is important.

Ashu has blown his credibility with the Federal Party through his relentless and ill-advised emails. He included the federal organizer in a large number of the “100 emails” about me, in spite of her calls for “peace” and a request not to be included in his emails. Didn’t win himself any Brownie points.

He did not have much credibility to begin with. Early on (spring or summer 2013) he indicated that he wanted to be a candidate. They did a background check and did not like what they found. The feedback was “highly unlikely” to be accepted. The verbal feedback: even if there was no other candidate, they would not accept him, based on what they found.

At the EDA level in Saskatoon, which is where the decisive action must then be: the debate today centred around the question of his participation. I believe I can tell you with some confidence, The likely outcome of the votes: Ashu will not be allowed to attend any GPC events.

It may not even be an issue, inasmuch as he may “see” and just take his leave.

/Sandra

From: John Murney Sent: January-23-14 5:54 PM To: Sandra Finley Cc: VictorGRN Lau; RobertGRN Cosbey Subject: Re: CHANGE: Ashu Solo

Hi Sandra, Sorry, I would have replied sooner, but its been a very full day. I think we all look forward to putting this matter behind us. For what it is worth, I am overwhelmed by the amount of work you put into this, Sandra. The enormity of it hit me like a ton of bricks, and while it is easy enough to absorb, it is disturbing to come to grips with. I look foward to what the GPC Ethics Committee has to say about the report you have filed or plan to file. In the meantime, it is indeed onward! There are Green MLAs and MPs to elect in this province, and I want to focus on that in the long run. Onward, John

On Thu, Jan 23, 2014 at 2:42 PM, Sandra Finley wrote:

Hi John,

Update:

Took a different approach with the blogged info. Some stuff removed.

Top is idea that if you understand how Ashu works, you can defend yourself, comes down to: Ashu is very good at creating illusions & how he does it.

Password remains in place.

I would like it to work out such that Ashu takes down the two Zimmerman blogs that he re-erected.

Still an effort to get Ashu to seek help.

Has been a long haul and very disruptive, but I think we will emerge intact and stronger!

This will all be behind us, very soon.

To quote you: Onward! There are elections in the offing!

Sandra

2014-01-22 Census – Lockheed Martin: Response to Janet Churnin found guilty

Edward Snowden, Glenn Greenwald, Ladar Levison, Privacy of Personal Information; Charter Right; Surveillance; StatsCan Censuses & Surveys 6 Responses »

Jan 222014

I was asked for my thoughts on today’s news report (appended):

Janet Churnin was found guilty of not filling in the 2011 Census form.

Note that the CP coverage does not even MENTION the leaks by Edward Snowden. Small wonder that Europeans know about the NSA surveillance of them, but Canadians don’t.

MY REPLY: (edited July 2014, at time of Stegenga trial over same issue.)

The Edward Snowden leaks about the extent and the means being used by the NSA to collect personal data on citizens leave no room for misunderstanding. If the American surveillance system cannot collect every morsel of information on YOU through legitimate access to a data base, they do it illegally.

The statement in the news article on the Churnin case did not report the name of the StatsCan person quoted. It would have been Yves Beland. He is Director of Census Operations under Wayne Smith, Chief Statistician:

Lockheed Martin had no access to the agency’s data operation centre or its census response database

To me, the statement lacks credibility.

Unless it is taken literally – Lockheed HAD no access – – the past tense.

It HAS access now (present tense) OR, it WILL HAVE access in the future.

Given what is known through the leaks by Edward Snowden, reinforced by newspaper articles through the years (posted on this blog), Canadians would have to be VERY gullible to believe that Lockheed Martin (the NSA) does not have back-door access to the data base at StatsCan. The data base will be consolidated census records (with your name on your record) and “survey” data collection.

It is very frustrating to see another decision like this one on Janet Churnin, that completely ignores the reality of today’s world. The so-called “influential” people in StatsCan, the Justice Department, and the Judiciary are marching us right into a surveillance state. A police state.

Note that the “head of census operations at Statistics Canada”, by this news report, is now anonymous. In fact, he does have a name. It is important that Canadians know his name; it is a means by which citizens hold Government officials accountable.

~~Wayne Smith~~
~~Chief Statistician of Canada since the summer of 2010~~
(I googled to ensure that he is still the head: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Smith_(Chief_Statistician_of_Canada)

It is wonderful that Canadians have citizens such as Janet Churnin who will stand up and be heard. It would be wonderful if the decision in her case could be appealed. But that is probably unrealistic.

It happens that Eve Stegenga, a young woman from Powell River BC, is the next one in the cross-hairs of the StatsCan – Justice Department duo. A little serendipity: I live not too far, a ferry ride away.

Eve’s next appearance in Court is in March. I will be attending.

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http://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/4328098-conditional-discharge-for-census-resister/

Conditional discharge for census resister

The Canadian Press, 2014

TORONTO – A 79-year-old Toronto woman has been handed a conditional discharge after being found guilty of violating the Statistics Act for refusing to fill out the mandatory census in 2011.

The sentence means Janet Churnin will have no permanent criminal record after she completes 50 hours of community service, but she’s on probation until then.

The judge presiding in the case disagreed with Churnin’s arguments that her Charter rights were violated, and found that the self-described pacifist had no lawful excuse for not participating in the census.

Churnin’s lawyer had argued at her trial that the government didn’t do enough to address her concerns about U.S. arms-maker Lockheed Martin’s role in the data collection process.

The Crown countered that Canadians can’t refuse to comply with legitimate government obligations simply on the basis of moral disapproval or speculative security fears.

Churnin has said she thought there was a chance information on Canada’s population could be accessed by Lockheed Martin, or even the American government if the corporation was forced to turn over the information under the U.S. Patriot Act.

The head of census operations at Statistics Canada testified that Lockheed Martin had no access to the agency’s data operation centre or its census response database.

By The Canadian Press

2014-01 Shereen El Feki: A little-told tale of sex and sensuality. TED Talk

Culture and Ethics, Empowerment, Freedom of Speech. (Remove some wrong postings from category), Health, Knowledge Base, Peace or Violence No Responses »

Jan 212014

An interesting talk:

http://www.ted.com/talks/shereen_el_feki_a_little_told_tale_of_sex_and_sensuality.html

2014-01-13 China, cloned pig factory, BBC

Corporatocracy or Democracy or Administrative State or WHAT?, Culture and Ethics, Food, Genetically Modified 1 Response »

Jan 142014

www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25721241

I think I’ll start raising my own pigs!

This newscast reminds me that the Chinese have bought Smithfield Foods in the U.S. – one of the largest American meat producers, remembered from the battles over intensive livestock operations and the decimation of farmers.

You can see this next wave in the industrialized food supply, cloned pork from the Chinese – but produced in North America.

Or – – will we be eating the meat that is being grown in petri dishes? No poop!

(I guess we are getting a sample of how other countries have felt about American hegemony in the past. And we don’t like it! Somehow we (mistakenly) feel that if it’s American or Canadian, we have more control over it.

– – – – – – – – – – – – –

Inside China’s animal cloning factory

With a robotic rover driving on the Moon and the world’s fastest supercomputer, China is emerging as a new superpower in science.

The country is spending vast amounts on research – so much that one leading British scientist says China is on course to overtake the US in 30-40 years’ time.

Science editor David Shukman was given rare access to one key area of Chinese research – a laboratory which creates around 500 cloned animals per year.

2014-01-07 What should the strategy be?

X1B Postings No Responses »

Jan 072014

From: Tonia Zimmerman Sent: January-07-14 7:03 AM To: Sandra Finley Subject: RE: Criminal Harassment Complaint against Sandra Finley

Hello Sandra,

The fact is, his complaint will go nowhere. Privately storing information is not a crime, especially since you have taken such care to keep it private, giving no one the password. Neither, for that matter, is sharing someone’s last name. And, of course, this information is publicly available to anyone who looks for it, on government websites, like this one: http://www.qp.gov.sk.ca/documents/gazette/part1/2000/g1200002.pdf detailing his name change. It’s pretty easy to put it all together, especially since his phony business uses the word “Maverick” . Any google search of the terms Ashu Solo and Maverick turns up the name change information. It clearly can’t be a crime to share someone’s old family name if the government of Canada freely shares the information. Thanks for your concern about me, but I learned the hard way that harassment through social media is not taken seriously by local police, so I’m really not worried about it. I went to the police with all of the harassment that Solo has thrown at me, and they said there’s no way to prove it was really Ashu Solo who said and did these things. (Even tracking IPs is dicey now, given all the IP rerouting software there is online–which is why before I deleted my social media accounts, I would routinely use HotSpot Shield, so that Solo would be unable to triangulate my home address).

Lastly, I’m not looking to endanger Solo, despite how hard he has come after me–that would just lower me to his level. I won’t spread his last name around–I’ve known it for months now, and the only action I’ve taken with it was to implore Solo’s father to talk some sense into Solo, and get him to remove the websites harassing me. I haven’t put it on my website, nor do I plan to. It didn’t work to reach out to his father, so as I see it, I’m out of ammo.

In your other message you mention the long leash Ashu is being given by the Provincial party–pretty disappointing. I was all for Mr. Lau’s leadership, but leading also involves doing unpleasant things from time to time. He seems so far to be completely unwilling to take these matters seriously, so I think you’re exactly right when you say we should deal with this separately, outside of the Green Party. Given the levels of harassment, and especially since it has been in person in your case (only because Mr Solo doesn’t yet know where my apartment is) you’re well within your right to get some sort of restraining order, barring him from contacting you.

Lastly, I find it so very odd that Solo almost boasts about the number of enemies he has made, yet thinks himself a viable and important candidate for a political party. If I had “millions” of enemies plotting against me, the last thing I would do is try a popularity contest. But it seems to be all about attention and fame for him, regardless of how he is perceived, or how he damages the party.

Thank you for sticking with this.

Tonia

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From: Sandra Finley Sent: January-07-14 1:52 PM To: ‘Tonia Zimmerman’ Subject: RE: Criminal Harassment Complaint against Sandra Finley

Good analysis. Thanks Tonia.

Two developments:

I had a lengthy conversation this morning with Gormley’s producer, Bryn. It actually lifted my spirits! Will write it up, it also needs to go the small group.
Vicki requested that Larry (who remains loyal to Ashu) pass along to Ashu that he is not invited to tonite’s meeting because Ashu is not a member. Larry responded by sending an email to a number of people, including Ashu, inviting them to tonite’s meeting.

Gormley is willing to move ahead, as I am, I think – – with another plan (not the Police) more later.

Sandra

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From: Sandra Finley Sent: January 7, 2014 10:45 PM To: Tonia Zimmerman Subject: The path forward

Hi again Tonia,

I hope I won’t bother you again for a while, after this email.

Nervousness is replaced by determination

if the need is sufficient (there is no doubt in my mind that Ashu has to be dealt with. No need to re-state the reasons.)
if the support is in place (Have made progress inside the Greens, as explained. And Gormley is an important ally.)
if the plan is solid. (“The plan” – – this email.)

Re the conversation with Gormley’s producer, Bryn.

We discussed the matter of the Police. Bryn felt the same as what you articulated. In the end, the Police will not deal with the complaint.

I know that, too. And have been mulling over what “Plan B” looks like, for a couple of nights.

I had gotten as far as:

The only option I can think of is that the information about Ashu has to be made public. If the Police can’t help, people can defend themselves against Ashu if they have the info. They may otherwise be quite powerless. (Talked about that earlier.) Making the information public might also equip Ashu’s family to get him the help that he needs – surely a review of the emails he sends points to a serious problem. But that part of it is beyond our control.
So how do you make it public? Do I take the password protection off and send the story into my email, facebook, and twitter networks, which will reach a reasonable number of people? Especially when re-sent and re-sent. Do I then send a Press Release and make phone calls to my local media contacts? As I normally do with an important story.

The timing of the conversation with Bryn was made-to-order (below). But have to be careful about that. Don’t let it be a decision made completely by serendipity. I like serendipity, but it has to be used along with sense.

Bryn asked good questions. Knows what John wants. Specifics, like “what date was that?. What are you planning to do?”, etc.

John was on the air. During the commercial break there was a bit of conversation between him and Bryn. One thing he wanted clarified: he is not a fan of Ashu’s. (My voice message referred to Ashu’s earlier claims about his popularity with Gormley.)

Bryn was not pushy. I had time to tell what happened, and to state my perspectives. People should not have to live in fear of what Ashu might do. As a community we need to figure out how to address the problem.

She said that Ashu keeps sending emails to the media. She made the point that the strategy of just ignoring him has not worked.

The conversation evolved such that I did not want to risk NOT telling her that you had recently forwarded John’s email thread with Ashu to me, I think I said “By my request” – – which is what I updated the Index to show. She wanted to be clear on the details, but seemed to have no problem with it. I explained the password protection.

In the end she addressed whether I would go on-air about the experience with Ashu. And I asked what they would hope to achieve by doing that.

I told her I would get back to her; would give the Police a few more days, “just in case”.

I was buying time to ensure that things are thought-through, and that the support is in place for a Plan B before proceeding.

As you can see, the timing of the offer was propitious. I could put the Ashu information out into networks as described, but with Gormley, be assured of the press coverage. Other media will often follow suit. Besides which I have decent relationships with some of them.

I think I could have some control of the messaging so that it doesn’t play to the racist red-necks.

Some inside the Green Party will be hesitant – people tend to shy away from what may be seen as too drastic an action, or too confrontational.

As mentioned, I take my lessons from “Women Who Run With the Wolves” and the child’s book, “Julie and the Wolf Pack”. And many, if not all indigenous groups: you develop a way to deal with those who will destroy the fabric (health) of the community or the pack. Failure to do so means that the pack or the group will not survive. There is not much doubt that Ashu will destroy the Green Parties in Saskatoon with his attacks. He has to be removed from the group. It might be unpleasant to do so, but one person should not be allowed to exercise his destructive powers. He drives people out; the opposite is required. Without even mentioning his threats to personal safety of people in Saskatoon.

I told Bryn I would get back to her after a decision is made.

What are your thoughts about my going on Gormley, Tonia? If it happens I need to know exactly what I’m doing. What to steer clear of, what the messaging is, and so on. There would need to be discussion about the Family name. I believe that John’s figuring is: put it out there. I respect your perspective: no.

There is a possible advantage for me if the family connection is known, to complicate the decision:

I have gone after Lockheed Martin’s involvement in Saskatoon, and at the U of S, specifically in the Engineering Faculty. Lockheed’s “Collaboration Topics” for the University are about surveillance and war. When challenged, the Acting Dean, Ernie Barber said that Lockheed Martin is interested in “renewable technologies”. Six months later he unabashedly confirmed his statement. It’s such bullshit. If you look at the information on Ashu’s Father, U ofo S website, and the business connections that Ashu claims, there are fairly strong ties to the American war machine. As you may know, I’m an elected member of University Senate.

I mentioned in an earlier email that I do not know where to stop “making the connections”. It is not fruitful to speculate.

I am telling you this so that you will understand – – – I am not clear on what the best tack will be in relation to Ashu’s family name. If I go on Gormley, I need to be in the driver’s seat. Which means that I need to be clear on the decision re family name, for example.

I am sorry to be laying heavy stuff on you. You are young.

Perhaps you will consider it a kindness to me; I think it is necessary to proceed, I think we can accomplish a beneficial outcome, but there is no wiggle room for making mistakes. You have shown very good judgment. And so I seek your input. I will take it to the small group. But a little later.

Bed time!!

Sandra

2013-12-30 More drama

X1B Postings No Responses »

Dec 302013

—– Original Message —–

From: (deleted)

To: “Sandra Finley”, “(Crow)”

Sent: Monday, December 30, 2013 9:55:03 AM

Subject: More drama

Sandra,

I thought that Ashu had finally faded away from us, but he refuses to stop. His most recent activity is calling me at 11 p.m. last night– everyone was sleeping and he not only woke me up but also my husband and older son. The only calls we receive this late at night are family emergencies, and with my mom in the hospital, I woke up panicked that something had happened with her. Needless to say I was annoyed, curt and hung up on him. He wanted me to call you right away as it was an “emergency” and a matter of the safety of his family. I have no idea what he was talking about but he stated that you were giving out information on his family on your blog which was endangering his family (for curiosity sake I looked at it this morning and could find no such thing). Obviously I did not call you (I don’t have your phone number & told him this). In my opinion, he is either delusional or trying to purposefully manipulate/intimidate people.

When I got to work this morning and opened up my email, there were three emails from him, demanding the password to your blog and ranting about you and (Crow) (I’ll look to see if you are on the distribution list and if not I’ll forward them to you).

I have made it a point to not reply to any of his emails as I hope if no one pays attention to him, he will just go away. Plus, I’m scared for my safety and my family’s because I don’t know him well enough to know his mental state and his Facebook profile picture holding a gun gives me concern about the potential of how far he would go.

I am PRAYING for 2014 that I don’t ever have to see him, talk to him, read about him or receive another email from him.

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—–Original Message—– From: (Crow) Sent: December-31-13 6:40 AM To: (deleted) Cc: Sandra Finley Subject: Re:

Hi (deleted) & Sandra,

I received my first communication from Ashu on my cel around the 27th. I told him I didn’t have Sandra’s phone number and he began to rant-I hung up at that point. He called my cel again a few times and ranted on the message manager. I won’t answer my cel if I don’t know who it is.

I have been sick so haven’t had a chance to let you know about this, Sandra. I heard from Marlene that there is still much drama around this fellow. I am so sorry all of you are having to deal with this.

(name deleted) , these people sound scary but I have to believe the prospect of a run in with the law is more frightening to them than they are to us. This helps me sleep at night. His rant about the blog contained something about someone wanting to do him and his family harm and there was some identifying information about him and his family on the blog so he may be getting back some of what he dishes out. Hopefully this will finally shut him up if he can’t get a reaction from anyone.

In spite of everything, best in 2014!!

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From: Sandra Finley Sent: January 1, 2014 1:21 PM

To: (Crow); (name deleted) ; Marlene Wells (marlene.wells@greenparty.ca); MarkGRN Bigland-Pritchard; PatriciaGRN Farnese (patricia.farnese@greenparty.ca) Subject: The end is in sight

(Patricia – re below: some is a repeat, some is new.)

CONFIDENTIAL – – – PLEASE DO NOT GIVE THIS TO ANYONE ELSE, WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE. THANKS.

Hi (deleted) , (Crow), Marlene, Mark, and Patricia,

I am sorry for everyone that this is all happening right through the Christmas season.

I think it has to be dealt with – – more than one reason – – among them reasonable fear for people’s safety.

Tried to keep (name deleted) and (Crow) out of the more recent barrage, but Ashu has brought them in. He was panicked, the consequence of a mistake I made in the posting of documents.

I think it may come to be seen as a good mistake; the fall-out leads me to hope that the end is in sight:

Ashu appears to have followed through and registered (as opposed to just threatening) a complaint against me with the City Police.

There may be a risk that the Police will under-react.

So I took steps to try and ensure that they take it seriously, which will mean that they contact me. I can supply them with comprehensive documentation, as you know.

(name 2 deleted) gave me more information (below, thru Gormley).

(name 1 deleted) – you wonder about your safety, (. . . Plus, I’m scared for my safety and my family’s because I don’t know him well enough to know his mental state and his Facebook profile picture holding a gun gives me concern about the potential of how far he would go.)

(name 2 deleted) is also very seriously concerned for hers. (. . . The truth is, I got his name (family name, Gupta) from John Gormley. Gormley had suspected the attacks would start up again, and so gave me his last name (and loads of other information about his past, criminal history) as a failsafe: if the attacks started again, I could defend myself with this knowledge, as Ashu does not want it public. I have not made his last name public, but instead implored Ashu’s father to tell Ashu to leave me alone. I know this may seem over the line, but Sandra, I was deeply, deeply frightened, and hoped Dr. Gupta could be a voice of reason–apparently just the opposite has occurred. I am so sorry my actions brought this about.)

The following is the update I sent to (name 2 deleted) yesterday, re Ashu’s complaint to Police:

If he did, we need the Police to then ACT on the complaint – – to contact me. Then I can give them what they need – – some basis for dealing with Ashu.

(deleted – – see Resume (email exchange with (name 2 deleted) ).

INSERT Re my reference to Gormley: the info regarding Gormley’s involvement in this is interesting and unexpected, to say the least! Ashu used to cite John Gormley’s interest in having him (Ashu) on his show as evidence of his (Ashu’s) stature with the media. He seemed to bask in the glory. But – Ashu doesn’t name Gormley anymore. . . . Talk about things getting bizarre – – (name 2 deleted) approached Gormley when Ashu was terrorizing her. … (deleted – – the details are in the email exchange with (name 2 deleted) .)

It seems that it worked for a while, but Ashu re-launched the attacks on (name 2 deleted) after Christmas (as Gormley thought might happen). Ashu put the disparaging blogs about (name 2 deleted) back up. I checked the “Archives” on one for November. It shows the posting of the original material back then. Ashu had taken them down and then proposed that it was me or someone else who put them up; he said that we would do that, so we could smear him by claiming it was him who put them up.)

(duplication deleted – see the exchange with (name deleted) . )

– – – – – – – – – – –

(name 1 deleted) , (Crow), Marlene, Mark, and Patricia:

I hope that the preceding offers some peace-of-mind to each of you.

I think it will work out in the end, and the end is not far off.

It is very wonderful for me to have you to work with. We can get through this without destroying the fabric of the Greens in Saskatchewan.

2014-01-01 More, Crocels News

X1B Postings No Responses »

Dec 292013

Who is Jonathan Bishop? He posts to a news-type website based in Wales called “Crocels”. The language and unlikely subject matter makes it pretty clear that Jonathan Bishop is a name used by Ashu Solo.

From: Name removed Sent: January 1, 2014 3:19 PM To: Sandra Finley Subject: Thought this might interest you

(Note: this January 1 email from Vicki is included in the X1A postings, along with my reply. I documented what was found about Crocels, with no comments about Jonathan Bishop.)

Sandra,

I thought I’d google Tonia Zimmerman to see if any more stuff was being posted about her and found this, wondering if it’s a legitimate site or not. Who is Jonathon Bishop & why would what seems to be a British website write about this (Tonia Zimmerman Saskatoon Troll) 3 days ago? It is pretty strange.

http://www.crocels.info/news/5086/tonia-zimmerman-saskatoon-troll/

Ashu Solo Screen Cap Crocels article Zimmerman

resume

X1B Postings No Responses »

Dec 282013

From: (Sandra Finley) To: (Tonia Zimmerman) Subject: Ashu phoned my relatives at 5:00am today, and came to the airport

Date: Sat, 28 Dec 2013 16:33:21 -0800

Hi Tonia,

The barrage of emails from Ashu has continued through the holidays – – I was hoping you might have been spared, but I see where his attacks against you are renewed.

I have refused to respond to him.

But posted all his emails on my blog – I think I told you I was going to do this. I now have more to add, in addition to the following.

He phoned “Finleys” in Saskatoon at 5:00am today and thereby reached my Mother in rural Sask at 5:30 am. She told him my departure time, before figuring out who he was and what was going on.

He came to the airport (6:00 to 6:30 am) and started the accusations, someone in the line stepped in on my behalf, I said that I needed to call the police or security officers; a Westjet employee stepped in, started to call security and Ashu left.

I think that the reason for the renewed attacks against you are because he thinks that I gave you his Father’s name. That appears to be a real button-pusher. The accusations at the airport and the messages today demonstrate a kind of panic that that is what has happened. (my communications with you are none of his business, but never mind that point!)

The other serious threat to him is that you disclosed material he authored, to me. I think it comes down to a situation where his lies can be exposed. He is threatened and doing whatever he can to save himself.

I hope to have the story from Elvin Lau (another person Ashu has attacked) to add to the blogged info, soon.

I think that when everything is up, to enable people to see the full picture, something can be done.

I am going to have further conversations – – will keep you informed.

If we cannot stop this petty tyrant, it bodes poorly for stopping the larger tyrants in our society.

Sandra

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From: Tonia Zimmerman Sent: December-30-13 6:41 AM To: Sandra Finley Subject: RE: Ashu phoned my relatives at 5:00am today, and came to the airport

I am so sorry for all of this, Sandra. The truth is, I got his name from John Gormley. Gormley had suspected the attacks would start up again, and so gave me his last name (and loads of other information about his past, criminal history) as a failsafe: if the attacks started again, I could defend myself with this knowledge, as Ashu does not want it public. I have not made his last name public, but instead implored Ashu’s father to tell Ashu to leave me alone. I know this may seem over the line, but Sandra, I was deeply, deeply frightened, and hoped Dr. Gupta could be a voice of reason–apparently just the opposite has occurred. I am so sorry my actions brought this about. Thank you for weathering this storm. I agree with you–I think the end is coming for his affiliation with the Green Party, and with it, any hopes of “power” for this teapot dictator. I noticed your blog is password protected. Might I get the password, so I can read what he is telling you? I think it is a good idea to collate all the info about his methods of interrogation. I have a few friends he has written threatening e-mails to in the past. Perhaps I’ll get them to send you their accounts, and screen-captures, if possible.

Tonia

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From: (Sandra Finley) To: (Tonia Zimmerman) Subject: RE: Ashu phoned my relatives at 5:00am today, and came to the airport Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2013 00:10:56 -0800

Oh – so you did what I was THINKING of doing! (Calling Ashu’s Father). Thanks Tonia; I won’t do a repeat!

Re your statement “I know this may seem over the line, . . . I was deeply, deeply frightened,”

As I view things, it is healthy to feel frightened when you are under attack and vulnerable. It is not over the line. we are evolved to survive.

I have a lot more life experience than you (does not mean I’m smarter!) – – but the truth of the matter is that after the encounter at the airport, I was shaken for a while although tried not to show it.

There’s no problem. I think Ashu may now be backed into a corner of his own making.

– First, the URL’s you sent were made to order. The “archives” for November on the one show that the material on you was put up in November. You can figure from that, that Ashu put it up and then took it down. He repeatedly denied that he put up the blog(s). Substantiation of that statement, so far I have:

DECEMBER 16, 2013 11:57:41 PM. . .

If someone posted a negative blog about her, maybe that’s what got her to delete her lies about me. If someone did this, I should thank whoever did it. If someone did this, it was justified and probably necessary to get the lies about me deleted.

(For my own reference, from the same email . . . I have over 500 publications)

Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 8:42 PM

How do you know Zimmerman or Sandra didn’t put up this empty blog to try to blame it on me? I think that’s what it is. What’s to stop Zimmerman from putting up a blog and blaming it on Victor or Larry or Mark or Vicki or Kaitlyn? . . .

I had a look at Zimmerman’s Twitter account and I see she has a pattern of making up lies about people and making disparaging remarks about their appearances. Maybe one of them got angry and put up a blog about her. If Zimmerman thinks I’ve done something illegal, she should sue me or go to the cops.. . .

I will soon get the write-up on Ashu completed. fiction vs fact, drawn from the material posted.

Yesterday when I was hurrying to get the rest of the material up, I neglected to remember that password-protected pages show the TITLE of the page. For 4 or 5 hours there were pages with titles such as “Ashu’s two name changes”, “Ashu’s Father”, etc. Before I got them changed to be nondescript, he found them and freaked out. Made phone calls to get people to stop me from posting. I changed the titles – had intended anyway to do that.

I thought there might have been a beneficial side to making the mistake. Maybe it would stop his bullying of people because there are now consequences – – he will be exposed for what he is. All I have to do is to release the password. And he doesn’t know what is on the pages, can only imagine. He sent a solicitous email, saying we could talk things through. I did not reply. (Have tried that twice through intermediaries. It’s a waste of time. In the end he reverts to his bullying self.) He is now back to his usual threats.

I will send you a password, but need more time first. Some straightening to do, and there needs to be one page with links to the others (an index), so you can tell the subject matter of each.

There are risks associated with giving out the password. I lose control of who sees the pages, and what use might be made of them. Until we figure out how best to proceed, I cannot run the risk. A catch-22, because it would be good to collect more stories and screen-captures would be great.

Some of the material I found needs more investigation. I do not want to lose credibility because of weak material. You mention criminal history. I did not find convictions, but instead the appearance of bogus conference(s). And the appearance that at least some claims related to credentials are bogus. That material is posted, but as I say, not strong enough to stand up to scrutiny, at this time.

I also don’t know where to stop. The connections (or “not” connections) . . .

Sandra

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From: Tonia Zimmerman Sent: December-31-13 6:47 AM To: Sandra Finley Subject: RE: Ashu phoned my relatives at 5:00am today, and came to the airport

Hello Sandra,

That is likely the wisest course of action–I can definitely be patient about seeing the other material–I hope that he backs away from the Greens willingly so that we really don’t need to use ANY of it, though it is so good and vital to have it all documented, and by someone with a sterling reputation.

The info I got about Solo’s criminal behaviour was also from John Gormley (of all the people! Certainly no friend to the Greens, but the enemy of my persecutor strangely becomes my friend!)

When the threatening websites first went up, I told Mr. Gormley, who then messaged Solo, and said that if Solo continued to persecute his critics in the same way he persecuted me, he would reveal on air Solo’s real name, and also have on air witnesses of an assault involving Solo/Gupta at River Heights School–in which case, the official records may be sealed–and also military witnesses who could confirm that the “rank” Solo keeps touting doesn’t actually exist in the Canadian Military. I can’t remember if Gormley outright mentioned the illegal/immoral activity having to do with Hamid Arabnia, and the conferences, etc, but I’m sure that’s info Solo wouldn’t want being aired either.

I’ll forward you the messages between them (which Gormley forwarded to me), if you think it will help–it makes for some fascinating reading, as Solo sent about a dozen messages to Gormley overnight, first denying he was Gupta, then pleading with him not to reveal it, then threatening him with legal action, then vilifying my character, then asking for sympathy because the situation is stressing him out. That was the most galling part–as though he wasn’t outright terrorizing my life, just to force my silence.

Solo can deny that the frightening messages were from him, but as you have seen, they have the exact same cadence and even phrasing as messages he admits to sending, and the dates and times follow closely on the heels of his own messages–they’re clearly him. However, you’re probably right to hold off on the less substantiated evidence. I have no doubt it’s true, but you’re right that the case against him is stronger, if the evidence presented is only confirmed, documented things rather than rumour.

What I can’t believe that even Solo can’t see is how bad all this makes him look. Even if I’m just a “busybody” (which I’m NOT) none of his responses have been proportionate, or appropriate for a leader of an organization which stands for the things the Greens do. He seems to believe that he is justified in taking any actions he wishes against political or personal enemies. That’s certainly not the way Elizabeth May runs her campaigns, and simply doesn’t match my idea of what the Green Party should be about.

I am so sorry to hear about his bullying you at an airport. I am fortunate to say that I have yet to encounter Solo in real life–though I’m sure he has tried to track me down as well–thank God for unlisted phone numbers!–but I am glad others intervened, and that you held your ground. I do find it telling that so often the targets of his animus tend to be women. Not just women in general, but outspoken, politically active women. It makes me shudder a bit to think how dark that man’s life must be that this is what fills it. And sadly, his darkness has spread to my life, as I spend a lot of my waking hours thinking about the situation, and wondering what horrible thing might happen next.

Thank you again for collating all this data, and for hearing me out. It has been a frightening saga, but far less so knowing the ally I have in you.

All the best,

Tonia

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From: Sandra Finley Sent: December 31, 2013 11:44 AM To: ‘Tonia Zimmerman’ Subject: RE: Ashu

Good day Tonia,

The happy thing going into the New Year: I think the way has opened for us to deal effectively with this darkness.

Thank-you for your input. It helped clarify the next step.

First, an update. I don’t know whether Ashu sent to you late yesterday what I received from him: a copy of what he says he sent to Saskatoon City Police, a complaint against me.

I hope he actually did do that. If he did, we need the Police to then ACT on the complaint – – to contact me. Then I can give them what they need – – some basis for dealing with Ashu.

I believe the need is related to mental health, not the legal system, but the entry point, as I understand it, is through the Police. Which is probably as it should be: there is no guarantee that Ashu will restore himself to mental health. If that doesn’t happen, then people in the community need some form of protection against him, or the wherewithal to deal with him.

The Green who is the liaison with Elvin Lau, Lois, put it this way: (as a society and as the Green Party) we need to learn to deal with people who have mental health problems. This is an opportunity to do that! (I might wish that we could learn our lessons in some way that is less demanding in time and patience!)

Things get dicey. The information about Gormley’s involvement from you, would ideally be added to the password-protected documentation. But he might not want that done.

John does not share my views on many topics – you are right!!, but I have a bit of a connection with him through guests I have helped make arrangements for getting on his show. I think it worked two ways: it enabled him to be seen to be more fair in the allocation of air time. And it enabled us to be preaching to more people than just “the choir”.

Anyhow – I left a message for John about Ashu. I will not bring your name into a conversation, if he calls back. In the voice message, I referred to the fact that Ashu has been on his programme, that Ashu claims to have gone to the Police, the opportunity this presents for me to deal with Ashu.

Hopefully, by bringing the players in the drama together, we can cobble together an outcome that will be beneficial to all, including the community.

QUESTION OF THE PASSWORD:

In speaking with Lois about Elvin’s situation, in the end, the following conclusion about the password seemed to be best.

(I do not like a situation where information is in the control of one person, and others do not have access to it. However.)

Our thinking was that (in case the Police do proceed with an investigation of Ashu’s complaint) it would be helpful if I could say that I have not given the password to any other person. (Ashu’s claim is that I am endangering his Family, and placing him under a large amount of stress because of what I could do with the information. And the people to whom I will give the password are a threat to his safety and that of his family.)

Your thoughts?

And hey, It’s New Year’s Eve! We have much that is good to celebrate.

May 2014 be a Year of Enlightenment!

Best wishes,

Sandra

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