Dec. 31 2012: Manitoba at a dangerous crossroads in 2013; the time to use the power is now

Summary: This year-end podcast reflects on the dishonest politicians, agenda-driven fiscal disasters (like the football stadium and  Manitoba Hydro) and policy catastrophes (which helped kill Phoenix Sinclair) that threaten to swamp public confidence as it has investor confidence in Manitoba. As a prelude to next week's City Circus TV show, we ask: how much more out of touch can Premier Greg Selinger and Mayor Sam Katz be with the true priorities and ethical standards of the public? With a corporate media often too distracted or biased to defend you and your family, citizen journalists have made their mark in Winnipeg in 2012 - starting with the endorsement of our findings by city auditor Brian Whiteside about gerrymandered public consultation for the Assiniboine bike lane and ending with its forced closure by the end of the year as part of the Upper Fort Garry scam - a part that backfired on Coun. Jenny Gerbasi and her allies in the bike lobby. And in the middle of 2012 , there was a little matter of a radio station folding rather than face the serious questions raised by the investigations of citizen journalists and listeners to the CRTC about it having been taken over by Red River College and it's "media partners" to silence public debate on political issues. There is much more to come in 2013 and with a disorganized opposition at the Legislature unable to gain confidence among Winnipeg voters, and a fractured city council battling a secretive and dishonest administration, you listeners and viewers will play a key part in reminding elected officials - from the well-meaning to the bald-faced liars - and reminding unaccountable bureaucrats that YOU, not they, have the power. ******** We conclude the year with two emails from viewers: Hi Marty, I was up late tonight unable to sleep when I came across your show. I must say I am so glad to hear and know that you are reporting and other Winnipeggers are seeing that our system is failing our youth and citizens, while the levels government keep sticking their hands out for money. Winnipegers  need to WAKE up and feverishly question our leaders about the path they are taking our city/province down-because the picture we are seeing now looks like Armageddon.   Our social assistance system is on the brink of falling apart, we have children in danger, poverty is growing quickly and the middle class is being taxed beyond our means.  Friendly Manitoba doesn't seem so friendly...more like destitute Manitoba. Keep shining the light on these issues. I  pray that change will come!! Regards, Your New Viewer ************** Mazel - Tov Marty!  I was impressed with your 'City Circus' performance etc. You're probably referred to as the Winnipeg 'Jon Stewart' with a "smaller" budget. He can afford to stop video, do his 'shtick' and return to another humorous angle etc. There were moments when you tried it. You certainly have  intelligence, unusual energy, intensity of purpose and projection etc. You're probably a natural actor and might be able to have some fun. Where do you get the time to do so much or are you slowing a little. Keep up the good work and 'zye gezunt'.     Syd. (Note: Syd Perlmutter left Winnipeg in 1956 to head up the School of Radio and TV Arts at Ryerson Institute - now Ryerson University - and retired in 1990 as Professor Emeritus. It was through him and his late wife Mary that I met Coun. Joe Zuken for the first time.) City Circus Shaw TV Show -  http://tgcts.com/city-circus/city-circus-current-season-episodes  ** SUPPORT OUR WORK VIA PAYPAL  ** AFFORDABLE SPONSORSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE FOR TV AND ONLINE