BREAKING NEWS/EXCLUSIVE: ‘THE BASI FILES’ (CHAPTER III)/ BASI STARTING TO GROW VERY WEARY OF THE DECEITFUL PROCESS
It’s now October 17th, 2003 and Basi is clearly not happy with what he’s done. If you decipher the narrative, there is nothing clever about it at all–in raw form, he’s scared and weary. And very tired, but putting up a good front.
The festering “soap opera” reference is a byproduct of his exponentially growing frustration with his need to juggle the many agendas of all the stakeholders. Two things emerge here: Basi is the point man, while Virk is the guy in the trenches. But Virk gets barked at by the Premier and his Chief of Staff Martyn Brown, while Basi is viewed as the fixer, with all his extensive contacts into the Mark Marissen/Christy Clark federal Liberal machine, players of which appear throughout this sordid saga.
Basi also appears irritated at the government’s over-the-top methods in steering the deal straight into the lap of CN–a corporation led by David McLean, the Premier’s bagman and close friend.
Later, Basi intimates how his boss Gary Collins is laudatory of his skills in keeping stakeholders at the table. But this is all appearances, as what Basi is ultimately doing is using his political acumen to continue to hoodwink the various players into staying the course–all so the government skates through the gift-wrapping of BC Rail for CN. The deception by the government is stunning. Basi clearly sees it, but knows he’s in too deep. Way too deep. And thus the further memos…it’s a classic case of remorse, but it’s all too late as the die was long cast.
What’s very intriguing, too, is Basi, while facilitating the government’s agenda of deception, is also beginning to see and mark the aggressiveness of CN. He laments how CN was laying the groundwork since “everybody cites” that CN “has the deal.” This he sees as a danger, since other outraged stakeholders could bolt the process and publicly cry foul.
Extraordinary.
What did CN know and when did they know it? By this time the Premier’s friend and the BC Liberals 2005 campaign chair, Patrick Kinsella, was known to be reviewing the deal for the government and CN. What did he say to them? What did they say in response? Was CN overlord David McLean directly involved? These are all natural questions. Wait, I know, perhaps Christy Clark can start asking those questions of Mr. Kinsella, since she won’t answer any of her own–and the drive-by media are indirectly buffering her with their lack of diligence. After all, Mr. Kinsella’s one of her biggest CURRENT campaign backers and fundraisers…he also told me personally in 2005 that he was the one who arranged for Christy Clark to “get the gig at (radio station) CKNW” and didn’t want her to run against Sam Sullivan for the NPA nomination. So I’m sure they could come up with some response…..
Here lads, let me help once again…
“Christy, Mr. Kinsella had free run of the BC Liberal halls of government under the man you want to succeed. Can we expect more of the same Gordon Campbell style of government from you? All Gordon Campbell’s major henchmen, including Mr.Kinsella and various Campbell office staffers, are ALL BACKING YOU. Is there a message here Christy that you’re trying to send the people of your party? The province?”
Also of great interest in Basi’s third memo is the ongoing role of Martyn Brown in the disposal of BC Rail. Brown, who gave sketchy, often times disjointed testimony on the stand during the trial (he fell just short, at one point, of actually naming his dog as having consumed his homework…) is noted for “yelling” at Bobby Virk.
Finally, in this as-sordid-as-the-others episode, Basi is angst-ridden by fears they “would be sued by jilted bidders.” Can you blame him? Or the bidders? He was key to a process that strung along at least a half dozen active parties, to the tune of umpteen hundreds of thousands–with millions on the table and reputations at stake, expecting they were in play for either the big prize (BC Rail) or a consolation (Robert’s Bank), when it was all just a big sham.
CN was the preferred bidder all the way along.
But then Finance Minister Collins, cool as a cucumber, assures Basi that he will provide advice upon his return from “the land of straight talk” (Alberta). Why was the Minister so cool while all around him were starting to lose theirs? With apologies to Kipling…
Below is Basi’s third memo:
What a fascinating behind the scenes take on whats happening. It seems painfully obvious to me that basi knew this entire affair was a sham.
Superb work Alex! There’s really no other word that can describe your work. Its really quite sad to realize how pathetic and lazy the main stream media have become in this province!
[Translate]
Thank you Jeff. Much appreciated feedback.
[Translate]
Hi Alex.
I’m jumping in with a question -
What do you mean when you say “…David McLean, the Premier’s bagman…”?
By the way, thank you for what you’re doing and for sharing this information!
[Translate]
With pleasure.
And happy to reply to your question. A bagman is one who in the political realm collects monies and/or fundraises and/or donates directly or indirectly.
He’s viewed as a money man. In McLean’s case, considering his vast wealth, it’s an easy role for him to play.
[Translate]
Alex,
I think it’s time to kick this up a notch and have ethical members of the Libs demand openly to the MSM that they support a public inquiry. This is more disheartening by the day, especially with the danger of Clark or DeJong hijacking the premiership of BC if the equal representative voting system is killed on Feb 12.
Scary for all!
[Translate]
Scary indeed.
And how stupid of the BC Liberals to leave the vote for so long into the future. I realize their constitution is a dog’s breakfast but if the party really wanted a fair contest that would have switched it arbitrarily. This is not a time for allowing such dangerous circumstances to weigh in the balance. They are the govt, NOT the opposition.
[Translate]
My favorite line is how Martyn Brown is so willing to take the credit…interesting how his memory is now so faulty. . Perhaps that is what the MSM plans on doing, take credit after you take the risks Alex..
Watching Global, CTV, news tonight, even though this post was up before 11:00, NOT ONE STATION had the INTEGRITY to mention what is becoming the biggest story in the entire country.
Instead we get a nice fluff piece about gang watch, and bike lanes… I’m very serious. Shame on MSM.
Keep it coming Alex and we will spread the word, this can’t be ignored any longer. I’m already printing out posters to put up around the city posting this link.
If this needs to be grassroots so be it, I challenge everyone that reads this post to pass it along until the MSM and the Liberal Gov’t have no choice but man up, or Lady up in CC’s case.
Kudos Alex
[Translate]
I’d like to add to my comment Alex, I would like acknowledge that many bloggers have been keeping this issue alive for the past 7 years and to their credit it has given many of us ongoing information, and insight. But the trail was growing cold.
What I wish now is for everyone to form a team and keep the Liberals feet to the fire…
Alex you have provided us with a first hand account of the behind the scene activities in the words of the actual participants, with everything, that all have compiled , and a strong team of voices, we can give Christy, Gorden, et al the lump of coal they deserve on behalf of the citizens of British Columbia.
You are giving us the smoking gun, it is up to us to spread the word…we are very grateful.
[Translate]
Yes, thx George.
But I like working alone. It immediately increases the quality.
[Translate]
Thx Georgie old boy. I appreciate your kind words.
[Translate]
Alex,
I thank you for getting these memos out to all of us. After Kieran wrote his sad article in the Province, I wrote a short letter to the Province about the sad state of affairs regarding the trial and my experience in pretrial. I reminded the Province about all that cash changing hands from lobbyist to Basi and Virk for that Denver trip. I also told them about my legal bills and how many sleazebag law firms wanted to represent me for free. No thank you. The Province never published my letter. Fancy that.
Back in 2001-2003, I and members of our trade association were told more than a few times by a certain lobbyist to only talk to Dave Basi when we would complain to the Finance Minister(who was also in charge of ICBC) about all the many problems with ICBC. At that time we wondered why we were told only to talk with Dave Basi after dealing with others in that office. Usually we ignored that advice and went straight to Collins and others.
I find it interesting that one can complain about being screwed by others when he has passed over $3,000 dollars in cash for that trip to Denver. Especially when he had advised all that it was a bad idea and a career ender. Should have said no. We used to call this a bribe in the good old days. Must have been one hell of a football game. I guess Mr. Collins thought the boys and the wives were big NFL football fans. I believe also that in one of the warrants that the Omni Trax/Broe? guy told the RCMP that he never OKed any money to reimburse the football fans. Fancy that.
Down the road I will share some events that took place regarding MA’s, MLA’s and the like close to the ICBC files. Also some of the garbage I had to deal with regarding my pretrial experience.
I hear there may be more court documents released from the trial down the road. A few more applications regarding cabinet ministers, MLA’S, friends and the like. Maybe some good stuff from those second set of RCMP notes should see the light of day. I remember some of those hidden notes mentioned Ms. Clark and Mr. Coleman from April/May 2007. That should be some good reading. I can hardly wait.
Kind Regards,
John Preissl
[Translate]
And thank you John for being the first pretrial witness in Madam Justice Elizabeth Bennett’s court. You were very brave.
The FOIs and other requests by the media are ongoing as I understand it. I have some information coming as well.
Be well.
[Translate]
I think this should be a mini series. Absolutely fabulous!
[Translate]
Thank you darling. Not sure about the mini-series…
[Translate]
Geeez Alex. I guess this kind of stuff is why the Liberals all want to give 16 year olds the vote. It’s kind of an alternative to getting involved with GANGS after highschool. They can teach them another way to make ‘easy money’ under a veil of legitimacy. Yahhh kids… engage in politics… and you don’t even need any weapons! At worst… you get ‘grounded’ for two years.
My cynicism amazes even me! Blog on Dear Alex… we’ve got your back!!!
[Translate]
Thx Manmakel.
It truly is shameful to suggest that children in the most hormone crazy phase of their lives should be voters. Sure. A beer and a slice of pizza and a whole pile of coolness from Sista Christy and they’ll accept anything. Just like the system her ex-husband employed when he was loading the decks in B.C. for Paul Martin
[Translate]
This is fascinating. It’s clear that Christy Clark knew much more about BC Rail than she cared to admit. Her decision to campaign with Ida Chong is a disaster. It reminds people that she supports the HST. Michael Smyth wrote that Bill Vander Zalm’s recall campaign is nasty. I’d say that the unbalanced media coverage of BC Rail and the premier of Gordon Campbell was nasty. A man who cancels three fall sessions of the legislature is not doing his job- period.
[Translate]
Her appearance with Ida Chong has really backfired. And the Clark campaign has cancelled no shortage of media interviews thereafter.
[Translate]
Why aren’t we hearing more from the “jilted bidders”?
P.S. Contenders Falcon and Abbott (de Jong and Stilwell contenders? Not so much) must be wringing their hands as the lines of demarcation are being drawn, and Clark’s refusal to address the hard questions continues, but lest we forget, all were at the cabinet table during the antebellum leading up to Basi and Virk copping a guilty plea. And all but Clark were around for the HST chicanery, the budget sham and Campbell throwing in the towel.
[Translate]
Good question. I know for a fact that OminTRAX have been sent copies of my posts.
[Translate]
Are the MSM pathetic and lazy? Or are they deliberately ignoring the truth? I would say that a lot of people believe the latter, and are still waiting for justice to be done in this whole sordid affair. The BC Rail corpse still stinks and won’t go away until a proper investigation, trial and retribution of some sort before any sort of burial can take place.
Keep up the pressure, this is the only way it will happen.
[Translate]
Will do. My thanks.
[Translate]
Alex,
All great stuff. Amazing actually!!
I have a question for you. What is your motivation to releasing this information over a period of time, instead of slamming them with the whole story?
I am worried the details sound almost like a fairy tale and before you know it that’s what people will start to think it is. People are funny you know. Many already have their minds up, no matter what appears in print.
Anyway, fascinating reading.
[Translate]
My motivation is one and one only: There needs to be a public inquiry. The whole BC Rail sale smells to High Heaven. If the relationship between the players existed on the NDP side, the Liberals would be screaming for charges of influence peddling, bribery, etc. There would be NO immunity deals with the Crown. The double standard that protects Campbell and his cronies is shameful.
Mind you, that’s the same thing Woodward remarked about Nixon.
I’m releasing the documents one by one so people have time to review the material. And I will break through weekends so they can reread and absorb as much as possible.
[Translate]
Hoo-Boy, Alex! Do I ever Second your last sentence! I couldn’t possibly absorb any more per day than youv’e been putting out. In fact, you’re making me neglect other things that I should be doing.
If only I was this motivated when I was supposed to be reading “War and Peace”, or was that “Whore and Lease (for 999 yrs)” ?
[Translate]
Very good!
[Translate]
Fourfivesix asked.
What is your motivation to releasing this information over a period of time,
—————————–
Reminiscent of “Death by a thousand cuts” this way.
I bet the antacids are well stocked at Christie’s place.
[Translate]
Gaviscon anyone? Although I must admit I’m a Pepcid Complete kinda guy.
[Translate]
Oh boo hoo! My heart, and wallet bleeds for these poor over worked public servants double dipping into the public purse to the tune of 6 million dollars plus their good salaries paid over all these years! One has to wonder….since they appear to be so very good at the game they were playing, where they acquired their “experience” what other behind the scenes roles have they both played at the public’s expense?
In addition to our 6 million are we still going to be on the hook for paying their pensions etc.?
[Translate]
“The Land of Straight Talk!” HAH! With Alberta awash in oil money for the last 10-15 years, and a freewheeling guy like Klein at the helm, one can only guess at the double-dealing that went on there – I’d be very surprised indeed to find out that there were none..
[Translate]
The assumption, dear friend, that there must have been double dealing is a little rich. Without the evidence, it’s just not there. Plus, Alberta has some of the toughest lobbying rules of any province. Although, not good enough.
I think if you’ve had anything to do with government, once out, you should be prohibited from doing business with the govt for a period not less than 10 years. If you were a Minister you should NEVER be able to come back and profit from knowing the rules of govt (that you were schooled in on the taxpayers dime!) For example, Claude Richmond has come back as a lobbyist. This is disgraceful. Patrick Kinsella ran the BC Liberals campaign’s and raised money for Gordon Campbell. He should have NEVER been allowed to profit from those relationships. They might not have been illegal deals, but the lack of ethics is stunning.
Meanwhile, as examples, autistic kids, elderly diabetics and the handicapped all get the shaft. It’s craziness. And yet the Liberals won re-election three times!!!!
[Translate]
Perhaps I’m a little harsh in my judgement of Alberta, but, one wonders, with large amounts of money floating around.
Right with you on paragraph #2.
#3: One of the troubles (IMHO) with our political system is that parties spend too much time focusing, for political gain, on the things that divide us rather than those which unite us..
[Translate]
“One of the troubles (IMHO) with our political system is that parties spend too much time focusing, for political gain, on the things that divide us rather than those which unite us..”
SUPERB OBSERVATION. My thoughts, precisely….
[Translate]
I am not surprisd that the Sun and the Province would not have the guts to publish,and or attempt to conduct their own investigations.
re Christy Clark / Liberals /and Campbell.
So much for investigative journalism on their part.
‘ Gotta be Good ‘ CKNW is no better.
Your efforts and report here are very important and much appreciated,by the readers Alex.
Keep it up,Alex
” Don’t let the bast*rds grind you down”
In my mind your reports are the only way of preventing BC voters from making the mistake of letting Christy Clark,Kinsella,her brother,Collins off the hook.
[Translate]
Thank you Sir. Will do.
And, no, they won’t get me down.
[Translate]
Thank you Alex for doing this. Politics confuse me at the best of time but the way you are doing this really helps me understand what’s going on.
Everyday I put your new release on my Facebook page. I have just printed out your website address in the style that you see on telephone poles with those little pieces of paper that people can rip off and take home.
Everyone needs to read this. If the MSM (now that I know what that means(main stream media)) won’t tell the citizens about this the rest of will.
I missed reading you in 24hrs and I am glad that I found your website.
Keep up the great work!
[Translate]
Thank you Cosmio. My pleasure.
And certainly appreciate your support in spreading the word.
[Translate]
What I’m aghast about is why McLeans hasn’t picked up on this yet. Shirley, they’re aware? Maybe they are waiting for the Christmas (sorry) Festive Season to pass? Or are they MSM too? Good Grief, its enough for someone to do something REALLY radical, and blame it on mental condition brought on by BC Rail Anxiety. Then the MSM would have to acknowledge the issue? Maybe?
[Translate]
Maybe…
[Translate]
Michael Smyth, in a response to a caller to his show today, said that Christy Clark has refused interviews on his show thus far.
He opined that she is scared of questions about BC Rail.
He also opined that his stay at NW might be very short.
We’ll see how long before NW puts him on vacation.
[Translate]
I think NW should tell Christy that she is NOT on leave. She’s disgraced herself and insulted half the province in the last two weeks. It’s a tough spot for NW to be in. She just finished signing a multi-year contract at around $300K per year. And then…she turns her back on the station and their listeners!!! What a megalomaniacal twit! IF she really had to worry about a mortgage as she claims, why leave?
NW are in a real pickle if they take her back. CBC did the right thing when Belle Puri returned after the Premier announced that he was leaving (so soon after she was hired). They told her she would sit on the bench for awhile and then NO POLITICAL REPORTING. It was MOST principled. If NW follow that line of thinking, then Christy no longer has a show.
[Translate]
I did not know that Belle had come back. Don’t know what ever possessed her in the first place.
I agree with you about Madam Clark.
[Translate]
Alex,
I wasn’t sure about BC rail stuff… but after reading your stuff i have come around your way of thinking.
So, has anyone asked George Abbott, Moira Stillwell or Kevin Falcon if they will call inquiry? Christy Clarke and Mike Dejong have both said – NO!
As member of the BC Lib, do i have a choice? Is anyone willing to call a public inquiry?Or they all tainted and have something to hide?
We need to ask them. I will only vote for someone that is willing to call inquiry, otherwise sit out this race.
[Translate]
You are with many people in this province who have written me since I have been revealing the inside story of the Basi memos.
ALL the leadership hopefuls will have to rethink their statements on an inquiry. The information coming from this blog will force their hands.
[Translate]
At one time, the media would have been all over this. There is very little honest and good journalism anymore. I have no real clue, if this is true or not. I read, any bad press about Campbell, the newspaper gets no government ads. Same with TV media. The same goes with, the judicial system, judges would be replaced. The RCMP, who want their contract renewed are willing to play ball with Campbell. It seems to be the way Campbell controls. The two good members of Elections BC gone. FOI papers whited out. Anyone opposing Campbell, loses their jobs. I guess it all boils down to, what they are willing to sell their souls for. I guess I am from the old school. Extortion, bribery, thieving and selling what is not yours, you then belong in prison. Or is that law, just for the every day people and not for politicians?
[Translate]
Politicians in this country, for the most part, see themselves as above the law.
[Translate]
There is something fundamentally wrong with our laws. We should be able to bring a Public Class Action suit against Gordon Campbell for his “stealing” and selling off what is not his: the BC Rail.
BCR was a successful money making enterprise that was “Given Away” to his buddies.
… There Oughta be a Law!
[Translate]
Okay, this is where I need to caution you. There is no proof of Gordon Campbell “stealing” anything. I believe what you’re trying to say is that he railroaded (you’ll excuse the pun!) this deal to a company run by one of his friends.
Do, the question to the Premier is: Why?
Isn’t that better?
[Translate]
This morning, listening to CBC while driving to work, I thought I’d tuned in to the Christy Clark fan show by mistake. She certainly is the media darling. In some ways this bizarre ‘selection’ gives the feel of a banana republic, and the worrying thing is, if the polls are to be believed, the public is falling for it.
Anyway these articles by you are required reading for me this weekend when I can give them the focussed attention they deserve.
[Translate]
The polls are comparing a radio talk show host with those who have been in govt for years. She’s been out since 2004 and has sat in a ready-made perch at NW. The others have been in the trenches (notwithstanding they waited way too long to change horseman).
I’d like to see Christy’s poll numbers by mid-January. She has offered up nothing but stream of consciousness drivel. No policy planks worth even spitting at. It’s impossible for her to turn back on that now. About the only thing that she could do is step aside and say it was a mistake. Or some messaging about how tough it’s been on Hamish and that he deserves a Mom-ever heard that before? Well, you may hear it again.
As I predicted, she would either come out with substantive, level-headed planks in a moderate platform or come out with a thud.
Instead of being prepared, as one would expect of someone who wants to lead this province, her campaign is imploding under the weight of policy lather and fantastic rubbish.
[Translate]
Alex,
The incontrovertible proof and strong legal evidence you bring forth through these memos doesn’t afford any amount of wiggle room for the BC Liberal leadership candidates on the issue of an inquiry into BC Rail. Failure to have one is an admission of the things they seek to hide.
All BC Liberal party members are accountable for their selection process of the next premier. They are all complicit in the corruption if they choose Ms Clark and deny a public inquiry; then, they are all without excuse or an alibi. To think they permit 14 year olds to hold party membership when the legal voting age is 18. They have together become corrupt.
Certainly Mr Basi and Mr Virk bear their fair share of responsibility for what has happened; but only their fair share. On the campaign trail, Ms Clark is revealing her astounding grasp of the intricacies of BC electoral process; and her keen, razor sharp political acumen is providing a sure footed walk to the Preem’s chair. NOT!!!!!!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/bc-not-prepared-for-snap-election/article1842810/
[Translate]
Yeah I saw this. She has really blown it–again. I cannot believe how she consistently picks initiatives that are unpopular. I thought she was the ‘outsider’ with the great big political braintrust?
Actually, I’ve watched her do this before. Her run against Sam Sullivan was as pathetic as any campaign I’ve ever seen. For her sake, I hope she finds a way to salvage what will be a trainwreck if this continues.
[Translate]
Alex,
The operative word in your comment; and the one fraught with very real perils for Ms Clark and her side-kick crew of politically astute stalwarts, NOT!!!!!, is the word TRAINWRECK.
It will be supremely ironic, if, in her Madhatter’s blind rush and bid for the Preems own inheritance, that she and her ilk are run off the proverbial political rails into the rocky terrain of unelectable oblivion.
Does she not realize she could face a sudden and unforeseen comeuppance directly sourced from the hew and cry of the common voter she so assuredly claims and courts as her own; even as your serial unfolds and progresses toward laying all bare to the voters?
More importantly, if she cannot run with the footmen (ducking media availablity), then what is she going to do when the tanks roll in (the complete disclosure of her involvement itemized in your posts)
These posts are thoroughly researched, documented, and offer a well crafted account of something that would never have even entered WAC Bennett’s mind.
Btw, I am listening to Bolero by Ravel each time I read your posts. It is totally fitting theme music for your narrative
Sinous and seductive,
winding and wending
its way
drawing us into
a mix of outrage, horror,
unspeakable sadness,
profound and growing
is the righteous anger
that they work for us
not we for them
shameless voices
have now tarnished
our once proud
and hounourable
public service
no more, no less
it seems
pity the penny’s
gone now
[Translate]
I found it Alex. Just learning your site. My apologies!
[Translate]
Have you been head hunted by NW yet? They’re going to need to save some face – what’s left of it. They can no longer continue pretending that Bill Good and the rest of their dog and pony show have been bringing British Columbians the real poop…can they?
[Translate]
If there is one thing that I appreciate about being a pundit on NW is that they are not afraid to put diverse opinions on air.
At the same time, I think the initial shock of having Christy betray them (whether they admit to this or not) has taken some time to sink in. Yes, they have taken a hit, but let’s be fair: IT was Christy who put NW in a tough spot and not the other way around.
[Translate]
Sorry to disagree with you Alex, but in my opinion NW quite nicely fits the definition of “dog and pony show”. Sure they have guests with various points of view, but as I’ve mentioned to you before now, the hosts have often demonstrated a very slanted way of questioning those guests, or of not asking the pertinent questions of those guests. Maybe I’m looking for something that isn’t there…but I don’t think so.
[Translate]
While I agree with the fact that Bill, on global warming hysteria and Christy on federal and provincial political matters, have been less than thorough, I still maintain that on the specific issue of Christy’s ill-fated run for Premier, she has put the station in a considerable conflict, from which, there is only one way out.
Her career as a media tourist should come to an immediate halt.
[Translate]
On that we can certainly agree.
[Translate]