Bill Tieleman Replies: And–In Silence Confirms He Works for A Former BC Rail/Basi-Virk Nemesis
The last twenty four hours have been very instructive to me.
It’s funny, isn’t it? I’ve spent the vast majority of time here over the last two years pointing out how terminally useless Christy Clark is as a politician and premier.
The fawning from the left was unending. I am “balanced” and “fair” and “brave” and “venerable” and “the best.”
But I lanced Bill Tieleman yesterday (someone finally had to), for his breathtaking hypocrisy of taking PR contracts with government related parties and unions, while pretending to be a even-handed writer, and this time, the left are wailing in the blogosphere that I’ve assassinated their Mohammed right in the middle of Mecca.
Just call me Salman.
“Tsakumis is a trustfunder.” Untrue. “Alex is a crackpot.” Untrue. “What a fucking loser!” Um, not today. The epithets, from those referring to me as a “bully” (this week’s convenient theme from the envious) were endless. Daniel Fontaine, still heavily littering 24 Hours with ridiculous, boring columns, even vomited a little article about it, not even caring that he was an unrepentant, full-on, dizzying bully with the media while employed as former mayor Sam Sullivan’s Chief of Gaffe.
There was even a comment on Tieleman’s blog by a psychotic marijuana legalization dolt about some beating he allegedly took from me on facebook.
Probably, but too bad I don’t remember it, so I can enjoy the memory again!!! I love beating up on people who lie to the public about anything!
More to the point. When I’m excoriating the BC Conservatives or BC Liberals, I’m a great guy to (some of) the left wingers who dwell here (others are very balanced). But dare I go near any of their sacred cows on the left, and they’re gathering nails and building a cross on a hill with my name on it.
A sure double standard? You be the judge.
Yesterday, after I revealed Bill Tieleman’s shocking contract with the British Columbia Medical Association–helmed by former BC Rail/Basi-Virk settlement fixer, Alan Seckel, the blogosphere went wild. I “attacked” Bill. I “embarrassed him.” I took “cheap shots.”
Really? Pay attention–I did nothing of the sort.
Mind, I needn’t have lifted a finger for the truth to reveal itself.
Bill did it for me.
Have a look at this very revealing post Tieleman produced yesterday afternoon.
•In response to my allegation that he hasn’t appropriately lauded MLA John vanDongen for going to bat on behalf of all British Columbians in the matter between Christy’s backpeddling, corrupt government and its own Auditor General, Bill, and may I state, quite laughably, offers a column wherein he, in fact, DOES NOT laud vanDongen, but simply quotes him and covers his sacrifice.
•In response to my accusation that he’s RECENTLY gone soft on the BC Rail/Basi-Virk scandal(s), Tieleman, again. laughably–but tellingly, offers up a link to one of his pieces on Erik Bornmann–BUT FROM 2007!!! Then he follows that with a (superb) piece he did–BUT FROM 2008! Do you get it? I’m saying he’s now gone soft on this for some reason…he says no, but can’t cite recent pieces of any worth or offer a substantive rebuttal.
• Finally, in response to my revelation that he is indeed working under Alan Seckel–a man whose work in government was deemed by Tieleman a cover-up of much of the BC Rail and subsequent Basi-Virk matter, and, in my opinion, whose work now leading the BCMA has brought undeniable hardship to British Columbians, by pitting doctors against patients; right into the jaws of the healthcare crisis in this province–Tieleman won’t deny it because he knows DAMN WELL, it’s true. He works under a man he and others painted as the anti-Christ.
This was a response, Bill? Seriously? You further indicted yourself and vapourized any credibility you had left as a writer or activist.
V-A-P-O-U-R-I-Z-E-D!
Is someone paying you, as well, to rally against the Conservatives in Ottawa on the Kits Point Coast Guard closing? I’m not saying they have, but it’s a fair question based on your BCMA ties. I want the Coast Guard station to stay open, too, and have written about what an utterly boneheaded decision it is, but by working for Seckel, you outed yourself as anything but fair and balanced or even credible.
When Tieleman was tossed from NW I thought it was wrong, and wrote accordingly. When people criticized him for partaking in the HST fight, I hailed him as the hero he was.
His political bias isn’t simply the problem, it’s that he doesn’t understand how devastating this contract with the BCMA is to his credibility.
He doesn’t care, clearly.
As for his assertion that I ended our friendship years ago with my “bad behavior”, that’s another Tieleman spin job (so much for being “one of BC’s best communicators”):
When I was still his colleague in 2009, three times in six months, while my column’s popularity at 24 Hours had easily eclipsed his, he took shots at me in his Tuesday column space. I went to my then editor and asked if we were a team or not. I don’t mind taking criticism, but for a colleague AND FRIEND to despicably group me together with climate change skeptics that allegedly were taking bribes from major oil companies, was beyond the pale. If it was anyone else alluding to that, I’d have immediately sued.
When he did it the last time, over my salient and factual positions against the lies told by his personal friend James Hoggan–a global warming doomsterist and climate change catastrophe propagandist, Tieleman attacked one last time.
That was it, I was on my way out the door–I immediately resigned as columnist–even though, the publisher begged me to find a way of staying. I wouldn’t without a published apology to me and my throng of readers. I wrote Tieleman three stinging, nasty emails–expletive laden and raw, telling him what a cheap shot artist I thought he was. (My then editor, I found out later was dating a PR consultant friend of Tieleman’s and Hoggan’s–thats why the cheap shot in Tieleman’s column was permitted). Your name, in this business, is everything and I wasn’t about to let someone, anyone, sully mine.
Nevertheless, I guess Bill forgets my emails to him not long ago about his beloved mother’s passing (she was an amazing, extraordinarily lovely individual, who I had the distinct pleasure of meeting, twice) or my recent emails offering to get his equally wonderful daughter a private room while she was in hospital for a procedure. Emails he very gratefully and graciously returned.
Sorry, Bill. You drew first blood years ago. But I hit the bullseye yesterday, and it exploded, so now you’re smarting. That’s unfortunate.
And you can have all the crazies in the world infest the comments section of your blog and make up whatever they like about me, I couldn’t care less. 95% of them are nuts anyway–just read their insanity. And since they won’t use real names when they write like that…whatever, yawn. Their epithets against me are as meaningless as they are.
So, now everyone knows the real story.
But let’s ask the pertinent question again, since Tieleman couldn’t answer it with any substance or sincerity: Has he gone quiet on BC Rail/Basi-Virk because he’s working under former BC Rail/Basi-Virk fixer Alan Seckel at the BCMA?
His credibility is shot and many NDPers in Victoria, who contacted me yesterday and today, are very concerned about the image this portrays, considering Tieleman’s professed closeness to premier-in-waiting Adrian Dix. They are rightly concerned about the obvious bias.
But they need their head’s examined as well. When Tieleman was at their leadership convention covering for The Tyee and 24 Hours, prominently affixed to his lapel was a “Vote Adrian Dix’ button. I was there. And none of them saw anything wrong with that at all.
Finally, Tieleman claims to not reveal his client list and wants me, instead, to reveal my sources of income or “clients.” Um, I’m not a PR hack, or consultant and have absolutely no clients whatsoever. There is no trust fund from my parents, as alleged by Tieleman’s crazies on his blog. My income doesn’t come from anyone or anything other than real estate and business investments, that have not a thing to do with anyone I cover in the media or any jurisdiction I report on.
If they did, I would have a MORAL OBLIGATION to reveal them, as a courtesy to my readers and the networks and stations, that cover my work.
Okay Bill, your turn. Let’s see your contract with Seckel’s group if there is nothing to fear and you weren’t, as some people are suggesting, bought. Your feeble reply yesterday raises more questions than it answers.
If you don’t work for the BCMA, say so, and I’ll print a full retraction, an even fuller apology and leave it up in this space for a week. But you know damned well you work for the BCMA and you know damn well how that happened. I’ll spare you on that last one.
Go on, tough guy. C’mon, you have nothing to fear, except that from now on your credibility will be called into question every time you touch a cause, write a column or say a word about anyone or anything.
Bill, the next time you and any of your left wing foamers (as opposed to some very good NDPers) attack Patrick Kinsella for ANYTHING, I’ll defend him against you all day long–not because he’s lily white, but because you aren’t either.
Far from it.
Think about this, too: Bill Tieleman is covering the provincial government beat while receiving YOUR provincial tax dollars through the BCMA–that’s how they are in large part funded. Or are they paying him in beans? Have a look at the softened tone of Tieleman’s columns against the Clark government over time, over the last little while.
Noticing a pattern?
The bigger question: What happens after the NDP are elected in May? You get it? If Tieleman remains a pro-NDP columnist and synchronously works for the BCMA, he’ll continue to receive tax dollars from a government he admits he’s in favour of. Does that sound right to anyone??? He’ll be in a sure conflict–bigger than the one he’s in now.
Oh well, just another day at the BC ‘s ever-available trough. AND ALL ON YOUR DIME. No wonder the NDP assisted the BC Liberals in hiding the expenses of MLAs.
You know what? I’m starting to think Gordon Wilson might have had it right all along…nothing ever gets done in this province…
Because the trollops adjust their garters and go right back to work–and it apparently doesn’t matter whose colours they’re wearing.
You’re the ones getting screwed, either way.
I sincerely hope that these two people can be fully reassured that their anonymity will be protected and that they can do an enormous service to the people and province of BC by detailing what is being done to said people and province.
There is nothing shameful in standing up for what is right.
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Buddy, please believe me, if I can confirm HALF of what I’ve already got, Craig James should be locked up for treason against the people of this province.
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Now THAT I’d like to see. I can’t figure out the fuss about McMinn getting a contract after a well-deserved retirement to advise the various abominations we’ve raised as Speakers of the Ledge on parliamentary procedure, given the abomination James was in that position. It would appear our civil service has not raised anyone of at all similar stature to fill in – not that that’s a shame – parliamentary knowledge is one of those all-consuming hobbies that no sane person dabbles, though I do from time to time to support the various organizations that I support. James simply didn’t strike me as the intellectual type – how fortunate for the province that he moved on to shake plums from a different tree.
That said, I disagree with you that Bill lost his credibility when he jumped, ostensibly, into Seckel’s pocket. Simply because I work from the Provincial Health Authority does not make me a supporter of that organization’s abysmal accountability, organizational structure or the political leanings of some of its august board members who appear to be far more interested in furthering career or social asirations than providing the kind of good governance and rigorous board oversight their other companies receive. I’m there because I can make a big difference in an organization that’s not going away any time soon.
Doubtless Bill can say the same. And as both his opinion and skill set has always been for sale, far be it from me to cast any stones, Especially when I look at the vast number of playas who’ve done the same thing for less cause – Jody Shimkus, Chris Olson, blah-blah-blah-too-numerous-to-mention. Just saw Jane Bird’s name in print again today – yet another bright mind with an unprincipled wallet collecting senior paycheques in service of junior intellects.
You’re expecting the world to change?
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George Orwell said it best:
“Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed. Everything else is Public Relations.”
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Alex,
One might wish to ask Mr. James how many times he has met with Mr. McMinn since he ‘retired’.
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Indeed.
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News coming out from the Shuswap and Pen-Town. Ashton will be the Liberals flavour of choice in Penticton, and in what I term the “good news” portion The BCCP has nominated Tom Birch.
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Things that make you go hmmmmmm.
The very best to you in your endeavours.
Kick ass sir.
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Can’t figure out where this story is going… Can see talking about the Basi-virk or the politicians and election issues….. Don’t know why we are attacking another useless member of the MSM and attracting attention to him. Vendetta maybe…… Now we are entering the bullying song again. Lets talk about the premier, the hst, the election coming, the scandals…. the stuff you really know about or are in tune with…………………… I wouldn’t give this guy the time of day and it appears he wouldn’t give you that much time either…. I have had friendships through work that disappeared. Funny though. don’t have alot of friends anymore…… Guess I bit their ears off too! Alex Take the high road!
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Ron. what is there to talk about regarding the HST? It’s coming to and end.
Seems to me you want to continue bully tactics against Clark, but it’s a waste of time because she’s out next year anyway.
There is something new to talk about. George Heyman bumped off Geoff Meggs (who was backed by Bill Tieleman and major players in the NDP including the Riding Executive).
Wonder what caused that to happen other than getting the supporters out?
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A SEISMIC SHATTERING OF THE MEGGS/TIELEMAN CLAN!
Huge loss for them, major score for the NDP.
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This is what democracy looks like when a group of citizens feel they aren’t being heard by a candidate that has been igno
Mike Howell @Howellings
Geoff Meggs’ “welcoming party” outside Holiday Inn. Meggs faces George Heyman in nom meeting for Van-Fairvie http://instagr.am/p/RDvB8Jh6NS/
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People don’t understand the SIGNIFICANT loss for Meggs. He was endorsed by EVERYONE, including major powerbrokers like Marcella Munro and Bill Tieleman.
Big, huge story. Never mind the NDP spin.
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Speaking of score, One in Surrey has gone from Hero to Zero rather unsually quicky. It’s that Hundal guy who was running in a Surrey riding. He disappeared rather quickly. Someone who scratched something at CKNW says there are rumors going around, but he wasn’t brave enough to tell what they are.
Rather unusual that a star candidate like him would exit stage faster than a cheap pole act at the Number Five.
He’s been seen aroun Bruce Raltson and coe for sometime.
If he isn’t a candidate, he should be able to win some kind of political goodie that pays more than $65,000 a year, wood’ya think?
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I agree about the HST . I was spouting off. I meant that there is bigger fish to fry than Tieleman. Had no intent to bully tactics against Clark…. Just saying need to keep the heat on in the frying pan.
And the need to keep their feet in them.
Tieleman is really nothing in the big picture…. but AGT is.
I had not gone to Tieleman’s site until Alex put up the link.
Possibly a year ago….. one time…
Doesn’t mean I agree with everything here at times but mostly very informative and controversial.
Seymour you did take my comment totally out of context.
No need to reply.
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It’s worth a reply.
I agree!
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Keeping score.
As of 6:21 Sunday October 21:
Tsakumis – 181
Tieleman – 36
Just sayin’.
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http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Justice+Ministry+official+expense+claims+trigger+audit+alarm/7419136/story.html
Once again, the liberal arrogance is breathtaking and on full display. For over a decade now, this attitude has prevailed and has been their standard which they approach taxpayers and any form of call for accountability. Nothing to see here folks, TRUST us, now move along. Hey, wait a minute, that kind of echoes what Mr. Tieleman has been saying….
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Yeah, but not as loudly, lately…and when he did…which contractor was pushing him?
Credibility vaporized.
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MSM, what Scum
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I had been wondering why the NDP had been going soft on Basi/Virk. It’s all about the “public relations consultants” and little secret whisperings in the ear and the safety of not rocking the boat. Elected officials upon the moment they enter office are massaged that they are now the governing class and would do well to heed the code that covers the proper discourse between members of this special club and how to handle the great unwashed public. Lib, NDP and Con are all drink the same booze of Enbridge and CUPE and pat each other on the back for their great works and are reminded constantly that birds of a feather must stick together.
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Way off topic but essential reading: UN climate body worse than a delinquent teen – Licia Corbella, The Province
http://www.theprovince.com/technology/climate+body+worse+than+delinquent+teen/7414468/story.html
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Yup.
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Breaking News!
Geoff Meggs loses his nomination run for the provincial gravy train.
Thank God, we won’t have to listen to his B.S. on the provincial stage.
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Yes, thank God.
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It saves Vancouver about $150,000 in costs for a by-election, but may be still stuck with it if Anton and another NDPer on Vancouver Park Board decides to take off and then manages to bag an MLA’s seat.
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Suzanne is about to burn whatever political capital she has left.
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Speaking of by-election costs borne by the taxpayer, interesting to note that Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton, who won the Penticton Lib nomination on the weekend, said that he “would personally underwrite the cost of a mayoral by-election, up to $35,000, in order to spare the city any costs from his leaving the post mid-term” according to Penticton Western News.
Kudos to him. Never heard any politician of any political stripe do that before.
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He’s first class. I’ve met him a few times. Very good man.
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I can’t imagine why Anton would even want to run. She isn’t terribly qualified for the job. why would a party even want to run her as a candidate?
so glad George Heyman won tonight! Megs would not have been a good candidate. It would have been bike lanes from here to Dawson Creek & back again. Heyman has a way better grasp of what is needed in this province. He actually understands life.
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Complete and total agreement.
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Heyman doesn’t understand a damn thing. He was a union leader, which demostrates his utter contempt for basic economics and then he joined the Sierra club which demonstrates his contempt for reality. Heyman is about as radical as it gets in NDP land. Get ready for economic armageddon in BC because Heyman has the ability to get the job done.
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Actually, he’s a bridge builder.
Meggs destroys bridges.
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That was quite the bridge he and Jim Sinclair built for the members of the HEU back in 2004: when the HEU really needed support from the rest of the union movement, Heyman and Sinclair built them a bridge that went nowhere, and forced the HEU to walk off the end of the plank.
May 3rd, 2004. The day that “Solidarity” died.
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I don’t disagree on that point but what I’m talking about is quite different.
Heyman is someone you can exchange ideas with. He’s very civil. That’s what the BC NDP need.
Meggs is a miserable ass. He doesn’t care to shovel lies about bike lanes, viaducts and the Olympic Village. Towering lies. He’s despicable as a public figure, although a very successful Chief of Staff for Larry Campbell. Meggs was extremely effective there.
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Exchange of ideas? Have you been to the Sierra Club website lately? Maybe exchange of ideas with regard to militant activism, but that’s it.
I don’t dispute that Meggs is a miserable SOB, but Heyman is a piece of work that will likely be rewarded with a cabinet position and will do some major damage to many industries in BC.
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Hey, I don’t disagree that he’s a climate change doomsterist, too.
But the lesser if two evils. Heyman was NOT backed by Tides–the latter of whom is a real problem and should be banned from this country.
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Maybe Meggs could be Chief of Staff for the Green Party’s leader.
Does he even ride a bike in November’s rainy weather?
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Of course not.
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There was no bridge to build. HEU was bound and determined to publicly pick a fight they couldn’t win against a world-class bully, and they refused to listen to any sort of reason, preferring instead to sing “Internationale” whilst leading the flag-wavers into the stream of bullets. Shortly afterward, Judy Darcy was hired and the remaining crew began to learn how to set sails and crew the ship themselves.
And the ocean’s been a lot quieter since.
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not to mention viaducts
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Ohhhh scaaaary……like someone who leads a large organization of working people is a low class dimwit. Its a business MCG – get over yourself and your LIEberal thinking. And speaking of low class dimwits – look at our current ruling party if you’d like an example of things that need to change.
Man, talk about being part of the problem and not the solution…..
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quote: “I can’t imagine why Anton would even want to run”
Image preservation for another city council try, maybe?
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Not a hope. She’s desperate with so little political capital left in the tank, she’s praying for a miracle.
And it won’t happen. Wilkinson will mop the floor with her.
After this, she’s finished.
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Not sure if anyone has posted this … it’s quite good:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lu-z4FyHNw&feature=results_video
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We posted this last week. The producer’s boyfriend is a friend of mine. Good people.
And talented, too!
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I think the list of endorsements for Mr. Meggs tells a story.. is Mr. Teilman on this list?
If you take the time to google these names you will find a common thread.
If there is anyone without the time or access to search let me know and I’ll post some links for you..
http://geoffmeggs.ca/fairview/endorsements/
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Sure Bill’s in there. He should apologize the people and show some shame for pretending to be a journalist.
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