December 9th, 2005 Today I was contacted by Alex Shprintsen, the producer for CBC's news program, The National who had originally coordinated the Town Hall program in 1996. He just wanted to update his contact list, but as we chatted on the phone, he mentioned that he had gotten into a "lot of trouble" over the original program.

When the show originally aired, many nay-sayers, including members of Prime Minister Chrétien's Office and journalists for the CTV insisted that I had been "coached" by the CBC, (evidently, Mr. Shprintsen bore the brunt of those accusations) even going so far as to say that I had not come up with my own question.

Well, as Michael Palin once said, "Help, help, I'm being repressed!"

When you think about it, the meat of their argument is that a simple waitress (not only limited by her working class job, but a woman besides) couldn't possibly put together a cogent question, far less defend it when it's premise is being denied by a professional politician. Clearly, in the minds of these arrogant men, (and yes, the critics were men) a woman who works as a waitress needs the help of a producer to put together an argument about an issue as complicated as taxation. Why, how could a pretty little thing like me cope all by myself?

Can you believe that these are the people you get your legislation and your news coverage from?

Ironically, the reason a smart, capable woman like me was working as a waitress in 1996 is poor government. Since my high school graduation, I went through how many recessions? And the solution for my generation, "go work in the oilfields", was hardly a solution for me. So, I returned to school, (no money in that) worked in the comedy clubs (no money in that) and ended up waitressing until something better happened.

Or should I say, until I made something better happen. Alone. Without coaching.

But my story is a bit of a cautionary tale for other women and workers in Canada... brace yourselves... THE GOVERNMENT DOESN'T THINK VERY MUCH OF YOU. And, they are so invested in their arrogance, that if you prove yourself in some way, they will try to paint you as a fraud rather than to use your knowledge and experience to better the country.

This is why nothing the politicians say during this campaign has been of any interest to you. There's just no more truth in politics.

The truth is, we're not that small, we're not that stupid, and they need us more than we need them.

However, I am somewhat heartened to see and hear all the concessions politicians are making during this campaign... You notice that? Hmmmm... minority government's been beddy beddy good for our boys and girls in Ottawa. Maybe a longer stint in a minority situation will peel another of the many layers of arrogance off them...

So, do yourself and other Canadians a favour... Keep the government representative of our vast diaspora... Keep a minority government in power. Make the politicians work for you for a change.

-- Johanne Savoie

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