A Country Sold Out

We have a lot of ghost towns in New Mexico that were once thriving communities. Sadly, they went the way of the dinosaurs because of industrialization of our country. I understand that feeling.

Kathy

Big fish eats little fish....

I know this sceanario...Big bro ( OZ) wants to cojoin or take over little bro ( NZ) The natives have this to say, Kamate Kamate, with spears in hand LOL.

Your sentiments appreciated and duly noted, nice pic of yah too.

Hugs
Cherrypie

In 1932, the Canadian government and several Canadian banks came to Newfoundland’s rescue with some short-term help. Newfoundland’s financial collapse reawakened the issue of Confederation with Canada (MacLeod 1994, 22). Since the turn of the century, union with Canada had rarely been discussed. At this time, the Newfoundland government favored a union with Canada. However, the Canadian government had to look at the idea a little closer. There were two conflicting issues. One was that if Newfoundland joined Canada, Canada would have to take the burden of Newfoundland’s enormous debt. The other was that is was not in Canada’s best interest to let Newfoundland go under financially. Between the years of 1946 and 1948, attention was focused on planning for Newfoundland’s economic future. In 1948, a vote was taken and eighty-nine percent of the population voted in favour of confederation.
On March 31, 1949, Newfoundland became a province of Canada (Rothney 1964, 25). At the moment of union, Newfoundland became eligible to participate in Canada’s vast social welfare programs. These programs included veterans’ benefits, unemployment insurance, merchant seamen benefits, Family Allowances, National Housing, health grants, old-age pensions, and pensions for the blind. It was with these programs that the lives of Newfoundlanders became more bearable. Domestic manufacturing and secondary industry in Newfoundland at this time was very small (MacKenzie 1986, 6). As a result, Newfoundland was very dependent on the outside world for many of their basic goods.
From the above history, one can see that Newfoundland would have been much better off if they had joined Canada at an earlier time. There was nothing wrong with Newfoundland wanting to remain on their own, but it was easy to see that such a small country would never be able to sustain a stable and prospering economy. Without the fishing industry, there was little else in Newfoundland for economic development. Clearly, foreign trade was an essential element to Newfoundland’s economy.
I believe that Newfoundland would have been better off if it had joined Canada when Confederation talks first began. No country can survive on exports alone. Newfoundland had could not even produce its own food due to the poor soil conditions and short growing season. An earlier entry into Confederation would have relieved Newfoundland from its large public debt. Canada would have also been able to provide Newfoundland with some of the Social Welfare Programs, so there would have been less poverty and less unemployment. The standard of living in Newfoundland would have gone up and the education standards would have gone up as well. With a more stable economy and a more stable population, Newfoundland could have been a prospering part of Canada.

I love the write dear cuz and find myself her singing to the original version of the song The Shores of Newfoundland and it fills me up inside. I have been so homesick for years now and wish I could go back home for a visit. Yes our people were certainly wronged in so many ways by the government and were robbed of their independence and their pride, its a sad story but true.

Love you cuz
Selena

This one make me remember the book "The land God gave Cain" about Newfoundland, seems it wasn't God but your politicians doing it.
Benn there, saw that, adly true.
Georg

A bizarre story, for sure, well penned!

Politicians who think money in "their" pockets will make it right don't have a clue!! A sad commentary on world politics. Things seem to be the same all over the world.
Love,
annie

Ahh Felix as I am from that beautiful place called Newfoundland, I know what your words are saying here and yes we were some of those who packed and moved away for what was taken and destroyed left us no choice. Thank you for sharing with the world.
Love ya cuz XOXO, Rose

Shame, shame....shame!!! This is what happens with the little man all over the world. Greed is overpowering and evil when it erases an economy that is the very sustinance that nourishes it's people.
Dayum them all to hell Fee!
Love,
Susan

That's so sad, Fee. I love the write and I love the Newfoundland's dogs! Well done,
R~

Sad write; but very well penned, Fee; outstanding!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :(

I love the vernacular in this. I adds so much to the piece. How sad that we replace a way of life with "stuff." --Charlie

Felix, this world channges so fast, and as often is the case some of those changes do not benefit everyone, that's sad but true. Hold on to what you have with all your might.

Peace,
Dan

This is such sad news, Fee, there is much going on in your world..You are a survivor my friend and thank goodness for that.
Peace, Love, and Light
Amber "V"

a way of life just gone-incredibly trajic but a well written ballad

(((Fee)))

Seems when the government gets involved, it mucks everything up. True here, too...well penned.

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.

Very touching write Fee,enjoyed..take care...Hugsssssssss

I had forgotten that Newfoundland was independent, Thanks for the rememberance Fee.
Politicians...don't get me started

Walt

It seems modern day politicians, no matter where they may be, have only two things on their minds these days - greed and power - and God help us all.

A poignant write on what politicians can do to a country and continue to it and the voter is to blame.

Feeling the sadness in this poem, very moving.