JCT: Update: I missed an earlier story from before the
nomination date:

Guelph Tribune
Guelph Votes
Fringe Candidate May Return
Sep 12, 2008
http://www.guelphtribune.ca/news/article/143144

Brantford resident John Turmel has told a local newspaper
he's considering running in Guelph for the Oct. 14 general
election. Turmel told the Brantford Expositor this week that
the campaign is undemocratic in Brantford. "I may probably
go where I have a chance to participate," he said in the
article. Turmel ran as an independent candidate in Guelph's
byelection before Prime Minister Stephen Harper cancelled it
by calling a general election.

Turmel cited being escorted from a debate by police during
last year's provincial election in Brantford among examples
of the city's undemocratic campaigning. He was also escorted
by police from a debate held at the River Run Centre by the
Guelph Chamber of Commerce and Rogers Television during the
byelection campaign. However, a debate organized by Rogers
and the Guelph Mercury plans to include all candidates
running here. This debate had been scheduled for the
byelection but was postponed after rumors of a general
election began swirling. It's now expected to be held on
Oct. 7.

Turmel, who holds the Guinness Book of Records title for the
most elections contested - 67 in all - told the Expositor
he'll take some time to decide where he'll run as a
candidate in the general election. However, coming to
Guelph, he said in the article, would allow him to promote
his issues.

JCT: The Tribune published my 300-word statement with those
of the other candidates at:
http://www.guelphtribune.ca/news/article/146318
Why Vote for Me? Oct 07, 2008
---

JCT: Also, here are the videos of the past debates:

Guelph police oust King of the Fringe from Rogers debate
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-2886052532187526205&hl=en-CA

Social Justice Guelph election debate
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=7375649767973318199&hl=en-CA

Guelph University byelection debate
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-5062695864077813980&hl=en-CA

Guelph University election debate
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-1666076765002550976&hl=en-CA

Guelph CVI highschool debate exclusion
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-6316855244927663574&hl=en-CA

JCT: THis is a short one until it's shut by the teacher.

Guelph U. Grad Students debate
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-2767058194844574674&hl=en-CA

The Mercury debates
http://guelphmercury.blogs.com/from_the_editors/2008/10/the-mercury-deb.html
October 05, 2008

An extensive roster of Guelph candidates will square off
Tuesday night. The debates are hosted by The Guelph Mercury,
Rogers TV and Magic 106.1.
"The Mercury is continuing a tradition of spurring better
public understanding of policy positions and candidates in
staging the debates," said Guelph Mercury managing editor
Phil Andrews. "We feel hosting these forums shows leadership
and we hope it both provides access to people to the local
candidates and gives them better insight when it comes time
to to vote." Both events are all-candidates debates.
"We anticipate a full turnout, candidate-wise," Andrews
said.

Independent John Turmel and Kornelis Klevering of the
Marijuana party were tossed out of a by-invitation-only
debate last week at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute.

Staging an all-candidates debate with as many as 10
candidates is going to prove a challenge, Andrews said.
"We feel strongly though that it supports democracy and free
speech to invite all registered candidates to participate."
This week's debates will begin with an opening statement
from each candidate. A media panel will pose questions,
followed by questions from the audience. Each candidate will
then have an opportunity to make a closing statement.
Remarks will be timed and the debate moderator will be
sticking to a two-hour timetable.
"Both ridings have seen energetic and sometimes feisty
forums thus far," Andrews said. " I'm sure these forums will
be offering some entertainment value as well this week."

Watch the debate on television: Broadcast on Rogers TV,
Channel 20 Rebroadcast times: Thursday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, 8 p.m.

Comments
Posted by: John Turmel | October 07, 2008 at 01:06 PM
I have objected to the rule that candidates can't wear our
buttons. Our appearance and our presentations are our
business, not the organizers'.
As at every meeting, I will be wearing my Abolitionist Party
of Canada party LETS diskette button.
---

Creating jobs by killing them
http://guelphmercury.blogs.com/guelphvotes/2008/10/creating-jobs-by-killing-them\
.html
October 07, 2008
Posted by Matt Shurrie

It seemed a bit strange during Tuesday night's all-
candidates debate in Guelph to hear Independent John Turmel
talk about bypassing the big banks to make cash deposits and
withdrawals directly to the Bank of Canada.
The statement came during a question and answer session with
members of the local media about what could be done to help
the local economy in light of numerous job layoffs.
In the world of Turmel, it would appear that eliminating
thousands of jobs across the country is somehow the best way
to save the economy.
Interesting math to say the least.

Comments
Posted by: Electionradio.ca | October 07, 2008 at 07:44 PM
I think that would be why he's a fringe candidate. He has
actually been quite entertaining in the past although his
act gets old very quick.
Good at publicising LETS (Local Exchange Trading Systems)
which we might need if the financial crisis gets worse.
electionradio.ca

Posted by: John Turmel | October 09, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Jct: Eliminating thousands of clerk jobs that could be done
by computers is not a problem. It's not jobs people want,
it's a pay-check, money. A loan from the Bank of Canada that
can be repaid in cash or work on a government work-bee means
no one has to stay with a dead-end luddite job.
If you really want to create jobs, it's easy. Take away the
bulldozer and put in men with shovels. If you want to create
even more jobs, take away their shovels and give them
spoons.
(Real Caouette, leader, Social Credit Party of Canada 1960s)
---

JCT: When I arrived at the Mercury Rogers debate, they had
cops ready to take me away if I did not remove my LETS
diskette sticker before the show. So I had to wait until the
end of the night before putting it on.
The Mercury played a couple of clips from the debate in an
article on the fringe:
http://news.guelphmercury.com/videogallery
http://news.guelphmercury.com/videogallery/389689

They have the "Marijuana regrows brain cells" routine ending
with my best marijuana zinger. And they do my explanation of
why nations can't let rebel provinces leave: the land is
mortgaged by the feds and the rebs would have to take their
share of the debt with them.

I've tried uploading my video of the Mercury-Rogers debate
but for some reason, the Google uploader no longer
recognizes me. I'll keep trying. Watch out for Turmel,
Guelph, Mercury. At the very end, an audience member is
asked what she thought of the debate and said: "it was
hilarious, I really liked the funny guy." Too bad it's not
up yet.
---

Oct 10 2008
Trying to make it beyond the fringe
http://news.guelphmercury.com/Opinions/article/390533

"Beyond the Fringe" was a '60s comedy stage review that made
household names of Dudley Moore, Peter Cook, Alan Bennett
and Jonathan Miller and paved the way for such future
British satirical landmarks as "Monty Python's Flying
Circus." It's also an apt name for political parties trying
to break free from the fringes. And on occasion, they do in
Canada.

In 1962, the national Social Credit party came into full
bloom on the federal stage, capturing 30 seats in the House
of Commons -- 26 from Quebec -- but by 1993 it had
disappeared. The Greens are the latest party to make it
beyond the fringe, but so far they can only dream of the
electoral victories once enjoyed by the Socreds.

But some parties -- and political candidates -- will always
remain on the fringe, and only be granted a brief moment in
the sun each election cycle. Such has been the case in
Guelph during this federal election campaign, where six of
the 10 candidates on the ballot are so marginal they will be
lucky -- very lucky -- to garner enough votes to recoup
their election deposit.

But that's not the name of the game. The purpose is to get
their message out, and five of the six fringe candidates did
that ably Tuesday during a two-hour all-candidates debate
co-sponsored by this newspaper.

Some electors may grumble that the televised debate should
have been reserved for the four mainstream parties, but
voters are entitled to hear the broadest range of opinions
during an election campaign, and they got it this week.

The only absent voice was Manuel Couto, Guelph's Marxist-
Leninist contender -- and we don't mean Groucho Marx and
John Lennon. But the international socialist talking points
were effectively delivered by Communist Drew Garvie. Two
communists in one race -- so much for such views being
confined to the ash heap of history.

Speaking of ash, the push for decimalization of pot is a
movement that seems to have gone up in smoke in Canada, but
that's through no failing of Marijuana party candidates such
as Kornelis Klevering. And who knew a green solution is to
be found in hemp.

The seal hunt isn't exactly front and centre during this
election cycle, but we're grateful for the attention drawn
to it by Karen Levenson of the Animal Alliance Environment
Voters party. And top marks to Libertarian Philip Bender for
admitting what we all know -- he hasn't got a prayer.

And what more can we add about John Turmel, the Clown Prince
of the local fringe contingent?

JCT: Yeah, the Clown Prince busted up the audience quite a
few times. Of course I can be the wildcard, the joker,
because I'm not worried like the others. I can fix it.

In full rant, Turmel -- who can't seem to find enough
ridings to run in -- reminds us of a low-rent Lewis Black,
the gyrating political comedian who's a recurring fixture on
Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show."

JCT: I must come across that way sitting beside many droning
bores. But zingers from the King of the Fringe not only show
a contradiction to make people laugh. they must solve the
puzzle to get the joke. Even if it doesn't stay long.

But when a dram of policy drops from Turmel's mouth it's
likely to be on the need for monetary reform. Turns out he's
an Independent in Social Credit clothing, so who knows, one
day he just may make it beyond the fringe.

JCT: If I lend you $1000 interest-free, is that friendly
credit? Yes. If the Bank of Canada lends it to you interest-
free, that's sociable Social Credit too.
---

http://cfruelectionradio.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/coming-up-on-federal-election-\
radio-cfru-933fm/

Busy day at CFRU Election Central.
At CFRU we're all working hard on today's show.
We currently expecting to have Kyle "The Numbers Guy" Mackie
in the studio and visits by Marijuana Party candidate,
Kornelius "Brother Case" Klevering and Independent, John
"The Poverty Engineer" Turmel.

JCT: Google for "anti-poverty engineer!" Bankers and
economists engineer poverty.

Don't you just love the fringe candidates? They are so much
more refreshing than those from the main parties. None of
that restraint that comes with being concerned about being
actually elected and making sure you don't put a foot wrong
in the meantime.

I love that they have these other names.
It's a bit like announcing wrestlers.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, let me present from your edification
tonight. Frank "The Honest Lawyer" Valeriote, Mike
"Treehugger" Nagy, Tom "The Witty Writer" King and Gloria
"The Blue Phantom" Kovach" (because she's missed so many
debates). Sorry, that last one just slipped out.
Anyway, should be a fun show.
See you at 4.00 p.m. on CFRU 93.3fm, Guelph's Campus-
Community Radio Station.

JCT: It was a most comprehensive interview though it's not
been posted yet. I'll let you know.
----

http://cfruelectionradio.wordpress.com/2008/10/07/the-guelph-mercury-debate-wher\
es-waldo-i-mean-manuel/

A Little Light Relief. Vote Carefully But Vote! Wish We had
Proportional Representation?
October 7, 2008...10:55 pm
The Guelph Mercury Debate -
Where's Waldo. I mean Manuel?
Manuel Couto from the Marxist-Leninist Party? He's running
in the federal general election in Guelph. Yet, as far as
I'm aware he hasn't set foot here yet. He was the only
candidate missing from the Mercury debate this evening. What
gives? Why run if you don't let people know what you stand
for? Apparently this is the third time he's run in Guelph
too.

JCT: In the old days, he'd be called a "paper candidate"
helping his party get the 50 candidacies necessary to
maintain party status. But now a party only needs one
candidate so I can't understand why the need for someone who
doesn't show up. Marxist-Leninists were never shy about
coming to debates before.

Tonight's debate was very restrained. No Fireworks.

JCT: I wonder what one would call the hilarious parts?

I'm sure the Merc wished that this debate could have
finished off the by-election campaign and not be delayed for
a further six weeks. All the candidates appeared tired, as
were most of their responses.

Karen Levenson (Animal Alliance Environmental Voters) made a
good point about Stephen Harper's lack of a plan to deal
with the developing recession. Apparently the Tories
anticipated the US financial crisis which is why they are
not that concerned about it. According to Stephen Harper,
the Tories new that the economy in the US was going to run
into problems a year ago. And if that's the case, asked
Karen, why on earth didn't he do anything about it? I'm sure
people losing their life savings in the stock market would
like to know.

Drew Garvie (Communist Party) and Case Klevering (Marijuana
Party) both had some good moments. John Turmel was
(thankfully) restrained.

JCT: He found the "hilarious"
"funny guy," "restrained?"

A little bit of light humour from Tom King. Otherwise, it
was more of the same.

He missed the "Clown Prince of the Fringe" but noted some
light humor somewhere.

Kovach played the "do you want to be part of the government
card?" whereas the other three; Lib, New Dem and Green
pointed out that may not be a good idea for the country,
never mind, Guelph. The strategic voting question was
avoided by most candidates which was good. I hope people in
Guelph will vote for what they want, not to avoid what they
don't want.

To my mind the best debate to listen to is still the first
campus debate. That, and the candidate interviews on CFRU,
of course.

JCT: And mine still hasn't been posted.

Twelve weeks is just too long for an election campaign.
Thank you again, Stephen Harper!
---

JCT: Guelph University Ontarion questionnaire:

http://theontarion.ca/viewarticle.php?id_pag=1894
Election 2008 -Independant
Local candidates respond to Ontarion questioner

(1) Please state your name, age and current occupation.

John C. Turmel, 57, engineer & professional poker player.
Google for "banking systems engineer" & "great canadian
gambler."


(2) Please provide some background information about your
past education, work, community service and political
involvement which highlight your qualifications to hold
public office.

I've spent the last 30 years running for political office to
upgrade the Bank of Canada's computer to LETS interest-free
credit.

(3) Is this the first election campaign in which you are a
candidate? If not, in what previous campaigns have you run?
(If applicable) How long has your party been around?

See Wikipedia for all other 67 campaigns.

(4) Why did you decide to run? What would you say is your
primary mandate - or the primary mandate of your party -
should you be elected?

To reprogram the Bank of Canada's computer to allow all to
log on like Paypal, borrow enough new currency based on
their promised time at work to pay off all their debts and
after that, all payments go against principal payable in
cash or in time at work.

(5) In your opinion, what are some of the most pressing
concerns for constituents in Guelph? At a national level?

Poverty because time isn't rated with gold as collateral for
loans by banks. Adding the Time Standard of Money to the
Gold Standard or Stuff Standard of money solves that
problem.

(6) As a Member of Parliament, what measures would you
champion to improve life for people at the University of
Guelph and in the riding?

Since interest-free student loans (forever, not just 6
months after graduation before they turn you over to the
loansharks) solves all financial problems.

(7) (If applicable) Are there any planks in you or your
party's platform that might be of interest to students?

1) As champion of the gamblers, hookers and pot smokers, I'd
get cops out of gambling, sex, drugs and rock & roll. People
have a right to gamble, a right to drugs, shy and less
attractive people have a right to get laid. And interest-
free loans for all from the national Bank of Canada and no
more from the loanshark private banks.

2) I'd bring Canadian soldiers back from an illegal war,
have Canada plead guilty to the war crime of removing the
legitimate Taliban government and offering financial
reparations, not personal nation-building.

3) I would cancel the recent agreement signed by the Harper
government on Feb 14 2008, to permit the US Army to come
into Canada. (Oh, you didn't hear? Distracted by Valentine's
Day?) These are the guys who have slaughtered hundreds of
thousands, who set up the death squads all over Latin
America and Asia, Google for Phoenix and Viet Nam, and I
don't want want the death-squad teachers to be able to enter
Canada. So I would cancel Harper's agreement to let the
American Army enter Canada whenever he decides he wants
them.
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=8551

(8) What makes you the best candidate for the job?

My Local Employment-Trading Software was recommended in the
United Nations UNILETS resolution as the time-based software
to restructure the global financial architecture. After all,
I'm the only banking system in the world.
---

turmelguelph08.wmv St. James High School Guelph election debate
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=4719367606168915463&hl=en-CA

Reports on the St. James High School Debate
http://guelphmercury.blogs.com/guelphvotes/2008/10/high-school-debate.html
October 08, 2008
High school debate
Put Marijuana party candidate Kornelis Klevering and
passionate independent John Turmel in a cafeteria full of
teenagers, and there is bound to be spirited debate.
Conservative candidate Gloria Kovach was notably absent from
the all-candidates debate at St. James Catholic High School
this morning.
Teachers cringed and students cheered as Klevering described
himself as "a missionary who believes marijuana is a
sacrament, just as God says in the Bible."
Liberal Frank Valeriote, NDP Tom King, Green party's Mike
Nagy and Karen Levenson from the Animal Alliance Environment
all attended.
Moderator Christopher Neudorf, 17, said he felt it was
important to invite every candidate, even if it meant time
was diverted toward talking about marijuana.
"Personally, I would like to have talked about university
tuition," he said. "But it does bring up the issue of
whether there should be one-issue parties."

Posted by: John Turmel | October 09, 2008 at 07:26 AM
Comments
Jct: What? I tell kids 1) marijuana kills cancer, has never
caused a death; 2) alcohol hurts because it destroys brain
cells, marijuana feels good because it regrows new brain
cells. That's why herbalists are so sharp and drunks are so
dull.
----

Social Justice meeting audio tape
http://cfruelectionradio.wordpress.com/2008/09/07/the-
guelph-social-justice-debate/

http://cfruelectionradio.wordpress.com/2008/10/01/all-
candidates-forum-at-the-u-of-g-september-30/

http://patadragon.livejournal.com/2008/10/10/
10th Oct, 2008
11:44 PM

I see that John C. Turmel is running as a candidate for the
federal election in Guelph this year. Congrats! I had
wondered what had happened to him - he has run in every
election in my riding (federal, provincial, mayoral) for the
past five years, but was strangely missing in action this
year. Not that he would have had much luck here, they've
taken to banning him from debates, even when he's a
candidate. In fact, if I remember correctly, at a debate in
a previous election the Conservative candidate ended up
leaving the stage and phoning the police to take him away! I
hope he is causing similar drama in Guelph to entertain you.
He likes to play the accordion at retirement homes (yes,
including the one where I worked) when he's not protesting
the evil of banks or illegal marijuana or something. I
remember seeing him in a debate in highschool and thinking
how sad it was that someone had managed to convince this
obviously mentally disabled man to take part in an election
to laugh at him. Turns out this was not the case! Turmel has
a website, but the crazy makes it a bit hard to read. Turmel
also, according to the Guinness Book of World Records,
apparently holds the record for the most elections lost at
66.
---

JCT: My abolitionist ally Marc Gauvin always used to say
that people only had to hear me play my accordion to know I
wasn't nuts. Well Marc, this lady heard me play my accordion
and checked my web site and still thinks I'm nuts.
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=1684968751514758463&hl=en-CA
is a concert I did on Oct 7 2008 at the Amber Lea retirement
home just before the Mercury-Rogers debate where we were not
going to be allowed to wear our party buttons. I told the
oldsters the story up to that point at the 14:20 minute and
48:00 minute marks. The rest is concert.

So that's all there is to the Guelph election. I culled out
the Turmel bits and posted them in Best of Turmel at:
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-7987666397721661845&hl=en-CA