Mein Kriecher sagte mir, daß ich nie aufhöre, zu erstaunen (I)

Around these parts, the presence of a roman-numeral serial number implies that a multiple-part posting is in prep, or already been saved, but not publicly posted, ready for multi-day rollout.

This is not the case this time. It's just oh so very predictable that the House of Assembly, for however long (or short) it sits this spring, will be almost never-ending source of similar Great Moments in Lickspittledom.

With that prescient preamble, here is a collection of the first week's GMiL's.

Sharp eyes will notice that the Hon. Members speaking are all backbenchers. Are positions already being staked out for an impending cabinet — sorry, Williams Team — shuffle?

MR. VERGE: Over the past four years, the Williams’ government has invested in the future growth and economic stability of Lewisporte district through initiatives including, but not limited to, the following: In the area of roads, in the past four years, this government has invested millions of dollars in the upkeep, resurfacing and repair of connecting highways throughout my district… In the area of government services, Mr. Chairman, on Thursday, January 17, 2008, the Minister of Transportation visited my district and officially opened the provincial headquarters for marine services. The location of this department in a rural district speaks of another significant investment that the Williams’ government has made in rural Newfoundland… Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Premier Williams for accepting me as a member of this team. I am very pleased to be a member of the Williams Government and I intend to work with him, his Cabinet and this caucus to advance the issues brought to my attention by the people in my district and throughout the Province… Our Premier, Mr. Williams, said the following, "Mr. Speaker, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are not looking to their government for miracles. They are looking for strong leadership that listens, get all the right information, makes strong decisions and moves ahead progressively towards concrete goals. They are looking for a government that will work on their Province’s behalf, creatively, constructively and compassionately." Mr. Speaker, I believe our government under the leadership of the hon. Premier Williams has listened to the people. They have done the research and they have provided leadership, leadership that has brought this Province from a position of deficit to an era of surplus, from an air of gloom to an atmosphere of optimism and from an age of burden to a future of promise.

MR. KENT: By working together we really can be masters of our own destiny… Mr. Chair, during the first four years of Progressive Conservative Government under the leadership of Premier Williams, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians saw a change in leadership but they also witnessed a change in attitude. The philosophy of no more giveaways is a mantra now in Newfoundland and Labrador, and one that is hugely supported.

MR. KELLY: In conclusion, Mr. Chair, I appreciate the opportunity to address this House today. On reflection, it is quite clear to me that the Danny Williams led government has done an outstanding job in this Province… I am excited about the opportunity to participate in the management and growth of our beloved Province, Newfoundland and Labrador. I am confident that the direction of our leader, Premier Williams, and his team, will result in long-term sustainable benefits for the people of this great Province.

MR. HUTCHINGS: Mr. Chair, I want to take a few moments, just a little leeway here, to speak to the residents of Ferryland district and say a special thank you to them for re-electing me in October. I, myself, have just been sitting in this Assembly for one year, and that was last February when I was elected. Certainly, a strong mandate again in October for my candidacy but more importantly, I guess, or bigger was the support for this government for the initiatives they are pursuing and for the leadership of Premier Williams and the direction this Province is going in, the plan that this government has directed… All of these initiatives bring us to being what is often referred to, no doubt, as masters of our own destiny. We need to forge ahead. We have certainly done that under the leadership of Premier Williams in terms of this Cabinet, this caucus and the government as we move forward. No doubt we will continue to do that.