The final chapter of the Progressive downfall in Alberta was precipitated by this very idea of uniting the right. Prentice, Smith and Preston Manning himself helped engineer the scheme to destroy the opposition Wildrose Party so that responsible voters had no where else to turn.
They even appeared to have succeeded at one point. I myself had left Wildrose for dead, at least mentally for a month or so. I never took Prentice up on his limited time free membership for Wildrose members.
But then Progressives were progressive, raising taxes and lording their perceived invulnerability over us. I couldn't stand it. I tried the Progressive brand on for size and it sucked. There was no way I'd vote for taxes. Strategic vote splitting and all that be damned. I will never make that mistake again.
So here we are and Ken Boessenkool is trying to unit the right again. I agree that vote splitting is a real challenge. And while Progressives were keen to underhandedly wipe out the Wildrose outright for the purpose of unity, I don't see why they won't accept the same logic now and retire the PC franchise.
I don't mean a merger with the Wildrose. I mean pack it in. Close it down. Spare us the needless years of NDP "darkness" that we saw when Reform and PC fought federally. Are the Ken Boessenkools of the world willing to accept that? Surrender or nothing. Those are the terms.
If nothing else the last 6 months have proved that is Wildrose is incredibly resilient. If losing the party leader and 8 more MLA's, then facing a snap election and increasing their seat count doesn't show fortitude then what will? I doubt they'll face an existential threat like that again. Wildrose is a hardened player now.
I don't even care about the vote split all that much. If the NDP lasts for 8 or 12 years, it just means that many more people are going to learn the hard way. I wonder how many people would have voted for the Progs if they knew what kind of a blowout it would be? Perhaps they were holding out hope for a coalition? In fact, there is reason to believe that the Wildrose turnout was suppressed quite a bit with everything that went on in the last year.
Wildrose doesn't need to take the 9 remaining PC's either. Derek Fildebrant said that the party is open to conservatives but not opportunists. PC cronies, elected or otherwise need not apply.
Bitterness and resentment however don't belong in a good party. I would recommend accepting refugee MLAs with some tight conditions. They must publicly denounce the PC Party for starters. They should sit as an independent MLA for a year perhaps. And finally their recognition and acceptance into Wildrose be approved by a vote at the AGM. They would not technically be "floor crossing" in this scenario.
In any case it's looking like it's going to be war.
Showing posts with label Wildrose. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wildrose. Show all posts
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Friday, May 8, 2015
Implications of the Alberta Election on Federal Politics
I've read most of the pundits opining on the Alberta election and the NDP. Many of them are spot on. More than a few of them are the sort of fantasy wish that projects phoney conclusions onto real events. They get away with it because nobody can test their opinions before the Federal Election and after the election it will all be forgotten.
It's disappointing however that none of the professional talkers and opinion makers actually considered the real implications federally. Conservatives were not punished Tuesday night. They, the Wildrose, were rewarded. Progressives took a thrashing for their progressive governing.
The first myth is that the election has no implication on the federal scene. This is a bipartisan belief but stems from different viewpoints.
On the left they don't want to get their hopes up at least not too high. Many on the left are already emotionally invested in Trudeau and the idea that "Angry Tom" could beat their Dartanion is anathema because Harper is also a big meanie in their sad little heads. The script is set. It will be personality and charisma vs experience and success. They may not put it that way but that's what it will be. Mulcair being experienced and lacking charm interferes with this scheme. Mulcair's place is to lose badly and pave the way for boy Trudeau.
On the right the fears aren't so nuanced. They fear an orange wave exactly like the one in Alberta. Nothing is impossible. There are scenarios where this could happen but they belong in the realm of Black Swan events. Everyone recognizes this and immediately dismisses any relevance of the Alberta election to Federal politics.
They are both wrong though. This does have implications for Federal Politics.
The Federal NDP have been written off almost from the moment Jack Layton departed. Everyone saw the last Federal Election where NDP surged in Quebec. It was both a rejection of the Bloc and a sympathetic gesture to smiling Jack Layton. Mulcair has none of that going for him. All things equal the Orange Wave of 2011 should experience a neep tide. Those seats would presumably going to the Liberals in 2016.
But hang on. Is that really going to happen? The biggest single factor will be the NDP themselves. Alberta's NDP win was a needed shot in the arm. A confidence boost that will propel them to at least try to keep all those seats. I'm sure a few more votes will flow their way as a result of this weeks events. As long as they are kept from Justin Trudeau it's a very good thing. We have the makings of an excellent brawl on the left. All the NDP has to do is show up.
Now look at Alberta next October. Don't discount the confusion between the federal Conservative Party and the defunct Alberta Progressive Conservative Party. Its a confusion enemy pundits are all too willing to exploit especially while Prentice was around. It's "Tory" this and "Tory" that and the sad retort "they aren't Tory's" is all but vanished now. It's a shame.
I have an uncle in Ontario who has a nice TTC pension now. You can imagine the debates we have. He would bring up all kinds of nasty things Mulroney and the rest did and I could join in with him and say "this is a totally different Conservative Party, we turfed all those assholes and good riddance." Wildrose gets to do that now. Everyone should trash Progs at every level whenever possible.
I still meet people who drift from federal to provincial politics in the same conversation without quite grasping the real separation. Progressives have been giving Conservatives a bad name for far too long. It's nice to have another fragment of the old PC franchise out of the picture.
Notley's honeymoon should be over by summer. I predict that nothing will be fixed. Special interests are publicly lining up for their due already. The Government will grow larger at an even faster rate while taxes and economic uncertainty will take their toll. The palpable anxiety of the producer class can only grow in this environment. How will those voters perceive the liability of a Trudeau or Mulcair government? I think you know the answer, but note how many of these wise pundits are willing to lead you to it.
This should coincide nicely with Ontario's Liberal fatigue. If Conservatives are still worried then that is good too. It's great in fact. My observation of the CPC is that it seems to perform better when the Party is scared. Confidence and forthrightness should not be allowed to drift into deadly arrogance. Honesty and humility as well should be the watchwords of every minister. Nobody thinks you are perfect, so don't pretend. Don't try to pull a fast one on voters. Conservative voters are the savviest out there and they see and understand everything. Next fall its going to be: here's our record; here's our plan; here's an axe and here's our necks; is there anything else we can do for you Sir/Madam?
It's disappointing however that none of the professional talkers and opinion makers actually considered the real implications federally. Conservatives were not punished Tuesday night. They, the Wildrose, were rewarded. Progressives took a thrashing for their progressive governing.
The first myth is that the election has no implication on the federal scene. This is a bipartisan belief but stems from different viewpoints.
On the left they don't want to get their hopes up at least not too high. Many on the left are already emotionally invested in Trudeau and the idea that "Angry Tom" could beat their Dartanion is anathema because Harper is also a big meanie in their sad little heads. The script is set. It will be personality and charisma vs experience and success. They may not put it that way but that's what it will be. Mulcair being experienced and lacking charm interferes with this scheme. Mulcair's place is to lose badly and pave the way for boy Trudeau.
On the right the fears aren't so nuanced. They fear an orange wave exactly like the one in Alberta. Nothing is impossible. There are scenarios where this could happen but they belong in the realm of Black Swan events. Everyone recognizes this and immediately dismisses any relevance of the Alberta election to Federal politics.
They are both wrong though. This does have implications for Federal Politics.
The Federal NDP have been written off almost from the moment Jack Layton departed. Everyone saw the last Federal Election where NDP surged in Quebec. It was both a rejection of the Bloc and a sympathetic gesture to smiling Jack Layton. Mulcair has none of that going for him. All things equal the Orange Wave of 2011 should experience a neep tide. Those seats would presumably going to the Liberals in 2016.
But hang on. Is that really going to happen? The biggest single factor will be the NDP themselves. Alberta's NDP win was a needed shot in the arm. A confidence boost that will propel them to at least try to keep all those seats. I'm sure a few more votes will flow their way as a result of this weeks events. As long as they are kept from Justin Trudeau it's a very good thing. We have the makings of an excellent brawl on the left. All the NDP has to do is show up.
Now look at Alberta next October. Don't discount the confusion between the federal Conservative Party and the defunct Alberta Progressive Conservative Party. Its a confusion enemy pundits are all too willing to exploit especially while Prentice was around. It's "Tory" this and "Tory" that and the sad retort "they aren't Tory's" is all but vanished now. It's a shame.
I have an uncle in Ontario who has a nice TTC pension now. You can imagine the debates we have. He would bring up all kinds of nasty things Mulroney and the rest did and I could join in with him and say "this is a totally different Conservative Party, we turfed all those assholes and good riddance." Wildrose gets to do that now. Everyone should trash Progs at every level whenever possible.
I still meet people who drift from federal to provincial politics in the same conversation without quite grasping the real separation. Progressives have been giving Conservatives a bad name for far too long. It's nice to have another fragment of the old PC franchise out of the picture.
Notley's honeymoon should be over by summer. I predict that nothing will be fixed. Special interests are publicly lining up for their due already. The Government will grow larger at an even faster rate while taxes and economic uncertainty will take their toll. The palpable anxiety of the producer class can only grow in this environment. How will those voters perceive the liability of a Trudeau or Mulcair government? I think you know the answer, but note how many of these wise pundits are willing to lead you to it.
This should coincide nicely with Ontario's Liberal fatigue. If Conservatives are still worried then that is good too. It's great in fact. My observation of the CPC is that it seems to perform better when the Party is scared. Confidence and forthrightness should not be allowed to drift into deadly arrogance. Honesty and humility as well should be the watchwords of every minister. Nobody thinks you are perfect, so don't pretend. Don't try to pull a fast one on voters. Conservative voters are the savviest out there and they see and understand everything. Next fall its going to be: here's our record; here's our plan; here's an axe and here's our necks; is there anything else we can do for you Sir/Madam?
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Prentice: Gone. Wildrose: Ascendant. NDP Stomps Alberta PCs paralleling Mulroney's '93 Blowout!
Wildrose is looking up today. The dark cloud left by Prentice and Smith has been cast away. Neither of them will henceforth sit in Legislature. The original 17 Wildrosers elected in 2012 was superseded yesterday by 20 happy scrappy MLAs.
Brian Jean, a humble seeming fellow of decent character, had the appearance of a "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington," about him. You wouldn't know from his speeches that he spent several years in politics. Go figure. He's had a fine career. There's a slight hesitance in his speaking that, while endearing, could seem like a lack of confidence. With a month on the job and an outstanding campaign nobody can blame him but I must still recommend improvement in giving speeches. As leader of The Opposition there will be plenty of ice time to work on it.
There are other problems too. Wildrose was shut out of cities. Voters went elsewhere in almost all notable cities in Alberta less Fort McMurray. That has got to change. Except for Edmonton, where the orange wave crested highest, vote splitting on the right allowed the NDP to exploit that fact to their advantage.
This leads to the other problem for Wildrose, the scattered remnants of the Progressive Party. The NDP positively curb stomped the long ruling PC Party. None will mistake the fact that only the PCs stand in the way of a Wildrose majority government. A slow and kindly adoption of PC MLAs by Wildrose would be best for everyone. One can barely recognize a few of the PCs elected and that's good, because the ones that are recognized have still the taint of Redford on them.
It's amazing that Prentice quit his job immediately after the voters kept him. Losing the Premiership and resigning from PC leader is one thing. Quitting your seat on election night is a slap in the face to each PC voter in his former riding.
Get back here you! At least Ignatieff was kicked out.
Sure it was embarrassing to lose so badly but if he can't just be an MLA he wasn't meant for the top job either. Prentice left a very good job to be Premier and he'd probably like to go back to a good job now. "Just visiting" as they say. Not many people can put 'Premier of Alberta' on their CV. He'll be alright. Let's hope he takes the notes back to Joe Clark and Preston Manning.
It marks 22 years ago now that Preston Manning himself trounced the Mulroney PCs (yep, Kim Cambell, but not really). And it was the same Joe Clark that blocked Conservative unity and allowed the Liberals to dominate as the NDP have done yesterday. Will those characters work to block Wildrose now? Pity Alberta if they do.
We've seen this scenario before. Progressives fumbled badly in 1993 and now in 2015. Will this be a "Decade of Darkness" for Alberta? It doesn't have to be. Wildrose has proven that it has what it takes to last. It has defied crippling defections and a snap election to came out stronger than before. Even your author gave up hope, but in end chose Wildrose.
As for Racheal Notley I must pay my respect for a well run campaign and a good performance at the debate. Experience shows that left leaning politicians govern from the left and issue left wing policies. We can hope that Alberta NDP are different than the rest of them but that hasn't been the reality in most places. Whatever compensation the NDP grants to placate nervous conservatives be assured that it is only an attempt to ease them into more socialism later. Cynical? Yes, it's what happens when ideals hit reality. It would be nice to be wrong about the NDP but that reality is a pest. You heard the boos for Harper at Notley's acceptance speech? They will not make a good government, try as they might.
Raise your heads high Wildrose. The worst is behind you but there is a lot more ahead. Keep that plucky and happy attitude you all had through the campaign. The NDP now heads the bloated and entitled public service the PCs built and they believe they have a mandate too. Show them we won't tolerate the same government largess the last bunch was thrown out for.
Brian Jean, a humble seeming fellow of decent character, had the appearance of a "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington," about him. You wouldn't know from his speeches that he spent several years in politics. Go figure. He's had a fine career. There's a slight hesitance in his speaking that, while endearing, could seem like a lack of confidence. With a month on the job and an outstanding campaign nobody can blame him but I must still recommend improvement in giving speeches. As leader of The Opposition there will be plenty of ice time to work on it.
There are other problems too. Wildrose was shut out of cities. Voters went elsewhere in almost all notable cities in Alberta less Fort McMurray. That has got to change. Except for Edmonton, where the orange wave crested highest, vote splitting on the right allowed the NDP to exploit that fact to their advantage.
This leads to the other problem for Wildrose, the scattered remnants of the Progressive Party. The NDP positively curb stomped the long ruling PC Party. None will mistake the fact that only the PCs stand in the way of a Wildrose majority government. A slow and kindly adoption of PC MLAs by Wildrose would be best for everyone. One can barely recognize a few of the PCs elected and that's good, because the ones that are recognized have still the taint of Redford on them.
It's amazing that Prentice quit his job immediately after the voters kept him. Losing the Premiership and resigning from PC leader is one thing. Quitting your seat on election night is a slap in the face to each PC voter in his former riding.
Get back here you! At least Ignatieff was kicked out.
Sure it was embarrassing to lose so badly but if he can't just be an MLA he wasn't meant for the top job either. Prentice left a very good job to be Premier and he'd probably like to go back to a good job now. "Just visiting" as they say. Not many people can put 'Premier of Alberta' on their CV. He'll be alright. Let's hope he takes the notes back to Joe Clark and Preston Manning.
It marks 22 years ago now that Preston Manning himself trounced the Mulroney PCs (yep, Kim Cambell, but not really). And it was the same Joe Clark that blocked Conservative unity and allowed the Liberals to dominate as the NDP have done yesterday. Will those characters work to block Wildrose now? Pity Alberta if they do.
We've seen this scenario before. Progressives fumbled badly in 1993 and now in 2015. Will this be a "Decade of Darkness" for Alberta? It doesn't have to be. Wildrose has proven that it has what it takes to last. It has defied crippling defections and a snap election to came out stronger than before. Even your author gave up hope, but in end chose Wildrose.
As for Racheal Notley I must pay my respect for a well run campaign and a good performance at the debate. Experience shows that left leaning politicians govern from the left and issue left wing policies. We can hope that Alberta NDP are different than the rest of them but that hasn't been the reality in most places. Whatever compensation the NDP grants to placate nervous conservatives be assured that it is only an attempt to ease them into more socialism later. Cynical? Yes, it's what happens when ideals hit reality. It would be nice to be wrong about the NDP but that reality is a pest. You heard the boos for Harper at Notley's acceptance speech? They will not make a good government, try as they might.
Raise your heads high Wildrose. The worst is behind you but there is a lot more ahead. Keep that plucky and happy attitude you all had through the campaign. The NDP now heads the bloated and entitled public service the PCs built and they believe they have a mandate too. Show them we won't tolerate the same government largess the last bunch was thrown out for.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Prentice is too clever to trust
We all appreciate smart people.
Jim Prentice is one of those people, but it doesn't mean you should vote for him.
The reasons are pretty straight forward. Prentice raised taxes. It's a Boolean decision. Forget electronic voting. If I could rig a machine to vote for me it would need one single line of code. If government raises taxes for any reason, vote for another party. Done. My robotic voter would pick Wildrose.
Prentice is sure smart though. That coup he pulled against the Wildrose will go down in history. It's like something out of House of Cards. Nine MLAs including the Leader of the Opposition taken down with smiles and empty promises. Many of them aren't even running this time. We all know the story but it bears retelling as brilliant maneuvers deserve.
The trouble is that Prentice is also a progressive. One can be both smart and progressive. This is in contrast to smart and Liberal which are attributes seldom found in one mind. Progressives tend to see themselves as above the herd. They are the wise shepherds who's job is to lead the flock. Keeping with the analogy they also see it appropriate to harvest and consume the flock at will.
This is exactly what has happened. The PC Budget takes more money directly out of our pockets to pay for their mistakes. Their mistakes are my penalty. Progressives, being the adults, understand why they made all those mistakes. They fully understand why they had to lie to us about past budgets. It had to be done in their view. Else the sheep would ignorantly pick new shepherds and that cannot be allowed.
Redford's budget lies show that the party will go along with anything no matter how unscrupulous.
Prentice can't take the blame for the Redford years but he has to take the responsibility. He wanted the job. The government, the party and all of its baggage are now his. That's fair. If I'm the one paying the freight for it so I think its fair.
Knowing Prentice's craftiness and the unethical party he leads, what can be said about this surprise election? We know the PC's seem destined to rule for 1000 years or more. Alberta is broke and unsustainable (hence the taxes) so obviously we need to blow millions to immediately decide a sure thing. The government could have just waited for 2016.
The "House of Cards" reason for the election is to kick the opposition while they are down. Wildrose is still hurting from "the Betrayal" as Wildrosers are calling it. Call an election and exploit the damage Prentice himself inflicted. Ruthless political mastery of Machiavellian inspiration.
There seems to be something else going on here. Prentice's tax hikes were absolutely necessary because of the oil price (or PC mismanagement). This is basically the line you've heard. So why didn't they reveal any cuts? Things are so dire that taxes need raising, but every part of this bloated government is essential? Not True.
Prentice is playing House of Cards again. There will be cuts but only after the election. Prentice and his fat juicy government needs the votes of all those government employees. Once Prentice gets his "Mandate" he will give a speech something like this:
"While I thank Alberta voters for the confidence in the direction of this government we have heard message from so many who voted for the Wildrose opposition. We have heard the message that Albertans want a government that spends within its means and that is why we will look for savings for the taxpayer"
And with that Prentice will begin government cutbacks after the election. He will betray the people who want a fat government by cutting those same people loose and then credit the cuts to the demands of Wildrose.
Astoundingly brilliant again.
Do you doubt this is the plan? Its so obvious its almost the path of least resistance for the PCs. It's completely in character and matches their style exactly.
We all appreciate smart people. Smart people should be our friends. Smart adversaries not so much. Smart ranchers not at all if you are the cow.
We can marvel at the guile shown by the PCs and their ancient hold on power but we are subject to the rule of those same people. This is not a TV show. I pity Alberta. I pity the government workers blowing kisses to PCs all while they silently sharpen their blades and set the table.
I've made up my mind. If you are still deciding think twice about the sharks in the PC party. They can take care of themselves. I don't trust them to take care of anyone else. They will cash you in like a two dollar coupon if it suits them.
Jim Prentice is one of those people, but it doesn't mean you should vote for him.
The reasons are pretty straight forward. Prentice raised taxes. It's a Boolean decision. Forget electronic voting. If I could rig a machine to vote for me it would need one single line of code. If government raises taxes for any reason, vote for another party. Done. My robotic voter would pick Wildrose.
Prentice is sure smart though. That coup he pulled against the Wildrose will go down in history. It's like something out of House of Cards. Nine MLAs including the Leader of the Opposition taken down with smiles and empty promises. Many of them aren't even running this time. We all know the story but it bears retelling as brilliant maneuvers deserve.
The trouble is that Prentice is also a progressive. One can be both smart and progressive. This is in contrast to smart and Liberal which are attributes seldom found in one mind. Progressives tend to see themselves as above the herd. They are the wise shepherds who's job is to lead the flock. Keeping with the analogy they also see it appropriate to harvest and consume the flock at will.
This is exactly what has happened. The PC Budget takes more money directly out of our pockets to pay for their mistakes. Their mistakes are my penalty. Progressives, being the adults, understand why they made all those mistakes. They fully understand why they had to lie to us about past budgets. It had to be done in their view. Else the sheep would ignorantly pick new shepherds and that cannot be allowed.
Redford's budget lies show that the party will go along with anything no matter how unscrupulous.
Prentice can't take the blame for the Redford years but he has to take the responsibility. He wanted the job. The government, the party and all of its baggage are now his. That's fair. If I'm the one paying the freight for it so I think its fair.
Knowing Prentice's craftiness and the unethical party he leads, what can be said about this surprise election? We know the PC's seem destined to rule for 1000 years or more. Alberta is broke and unsustainable (hence the taxes) so obviously we need to blow millions to immediately decide a sure thing. The government could have just waited for 2016.
The "House of Cards" reason for the election is to kick the opposition while they are down. Wildrose is still hurting from "the Betrayal" as Wildrosers are calling it. Call an election and exploit the damage Prentice himself inflicted. Ruthless political mastery of Machiavellian inspiration.
There seems to be something else going on here. Prentice's tax hikes were absolutely necessary because of the oil price (or PC mismanagement). This is basically the line you've heard. So why didn't they reveal any cuts? Things are so dire that taxes need raising, but every part of this bloated government is essential? Not True.
Prentice is playing House of Cards again. There will be cuts but only after the election. Prentice and his fat juicy government needs the votes of all those government employees. Once Prentice gets his "Mandate" he will give a speech something like this:
"While I thank Alberta voters for the confidence in the direction of this government we have heard message from so many who voted for the Wildrose opposition. We have heard the message that Albertans want a government that spends within its means and that is why we will look for savings for the taxpayer"
And with that Prentice will begin government cutbacks after the election. He will betray the people who want a fat government by cutting those same people loose and then credit the cuts to the demands of Wildrose.
Astoundingly brilliant again.
Do you doubt this is the plan? Its so obvious its almost the path of least resistance for the PCs. It's completely in character and matches their style exactly.
We all appreciate smart people. Smart people should be our friends. Smart adversaries not so much. Smart ranchers not at all if you are the cow.
We can marvel at the guile shown by the PCs and their ancient hold on power but we are subject to the rule of those same people. This is not a TV show. I pity Alberta. I pity the government workers blowing kisses to PCs all while they silently sharpen their blades and set the table.
I've made up my mind. If you are still deciding think twice about the sharks in the PC party. They can take care of themselves. I don't trust them to take care of anyone else. They will cash you in like a two dollar coupon if it suits them.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
I'm still with Danielle Smith and the Wildrose Faction
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I hope everyone is having a good holiday in spite of the shock of the complete disintegration of the Wildrose Party.
Despite all the bad press and sour grapes I'm in support of the Wildrose Faction of the PC party. All the spitting fury isn't going to change the fact that the Wildrose faction will be all that is left of the Wildrose Party after the next election.
Don't feel bad. The Tea Party isn't an actual party either. Despite being not being a real party the Tea Party as a movement has considerable influence over the Republican Party. This is what I would suggest to the embittered party faithful of the Wildrose.
Until recently I was one of those party faithful. I donated. I blogged. I volunteered. But I didn't stop thinking (which is required for true faith). The events of December were the result of a failed ultimatum. Anyone who isn't blind with rage can see that. The social conservative faction within Wildrose, its Achilles heel, called Danielle Smith's bluff and scuttled merger negotiations. This resulted in the mass defection (did you suppose it was all planned this way?). It wasn't a bluff, and in hindsight it wasn't a good threat either since it looks like the so-cons wanted to be rid of her sort anyway. It's a mess, but liberation from so-cons is growing on me.
I've wondered how it would have gone if fiscal conservatives in Alberta had taken over the Alberta Party instead. The Wildrose was a social conservative party from the outset so it was a natural home for fiscal conservatives and libertarians. We all believe in smaller government and low taxes. If we had gone the other way perhaps elements of the old Alberta Party would be pushing fiscal conservatives to adopt mandatory gay marriage or something equally silly.
Who can say what would have been. We can only affect what will be ahead. If my brother fiscally responsible Albertans insist that their future will resemble the failed plans of the past then they will have only the bitterness and resentment they feel today.
Derek Fildebrandt hopes that extremists won't take control of the shattered remnants of the Wildrose Party. I would say that extremists will only take back control. The Wildrose Party is a broken vessel. It shall not be mended, but ground into dust. Our political system is adversarial by nature. The forces that stopped a clean merger have made their choice. Stay with them for stubbornness sake and face the sad conclusion.
Or...
There is another way. Become a movement. Look at how much influence Preston Manning wields with his Manning Center? The old carbon taxer even had a hand in the failed merger as he has apologized for his part. I think Albertans and Canadians would be well served by another conservative organization that would be independent from and at times contrary to the Manning Center. This would enable both of them to play "good cop, bad cop" and advance the discourse in a way that political parties simply can't. The Heartland Institute is a great example for our movement.
A Wildrose Institute could lend support to the Wildrose Faction within the PC party. There is no reason for the Wildrose Nine to stay at nine. The PC Party, particularly as lead by Jim Prentice, is fertile ground to spread the vision of Wildrose as it was under Danielle Smith. Declare Jim Prentice the tenth Wildroser.
In the new year, the Wildrose Faction should come out to play. It isn't going to be easy. I believe Jim Prentice to be an honourable man and a Harper Conservative. You can trust him, but I wouldn't trust anyone else. There is a chance you'll be given an important post only to be saddled with the blame and cast out as a scapegoat at the next election.
The only way to thread the needle will be to publicly vocalize yourself about anyone and anything that isn't right. Be open and transparent about all of it. I have a pretty good idea of what went down, but most people see it as a breach of trust. Rebuild that trust and reasonable people will understand. Of course you'll need to do so in a way that reflects well on the PC Party and poorly on the wrong-doers. Allison Redford is open season.
Guess who else is open season? -The So-cons you all left in the dust. They hate you more than ever and the media seems to side with them. I'm sure you don't like that. Nobody would like that, so you had better not waste any time acting like you are still under their thumb. Libertarians, LGBTQ, Atheists, Feminists, Muslims, all the people who never got any love and never felt welcome with the hill-billies might find resonance with Danielle Smith's story.
Reach out to them and bring them over. There is no reason they should be against free markets. If it makes the So-cons grind their teeth, all the better. Let them counter with embarrassing stories. I'm sure you have a few to tales to tell yourself. Let it out. The sting of the past month will have faded come election day, but if hatred still burns hot in their hearts most people will understand why you made those choices.
There is one other thing you need to do. Before the next election in Alberta, there is the larger matter federal election. The Wildrose Nine needs to throw themselves into battle against Justin Trudeau. Defenders of Alberta, you Nine have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I'm not sure exactly how you can help at this point but I'm sure you'll know. What's certain is that landing one on Trudeau will make you a Hero. Landing the fatal blow makes you the next Premier.
Best of luck to you and to us all! 2015 will be an exciting, memorable and happy New Year!
I hope everyone is having a good holiday in spite of the shock of the complete disintegration of the Wildrose Party.
Despite all the bad press and sour grapes I'm in support of the Wildrose Faction of the PC party. All the spitting fury isn't going to change the fact that the Wildrose faction will be all that is left of the Wildrose Party after the next election.
Don't feel bad. The Tea Party isn't an actual party either. Despite being not being a real party the Tea Party as a movement has considerable influence over the Republican Party. This is what I would suggest to the embittered party faithful of the Wildrose.
Until recently I was one of those party faithful. I donated. I blogged. I volunteered. But I didn't stop thinking (which is required for true faith). The events of December were the result of a failed ultimatum. Anyone who isn't blind with rage can see that. The social conservative faction within Wildrose, its Achilles heel, called Danielle Smith's bluff and scuttled merger negotiations. This resulted in the mass defection (did you suppose it was all planned this way?). It wasn't a bluff, and in hindsight it wasn't a good threat either since it looks like the so-cons wanted to be rid of her sort anyway. It's a mess, but liberation from so-cons is growing on me.
I've wondered how it would have gone if fiscal conservatives in Alberta had taken over the Alberta Party instead. The Wildrose was a social conservative party from the outset so it was a natural home for fiscal conservatives and libertarians. We all believe in smaller government and low taxes. If we had gone the other way perhaps elements of the old Alberta Party would be pushing fiscal conservatives to adopt mandatory gay marriage or something equally silly.
Who can say what would have been. We can only affect what will be ahead. If my brother fiscally responsible Albertans insist that their future will resemble the failed plans of the past then they will have only the bitterness and resentment they feel today.
Derek Fildebrandt hopes that extremists won't take control of the shattered remnants of the Wildrose Party. I would say that extremists will only take back control. The Wildrose Party is a broken vessel. It shall not be mended, but ground into dust. Our political system is adversarial by nature. The forces that stopped a clean merger have made their choice. Stay with them for stubbornness sake and face the sad conclusion.
Or...
There is another way. Become a movement. Look at how much influence Preston Manning wields with his Manning Center? The old carbon taxer even had a hand in the failed merger as he has apologized for his part. I think Albertans and Canadians would be well served by another conservative organization that would be independent from and at times contrary to the Manning Center. This would enable both of them to play "good cop, bad cop" and advance the discourse in a way that political parties simply can't. The Heartland Institute is a great example for our movement.
A Wildrose Institute could lend support to the Wildrose Faction within the PC party. There is no reason for the Wildrose Nine to stay at nine. The PC Party, particularly as lead by Jim Prentice, is fertile ground to spread the vision of Wildrose as it was under Danielle Smith. Declare Jim Prentice the tenth Wildroser.
In the new year, the Wildrose Faction should come out to play. It isn't going to be easy. I believe Jim Prentice to be an honourable man and a Harper Conservative. You can trust him, but I wouldn't trust anyone else. There is a chance you'll be given an important post only to be saddled with the blame and cast out as a scapegoat at the next election.
The only way to thread the needle will be to publicly vocalize yourself about anyone and anything that isn't right. Be open and transparent about all of it. I have a pretty good idea of what went down, but most people see it as a breach of trust. Rebuild that trust and reasonable people will understand. Of course you'll need to do so in a way that reflects well on the PC Party and poorly on the wrong-doers. Allison Redford is open season.
Guess who else is open season? -The So-cons you all left in the dust. They hate you more than ever and the media seems to side with them. I'm sure you don't like that. Nobody would like that, so you had better not waste any time acting like you are still under their thumb. Libertarians, LGBTQ, Atheists, Feminists, Muslims, all the people who never got any love and never felt welcome with the hill-billies might find resonance with Danielle Smith's story.
Reach out to them and bring them over. There is no reason they should be against free markets. If it makes the So-cons grind their teeth, all the better. Let them counter with embarrassing stories. I'm sure you have a few to tales to tell yourself. Let it out. The sting of the past month will have faded come election day, but if hatred still burns hot in their hearts most people will understand why you made those choices.
There is one other thing you need to do. Before the next election in Alberta, there is the larger matter federal election. The Wildrose Nine needs to throw themselves into battle against Justin Trudeau. Defenders of Alberta, you Nine have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I'm not sure exactly how you can help at this point but I'm sure you'll know. What's certain is that landing one on Trudeau will make you a Hero. Landing the fatal blow makes you the next Premier.
Best of luck to you and to us all! 2015 will be an exciting, memorable and happy New Year!
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Congratulations John Tory and Jim Prentice
John Tory
Finally the scandals and faux scandals in Toronto are done.
I liked Rob Ford until he lied to people. His crack use isn't actually a big deal to me except that its generally bad for your health and your career. The lies I could not excuse.
I was born in Toronto and grew up in its shadow so municipal politics over there was still interesting. Rob Ford made it a riot. That is what I really liked about him. He was the caricature of everything the left hates all rolled into one package.
Imagine this guy was a big city mayor.
Right. Rob Ford made the left's head explode in exactly the same way and it was fun to watch them roll in their hypocrisy.
I defended him when the left started picking on him, which they obviously were. He did enough all by himself to make everyone's efforts a complete waste.
In the end he dropped out for health reasons but got a seat on the council anyway. Good for him. He'll make a far better critic than a leader.
Jim Prentice
Oh yeah. There was an election around here. I heard the PC's swept it. Good for them. I wasn't really paying attention. PC's are still the government regardless with no end in sight. They are fat and sassy and can start throwing their weight around like always.Democracy in this province is sick. The PC Party and the Alberta government bureaucracy are far too cozy for a healthy relationship. It won't matter who is in charge. Corruption doesn't go away because someone says so. It's like black mold. It has to be rooted out. This is the one redeeming aspect of democracy and it is malfunctioning in Alberta.
The PCs have tightened it up after Redford but it can't stay that way forever. I like Jim Prentice and I wish him all best. We are all in it together and it helps no one when the government fails. From what I've seen so far Prentice has made some good decisions. The plate slogan reversal sticks out in my mind. That was completely offside and completely in character for the PCs.
We are still Wild Rose Country and I am still decidedly for Danielle Smith and the Wild Rose Party. We didn't pick up any seats this time. Oh well. The PC Party may rule for another 1000 years but I don't think that's a good thing for Alberta or even the PCs themselves. So the electorate in those ridings doesn't think its our time there yet. So be it. We'll prove we can best represent them and all of Alberta next time. Next time is when it matters.
Keep hacking away Danielle. There is only one way to eat an elephant and that is one bite after another.
Friday, March 21, 2014
A Hopeful Vision for Alberta
Danielle Smith never fails to inspire me. The mark of a good leader is that she truly brings out the best in people. Danielle Smith has that quality in spades.
After listening to this speech in Calgary the other day I can't remember why I was so angry at that other leader. The last few years of politics in Alberta now seem like a bad dream in stormy weather. That PC weather is blowing itself out of here. Wildrose will clean it all up with a sunny smile one day soon.
I met her in person at the Manning Center last year. She really listened. I'm not just saying that. We only spoke about my riding but I could see how my input was important to her. I'm just a regular person she didn't know anything about. That's how I know deep down that I'm with the right party. We have just the right person in Danielle Smith to lead Alberta.
After listening to this speech in Calgary the other day I can't remember why I was so angry at that other leader. The last few years of politics in Alberta now seem like a bad dream in stormy weather. That PC weather is blowing itself out of here. Wildrose will clean it all up with a sunny smile one day soon.
I met her in person at the Manning Center last year. She really listened. I'm not just saying that. We only spoke about my riding but I could see how my input was important to her. I'm just a regular person she didn't know anything about. That's how I know deep down that I'm with the right party. We have just the right person in Danielle Smith to lead Alberta.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Redford Gone.
Another double speaking Prog quits before voters can bring the axe down themselves. What a shame. Stelmach, McGuinty, and now finally Redford have all resigned in disgrace. Good riddance.
Redford announced her failure "with profound optimism". That really had me laughing. When was the last time you felt profoundly optimistic? Doesn't seem like something I'd want to feel. -Like getting into an accident on your birthday ("Thank you everyone. I'm just so so so so so happy today!"). It's a far cry from the election 2 years ago. Was she profoundly optimistic back then? No, she was probably as jubilant as millions of Albertans are feeling tonight.
I suppose the PC's think all of Redford's broken promises are gone with her too. All the lies from the last election campaign are erased. Its a new party now... again. This is not your father's PC party. Its the party that stood with Redford as she lied to Albertans in every budget since she took power. The new name for Deficit is Operating Expense didn't you know. That makes it ok, because deficits are bad.
Typical prog lies.
Every progressive dirt bag out there, no matter what party or level of government, thinks that good government is simply the skill to sweet talk voters into punching themselves in the face. That is what impresses progressive politicians. Some of them will tell you that they are not even politicians at all.
Well we know their game.
Raise a glass Alberta and conservatives everywhere. There is no reason not to give Wildrose a chance next time. Danielle Smith will make an excellent Premier.
Redford announced her failure "with profound optimism". That really had me laughing. When was the last time you felt profoundly optimistic? Doesn't seem like something I'd want to feel. -Like getting into an accident on your birthday ("Thank you everyone. I'm just so so so so so happy today!"). It's a far cry from the election 2 years ago. Was she profoundly optimistic back then? No, she was probably as jubilant as millions of Albertans are feeling tonight.
I suppose the PC's think all of Redford's broken promises are gone with her too. All the lies from the last election campaign are erased. Its a new party now... again. This is not your father's PC party. Its the party that stood with Redford as she lied to Albertans in every budget since she took power. The new name for Deficit is Operating Expense didn't you know. That makes it ok, because deficits are bad.
Typical prog lies.
Every progressive dirt bag out there, no matter what party or level of government, thinks that good government is simply the skill to sweet talk voters into punching themselves in the face. That is what impresses progressive politicians. Some of them will tell you that they are not even politicians at all.
Well we know their game.
Raise a glass Alberta and conservatives everywhere. There is no reason not to give Wildrose a chance next time. Danielle Smith will make an excellent Premier.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Alberta Progressives Suck The Life From Taxpayers
In October Doug Griffiths went to PEI and gave a speech telling people that the oil industry "sucks the life out every other aspect of Alberta."
Did you misunderstand him? Of course not. We understood just fine. Everyone knows that Alberta's job prospects at 4.3% unemployment are a worker's market. This can only be bad if you want workers more desperate for work and to pay them less. Who's life is getting "sucked out" here? The booming business owner making money hand over fist? They have to treat their employees well or they are gone? How sad for them.
Doug thinks you heard him wrong though. So Doug is going to clarify with:
"It's very difficult to hire people in hotels and restaurants or in arts and culture because they can't compete with the wages, which damages the other parts of your economy.
"It's better to have balance. And, you know, it happens to any community where one industry is dominant.
"Then when it's gone, you have nothing left."
This is what goes on in the heads of your elected government in Alberta. He noticed he said something wrong so he calls it a Wildrose "smear" and then goes and says it again.
Excuse me Minister Griffiths but extra people making extra money in our province is an inherently good thing. The Oil Industry pays well. Other companies and even the government also have to pay well in order to stay competitive. They find ingenious ways to keep people that don't involve just money. Employers are making the workplace a joy to be in and providing every other type perk and benefit you could ask for. To Doug Griffiths this "damages your economy."
Why does this man have anything at all to do with our economy? He's sees some of the best aspects of it as a detriment. Up is down and down is up with progressives. They have nothing to do with progress.
There is more oil in the oil sands alone than all of the oil used by mankind to date. Don't you worry your empty little head about the oil Doug. You worry about the deficit. What will you PCs do when the Sustainability Fund is gone and you've left us with nothing?
I have a feeling the answer will be a life sucking PST. The PC Party sucks the life out of Alberta.
Did you misunderstand him? Of course not. We understood just fine. Everyone knows that Alberta's job prospects at 4.3% unemployment are a worker's market. This can only be bad if you want workers more desperate for work and to pay them less. Who's life is getting "sucked out" here? The booming business owner making money hand over fist? They have to treat their employees well or they are gone? How sad for them.
Doug thinks you heard him wrong though. So Doug is going to clarify with:
"It's very difficult to hire people in hotels and restaurants or in arts and culture because they can't compete with the wages, which damages the other parts of your economy.
"It's better to have balance. And, you know, it happens to any community where one industry is dominant.
"Then when it's gone, you have nothing left."
This is what goes on in the heads of your elected government in Alberta. He noticed he said something wrong so he calls it a Wildrose "smear" and then goes and says it again.
Excuse me Minister Griffiths but extra people making extra money in our province is an inherently good thing. The Oil Industry pays well. Other companies and even the government also have to pay well in order to stay competitive. They find ingenious ways to keep people that don't involve just money. Employers are making the workplace a joy to be in and providing every other type perk and benefit you could ask for. To Doug Griffiths this "damages your economy."
Why does this man have anything at all to do with our economy? He's sees some of the best aspects of it as a detriment. Up is down and down is up with progressives. They have nothing to do with progress.
There is more oil in the oil sands alone than all of the oil used by mankind to date. Don't you worry your empty little head about the oil Doug. You worry about the deficit. What will you PCs do when the Sustainability Fund is gone and you've left us with nothing?
I have a feeling the answer will be a life sucking PST. The PC Party sucks the life out of Alberta.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
A Bright Vision For Alberta
Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith's Keynote Speech at the 2013 AGM.
An inspiring address from an inspiring leader. There is no question who represents the best of what Alberta is and what it can be.
An inspiring address from an inspiring leader. There is no question who represents the best of what Alberta is and what it can be.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Friday, March 8, 2013
Progressively Deeper in Debt
Nobody can keep track of the Progressive Party lies. None of their election promises were true. They couldn't even be bothered to follow the law in the last election as far as funding was concerned. I don't trust these guys as far as I can smell them. This bloated nightmare of a government is way past due.
The white hats of this provincial western, the Wildrose Party, did the math and it doesn't look good.
BACK IN DEBT: Budget 2013-14 by the numbers:
National Post - Alberta budget 2013 marked by billions in deficit spending, service cuts
Calgary Sun - Budget a trifecta of debt, deficit and cuts
Edmonton Journal - ‘Painful’ cuts, billions in borrowing in Alberta budget
Calgary Herald - Painful cuts, deficit and borrowing mark Alberta’s budget
Globe and Mail - Canada's wealthiest province cuts deep as Alberta embraces austerity
Sun News - Debt and borrowing mark Alberta's austerity budget
The only way they can spin it is that its all because of the price of oil. Its all because of Keystone and Gateway and has nothing to do with gross mismanagement in government. This is a galling lie.
Lets say Iran closes the Strait or Hormuz. Yay war, (sarc) and now that makes Allison Redford an economic Einstein? No. The PCs will still suck but we won't be able to see how bad very clearly. Wasted money is still a waste even if you can afford it.
Conversely, lets say Chavez bequeaths all of Venezuala's oil wealth to the world absolutely free. Yay we all drive to the Yukon for a picnic because we are out of work and gas is almost free. The PC government still spends too much and now they lost 28% of their revenue on top of that.
Its lose-lose with them. The Progressives are bad for Alberta. They can't manage money. Redford herself says she's got a "spending problem." So stop with the spending!
Would you look at these morons. Did you launch a man to the moon and bring him safely to the earth or something? Oh right, you just spent the equivalent on our behalf and have nothing at all to show for it. Yes I see very clearly why you're are so happy. You lied your way into office and played Albertans for fools. Congratulations!
Remember all the talk last year about Zero Based Budgeting? Zero based budgeting is a fiscal philosophy where no sacred cows are grandfathered into budget spending year after year. Each and every program must justify its existence. Not a peep. Was it just last year's buzz word?
They fund anti-Alberta movies with taxpayer money but when it comes to teachers they cry poor. Here we go again. Why is it always the teachers and the firemen? Cut something else you idiot bozo's! You can start with your own damned paychecks. You'll need it for the moral authority to start letting all these useless and expensive government consultants off the payroll. You know the ones that recommend Agenda 21, shutting down zoo's, confiscating licenses where no laws were broken, and grabbing property? They go first.
These big fat piggys in government are going to need a lot of advise with their spending problems. We have empirical evidence they can't handle it all in red ink. Wildrose, veritable media, Think Tanks at large: please help our dear government with solutions to their problems.
The white hats of this provincial western, the Wildrose Party, did the math and it doesn't look good.
BACK IN DEBT: Budget 2013-14 by the numbers:
- $3.5 billion – New debt this year, doubling the amount to over $8 billion next year
- $16.9 billion – New debt before the next election, the original amount of the Sustainability Fund
- $5.5 billion – Budget 2013-14 cash deficit.
- $2 billion – Amount taken from the Sustainability Fund in 2013-14
- $691 million – What will remain in the Sustainability Fund after Budget 2013-14
- $1.4 billion – Operational deficit for the current budget year, 2012-13
- $451 million – Operational deficit for Budget 2013-14
- $238 million in debt servicing in 2013, $404 million in 2014, $593 million in 2015
National Post - Alberta budget 2013 marked by billions in deficit spending, service cuts
Calgary Sun - Budget a trifecta of debt, deficit and cuts
Edmonton Journal - ‘Painful’ cuts, billions in borrowing in Alberta budget
Calgary Herald - Painful cuts, deficit and borrowing mark Alberta’s budget
Globe and Mail - Canada's wealthiest province cuts deep as Alberta embraces austerity
Sun News - Debt and borrowing mark Alberta's austerity budget
The only way they can spin it is that its all because of the price of oil. Its all because of Keystone and Gateway and has nothing to do with gross mismanagement in government. This is a galling lie.
Lets say Iran closes the Strait or Hormuz. Yay war, (sarc) and now that makes Allison Redford an economic Einstein? No. The PCs will still suck but we won't be able to see how bad very clearly. Wasted money is still a waste even if you can afford it.
Conversely, lets say Chavez bequeaths all of Venezuala's oil wealth to the world absolutely free. Yay we all drive to the Yukon for a picnic because we are out of work and gas is almost free. The PC government still spends too much and now they lost 28% of their revenue on top of that.
Its lose-lose with them. The Progressives are bad for Alberta. They can't manage money. Redford herself says she's got a "spending problem." So stop with the spending!
They fund anti-Alberta movies with taxpayer money but when it comes to teachers they cry poor. Here we go again. Why is it always the teachers and the firemen? Cut something else you idiot bozo's! You can start with your own damned paychecks. You'll need it for the moral authority to start letting all these useless and expensive government consultants off the payroll. You know the ones that recommend Agenda 21, shutting down zoo's, confiscating licenses where no laws were broken, and grabbing property? They go first.
These big fat piggys in government are going to need a lot of advise with their spending problems. We have empirical evidence they can't handle it all in red ink. Wildrose, veritable media, Think Tanks at large: please help our dear government with solutions to their problems.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)