Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 181
(July 27, 2011)
On Monday Canadians were shocked by Jack Layton's announcement that he was "temporarily" stepping aside as leader of the New Democratic Party, now that he is "fighting" a second cancer in his system. I watched his press conference comments and it did strike me that he was gaunt and a little unsteady. Nevertheless, I did closely watch Mr. Layton, during the last federal election campaign and found him a dominant, vigorous figure and he well deserved his new status, Leader of the Official Opposition. Although I disagree with many of his political positions I feel that Mr. Layton represents his party with clarity, commitment and passion - something other party leaders (and other politicians) should consider. Let's all hope and pray that Mr. Layton comes back in September with another victory.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Alberta's PC Leadership
Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 181
(July 27, 2011)
The PC leadership race in Alberta is now a couple of weeks old and many would say that not one of the six candidates is clearly a front runner. At the Vermilion forum last week a few jabs were thrown but none of the candidates came out with what I feel is leadership charisma. To me the issues are clear: leadership; healthcare; economic development; property rights; unification of the progressive right; and fiscal responsibility. For this article I want to pick up on one of the issues that will influence my vote, and that is leadership. I've already said what I want to see in a Progressive Conservative leader is leadership charisma; a presence that clearly establishes who is in control, who is the leader. Second perspective about leadership and I've already mentioned it (see Jack Layton comment) I want to see CLARITY in a position; COMMITMENT to a purpose and communicated with PASSION and interest.
The World - Gone to Hell in a Hand Basket -
Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 181
(July 27, 2011)
I've come to a very uncomfortable, disturbing conclusion: the world has settled into a globalized, laissez-faire system of economic control and management with "national" political systems unable to counter what are likely to be devastating social/economic consequences - yes, the world has gone to hell in a hand basket. In Europe, the debt crisis in Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy is being addressed with little chance of success - social unrest is already evident in places like Greece. In the United States the debt crisis has also reached crisis proportions (on August 2 the US government will apparently run out of money and therefore could default on its obligations) with the Democrats and Republicans polarized on how to deal with the situation - what is so shocking is that a United States Congress compromise is possible, would benefit the nation and maintain its AAA credit standing in the world's financial system , but what has happened is that the whole debate has become irrelevant and partisan politics and winning next year's congressional elections is all that matters - so the game of "chicken" continues as August 2 nears and by the way, the damage has already been done. In Canada, the country is being told that the fiscal situation is strong and the Canadian financial sector is appropriately regulated and stable - that's all well and good but I'm suspicious of that observation, and that somehow Canadians will be isolated from all the serious problems plaguing the United States and Europe.
(July 27, 2011)
I've come to a very uncomfortable, disturbing conclusion: the world has settled into a globalized, laissez-faire system of economic control and management with "national" political systems unable to counter what are likely to be devastating social/economic consequences - yes, the world has gone to hell in a hand basket. In Europe, the debt crisis in Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy is being addressed with little chance of success - social unrest is already evident in places like Greece. In the United States the debt crisis has also reached crisis proportions (on August 2 the US government will apparently run out of money and therefore could default on its obligations) with the Democrats and Republicans polarized on how to deal with the situation - what is so shocking is that a United States Congress compromise is possible, would benefit the nation and maintain its AAA credit standing in the world's financial system , but what has happened is that the whole debate has become irrelevant and partisan politics and winning next year's congressional elections is all that matters - so the game of "chicken" continues as August 2 nears and by the way, the damage has already been done. In Canada, the country is being told that the fiscal situation is strong and the Canadian financial sector is appropriately regulated and stable - that's all well and good but I'm suspicious of that observation, and that somehow Canadians will be isolated from all the serious problems plaguing the United States and Europe.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Which Candidate Has What It Takes?
Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 180
(July 20, 2011)
Things have become really vague when it comes down to distinguishing the six candidates; nobody is emerging with a premier-like personality and nobody is showing any passion to lead the province - I've read that the candidates are like a "six pack." For me the six of them are currently like a six pack of beer and only sincere passion will be the factor that can garner support, credibility and success. Of the locals that I have talked with, they're all over the map when it comes to who they are supporting - one is favoring Alison Redford; another more passive conservative favors Doug Griffiths; a more seasoned political type is supporting Rick Orman; and a couple very active PCers are supporting Doug Horner - Jeff Johnson, our local MLA, is supporting Doug Horner. To date four of the six candidates have visited the Smoky Lake area (Griffiths, Horner, Mar and Redford) and I was a little disappointed in their visit, their stay in Smoky Lake was short and their responses to clear, direct questions were general and vague - nevertheless they did come to Smoky Lake and it is still early in the campaign, we might see them again to shore up local support. What is particularly disappointing is the non-appearance of either Rick Orman or Ted Morton in the Smoky Lake area - again it might be too early in the campaign to draw strong, negative conclusions regarding their visions for Alberta. In the past I have written that both Ted Morton and Rick Orman are the front runners in this leadership campaign and I still believe that to be the case - the question for me and other locals regarding the two front runners; are they at all interested in gaining support from small town, rural Alberta?
(July 20, 2011)
Things have become really vague when it comes down to distinguishing the six candidates; nobody is emerging with a premier-like personality and nobody is showing any passion to lead the province - I've read that the candidates are like a "six pack." For me the six of them are currently like a six pack of beer and only sincere passion will be the factor that can garner support, credibility and success. Of the locals that I have talked with, they're all over the map when it comes to who they are supporting - one is favoring Alison Redford; another more passive conservative favors Doug Griffiths; a more seasoned political type is supporting Rick Orman; and a couple very active PCers are supporting Doug Horner - Jeff Johnson, our local MLA, is supporting Doug Horner. To date four of the six candidates have visited the Smoky Lake area (Griffiths, Horner, Mar and Redford) and I was a little disappointed in their visit, their stay in Smoky Lake was short and their responses to clear, direct questions were general and vague - nevertheless they did come to Smoky Lake and it is still early in the campaign, we might see them again to shore up local support. What is particularly disappointing is the non-appearance of either Rick Orman or Ted Morton in the Smoky Lake area - again it might be too early in the campaign to draw strong, negative conclusions regarding their visions for Alberta. In the past I have written that both Ted Morton and Rick Orman are the front runners in this leadership campaign and I still believe that to be the case - the question for me and other locals regarding the two front runners; are they at all interested in gaining support from small town, rural Alberta?
The Candidates -
Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 180
(July 20, 2011)
As of last Friday the leadership of Alberta's Progressive Conservative Party has become a little clearer - or has it? What is clear - the cutoff for nominating candidates has passed and any speculation as to who might run as a candidate has vanished. So it is crystal clear, there will be six candidates on the September 17, 2011 ballot (and if none of the six candidates gets a clear majority vote on the first ballot a second ballot will be held on October 1st ). In alphabetical order, the six candidates are: Doug Griffiths, Doug Horner, Gary Mar, Ted Morton, Rick Orman and Alison Redford. Another important date to keep in mind, the first all candidates forum will be on Thursday, September 21 in Vermilion - no word on how to plug into the forum and haven't found out if it will be on TV - probably have to wait for the big city newspapers to find out who did what to whom.
(July 20, 2011)
As of last Friday the leadership of Alberta's Progressive Conservative Party has become a little clearer - or has it? What is clear - the cutoff for nominating candidates has passed and any speculation as to who might run as a candidate has vanished. So it is crystal clear, there will be six candidates on the September 17, 2011 ballot (and if none of the six candidates gets a clear majority vote on the first ballot a second ballot will be held on October 1st ). In alphabetical order, the six candidates are: Doug Griffiths, Doug Horner, Gary Mar, Ted Morton, Rick Orman and Alison Redford. Another important date to keep in mind, the first all candidates forum will be on Thursday, September 21 in Vermilion - no word on how to plug into the forum and haven't found out if it will be on TV - probably have to wait for the big city newspapers to find out who did what to whom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)