Rob Anderson's Bill 36 Youtube Video Fiasco

 Sometimes things I see on Twitter really make laugh, sometimes they make me shake my head in disbelief.  I caught wind of the Youtube video below following Twitter exchange yesterday between Airdrie-Chestermere MLA, Rob Anderson and political strategist Stephen Carter.  In this 2009 video, Mr. Anderson repeatedly praises the beauty of Bill 36- The Alberta Land Stewardship Act. This would probably not be such a big deal, except for the small fact that he has been one of the most vocal critics of this legislation since his departure to the WAP. 

 The fact that Mr.Anderson is always so quick to blast his former colleagues ( see his latest letter to the Calgary Herald here...) while deflecting any responsibility for his past beliefs and actions is quite humorous.  Sure, we can change our minds now and then, but given that he was such a cheerleader for this bill in the video makes it really quite funny to watch!



Not sure how he explains this one to landowners in Alberta?  ( And I doubt the PC Caucus was hiding off camera, forcing him to make the speech against his will!) 

 
Interesting....

Hal Walker Joins the Wildrose Alliance. Is The WAP Becoming a Haven For Old Tories?

Today's announcement that Hal Walker has joined the Wildrose Alliance Party as their interim party president is no big shocker and it is no big "coup" either.  While Mr. Walker has a long association with the PC Party, including Past President of the Calgary Elbow PC Association, but appears to have given up on the party a long time ago. 

 

  Many people will recall Mr. Walker's famous email, ( I am sure the people who had their email address listed for all to see where not so impressed) that pretty much sealed his intentions as a future PC party member.  Daveberta had a great post on this link.... and it definitely worth the read.  In the email, Mr. Walker shares his love for our premier and more love for the royalty review. 

 

 I love how every few weeks, the Wildrose machine feels that they need to share the fact that they have attracted a FORMER PC SUPPORTER/BOARD MEMBER/PARTY INSIDER/SECOND COUSIN ( twice removed) / FORMER PAPERBOY TO AN EX-MLA's Executive Assistant. ETC...  to their party!  Why do they feel the need to legitimize their membership in this manner?  Are they a real party or just a protest tent for old PC party supporters?  I have yet to see anything of substance come from this fledgling group, except the fact that the party seems to attract a roster of PC cast-offs full of yesterday's ideas?   Even better, it always seems that once someone feels slighted, or that they are no longer part of the mysterious "inner circle", that they only place for them to go is into the loving arms of the WAP. 

 

 I have made it no secret that I am a PC supporter and at the same time, I often share my frustration with my party and the leader.  But I truly believe that the only way to change the Alberta PC party is from within.  The old guard will tell me that the damage is done and that the party is beyond repair, but I don't believe that to be true.  I know that there is a bastion of supporters from my generation ( I am 33 this weekend) that believe we can change the system without jumping ship to the Grumpy Ol Boys and Girls Club ( Aka The Wildrose Alliance)   I for one have made it my personal commitment to give it all I have to try and make my party better and if we fail as a group, at least we tried. 

 

 Shane

 

 

 

 

Two Calgary MLA's to Cross to the Wildrose Alliance Party!

Wow.  What a surprise I received this morning when I read in the Calgary Herald that two Calgary area MLA's are set to leave the PC Party and cross over to the Wildrose Alliance Party!  While there have been rumblings for months about this kind of bold move, I was still amazed at the news.  When you look at the two MLA's that are leaving, it is interesting to analyze why they may be doing it?  My thoughts...

  Rob Anderson:  This is potentially a bad loss for the PC party.  I personally like Rob as we share a lot of the same beliefs and are the same age.  I thought that his appointment to the treasury Board committee would have appeased his fiscal conservative conscious ( not to mention the additional pay that he will not forfeit!) but I guess not.  I guess that after 19 Months in government you are entitled to a full cabinet post? 

 Taking a look at his riding of Airdrie-Chestermere, Rob would face certain defeat against the Wildrose Alliance in Myron Thompson country!  I am sure that his decision is mainly rooted in his political future. 

  Heather Forsyth:   I do not understand this move at all?  Heather is a five term PC MLA going back to 1993.  My guess is that she was left out of cabinet AGAIN and is done with politics.  Want a crazy theory? Just for fun?.... Perhaps she is going to retire within the year and leave the seat open for WAP Leader Danielle Smith to run in.  This way, the PC party has to scramble to find a candidate that will run against Danielle on short notice.  Crazy?  Anything is possible in this wacky province now.  If not, Heather will surely by defeated by a PC candidate in the next election as this is not really s WAP friendly riding.  ( As an aside, I jokingly commented on Twitter today that her defection may allow some young PC bloggers in the area to run in the next election now!)

So now what?  Who is next to cross?  Will the Wildrose take any more PC MLA's into their party or will they just use the careers of these two politicians to further their credibility and Legislative standing? 

Shane

Friday Fun! Schmenge Brothers Christmas ( and Paul Hinman's Acting Debut?)

  I came across this video highlighting the Schmenge Brothers Christmas traditions and I must say, they are almost like any traditional Canadian family.  Who doesn't look forward to 15lb Cabbage rolls on Christmas Day?  I honestly believe that Cabbage Rolls and Coffee are an institution in many Canadian homes this time of year.  I am not sure about the Christmas Egg or the Christmas Budgie, but to each their own!

  A few months ago, I did a post on a PSA that the Schmenge Brothers did encouraging Wildrose Supporters to get out and vote!  While I suspected that they were just doing their part for democracy, I now have reason to believe that they are in fact "card carrying" party members.  If you watch the video, there is a gentleman that sure looks a lot like Paul Hinman. I have posted a screenshot above also.  I wonder why WAP leader Danielle Smith was not invited to this party?  Why was she left out of the festivities?

Watch the video on YouTube here.... right at the 1:09 mark and decide for yourself if this in fact Mr. Hinman!

Happy Weekend!

Shane

Message Sent!

  ( It's not bad with butter and salt....)

  Well folks, the people of Calgary Glenmore have spoken...and the people are never wrong.  However, this blogger was way off the mark on his prediction, although I was a bit biased!  I had the opportunity to work with Diane CU and her team on her campaign and I must congratulate her for a job well done.  Diane's campaign was well organized, well funded and her team was amazing.  That said, it goes to show you that a full bank account, dozens of organized volunteers and exceptional name recognition do not guarantee success on election night. 

  I must say, I am impressed that Paul Hinman won this race.   Congratulations on your victory ( and now that he is an MLA, I will no longer use the "corny" references!)  and your team should be proud.  The slogan "Send Ed a Message" hit a nerve with many voters and it was better than having 500 volunteers on the ground. It was just that powerful. 

  What now? 

 This victory has the potential to change Alberta's political landscape.  The common thoughts from the MSM that if " Diane can lose...any PC MLA candidate can lose in Calgary" may now have some real meaning?  Perhaps some of the local MLA's, especially those with lower profiles, maybe be pondering this today?  Its one thing to lose a by-election on a protest vote, but to finish in third place is quite another. 

 Will this result in a leadership review at the PC Convention later this fall?  Will this be a wake up call to the PC party, confirming that no riding can be taken for granted?  Time will tell. 

 The WAP will ride this publicity into their Leadership Race, which will do nothing but legitimize them further.  A loss here would have wiped them out.  The only thing left that will kill their momentum would be a Mark Dyrholm or Jeff Willerton victory. It will be interesting to watch.

What a ride....

Shane

McCarthyism & Why the Wildrose Alliance will never succeed...!

McCarthyism: McCarthyism is the politically motivated practice of making accusations of disloyalty, subversion, or treason without proper regard for evidence. The term is also now used more generally to describe reckless, unsubstantiated accusations, as well as demagogic attacks on the character or patriotism of political adversaries.

While the above term is a little dated it seems fitting given some of the blog posts recently by various WAP supporters. Realizing the enormous importance of the Calgary Glenmore By-Election, some WAP supporters have taken an odd strategy to discredit the PC Candidate. In a state of fear ( or panic) they have decided to attack Diance CU's political belief's by trying to make her come off as a CARD CARRYING LIBERAL. ( Also, the "bimbo" references are so tacky".) Weak...Weak...Weak strategy...

While it is fine to dig through and try to find some "dirt" on her, they are truly missing the big picture here:

Wildrose Alliance Members... the people that actually ELECT candidates ( ie. The Average Voter) REALLY DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR MCCARTHYISM ATTACKS. This may work in a few riding's, but trust me....your efforts are being wasted. The average person does not sit around the water cooler and say "so...who do you think is a Liberal in the PC Caucus". It really is shameful and embarrassing to your party. But please...keep it up, it really is a good time waster.

In my opinion, this is why this party, under its current leadership, will never prosper in Alberta. And the WAP honestly thinks that the PC party is "out of touch"...?


Even I have gotten some heat from other WAP supporters for my loyalty to the PC Party...check out Brian Dell's Comment about me here: While it is one thing for a federal Tory supporter to fail to support the Wildrose Alliance, it is another to be enthusiastically volunteering to campaign against us.

Excuse Me? Just because I am a member of the Conservative Party of Canada I automatically must support the fringe WAP? When did this happen?

People that know me will confirm that I am as loyal as they come. I am a proud PC member and Conservative Party of Canada member. I am also proud to sit on my local boards and volunteer for every charity or fundraising event possible. But...I guess I must really be "liberal" because I do not support the WAP. Give me a break....

I find it so odd that these WAP supporters are so passionate about discrediting other people's CONSERVATISM, yet they do not realize the split in their own "party". Perhaps their efforts would be better spent volunteering for thier own cause. Maybe this way, they would have some success at the ballot box.

I cannot wait to start knocking on some doors for Diane...I grew up in Glenmore and know it well.

Shane

IF I was a Wildrose Alliance supporter...who would I vote for?

No that Stampede is over and the early morning functions have ceased, I finally have a moment to post something before I head off to work!



I had the opportunity to meet both of the WRAP leadership candidates at two different Stampede events last week, and thought I would put a quick post together about my thoughts on each of them.





Mark Dyrholm:





I met Mr.Dyrholm briefly at the Calgary SW/Prime Minister Stephen Harper annual BBQ at Heritage Park. He was flanked by his campaign manager ( handler?) Craig Chandler and never seemed to waver more than 3 feet from him. It was kind of uncomfortable to watch this pair working the room and reminded me of the old movie "Twins" with Arnold and Danny Devito.





Now, I did not get a chance to have a lengthy discussion with Mark, because I had not yet eaten and did not think I could stomach it. My first impressions are usually right and I just could not picture this gentleman as the Premier of Alberta. While I am sure he is an honest, hardworking individual, in my opinion "he is just not for me....".








Danielle Smith:









While I saw Ms. Smith at the Heritage Park event, I did not get the chance to meet her that night. I did get to meet her shorty thereafter at a Private Stampede BBQ and had the opportunity to chat briefly. I found Ms. Smith charming and she did not have the stereotypical "fakeness" that some politicians carry. I was honest with her that I do not support her party ( I am a PC supporter) and gave her my thoughts on what this average Albertan was feeling about the current issues. She was respectful in her responses and I found her very intelligent and articulate.


Now, IF I were a WRAP supporter, It is clear who I would support here. Personally, (and from quick straw polls at some events over this past week) I think that Ms. Smith will win the leadership race handily with some more hard work. I know that Mr.Dyrholm's team is quite organized and It would not surprise me if Mr.Chandler already has already booked the charter buses to transport the voters to Edmonton in October, so he is definitely a contender.

The winner of this race determines the fate of the WRAP's future. Extreme/Fringe?... or Moderate/Contender?

Again, who cares what this PC supporter thinks right? These are just my thoughts.

Shocking Wildrose Alliance Video!!

I came across this strange piece on Youtube this morning by chance. At first, I didnt know what to make of it, but after watching it for a while I became quite disturbed. I do not endorse this video but think that it needs to be brought to light.

Based on the details and multiple WRAP name drops, one may conclude that it was created by a disgruntled? party member.

I like a good laugh like anyone else, but draw the line at the HITLER references and the sexist comments about potential leader Danielle Smith.

What are your thoughts?

Is the Wildrose Alliance Party the real deal?

Over the past few weeks, I have seen countless blog postings over the potential godsend that the Wildrose Alliance Party feels it is bringing to the Alberta political landscape. Most of the WAP supporters are posting constant spins about how their party is going to lead Alberta back to the “promised” land after they “wipe out” the PC Party in the next election. I have had some time to watch some of the theatrics and thought it was time I posted some of my thoughts on this…

Disclaimer: I am a supporter of the PC party of Alberta and sit on my local constituency board. That said, I strongly believe that in order to make Alberta a better province, we must first ensure that there is a strong political engagement from our citizens, regardless of what party you support. I really don’t care what party you belong to, as long as you are passionate about making this province stronger. To each their own, as long as your views are not harmful to others.

The WAP is a new party and seemingly lacks the support of the Alberta voter. I am not sure why they feel that they are the “party in waiting” (The last time I checked, they had NO elected members.) but their confidence is definitely not lacking. .They are currently running town hall meetings across the province, with minimal success in my opinion. There recent meeting in Calgary had a paltry 50 people show up. (Wow, 50 whole people? in a city of 1.1MM which is considered a conservative bedrock?) Not exactly the grassroots earthquake of support that they are claiming to be causing. (Probably more like enough “shake” on the Richter scale to cause a candle to flicker!)

The recent announcement that Paul ( I am sure he’s a nice guy and all) Hinman will be stepping aside as WAP leader has given the media ( and us bloggers) some fodder to try and guess who the next leader will be. This move is entirely spin related and designed to gain some attention for their upcoming AGM. There is lots of speculation on who the next leader will be. In my opinion, its easier to decide who the leader will NOT be…

1) Craig Chandler. ( See the last post on the following blog, and you can see that Chandler confirms that he is OUT!)

2) Preston Manning. ( Why Not? Why end your career being associated with a disorganized movement? Ie. “Also Ran”)

3) Danielle Smith? This is an interesting plant? She has stated recently that she is interested in the position. Or is this just posturing for a better cabinet post when she runs (and wins) under the PC banner? If the latter is true, the WAP movement will be dead in the water in my opinion.

4) Ted Morton. (See # 2 above.)

Note: I would not be surprised to see Hinman run again, and win, given the possibility that no credible leader comes forward for the nomination.

If the WAP wants to make inroads in Alberta, they must elect a centrist leader that appeals to ALL Albertans, not just the hard-line WAP supporters and rural voter.

The WAP Platform is all over the map in my opinion. The most curious line in the whole platform to me is:

SOCIAL POLICY
Wildrose Alliance social policy will always reflect the views of mainstream Albertans.

I spit my coffee out on this line! Even as a conservative myself, I find their stance on social issues a little too right for this “average Albertan”. Interestingly enough, the VP of Policy is Cory Morgan, who was once the LEADER of the Alberta Separatist Party. ( Note: His wife is fellow blogger Jane Morgan, who is also the executive director of the WAP.) Hmmm… I guess he must have seen that there was no future with an unelectable party promoting an unelectable platform? ( Seem familiar?) Perhaps he just saw the light?

Personally, this destroys all of the WAP’s credibility in my view.

Interestingly enough, The WAP has been successful in raising money from the oilpatch over the past year. I believe that this is simply a “protest” donation rather than a symbol of support. The true test will be 2 years from now, as the election nears. Will the money still be flowing to the WAP? Time will tell.

The next few months will determine the future of this party. There leadership campaign will be over in October, which will confirm what this party is all about. Will it continue to be a party for the same hard-line rightwing conservatives? Will they move to the centre in an attempt to capture the average Albertan’s vote? Or will they fade off into the sunset?

Until they prove otherwise, I believe that they are “All Hat, No Cattle”.

I am sure that I may not make many friends in the WAP after this, but seeing how they are champions of free speech and all, I just thought that this “Average Albertan” would share his thoughts.

Paul Hinman to Resign as Wildrose Alliance Leader!

I just received a press release issued by the WAP confirming that thier charismatic leader is stepping down! The press release is copied below...


April 21, 2009


Paul Hinman's Leadership Sets Stage for Wildrose Alliance's Growth
For Immediate Release

Alliance Party leader Paul Hinman has advised the party executive of his intention to step down as leader at the upcoming Annual General Meeting scheduled for June 5 and 6, 2009, in Calgary. "Mr. Hinman has been a driving force in creating a new political alternative for Albertans," says Wildrose Party President Jeff Callaway. "His tireless determination to create a voice for Albertans who question the policies of the Stelmach PC party has sparked growing interest in the Wildrose Alliance." Paul Hinman’s commitment to providing Alberta with a new political option that is attractive to the majority of Albertans involves more than policy and merely criticizing the government. It includes leadership with vision and communication, and to help ensure the continued growth of the Party, Mr Hinman wants to ensure that the Wildrose Alliance is led by the most capable, energetic, and qualified person possible. "To demonstrate his commitment," says Callaway, "Paul will step down at the AGM and open up the leadership of the Party to what we hope will be a robust race." Paul Hinman says of his decision " Our Party's strong growth in the past year tells me now is the time to further that growth with a leadership race. This will help the Wildrose Alliance harness this remarkable groundswell and give the most people possible the opportunity to participate." Hinman encourages other interested parties to enter the Leadership race and "Together we will build the Party. The interest in the Wildrose Alliance as a viable political alternative to the existing government has been growing fast and has come from a diverse group of people from different regions and economic segments of Alberta who want to get involved."
"I am accountable to Albertans and our party members and I believe this is the best decision for our party and ultimately for our province," Hinman says. "I extend the greatest appreciation to those who have supported our party and myself in the past. Be assured I will continue to work with the Wildrose Alliance and Albertans in whatever capacity I can to make the greatest possible contribution to restore the Alberta Advantage and prosperity to the people of Alberta." Commenting on the future of Alberta, Paul Hinman continued "The government must rein in its spending and bureaucratic growth while stimulating the economy through the reduction of taxes and red tape. It needs to be accountable and display the type of integrity that will restore the confidence of investors and businesses. Protecting the freedom of choice and competition balanced with a regulated free market economy encourages the creative and entrepreneurial people and businesses of Alberta." Regarding our health care and educational systems and Senior Citizens, Hinman says "The focus should be on service, not on management as it currently is. While concentrating on all of the above near-term, the long-term future must be protected through proper stewardship of the environment and our natural resources." "Paul Hinman has demonstrated his commitment and service to the people of Alberta and the Wildrose Alliance," President Jeff Callaway stated, "And I know he remains committed to each going forward. I view his decision as the act of a selfless Leader and he deserves the thanks and respect of the Party. In whatever leadership role Paul assumes with the Party, the Wildrose Alliance will benefit from his experience and guidance. The Board, Executive Director and myself look forward to working with Paul as together we build the Party."

Interesting, Interesting Times. I figured something was up due to the strange media plays by Jane Morgan and Paul Hinman in my previous post!

Shane

Paul HinmanWildrose Alliance leaderPhone: 403 393-2003

Alberta "Opposition" Parties Comedy Continues...

The state of the "opposition" parties in Alberta continues to diminish by the day. If it were not so funny, it would be quite sad. Let's take a quick look at the "would be" alternate parties in our province...

1) Alberta Liberal Party.... 1) Broke.... 2) Fractured.... enough said.

2) Alberta Green Party... Kevin Libin from the National Post had an excellent piece on this today. This party is in shambles.

3) Alberta NDP: 2 Seats....Lots of Noise...Outdated Views...Edmonton centered support= NO HOPE.

4) Wildrose Alliance Party: Lots of Cash.... No Quality Candidates.... Confusing, Populist Platform... and now, leadership questions!

On Friday, WAP executive director and fellow blogger Jane Morgan showed her solidarity to her party and her leader by claiming "some members may be seeking a more charismatic leader" during the party's AGM in June. Even party leader Paul Hinman brushed off the comments by stating, " Well, I guess you never has as much charisma as you'd like...We've been trying to track someone down since the party started, from Preston Manning to Deb Grey, to numerous other ones."

Now that is leadership! What is Jane Morgan saying here? Well, we need someone more interesting that doesn't just appeal to the "Rural/Small Town" Vote. How does Hinman respond? By agreeing that he thinks someone is better out there...but no one wants the job, so he will just stay on in the meantime? Where do I join this party? Where do I send my cheque?

Interesting how everyone wants to be Premier in this province, but none of the opposition party's leaders can create and manage a party that can fundraise, pay staff, create a platform that the people want want and get solidarity from their members.

It is not "voter apathy" that has kept the Alberta PC party in power as much as it is the incompetence of the opposition leadership. ALP, NDP, WAP, Greens...(or those party's that are still around) good luck with the next election.