Needed: One Act of God

The latest notion to emerge from the discussions at ProjectAlberta.com is for the Alberta Alliance and the Separation Party of Alberta to join into one party. The thinking is that this would combine the independence movement behind a single party on the provincial scene, and thus become a solid force for the movement.

At first glance, this idea seems logical. Many Albertans who are believers of Alberta independence tend to support both parties to some degree. The two parties have some similar policies and ideas, and draw support from the same pool of voters. When you start to think about what would need to be done for this to happen, roadblocks appear all over the plan. From the Alliance perspective, their stated position is to give Canada one more chance - in the form of a sort of declaration of gripes. If the demands listed are not met by the federal government, then the party would, so they claim, introduce a more independent route that would lead to a referendum on independence. The positive spin on this plan is the impression would be given that Alberta is truely trying 'one last time' to get along, only to be rejected (kicked out?) by the big, bad federal monolith. Critics could play the obvious negative image, however: too similar to the Quebec game of blackmail and threats in the hopes of gifts from Ottawa. They might question the legitimacy of such an attempt by an Alliance government, given the fact that their are so many self-proclaimed separatists in the ranks. They will ask: are we really sincere in the offer of an olive branch to Canada? Or are we going through the motions with our minds already made up? The idea could easily be reduced to looking comical in the eyes of the Canadian public.

From the SPA side, we have a party that has failed in capitalizing on the current wave of separatism in Alberta. The leader, while calling himself 'intrim', refuses to open up the party to new blood. A top-down party can only serve those at the top. Bickering over changes to the party constitution as well as poorly planned public events have hindered members ability to focus on what is important, which is the impending doom of the NEP jr. That one policy will be enough to break the proverbial back of Albertans. A strong SPA could be the first party to claim to be the only one who will protect Alberta from the federal government, a sentiment that will not be lost on the people.

The solution sounds simple, but is far from being possible. The Alliance would have to change the position regarding separation. They would have to be open to a referendum upon forming the government. The SPA would have to open up to some policies that some members might not agree with. A leadership race would be vital. Whispers of a certain Mr. Harper returning home are fantasy (but a good one). A well-known leader would go a long way to uniting the new party as well as for credibility, but the chances of Harper making that career move are slim and none.

The advantages of a merger would be the increased size of support as well as resources. Our message would have to be taken more seriously on the national stage. Compromise would be the way for the hypothetical uniting of the movement. Compromise, and an act of God. Sphere: Related Content

Dithers Gets Ready II

The latest step Prime Minister Martin has taken in the pre-battle of the next election is to become involved with the C.B.C. labour dispute. The federal government has now offered to be the middle-man in the lockout. Incredible, since the Liberal government are essentially the bosses of the C.B.C. management. The offer to officiate negotiations 'in the interest of our national cultural television broadcaster' rings hollow. Other than the infrequent letter to the editor of national newspapers, I have yet to hear of any kind of outrage by Canadians who are devistated by the loss of Big Brother Corps. on-air personalities. Neither have I experienced rallies by Canucks concerned by the loss of their voice of Canadian culture. In fact, I doubt that the majority of Canadians care or even really notice that there is a disruption at all.

The point of federal interference in the dispute is based within a different set of needs. An election is on the horizon, one that might come sooner than later. P.M. Martin might decide to use the current negative press circulating around Conservative leader Harper to his advantage and fold the minority government this fall - long before the oft-delayed Gomery report is made public.

One of the must-haves for the Liberals is to have their personal national leftwing broadcaster on the air and fully functional. The thought of not having the C.B.C. in full spin mode during the next campaign makes Martin shudder, since it would mean actually having to explain his governments crass mistakes directly to the Canadian public. There might not be the usual 'investigative report' on the current Conservative leader that somehow always seems to air during an election campaign, spinning and shredding the image as they go along. They may be forced to do without the usual talentless Toronto talkshow hosts ranting on about the scary policies and hidden agendas of the political right. Nothing against those individuals, by the way. I guess when Muchmusic V.J.s get too old to introduce 50 Cent videos, they should have somewhere to go.

Maybe the Liberals could convince the skeleton crew remaining at the network to broadcast old Trudeau biographies and reruns of King of Kensington to stir up those old '70s liberal feelings. Or, they could just do what they always do and make the entire federal campaign as a battle between Liberal values (which of course means Canadian values), or those scary outdated ideas from Alberta. With any luck at all, there will be one less avenue for their anti-Alberta bigotry to flow. Sphere: Related Content

New Links of Interest

Just a quick note to draw attention to a couple of new links on my page.



First is Larry Kudlow from CNBCs 'Kudlow & Company'. Kudlow is an experienced financial wizard who President Reagan paid close attention to. Yes, he is an American economist, but his insight into current economic situations and effects on global markets is second to none. Mixing the stock market with unabashed republican commentary, Kudlow manages to convince you of his point in a straight-forward, dignified way. Canada could only dream of having a Kudlow here to keep the Liberals accountable.




Next, an oldie but a goodie. Rush Limbaugh has been keeping the American Left on edge for a few decades now. Belacose, smug, and oozing rightiousness, Limbaugh has long had an almost cult following among conservatives (and a few liberals). An American national paper called Limbaugh the only real opposition Clinton had in the 1990's, and consequently became a target for leftwing media. This, of course, only added to his reputation. Sphere: Related Content

Dithers Getting Ready for Next Battle

It was with great fanfare that a new gas tax agreement was announced in Nova Scotia. Prime Minister Dithers, along with Premier Hamm and other select important political players gathered to celebrate the $145 million dollar deal with the Atlanic province. From the ceremony, the casual viewer would have thought this to be quite the event. However, the reality is that this deal is not a tax cut, but rather a 'sharing' of the influx of oil cash into Ottawa. The big boys were all smiles at the podium, glad-handing and patting each others backs in full glory of the television cameras. Great copy, but bogus.

This is the same prime minister who, as finance minister, oversaw the Adscam-infected departments. This is the same man who has been reminded countless times of his promise to 'end the democratic deficit', and reminded even more times that he has yet to succeed. P.M. Martin is the very same person who stated the famous verbal slap to Jean Chretien during the Liberal leadership race, quipping: "Who do you know in the P.M.O.?". Turns out, it is himself.

Elected senators still await their rightful place in the upper chamber of our national government. Martin has had numerous opportunities to prove that he isn't just talk, but instead fills the senate vacancies with patrionage appointments from the East. People have been quick to point out the recent naming of former Alberta P.C. M.L.A. Elaine McCoy to the senate, saying that this move is evidence of Martins good intentions. As stated previously on this blog, Ms. McCoy should feel deep shame for accepting the appointment. Not only did Martin ignore the rightful candidates who were democratically elected, McCoy then turns around and does the same by going to Ottawa.

Given that the next election will only further deepen the electoral divide in Canada, Martin is making his moves to shore up support in the East. Those provinces have long been convinced that money received equals votes given. With Quebec almost certain to give massive support to the Bloc and the West continuing to support the Conservatives, Martin is establishing the beachhead for battle.

The thing to worry about for Alberta is if the Liberals manage to squeek out a majority in the next election. With the Liberals throwing money all over the country, the bill will eventually have to be paid. I wonder if Dithers knows where he can get the cash? Sphere: Related Content

ONTARIO CONSERVATIVES REVEALED!!!

NOW it makes sense.
Sphere: Related Content

Survivor: Alberta

Premier Ralph Klein has released some numbers regarding the 'prosperity cheques' that Albertans will be receiving thanks to the record surplus in the province. From what Klein said, each citizen of Alberta should be getting about $400 in the one-time windfall, meaning that my household can look forward to an additional $1600 or so in income this year. Of course, such action has to have a reaction, and it didn't take long for the opposition leaders to come out swinging at the Premier. "The premier is spending the inheritance as if it was his own," spewed Alberta Liberal leader Kevin Taft. "It isn't. It belongs to all Albertans, including future generations."

Trust the Liberals, federal or provincial, to find fault in good fortune. "For the Tories to spend $4 billion in one afternoon is frightening." he continued. Taft speaks like a beaten man on this. He is caught in a Catch 22: on one hand, he must do his duty and critique the government. Doing this, however, is difficult due to the simple fact that Albertans deserve the money. On the other hand, he cannot stay quiet while the Liberal chances for success in the next provincial election fall away. ND leader Brian Mason reacted with typical out-of-touch style when he stated:
"They're trying to find ways to get rid of the money because it's embarrassing and they feel it's tempting the federal government," he said. Well, Mason might be right about one thing: the federal Liberals are no doubt sniffing around Albertas surplus. Mason and Taft have completely missed the real reason why Albertans are receiving this money - we deserve it.

The surplus is being split, with billions going to much-needed areas. Sherwood Park and Fort Saskatchewan are going to be able to break ground on new (and very hard fought for) hospitals, while Calgary and Edmonton hospitals will see more beds. Infrastructure, the current hip term, is getting a good chunk of the cash. Social needs are being met with the governments plan. More than anything, Albertans are getting what they have sacrificed for.

As you already know, the province went through a terrible crisis in the 1980s, as the National Energy Program devistated the Alberta economy. Following the blast from that crippling economic policy, Albertans chose the hard route and voted in Ralphs Team to tackle the debt. After more than 10 years of cutbacks, layoffs, and slashes to services, Alberta has finally emerged from the dark. The budget is balanced, the debt all but gone. Now, those very same Albertans who made the sacrifices are being rewarded. We chose to stay in Alberta during the lean years. We remained loyal to the province, knowing that with hard work and smart decisions, we would come through to better times and more stability. After over 20 years, we have made it. We have played a two decade game of economic Survivor. We have endured financial storms and competitions. We have seen other provinces win federal immunity time and time again, and yet Alberta is standing at the end of the game.

Now if only we could trust Klein and Co. to stand up to Ottawa. Sphere: Related Content

Jumping Off the Kyoto Bandwagon

The first crack in the solidarity of pro-Kyoto nations appeared this week, as British Prime Minister Tony Blair made remarks that had the media in a mini-frenzy. During a speech at the Clinton Global Initiative Conference in Manhattan, Blair shocked those in attendance (including former President Clinton) with what seemed to be an about-face on the Kyoto Accord. Said Blair: "I am going to be brutally honest....my thinking has changed in the past three or four years. No country", he declared, "is going to cut its growth."

Blair has been a long time proponent of the Kyoto protocol, and was at the forefront in the effort to convince European nations to sign on. It is a poor secret that the Blair strategy was to attempt to use the British support for the Iraq war as leverage in convincing the United States to join the global accord. The Bush administration has remained strongly against the whole concept of Kyoto, despite previous pressure from London.

Now, a new report has emerged from respected economic consultants Lombard Street Research that has made Blair rethink his position on the Accord. Among the sobering information revealed, the report states:
"Either this Asian release of record numbers of people from poverty - one of the great achievements of the past 20 years - will have to be reversed, or cuts in oil usage will have to be extremely sharp in developed economies"

This brings into question the issue of whether the United Nations, birthplace of the Kyoto Accord, spend any real time or effort in researching the geopolitical ramifications of a global energy reduction program. Did they ask how this would impact the global society?

No serious economic cost-benefit analysis will ever recommend taking the radical steps required to prevent global warming, the Lombard Street Research study says. This just goes to strengthen the argument against the dangerous agreement. Charles Dumas, author of the study, said: "The proposed Kyoto treaty limits would in no way prevent global warming. In reality, nobody seriously proposes a cure for global warming, because adequate measures would cause economic catastrophe and probably world war." Sphere: Related Content

The Cars Must Be Electric...

Finance rate of only 50%!! Sphere: Related Content

Message to Canada: Hands Off

The latest rent-a-poll shows that 61% of non-Alberta Canadians would like a share of the provinces good fortune. As polls go, there seems to be an undue amount of attention being paid to these results within the province. Perhaps there are still some Albertans who haven't figured out what's coming; maybe it has taken this long for those stragglers to realize that the second coming of the N.E.P. is just around the corner. The flipside of this survey is that the number is exceeded by the percentage of Albertans who feel that they give enough (if not too much) to Ottawa each year already, and do not see the need to send more of our loonies to the East, especially when it doesn't result in any kind of balanced political system.

Premier Ralph Klein has been getting more vocal lately, making a stand that reminds some of us longtime Albertans of his 'bums-and-scums' glory days of the early 1980's. Whether we trust Ralph to keep fighting for us when things get scary is another story. The facts are that Alberta already sends, through the numerous transfer, equalization, and other forms of payments, over $12 billion per year. This is far more than the most liberal $7 billion estimates flying around the media. Therein lives the reason for Albertan reluctance to 'share' with the other provinces. We already pay more than anyone else, and get next to nothing in return.

Perhaps the best indication of the shakiness of this poll is to look at the responses from Quebec. Over 50% of Quebecers seem to think that they pay more to Ottawa than they get back. Not only is this belief completely false, it shows the glaring result of corrupt government combined with biased media: some people just don't have a clue. Sphere: Related Content

Uses for the Alberta surplus in Canada

Federalist are screaming for what they consider to be their share of the recent Alberta windfall. Here are some likely uses for our cash:

10. New urinals for Olympic stadium for Montreal
9. Spare parts for a Sea King
8. Maple leaf flags for everyone!
7. ** not available due to CBC lock-out
6. Buy Quebec for another few years
5. F.L.Q. luncheon hosted by our new Governor-General
4. Fund yet another year of Air Farce
3. Ben Mulroney has gotta eat
2. Hush money for that Copps babe
1. Buy personalities for everyone in the Greater Toronto area Sphere: Related Content

The progression of the un-doing of Confederation is best illustrated by looking at the election results over the past 12 years. As shown, evidence of growing alienation among different areas of Canada is clear. Imbalances of electoral power, unaccountable government, and questionable federal policies have all factored into this movement. To the federalists who say that Canada is a unified nation, I believe this speaks volumes to the contrary. Sphere: Related Content

Time to Fold the Race Cards

Much has been written about the devistation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Stories of loss fill the media. To their credit, the entertainment world has jumped on board to help. Concerts are being staged, singers and actors from all over Hollywood are opening their pocketbooks to those in the Gulf Coast. For this, the stars should be praised. As they say, however, there is always one in the crowd...

I could hear heads collectively shake at the sight of rapper/alleged singer Kanye West and his rant on an internationally televised fundraising program. West, teamed with Canadian Mike Myers to plead for support from the viewing public, started off on a mindnumbing rant with an attack on the media:
"I hate the way they portray us in the media. You see a black family, it says, "They're looting." You see a white family, it says, "They're looking for food."

West continued to embarrass himself and Myers: "We already realize a lot of people that could help are at war right now, fighting another way -- and they've given them permission to go down and shoot us!"

The rambling sub-speech failed to mention what authorities and eyewitnesses have claimed, that the majority of the looters in New Orleans were, in fact, Black. As well, West doesn't seem to know (or care) that it was the gun racks that were cleared out first - not the food. When rescue teams were finally able to make their way to the affected areas, they were shot at by snippers. It is incredible that the rapper would choose to ignore the facts in favour of an agenda, but that appears to be the case. Sadly, this is an example that we have seen time and time again. If tragedy strikes, you can bet that some 'minority' celebrity will attempt to use the event as a reason to lash out.

Closing out his ad-lib, West said: "George Bush doesn't care about black people!"

This is a clear indication of the latest fad. Hurricane? It's Bushs' fault. Twin towers? Bush. Hangnail? Got to be the work of the President. Assinine is too tame a word for the crap West spewed on television. Yes, the authorities should have been better prepared. If there is blame, look first at the Governor of Louisiana and her failure to mobilize the fleet of busses that sat empty in holding yards. Blame the mayor for not doing more to make the people of New Orleans aware of what was coming. Hell, blame the people of the areas hit for not leaving when they had the chance. Sure, many just could not leave due to financial restraints. That is the heartbreaker - the ones who had no choice but to sit and await their fate. Is this the point of his rant? No, the fashionable thing to do is to blame Dubya for all the wrongs in the world.

The habit of playing the race-card in times of strife has become all to common. Instead of keeping the public eye focused on the real problems, West has diverted media attention to himself. Shame on him for being such a blatant opportunist. He hinders the good work that some 'popular' stars do for society. Bono, frontman for U2, is a veteran of activism for the issue of Third World debt. The Beastie Boys have taken the honourable issue of Tibet independence as their own, and have done a wonderful job using their celebrity status to enlighten the public about the oppression of a people. How has Wests' appearance helped the survivors of Hurricane Katrina? Not one bit. But I'm sure he'll sell a few more C.D.s. Sphere: Related Content

Four Years Later

In honour of those who died

9/11/2001 Sphere: Related Content

Obvious Inequity

A picture worth a thousand words. Sphere: Related Content

Alberta Spirit Shines

It is not too often that I will write an article in support of the Alberta PCs, but I believe in giving credit when it's due. A big salute to Premier Ralph Klein for the governments announcement of $5 million in aid to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund in response to the Hurricane Katrina disaster. This money goes directly to the organizations that are right in the middle of the devistated areas, and to the people who need it the most.

Not only does this gesture show the spirit of Alberta, but it calls out all of the other provincial governments to do their share. As well, Kleins comments contained a perceived gentle-swipe at the Canadian governments recent anti-American flavour. "I think someone has to demonstrate that the Americans are our friends," Klein said.

The only question that I would have concerns the size of the aid package. While I do not condone the frivilous spending of surplus cash, I do wonder if the five million pledge couldn't have been doubled.

Still, the announcement is a good one not only for helping to relieve the dire situation in the southern United States, but also for the image that our American neighbours have of us. Retired U.S.A.F. pilot, Col. Robert Stein of Iowa, told me this morning: "I am pleasantly surprised at the generous gift from Canada. Some Americans have been wondering if our two nations are as close now as we have been in the past. The comments and actions of some of your leaders recently have made some of us question our friendship. In the same vein, we aren't shocked that this act of kindness came from Alberta." Sphere: Related Content

Words of Wisdom

A few examples of classic Canadiana

"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes." - Former Saskatchewan premier Tommy Douglas
(at least one socialist got it)

"The fact is the statements are perfectly consistent, but more importantly, I don't have all the facts." - Prime Minister Paul Martin
(as long as he's sure...)

"A proof is a proof. What kind of a proof? It's a proof. A proof is a proof. And when you have a good proof, it's because it's proven." - Prime Minister Jean Chrétien (on finding no Iraqi weapons of mass destruction)
(does he have any proof of that?)

"The beaver, which has come to represent Canada as the eagle does the United States and the lion Britain, is a flat-tailed, slow-witted, toothy rodent known to bite off it's own testicles or to stand under its own falling trees." - June Callwood
(...and votes Liberal)

"I just think you Westerners should take over this country if you are so smart." - Pierre Elliott Trudeau
(we'll just take Alberta, Pierre!)

"I'm not going to play politics on the floor of the House of Commons." - (former Prime Minister) John Turner
(...and where is he now?) Sphere: Related Content

Who's the Real Traitor?

Since jumping onto the Alberta independence bandwagon, I have endured the expected taunts and name-calling from the usual suspects. Federalists both Western and Eastern are fond of labeling yours truly as a radical, un-Canadian, or my personal favorite, traitor. Most of the verbs thrown my way have given me a chuckle or two, considering the source of the limp verbal assault. The best are the Jack Layton voting socialist, who accuse me of trying to break up the country. First, that is a charge that I readily accept. By definition, Alberta declaring its independence would change the face of Canada. Second, anyone who vote for either left-wing federal Party is doing more to harm Canadian unity than any article I could write. It is the socialists who, by taking advantage of flaws in the Canadian political system, have opportunistically pushed their social and economic agenda on the federal government. To be called a radical by this group makes the top ten list of compliments I have ever received.

They, of course, cannot and will not see the logic of my assumption. Someone once said: "Treason doth never prosper. Why? If it does, no one dares call it treason." To attempt to wrap yourself in the Canadian flag while doing all you can to destroy the institutions of Canada is hypocritical at best. This is the Canadian leftwing secret agenda - create the atmosphere of patriotism while obliterating the very foundation of a nation, all the while painting some enlightened Albertans as 'unpatriotic'. Truth in fact, I have never met more patriotic people than Alberta separatists. They are extremely proud of our nation - Alberta. That is what separates Albertans from the rest of Canada. Those of us who are trying to 'break up Canada' are up front about it. We have nothing to hide. Can the same be said for the Canadian socialists? Sphere: Related Content

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALBERTA!!

MAY THE NEXT CENTURY HOLD OUR FREEDOM Sphere: Related Content