Even the Liberals are Laughing

Old habits die hard. As much as the Liberal Party is known for it's penchant for expensive scandals when in power, federal Conservative supporters have proven that 13 years living in political obscurity has taught them nothing when it comes to their bad habit of turning on themselves at the worst possible times.

Being in the rare position of governing the nation as well as having the main opposition party leaderless and in disarray, the grassroots rightwingers are doing what comes naturally - blowing the opportunity by wasting time fighting each other. Both Free Dominion and Project Alberta web forums have threads dedicated to the current squabble. I've spent my time on both sites for quite a while now, and although I intended to write this without taking a side, I find that quite difficult.

To be fair, there is questionable comments and actions from both sides. Tales of cabals, trigger-happy bannings, and even a deplorable act of using someone's email to set up a spam account at an adult website have occurred. The situation has deteriorated to the level of childishness.

That being said...
I have had my run-ins with a few folks on Project Alberta, and the odd clash of personalities has made for some interesting posts. However, I can say with full conviction that I have never, not once, been labeled or slandered for by opinions on that forum. I cannot say the same for Free Dominion. When the topic is of a 'moral issue', moderates need not waste time typing. The far-right seem to have a level of leeway that isn't enjoyed by others. Characters such as Bill Whatcott and others are free to spew their borderline-hate message of jailing gays, while the libertarian-conservative advocate risks being booted off for speaking out against such diatribe.

In the F.D. thread regarding the spat, posters acting like the Black knight in the Holy Grail. Badly wounded by the loss of vital body parts, he continues to believe that he is in a good position to carry on. Some have even started attacking other sites including Project Alberta, portraying them to be somehow inferior. In my opinion, Free Dominion has become a Fundamental Christian anti-gay anti-abortion haven. In fact, it has become to the far-right what rabble.com is to the far-left. Any suggestion that the government should stay out of the every day lives of the people is shunned. (Last time I checked, 'small government' - even on moral issues - is on page one of the Official Universal Conservative Policy book.)

The ultra-conservative supporters of Free Dominion have spent the last few months sending a message to us moderates. Message received.

Alberta Cashes in on Middle East Conflict

Albertan's have found themselves in a rather unsettling position lately. The growing conflict in the Middle East is a concern the we are paying attention to, but with a sense of disconnection. It's so far away, and Canada isn't directly involved. Our focus is still on our involvement in Afghanistan and the seemingly neverending mini-debate over our role in the rebuilding of that nation.

The discussion of Israel and Lebanon usually flows towards the price of gas and other inconveniences to Canadians. In Alberta, we are feeling the pinch as much as anyone - with one difference. The higher the level of conflict overseas, the more powerful our provincial economy becomes. Driven primarily by oil and natural gas, Alberta's coffers will continue to bulge. In the longterm, the new realization by Western nations (namely the United States) that the perilous reliance on resources from Arab nations cannot be trusted, and the eyes of the world are turning to a safer, much more friendly exporter of crude - Alberta.

With both the provincial and federal Conservatives spending some valuable time and money on various Alberta energy-themed public relations events in the U.S. this past year, the northern Alberta oilsands are drawing investment opportunities like never before. Calgary has become to new economic heart of the nation. Edmonton, the capital and traditionally more leftwing of the two, is also riding the wave. Smaller cities like Red Deer, Fort MacMurray, and Grande Prairie are dealing with population booms. It is the yan to the Middle East's yin - the unfortunate reality of war creates a benefit for us.

Being smart with this unparalleled opportunity could place Alberta at the top of the global economic foodchain. We just have to make sure that we don't leave ourselves exposed to any federal or Eastern Canadian financial raid.

Our Opportunity

If it can be said that Albertan's have a flaw, it is that we are generally too polite. Sometimes throwing political correctness to the side, we still habitually open doors for ladies and say 'hello' to strangers. At times, we might lend a hand to a neighbour, or even say 'thank you' for a job well done.

On a political level, this quality has shown itself in the forgiveness we have given to our provincial government during those times of heavy scrutiny. More cerebral than we are given credit for by our fellow Canadians, we think the situation through instead of rushing to a biased judgment. Our Premier can make a fool of himself in public, admit through the media to a weakness, and still be among the most popular leaders our province has ever had. It is a part of every Albertan that we cherish, and that we are known for. But it could have it's down side.

With 'one of our own' sitting in the Big Chair in Ottawa, a sense of malaise has settled over the Western populous. A fairly good start for the Harper government has led many longtime disgruntled Albertans to take a step back and give the new federal government some leeway. So far, the Tories haven't done too much to disappoint the hardline Alberta patriots. In fact, it seems that more attention is being focused on the race to replace Ralph Klein than there is on the federal scene. With Harper as Prime Minister, Albertans should look to Quebec for guidance. When in a position to demand power, our Eastern neighbours have never missed an opportunity to grab what they could. When the situation has been favourable, Quebec has been fast and furious to jump. Given that the Tories have shown that they are more in line with the original concept of what Canada was supposed to be (the provinces holding the balance of power over the federal government), now is our time to move towards some of our goals.

Continuing to push for one of our oldest and dearest demands, a reformed Senate, should remain at the forefront. Elections must be the way, even if it requires a change to the Constitution. Reaffirming provincial ownership of all natural resources would be a wonderful symbolic gesture, no matter how many leftwingers it would irritate.

If the goal for Albertans is more autonomy and a greater say in its own affairs, now would be the time to take action.