As some of you know, I have been very passionate and, to some degree, involved in unification efforts of the two conservative parties here in Alberta. It has been a true labour of love and that may be one of the biggest understatements I have ever made in this column.
Now, I am far from a guy that adheres to a top down, elitist approach to politics - I don’t think much of that particular model. On the other hand, the “grassroots” approach sounds very democratic and inclusive. But, I would argue that many of these grassroots folks are not actually involved in politics. Let’s examine why so many of you want a single conservative entity just like we have federally, and the reasons why this isn’t going to happen anytime soon.
To begin, the grassroots actually consists of political party members and, in fact, mostly local constituency boards and their associations. From time to time you can sprinkle in an MLA for good measure and the hope is they reflect what the coffee shops, clubhouses or even the local pub mentality will be. It’s great in principle most of the time, however, when the element of radical troublemakers enters, things go south quickly.
Let’s start with the PC Party. First off, it has no constitutional mechanism to dissolve itself as an organization allowing for the creation of a new entity. I find this shocking although it isn’t anything that can’t be fixed with a vote at their annual general meeting. The problem though is that you have a thousand passionate PC’s members who, in their words, say “Alberta just caught a cold, politically. Soon, the province will welcome us back.” So instead of opening the door to working with their cousins in the Wildrose, they slam the door in the mistaken belief that they are the naturally governing party of Alberta and can go it alone! I have to appreciate the confidence but in all honesty, are they nuts?
This is the time to show leadership and to make concessions to stop little problem issues like, say ‘The Carbon Tax.’ Then again, why would they, when they know what is best, building sky palaces, asking everyday Albertans to look in the mirror and, of course, royalty reviews. More recently, in the last federal election many of that flock supported Trudeau Liberals rather than Harper. The PC’s don’t sound a little radical to you? Of course, these elitists wouldn’t lower themselves to be associated with a group like the Wildrose Party! Instead, they’ve made the decision to go behind closed doors and implement a delegated system to choose their next leader so that only the chosen ones can have a say.
In case you think I am going to give Wildrose a free pass, don’t jump to conclusions. Where to start with this gang that once again is having a hell of a time shooting straight. Look at the self-inflicted damage of the Derek Fildebrandt suspension. This raised a lot of eyebrows including mine. Then, realizing their mistake, they backtracked and tried to move on.
Brian Jean has had some good weeks with his graceful handling of the Fort McMurray fire, and the polling numbers reflect that. I think that he and his caucus as well as the Edmonton office do a reasonable job. But enter a group or groups of supposed Wildrose supporters who want it their way or the highway… sound familiar?
You have to know in politics that the rumour/whisper society would make a sewing circle blush. So last Friday this mysterious conspiracy showed up on social media and, of course, regular media in the form of a communication stream between a blogger and the conspirator. Wait until you have a chance to read it which I recommend you do - it will really make you shake your head. Déjŕ vu all over again. A few party members making it nearly impossible to make things work and at the same time virtually guaranteeing another term for the NDP.
Do I know the solution to cleaning up this mess? Honestly, no. But I will tell you this for free. We have a bunch of kooky folks operating in and around these constituency associations.
Do you know how guys like Ralph Klein got elected leader? One member one vote, no BS. Lots of Albertans had a chance to decide and they did. Jeez, I miss the good old days!
