The fact they are not clear, as to the biases they have, only speaks to the level of credence they should be accorded – ZERO!

John Cummins, BC Conservative Party Leader

“I’m not going anywhere,” declares BC Conservative leader John Cummins … to which the overwhelming majority of party members have clearly said … “We support you”

Over the weekend the BC Conservative Party issued a media release saying that party dissidents had two days to either get in line or resign their membership in the BC Conservative Party.

It quoted John Cummins saying; “I am unwavering in my dedication to the BC Conservatives, and fully intend to lead my party into the next general election.  Those few but vocal party members who are critical of my leadership and do not support me have until 12:00 noon, Wednesday, to either get on-side or quit our party and join another.”

BC Conservative Party President Al Siebring

Al Siebring, newly elected President of the BC Conservatives said that … the party encouraged open discussion and a diversity of opinion … however he also indicated that … the leadership issue had been settled by party members at the annual general meeting.

Party President Al Siebring went on to take a firm stand saying, “I simply will not allow our party to be distracted by a handful of dissidents who will not abide by the majority’s decision, and personally will take all appropriate measures after noon Wednesday to ensure that we are united behind our leader.”

Rather than smacking of desperation, as suggested in a CBC NEWS story, it showed party leadership is continuing to take measured steps to the situation.   

The CBC news story included the comments of Political Scientist Hamish Telford:

"What really struck me is the authoritarian tone … this is a North Korea kind of thing right, you know Kim Jong Il and demanding personal loyalty to the leader. This is very unusual.  Subversion of the democratic process.”

I have to say that I for one am greatly puzzled by that statement, and comparison.   

Rather than subverting the democratic process, as Telford inaccurately stated, John Cummins is protecting the democratic process that was just completed at the parties AGM in Langley.  Again, as articulated by Party President Al Siebring, is the viewpoint (correct in my opinion) that:

"We have these constituency association presidents who are calling for a leadership review — it’s a subversion of the democratic process. The party has spoken. If these people are not willing to live with the results of a democratic process then do the honourable thing and go someplace else."

Here’s the question that really needs to be asked:
Why would anyone question not only John Cummins, but the BC Conservative Party itself, for taking steps to ensure it is not destroyed by a few trouble makers that refuse to abide by the overwhelming majority of members?

Those who are questioning these steps, now being taken, are political commentators and pundits who do so because it creates news for them to comment on … along with news media outlets because it creates headlines that generate readers, listeners and viewers. 

They will also be people who simply do not support the goals and objectives of the BC Conservative party and will do whatever they can to undermine it … and of course those who strongly support other political parties.

I was part of the media --- over 25 years in radio in fact – including the news room.  I know how the media works and I will not criticize them for doing their job.  That said, I will question what they have to say, and even how they have stated it, on occasion.

As to the other two camp?

In my opinion, the fact they are not clear as to the biases they have, only speaks to the level of credence they should be accorded.  ZERO!

I’m Alan Forseth in Kamloops with the thoughts of one conservative.  The floors open to you now; what do you think.