I can give you the answer in one word ... NO!

Former MP Chuck Strahl ... a love-in
with Premier Christy Clark?

Former Conservative MP Chuck Strahl provided the Vancouver Sun with an editorial comment yesterday (March 14, 2012), in which part of his comments included the following statement:

"... some of the “heat” about the premier and her government is to be expected, especially from purists who don’t believe in building a free enterprise coalition ..."

I am sure you will know that did not go over well with me.  

That's because one would have to believe the reference (above) is to those of us in the BC Conservative Party.

Well I have news for you Chuck ... many, if not most, people in the BC Conservative Party actually WERE previously part of the so called 'free-enterprise' coalition -- or at least voted for it.

So Chuck, here is the question I would ask you to seriously consider, "Do you think we left on a lark, just for something to do?"

Come one, come all -- we'd like to introduce you to John

BC Conservative Party Leader John Cummins

The Kamloops South Thompson, and Kamloops North Thompson, Constituency Assocations would like to invite you to a Meet and Greet with BC Conservative Party leader John Cummins.

The Meet and Greet will take place in the Mezzanine Room of the Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre, which is located at 1250 Rogers Way.

This event will take place between 2pm and 3pm this Saturday (March 17th) and feel free to bring along a friend. 

Please note ... coffee and tea will be served

I don't mind someone who changes their mind, based on new knowledge, that allows them to reassess their belief

Some folks have been wondering whats the deal with Preston Manning, and Christy Clark.  For those of us that were part of Preston Manning's Reform movement, we have been greatly puzzled, and felt betrayed, by what appears to be his endorsement of Christy Clark, who is a well known federal Liberal.

In fact, I had a brief conversation with a Liberal friend of mine.  Here is a part of that conversation.

FRIEND:
I believe that there may be a few things that have happened here. My best guess is that Preston realizes that at this point in time, the BC Liberals are the best choice to beat the NDP.

I also believe that it is possible for a person to change their political mind. I have spent time with Christy and had some really great discussions. From these discussions it is my belief that she holds close and true some very fundamental conservative values.

On another front, I must admit that I know little about Mr. Cummings during his tenure as a federal MP but the there is a question that nags at me. Why are so many of his past federal colleagues, PC /Reformer/Conservative, refusing not to support him and yet in turn support the Premier? There must be reasons? Would enjoy your thoughts on this.

I appreciate the sincerity of my friend, however I have to wonder exactly what "... she holds close and true some very fundamental conservative values" exactly means?  She has indeed verbalized some conservative values, however I have yet to see them actually be practiced.

As to support amongst former Reformers / Conservatives, I replied to my friend with these words: