A message from BC Conservative Party 'member' Alan Forseth

First let me start off by stating, "YES" I am the Campaign Manager for Dan Brooks leadership campaign, but my writing this post today is not about that, it is about something far more important. 

Some who are reading this message are BC Conservative Party  members, some former members, and some are supporters ... some are still active and working hard on behalf of the party -- others have become discouraged.

I am not discouraged, and let me tell you why. 

BC Conservatives, while not winning any seats in the May general election, played an important role; and that role must be built on.  We presented a message that needed to be heard; one of a caring and compassionate society ... of fiscal responsibility ... of environmentally sound resource management ... and of government accountability. 

Those are things which are vitally important to our province, which is why we now MUST build on the initial foundation which has been built.

In the current leadership race for the BC Conservatives, two individuals have stepped forward who believe in our party --- and it's future. I want to encourage you to follow their campaigns, and to take the opportunity to meet with both Dan Brooks, and Rick Peterson, when they are in your community.  Ask them the questions you want answers too.

There is a future for the BC Conservative Party --- an important one -- and we WILL be challenging the BC Liberals and the NDP in the next election in 2017.  I hope that future includes you playing a role in bringing our platform of common sense ideas to the people of BC ... and ensuring that we do indeed make history by electing BC Conservatives to the legislature.

Right now, I would like to encourage you to follow the campaigns of Rick and Dan, and keep up to date with where they are and what they have to say:



Dan Brook -- BC Conservative
leadership candidate

Dan Brooks:
 

Campaign website: http://danbrooksbc.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dan.brooks.14606
 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/danbrooksbc

 

 



Rick Peterson -- BC Conservative
leadership candidate

Rick Peterson:
 

Campaign website: http://rickpeterson.net/
 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickpetersonbccp
 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RPetersonBCCP


 

Thank you for your time ... and thank you for your consideration of this message. 

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, and I'm a BC Conservative.

She is the Premier of British Columbia, and as such, she leads a 'team'

I read BC Premier Christy Clark's column yesterday in the Kelowna Daily Courier (Bringing Canada To Kelowna), and one thing immediately struck me in the just the first few sentences:

"I" did this ... "My" this ... "My" that ...

 

In the last few weeks, all eyes have been on Kelowna. I brought cabinet to meet here, and later addressed the B.C. and Canadian Chambers of Commerce here.

My focus was on small business and skills training.

Small businesses don't always make headlines, but they're  crucial for the economy. They drive almost 55 per cent of B.C. exports and represent 98 per cent of all our business.

My government believes in freeing small business from regulatory burdens that can make it difficult to grow, and supporting them where we can. Our record on cutting red tape speaks for itself, as we were awarded the Canadian Federation of Independent Business' only A grade.

She doesn't begin to acknowledge the work of others, or that this government belongs to the 'people', until the 5th paragraph when she finally begins a sentence with, "We're ..."

We're also supporting small business is the Small Business Accord ...

BC Premier on Christy Clark

Right after that, however, BC Liberal Premier Christy Clark is right back to ... I announced ... I also spoke ...

At least on the positive side, she concluded with:
"Ultimately, we all want the same thing - more opportunities for Canadians.

This column was written from the MLA's perspective of course, but that said, she is the Premier of British Columbia, and as such, she leads a 'team'.

It could have been written to be much more inclusive, but instead it seems the focus and spotlight continues to be on her -- guess that's why I have never been able to feel comfortable with her way of doing the governments business.

One things for certain, at least in my opinion, when (not if) things start to go wrong, we know who has claimed all responsibility for the direction and policies of government.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative.  The floors now opinion to you; your thoughts?

'Social Responsibility', or caring for one and other, is a two way street

I saw a discussion earlier today, on social media, about linking two words together; they were, "Social Responsibility". 

One person commenting said basically that they don't belong in the small 'c' conservative world -- another said they mean nothing.  As a small 'c' conservative, I have to respectfully disagree.  Referencing the two words, they can and should mean the following:

SOCIAL ... relating to the way in which people in groups behave and interact ... relating to human welfare (well-being / safety) and the organized welfare services that a community provides

RESPONSIBILITY ... the state, fact, or position of being accountable to somebody or for something ... somebody or something for which a person or organization is responsible

The words 'Social Responsibility' should NOT, in my opinion, be something negative which is attached to the left side of the political spectrum.  Social responsibility is something we as individuals, and society, are accountable for.

That said, it should not blindly be given. 

'Social Responsibility', or caring for one and other, is a two way street.  We as a society are responsible to look after the well-being of those who need it, or are unable to provide it for themselves ... while those receiving it have a responsibility not to abuse it, and to pass it on when and if they are able.

As a society -- across the whole realm of the political spectrum -- we as individuals, and a society, are responsible to give a hand-up, but not a hand-out.

 

"Transforming a brand into a socially responsible leader doesn't happen overnight by simply writing new marketing and advertising strategies. It takes effort to identify a vision that your customers will find credible and aligned with their values"
~~ Simon Mainwaring (award-winning branding consultant, advertising creative director, and social media specialist and blogger)
 

Does 'social responsibility' belong in the beliefs, principles, and policies of small 'c' conservatives?  You bet it does ... but that's just my opinion.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops ... with the thoughts of one conservative

Rick Peterson offering "New Voice, New Leadership, New Direction" as the theme for BC Conservative leadership bid

This morning I arrived in Vancouver for the expected announcement that Rick

(L - R)Sean Upshaw, Rick Peterson, Carol Day,
Jim Friesen, Duane Nickull, and Ian Toothill

Peterson would be letting his name stand to become the next leader of the BC Conservative Party ... and as many of you know, this followed the announcement a week and a half ago that Dan Brooks was also going to seek the position.

One of the reasons I made the trip this morning, along with former Kamloops South BC Conservative candidate Peter Sharp, was because as of today, I'm still unsure who I will support.

Right now however, I believe it is more important to get word out on who the candidates are ... their vision ... and how they would lead the membership of the party.

I did Tweet several times from this mornings announcement made by BC Conservative Party leadership hopeful Rick Peterson ... here is what I had to say (FYI ... if you are unfamiliar with Twitter shorthand, a list will follow below of what the shorthand stands for:  

• arrived in #Vancouver 4 #RickPeterson #leadbcc announcement at Terminal City Club ... see Sean Upshaw, Ian Toothill, Jeff Bridge, & others
• @duanenickull #seanupshaw #JeffBridge #ianToothill and couple others headed to the platform for #RickPeterson #leadbcc announcement 
• Intro now underway w. @CarolDay #BCCP Richmond candid8 at #RickPeterson #leadbcc announcement -- giving list of qualifications to lead #bccp
• New Direction, New Leadership, New Direction theme 4 #RickPeterson #leadbcc announcement underway at Terminal City Club in #Vancouver 
• #RickPeterson now stepped 2mic - giving thnx to #CarolDay &kudo's 2 first endorsements including John Friessen #SeanUpshaw #IanToothill & more 
• #RickPeterson talking about lower income family seniors, disadvantaged children & how #ChristyClark sucking life out of BCers 
• small biz being hit hard by #BClibs #ChristyClark; need tax fairness. Privileged few on inside (#BCLib appointees) getting perks pensions etc
• #RickPereson "Who is speaking 4 most vulnerable in BC society -- complete silence from #ChristyClark #BCLibs - #BCCP will fill that void 
• competitive edge in bc being squandered away by #ChristyClark #BCLibs -- can't allow that to happen #rickpeterson #leadbcc #bcpoli 
• #leadbcc #RickPeterson ... we need balance between govt, industry/ resource sector, environment, and 1st nations so we can help those who need it 
• #Leadbcc #RickPeterson; gov deferring problems - interest rates bout to rise. with my team #leadbcc will be advancing policies 4change 

RickPeterson says #BCCP will have full warchest for 2017. Path leading 2 political success leads to support all BCers &economy

What political party said "The sacrifices made to get our financial house in order must not be sabotaged by future increases in government spending"

Today I invite you to take a trip with me in the history of BC politics.  I invite you to guess which BC Provincial political party, waiting to become the next government, said the following:

- we believe that government is making life tougher instead of better for the average BC family

- while households scrimp, save, and cut back on essentials, the one expense they cannot control or escaper is government taxes.  The main reason British Columbians are working harder and falling behind is the constant and rapid rise in taxes

- while everyone is paying higher taxes, the return to taxpayers on the things that matter most is declining

- the major problems facing this province all have one key element in common   -- they are being created by our government

- British Columbians need a government that will base its decisions on common-sense principles and live within its means

- the sacrifices made to get our financial house in order must not be sabotaged by future increases in government spending

- by shifting funds on and off the books, the _??? __ government has shown how the existing system can be manipulated

-  __ ??? ___ believes that governments closest to the people serve them best.   __ ??? __ will return resources and responsibilities to local government, advancing our spirit of community and raising our quality of life

- the best way to change government is to open it up and bring its many functions closer to the people it servers.  __ ??? __ believes that the closer decision-making is to the people, the more likely it is that good ideas will be put to work.

While these statements of belief go back nearly two decades I ask you ... "Is life any different for you now, than it was then?"

Is government still making life tougher?  Are they continuing to raise fees and taxes that we are obligated to pay?  Are they doing any better with government spending?

Are we getting more services ... seeing more front-line workers ... seeing less wait times for Emergency Room services?

Why are our seniors, that helped build this province, paying a higher and higher percentage, from their meager retirement funds, for shelter, health needs, and other necessities?

How about returning government closer to the people it serves?  For example, government fired the local 'elected' Boards that ran our hospitals ... are they still being overseen by government appointed individuals?  Where is the decision making process for local health care in Kamloops made?

Is government any more open?  Are the front line services and function closer to the people they serve ... hospitals ... courthouses ... schools in rural communities?

The words noted above in italics, were spoken by the BC Liberals prior to the election of 1996.  They were words of chastising the NDP government which was in power -- they were words that offered new hope.

Nearly two decades later, rather seeing things better for ourselves -- our parents -- our children -- and our grandchildren, we still have less and less services ... a Liberal government that has run budget deficits for more times that not ... and that has just like the NDP before them, doubled the debt.

YES ... perhaps taxes have gone down, however government has more than made up for it by nickel and diming us with increased fee for everything the possibly can -- including health care cost through increased Medical Service Plan (MSP) rates.

 

AND ... and a Pphoney green carbon tax that hit those who live in the interior and north for not just fuel to run our vehicles ... but also basic necessities like home heating fuel, our groceries, and even the clothes we wear!  A carbon tax that also took valuable resources away from schools and hospitals, and did NOTHING to protect the environment!

Government has pillaged BC Hydro and ICBC for billions of dollars, which have disappeared into a bottomless spending pit.  Meantime we continue to be hit with large increases to ICBC rates, and Hydro costs.

An environment of entitlement has been allowed to come in to being -- one where the heads of government crown corporations, and agencies, feel they are able to give them selves huge increases in pay and benefits.

My friends ... WE ARE NOT better off than we were twenty years ago -- we continue to be worse off!

The BC Liberal Party under Christy Clark now seems to be relaxed when it comes to the BC Conservative Party nipping at there heels.  Take heed -- and take warning -- we as BC Conservatives will rebuild under new leadership.

AND ... we will challenge YOU to an accounting for why you have left us, our children, and our grandchildren on the hook for debt that has continued to skyrocket at a completely unsustainable rate.

You won election by default this year; be forwarned ... it's NOT going to happen again.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative.

REMINDER to BC Finance Minister Mike de Jong: Moody's examines budget projections ... BUT do not verify them as balanced ... or not balanced

'Let me make this perfectly clear ...'

So BC Liberal Finance Minister Mike de Jong says that Moody's assessment concludes that BC's debt remains manageable during the CURRENT low interest-rate environment. 

Lets take a look at what Jordan Bateman (British Columbia Director, Canadian TaxpayersFederation) has had to say however ... and I quote:
"By the end of the 2012-13 budget year, it will hit $57.6 billion. And in 2015, it will rise to $66.4 billion --DESPITE two years of planned surplus budgets."

So what happens WHEN (not if) interest rates go higher?

Mike de Jong also stated today that BC taxpayers 'will pay lower interest rates' ... but NOTHING could be further from the truth.

We will continue to pay the 'going rate'! 

That means the resources of government will be reduced, by nearly $7 million EVERY DAY, for debt service costs (interest the government pays on roughly $60 billion in debt).

Again ... that's $7 million EVERY DAY just to make the interest payments on that debt. 

That's $7 million EVERY DAY that could and should be going to provide from line services in health, education, senior care and more.

And that interest payment ($7 million a day) is before this BC Liberal government even begins to start reducing the debt; something which they have been unable to do year after year.  And just to be clear, the Liberal government of BC has not even had a balanced budget since 2006! 

I think perhaps it would be wise to mention two more things ... one from a Ministry of Finance news release sent out today ... and the other from a CBC "Reality Check" with regards to what Moody's really says.

First , the news release from the Ministry of Finance makes the claim that:
"Moody’s Aaa rating confirmation follows the first quarterly report, issued Sept. 10, 2013, which confirmed that B.C. is on track to balance the 2013-14 budget."

Now to the CBC Reality Check which quoted Helmut Pastrick, the chief economist of Central One Credit Union who said:
" ... Moody's and other credit rating agencies examine budget projections, but do not verify them as balanced or not balanced."

So Mike ... but there's no thanks coming your way from me ... only wonderings why you continue to misrepresent the truth of BC finances (debt and interest), how credit rating agencies work, and how much we really pay for the overspending by consecutive governments from the NDP, right down through the BC Liberals.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative.

Dan Brooks announces candidacy for Leader of the BC Conservatives ... Campaign will emphasize issues in Interior, North and Rural B.C.

Dan Brooks steps forward as first candidate
to lead BC Conservative Party

KAMLOOPS, B.C. - SEPT. 12, 2013 - Dan Brooks today announced his candidacy to become the new Leader of the BC Conservative Party.

"I am proud to declare that I am seeking to win election as the Leader of the BC Conservatives," said Brooks.

"I was born in B.C.'s North, I am raising my family in rural British Columbia, and I make my living off our bountiful natural resources. For too long, however, the people living in our province's Interior, North and Rural regions have been neglected, ignored by the decision-makers in Victoria.

"My campaign will focus on developing and being a strong voice for those British Columbians who believe that their interests are not being heard or represented in the corridors of power."

Brooks was born in Vanderhoof, B.C. and he later graduated from the University of Waterloo with a B.A. in Classical (Greek and Roman) Studies.

He returned to the North and in 1995 to operate a family business, Crystal Lake Resort Ltd., located north of the Chilcotin region and south of the Nechako River.

In the May 2013 provincial general election, Brooks was the BC Conservative candidate in the riding of Nechako Lakes. He obtained 12.6 per cent of the popular vote, ranking him fifth out of 56 Conservative candidates who contested the election.

Brooks also announced that his campaign office will be located in Kamloops.

"I believe BC Conservative members living in the Interior, North and Rural parts of the province will decide the next Leader of our party," said Brooks. "And Kamloops is ideally situated as a centralized location from which to run my leadership campaign."

 

BACKGROUNDER

Dan Brooks was born in Vanderhoof in 1975, not long after his parents - Fred and Carolyn Brooks - had moved to British Columbia from Alberta, and bought Crystal Lake Resort, a hunting and fishing lodge located southwest of town.

When Dan was eight, Fred, Carolyn and their children moved back to Alberta to operate the family farm while Fred pursued various businesses across BC and Alberta. The Brooks family would return each summer to Vanderhoof and in 1994 Dan began working at Crystal Lake as a guide.

After he turned 21, Dan decided that he wanted to make his home in northern British Columbia. He married an Alberta girl, Ellen Smith, in 1998 and together they raised their family at Crystal Lake.

It is up to BC Conservatives to show we are a party worthy of support

I have to say that I am feeling MUCH MORE enthusiastic about being a BC Conservative these days.  Despite not much in the way of news in mainstream media, the rumor mills are alive with talk of upcoming announcements. 

That's why I am asking those outside, and inside the party, "Are you looking to create, and be part of, a true small 'c' conservative party with a social conscience?"

That is what I have always believed in, and hoped to see created in the BC Conservatives.  And those of us who have stuck by the party, and who are now giving us a second look, are (I hope) looking to continue to grow and develope that kind of common sense alternative. 

Dialogue.  That is what people within the BC Conservative Party need to have.  But it must be a respectful dialogue. 

No any one person, or group, is the BC Conservative Party. We have had enough inner squabbles, and I for one am more than ready to say ... "So long good riddance to the past crap" ... and look forward to building the future of the party. 

Personally I believe the party needs to grow from a support base and move out from there -- that means a solid foundation in the interior and north. I feel fairly certain some will not see eye to eye with me on that, however that's the kind of discussion and dialogue the party needs to have. 

Just to be clear, I have not yet chosen who I will be supporting for the leadership of the BC Conservatives. That's because I do not even know yet who is planning to seek the nomination, other than rumors of Dan Brooks and Rick Peterson.  I hope at least one or two others will step forward as well ... and I hope there conservative women considering the leadership as well. 

Here we go again with an alleged "no tax increase" regime, and yet all those hidden taxes keep going up and up

Why is it that government continues to allow an out of control sense of

entitlement to crown corporations giving them selves big wage increase and bonuses ... and yet expects government employees to accept zip, zip and zip. 

A story in the Vancouver Sun today reminds us that ... ICBC eliminated more than 260 jobs late last year, most of them from a management group that ballooned almost 41 per cent from 2007 to 2011, according to a government audit last August. After the audit, then-CEO Jon Schubert — who earned $486,541 in pay and bonuses in 2011 — resigned.

At the same time it is fine and well for ICBC to nail us with an increase in rates of 16.1 percent in just a year and a half. 

Can some one please tell me how much the BC Liberal government gouges out of ICBC to bury in general revenues? 

Here we go again with an alleged no tax increase regime, and yet all those hidden taxes keep going up and up. 

Remember it wasn't all that long ago that we heard we could expect an increase of 30% to BC Hydro rates was on the horizon.  Bill Tieleman, in a July 9th article in the Tyee had this to say: 

If there's any surprise, it's for BC Hydro ratepayers who will get hosed with significantly higher electricity bills of likely 30% over three years because the government and board were playing with the Crown corporation's finances like it was Monopoly money. 

Sadly, the residents of the lower mainland also have even more out of control government intervention in things ... for example Translink. 

Another story from earlier this spring in the Surrey North Delta Leader stated: 

"The province has exercised a dominant interest, feeling free to impose its priorities on the region and reluctant to provide a role in transit for local government institutionsit did not directly or indirectly control." 

There is now an ... unelected "professional" board consisting of corporate directors with expertise in areas like finance, real estate and engineering."

Some of you will know this message is being directed to you ...

Where does the BC Conservative Party go now that no seats were won in the general election, and leader John Cummins has stepped aside to allow the party to begin a search for a new leader? 

Those are good questions, and ones that all members should be giving serious consideration too.

Sadly I already know of some members who have already decided that there is no future for the party.  I RESPECTFULLY have to disagree! 

In fact, some of the people I know who have, or are considering this move, are the very people that this party DOES need to have as members.  Despite what some who are outside the party, including those in the media, have to say ... we are a party that is working towards creating the kind of common sense ideals that can appeal to most British Columbians.

Does BC still have a choice of the BC Conservative Party?

Already much has been done to lay the foundation for this -- however the work is not complete -- and an inclusive and open discussion must take place to make sure the party can, and will be, relevant. 

To tell you the truth, I was exhausted after the past couple of years, and especially after all of the work that went into our own local Kamloops South Thompson campaign.  I was ready for a long, and what I felt was well deserved, break.  I was wrong!

The real work really must begin, and all small 'c' conservatives need to be on board.

Let me repeat that ... ALL small 'c' conservative who believe in fiscal values of accountability ... who believe in being responsive to the people of BC ... and who has a social conscience that says we MUST offer a hand-up to those that need it ... need to be on board.

Many are tired of the work that has been put in ... but no real goal(s) can be realized without effort.

I never really was out of the saddle following the election, but I did take a bit of a respite.  For those who were in the same place as I was emotionally, or who have been considering they have no more to give, then I ask you to consider this. 

Look back at what it was you were trying to achieve and ask yourself ... "Are the goals you wished to reach any different than they were before?"

Some of you will know this message is being directed to you.  Regardless ... let me say that I respect whatever the choice is that some of you have made, or will make. 

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops with the thoughts of one conservative.

SEAN UPSHAW; "Let me remind everyone that the word 'serve' is in Conservative"

Who is Westside-Kelowna BC Conservative candidate Sean Upshaw?  Well I asked Sean that very question, and here is what he had to say: 

Westside-Kelowna BC Conservative
candidate Sean Upshaw

Every story has a beginning.  Mine is similar to some, and greatly dissimilar to others.  I begin with this simply to let you know my early roots.  My parents divorced when I was 3. and I ended up in foster homes and between parents. Due to illness my Mom was on Disability Assistance; my father was an alcoholic. It was a challenging time for me as a child, and into my late teens. 

At age 18 I nearly died when I was stung by dozens of wasps, and I went into anaphylactic shock. I survived, and shortly after, I made a decision to make some major changes in my life.  Since then I have never looked back, and set myself on a path to be the best person I can. 

I have been married to my lovely wife, Heather, for almost 30 years. We moved here to Kelowna 11 years ago from Abbotsford, with our 3 children, Andrew, Sarah and Dave.  

Since then, Andrew has gotten married, to Ashley, and they have 2 children, Noah and Ezra. Sarah has been working with me for about 7 years. She did receive her real estate license, but is now working as my unlicensed assistant. Dave was working in real estate with us as well, but has recently moved to Vancouver with his fiancé, Jen. 

Heather and I have a dog named Sami. Some of my hobbies are spending time with my family, watching Canucks hockey and Golf, being out on the lake in the summertime, and vintage cars. I really enjoy studying the stars, the universe and physics. 

I am also a political junkie.  My political interest began when at the age of 10 in Camrose Alberta.  There I had the opportunity to meet, and shake the hand of, Premier Peter Lougheed. From that moment on, I grew to learn that that one individual can make a difference in this world. 

In the 2011 Federal Election I ran as an Independent Conservative Candidate in the Okanagan Coquihalla riding, and of course in the recent BC Provincial General Election, I ran as a candidate for the BC Conservatives. 

My record is that of a person who is well educated, a real

achiever who is not afraid to be innovative and take risks. 

I am loyal and committed to what is right, and to serving people whenever and wherever I am able. Even though I could have been held back by a challenging start to life, I have not let that hold me back from being the best person I can be. 

The reason I have chosen to run, in the Westside Kelowna by-election, is because our Province truly needs a Conservative government if we are to ever get out of the financial mess that the BC Liberals have put us in. 

It is not an easy task taking on a Premier, especially one who is as arrogant and cunning as the one we have now. 

Our province has been robbed from, lied too, and corrupted by this present Liberal government, but hopefully with new eyes on the situation, and the ability to speak first hand to it, they can finally be held to account. 

The BC Liberals have done a masterful job, of covering up their past, with a campaign that was paid for by the very taxpayers that are being deceived. I guess you could say we have sown the wind, and reaped to the whirlwind. Soon the chickens will come home to roost. 

Unfortunately it seems the media, in large part, are a big part of the problem. They have long passed the point of journalism and have been sold out to commercialism. The unbiased days of truth and fairness have been replaced with favoritism and greed, and the need to be populist instead realists. 

Am I being too honest?  

So I have chosen to run because I, like many BC Conservatives, am not under the “spell” of this agenda. 

I see my role in Victoria as one of fighting for truth in the midst of what Christy Clark herself has called a “sick” culture -- one I hope that a growing number of British Columbians will come to acknowledge as a role much in need of being filled. It certainly is not one that the NDP will take on, after all, they are as much a part of it, as the BC Liberals.

I believe societies real test of supporting freedom of speech, is to ensure all have the opportunity to have their say, even those we agree with the least

Well many comments have come in regarding the blog post I did yesterday, regarding Saturday's column by Alex Tsakumis.  As I fully expected, they have come in by private message, or email, as most folks are nervous about him turning his guns on them.

Let me just point out that I very much support free speech, and the right of Alex to say whatever he wishes to.  He has every right to do so.

What I, and many others however, object to, is the way in which he does so.  Writing with an inflammatory style does nothing, in my opinion, to further the cause of dialogue in a meaningful way.

I might point out that the policies, beliefs, and principles, of the BC Conservative Party, very much support the right of free speech.  Our Guiding Principles clearly state:

1.1.7.

We believe in the principle of equality for all British Columbians, with special privileges for none.

This principle includes the protection of private propertyy, the freedom of the individual, and freedom of speech, worship and lawful assembly.

I as an individual, and as a member of the BC Conservative Party, am dedicated to upholding the concept of this fundamental freedom.

I may not agree with what some people have to say, and that has been the case on many an occasion.  However ... I believe societies real test of supporting freedom of speech, is to ensure all have the opportunity to have their say, even those we agree with the least.

Dialogue leads to understanding .. and that I fully support.

 

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops ... with the thoughts of one conservative.

Why Alex, even you yourself, with your juvenile twist of my name to ‘foreskin’, show your junior high mentality

Blogger & political commentator
Alex Tsakumis strikes a pose of ?

Yesterday (June 8th) blogger and political commentator Alex Tsakumis wrote a piece entitled ‘EXCLUSIVE’ BREAKING NEWS: BC Conservative Leader Set to Resign Immediately! 

It was typical of his style of writing in that it took the scorched earth approach in lambasting people / individuals.  This time, it was John Cummins once again in his sites.

I was notified off his piece by an acquaintance, and after viewing what he had written, and some of the comments from his readers, I decided that perhaps I would, after all, post a comment.

I knew in advance it would cause Alex to begin frothing at the mouth, and it indeed did not take long.

If you go to the actual blog piece you will notice many of my responses were not allowed to see the light of day by him.  Despite the fact that they were posted long before some of the others, they still remain, Your comment is awaiting moderation

The following have NOT been edited or changed in any way by me. I ask you, does any level headed political commentator write and say the things he does?

 
1.       Alan Forseth says:
             June 8, 2013 at 10:40 PM

I am sad and disappointed — but not surprised — to see you write what many have come to expect from you, Alex .  

After skewering John Cummins, with your usual negative ground scorching rhetoric, you then went on to say, ” I wish John Cummins and his family well. He’s served the public as best he could and for that he is to be commended and afforded the honour and respect that goes with it.” 

All I can say to you sir is … what a pompous and arrogant ass! 

I remain as always –a PROUD BC Conservative! 

Over to you now Alex; go ahead and lambast me with more poison. It’s what everyone expects off you

Reply

           AGT says:

June 9, 2013 at 9:15 AM

Inability to read–CHECK!

Impossible to comprehend even rudimentary political concepts–CHECK!

Delusions of adequacy–CHECK!

Lost in own rhetorical codswollop–CHECK!

Dead at intersection of church and state–CHECK!

PROMINENT, AGGRESSIVE CANCER CELL IN GASPING, DYING ORGANIZATION–CHECK!!!

Ladies and Gentleman, please welcome one of the chief reasons for BC Conservative failure(s).

Zealotry should be a crime.

Alan Forseth says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
June 9, 2013 at 11:15 AM

Well … you were totally and completely not up to your usual efforts Alex. Well gosh durn gee whiz (is this the talk you expect from what you proclaim to be Neanderthal conservatives? You are a pitiful creature sir, and anything but the adoring admiration of you band of your blind adherents will do.

You can think anything you wish of John Cummins — and our members — myself included. BUT to them follow-up with a meaningless asinine congratulatory close is complete and utter arrogance.

Your self-stroking checklist of so called faults has NOTHING to do with what you wrote in your so-called Exclusive Breaking News story — nor does it have anything to do with my comments.

It is little more than part of your on-going campaign of caustic comments, with no real understanding of our goals — which have nothing to do with our so-called social / religious miss-deeds — and DOES have everything to do with a straight forward message of fiscal conservatisms, job creation, provided needed services, and strengthening health and education.

Carry on oh great one — and a sure your adorning fans will cheer you on as you continue your campaign of hate speech

Reply

o      George says:

June 9, 2013 at 10:24 AM

Oh Alan, for those of us watching you on social media this comment will come back to bite you LOL…

God squad Conservatives are the reason we have Christy, and Alan was a big part of that with his friends… I saved the screenshots..

As for what people expect from Alex, we expect him to hold zealots like you to account, exactly what he is doing.

Who are you to come here and condescend to Alex, and by extension, us his readers. It seems your party needs YOUR attention redeeming itself, especially after screwing us over, by dividing votes with your WEAK leader.. pay attention to your own weaknesses as God would tell you.

Alan those of us that pay attention are laughing right now because your *cough* loyalty has been pretty thin on social media.. hypocrisy knows no boundaries as you’ve so clearly demonstrated here today…

After reading something you said and did a few weeks ago I’ve been waiting for this moment…

It’s pretty clear you and the Conservatives fear Alex Tsakumis and his ability to get the brown envelopes….

Alan to be very clear it was partly because of you and the folks you communicate with on social media that prevented me from voting “Free enterprise.”

I hate being told by holier than tho types that their own s**t doesn’t stink.. .. rolling my eyes at the hypocrisy …

Reply

 Alan Forseth says:

Your comment is awaiting moderation.

June 9, 2013 at 11:59 AM

Ah …a loyal defender of the hate drivel that Alex writes –it took longer than I thought t would

Call me whatever you like — makes no never minds to me; however I will not tolerate patent lies and miss-representations

I for one will NOT be stuck in the rut of self-serving righteous adherents to anything.

I have deliberately cast a wide net for people with many thoughts and ideas that do not necessarily agree with mine. It challenges me and others to look closely at my beliefs, and to make changes when and where it is needed.

Exploring new and different ideas has always been key to growing and learning — something I’m pretty sure most would agree with