There is, as I see it, only two directions we can go in this situation of ethics, accountability, and integrity.

Call me Don Quixote if you like, (others have),
but I am going to continue in my belief that
there is indeed positive change about to begin

I find it interesting to see the following from Nik Nanos (Few see positives in currentpolitical climate), after my comment, posted to Facebook yesterday, on the federal Conservative party:

There's a bit of a pox on all your houses, so to speak, from all the parties.  Canadians are seeing dysfunction in Parliament and in government from all parties when it comes to politicians focusing on positive solutions to problems affecting Canadians.

But these numbers are particularly troubling for the Conservatives. If you're the sitting government, you're looking at numbers like this and Canadians are saying, 'you know what — you're not doing much for me right now in terms with helping me in my day-to-day life'.  

 

 

So what did I post yesterday?  Well it was one short simple comment, which I was delighted to see engaged a few people in conversation, which I now share with you:

My growing disappointment in the federal conservative party is continuing ... and I know I am not alone in this. 

 

"Merv":  Yes, but what's the alternative?  

 

Me: I think that an alternative / shakeup will be inevitable, IF the federal party does not find its roots once again. 

 

"Sandy":

My Conservative/conservator roots go a long way back. I even ran as a Conservative candidate in the 1993 Kim Campbell election debacle and was steamrollered by the Reform candidate in this riding. 

 

I only mention this so that you can understand my own disappointment in the performance of Duffy and Wallin but I am still a firm supporter and believer in Stephen Harper's leadership. 

 

Before anyone runs screaming into the darkness, think of the alternative - Canada under the domination of eastern Liberals led by a Trudeau. In British Columbia and Alberta we should always remember what Trudeau Liberalism can do to our economy. 

 

Duffy and Wallin should be thrown out of the senate, along with anyone else found in conflict with ethical standards. That would include the Liberal senator also facing an inquiry into his expense claims.  

 

Me:

Thanks for your comments Sandy --- I posed this today to see what thoughts and ideas would come from others. As I say, I am sure I am not the only one with growing concerns.

 

The federal Conservative Party must, in my opinion, begin to look at why it's own supporters are beginning to question if it is losing its way, and how that should be addressed. If not, then it's future may be in jeopardy. 

 

"Damir":

Sure, I'll dog pile here. As a former PC/C voter who is quite concerned with the current situation in Ottawa, my 2015 vote is now completely up for grabs. What was done with the parliamentary budget office is, IMO, no better than the shameful way Victoria dealt with the auditor general. And what the heck ever happened to Senate reform?

 

Since the merger, the leadership is increasingly not walking the talk. Time for a change, either internally or externally.

 

No free pass just because the ghost of Trudeau is back in charge of the Liberals.

I heard that he was in the process of writing a book dealing with his life, and time, in politics – well it has been completed!

The Honorable Brain Peckford, former
Premier of Newfoundland & Labrador

The Honorable Brian Peckford, former Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador left politics in 1989, and now calls the Vancouver Island community of Qualicum Beach home.

Some time back I heard that he was in the process of writing a book dealing with his life, and time, in politics – well it has been completed!

“Some Day the Sun Will Shine and Have Not Will Be No More” is being released shortly by Flanker Press.  After the initial launch of his book in St. John's on September 12th, Mr. Peckford will be doing book signings in several locations in Newfoundland. 

Mr. Peckford has also booked space at the Parliamentary Press Gallery on September 19th, for a press conference addressing the section of the book that deals with the Constitution; particularly the Patriation of the Constitution in 1981.  This press conference will deal with how 30 years later, the spin of how it came about, is erroneous.

Another area of note, in the book, will be a section entitled “Some Interesting People”.  Here, Mr. Peckford takes the opportunity to describe some of his experiences with Trudeau, Levesque, Crosbie, Moores, and Jamieson.

Don Jamieson, as you may recall, had been External Affairs Minister in the Cabinet of Pierre Trudeau, and was persuaded to come back to Newfoundland and lead the Liberal Party.   Peckford called his first election in 1979, and in it, his Progressive Conservative Party took 60 per cent of the popular vote, winning 44 of the 52 seats in the legislature.

I’m looking forward to having a read of Brian Peckford's new book; afterwhich it will go alongside other books I already have on politics from Preston Manning, David Crosbie, J.S. Woodsworth, Phil Galardi, and a few others.

Meantime … I’m still trying to find a good biography on Ralph Klein.  I know one was written but it’s out of print, and haven’t been able to find a copy in any used book stores so far.  If anyone finds one, let me know and maybe I can arrange to have you pick it up and mail it to me.

In Kamloops, I’m Alan Forseth.

Yeah I know, I’m still posting.  I promise, I’ll take that promised break soon :)