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.

Not much has changed in 16 years

Last night I was going through a box of campaign material from the 1996 provincial election in BC.  For those not aware, I ran as a candidate for the BC Reform Party in the riding of Kamloops North Thompson.

Kamloops Daily News political cartoon from April
'96. We still have a “Clark”, but now it’s Christy.

While going through the box, I came upon opening remarks I made at an All-Candidates Forum that had been held in Barriere, a small rural community about half an hour north of Kamloops, in the North Thompson.   

Today I thought I would share them, once again, because in reading them I thought … not much has changed in 16 years!  I wonder, as you read this, if you'll think the same thing.

For far too long we have had only two choices in British Columbia come election time.  One was to vote a party out of power, thereby allowing the other party to win by default – or to vote for a party that didn’t really meet our needs, but kept the other out of power.  Things are different now.

The election being held May 28^th is going to be one of the most important ever.  One that will provide each of us with a choice to continue with ‘behind closed doors decision making the traditional parties offer – or to choose a party that has the will and courage to listen and make ‘real change happen … to make government accountable to you.

But with choice, comes the responsibility to know where the parties stand on issues, and how they will deal with the important decisions that face our province in the years ahead … and how they will consult with you and seek your input in making those decisions.

Our choice will also come down to electing a ‘politician’ – or electing a ‘representative’.

Personal magic and magnetic charm … or practical substance. Which choice do you want to have in 2013?

The Victoria Times Colonist has a great opinion / editorial this morning entitled, “Rebuilding trust in politicians” … and with an election in BC just a year and a half away, the comments made are very timely. 

Timely in that our political parties in BC, prior to the next general election, have a chance - and the opportunity - to show us our shaken trust can indeed be restored. 

And why do we need this to happen?  A CBC news story from May 13^th, 2009 gives us the reason right off the bat with this opening paragraph:

Voter turnout in B.C.'s provincial election hit a record low on Tuesday, with , a full eight percentage points less than the 58 per cent that voted in 2005.

That story also went on to say two things that interested me – well actually one annoyed the heck out of me … the other actually came as no surprise:

UBC political science professor Fred Cutler said there were other factors at play, including the two main party leaders' lack of charisma and a lack of clear divisions in their platforms.

Here’s what scares me about that statement … Merriam Webster defines Charisma as follows:
1: a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a public figure (as a political leader)

2: a special magnetic charm or appeal

Personal magic??  Magnetic Charm??