[Champion3]

IF YOU MOVE TO ALBERTA - ADAPT OR LEAVE

By Craig B. Chandler

Yet another Liberal poll. The Alberta Progressive Conservative Party has dropped again by another 22%

CTV Calgary reported that a Cameron Strategies poll showed support for Alberta Tories has fallen to 32% across the province from 54% seven months ago.

Stelmach's approval rating from January to August fell from 58% to 45% in Edmonton and from 52% to 38% in Calgary.

Overall support for the PC party fell by nearly half in both cities: from 50% to 27% in Edmonton and from 59% to 30% in Calgary.

I feel there are 4 reasons for this and not one of them have to do with Ed Stelmach himself. I do not feel that any of this is his fault.

Firstly, Alberta is growing in a way that was never expected and many of the people coming here do not truly appreciate Alberta or even understand the history of this province or the relationship with the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party. To those of you who have come to our great land from out of province, you need to remember that you came here to our home and we vote conservative. You came here to enjoy our economy, our natural beauty and more. This is our home and if you wish to live here, you must adapt to our rules and our voting patterns, or leave. Conservatism is our culture. Do not destroy what we have created.

Secondly, I feel we are dropping in the polls because some of our MLA's have forgotten to show up at peoples doors. MLA's need to show up and consult the voters. We need to get back to doorstep democracy and look at the whites of the eyes of the voter. We need to get back to the relationship that the voter is the employer and the elected official is the employee.

Thirdly, although I sincerely respect Ralph Klein and much of what he did for Alberta, I do think he should have at least had an effective exit strategy and transition for the new guy. He knew at the end of his rule what the issues were. Mr. Klein knew that the province was growing, that infrastructure was needed, that there was a looming health care crisis and that education lacked serious monies. Mr. Klein needs to shoulder some of this responsibility, because Ed Stelmach is merely becoming the fall guy for things we could have done better. As a conservative myself I will and am apologizing for some of what we have done wrong and I will continue to do so. What the voter wants to hear is that we realize what mistakes we have made and to commit to fix them. However, one thing that is crystal clear. No one saw this boom coming and I am thankful the Alberta Progressive Conservatives were our government or it would have been a lot worse.

Lastly, the polls are manipulated, at least anything by Cameron Strategies. Cameron Strategies are Liberals and can't be trusted. Mr. Cameron was on Mayor David Bronconniers campaign team. This is just part of Mayor David Bronconniers grand plan to eventually lead the Alberta Liberal party. Admittedly, Bronco is quite brilliant in his political manipulations as he first attacks with mistruths, discredits with false polls and then prays for defeat, all the while scheming for his own interests. Nothing that comes from Cameron Strategies can be taken seriously and any media that prints their rubbish has fallen victim to manipulation.

Until next week.

Craig Chandler is the Executive Director of the Progressive Group for Independent Business (PGIB) www.pgib.ca & can be heard on the Freedom Radio Network at www.freedomradionetwork.ca

========

:koko:

[Xelebes]

Hm... I don't know if I should print this out and use it as toilet paper or leave it as is?

[Arch26]

This is our home and if you wish to live here, you must adapt to our rules and our voting patterns, or leave. Conservatism is our culture. Do not destroy what we have created.

I am no conservative, but I can at least take comfort from the fact that no legitimate, respectable, intelligent conservative would say something so crass and arrogant. What the hell ever happened to diversity? What, people aren't welcome in Alberta if they don't share this nutjob's political ideology? Bullshit. It's a good thing he edited this statement because the next line was probably something like, "don't come to Alberta if you're black either. We are a white province". What a complete jackass. I'll second (heck, I'll third) your :koko:.

Now I'm angry and I'm not going to be able to sleep.

EDIT: Never mind diversity. What about democracy? What's Chandler's stance on that?

[Champion3]

Now I'm angry and I'm not going to be able to sleep.
I guess I should have posted this in the morning? Sorry! :shrug: :)

Chandler's slapping democracy in the face with those comments. Why doesn't he try to convince people of his positions, rather than spewing out this crap?

We'll see what happens with this. At the federal level Chandler tried to defeat Jim Prentice during nominations (because of Prentice's endorsement of same-sex marriage) and lost. I really hope that PC members in that riding will think twice before voting for him.

[Policy Wonk]

While I am strongly in favor of people leaving Alberta for any reason what so ever - Chandler is a flake who I had the unfortunate privillage of having to deal with a number of years ago.

At one point he was also a big-shot e-mail and fax spammer.

[Wooster]

See, and this is the kind of douche bag that gives Alberta a bad name. And why when I travel throughout Canada people assume first that I must be a some sort of right-wing ass-hat like Craig Chandler.

Now, Globe and Mail will probably pick up the story, because this is the kind of thing they like to run about Alberta (ala Ralph Klein Drunk yelling at homeless people or some religious nuts from Cardston opposing same sex marriage - take your pick) and people's ridiculously distorted view of our fine province will be further perpetuated.

/end rant.

EDIT: And I was right. It is national news:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070830.waltanewcomers0830/BNStory/National/home

[The Chemist]

What an asshole. If I wanted a one-party state, I'd move to China. Oh, wait... :D

This maroon will never get elected in Alberta, thankfully. Isn't what Mr. Chandler is deriding the essence of democracy?

[CorporateWhore]

sounds like a rant of a desperate man who can't adapt with a changing province, so he decides to lash out like a child.

alberta is changing, craigy-bear. deal with it.

[Greco Roman]

Firstly, Alberta is growing in a way that was never expected and many of the people coming here do not truly appreciate Alberta or even understand the history of this province or the relationship with the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party. To those of you who have come to our great land from out of province, you need to remember that you came here to our home and we vote conservative. You came here to enjoy our economy, our natural beauty and more. This is our home and if you wish to live here, you must adapt to our rules and our voting patterns, or leave. Conservatism is our culture. Do not destroy what we have created.

:rolleyes:

[CorporateWhore]

IFirstly, Alberta is growing in a way that was never expected and many of the people coming here do not truly appreciate Alberta or even understand the history of this province or the relationship with the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party. To those of you who have come to our great land from out of province, you need to remember that you came here to our home and we vote conservative. You came here to enjoy our economy, our natural beauty and more. This is our home and if you wish to live here, you must adapt to our rules and our voting patterns, or leave. Conservatism is our culture. Do not destroy what we have created.

are there any Natives on this forum who'd like to interject?

[HomeInMyShoes]

Seriously, where did this guy come from? Can we have a vote to get this guy deported from Canada?

[Zilla]

^ He came from Hamilton, btw. I've read that he's running for a provincial PC nomination. And an associate of his is running for Alderman in Ward 8.

[LordMandeep]

this guy writes a letter once in blue moon to the Toronto star and really makes the province look stupid. Actually i believe the paper only selects "stupid people's" letters just to make the rest of Canada look stupid.

Well of course as Alberta gets more urbanized it will get more liberal socially but i still think it will remain fiscally conservative.

We have seen this in all the provinces...

[Calgarian]

I hope the Liberals get elected just to spite this asshole. What a tool.

[big W]

Last I recall in a democracy politicians and their political parties have to earn our votes and not entitled to them. As someone born and raised in Alberta, does that mean I can kick this guy back to Hamilton tell him I don't like him here so he can go back to where he came from?

[Reesonov]

Wow. I'm appalled.

The more I think about it, the more I think that this letter is a cry for help. Mr Chandler has slipped into a paranoid schizophrenic delusion. I'm serious. This man needs help.

[Beltliner]

^ He came from Hamilton, btw. I've read that he's running for a provincial PC nomination. And an associate of his is running for Alderman in Ward 8.

And you'll never guess who that guy's (http://www.ward8.com/) campaign manager is.

Come on, folks--take a wild flying guess (http://www.ward8.com/contactUs.html). :D

[Rusty van Reddick]

And you'll never guess who that guy's (http://www.ward8.com/) campaign manager is.

Come on, folks--take a wild flying guess (http://www.ward8.com/contactUs.html). :D

I don't get it. I'd have thought it would be Paul Jackson or Ezra Levant, or even Rick McIver. Who is this person?

And Chandler, you stupid fat bully dumbass, it's Cameron STRATEGY. Not "strategies." My partner used to be research manager there. They did work for Bronco but also worked for Lyle Oberg. They're no more "liberal" than Canada West or Environics (both of which I'm sure Chandler thinks are mouthpieces for Satan).

[Champion3]

Josh, I am also a G&M insider subscriber and I noticed that you posted the first intelligent comment on that article. The debate seems to be more rational now, though there are still the "they would be nothing without dead dinosaurs and $70 oil" comments.

[murman]

IF YOU MOVE TO ALBERTA - ADAPT OR LEAVE

By Craig B. Chandler

This is our home and if you wish to live here, you must adapt to our rules and our voting patterns, or leave. Conservatism is our culture. Do not destroy what we have created.


One could argue that Calgary acts that way about its Dampede, which was definitely NOT optional if you felt a need to be accepted in/by the corporate community.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Josh, I am also a G&M insider subscriber and I noticed that you posted the first intelligent comment on that article. The debate seems to be more rational now, though there are still the "they would be nothing without dead dinosaurs and $70 oil" comments.

Those are valid points since Chandler is taking credit for our wealth.

What I think Josh would be upset by (and me too, I'm "Gottlob Frege" at the Globe btw) would be the avalanche of posters saying "Alberta rednecksLOL." If you read the posts, the vast majority are telling Chandler to fuck off, including those by Albertans. It's nice to see.

[Doug]

You have to admire this crank for his ability to stay in the headlines and make a living out of it. He had been in some bizarre situations such as allegedly receving a death threat from Dave Bronconnier's mother and having his office firebombed when he lobbyied for right to work legislation in Ontario.

Regardless, I don't see Alberta becoming more Liberal due to the influx of people from other provinces. If anything, it is long time Albertans that are complaining about the Province's management of growth. Most of the people moving to Alberta are career minded, which is an athema to everything Liberal.

[Rusty van Reddick]

dp

[jeffwhit]

I will fight him. If he doesn't accept my challenge he is a pussy. This province was not built by pussies, so he has to either fight me or go back where he came from.

Seriously, thinking about this ass-face gets me all angry-like.

[Wooster]

Regardless, I don't see Alberta becoming more Liberal due to the influx of people from other provinces. If anything, it is long time Albertans that are complaining about the Province's management of growth. Most of the people moving to Alberta are career minded, which is an athema to everything Liberal.

Most of the liberals I know are in that true first generation of born and raised urban Albertans. Growing up in the context of a big city shapes ones views about issues. We all know big city culture tends towards more liberal thought. Disappointment in the mismanagement of money is not an ideological issue - it has much more to do with a government that has been in power too long.

[Champion3]

I will fight him. If he doesn't accept my challenge he is a pussy. This province was not built by pussies, so he has to either fight me or go back where he came from.

Seriously, thinking about this ass-face gets me all angry-like.

"There are three types of people: dicks, pussies, and assholes..."

Sorry, this just felt like a Team America: World Police moment...

[wild wild west]

I'm damn proud to live in this province, don't get me wrong. I love this place, probably just as passionately as this Chander @sshole does. But the Alberta I have grown to love is a place that welcomes those who come here to work, looks towards the future and welcomes ideas and innovation. Blindly accepting the status quo and doing things a certain way because it has always been done that way - which Chandler says a "real" Albertan must do - is the antithesis of what it means to be Albertan. The irony is that this knob is exactly opposite of what this province represents.

I read some of those G&M insider comments - unfortunately this moron just gives the stupid Alberta-haters in the G&M Insider the ammunition they need. I don't know what's worse - the rantings of this wingnut or the rantings of the Alberta haters in the G&M Insider who will find any excuse to berate Alberta.

[Arch26]

Quoted from www.craigchandler.ca:
"Secondly, the constituency of Calgary Egmont needs to be represented in Edmonton by an individual who has integrity and who is a strong supporter of family values. Craig Chandler is that person. Craig has been married to Julie for 9 years; he is the father of 2 children and is a supporter of organizations such as Concerned Christians Canada (CCC) and Focus On The Family among other organizations."

I don't know what scares me more: the fact that this tool actually has kids, or the fact that he thinks that his concept of "good family values" makes him a good politician. Sounds like something a politician straight out of 1955 would say. Time to move on.

[Rusty van Reddick]

,

[Rusty van Reddick]

Whoa, what accent is that coming out of Paul Jackson's face? His bio says "Britain" but the man sounds West Indian or maybe South African. I'm shocked that he's an immigrant.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Whoa, what accent is that coming out of Paul Jackson's face? His bio says "Britain" but the man sounds West Indian or maybe South African. I'm shocked that he's an immigrant.

[Waterlooson]

Whoa, what accent is that coming out of Paul Jackson's face? His bio says "Britain" but the man sounds West Indian or maybe South African. I'm shocked that he's an immigrant.

That's a Northern Irish accent IMO.

[peacenick]

Ok, I cannot help it, I have to rant about this creep Chandler....


I am a hard working Albertan (originally from Sask).

I have called Alberta home for nearly 25 years.

I came here because there was the promise of opportunity. I have never regretted moving here. It is quite simple....be a good citizen, work hard, be respectful to others as you would expect to be accorded the same. If you want to be an asshole, disrespectful, cheat, steal etc. yeah then Alberta doesn't want you here. As far as how you vote, it is your right to vote whatever you want. Nobody has the right to dictate how and what polital leaning you should align yourself with. As an Albertan I find myself embarrassed and ashamed because of the reckless and disdainful verbal diarrhea that spewed out from Craig Chandler's piehole.

Mr. Chandler, you originally came to this great land from out of province, you need to remember that you came here to our home and we celebrate democracy, freedom to choose religion (or not), and also the right to vote for whomever we damn well please. You came here to enjoy our economy, our natural beauty and more. You have obviously enjoyed prosperity as is your right to strive for. This is our home too and if you wish to live here, you must respect our right to freedom of choice, whether it be PC, Liberal, NDP or whatever...or you can leave...fuck your "so-called" voting patterns. I, for example, have voted PC ever since I moved here. I may actually vote Liberal next election...who knows? It is MY choice. How dare you "dictate" to people who they elect to public office? Shame on you. Conservatism "was" our culture. Maybe it will continue to be the status quo....who knows? Alberta is coming of age, with a deluge of newcomers from all across Canada and from around the world. The mosaic of culture that is resulting is only going to enhance the character and attractiveness of this province. And what about "Do not destroy what we have created."?????? What a load of horseshit. The last time some fucktard tried to dictate "voting patterns" to citizens got his ass kicked when Berlin fell in 1945. I wouldn't be surprised to see that you will grow that goofy little moustache under your nose as well. If you are representative of the Conservative Party of Alberta, then, for the first time in my life, will no longer vote Conservative, this I VOW. All you have done is alienate a lot of good Albertans (Alberta-born and newcomers) and re-ignite the crossburning stereotype image of Alberta to the rest of the country that we have worked so hard to shed.

Mr. Chandler, please go and crawl back under the rock from whence you came PLEASE...

(Regaining my breath and composure.....my rant is finished)

[peacenick]

Amen brother!!

[Arch26]

Ok, I cannot help it, I have to rant about this creep Chandler....


I am a hard working Albertan (originally from Sask).

I have called Alberta home for nearly 25 years.

I came here because there was the promise of opportunity. I have never regretted moving here. It is quite simple....be a good citizen, work hard, be respectful to others as you would expect to be accorded the same. If you want to be an asshole, disrespectful, cheat, steal etc. yeah then Alberta doesn't want you here. As far as how you vote, it is your right to vote whatever you want. Nobody has the right to dictate how and what polital leaning you should align yourself with. As an Albertan I find myself embarrassed and ashamed because of the reckless and disdainful verbal diarrhea that spewed out from Craig Chandler's piehole.

Mr. Chandler, you originally came to this great land from out of province, you need to remember that you came here to our home and we celebrate democracy, freedom to choose religion (or not), and also the right to vote for whomever we damn well please. You came here to enjoy our economy, our natural beauty and more. You have obviously enjoyed prosperity as is your right to strive for. This is our home too and if you wish to live here, you must respect our right to freedom of choice, whether it be PC, Liberal, NDP or whatever...or you can leave...fuck your "so-called" voting patterns. I, for example, have voted PC ever since I moved here. I may actually vote Liberal next election...who knows? It is MY choice. How dare you "dictate" to people who they elect to public office? Shame on you. Conservatism "was" our culture. Maybe it will continue to be the status quo....who knows? Alberta is coming of age, with a deluge of newcomers from all across Canada and from around the world. The mosaic of culture that is resulting is only going to enhance the character and attractiveness of this province. And what about "Do not destroy what we have created."?????? What a load of horseshit. The last time some fucktard tried to dictate "voting patterns" to citizens got his ass kicked when Berlin fell in 1945. I wouldn't be surprised to see that you will grow that goofy little moustache under your nose as well. If you are representative of the Conservative Party of Alberta, then, for the first time in my life, will no longer vote Conservative, this I VOW. All you have done is alienate a lot of good Albertans (Alberta-born and newcomers) and re-ignite the crossburning stereotype image of Alberta to the rest of the country that we have worked so hard to shed.

Mr. Chandler, please go and crawl back under the rock from whence you came PLEASE...

(Regaining my breath and composure.....my rant is finished)

That was very well said. I think you should send it to Craig Chandler himself, or, perhaps better, you should post it as an open letter somewhere... noticeable. Obviously, not before some of the expletives and Hitler references are toned down however... ;)

[peacenick]

That was very well said. I think you should send it to Craig Chandler himself, or, perhaps better, you should post it as an open letter somewhere... noticeable. Obviously, not before some of the expletives and Hitler references are toned down however... ;)

Yeah I know....sorry guys for the expletives and Adolf inferences.
I was simply so freaking mad, when I read Chandler's article I snapped. In fact I have to replace my keyboard today, broke the "F" key from banging it so hard. I simply seeth when people like that go and publish something like that that torpedoes our efforts to show that we are not a bunch of "Deliverance" characters with bad teeth driving around in half ton trucks with gun racks and confederate flag stickers adorning our bumpers.

[tarapoto]

IF YOU MOVE TO ALBERTA - ADAPT OR LEAVE

This is our home and if you wish to live here, you must adapt to our rules and our voting patterns, or leave

This is about where I lost interest in anything he has to say. Is this guy for real?


Oh and I think I speak for everyone when I say: Who the hell is Craig Chandler and why would I care what he says?

[Arch26]

Yeah I know....sorry guys for the expletives and Adolf inferences.

Hahaha. I have NO problem with the expletives myself. I just though that what you wrote was quite good and should be posted as an open letter. In that case, I think you'd need to soften it just to legitimize it in public.

And the Hitler reference is totally appropriate I think. In all honesty, the things Chandler has said ring very closely with fascist dogma. It's not cool.

[Hootch]

Who is this asshat and why was he elected? I was born in Alberta and Craig "Hillbilly" Chandler sure as hell doesn't represent ME.

Way to dig the PC into a deeper hole you retard.

[Xelebes]

I don't think he was ever elected. He is a PC hopeful, trying to get a seat.

This guy sounds like a winner.

[softee]

It seems to me that most of the people who move to Alberta from other provinces are already Conservatives to begin with.

[Arch26]

It seems to me that most of the people who move to Alberta from other provinces are already Conservatives to begin with.

What evidence do you have to support that?

[para transit fellow]

somehow i think that Mr. Chandler will not be receiving the warmest reception from the Alberta PC's.

-----------
Three candidates
Calgary Herald
Published: Sunday, September 16, 2007
Chandler - Re: An apology, Letters, Sept. 14

In the letters section, Craig Chandler identified himself as "the Conservative candidate for Calgary Egmont."

Chandler is one of three candidates for the nomination for the Calgary Egmont Progressive Conservative Constituency Association -- he has not been chosen to represent the Calgary Egmont Progressive Conservative Constituency Association.

Jim Campbell, Calgary

Jim Campbell is the executive director of PC Alberta

[Champion3]

Sunday's Calgary Sun is reporting that Craig Chandler won the nomination for Calgary Egmont. This ought to get interesting...

[frinkprof]

Yeah, I saw that on the CFCN news as well. I agree that it could get interesting. If he continues to make outlandish statements like the ones that started this thread he may just beat himself in the election.

[Sir.Humphrey.Appleby]

My good friend "Calgary Grit" has a long post on this. I would encourage you all to look at this: Link (http://calgarygrit.blogspot.com/2007/11/mana-from-heaven-for-calgary-egmont.html)

[freeweed]

It seems to me that most of the people who move to Alberta from other provinces are already Conservatives to begin with.

Fiscally, perhaps. In fact I'd agree for the most part.

Socially, most certainly not. At least not the style of conservative that lines up with some asshat who's part of "Concerned Christians blah blah blah".

Then again, I've always thought our (essentially) 2 party system doesn't actually represent most people's beliefs in modern society. But it sure makes it easier to choose sides!

[Champion3]

I find fiscal and social conservatism to be a very odd match. An ideological fiscal conservative would abhor government intervention, yet social conservatives insist on leveraging the state to interfere in people's lives.

[freeweed]

:previous: Is that cross on top of the Calgary Tower actually real? Or some subtle dig at the current discussion? :jester:

[Zilla]

I note that Chandler's ideological partner and PGIB president Steve Chapman lost the nomination in Currie to presumed moderate Arthur Kent. Of course, Chapman is just off an unsuccessful run for Alderman.

The ball's in Stelmach's court now: Will he sign Chandler's nomination papers?

[Champion3]

:previous: Is that cross on top of the Calgary Tower actually real? Or some subtle dig at the current discussion? :jester:
Actually it's the torch cauldron, so maybe if we lit it up...

[Beltliner]

Surely someone has already remarked on the inherent irony of this CBC News headline:

Christian group likens Tory candidate review to witch hunt (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2007/11/28/chandler-meeting.html)

[240glt]

Hilarious.

It's like saying "You're discriminating against my right to discriminate"

Chandler is such a tool. I hope someone catches him cruising around in an airport bathroom.

Either that, or I hope he runs & loses big time to the Libs. That'd teach him.

[ScottFromCalgary]

I doubt that losing an election would break him down as much as being caught soliciting oral sex in an airport bathroom. Never know I guess.

[240glt]

^ Losing in a riding that typically gets 60-70% tory support would be embarassing

[jeffwhit]

I imagine looking in the mirror every day and having this look back at you would be pretty embarassing:

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2007/11/28/cgy-chandler.jpg

Yeah I went there.

Why? Because fuck Craig Chandler, that's why.

[Policy Wonk]

I doubt that losing an election would break him down as much as being caught soliciting oral sex in an airport bathroom. Never know I guess.

He certainly looks like the type:

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2007/11/28/cgy-chandler.jpg

http://cache.wonkette.com/images/thumbs/5d61ddb22db7ebf049d0a01eb7b9340a.jpg

[Beltliner]

This just in! The running lickspittle mad-dog lackeys devour themselves in an orgiastically excessive circle of denial and confusion! (http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/RTGAMArticleHTMLTemplate/B/20071130/chandler?brand=generic&hub=&tf=CFCNPlus/generic/hubs/frontpage.html&cf=CFCNPlus/generic/hubs/frontpage.cfg&slug=chandler&date=20071130&archive=CFCNPlus&ad_page_name=&nav=home&subnav=fullstory&site_cfcn=http://calgary.ctv.ca) Film at eleven! :D

[freeweed]

Dunno what the last post meant, but this asshat is now facing a human rights commission based on a comment equating gays with drug dealers and pedophiles.

Regardless, suck it, moron.

[freeweed]

dp --- stupid ssp

[Champion3]

This just in! The running lickspittle mad-dog lackeys devour themselves in an orgiastically excessive circle of denial and confusion! (http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/RTGAMArticleHTMLTemplate/B/20071130/chandler?brand=generic&hub=&tf=CFCNPlus/generic/hubs/frontpage.html&cf=CFCNPlus/generic/hubs/frontpage.cfg&slug=chandler&date=20071130&archive=CFCNPlus&ad_page_name=&nav=home&subnav=fullstory&site_cfcn=http://calgary.ctv.ca) Film at eleven! :D
Wow! From what I've read, Chandler and his riding association president effectively engineered a takeover of that riding association by former Alberta Alliance supporters. I didn't catch this story on TV, but I'm wondering what happened... did the PC members in the riding strike back?

[ummagumma66]

I was'nt going to post but, this, I just need to put my two cents in,I have trouble with people like this guy. I think he is going to be exposed for what he is, a neo-con religious right-wing nut-job. and he will hurt the PC party more than he will help it.

[Cambridgite]

"This is our home and if you wish to live here, you must adapt to our rules and our voting patterns, or leave. Conservatism is our culture. Do not destroy what we have created."

Oh come on, give the guy some credit. ;)

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[DizzyEdge]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071201.wchandler1211/BNStory/National/home

Alberta Tories oust candidate linked to anti-gay controversy

The Canadian Press

December 1, 2007 at 5:22 PM EST

RED DEER — Alberta's Progressive Conservative party has refused to endorse the nomination of a candidate who founded a group linked to an anti-gay letter.

Premier Ed Stelmach emerged from a meeting of the Tory executive committee to announce that Craig Chandler's nomination in Calgary-Egmont was “not in the best interests of the party.”

Mr. Chandler, who pleaded his case for more than two hours, says he's quitting the party and may run as an Independent in the next Alberta election.

A member of Mr. Chandler's group wrote a letter several years ago entitled “Homosexual Agenda Wicked,” which suggested gays were as immoral as pedophiles, drug dealers and pimps.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission had Mr. Chandler agree to post a letter of apology on his website last January.

The Alberta Human Rights Commission weighed in Friday with a ruling that the letter broke provincial law and may even have played a role in the beating of a gay teenager in Red Deer, where the Tory executive met today.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Wow. Times in Alberta have sure changed.

[Champion3]

Amazing! I still don't believe it, but this is outstanding!

[Zilla]

(Nov 19) The ball's in Stelmach's court now: Will he sign Chandler's nomination papers?

And there ya go...

[Policy Wonk]

I talked to a Ralph cabinet minister yesterday and he said Chandler has been marked for death for weeks. His plan was to badger himself into a senior portfolio then try to engineer a schism in which he would lead all the "true conservatives" into the Alberta Alliance.

[ScottFromCalgary]

Conservatives reject Chandler's Calgary-Egmont election bid
Spurned Tory says Stelmach 'no leader'

Paula Beauchamp
Calgary Herald


Sunday, December 02, 2007


Controversial Calgary-Egmont Tory hopeful Craig Chandler has predicted a mass exodus of protesting social conservatives after the Tory party executive Saturday refused to endorse him as a candidate in the Calgary riding.

Renouncing his party membership after the stinging decision was delivered in a hand-written note, Chandler directly attacked the premier, saying Ed Stelmach "is no leader" and claiming the furor would never have happened under Ralph Klein.

"I have wept over this," Chandler said, pointing to his frustration at winning the nomination of his constituency, only to have it challenged by the party executive.

"I won the race. I did not see this attack coming. Why didn't they tell me they wouldn't accept me before we spent $127,000 on the campaign?"

Chandler resoundingly won the Tory nomination for Calgary-Egmont in mid-November, receiving almost 1,000 votes.

Stelmach announced the executive's decision after a four-and-a-quarter-hour meeting at the Red Deer Lodge, saying to accept Chandler's nomination "would not be in the best interest of the Conservative Party of Alberta."

"My responsibility is to uphold the constitution of the party and make a decision that's in the best interests of the party," the premier said. "I have always been a strong believer in human rights."

Stelmach said the party was "an open party and would continue to be that."

"We will hold another nomination and people can, of course, participate in the next round," he said.

The decision came less than 24 hours after the Alberta Human Rights Commission ruled an anti-gay letter written by a pastor of the Concerned Christian Coalition, a group founded by Chandler, had broken provincial law and may have had a "circumstantial connection" to an attack on a gay teenager in Red Deer two weeks later.

Chandler was head of CCC at the time.

Stelmach said Chandler was given a fair hearing, adding the decision was based on information and evidence that came forward at the meeting on Saturday, but the premier would not reveal the details.

Chandler said he was both disappointed and relieved the executive's probe was over, but claimed the decision was predetermined.

"The fix was in," he said.

"You are seeing the beginning of the end of the Conservative party," he said, complaining the Tory party executive, elected by the party machine not ordinary voters, had rejected the voters' voice in Calgary-Egmont.

Chandler said he was affronted to be handed a piece of paper in passing that conveyed the executive's decision, with no personal consultation, while Stelmach spoke personally to the media after the meeting.

Chandler said it did not dignify the more than two-and-a-half-hour grilling he endured, with his lawyer and two supporters present, before about 40 of the party's top brass.

But Chandler vowed to remain a player in the riding in the upcoming election, suggesting he may run as a candidate, either independently or for another party. "I am not going away," Chandler vowed.

He accused the party of intolerance toward "people of faith".

"This will split the party," he predicted.

Stelmach said the Tory party executive may re-examine the party's constitution, which does not allow the party to vet individuals before a constituency's nomination vote.

The Calgary-Egmont constituency will be forced to nominate another Tory candidate.

It is expected this process will drag on at least into the new year.

Chandler said he would not contest the party's decision before the courts because he would not belong to "a party that does not want me."

But he did not rule out future litigation against the party.

Chandler has raised eyebrows in the past with his strong, right-wing rhetoric. In August, he suggested new Albertans "must adapt to our rules and our (conservative) voting patterns or leave."

His comments were criticized by Stelmach at the time.

Chandler was also rebuked by the Canadian Human Rights Commission for commentary against gays and lesbians on Freedom Radio Network, a Christian radio program he co-hosts. Chandler says the comments were made by a guest on his show.

Current Calgary-Egmont MLA Denis Herard is retiring at the next election.

pbeauchamp@theherald.canwest.com

© The Calgary Herald 2007

[Champion3]

Chandler and his goons can portray this as an affront to democracy all they want, but seriously, how democratic are these situations where memberships are sold solely for increasing the vote for a particular candidate? This was a hijacking of an entire riding.

I really think that political parties should freeze membership lists as of a certain date prior to a vote when these direct votes are held.

[freeweed]

I know our modern neo-con wannabes are really clueless, but still -

TRUE Conservatives want the government to stay the fuck out of our bedrooms, you stupid asshat. Remember that teensy weensy part of conservative philosophy that talks about things like small, non-intrusive government?

Go back to church and let the rational people run this country.

[Doug]

Chandler is in no way a "neo-con", which to the uniformed seems to mean an extreme conservative. Peter Lougheed was as neo-con before the term existed.

[Arch26]

Chandler is in no way a "neo-con", which to the uniformed seems to mean an extreme conservative. Peter Lougheed was as neo-con before the term existed.

Chandler seems to fit the wikipedia definition of "Neoconservativism" very very well actually. Go read it.

[freeweed]

Chandler is in no way a "neo-con", which to the uniformed seems to mean an extreme conservative. Peter Lougheed was as neo-con before the term existed.

Well firstly, I guess you missed the intentional irony there - the whole reason the term "neo-con" came into being was over the fight over who the "true conservatives" really were. And that movement has attempted (and in the public's eye, rather successfully) re-defining what the word "conservative" really means. Hey, if they're allowed to use words incorrectly, so am I. ;)

Secondly, you must have missed the point of small, non-intrusive government. I don't think any political thinker alive would argue that the neo-con movement has pushed for far larger and more efficient (read: intrusive) domestic government. Someone who thinks the government has any say (let alone right to say) about what is done in the privacy of one's bedroom is pretty much for big government, in my books.

Lastly, as the term "neo-con" was coined to describe an increasingly interventionist American foreign policy (especially in the Middle East), it's a hell of stretch to really call ANY Canadian politician neo-con. :D

But hey, none of these labels ever truly describe more than a handful of people anyway. The idiotic left-right spectrum just doesn't work except for the most simplistic of political ideologies.

A "real" conservative, by traditional measures, may (and generally does) have an issue with gays/drugs/pick your social issue. But only a "neo" conservative is willing to watch government balloon out of control in order to actively do something about it. As evidenced by the past 25 years of US history.

Now, kids, the lesson here is to try and see if you can figure out where the hell freeweed fits in any of the various spectra. :haha:

[freeweed]

Chandler seems to fit the wikipedia definition of "Neoconservativism" very very well actually. Go read it.

I bet someone will quickly point out that the Wikipedia definition was likely written by anti-semites. :haha: :haha: :haha:

[Beltliner]

Now, kids, the lesson here is to try and see if you can figure out where the hell freeweed fits in any of the various spectra. :haha:

Blimey, guv, and I thought I had it tough calling m'self a Green South Park Republican. :D

[Beltliner]

Well, this is certainly not a surprise (http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=530c2b05-20f3-4f89-8ee3-932596a15265&k=23539). Looks like all his rowdy kooky friends are coming out to play once the writ drops:

Chandler to run as independent
Joel Kom, The Fishwrap
Published: Monday, December 17, 2007

Ousted Conservative candidate Craig Chandler announced Monday he will run in the next election as an independent [my emphasis] in Calgary-Egmont.

Chandler, who won the riding's Tory nomination battle but was then told by Premier Ed Stelmach and the party executive he couldn't run under the Tory banner, said the party he once supported has thwarted democracy.

"They're no longer Conservative," he said. "Conservatives wouldn't act like that. Conservatives believe in freedom." [my emphasis]

Chandler also said he was running with a slate of candidates who would challenge the Tories in other ridings [my emphasis], including deputy premier Ron Stevens' riding. Those vying for legislature seats include Jim Blake, national chairman of Concerned Christians Canada [my emphasis], and David Crutcher, the former riding association president in Calgary-Egmont and a Chandler associate [my emphasis].

Chandler said he also plans on launching a lawsuit and human rights complaints against the Tories [my emphasis], the latter stemming from what he said was a "grilling" on his faith by Tory executives who were considering his nomination. He alleged Monday that he was discriminated against because of some of his religious beliefs.

© The Fishwrap, 2007

[240glt]

I imagine he'll lose by a landslide, and he'll brand himself a martyr for his cause. Religious kooks love to do this.

"They're no longer Conservative," he said. "Conservatives wouldn't act like that. Conservatives believe in freedom."

Unless you're gay. Then no soup for you!

[freeweed]

Jesus christ (pun intended), this guy just re-defined irony.

A HUMAN RIGHTS complaint? From an admitted bigot? Who is PROUD of being so?

[IKAN104]

Jesus christ (pun intended), this guy just re-defined irony.

A HUMAN RIGHTS complaint? From an admitted bigot? Who is PROUD of being so?

If you were fired from your job for expressing your religious beliefs wouldn't you also file a human rights complaint?

[Sir.Humphrey.Appleby]

I just think its funny that a guy that attacks judicial activism and the Charter now goes running to this document he hates when his fundamental rights were attacked.

Hypocrite.

He will likely loose his case however, political parties are allowed leeway in representing the public interest. Political parties sell ideas, and having different ideas is a good reason to bar a candidate.

You wouldn't want a golf academy to be forced to hire instructors that don't know how to golf?

The case will not be resolved before the next election unless the commission rejects it outright to begin with.

I think this is the main point of Chandler, to be able to play up his so called injustice to try to mobilize the christian right.

More power to him.

[Champion3]

If you were fired from your job for expressing your religious beliefs wouldn't you also file a human rights complaint?
That's a bit of an exaggeration, don't you think? Philosophy aside, even though he won the vote, Chandler's nomination papers were never signed, i.e. he wasn't hired in the first place.

[Champion3]

I just think its funny that a guy that attacks judicial activism and the Charter now goes running to this document he hates when his fundamental rights were attacked.

Hypocrite.

He will likely loose his case however, political parties are allowed leeway in representing the public interest. Political parties sell ideas, and having different ideas is a good reason to bar a candidate.

You wouldn't want a golf academy to be forced to hire instructors that don't know how to golf?

The case will not be resolved before the next election unless the commission rejects it outright to begin with.

I think this is the main point of Chandler, to be able to play up his so called injustice to try to mobilize the christian right.

More power to him.
It's not like his refusal is unprecedented. In most Canadian parties, the leader has the final say both for approval, and in some cases, dismissal. Look at the last federal election when Paul Martin dumped a candidate mid-campaign because of (false) allegations made by the NDP. Further note that many political parties allow the leader to directly appoint candidates (particularly incumbents) rather than hold a nomination vote.

[Corndogger]

It's not like his refusal is unprecedented. In most Canadian parties, the leader has the final say both for approval, and in some cases, dismissal. Look at the last federal election when Paul Martin dumped a candidate mid-campaign because of (false) allegations made by the NDP. Further note that many political parties allow the leader to directly appoint candidates (particularly incumbents) rather than hold a nomination vote.

And that is a major problem with our political system and parties. Why have nomination meetings in each district if the leader isn't going to listen to what the local members of the party have to say? I believe Chandler has a very good chance of winning is lawsuit against the PC party. They had no problems with him running and it's not like they didn't know where he stood or what he's done in the past. For them to say they had an issue with him AFTER he won is a bit much. The courts need to award Chandler the $127K he spent on the campaign and a significant amount for the crap he was put through. Hopefully that will smarten all political parties up and they will quit their dictorial ways.

I realize most of you in here are hard core socialists but Chandler is going to win in the next provincial election in Calgary Egmont. He had an unbelievably large number of supporters for a nomination meeting I bet a lot of people are going to vote for him just to make a point about the loss of democracy in this country/province. His views will play a secondary role. Also, don't forget the Human Rights Commission decision wasn't about him directly. He didn't right the letter. Personally, I believe they should keep their noses out of such matters. You can't legislate against stupidity and I'd rather make my own mind up about what is acceptable and unacceptable. Freedom of speech is something we should not take for granted and that decision has to be fought to defend that right.

Yeah, I'm expecting some of you to flame me for what I wrote but that's fine with me. Freedom of speech afterall.

[Beltliner]

I realize most of you in here are hard core socialists but Chandler is going to win in the next provincial election in Calgary Egmont. He had an unbelievably large number of supporters for a nomination meeting I bet a lot of people are going to vote for him just to make a point about the loss of democracy in this country/province. His views will play a secondary role. Also, don't forget the Human Rights Commission decision wasn't about him directly. He didn't right the letter. Personally, I believe they should keep their noses out of such matters. You can't legislate against stupidity and I'd rather make my own mind up about what is acceptable and unacceptable. Freedom of speech is something we should not take for granted and that decision has to be fought to defend that right.

Yeah, I'm expecting some of you to flame me for what I wrote but that's fine with me. Freedom of speech afterall.

As the resident Green South Park Republican on the board, I have to say that the happiest person in Calgary-Egmont right now in the wake of this news has got to be the Grit candidate, Cathie Williams. The Tory constituency association is in a shambles now that Kooky Kraig's try at hijacking the nomination has gone sour*, and the survivors of this nomination squabble will have at best a difficult time backing whoever's still willing to chug the poisoned chalice of a Conservative candidacy in the riding. Kooky Kraig running under his own banner will doubtlessly attract a lot of support from the card-carrying Conservatives and the curious come election day, but the end result of that certainty is a split in the vote. The Red Tories and the Green Tories may well abandon the Conservatives altogether by the time the results are tallied, so you read it here first, folks--the finish in Calgary-Egmont will be Grit-Kooky Kraig-Green-Tory-Dipper on election day.

Anyone willing to put up a bottle of something drinkable on this call is welcome to join in. :D

* Not that there's anything wrong necessarily with hijacking a nomination. It's a time-honoured tradition in Canadian constituency politics. ;)

[Boris2k7]

Well, I quite value our government constitutional ability to quash individual rights, such as "freedom of speech," in cases where it is for the greater good of society. It is all part of being a responsible society and results from our nation's historical development as a representative democracy. It is one of the things that keeps us from degrading to a Republic-style mob rule as they have in the United States.

The best thing that could happen for Alberta would be for people like Chandler to fade out of existance and go back to their meagre existance. In fact, the Tories could implode and a Liberal Government take over for a few years (hopefully under the firm grip of Bronconnier rather than Taft). That would be nice. The best thing that could happen would be for the SMP system to be scrapped in favour of a more representative MMP system.

[Beltliner]

Well, I quite value our government constitutional ability to quash individual rights, such as "freedom of speech," in cases where it is for the greater good of society. It is all part of being a responsible society and results from our nation's historical development as a representative democracy. It is one of the things that keeps us from degrading to a Republic-style mob rule as they have in the United States.

The best thing that could happen for Alberta would be for people like Chandler to fade out of existance and go back to their meagre existance. In fact, the Tories could implode and a Liberal Government take over for a few years (hopefully under the firm grip of Bronconnier rather than Taft). That would be nice. The best thing that could happen would be for the SMP system to be scrapped in favour of a more representative MMP system.

Radi Stalina, Boris, you want me to broker some more rope out of Corndogger so you can hang yourself? :shrug:

UPPITY DATE: Mixed-member proportional representation would not be a bad thing for Alberta, given its reputation for dynastic governments. And Super Dave's not nearly crazy enough to trade the centre seat in Calgary for the somnabulism of Duh Ledge.

[Boris2k7]

Radi Stalina, Boris, you want me to broker some more rope out of Corndogger so you can hang yourself? :shrug:

Thing is, it's hardly socialist (oooh, big bad socialists) in the state-controlled, suppressive way. Many people would argue that true democracy does not simply benefit the largest group of people, but instead works towards benefiting minority groups as well and empowering them. People have to recognize that our entire political system is given it's authority from the crown, that is our history and the fabric that binds the nation. Canadian politics is very well tuned to the small population and large sizes of our country, as well as the modern disinterest in politics due to long work hours and contemporary modes of escape (such as TV). We need representatives who carry out our will so we don't have to pay attention to and vote on every little issue. We need to place our trust in their decisions. So party leaders represent the voice of the party, and if they need to expell someone that could hurt the party, it is well within their right.

[Boris2k7]

UPPITY DATE: Mixed-member proportional representation would not be a bad thing for Alberta, given its reputation for dynastic governments. And Super Dave's not nearly crazy enough to trade the centre seat in Calgary for the somnabulism of Duh Ledge.

Bronco's going to leave his seat as Mayor sometime. Not right away perhaps, but sometime.

And Alberta likes dynasties. Dynasties = Stability, good for business. If a government truly is doing awful, that's when you see change... otherwise, people are given more choice on who should represent them and can dump the losers.

[freeweed]

If you were fired from your job for expressing your religious beliefs wouldn't you also file a human rights complaint?

When, as part of your job, you were basically pissing on other people's human rights - the word hypocrisy doesn't even begin to cover this situation.

Fuck it, I'm Godwinning this thread: this is akin to Hitler (were he still alive) filing a UN human rights commission complaint because the Nazi party is outlawed in Germany.

Incidentally, I didn't realize that standing up for the human rights of ALL peoples made me a socialist. I guess corndogger is the type to use the word "liberal" as an insult...? :haha:

[Beltliner]

I guess corndogger is the type to use the word "liberal" as an insult...? :haha:

As a far, far better man than I (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Ochs) once put it long ago:

Oh once I was young and impulsive
I wore every conceivable pin
Even went to the socialist meetings
Learned all the old union hymns
But I've grown older and wiser
And that's why I'm turning you in
So love me, love me, love me, I'm a liberal

[freeweed]

Wow, I thought me and Josh Joplin were like the only 2 people on the planet who knew who Phil Ochs is. :haha:

[Bassic Lab]

And that is a major problem with our political system and parties. Why have nomination meetings in each district if the leader isn't going to listen to what the local members of the party have to say? I believe Chandler has a very good chance of winning is lawsuit against the PC party. They had no problems with him running and it's not like they didn't know where he stood or what he's done in the past. For them to say they had an issue with him AFTER he won is a bit much. The courts need to award Chandler the $127K he spent on the campaign and a significant amount for the crap he was put through. Hopefully that will smarten all political parties up and they will quit their dictorial ways.

I realize most of you in here are hard core socialists but Chandler is going to win in the next provincial election in Calgary Egmont. He had an unbelievably large number of supporters for a nomination meeting I bet a lot of people are going to vote for him just to make a point about the loss of democracy in this country/province. His views will play a secondary role. Also, don't forget the Human Rights Commission decision wasn't about him directly. He didn't right the letter. Personally, I believe they should keep their noses out of such matters. You can't legislate against stupidity and I'd rather make my own mind up about what is acceptable and unacceptable. Freedom of speech is something we should not take for granted and that decision has to be fought to defend that right.

Yeah, I'm expecting some of you to flame me for what I wrote but that's fine with me. Freedom of speech afterall.

His responsibility stems from the fact that he published the letter. There is no law against being a bigot in private, it is the publication that incites hatred and is targetted by human rights tribunals. So yeah, what he did was worse than the author.

There isn't a chance in hell he'll win in the next election. Beltliner, I think you're giving him too much credit. His strength in the nomination must be weighed against the fact that he spent more in a nomination battle than most candidates spend on an election, and that includes those seeking to represent federal constituencies. That kind of money can get alot of people out to the nomination meeting, I doubt it will hold true in the election. I still think this seat will likely go PC but it will be close for the Liberals who may sneak in. Chandler will likely run a distant third, barely ahead of the Greens and NDP. Calgary-Egmont is a pretty safe Progressive Conservative riding.

One thing Chandler's little tantrum may succeed in is letting his buddies hand Calgary-Glenmore and Calgary-North Hill to the grits while ensuring that they hold on to Calgary-Currie. All three were relatively close in 2004 and the general drop in Tory support, especially in Calgary, might make the two former competitive and the latter a safe Liberal seat.

If Stelmach ends up with a weak majority or a minority I really wouldn't put it past Bronconnier to be just arrogant enough to think he could succeed where Decore failed. Hell, he might even be able to do it.

I imagine the Greens will become to Calgary what the NDP is to Edmonton, a factor but not much more.

[IKAN104]

That's a bit of an exaggeration, don't you think? Philosophy aside, even though he won the vote, Chandler's nomination papers were never signed, i.e. he wasn't hired in the first place.

Yes, it can be argued that way. But I don't think he's without a case.

[240glt]

I realize most of you in here are hard core socialists

I don't think that's even a remotely accurate assesment of the political spectre here

but Chandler is going to win in the next provincial election in Calgary Egmont.

No he won't. Not even close. In case you haven't noticed, Canadians, and yes even Calgarians, like their politics secular.

He had an unbelievably large number of supporters for a nomination meeting I bet a lot of people are going to vote for him just to make a point about the loss of democracy in this country/province.

The only people that are going to do that are the hard core SoCons, most of whom will vote only if the AA or Wild Rose parites don't run a candidate in the riding. Most moderate conservatives will want nothing to do with him.

His views will play a secondary role. Also, don't forget the Human Rights Commission decision wasn't about him directly. He didn't right the letter.

Secondary Role ? Are you appologizing for this guy ? HE didn't write it, but he certainly did publish it, and he's made his views well known.

[Champion3]

The best thing that could happen would be for the SMP system to be scrapped in favour of a more representative MMP system.
I strongly disagree. Proportional representation is more fair, yes, but it is ill-suited to a Westminster-style legislative body. Picture an endless string of minority governments that spend more time doing political posturing than actually governing.

[Champion3]

And that is a major problem with our political system and parties. Why have nomination meetings in each district if the leader isn't going to listen to what the local members of the party have to say?
So Chandler signing up a bunch of instamembers to vote for him and hijacking a riding association with Alberta Alliance supporters is democratic?

How is it democratic to go on the radio and declare to Albertans that if they don't vote Conservative then they don't belong?

I believe Chandler has a very good chance of winning is lawsuit against the PC party. They had no problems with him running and it's not like they didn't know where he stood or what he's done in the past. For them to say they had an issue with him AFTER he won is a bit much. The courts need to award Chandler the $127K he spent on the campaign and a significant amount for the crap he was put through. Hopefully that will smarten all political parties up and they will quit their dictatorial ways.
I will concede that Stelmach just should have told him to fuck off to begin with, and go off and start an Alberta Alliance Putsch or something. I do think that the party is following the rules, though.

I realize most of you in here are hard core socialists but Chandler is going to win in the next provincial election in Calgary Egmont.
"Hard core socialists?" Please. I am a card-carrying federal Conservative, and I created this thread because I am strongly opposed to Chandler's brand of "conservatism," which from what I can tell consists of bigotry and the desire to use the state's coercive powers to impose his beliefs on everybody else. It flies in the face of small government and individual freedom.

He had an unbelievably large number of supporters for a nomination meeting I bet a lot of people are going to vote for him just to make a point about the loss of democracy in this country/province. His views will play a secondary role.
Again, his nomination was hardly democratic. He can use his lobby group to mobilize evangelicals and sign up instant members en masse. Hardly a demonstration of broad-based support.

Also, don't forget the Human Rights Commission decision wasn't about him directly. He didn't write the letter.
No, but his organization facilitated its publication. Furthermore, his previous activities are well documented.

Personally, I believe they should keep their noses out of such matters. You can't legislate against stupidity and I'd rather make my own mind up about what is acceptable and unacceptable.
Obviously the party has decided that he is not in their interest and incompatible with their ideas. Political parties are a bit more complex than a bunch of connected riding associations. It's within their rights for brass to decide whether to sign off on a candidate. (I do however think that one member, one vote, sign up members to win is a lousy process and that parties should amend their constitutions to fix it.)

Freedom of speech is something we should not take for granted and that decision has to be fought to defend that right.
Yeah, I'm expecting some of you to flame me for what I wrote but that's fine with me. Freedom of speech after all.
Chandler types like to hide behind freedom of expression only when it suits them. Ask anybody from Medicine Hat about some of the censorship shenanigans on their city council the past couple of terms.

[IKAN104]

Jesus christ (pun intended), this guy just re-defined irony.

A HUMAN RIGHTS complaint? From an admitted bigot? Who is PROUD of being so?

It's ironic only if you believe he took away other's rights.

You know what I find ironic? The intolerance this forum has shown towards one man based on the assertion that he's been intolerant to others.

Or to put it another way, how this forum has personally attacked him for allegedly attacking others. Now that's Ironic.

I've yet to see any evidence that he's personally attacked anyone, yet here he's been called douche bag, right-wing ass-hat, asshole, maroon (whatever that means), stupid fat bully dumbass, ass-face, moron, wingnut, creep, asshat, retard, nut job and bigot.

Is it too difficult to make an intelligent case without resorting to name calling?

[240glt]

Sorry, IKAN, but your defence of this man is indefencible.

How's that for irony ?

[Boris2k7]

I strongly disagree. Proportional representation is more fair, yes, but it is ill-suited to a Westminster-style legislative body. Picture an endless string of minority governments that spend more time doing political posturing than actually governing.

Minority governments are good things. They keep the government on its toes. There have also been various proposals, and they would require some minor tweaking to the system to make sure that governments didn't fall too easily. Also, if you look at a MMP system like Germany has, their governments are incredibly stable... they go to the vote only as often as Canadians do and their government force parties to fill a cabinet with people from different parties. Imagine if you had a Liberal government with an NDP Minister of Industry... the NDP would have less incentive to try and take the government and much more incentive to produce results.