http://ken-chapman.blogspot.com/2006/08/has-citizenship-and-cynicism-become.html
Cynicism is an easy way out. Citizenship is harder to do. We need a more engaged and informed citizenry...especially at election time. I hope Albertans will throw off the cloak of cynicism and take up the challenge of active, engaged and informed citizen. With the Internet, websites and Blogs, it has never been easier.
I agree. When is Premier Stelmach going to provide an itemized list of the cost of all his pre-election announcements and the impact on the province's finances. It is my money he is spending.
ReplyDeleteI agree. When is Premier Stelmach going to provide an itemized list of the cost of all his pre-election announcements and the impact on the province's finances. It is my money he is spending.
ReplyDeleteKen,thanks for the reminder to speak out. I agree that democracy suffers when we allow people to be silenced. I have come to the conclusion democracy also suffers when we leave the same government in power for 37 years. The power bases become so entrenched that true debate simply vanishes. The recent expose on the makeup of boards and commissions in Alberta is a case in point. The rushing through of something like 24 bills in one day is another.
ReplyDeleteKen, I know you are sincere in your desire to see democratic debate thrive. So join the movement. 37 years is too much. It's time to turf the tired Tories and bring back real debate to Alberta.
Mic
Hey mic...thx for the comment.
ReplyDeleteI think there is a need for change too. My sense is that the PCs will be the real change agents in this election.
There are some bold steps that have already been taken, like the Teachers' Pensions, Radke's Report on Fort McMurray needs and pushing on regional governance in the Edmonton region.
There are some compromises on compromises like royalties and culture policy. Timid incrementalism is the worst you cansay about them but at least they are on the policy agenda. Never would have happened in Ralph's day.
There are some brand new ideas like high speed rail and CO2 sequestration.
Lots of changes are already happening. We need more to come. I think Stelmach will be the change we need and he will personally make the difference.