kimmy

It is a large discrepency. Something seems odd somwhere. What struck me as odd about some of the recent polls showing big drops in support for the Conservatives was... based on what? I could understand support sinking if there was something going on in Ottawa; if the parties were doing anything in particular to create this shift in opinion... but why would the opinion shift so much when there's no activity in Ottawa to change peoples' opinions either way? Seems funny. (and by "funny", I don't mean funny like Corner Gas. I mean "funny" like Corner Gas being shut out at the Gemini awards.) -k

I think Paul Wells noted in his blog recently that popular support for the government has increased while the government has been out for summer. It makes sense to me. Approval will no doubt stay fairly high for as long as the government stays away, and will no doubt sink when they return and start annoying people again. -k

Well, Albertans are pissed enough at their own government, they can change it. In Canada, if Albertans are pissed enough at the federal government, it completely does not matter. It is a concern but what can be done about it? Well if I knew the answer to that I'd be Belinda Stronach, wouldn't I. I do know, however, a few things that aren't going to work: -slapping the "Canada" logo on hockey rinks and golf tournaments and dog shows and so on. That just fuels the cynicism. -a year long pan-Canadian travelling panel to interview Canadians and study the problem. That would also just fuel the cynicism. I think we just had one of those a few years ago, and nothing ever came of it. -campaigning about "addressing the democratic deficit", then doing nothing that remotely resembles "addressing the democratic deficit" only fuels the cynicism. Coming back at me with something "AAAHHH well there were 11% more free votes under Martin than under Chretien!" or "AAAAHH well what about Irwin Cotler's supreme court appointment dog-and-pony show??" is not going to cut it, btw. so... people in the regions should make their presence felt by shifting their support to non-traditional parties, in anticipation that those policies will be adopted by the Liberals before the new party has a chance to catch on in Ontario? I can see where you'd feel it had worked for Preston Manning, but I'm not sure that's the basis for a system of government. -k

The automobile industry as we currently know it will collapse long before we run out of oil. Parts of Canada dependent on it have bigger things to worry about than how Alberta will survive in the distant future. -k

Microsoft has discovered that their Indian support centers yield abyssmal customer satisfaction results, and is reversing this trend. I'm sure Dell and others in the industry have discovered the same. But you notice we went from discussing the geographic unsuitability of Alberta to "value added" industries, to discussing critical mass. Critical mass comes from having enough skilled people and favorable economic conditions. There are a *lot* of smaller technology companies in Edmonton, there are a lot of programmers and engineers working here. Right now these people are concentrated on providing services to the natural resources sector, but the pool of programmers and engineers already exists here and will grow, and will be tapped to create things beyond oilfield communications equipment and instrumentation and sensors. The workforce is already here, and what that workforce is doing will continue to evolve. Some people here seem to be of the opinion that Edmonton and Calgary will simply evaporate when the oil is gone, and Albertans will become dirt farmers or go back to Newfoundland. I don't view this as very likely. -k

Complaining about Ottawa is a Canadian bloodsport that goes on in every part of the country. It probably ranks with the weather in terms of regularilty it shows up in conversations. It is unfortunate that most Albertans do not realize that they have had an incredible influence of national policies even though their party of choice never seems to be in power. Manning was probably among the most effective opposition leaders that this country has every had if you measure by the number of his policies that were eventually adopted by the government (I never thought I would be nostalgic for the days of Manning/Reform...) Complaining about the government is one thing, but the loss of faith in the country's institutions is something else. I simply don't know any adults who have anything except complete cynicism towards anything associated with the federal government. Not only do people dislike this government, they feel that the next election, and the one after, and every election afterward, won't deliver anything better. The angry rhetoric, the various separatist groups popping up, the mocking tone of any discussion of federal politics, it's all symptoms. The disease is not different philosophies greed or anything like that; the problem is that people have just tuned out and lost faith that the process even matters. Perhaps that fundamental dissatisfaction is not unique to Alberta, but if that's the case, shouldn't that be a cause for concern? Albertans send a full slate of Conservatives to Ottawa because they're just tired of it. Ultimately, it wouldn't matter if we sent a full slate of Liberals, separatists, or a full slate of Marijuana Partiers (?!) ...the impact to federal government in this country would be miniscule. Nothing would change. So why not do it? -k

This is outmoded thinking. For heavy manufacturing of mass-market goods (ie, the auto industry) transportation costs are a major consideration (though I would point out that the Japanese and Koreans seem to have succeeded in our markets despite that.) Transportation costs are a far less important consideration in technology. Pause to consider how Ottawa (the city, not the federal government) came to have a major presence in the telecommunications industry. My dad worked for one of the major players in Ottawa, so I know a bit about how things worked. The engineers and programmers might have been stationed in Ottawa, but the designs were sent with a few mouse-clicks to manufacturing operations in Asia. There was no actual transportation of any physical product between Ottawa and the end markets. Consider that two of the world's biggest telecomm companies (Nokia and Eriksen) are located in Scandinavia (Finland and Sweden, respectively) ...countries that are miniature in population and geographically far from their major markets. And for increasingly important industries, transportation isn't a factor *at all*. One might not think of computers when one thinks of Edmonton, but you should. Microsoft and Dell now employ thousands here, having located major support centers here-- the requirements are skilled workers, low overhead costs, and reliable telecommunications infrastructure... transportation costs do not enter into it. If you've bought Neverwinter Nights, or Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (two of the most successful computer games in recent history) you've bought an Edmonton-made product. The actual box you're holding in your hand might never have been in Edmonton, but the software was designed a short bike-ride from where I am sitting right now. I could go on, but I think you can see where I am heading. Alberta can (and is) developing value-added industries. The concept that transportation of heavy products to large markets is the major factor in production costs has become outdated. There are many components to production costs, of which transportation is just one... and a decreasingly relevant one in many industries. -k

Follow-up headline: Gen. Hillier on Parrish: 'Muzzle the beast' "Taunting"? If she'd said "fear-mongering", I'd disagree but at least I'd have some idea what she was talking about. Taunting? huh? "Terrorists will blow you up, nyah-nyah!" ...now THAT would be taunting. Who ever said we were in Afghanistan as peace-keepers? Well, I agree it's a debate we should be having, at least. Not enough Canadians seem to appreciate how vile the Taliban and its allies are. They're the embodiment of everything Canadians oppose. We should be proud to be part of the UN-approved mission to destroy them. I feel strongly enough about it that I will consider signing up myself. If the armed forces need an I.T. person or a good waitress, I will do my part. -k

If, heaven forbid, Canada were broken up, Alberta would seek (and receive) trade agreements with its neighbors. Our resources are a big stick that will break down that door with ease. Access to shipping through BC would likewise be worked out. Alberta needs to send its stuff through BC, but the rest of Canada needs to send its stuff to and from BC through Alberta. These things would be worked out-- whatever acrimony there was after separation would be put aside eventually as the need to get on with business would necessitate these issues be resolved. The real obstacle to separation isn't transportation, it is the legal and constitutional process, which would be virtually impassable. -k

If you think dissatisfaction with Canadian federalism is limited to rural bible-kooks, you're quite mistaken. You live in Calgary; I'm sure you'll find plenty of frustration and disgust with federalism right there amongst all the secular urbanites. I'm a 3rd-generation atheist and my family has plenty of grudging, reluctant Canadians who might tell you they would consider separation if you asked them on a bad day. There are bible-kooks among Conservatives, but don't assume Conservatives are all bible-kooks. There are bible-kooks among the western separatists, but don't assume western separatists are all bible-kooks. -k

Just to recap, you said: I asked if you were seriously comparing gay marriage to murder, and suggested it was poorly thought out. You replied: Anybody would read that to say that if you're not reproducing, you've destroyed babies by not bringing them into existence. If that is what you meant to say, then you should not be surprised that people have ridiculed your opinion. If that is not what you meant to say, then you have done an incredibly poor job of expressing yourself. -k

Just to pull that out of context for a sec, how small had you previously speculated they were? I had been thinking "hamster", but now I'm thinking more like "budgie". I am glad I'm not the only one that remembered Parrish's public verbal assault on Martin and his party. But I suspect that August's long-held position has some merit: there are a lot of who people have short and selective memories when it comes to the Liberals. Note to self: always be polite when talking about subway-bombers and political regimes that hold public executions of homosexuals and adulterers in soccer stadiums to set a moral example. Remember, train-bombers and gay-killers have feelings too. -k

Are you such a small, angry little man that you can't lighten up for a moment? WOW! Hint: GET A LIFE!!! HELLO!! -k

Who claims that the feds did nothing for Alberta from day one? I honestly have not heard anyone say that. Can you provide an example of where someone says that? -k

I don't think anybody claims that Canada doesn't deport anybody. However, critics charge that the process takes forever, and is often not even enforced once extradition is ordered. For somebody who constantly complains about dishonesty, you have a serious habit of dishonestly representing others' viewpoints. -k

I don't really understand the controversy over Hillier's comments. People are angry that he described the Taliban and their Al Qaeda allies as "detestable murderers and scumbags"? Why? Does anybody disagree? It seems to me that those comments are the exact opposite of controversial. As for Parrish... it makes me sad that her act makes her a national hero in some peoples' eyes. Are our standards really so low? But in a country where Curling and The Royal Canadian Air Farce are considered entertaining, I guess that shouldn't be too surprising. What's amusing, to me, is that Martin would welcome her back after the stuff she said about him and the party before she got turfed. Either they're really desparate, or PMPM's gonads are even smaller than I'd previously speculated. -k

In 1930, Alberta's resource revenues didn't amount to a hill of beans. The feds probably thought they were saving a few bucks by swapping the grants for the resource rights. I have a hard time seeing it as some heroic act of noblesse, extending the new provinces privileges that the older provinces gave themselves right from day one. We already share the wealth, eureka, as you know. Remember, it's not Alberta that's gone to war with Ottawa over equalization, it's Dalton McGuinty. -k

Are you seriously comparing gay marriage to murder? This has to be one of the most poorly thought out analogies I've ever heard... How so? Whether you stop something from living by never bringing it into existence or destroying its existence... it is still destroyed. Perhaps you're just not willing to think it through. So... gay people are destroying children by not bringing them into existence? Is that what you're trying to say? I'm ... speachless. I'm 22... which means I could have had 5 or 6 babies by now... but I haven't had any. Am I destroying babies? I ... I don't know how I can sleep at night. -k

Yes. The prairie provinces received those rights in 1930. The other provinces had those rights from the moment they were created. Alberta and Saskatchewan had to wait 25 years for something the other provinces were given right from day 1. You didn't know that, did you. But yes, the federal government helped Alberta in the 20th century. Alberta received equalization from 1957 to 1964. Alberta received grants before 1930 in lieu of resource revenue. And the federal government even provided investment and loan guarantees to encourage industry in this province. I don't think anybody is saying that the federal government never did anything for Alberta. However, some people would argue that Alberta has more than repaid their generousity, and continues to do so at a high cost every year. What in the blue hell are you talking about? Who on earth has said Alberta should run the whole country? Have you been eating magic mushrooms? Have you suffered a head injury recently? Have you been hearing strange voices or noticed magic leprechauns dancing on top of your monitor? My thoughts exactly -k

I wonder if leaving Central Canada will adversely impact Spar's ability to get government contracts? -k

Not by contrast with Canada's other largest cities. Edmonton and Calgary will be tolerable places to live long after residents of Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal have to wear gas-masks and oxygen-tanks to leave their homes. If one defines "great things" as automobile manufacturing, then I suppose not. -k

Last winter our government tried to fire up Canadians to defend Hans Island from the sneaking Danes; cynics noted a passing similarity to "Wag The Dog". If the Danes are now returning the favor, perhaps it means that Denmark has its own version of the sponsorship scandal or some similar fiasco that it needs to distract voters from.

World Stupidity Awards Despite the upset loss, Dubya did not go home empty handed: Other winners included... We are truly in great company. -k

Apparently offended at being compared to goody two-shoes Toronto... Penticton Strikes Back! Women spin wheel to win breast implants ha! So much for people thinking of bible-clutching, fig-leaf wielding prudes when they think of Penticton! Well, maybe not. Well, Milly, maybe they just didn't know the words to Kumbaya.That said, Mildred might have a point. Look at the photo of the contest winner. She's beautiful! I don't think she needs implants. Do you think she needs implants? It sounds like the men at the club were puzzled too... But the contest winner, Tiffany Friesen, disagrees. I don't actually have a problem with women getting breast implants. I wouldn't do it, but I can understand that for some people their self-esteem could be helped immensely. Having said that, you have to wonder where things are headed when a woman as attractive as Ms. Friesen is convinced that her body needs fixing. -k

ok, so if we're agreed that religion can't be overlooked in this discussion... if we can agree that the insurgents are sincere in their religious beliefs... shouldn't we at least look at what those beliefs actually are? You say that the goal is "always temporal: that is, political" as if that was something separate from religion. That's a very western way of looking at things, but it's hardly a universal perspective. To an Islamist, political and religious are inseparable-- they are one and the same. -k