Manning for Alberta Premier

[scribblet]

I applaud Preston, and anyone who puts themselves forward to replace 'King' Ralph - ough act to follow.

Conservatism needs a vision, and vision was always Preston's strong suit. Heck, he is the Godfather of the balanced budget approach to governance, champion of the grassroots who vanquished the elitist Meech Lakers.

I'm sure once he decides to run and wins, he will articulate a conservative vision of Alberta and Canada that would take federal-provincial relations to a new improved level.

http://www.manningforpremier.ca/

[geoffrey]

I applaud Preston, and anyone who puts themselves forward to replace 'King' Ralph - ough act to follow.

Conservatism needs a vision, and vision was always Preston's strong suit. Heck, he is the Godfather of the balanced budget approach to governance, champion of the grassroots who vanquished the elitist Meech Lakers.

I'm sure once he decides to run and wins, he will articulate a conservative vision of Alberta and Canada that would take federal-provincial relations to a new improved level.

http://www.manningforpremier.ca/

Preston isn't a Tory though remember. He's a populist reformer.

Those vanquished Meech Lakers are running this country right now, not the reform movement. Paul Martin was the balanced budget genius, however much I distained his tenure as PM, and it was in line with the whole Washington consensus, something most nations moved towards. It'd be silly to say Presto was responsible for a move towards fiscal responsibility.

The more and more I think about it, I get over the idea of Manning running this province. He's a very respectable man, but I'd rather have a Tory in the office that has sense about him than Manning who'd be all about holding referendums every Monday at 7:00 and all that bologna.

Not a fan of populism myself, so how can I possibly support Manning?

[Black Dog]

I will say one thing for Manning (I've said a fair bit against): his outsider status (in terms of him not being a member of the provincial PC clique) may be a tactical liability, but in the big picture, it would be nice to think he'd shake things up. Then again though, Manning's base is rural Alberta, a constituency that already weilds a disproportinate amount of power in the province. I'd hate to see that imbalance grow. But hey: I may be reflexively oppossed to Manning, but I'm open to hearing what he might envision for the province.

[geoffrey]

I agree completely with you BD, rural Alberta would gain even more power, and that's not something I'm ok with. It's good that our farmers are respected, but we do need to be reasonable in seeing that its the cities that bring in the bucks.

[shoop]

Manning will definitely be able to bring in the money to run. How much of an organization can he bring to the table? I don't really see how his Reform backers will translate on that side of things. Good on him for making it a race though. It will put Dinning through the fire instead of a coronation.

[Leafless]

geoffrey

You wrote- " I agree with you BD, rural Alberta would gain even more power, and that's not something Iam ok with. it's good our farmers are respected, but we do need to be reasonable that its the cities that bring in the bucks".

Preston Manning is already a proven political performer and is the principle founder of two federal political parties and is closely associated with Conservative ideologies.

To say this man is going to lead in a fashion that represents rural Alberta only is ridiculous.

http://www.fraserinstitute.ca/strongandfree/index.asp

[August1991]

You people know a lot more about Alberta politics than I do, so tell me, is this for real?

Is Manning seriously thinking of running for Conservative leader? How old is he?

[Biblio Bibuli]

You people know a lot more about Alberta politics than I do, so tell me, is this for real?

Is Manning seriously thinking of running for Conservative leader? How old is he?

And what birthday did the best Pope we ever had, Benedict XVI, celebrate today? Preston could be his son for crying out loud!

TSK TSK TSK TSK, TSK TSK TSK TSK !!!

[Black Dog]

Is Manning seriously thinking of running for Conservative leader? How old is he?

He'll be 65 by the time the dust settles.

And what birthday did the best Pope we ever had, Benedict XVI, celebrate today? Preston could be his son for crying out loud!

What the fu....?

[fellowtraveller]

Manning is 63. the same age as Klein. He has not officially entered the race, and won't until it is obvious he'd be a first ballot winner. He won't enter if it looks close - but that should not be an issue.

Manning somehow manages to be the worst nightmare for both Jim Dinning - heir apparent to Klein until recently- and Kevin Taft, the Liberal leader whose dreams were just crushed.

[shoop]

Are you saying it looks like Manning will win and it won't even be close?

Don't know if I agree with that. Age will be an issue for Manning. Lack of history within the party another. Dinning's work up to this point a third.

I don't know if Dinning was really Taft's dream leader of the PCs. The Liberal brand is pretty tarnished in Alberta. Dinning will move the province towards the centre.

The one distinguishing factor of a Manning run is his commitment to the environment. But that is *if* this ends up being a race about ideology. Does anyone really think that's what this race will be about?

Manning is 63. the same age as Klein. He has not officially entered the race, and won't until it is obvious he'd be a first ballot winner. He won't enter if it looks close - but that should not be an issue. Manning somehow manages to be the worst nightmare for both Jim Dinning - heir apparent to Klein until recently- and Kevin Taft, the Liberal leader whose dreams were just crushed.

[Freshinit]

As a young Calgarian in disagreement with tory policies I see Manning as a favourable choice out of a bad pile of apples. I like his desire to reform enviromentalism, implying to me that this is a man with long term goals in voice of future generations who cannot even vote yet. He certainly gives off a vibe of selflessness with this stance. An obvious advocater of increased direct democracy he is. I enjoyed throughly CPAC's televised roundtable discussion between intellectuals during th Firewood Democracy project a couple weeks ago. I don't see Ralph Klein getting involved pushing for increased activism through democratic reform, albeit his success over the past decade in Albertan politics. Somehow manning evokes trust in a young Calgarian such as myself, as if to leave me content with our provincial status as economic conservatives while at the same time acknowledge my thirst for social progression. The last thing a person like me wants to see is a centralized Government with too much power and a drone-like population, especially one that values market efficiency over the defined reasoning behind big business: applicable good fortune to humanity.

We cannot deny the change that is coming with the 21st century, there is too much room for systematic error in an age so sensitive to chaos theory. Manning does a better job than any in forseeing our future not only as a province, not only as a nation, not only as practisioners of diplomacy, but of the destiny of the human race and our long term survival goals. Base your support on short sighted monetary policy, but be wary of the mark, rather taint, you leave on our descendents and what that will say of your legacy, however valuable that is to you.

[shoop]

Dinning is a very good alternative to Manning. Much younger, more corporate experience and far more experience in provincial Alberta politics.

What does "there is too much room for systematic error in an age so sensitive to chaos threory" mean???

We cannot deny the change that is coming with the 21st century, there is too much room for systematic error in an age so sensitive to chaos theory. Manning does a better job than any in forseeing our future not only as a province, not only as a nation, not only as practisioners of diplomacy, but of the destiny of the human race and our long term survival goals. Base your support on short sighted monetary policy, but be wary of the mark, rather taint, you leave on our descendents and what that will say of your legacy, however valuable that is to you.

[Freshinit]

Shoop,

Forgive my word choice. I just meant that in parliamentary democracy, there are certain patterns and routines politicians fall into to solving issues. In an age where technological communication is so advanced and widespread, we cannot afford to be making mistakes through ineffective bureacracy that may have worked in the past.

[geoffrey]

The last thing Alberta needs is any changes other than tax cuts and less regulation right now. We have it all. Once it collapses on itself, then we can talk about changes.

This is the problem societies get into. Things get so good, then we get into this activist complex, and everything goes to hell. Electing Trudeau is a prime example of this. Let's not let Manning be Alberta's Trudeau.

Great, he thinks about the future and all that. But seriously, I don't want any changes right now. Life couldn't get better in Alberta, we are the second richest area of the world (damned Luxembourgh), why change it up?

Dinning is the right mix of the same old and new ideas. Sticking with the PC mentality will ensure our success, any deviation from it, and there goes our wealth. The only difference between us and Saskatchewan is our government, resources are very similar... let's not become Saskatchewan.

[shoop]

Yaaaawn!

We are the lowest taxed, and least regulated, province in the country.

We need some innovative thinking about how to best use our oil wealth to prosper in the future. As much as it would help me personally, I don't really think another round of Ralph bucks is the way to go.

Saskatchewan does all right, with a signficantly lower resouce base than we have.

The last thing Alberta needs is any changes other than tax cuts and less regulation right now. We have it all. Once it collapses on itself, then we can talk about changes.

Dinning is the right mix of the same old and new ideas. Sticking with the PC mentality will ensure our success, any deviation from it, and there goes our wealth. The only difference between us and Saskatchewan is our government, resources are very similar... let's not become Saskatchewan.

[geoffrey]

We are the lowest taxed.

But the government has no business in a tax and spend mentality. Propose a program, find funding.

Surpluses are an abuse of the taxpayer and must be ended in all provinces and federally. An obvious easy solution to this, that prevents risks of deficiets, is to return overpayments to the taxpayers of the country.

Discretionary spending of surpluses is not something I trust governments with.

[shoop]

Very short-sighted.

As Albertans we have to recognize tht the oil and gas won't last forever. We need to use some of the money to build for the future. I am in complete agreement with putting more money into the Heritage Trust Fund.

This provides a cushion for the chance, albeit unlikely, of the price of oil and crash falling back to earth.

It is pretty tough to raise taxes, especially in tough times.

We are the lowest taxed.

But the government has no business in a tax and spend mentality. Propose a program, find funding.

Surpluses are an abuse of the taxpayer and must be ended in all provinces and federally. An obvious easy solution to this, that prevents risks of deficiets, is to return overpayments to the taxpayers of the country.

Discretionary spending of surpluses is not something I trust governments with.

[Biblio Bibuli]

geoffrey

You wrote- " I agree with you BD, rural Alberta would gain even more power, and that's not something Iam ok with. it's good our farmers are respected, but we do need to be reasonable that its the cities that bring in the bucks".

Preston Manning is already a proven political performer and is the principle founder of two federal political parties and is closely associated with Conservative ideologies.

To say this man is going to lead in a fashion that represents rural Alberta only is ridiculous.

http://www.fraserinstitute.ca/strongandfree/index.asp

Over 80% of Alberta's MPs openly agree with you that it's ridiculous. Add to that those that would secretly support Preston Manning's campaign and Geoffrey's idea is ridiculous plus!

One thing that I do not agree with in the article below is that "Manning won't enter the race unless he's 90% certain he's going to win."

99.9% is more likely.

When he enters put all your money on him, because he can't lose.

http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/2006/0...560178-sun.html

[geoffrey]

Very short-sighted.

As Albertans we have to recognize tht the oil and gas won't last forever. We need to use some of the money to build for the future. I am in complete agreement with putting more money into the Heritage Trust Fund.

This provides a cushion for the chance, albeit unlikely, of the price of oil and crash falling back to earth.

It is pretty tough to raise taxes, especially in tough times.

We are the lowest taxed.

But the government has no business in a tax and spend mentality. Propose a program, find funding.

Surpluses are an abuse of the taxpayer and must be ended in all provinces and federally. An obvious easy solution to this, that prevents risks of deficiets, is to return overpayments to the taxpayers of the country.

Discretionary spending of surpluses is not something I trust governments with.

Or instead of making a government RRSP, we should implement substaintial tax cuts, to encourage development in sectors other than oil and gas.

The governing stashing cash means that its not being spent on R&D. Bad idea.

[fellowtraveller]

Are you saying it looks like Manning will win and it won't even be close?

Don't know if I agree with that. Age will be an issue for Manning. Lack of history within the party another. Dinning's work up to this point a third.

I don't know if Dinning was really Taft's dream leader of the PCs. The Liberal brand is pretty tarnished in Alberta. Dinning will move the province towards the centre.

The one distinguishing factor of a Manning run is his commitment to the environment. But that is *if* this ends up being a race about ideology. Does anyone really think that's what this race will be about?

Manning is 63. the same age as Klein. He has not officially entered the race, and won't until it is obvious he'd be a first ballot winner. He won't enter if it looks close - but that should not be an issue. Manning somehow manages to be the worst nightmare for both Jim Dinning - heir apparent to Klein until recently- and Kevin Taft, the Liberal leader whose dreams were just crushed.

If Manning enters, he will win. The catch of course is that he won't enter unless he is fairly sure he'll win.

Age won't be an issue for Manning, raising it may well be a weak response from his opponents.

Lack of history? He is of course far far better known in Alberta than Dinning. Dinning left frontroom politics many years ago, and never ever had the name recogntion that Manning had and has now. Provincial party history won't make any difference. Manning is very well respected.

I'll grant you that Dinning has a head start on organization, but Manning will have no trouble creating a juggernaut of volunteers.

I didn't say that Dinning was Tafts dream leader, I said that Manning is Dinnings worst nightmare. He had the premiership locked up until Preston appeared on the scene. Either one will crush poor Taft.

A 'race about ideology'. Of course it will be, that is what Manning is all about. He is a policy geek to the core, and his schtick will start and end with " I have a dream". His is a powerful message, Dinning better be thinking hard on how to counter the populist mantra.

[Black Dog]

Great, he thinks about the future and all that. But seriously, I don't want any changes right now. Life couldn't get better in Alberta, we are the second richest area of the world (damned Luxembourgh), why change it up?

Because, as good as things are, there's always room for improvement. I for one would like to see some discussion on the democratic defecit and decentralization of power. These are windmills the province likes to tilt at federally, yet provinciallly, they aren't much better.

Dinning is the right mix of the same old and new ideas. Sticking with the PC mentality will ensure our success, any deviation from it, and there goes our wealth. The only difference between us and Saskatchewan is our government, resources are very similar... let's not become Saskatchewan.

Well, there's the fact that Alberta had a big head start on Saskatchewan, resource development wise (thanks in part to mention all the oil companies taking a powder when Saskatchewan took a turn to the socialists, thus turning the right wing mantra that socialism is bad for business into a self-fulfilling prophecy). So yeah, it's not a fair comparison. No matter how good things are, you can't count on them to stay that way. And if the only time you start thinking about and planning for change is after it happens, well, we saw what happened in the '80s. Frankly, I'm not sure Alberta is any better prepared for any sudden economic changes today than it was 25 years ago.

[geoffrey]

Is there a democratic deficit in Alberta? Or is it merely just because your favoured parties don't get elected?

Can you explain what you'd change, and I'm hoping your not suggesting proportional rep. in a province that has many extremist views?

[shoop]

Manning won't seek Klein's job in Alberta

So in a case of the utterly expected, Presto has decided to not running for Klein's job.

Can't say I blame him. Running for office is a tough game. Manning is an old dude. He knows the hours that it would take to win this race. Decided his heart wasn't in it.

Good for him.

[Biblio Bibuli]

Manning won't seek Klein's job in Alberta

So in a case of the utterly expected, Presto has decided to not running for Klein's job.

Can't say I blame him. Running for office is a tough game. Manning is an old dude. He knows the hours that it would take to win this race. Decided his heart wasn't in it.

Good for him.

This is a very sad day for Canada, IMO. The first thing that came to my mind was that Alberta perhaps may be ready to take on the Quebec loving CPCers, and Preston's duking it out with the Harperites could be at times wrongly interpreted.

Too bad! :angry:

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentSe...epath=News/News