Christy Clark a Hard Act to Swallow: It’s Not Just Conservatives That Are Leaving–Unethical Behavior is the Hallmark of Her Government
I am finding it progressively more difficult to muster the effort not to laugh before addressing anyone who claims that a vote for the BC Conservatives in the next provincial election is a vote for the BC NDP–as if voting for the NDP is akin to suffering through Brad Pitt movies, aromatherapy seminars or Oprah interviews.
Essentially, that unless you are voting for this corrupt and despicable provincial government, you are voting for an”enemy.”
On a number of fronts, this is exceedingly offensive. BC NDP voters are some of the finest people in this province. I know thousands of them. Many dwell here and I’ve had the privilege of speaking with them on many occasions. Accordingly, many people who choose to vote NDP maybe doing this as a protest vote. Rafe Mair is a very good friend of mine. He endorsed the NDP in the last election. Is Rafe evil?
In point of fact, he’s a walking treasure. Carole James? Mike Farnsworth? John Horgan? Evil??? Not a chance.
Further, the BC Conservatives are now almost even money with the BC Liberals in two out of three major polls. Shouldn’t they be making the reverse argument that a vote for the BC Liberals is a vote for the NDP? But you don’t hear that.
The BC Conservatives, with an uneven leader, no MLAs, limited budget and young, often whining organizers that can’t take constructive criticism or understand the landscape they will be forced to traverse between now and 2013, are smarter in their messaging than the BC Liberals.
Over the weekend, I read a number of most interesting MSM pieces on the exodus of conservatives from the BC Liberals and I thought of this.
I thought about why someone leaves a political party like the one being decimated by Christy Clark and her bailiwick of taxpaid freeloaders and political grifters.
And I was amused.
Kevin Falcon, far from staunchly supporting his premier and leader suggested that he wasn’t surprised by the exodus–he was, in fact, warned by several top-ranking henchmen that they’d leave if Ms. Clark won. A George Abbott win would have been a different story.
Still, I found is astonishing that no one has identified why LIBERALS are leaving, nevermind conservatives.
Though, to understand and appreciate this phenomenon, one must take a historical look at Christy Clark’s political career.
Off the top, no matter how much she aches to pretend or seeks to remake herself, Christy Clark is a classic Neo-Liberal in the frame of a Gordon Campbell. This is often confused with Libertarianism or Neo-Conservatism. And that’s plainly wrong.
The Premier is about ‘say-anything’, and ‘do-anything’. It’s not about principle or politics. It’s about power.
And prostitution–of anyone and anything that will keep her and her cronies in the taxpayers silks. This is the same Christy Clark that cheated to gain prominence as the first and only SFU student ever to have her council member’s badge torn from her breast by the university for running a rigged election. This is the same Christy Clark who became a prominent MLA through the efforts of the ‘Basi-Virk’ method (mass Indo-Canadian sign-ups–hundreds of them purely fraudulent–as told to me by those who committed such acts and now live with the regret). This is the same Christy Clark that betrayed her Cabinet colleagues and shattered her oath by revealing Cabinet level BC Rail information to Erik Bornmann–a key member of her political entourage that admitted to bribing public officials. This is the same Christy Clark, whose political thugs have intimidated now deeply remorseful, former operatives that stole PIN numbers for her, to beat Kevin Falcon and win the leadership–thus becoming ‘Premier’ Christy Clark.
Would you follow someone like that? Better yet, HOW could you follow someone like that? It’s a career pattern for Christy Clark: say anything, do anything, so long as it meets the power play–or often power grab!
It’s not just conservatives that are leaving her and the BC Liberals in droves–it’s liberals too. Strong. life-long liberals.
Think about it: She and her illustrious former husband Mark Marrisen, are leaders of a crew that are credited by federal Liberals across the country with so badly dividing the Liberal Party of Canada with smash-mouth, highly-partisan, scorched-earth strategies (including black ops) that have reduced the once mighty red machine, to its current status as the hamster of Canadian politics. The Premier, when she was littering the airwaves with her often misinformed and ill-tempered screeds, played hand-maiden to her husband’s viral efforts to elect the unqualified: Paul Martin, followed by Stephane Dion and a list of local candidates, most glaringly Joyce Murray, that aren’t even qualified to sort rotten tomatoes on the back of a flatbed. CKNW’s afternoon might as well been a two and a half hour ad for the the most destructive sect in Liberal Party of Canada history–inclusive of ENDLESS reams of anti-Harper, anti-Conservative rhetorical bafflebag.
When Ms. Clark was running for leader of the party, over a dozen leading federal Liberals in the Lower Mainland signed a petition letter urging BC Liberal members to vote for Kevin Falcon.
It was sent to every single last station and news room in this province–with the blessing of all those Liberals.
Imagine! Long-time federal Liberals, from every part of the federal party, demanding that BC Liberal voters support the most Conservative candidate running.
What does all this tell you?
That truly, the mainstream press are completely asleep at the wheel (as are the provincial Conservatives) because every time the insufferable nonsense that voting for the BC Conservatives is like voting for the BC NDP is raised, NOT ONCE, has either the press or the BC Conservatives raised what you’ve just read! Not once!
Instead the narrative is accepted as so-called ‘vote-splitting’. It’s NOT any such thing you ninnies! It’s that, simply put, people are not any longer fooled by the Clark camps crap. They’ve been doing it since she was in university. Very few core players have been added. It’s the same dimwits and manipulators that have been around her forever-and-a-day.
If you want sure signs of why people don’t want anything to do with Christy Clark, don’t stop at the clear offensiveness of having one of her top advisors Pat Kinsella steering a DHL subsidiary into possibly winning the uber-lucrative liquor distribution contract in BC.
How does this grab you: You are something called, ‘the BC Liberal Election Readiness Chairman’. A paid position that comes with perks like total access to every MLA, Cabinet Minister and the Premier herself–whenever you want, however many times you want–and you’re a partner in a firm that lobbies the provincial government–the one whose electoral success depends on YOU.
I’ve mentioned him before and it pains me to point this out, but my old university pal Steve Kukucha is now part of a firm that lobbies, while he’s the BC Liberals’ election chair.
This isn’t at least an ethical conflict? This isn’t an affront to principled lobbying (if that’s not an oxymoron)?
This isn’t yet another disgrace?
Steve is someone I’ve known for 27 years, and always admired. Intelligent, extremely affable and kind to a fault, but ornery and defensive when challenged. Not good qualities, the latter, for a man who graduated with a law degree and should know better.
He is now a partner in WAZUKU Advisory Group. No, it’s not an ESL school from Mozambique. The principles, Mike WAtson, Brad ZUbyk and Steve KUkucha have joined forces in this super lobby group that includes partner registrations for the Surrey Fraser Docks, Three ‘L’ Land Development (the Komox native band’s development arm) and a prominent union (BC Maritime Employer’s Association). These are all registered under Brad Zubyk’s name with the lobbyists’ registry. Now, another disclosure: Brad is someone I’ve known for less years than Steve, but better than Steve. He’s also a first class guy, who should know better than to be carrying such a clear conflict.
I called both Steve and Brad late last week and neither called back (righ away). In fact, Steve doesn’t take calls from me anymore, and Brad called back but only after I had the ‘pleasure’ of speaking with their partner Mike Watson. Mr. Watson, obviously suffering from a spontaneous migraine or untreated hemorrhoid, was not pleased.
Here is an excerpt of the 31 seconds (minus his huffing and puffing):
AGT: Hi, Mr. Watson?
MW: Yes…
AGT: Mr. Watson, this is Alex G. Tsakumis of alexgtsakumis.com I was wondering if you could tell me if you think it’s a fair proposition to be running a lobbying firm that has as one of its partners serving as the Premier’s election readiness chair? Is this not a conflict for you or your firm, Sir?
MW: (Audible gasp) Well, that’s something you should take up with Steve.
AGT: Well Sir, I’ve tried to get Steve and Brad on the phone, but they won’t return any of my calls. But you’re a partner, are you not? You’re listed, in fact, as a founding partner. Surely you must have an opinion on something as serious as this?
MW: Um, I’ll ask Steve to call you back, thanks for your call, goodbye.
Now, that wasn’t very nice, hanging up like that on such a polite chap like me, but soon thereafter I received a call back from my old pal Brad Zubyk, who was as open and honest as ever.
BZ: “When Steve approached us, we had the same concerns as you…”
AGT: “What?! Really? So what’s going on here old buddy, are you telling me you saw the ethical lapse but went ahead and did it anyway? Look, we’re friends, but you’re putting me in an even tougher spot: You saw Steve’s conflict but admitted him anyway?”
BZ: “Yeah, we took safeguards and all that…”
AGT: “What are you talking about? What safeguards? And why would he approach just you guys? Did he lobbyist shop? Is that what you’re saying”
BZ: “Look, c’mon, let’s go for a beer soon, okay…?”
AGT: “I’m not drinking much anymore. But for you I can always make an exception…”
(Laughter on both ends, cordial goodbyes)
My darlings, Conservatives don’t need to leave the Christy party on their own. They can hold hands out the door with the principled, ethical Liberals that see what’s happening and don’t like it.
Because with Christy Clark, it’s never been any different.
Fake glasses now included…
For a woman that really isn’t that bright, she sure seems to wreak havoc. in the province. When she finally gets the boot next May, she’ll probably leave the Legislative in Victoria smoldering in the background.
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If all things go as planned, she won’t survive until then.
Stay tuned.
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For some reason I see her pulling a Gordo….. stubbornly staying even though the writing has been on the wall of the dirtiest toilet in Victoria and has been there for months.
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Are you serious?
You’ve actually used the Premier’s bathroom in the West Annex?!?!
You’re amazing….
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Actually, I was referring to one of the public toilets at Hastings & Main, but yeah, I bet that West Annex bathroom makes you feel like you’ve bathed in sin after using it
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“the public toilets at Hastings & Main”
Now that brings back some memories, none of them good. I’ll bet there aren’t too many of Alex’s readers that can say they’ve darkened that doorway.
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I’ve been there myself pal.
One word: Calcutta…
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What a relief that you have such a visceral connection to BC’s poor! I had always thought you rather a snob
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Great piece Alex, that was the first time that I have heard the Student Council story. How the heck can someone rig a student council election?
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The election was declared void as she had cheated to become President. It’s a matter of public record.
And when she was forced to run again–except using fair tactics, she got trounced.
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not in msm .?
I had a robo call last week -10 question polling ,automated, asking gender and how do you like each leader in BC and who would you vote for and do you own or rent your house
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Having been involved in student politics myself, I can tell you Christy Clark’s (mis)adventures in the Simon Fraser Student Society are not unique. That sort of stuff happens all the time, year after year.
Remember the saying: “student politics is so vicious precisely because the stakes are so small”…?
Christy just stands out because she’s brought that mentality to Victoria. And the province is suffering for it.
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And has never operated any other way in politics.
That’s very significant!
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IMHO, student politics (at least in high school) is just a big popularity contest anyways. Seems that Snook-C the Prom Queen treated the leadership vote the same way.
“Look at me, look at me! I tied my shoe!”
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That last line is a classic!
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Feel free to steal it.
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Can’t steal my own words…
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I didn’t steal it! I’ve been saying that for years.
And I *can* tie my shoes too!
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Marvey…
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I’m sure there are no buttons on her shoes!
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LMAO!
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Sparky,
OMG. Kwantlen, and man, many, more. They get self-interested political people running (many affilaited with Young Libs, Yong Cons, Young NDP), who want to access and pillage the student fees. Student bodies are not the most self aware or interested when it comes to the administration of their funds.The fact that they are allowed to run as independent student societies within the university, has made them the mess they are. Witness the bs and the length of time it took to kick those brats to the curb. And they still had the nerve to try to make their removal actionable, which again, was something that was JUST settled in the student bodies’ favour, thank the lord.
In fact, it would be enlightening to have someone (hello, Chad Skelton??) take a look-back and see which currrent and former adult politicos sat on college and university student societies in the past 30 years. And then see FOI all those budget expenditures. What fun!
The motto of political parties everywhere: start ‘em while they’re young!
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Some exceptional points.
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I can’t help but to crack up with your last line! Seriously though, WTF? Is she trying to become the enxt Harry Potter or what? hahaha
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It’s a complete joke.
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castanet.net/news
South Okanagan
Emergency room closed in Princeton
by Contributed – Story: 71623
Feb 27, 2012 / 10:32 am
Residents are advised that the Princeton General Hospital Emergency Department will be closed from noon to 9 p.m. Monday, February 27, due to unexpected physician unavailability.
During the hours the Emergency Department is closed, residents should take note of the following:
In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
For non-urgent matters, residents may wish to use the emergency department in Penticton If individuals are unsure about what services they require, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.
The toll-free line provides 24-hour, confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse.
Interior Health regrets this interruption to service.
http://www.castanet.net/news/South-Okanagan/71623/Emergency-room-closed-in-Princeton
————————————
***Good thing all the Liberals are healthy nor have accidents in this area eh***
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I know, it’s just absolutely appalling.
Merci beaucoup, mon ami.
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this is not new alex, the real question is after ten years of this…. where are the ethics and morals of the sitting liberal mla’s?
the excuse last year (pathetic as it was) revolved around how mean and overbearing gordon campbell was.
what will it be this time? “we wanted to give christy a chance to fix all the mistakes she made in the first year?” or “those problems existed in the 90′s so its not christy’s fault they are not fixed?”
you lay a lot of blame at the feet of christy and gordo alex (justified)… but imo all the liberal mla’s are to blame and should be held to account, after all they are the ones who refuse to do what is right for the people who elected them and allow this all to continue.
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I’m not sure I entirely agree with that.
It goes back to what Bill Bennett said and was whipped to recant. Battered wife syndrome. I have no idea why that was so offensive. It’s exactly what the vast majority of MLAs have suffered through.
Penner left but it so damned thick, he believes the AG Ministry’s story about Basi and Virk. Black left, because he was shoved, but they found him a plum job!
I lay the blame at leaders because they are there to LEAD! MLAs cannot do anything unless they are united–and most, again, are beholden to the leader. This is an unfortunate phenomenon in every party, but none worse than the BC Liberals.
How many Bob Simpson’s can you name on the other side?
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But at the end of the day, Bill Bennett still feels like his words ring true to his ears. I’ve had a few conversations with him (last time was at the leadership convention last year) and he said to me that El Gordo was, well, an arrogant bully who needed to be knocked down a few pegs.
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Then he should have never recanted them. Or gone crawling back to Christy like a poodle.
Pathetic. And VERY disappointing. Bill is a super decent guy, but somebody got to him. Guaranteed.
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BS alex.
“gordy was really mean and would have yelled at me if i didnt let him steal BC RAIL” doesnt fly in a court of law…and im not buying it either.
its an excuse alex. we are not talking about people who did something to defend themselves, we are talking about people whos job was to protect the people who ignored corruption for their own benefit.
was there intimidation.. i beleive so.
is this an excuse for ignoring corruption… absolutely NOT.
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The only BS here is coming from you.
Firstly, NO ONE in Cabinet except Clark, Collins and Plant knew about the real intentions for BC Rail. All three were the closest to Campbell. No one else in caucus was aware of what was really going on, not even Reid.
Secondly, you clearly have no idea of what would or would not pass in a court of law. Bennett, BTW, is a lawyer. The way this government has been run is similar in structure to the mafia. Only the top Captains really knew what was going on, while everyone else rode the gravy train and kept their mouths shut–largely because they knew nothing. When you’re there, it’s different. Clearly, you’ve never been there. I have, and I know exactly how it works.
Finally, it is not an excuse to say that you knew nothing about a certain issue and when you decided to speak were castigated by colleagues who drank the Kool-Aid.
This caucus is STILL trying to come to grips with what’s happened in the last ten years. The word corruption didn’t enter their vocabulary until I started releasing Basi-Virk documents. The corruption is so thick they had lawyers and cops playing along.
That’s hard to negotiate in one human brain. It takes several of them to get together and say enough, which some did and that’s why Gordon Campbell left.
And they will do the same against Clark. You think they should have been mind readers. Good for you.
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“Firstly, NO ONE in Cabinet except Clark, Collins and Plant knew about the real intentions for BC Rail.”
clark who is now premeire…. the rest of your argument really just falls apart at that point. clark is in charge and EVERYONE who is a liberal mla KNOWS she was involved in BC rail and that things are being covered up.
“Finally, it is not an excuse to say that you knew nothing about a certain issue ”
“This caucus is STILL trying to come to grips with what’s happened in the last ten years.”
happened is a past tense. we are talking about someone who is currently in office. something that has still not been dealt with. something that is hopefully going to be investigated. yet liberal mla’s are acting as if there is nothing wrong.
even if you are correct and only few people knew years ago what was happening with bc rail, that has changed. the question is then, where are our mla’s when it comes to seeing that justice is done for the people they represent? and why have they not thrown christy out as their leader yet and given us the reasons why?
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I don’t know how many times one person needs to have the story read to them.
Nothing in my story falls apart–you either don’t get it or CAN’T get it!!!
There are still lawyers in govt covering up the scandal and using the Ministry of the Attorney General to withhold valuable, REVEALING information from the public. Meaning, caucus is still being bullshitted and in the absence of any quality information, they are simply left alone to wallow in the Premier’s rhetorical spin.
Most of caucus DON’T really know that the documents I’ve released are real because IDIOTS like Barry Penner continue to tell anyone that’ll listen, how Basi and Virk acted alone. He’s told SEVERAL members of Cabinet and caucus the same story and it’s DEAD WRONG.
You cannot be that thick not to realize what’s happened. I understand you want justice, and hopefully that day will come sooner than later.
Just understand that I will not betray confidences to prove your pound of flesh theory. You’ll have to wait like everyone else.
Liberal MLAs are NOT acting as if there is nothing wrong. You don’t have the first clue what you’re talking about in this matter.
I’ve more than given you extra latitude. Let’s move along please. You’ll see what I mean soon enough. Just be patient.
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fair enough alex.
you are obviously privy to information i am not. with what i have seen and heard it is hard not to come to the conclusion that all liberal mla’s are part of the problem at this point.
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No, not all. Many, just don’t get excited.
All will be revealed in due time.
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Yeah, that’s what I think too. That last conversation was full of the hate of a thousand burning suns…. I was pretty shocked when he went back. I guess the Liberal paycheck means more to him than we thought.
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Great Caesar’s Ghost, where to begin on this one.
There are many with the NDP that – complete agreement – are not evil, I know a few who are prominent MLAs, complete gentlemen and ladies.
But the problem I have with an NDP government is simply economics and ideaology. If BC ends up with and NDP government, it will not be the peaches and cream and eliminating corruption that many (includng the whinoes on Bill Tieleman’s blog) thinks it will be.
The NDP is carrying alot of baggage, and those bags will be checked in
once the NDP lands. The NDP wants to be too much to too many special interest groups. That happened in 1991. The NDP supporters had very high expectations of Harcourt and later Glen Clark, only to have the party collapse because the inside was sucked out of it.
Does tis mean an endorsement of sorts for Christy Crunch? Absolutely not.
Her tricks and those of Marissen are prime examples that turn off people to politics. But mind you, there have been stunts from within the Conservative Party too, some by a few organizers in the past few years
|m sure the same thing occurs within the NDP. One can go back to those 2500 memberships that flooded into the NDP offices in the afternoon on the last day of new member sign ups.
The NDP is not something I would want to see. But would I want to see?
Something akin to W.R. Bennett’s govenrment in the mid 1980s, before that idiot VanderZalm took over. But that’s not going to happen.
The NDP want to be too much to too many people. This is a perpetual problem they have, they have alot of difficultly in saying “no”.
But I would say this, if those out there purely want an NDP govermment, be prepared to defend it.When there is a Premier Dix
government.
There’s been much on stating the problem and not enough coming up with solutions from the NDP.
I’s very easy to be critical, much more difficult to come up with an acceptable solution to eliminate the problem.
But it is a democratic right to vote how to you wish.
But be prepared to live with the outcome.
I guarantee six months after the lustre of the NDP has worn off there will be calls to get rid of it. Meanwhile some new organizing efforts will be done to do just that.
and we start all over again.
Remember dear boy:
(a) Be careful what you wish for.
(b) Democracy is a real bitch when you lose.
I’d rather (at this time anyway, which is getting progressively shorter) try to salvage what we can, and hope for at least a minority government maybe a coalition with the BC Tories and keep the NDP where they belong, in Opposition.
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While I agree with your analysis, I’m not sure why the BC Tories would agree to a coalition with the BC Liberals. In fact, let me tell you–it would never happen.
They should cut a deal with the NDP, ruining the BC Libs (thank God) and we’d have a new election in two years, with a fresh centre-right coalition led by Dianne Watts.
That is the best you can hope for. Otherwise, it’s the NDP in a walk.
For them to be stopped, the BC Conservatives need to continue to change–and rapidly.
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Do you think Dianne would be open to leading the province if that were the case?
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Yes, I think she would. She has a ton of political capital and wouldn’t redeem it unless the time was right. She’s way too smart for anything less.
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Depending of course, on whether or not she accepted any efforts from a certain Mr. Atwal, over the years. I trust not!
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Agree there, but figured might as well explore options, how remote they might be.
I wouldn’t get too worked up with deals with the NDP. The NDP doesn’t need the BC Tories (the NDP is far enough ahead of the BC Tories they can make it through on their own without any help.
I wouldn’t get too focused on any one person either. Dianne Watts is a good person, but I think she is just too good to waste on the blood sport of BC politics.
Also consider the people that would back her. It would not be 100% new people from the civic end running her campaign. It would be composed of largely of Kevin Falcon’s people (‘borrowed help that is paid”). So essentially it becomes Kevin Falcon New Leadership 2.0. Same people . Just different colour schematics.
As much as Dianne Watts is excellent as Mayor of Surrey, I’d rather
she remain as Mayor or after she’s decided she wants to do something else, a smart move would be back to small business.
I learned a long time ago in politics to dump the hero worship and
to forgo watching “the rising stars”.
What you see isn’t exactly what you end up with in the end.
If there is going to be a fresh centre right coalition, it wil have to be entirely new, not reconstituted same old people doing the same old things for someone new.
If it is going to be new, ensure that it is new and not something like a Future Shop refurbished piece of junk on the shelf waiting to be sold to some schmuck thinking it is “new” and much less pricey.
and yes dear boy it is the NDP in a walk.
Im sure the supporters of that party are smiling.
But trust me they won’t as soon as the NDP makes errors and doesn’t meet high expectations. Then the NDP wil have to battle its own environment such as public sector unions.
That my friend will come. It always does.
Keep the blog goin’ when it happens.
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There is no other person other than James Moore who would be a worthy Premier.
You’re fooling yourself.
Dianne would make a super premier. She’s not going back to private business.
A new coalition would include her and yes, the Polaks and Falcons would have to be gone. They have damaged themselves beyond repair.
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I wouldn’t take James Moore either at face value either. He’s a nice enough guy with smarts, but I’d like to see exactly what he stands for
and why. Votes in Port Moody wouldn’t nessesarily translate into votes
in Powell River or Pat Bay.
I take endorsements at photograph value. Learned a long time ago that endorsements mean nothing except for the person giving it.
But if one figures that the people who are around Falcon and Polak would stay out, then there’s an old bridge at Port Mann that can be sold for a song. A gantry crane with cracked feet comes with it as part of the deal. It’s being fixed now so it will be ready for sale.
As for Dianne, she would need to be examined. Like any other candidate. I’m well aware of her successes in Surrey, but that doesn’t mean strong support in Smithers, Steveston and other places.
What does she stand for? Success at the civic level doesn’t nessesarily mean at the provincial level.
Besides we’ve already had one experience with a Mayor from Surrey.
Sorry pal,. but I’ve seen too many of these so-called “star candidates” flame out.
I always check them out vigerously regardless of who is supporting them.
If these candidates want my support, come and get it.
Ask for the sale.
Too many candidates don’t ask for the sale. They (and their supporters) anticipate you’ll fill in the box to conclude the transaction in the positive without reading the manufacturer’s product brochure and the warranty.
Always always always do your homework on major political decisions.
Never never never let the hard sell and “get on the bandwagon” peer
pressure let a person cave in on a decision as to whom gets to be a leader.
Choose, but choose carefully and wisely.
In fact ask this question:
Why would I not want to vote for Dianne Watts for leader of [Name of New Party]?
Tough questions need to be asked. I don’t believe in easy rides in politics.
This isn’t the Playland kid’s boat ride or bumper cars at the PNE.
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No one is suggesting to take someone because they are popular.
The reason Watts is as popular as she is stems from her ability to relate to folks everywhere.
It’s ridiculous to be asking for someone who hasn’t even decided to run what she stands for yet. That’ll come, I’m sure. But in my conversations with her, she certainly understands the province and has surprisingly strong contacts throughout the province.
Her sensible approach to governance makes sense. Your contention that success at the civic level doesn’t necessarily translate to the provincial level is well taken, but that’s precisely the same rhetoric used by Polak and Falcon to argue against Dianne entering the contest last year. And it’s nonsense because anyone that claims they know Watts’ value wouldn’t express themselves like that. Her pragmatic populism transcends all levels of government. It’ snot just what we want, but what we need.
You’re position is confusing. And your comment about a Mayor from Surrey borders on the, forgive me, absurd. Are you suggesting people from Surrey are somehow a problem because Bill VanderZalm had issues? That’s, again forgive me, just ridiculous.
I like James Moore because he’s a moderate. He’s logical and makes sense. He’s still young, but if Dianne doesn’t do it, then Moore would be my next choice. The good part about both of them is that they have friends, good friends, in all political parties. You can;t say that about Christy or Adrian. Or even Cummins. WE need some bipartisanship again.
I don’t get where you’re going, frankly. If there is no approach worthy of a look then how do you expect for anyone to EARN anything without at least that??? I’m having real trouble making heads or tails of your argument.
Who would you pick then? There is nobody else. And the two I’ve mentioned are the best of the bunch, by far and away.
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I’ll choose when we get there. Essentially I don’t know where either her and Moore are when it comes to BC. You might, but I don’t and
will want to when the time comes. Is either one the best fit?
That I don’t know yet. But we’ll see.
I would not just limit choices to just these two.
Let’s see what’s out there, and what the dynamic is.
We’re quite a time away from the point being able to choose
Let’s get through this Christy thing first and then see where we might go from there.
Careful and easy does it. Let’s learn alot from what happened with the BC Liberals.
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There is no one out there to take out the NDP. You need a big name. James might be a tough sell, at this point, considering the surprisingly idiotic comportment of the federal government on a whole litany of matters.
But Dianne has massive name recognition and has spoken well outside of her comfort zone.
Nevertheless, Christy is finished. It’s only a matter of time.
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James would be a tough sell, esp. with the antics of the Conservatives.
He’s not an option.
Dianne has name recognition and has spoken well outside the comfort zone, but we’ve been down that road before.
Stil want to see a bit more. We need to choose carefully and wisely. Step back a few paces and look at possibilities if they exist. If they don’t then proceed with Dianne’s coronation.
There is only a narrow time frame left.
Christy is finished (she has been that evening after she delivered her first cabinet to the people), but time of the essence. I’d say something has to break between now and the first week of June in terms of replacement leadership or movement to something else.
Beyond that, look forward to 8 to 10 years of NDP government.
So when that happens, there’s 8 to 10 years to decide who is going to lead a conservative/liberal type of political party.
But something is going to have to happen and it will need to happen very fast within the next 3 months.
If people want Christy to continue on, then prepare to welcome Premier Adrian Dix, Deputy Premier Mike Farnsworth, Finance Minister Bruce Ralston and Social Services Minister John Horgan
and Transportation Minister Harry Lali, and maybe Solicitor General Kathy Corrigan.
The time for getting on with fixing the massive problems with Christy is immediate. As in now.
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Won’t happen. NDP one term.
Just watch. It’s already in the works.
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Seymour Forest, you pretty well state my view of matters in virtually every respect.
As a long-time NDP voter, I too believe they will implode due to their vicious insider in-breeding, longing-for-power, and loyalty-at-all-costs approach.
People will see (sooner than they think) that Dix was the wrong choice for leader.
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Well thank you. A few NDPers I’ve gotten to know don’t like what I have to say about the NDP, but I’ve been watching them for over 20 years and over time you see the same patterns.
The NDP is not the friendly “solidarity forever” group they try to make themselves out to be. They are vicious inside (the public got a view of that when Kwan and a few others stabbed Carole James). It’s a prime example as to why not too many make it in this business (on both ‘your side” and “our side”. There’s good people on both. Mike Farnsworth for example is a nice guy example.
The NDP chose wrongly. They should have gone for John Horgan.
In fact I’d say the NDP had watered down a bit compared to what they were like in the 1980′s. Back then they were vicious.
A nasty animal best stayed away from unless you knew how to handle ‘it.
and for gawd sake you never crossed in front of them if they were
hungry. They’d go after our candidates like a mean hungry wolf going after a piece of raw meat.
The screams would make your blood curl.
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great column as usual.
you raise some interesting points.
mr dix has the opportunity that is rarely afforded in public life and that is a true second chance.
mr dix made a huge error in judgment when he worked for glen clark.
now is the time for him to prove that he has learned from his mistakes and govern for all of bc not just friends and special interest groups.
mr dix needs to go on record that he will hold judical enqiuries as well hire special prosecuters regarding bc rail, the leaking of cabinet info to lobbiest . etc
he needs to hold judical enquiries in to the administration of health care and social services in this province
the people who truly profit would shock most and it is not the clients.
mr dix if you truly want a legacy and long a term power.
have the house sit and debate bills and ensure the peoples house is the peoples house once more
prosecute and jail corrupt politictions and lobbiest
and then maybee you will not be a protest vote
the choice is yours mr dix
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I totally agree. This is a huge problem for me that Adrian is not prepared to fight for what’s right, instead content to sit there and watch this trainwreck.
Earth to Adrian–the BC taxpayers are passengers on that train! Save them!
And by all means, let the conductors over the cliff…
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I completely agree! As much as folks may dislike the personalities, there was a more formidable opposition of McPhail and Kwan when they were a party of two. I don’t think the NDP have been on the record offering anything since then. That’s what worries me the most. We have to toss these guys out but there is no vision or righteous indignation that I can see. It does not bode well for anyone wanting systemic change or at least a few more checks and balances….
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Yeah, and I think that your demand is a fair one. I don’t expect to see NDP budget numbers (because the BC Libs are still hiding the Olympics debt and have played an incredible shell game for 10 years) but at least make an effort to show what kind of govt we can expect! They’re not even meeting the minimum bar requirement!
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… and the engineers in the locomotive.
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Enuff Christy Clark bashing! She is not capable of any of these machinations. Give credit where credit is due – to her and Gordon Slimeball’s handlers. THEY are the real criminals!
And look how smooth they are, laying the blame on Campbell/Clark while syphoning off the booty as we complain. Sure, they build the egos and offer token goodies to C & C while the true wealth is stolen ensuring there are no funds for teachers, elders and the like.
Stir the pot, distract the public while they slip off with BC Rail, IPPs and Liquor Licences.
It wouldn’t suprise me if there was a little blackmail going on just to ensure Gordy & Christy toe the line!
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Utter nonsense. Not worthy of replying, except to state that I have the number to a publishing house that prefers thick, weepy fiction.
You’re welcome to it. This story you’ve concocted should make you millions in that genre.
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Whatever. Yeah, I’ll take that number, and IF I do make millions I’ll contribute 90% towards a BC Rail inquiry. The rest I’ll keep for my Hydro, MSP, ICBC, etc. increases. And if I’m right, I won’t need the 10% because the Courts will make it back. (And no, I’m not holding my breath.)
I find it strange that you don’t concur with my assessment of Christy’s inability to develope her own drivel. What I take from reading your blog is that she’s an empty-head bimbo incapable of ‘tying her own shoes’. I also note that she is ‘represented’ by the likes of Gwyn Morgan and Patrick Kinsella, both of whom probably have more than a modicum more smarts than her (or me) and are conceivably able to exert pressure where pressures are due.
Thank you for allowing me to provide my ‘nonsense’.
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When you mention stupid, and actionable, things like “blackmail” you get the response you earned from me.
Simply put, the fish smells from the head. Kinsella found an opportunity to serve Campbell and Gordon let him in. Pat then laid out the plan to victory for Christy too, but you fail to understand that ANY player knows the tap can get turned off in a heartbeat by the very person you put on the throne.
That’s the way it’s always been. But when you mentioned things like blackmail, you lose me immediately. This is my blog, my rules–don’t like it, too bad.
I’m not going to be paying legal bills for you. If you want to be aghast come and sit in my chair and read such inconsiderate and incongruent nonsense.
My house, my rules–period.
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“This is the same Christy Clark that cheated to gain prominence as the first and only SFU student ever to have her council member’s badge torn from her breast by the university for running a rigged election”
What is this all about? Never heard of it before. So, you’re saying CC has a long history of sociopathic amorality?
Or is she merely the possessor of a narcissistic personality disorder?
This woman just gets creepier the more you find out about her past.
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When at SFU, she her election to student body was declared null and void as it was determined that she cheated to win.
She competed in a new election, when she was forced to run a fair campaign, and lost.
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Here is a link to the story of her cheating to get elected. Enjoy
http://www.robbinssceresearch.com/polls/poll_781.html
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Yes, I’ve seen it. Not the detailed account one might look for and some meandering editorializing, but it is accurate insofar as the actually details included are concerned.
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FYI – as a former person “in-the-know” with regards to the Simon Fraser Student Society, it’s more complex than this – Christy ran for President of the Simon Fraser Student Society. By the time she ‘won’ the election, it was determined that she wasn’t a student (hadn’t bothered to register, flunked out, whatever) and thus was ineligible for election to the presidency. (Oddly, SFU students require that one be a student to be elected student president.)
After she was disqualified from being President of the SFSS, she decided to go on foreign study trips to the Sorbonne and elsewhere – but never actually graduated from SFU. It burns me when she puts in her bio that she studied at the Sorbonne – truth of the matter is that she paid exchange fees and took a class or two there, and then never graduated.
Had she actually graduated from SFU, I’m confident that the university would be capitalizing on this.
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My understanding is that she failed out of Simon Fraser after one and half years. She wasn’t even close to a degree. When she ran for President, she knew she was ineligible as her grades were atrocious, but ran anyway, trying to fake her way through. She couldn’t register as she flunked out of Simon Fraser.
As a result, the society declared her as having “cheated” (their words, not mine) and since she was thus ineligible, they voided her “win.” Her trips to the Sorbonne and Edinburgh were complete fakes. Three courses at the Sorbonne, all in translation (I’m waiting for at least ONE Frech reporter to ask her a question in French!!!) and she completed only ONE!
I have it confirmed from SFU that she did not complete a degree there. I also have it confirmed that her election as President was “rife” with irregularities, the biggest one being, that she needed to be a student at SFU to run for student council.
You are correct. Thank you for helping me wade through her stories.
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I have some first-hand knowledge of this affair, knowing many of the people involved; not just Christy, but those who outed her and spearheaded her removal.
The specific technicality involved non-removal of campaign posters by the date specified in the Society’s election bylaws. She missed the required date to pay the nominal fine, and was automatically a member in bad-standing. No member in bad-standing could hold executive office, therefore the office of President was declared vacant.
As a temporary measure, one of the other executive was promoted to the office of President in accordance with the constitution.
As far as I know, there were no academic requirements or restrictions to holding office in the SFSS. One merely had to be a registered student. It may have come out afterwards that she wasn’t registered, but that definitely wasn’t the initial reason for her removal.
As an aside, the ’88 Unity slate included two other now prominent BCers, young Tories Kevin Falcon and Ryan Beedie. The uneasy alliance/frenemy relationship between the Premier and Finance Minister goes back years….
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As it stands, a blend of what you’re telling me and what I have already learned from some involved in the decision makes perfect sense.
But there was, and remains, a requirement that a member of student council actually be a student “in good standing” with the university.
At that time, she had failed out of the school and was not welcome back. I have that in writing from someone involved in the decision to strip her of her standing.
The cheating during the campaign is not surprising but was actually was considered “a secondary cause.”
I’d be interested in exploring this with you. Please email me at: agtsakumis@gmail.com
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Here’s some interesting reading about crusty’s earlier attempts at politics http://www.robbinssceresearch.com/polls/poll_781.html
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Yes, we’ve all seen it.
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Now I’m no expert in the field of pshychiatry, but the armchair shrink in me would say that the Prom Queen is a bit of a sociopath….
…a milquetoast one at that (had to throw that in there from a post somewhere else
). Love that word.
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Not sure that translates to what you really mean, but hey, it’s your comment.
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Lately I’m not sure what I really mean, given the crap that’s going on in my life. Stress can do odd things to the brain, yanno?
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Whilly Stark….”All the Kings Men”.
Sounds like another repeat of history.
Bore me to death Alex, but keep writing the truth.
Thanks Mr White.
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I sometimes find your comments terribly annoying.
If you feel my work is boring then don’t comeback. Why would you bother to come here, comment or thank me, in that case?
You’ve explained to me privately and in the comments section that you try to be satirical or somehow intentionally peculiar, but at this point, I need you to stop that cold. It’s too much to navigate and sit thinking just how appropriate they may or may not be.
Just comment straight across the board like everybody else and let’s go from there.
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Secretly, he loves your blog and could never part with it…. he just tries to appear nonchalant. He’s got a crush on your blog!
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OK you kinda win.
I will not grace my words here.
I still think you are a fine writer, and a great spokesperson for BC.
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Look, you don’t get it.
I will no longer publish your comments if they are offside–period end of story. I enjoy your contributions, very much, when they are on topic and not some far out crazy-referenced statement that makes little, if any, sense to the stream of discussion.
It’s not about winning. This is a public blog for your use to. But respect the rules.
Thanks for the kind words. I’d just as soon you followed the commenting rules and we moved forward. Thanks.
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The reference to “All the King’s Men” does seem somewhat relevant.
I didn’t reallize they’d done a re-make of it in 2006.
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hmmmmmm, first I had heard of her SFU “campaigning” exploits.
Apparently she didnt learn much on Burnaby Mtn.
Or, on second thought, perhaps she did learn a great deal…………….
Either way, the MSM didnt pick up on that story either?
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Yes, they missed it.
In most cases, intentionally.
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The same syndrome of deliberate deceits in seen in the structures and rhetoric in the budgets of both Gordo Campbull and Christy Clark – they say one thing but do the opposite, and their motives seem to be to deconstruct the instruments of society, of which the shut-down hospital item above is a good but small example.
However I also sympathize by the writer above who wants to blame the handlers as well as the jockeys.
Follow the money and you’ll find the real masters.
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But the notion that I’m banging the drum to hammer Christy is sheer stupidity.
Yes, the operatives are at the trough, but leaders lead. And when they don’t it’s their fault.
When you’re a real leader and it all goes well, you give praise to the people around you.
When it goes south, it’s your fault.
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I would sit through a dozen Oprah shows and Brad Pitt movies with patchouli oil wafting through the theatre if it would keep the Dippers out.
But I’m never voting for the BC Liberals again.
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Yeah, I get it, you’re not alone. Lots of BC Liberals that are NOT conservatives are leaving for the Conservatives as well.
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I’m an NDP supporter and I really liked Moneyball…what does that say about me?
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That you have occasionally bad taste in movies.
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Considering how badly I left the door wide open there, your reply was very generous.
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I love all my regulars–even I’d we disagree on anything.
But Brad Pitt?! Good gawd. A horrendous actor.
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I’d say he’s been more hit and miss over his career than awful. He was good in Fight Club. Good in Seven. But when I finally meet you face to face and buy you a beverage of your choice, I am still going to lobby that Moneyball was a really good movie (an even better book) and that Pitt’s performance in that flick was solid.
But I digress…back to saving the world!
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Believe it or not, the only Pitt movie I found enjoyable is one that was reasonably panned: Meet Joe Black.
The whole idea that the devil himself would come to escort me to my certain crypt, is somewhat endearing….I must admit.
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…where you will be forced to watch Brad Pitt movies with Christy Clark, Paul Krugman and Pierre Trudeau for eternity! (and no popcorn)
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Nope. I’m rooming between Marilyn Monroe and Christy Clark…across from James Beam.
It’s hell, but someone’s gotta do it…
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If all the ethical conservatives and liberals are heading to the BC Conservatives,why are the Federal Conservatives not following suit. Could it be the Enbridge Factor. John Cummins is for it, but does not stand a chance of forming the government,and also the grand pooba in Ottawa doesn`t like John`s straight up style and regard for the truth. Adrian Dix is against it and will likely form the government, but Crusty is still dangling that carrot in front of him. Why else would he be seen with her at her son`s hockey game. Ergo,Chuckleberry Cheezie prostitutes himself and his ex chief of staff for Crusty at the bequest of the Grand Pooba in Ottawa. How is that for fiction.
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It’s total fiction.
I spent the better part of an hour on the phone with someone very close to the PM who assured me that the mistake he made of allowing her that photo op, plus all the other stupidity of the last six months is being corrected as we speak.
He also informed me of the overwhelmingly loud pushback by Conservative party members in this province. There is not such conspiracy like the one you are suggesting. It’s just simply wrong.
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I don`t have the luxury of having a friend close to the PM, however, Chuckleberry Cheezie ,came out on local radio today.introducing himself as the former federal conservative MP for the Fraser Valley,endorsing his former chief of staff as the best candidate for free enterprise,in this riding. Yes, he has a right as a private citizen to exercise his political freedom and support whomever he pleases,but there is a putrid odour here in the Fraser Valley and it ain`t the Broccoli fields.
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Chuck Strahl is a joke. So are his pals Stock Day and Jay hill. Three failed MPs who delivered little to BC–except to the their ridings and pals. Pathetic.
I used to think the world of Strahl, but when he supports a corrupt party, that ends it right there.
His former Chief of Staff will lose. The constituency will go to either the BC Conservatives or BC NDP.
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Sounds like you have been holding that one in for a while now. Hope you got to have a couple of clear, deep breaths after you posted that one.
Never did like Clark, and standing neck deep in all the crap that has been going on in Victoria it doesn’t suprise me she got some on her. They have all been throwing it all in the same pool and hoping nobody will notice a little more.
If the NDP got rid of Sihota I would even consider voting for them but put that guy anywhere near money and you would have the same thing happening again.
I will say tho that you may not be on Ms Clarks’ christmas card list any more.
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What?! Really!
Why do you hurt me so…?
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She does have that AGT dartboard left behind by His Excremency……
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Strange bunch those BC Liberal MLA’s. Only one guy supported her as she was heading toward the Premier chair, but they don’t have the brains to take her aside and explain in very small words that unless there are changes, they will be out of a very high paid job with tons of perks, and of course a pension unknown to most of us, Power and money doesn’t bring out the best in a lot of folks. Hope the election does come early and we can get rid of a bunch of those slugs. Cummins has no seat, but has the Libs running very scared
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Absolutely correct. Imagine if he was on message, had money in the bank and a group of organizers that weren’t occasionally delusional about their real reasons for success…
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Right on re Cummins’ messaging; he’s heartfelt and well-meaning but so far not a clever student able to manage nuances. His reaction to the budget was knee-jerk simplistic; it may have sounded great to the fans around him but it did not reach beyond them and touch the minds of many undecided voters looking for a true leader.
The opportunity is there for the taking but like many ideologues they’d rather go down in flames of dogmatic stances than look for ways to enlarge the tent and broaden horizons.
Alex, are there any statesmen behind Cummins?
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Yes, a few. But they are not terribly experienced. That’s their first problem…
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http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1137730–marketing-strategist-stewart-braddick-plays-role-in-conservative-party-s-electoral-success
Aside from the fact that Stewart Braddick and Christy Clark share the common trait of being ‘party animals’, it would also seem that they share in common the fact that they were both mentored by Gordon Campbell.
Welcome to another nihilistic episode of ‘The Twilight Zone’. As per his photo, let us title it: “The Sardonically Funny World of Stewart Braddick”.
Speaking of which, I can’t wait to see if anyone will get the chance to play the role of the proverbial ‘Senate Horse’…and no, I do not think that it will be Harry Bloy…as he has already failed miserably in the role of the ‘Court Fool’…after all, as any ‘Fool’ “worth his salt” knows, the first rule of being a ‘Good Fool’ is to know your limitations.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjIcjsLwOmw&feature=related
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It’s interesting that you should post a link to Patrick Kinsella.
When Dianne Watts refused the Kinsella group’s help in the 2005 Surrey civic election against Doug McCallum, Kinsella and Co. walked up the street to the then Mayor’s office and took control of his re-election bid.
The first call made was by Pat’s wife Brenda Kinsella, to Toronto.
To Stew Braddick. Who promptly flew over. Braddick and the Kinsellas are old friends. Good friends.
The dirty tricks and horrible lies perpetrated against a woman who is now in her third term as Mayor of Canada’s fastest growing city, were astounding.
Just sayin’…
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The one person who wants to be an honest and respectable politician gets bitten in the arse. Oh, the irony. That strategy backfired, didn’t it, Mr. Kinsella?
Doug McCallum was a slimebucket and I was so happy when he lost to the lovely and talented Dianne Watts.
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I remember a Surrey construction contractor’s comment about Doug McCallum (in the early 1990s) “whatever he touches turns into shit”. He hasn’t changed since or has he?
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Doug McCallum is one of the worst Mayors the City of Surrey ever had to endure. And complete dufus.
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I wonder if “Crustaceous Rex” ever heard the old expression, “whistling women and cackling hens, always come to some bad end?”
Beware the Ides of March, “Your Crustaceousness!”
Crusty… stop! Quit trying to blow more of your bogus smoke up our collective ass – we don’t believe you anymore – you’re done.
Put your dunce cap on, go sit in the corner, and wait your turn to be prosecuted for your crimes against the people of British Columbia.
By the way – you’ll be waiting quite a while – and I’m sure you must know why, since it was you who decimated the legal system in the first place.
Crusty… just STFU and sit there and wait your turn – and no bullsh*t jiggling or winking – or you’ll get the strap like the rest of your “Lieberal” thugs.
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Hey Alex,
Can you make the media up a deck of playing cards…you know the kind with all the key players in it.
On a different topic discussed in the comments above – I disagree – every sitting LIberal MLA that voted with the disgustingly corrupt Campbell is responsible for our situation. HST, BC Rail, private party sellouts, etc. Everything rises and falls on leadership. They are personally responsible for the decisions they made even if they followed the party line when they knew that it was wrong.
Any former Liberal MLA that served in the last election – that did not resign in protest is responsible – and if you resigned and returned – that makes you extra stupid.
If the BC Conservatives want to guarantee and win for the NDP, all they have to do is allow current Liberal MLA’s to join their party. I will throw the baby out with the bathwater.
We are very likely going to have an province damaging NDP majority in our province in the next election and the people responsible for that are the sitting LIberal MLA’s who have taken a trust that the voters gave them and abused it.
It’s one thing to lose an election because you made hard excellent decisions that a generally apathetic ignorant public don’t understand – its a whole other thing to lose because you are corrupt to the extent that even the generally ignorant public as a whole gets it.
Campbell. Fail.
Christy Clark. Fail.
BC Conservatives if they allow Liberal MLA’s to join. Fail.
JB
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It’s tough to argue with such a visceral repulsion, particularly one I agree with–in principle.
But I cannot get you the information you need to understand without betraying significant consequences.
There are some very good people in this govt–about a handful. And they have not been silent or gone along with the corruption.
Again, there will be a time for me to reveal details and names. But for now we will agree to disagree.
Always good to hear from you.
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Fair enough Alex – I’ve been reading your work long enough to know that you are likely holding back things (that you can’t share at this time) that may result in a serious re-evaluation for me. I accept that.
Also it’s easy to get carried away when I think about what has been done to the province…of course your reporting and editorials about it aren’t helping
Keep up the great work.
JB
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Believe me, I realize that. It’s even more frustrating for me, but you have to understand something: I will not publish anything unless I’m sure it works.
Timing is everything.
I’m holding back more than you know. Trust me.
Thanks for the kind words. You should comment more often. I enjoy your perspectives very much. Thank you!
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So far, I like your timing. Enough to digest and have apetite for more. The ransacking bunch is held in check as well, for they don’t know where will the next shell come from and when.This keeps them on their toes and nervously looking over their shoulders. Regards!
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Finally, someone with a sense of the battle…
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Love it! The rats are going nuts!
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If you want sure signs of why people don’t want anything to do with Christy Clark, don’t stop at the clear offensiveness of having one of her top advisors Pat Kinsella steering a DHL subsidiary into possibly winning the uber-lucrative liquor distribution contract in BC.
A certain business in East Richmond, in the riding of one Linda Reid, may take real offense at having Mr K so intimately involved in steering DHL. Perhaps, by Christmas, this will be all cleared up. Plenty of spirits are lifted at that time of year.
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Very clever. VERY clever!
Dennis Christmas owns tr largest liquor distribution depots in all the Lower Mainland. And he’s a huge donor to te BC Liberals.
I bet he is pissed off and with great reason!!!
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His depots are under union contract with Teamsters; but he has a non-union transport company at arm’s length. If there’s an investigative reporter who reads this blog, who wants to open up and dig deep into the story, there is far more below the surface, particularly with respect to the liquor lobby and Gordon Campbell’s original musings on liquor privatization ten years ago.
Things like why Richmond built the overpass to the East West Connector off Number 8 Road for starters. Was Special K in on that project?
Time to cue the theme song from Chinatown; only it’s booze, and not water rights, that they are contending for. Ms Reid is likely not close enough to the levers of power to deliver and DHL will receive the windfall.
A good friend of mine once told me that alcohol is a recession proof business. 140% proof.
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Interesting…call me, please…
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Great article Alex!
I see, and can understand, why some people are antsy about getting it all out on the table…but as I see it, your timing is impeccable. When one is fighting an uphill battle,(and it seems we’ve been fighting for the life’s blood of this province since Campbell won his first bout) wisdom would tell them to save their strength and best weapons for the fight at the top.
As I see it, we’re still near the bottom…and things are only heating up. Now is the time for backgrounders on all the players – just enough to let them all know they’re being watched – it might at least slow some of the corruption for a short time. Gives ample time for loading the mortars, and sharpening the blades too, while building a greater audience for the hilltop.
Personally, I like your style. I think it’s called sweet torture – or something like that.
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Thank you.
Patience, in this case, will be a major virtue.
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Something I lack.
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Alex;
I want to disagree with every word you’ve written. Believe me, I do.
But I can’t. This madness by the Christy Clique has to cease. The CKNW Christy Clark the public was told was going to be the same as Premier is not the Premier Christy Clark, the Deputy Premier Christy Clark, the well you said it.
Frankly, the only things that keep me supporting the BCLibs are a) Alise Mills who starred greatly on CTV yesterday stand up for a clean game in politics: http://watch.ctv.ca/news/national-affairs/feb-27/#clip627470 and b) the fact the free enterprise movement needs to be led by people who will protect taxpayers and not preach. I don’t see hiring somebody at $100K to be an empty suit, not to mention raise crown corporation user fees as that as much.
Furthermore, the way Alise was treated by Moe last Wednesday at the CFAX 1130 half hour just shows we just can’t trust the BCNDP with jack diddly squat. They can’t handle an honest question about how they’d pay for their priorities and their President bullies women. That’s the BCNDP.
I can’t wait for a real BCLib leader to come back. Somebody who’d get the pundit’s back or be the Premier with the SuperPundit Cape. Not somebody who let people steal PIN numbers from due-paying party members or won’t stand up for the truth. I’ll stop there.
Sincerely;
Josef
P.S. Or maybe not. Some archival research I did the other day turned up these links:
Ex-BC Conservative spokesperson endorses Falcon
http://www.publiceyeonline.com/archives/005846.html
Beedie urges anti-Clark polling be kept “confidential”
http://www.publiceyeonline.com/archives/005868.html
“When those who identified themselves as BC Liberal supporters were asked if Christy Clark was leader, would they vote BC Conservative or seriously consider voting BC Conservative, the results were 19% in the first poll and 21% in the second.”
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In reverse order.
1) Ryan Beedie is no dummy. He wrote that email knowing damn well it was going to be leaked to the press.
2) Merv Unger is a man whose bovine stubbornness and viral stupidity know absolutely no bounds. And exceedingly daft individual. If you administered him an enema, you’d walk away with all residual value in the head of a thimble–and with room to spare.
3) I can’t take the Alise Mills worship, Joe. You need to either propose and let me throw the wedding of the century for you and be your best man, or move on.
Remember TV icon Tom Vu! “Do you wan a lotta chicks?” ROTFLMAO!
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Fair enough. I prefer Angels and BCLibabes to Chicks
.
I also want in your honour a T-Shirt: “Gentlemen Prefer Alise Mills… While, er, Others Prefer Christy Clique Chicks”
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Geezus…
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Just trying to be funny.
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LOL!!!
I recall those late night infomercials featuring one Tom Vu…….bloody hilarious.
One quote in particular ” You wanna tell yo boss to shove it!!! Come to my seminaaaar!!”
Back to politics, what facinates me, is the fact the NDP and BC Cons. seem to be content to sit back and let CC shoot herself in the foot, over and over again, and reap the rewards in the end.
A tactic to be sure, but as a voter and concerned citizen, I would rather vote for someone/some party that had some conviction and policies behind it, rather than letting the opposition self distruct and cruise to power.
Is this too much to ask?
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No. It’s precisely the problem the NDP and Conservatives have been suffering from.
And, miracle of miracles, the BC Conservatives actually committed a quick hit today that ended up almost a home run. I’ll cover it later.
Wonders will never cease.
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Tom Vu also said, ” Your friends, they all loosers. You dont wanna hang around with loosers…….”
Totally off subject here Alex, but I’ve noticed that your Blog “comments” sections used to take several days to reach 100 comments. Lately your reaching that amount in 8 to 10 hours……
How much time do you spend answering these comments in a day?
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Well, when they don’t need reprimand for going way over the line, or when someone doesn’t need the same question answered five or six times…
I love doing this, but sometimes…honestly.
The blog questions and comments, it’s true, have gone through the roof. Readership is up again. It’s the private comments. I’m now getting over 100 emails per day from readers throughout BC. It is overwhelming, but it’s what I’m here for.
Frankly, I was going to post this afternoon, but I’m dead tired and in the middle of a whole bunch of stuff, so I’ll do one later today.
I really enjoy this, but I’d say I spend at two hours per day, sometimes more, on comments and emails. I regret the ones I miss or the ones I respond to all too quickly, but they’re coming fast and furious.
Thanks for noticing.
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Dont burn yourself out by trying to answer everyone.
Sometimes the one line zingers are far more effective or biting.
Even one word answers can say volumes.
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I know. I know, trust me…
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Oh gawd…
..what the hell is he on now?
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Couldn’t tell you.
But I just finished a cup of chamomile tea…
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All you can expect is when the Lieberals want something to happen, money will change hands to make it so. In my opinion, bribery is healthy and well and living within the BC Liberal party. There can be NO OTHER REASON that certain projects against the people go ahead.
What the BC Liberals are really worried about, is that THEY will lose to the NDP AND the BC Conservatives and end up in the hall closet as the third party in BC.
A well deserved outcome I think.
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Love it! Complete agreement.
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What a noodle head, with people like Josef, defending the BC Lieberals, the NDP are sure to win hands down
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They already have. They don’t have to do anything.
In fact the NDP has most likely chosen who is going to take the desks of both Pamela Martin and Alisa Mills.
in addition to Dimitri and Bassekool.
Ralston, Horgan, Corrigan and Lali already know where they get to sit on the government side of the house.
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Great post Alex! Amazing thought though, that the BC Liberals who jump ship, to the BC Conservatives, would think that all will be “forgiven” by the electorate.
Can a leopard truly change its spots? Seems that the “politico’s” in the province, believing in the “short term” memory factor, of the “common voter” are hoping so.
Again, it does not matter who replaces the current, “regime”, unelected leader and all. The “buffoonery” of this current government is truly astonishing…”this is’nt the student council at some second rate school snooki”. Its real life. The real life players in this game, can see right through you and the politic’s that you practice. The more policies and “situations” that the BC Liberals try to coerce and subvert, the more the voters see, that the end is nigh.
As far as the scandals go, I hear prison orange is a “fashionable” color in the spring, and just maybe, we may yet see the ultimate “fashion show”, in this province.
Thanks for keeping them honest Alex. You are a bright light in a province that has been kept in the political wilderness, by the BC Libs for far too long .
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You’re most welcome.
Thanks for the kind words.
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Just because you have a 3rd rate person attending, doesn’t mean the school is 2nd rate.
http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/2011/10/26/macleans-2011-university-rankings-2/
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I’m a HUGE fan of Simon Fraser University. Love the students and staff. Great people in administration. First rate.
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Liberals posting 1/2 page ads in Chwk papers today. I thought campaigning before the by-election was called was against election rules. John Les and Chuck Strall seems to be their spokesmen. What? Can’t the star candidate speak for himself?
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No, because he’s polling well behind John Martin, who should take this constituency handily.
People are VERY ANGRY at the BC Liberals.
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Back before the great BC Rail train robbery, a lot of the liquor delivered north was done via Trailer on Flat Car. It was a very reliable, economical service, one that the current operator wouldn’t have a hope of running. Way too bureaucratic. One has to wonder if progressive strategic Special Agent K was already showing affection for BC’s liquor distribution business back when he was (not lobbying) offering expensive, progressive strategic advice to both BC Rail and CN about said robbery.
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I’ve never known him not to lobby.
You raise some very valid points.
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Legally speaking of course. Doesn’t one have to be registered?
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Yes, Bob. We know the story, Pat was providing “strategic advice” and not lobbying…when he was really lobbying.
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Good stuff. One correction, minor. BC Maritime Employers Association is as named and not a union. What’s happened to my old friend Brad? Filthy lucre indeed. Young Crusty used to sling pints at the now closed Broadway Stn. at B’dwy + commercial: where she learned the social graces she now so proudly displays! Less of the glasses and more Rack shots pls. Adios amigos!!!
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Brad is doing very well. We haven’t seen each other in a long while, but it was good catching up the other day.
The BCMEA acts as a union, c’mon pal…
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Poh! How you treat your school chums, Alex…. like I’d like to treat one or two of mine, if I wanted to find them. Pretty brave, I’d say – I’m surprised they’re taking your calls, but I guess things are different in your world than mine.
Man – I’d be afraid of how I scratched my ass in public if you were my school chum.
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I’m not sure how to take your comment.
However, are you suggesting I should have laid off because Steve and I were classmates? That’s the buddy system employed by the Victoria Press Gallery.
I have no such ethical lapses.
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http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20120305/bc_burnaby_hospital_infection_120305/20120305/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome
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Alex – I had no idea when we did the SFU Christy the pumpkin eater story – that we would have so many folks read it. I wrote it in part – to entertain my partners and friends – I believe it is one of those little stories that surrounds the general evidence of wrong doing in this persons history – that you have ventured through – that puts it all together for people. It is her early history of ruthlessness and no sense of ethics. We have interviewed others who were aware of her and her husband – up at SFU at the time – and were told they were simply intolerable despised people. I also found it interesting — given the subject of lobbying that Christy ran on a campaign to pay a lobbyist $100,000 from student fees – her brother Bruce was lurking in that racket back then. Lobbyists kill good governance.
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