Phendrana Drifts

“I think Mandel will make absolutely the best mayor and if I had to lose, which I have, then I’m glad it was to Stephen Mandel.”

Bill Smith, upon losing the Edmonton Mayoral race

So much has happened in the past little bit. Not too much to me personally, but a lot in my world. I had really hoped to keep up my blog during this provincial election, but I think it is clear that this is not going to happen. So… what else is there to say? Certainly I am not on a hiatus unlike some people, but to call my posts infrequent might be an understatement. Everything has exploded with the election and to be honest, I was unprepared for it. But man, is it exhilarating. Those who know me know there is not a non-political bone in my body. I scream politics. Within half an hour of meeting me we will be discussing politics. It is inevitable. It wasn’t supposed to be this way, and often I wish I could walk away (politics is a time consuming hobby, for those who don’t know) but I can’t.

So, with that all in mind, what a great concession speech by Bill Smith. If I ever lose or write a concession speech, I know I am going to use that line. So classy. Losing an election is a horrible, horrible event that I almost wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. To be so humble and respectful of the voters and your opponent is truly classy. Kudos Mr. Smith. I mean, I’m very glad Stephen Mandel won and you lost, but thanks for bowing out on a high note.

The Provincial Election is on here in Alberta. Those who know me best know what I think, but this blog isn’t a political soapbox or a campaign site, so suffice to say it is going to be a great campaign. Intelligent, thought-provoking and about Alberta and where we want to go. Or at least I hope so. And I’m going to do my part. And all of you Albertan readers should too. If you feel inclined volunteer. Or donate some cash for a small tax break and the feeling you get when you contribute. Call up your candidates and ask some good questions. But please vote!!! November 22.

I am without wife for the time being, explaining most of my ornery attitude. The rest is a direct result of lack of sleep. And being so busy. But the electricity… what do people in undemocratic states do? Although it pales in comparison to the oppression and despair that permeates dictatorships, the lack of excitement and ownership of your country that is a result of no real elections must be so dull. But more than dull of course is that complete lack of control. Or power. I once read a great article from South Africa the first free election where a foreign election observer described the joy from watching thousands vote for the first time. Amazing. Once again, hopefully, thousands of Albertans will be voting for the first time. For reasons beyond me, lots of them won’t. They don’t care, or don’t think they will make a difference, or they believe they have better things to do. Of course, they are wrong. Vote!!! November 22.

While I won’t express my blatantly obvious and transparent partisan choice on Phendrana Drifts for the Government of Alberta, I will add in my little election post that any American who chooses not to vote for President is an ass. But a larger ass is those who choose to return President George W. Bush. The guy isn’t fit to govern a coffee shop. Or perhaps more accurately his administration isn’t fit to govern. At all. They are like little kids running around with scissors, intentionally poking people’s eyes out. And running up a massive debt while they do it. Think about it. The United States has borrowed billions of dollars to fight a war that is illegal, is opposed by the majority of the people in the world, AND HAS NO END IN SIGHT. And these people want another four years.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure about Bush when he ran in 2000. I think I would have voted for Nader, maybe. But it wasn’t my election. But I liked Powell and Rice, and didn’t think it was the end of the world when the Supreme Court selected him to be President. Of course I hated how he won but governments serve in Canada all the time without having won the popular vote, so who am I to complain. But wow. Has Bush changed my opinion. There is nothing worse in my political philosophy than spending a ton of money, money that belongs to the governed, for no results. Wait there is. BORROWING a ton of money for the OPPOSITE results. This is just opinion of course, but the United States and Americans are less safe and had to borrow billions to make it that way. Billions. Not during a time of recession, but of relative economic prosperity (I am no economist, so I don’t know really how to measure economic prosperity… so take that portion of the argument with a grain of salt). Although John Kerry is not the best choice for President, he deserves the shot. And George W. Bush has blown his. He had a chance to show leadership and the last four years are not it.

Wow, this is a long post. The joys of a new work notebook meant it was written on the bus, so not taking time out from my busy, busy day. Busy work day, busy campaign day, busy personal day, busy parent day. Each one of these tasks could easily fill one day. But strangely I feel fulfilled. Happy. And exhausted.

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