The Randomness of Thought

I went on a tirade yesterday about the abuses that can be perpetrated by invoking the notwithstanding clause. There is _ONE_ exception that I can think of where the invocation of the NotWithStanding clause might be valid - and that is in the course of a direct military threat and legislation equivalent to what used to be the 'War Measures Act'. Under those circumstances, I can see suspension of certain rights - for brief periods of time.

Having said that, I think a lot of Quebecers would argue quite strongly against even that suspension after their experiences in the FLQ crisis.

However, issues like gay marriage, minority rights, abortion and other largely morally polarizing issues are hardly the kind of thing that constitutes a clear danger to the country. I would hope that any government would have the collective wisdom to see beyond that and reserve the 'notwithstanding' clause for only most dire of circumstances.

On a more humorous note, I received a leaflet in the mail from my Liberal Candidate, Jim Tanner. Now, I realize that in Cowtown, someone flying the Liberal flag has slightly less chance of being elected than you do of finding a snowball in hell. However, it would be nice if the candidates actually tried to give the impression they were serious, and actually understood a few things about how government works.

In his 'Makin it work' page, he demonstrates a complete lack of understanding about the boundaries and responsibilities of each level of government:

"The industry should not be penalized for adapting to environmental initiatives but neither should the citizens of Calgary SE be threatened by sour gas emergencies"

This is a civic and provincial issue, not a federal responsibility, as MP he might be able to be heard by the provincial boards in question, but he has little or no actual authority.

"Makin’ it work means changing how appointments are made to Boards, Courts, and the Senate"

Wow - nice sentiment. Let's face it, a backbench MP from Alberta isn't going to get very far advocating this. While I agree that government appointments always have a slightly fishy odor about them, there are processes in place (except, perhaps, the ad-hoc way that senate appointments are made). Talking about change of this magnitude has to come from the top, and also may require a clear understanding of existing legislation and constitutional issues.

If the Liberals want to ever make headway in redneck Alberta, they need to start putting forward candidates that actually have a clue what the job in Ottawa is about. Putting up second stringers and leaving them to twist in the breeze is not going to convince anybody out here to change their votes.

Anne McLellan has been a very effective MP in Ottawa these past 10 years. In spite of Ralph Klein's opinion that she "hasn't stood up for Western Issues", I think she's done a very good job at making a voice for Albertans at the Cabinet table. She's done so quietly, and effectively. She's been responsive to her constituents, and those who write to her from outside of her riding.

We need more people like Anne in Ottawa. The Liberals in Alberta need to look for more first rate candidates. I'm sad to say that Tanner did not impress me - nor has he impressed others I've talked to in my riding.