That is to say, when they open their mouths, they too lie.
Take for instance, recently elected Premier of Alberta, Alison Redford (at the Tory Leadership).
In the contentious Leadership Race this summer, Ms. Redford was most clear in several key positions as follows:
- She was going to immediately move to eliminate notorious section 3 of Alberta's Human Rights Act. The section that prohibits the publication of material 'deemed discriminatory' - ( i.e. the infamous 'Hurt Feelings' clause.) The most famous example of a prosecution under this section is Ezra Levant's publication of the Danish 'Mohammed' Cartoons. Levant was successful in his defence, but it cost him over $100k in his success;
- She would call Parliament back at the earliest opportunity, i.e. this Fall 2011 and would move quickly to enact a Fixed Election Day - beginning March 2012 and every four (4) years thereafter. This, she trumpeted, would not only legitimize her appointment as Premier but would take politics out of the calling of their Provincial Elections.
- And her Third main Plank; she would immediately call a Judicial Inquiry into Alberta's Health Care 'Queue Jumping' Scandal.
That was of course Then, during her campaign to replace Progressive Conservative and then Premier Ed Stelmach.
And This is of course is Now - post her successful bid to be appointed Premier.
So what's changed in her 'cast in concrete' promises?
Let's look at where the above three (3) Key Promises in reverse order:
Alberta's Health Care Scandal -
- Accusations have been circulating for the better part of a year that some individuals, within the Province of Alberta, have been receiving special treatment when it comes to accessing the Province's Health Care System. Former Premier Stalmach asked the Province's Health Quality Council to look into these accusations and report later on their findings. During the recent Leadership Campaign though - candidate Redford stated unequivocally that an internal investigation such as to be carried out by the Health Council was not sufficient and that a full blown Judicial Inquiry was needed to get to the bottom of things. Now though, she has second thoughts - and recently announced she will await the findings of the Health Quality Council's Report, expected this Spring and will then decide if a Judicial Inquiry is required.
An Early Calling of the Legislature and a Fixed Election Date -
- This particular promise, as you can well imagine, was supported by voters of all political stripes. And yet, barely upon her being crowned Leader / Premier, than she balked on calling back the Legislature. Instead of this Fall, it has now been postponed until the Spring 2012. What happened to her concern regarding her lack of legitimacy to hold the office of Premier? And in regard to Fixing An Election Date for this coming March, and for every Four Years thereafter - silence.
Abolition of Section 3 of Alberta's Human Rights Act -
- More silence from the distinguished new Premier on whether or not she intends to proceed with this major plank from her Leadership Campaign. Only a month or two ago - it was a given - and now it too is in doubt.
So much for following through. It is enough to make even our Premier - Dalton McGuinty blush.
I have a feeling and I would be willing to bet money on it. Her new office has been bequeathed to her from two recent premiers - Ralph Kline and more lately Ed Stelmach. Neither gentlemen strike me as being avant garde when it comes to office decorating. I suspect that dear Alison had some definite ideas on how to redecorate the Premier's Office long before she became Premier and I further suspect that those decorations are either completed or well on the way to being so. No waffling or procrastination here. Just a guess on my part, but again one that I would be prepared to put money down on it.
There is one thing I do know however and that is if Ms. Redford continues with her gamesmanship, there will be another woman who will be most pleased and that is Wildrose Party Leader Danielle Smith.
And it will be interesting to see, should Ms. Smith eventually become Premier after Ms. Redford, will she too be found to suffer from the illness of open mouth lying?
As I see it...
'K.D. Galagher'
