Voting is now open in the first round of "Alberta's top political moment of the decade." Thank you to everyone for the numerous nominations that were submitted over the past few weeks. You can vote daily the moments of your choice until Saturday, December 12, 2009. The top 10 moments will move on to the final round of voting next week.
I am disappointed that the “Nooo Plannn” campaign did not make it on this list, as it was a much more importaint event as compared to Klein throwing a book at a page, or his late night visit to a homeless shelter.
Thanks for the comments. There were a lot of nominated moments that didn't make the list. I would suggest that the No Plan ads would fall under the 2008 Election choice, as they played a significant role in that election period.
EdStelmach.ca was nominated and separate from other events. As for being self-serving, it wasn't my intention, but this is my blog.
You honestly think that some forgettable and bland tv ads run during an election campaign qualify as a significant political moment of the last decade? It would take something a bit more scandalous, perhaps mocking a partial facial paralysis, to come close to meeting that standard.
"You honestly think that some forgettable and bland tv ads run during an election campaign qualify as a significant political moment of the last decade? "
Well, if the question is what will be in the history books 30-40 years from now, it qualifies more than some. After all, it led to a law that forbids third party advertising. It was a cause to an effect.
But by that standard, I figure it has to be Klein's 55%, Harper becoming PM, or Bill 44. With the benefit of hindsight, we may say Danielle Smith being elected, but it's far too soon to tell. The rest of it is just the doldrums of a political boring province, with little to no long term effect. Can we honestly say Don Iveson beating Mike Nickel will be talked about in 30-40 years?
This contest depresses me - it just reminds me how little goes on here in Alberta.
Partisan and personal comments aside the defining political moment for Alberta was embarking on the road to and becoming debt free. We're not talking about political battles of the day or personal f*ck-ups. We should be considering what in the last 10 years defines us, as a province. Whether it was by luck or good management Alberta was held out as an example, not just to the rest of Canada but the world. In terms of Canada one only has to look at gov't policies in BC and Saskatchewan as they try to learn from Alberta's successes and mistakes in moving forward.
The "No Plan" campaign was only significant in that it contributed to Liberal losses in the last election. I suppose in that way, you could say it altered the political landscape. Otherwise, I'd venture that there are some self-absorbed AFL members posting here.
But in terms of sigificant, lasting impact, I'd say either Klein's lacklustre 55% approval vote, or Stelmach's selection as leader qualify. It's too early to say whether Danielle Smith's election to leader of WAP will be a defining moment.
We'll your wrong on that front, as least when it comes to my postings. My take is that the unions in Alberta want to be involved politically and if the parties will not engage the unions and their membership then don't be suprised if they do something, anything, so at least they are involved at some level. Unions have been a political agent of change in many countries around the world, why not Alberta ?
Why not in the least unionized province in Canada, Anonymous 8:59? if this was a top Alberta labour political moment issue, "no plan" wouldn't even rank up there with the teachers' strike, unless we have short memories and love our navels.
Oh, and geez, we all forget to have "Eliminated health-care premiums, for bettter or worse" on the list.
The NDP have ruined Dave's poll. I received an automated email bombed out from one of their organizers asking people to come here and vote for Linda Duncan.
Duncan's win was fun for the left, I'm sure, but it is so far removed from the most important political events of the decade. It actually speaks volumes about the left's detachment from voters & reality that they think a single MP's one time win is the biggest news over this province's last 10 years.
Anon 10:02 here. My beef isn't with unions participating in democracy. I said no such thing. I'm addressing delusional people who think the No Plan campaign was the defining moment in the last 10 years, when in reality it was a blip.
As the post above points out, the teachers' strike is far more noteworthy. It actually affected people.
The NDP have ruined Dave's poll. I received an automated email bombed out from one of their organizers asking people to come here and vote for Linda Duncan.
Duncan's win was fun for the left, I'm sure, but it is so far removed from the most important political events of the decade. It actually speaks volumes about the left's detachment from voters & reality that they think a single MP's one time win is the biggest news over this province's last 10 years.
The NDP have ruined Dave's poll. I received an automated email bombed out from one of their organizers asking people to come here and vote for Linda Duncan.
Linda Duncan beating Jaffer was not only the most important political moment in Alberta in the last decade, it was far and away the most significant political event on earth in 2008.
Can we delude ourselves into thinking we're important?
I doubt that Linda Duncan's election victory really was the top moment of the decade, this is an open contest, and like democracy, it is decisions are made by those who show up.
There has been no 'automated email bomb' put out by the NDP. At least none that I've gotten, and I'm on every freaking list the NDP has. Just because there is a mention from an anonymous poster saying that, doesn't make it true.
That doesn't mean there hasn't been a little encouragement to vote in the poll. I personally posted it on my Facebook wall. I agree it's wasting time, but frankly - that's what 99% of web surfing is.
Why my name has to come up on this blog anytime the NDP is mentioned is beyond me. I don't "tell" the NDP staff anything. I haven't even been to an NDP meeting or event since the last convention. If you have a problem with the way the NDP is run, you need to do something about it other than post anonymous gripes on blogs. Find a new bogeyman - you are wasting your time on me.
As for the poll Linda Duncan's victory was significant to some people, myself included. Our votes count for as much as anyone else.
NDP organizer gets out the vote on a silly online poll and all the Liberals do is whine about it. I guess with no staff and no money there isn't much else they can do...
Liberals look at list, realize they have accomplished nothing in the last 10 years, and try to denigrate the NDP for celebrating the fact they have something to celebrate.
I'm surprised that Uncle Ed's stunning defeat of the Jim Dinning machine isn't scorring a lot higher.
I do agree with some of the comments made to the effect that this poll demonstrates just how bland Alberta politics really is. This poll and the ensuing reaction should probably make it on its own top ten list.
I would argue that the the "Nooo Plan" advertisments were not particularily notable in and of themselves, but that they DID demonstrate that political actors outside of traditional parties were willing to take the gloves off and actually take the fight to the government of the day.
That's unusual in Alberta, as usually these sorts of actors try to work at accomodation with the government...and often get co-opted in the process.
Does anyone else find it passing strange that "third party" advertising limits were imposed by the very same group of people who endorsed previous support from groups like the National Citizens' Coalition or the BCNI? I guess "freedom of speech" is only extended to those who agree with the status quo, huh?
The opinions expressed on this blog represent my own and not those of my employer or any organization I may be affiliated with. In addition, my thoughts and opinions change from time to time. I consider this a necessary consequence of having an open mind. This blog is intended to provide a semi-permanent point in time snapshot and manifestation of the various ideas running around my brain, and as such any thoughts and opinions expressed within out-of-date posts may not the same, nor even similar, to those I may hold today.
Who is Dave Cournoyer? I am a writer, blogger, communicator, occasional media pundit, political watcher, & proud life-long Albertan. I studied Political Science at the University of Alberta and have served as Vice-President (External) of the U of A Students' Union, Chair of the Council of Alberta University Students, and communications coordinator for Alberta's official opposition party.
30 comments:
I am disappointed that the “Nooo Plannn” campaign did not make it on this list, as it was a much more importaint event as compared to Klein throwing a book at a page, or his late night visit to a homeless shelter.
I can't believe No Plan didn't make it but EdStelmach.ca did. That's ridiculous, and more than a little self-serving and vain Dave.
I wouldn't even remember it outside of the context of this website.
Thanks for the comments. There were a lot of nominated moments that didn't make the list. I would suggest that the No Plan ads would fall under the 2008 Election choice, as they played a significant role in that election period.
EdStelmach.ca was nominated and separate from other events. As for being self-serving, it wasn't my intention, but this is my blog.
What the hell is "No Plan"?
Oh my (***)(censored due to bill 44) Where have you been Anon 8:56pm during the last Provincial Election ?
You honestly think that some forgettable and bland tv ads run during an election campaign qualify as a significant political moment of the last decade? It would take something a bit more scandalous, perhaps mocking a partial facial paralysis, to come close to meeting that standard.
Won't it be awful if Klein's inebriated antics at the homeless shelter became the defining political moment of our decade?
"You honestly think that some forgettable and bland tv ads run during an election campaign qualify as a significant political moment of the last decade? "
Well, if the question is what will be in the history books 30-40 years from now, it qualifies more than some. After all, it led to a law that forbids third party advertising. It was a cause to an effect.
But by that standard, I figure it has to be Klein's 55%, Harper becoming PM, or Bill 44. With the benefit of hindsight, we may say Danielle Smith being elected, but it's far too soon to tell. The rest of it is just the doldrums of a political boring province, with little to no long term effect. Can we honestly say Don Iveson beating Mike Nickel will be talked about in 30-40 years?
This contest depresses me - it just reminds me how little goes on here in Alberta.
Partisan and personal comments aside the defining political moment for Alberta was embarking on the road to and becoming debt free. We're not talking about political battles of the day or personal f*ck-ups. We should be considering what in the last 10 years defines us, as a province. Whether it was by luck or good management Alberta was held out as an example, not just to the rest of Canada but the world. In terms of Canada one only has to look at gov't policies in BC and Saskatchewan as they try to learn from Alberta's successes and mistakes in moving forward.
The "No Plan" campaign was only significant in that it contributed to Liberal losses in the last election. I suppose in that way, you could say it altered the political landscape. Otherwise, I'd venture that there are some self-absorbed AFL members posting here.
But in terms of sigificant, lasting impact, I'd say either Klein's lacklustre 55% approval vote, or Stelmach's selection as leader qualify. It's too early to say whether Danielle Smith's election to leader of WAP will be a defining moment.
I don't think the ralphbucks were the same year as the leadership vote
Ralphbucks were announced in September 2005 and distributed in January 2006.
""self-absorbed AFL members posting here""
We'll your wrong on that front, as least when it comes to my postings. My take is that the unions in Alberta want to be involved politically and if the parties will not engage the unions and their membership then don't be suprised if they do something, anything, so at least they are involved at some level. Unions have been a political agent of change in many countries around the world, why not Alberta ?
Why not in the least unionized province in Canada, Anonymous 8:59? if this was a top Alberta labour political moment issue, "no plan" wouldn't even rank up there with the teachers' strike, unless we have short memories and love our navels.
Oh, and geez, we all forget to have "Eliminated health-care premiums, for bettter or worse" on the list.
The NDP have ruined Dave's poll. I received an automated email bombed out from one of their organizers asking people to come here and vote for Linda Duncan.
Duncan's win was fun for the left, I'm sure, but it is so far removed from the most important political events of the decade. It actually speaks volumes about the left's detachment from voters & reality that they think a single MP's one time win is the biggest news over this province's last 10 years.
Anon 10:02 here. My beef isn't with unions participating in democracy. I said no such thing. I'm addressing delusional people who think the No Plan campaign was the defining moment in the last 10 years, when in reality it was a blip.
As the post above points out, the teachers' strike is far more noteworthy. It actually affected people.
The NDP have ruined Dave's poll. I received an automated email bombed out from one of their organizers asking people to come here and vote for Linda Duncan.
Duncan's win was fun for the left, I'm sure, but it is so far removed from the most important political events of the decade. It actually speaks volumes about the left's detachment from voters & reality that they think a single MP's one time win is the biggest news over this province's last 10 years.
Who cares? Its an internet poll. Its for fun.
The NDP have ruined Dave's poll. I received an automated email bombed out from one of their organizers asking people to come here and vote for Linda Duncan.
Shorter version - WAAAAAAA, I'M LOSING!!!!!!!
You're kidding? The NDP is actually sending out emails to try to win the Daveberta poll?
Dave, what are your thoughts on the gerrymandering of your poll? Or is the end goal just more traffic to your blog?
Linda Duncan beating Jaffer was not only the most important political moment in Alberta in the last decade, it was far and away the most significant political event on earth in 2008.
Can we delude ourselves into thinking we're important?
Yes We Can!
I doubt that Linda Duncan's election victory really was the top moment of the decade, this is an open contest, and like democracy, it is decisions are made by those who show up.
At least we now know what all those NDP organizers are wasting their time on. It sure hasn't been membership drives or constituency building.
I can see Lou Arab telling party staff that if they win the war on the Internets a majority guvament can't be far behind. Praise the leader!
Well this has gotten out of hand hasn't it?
There has been no 'automated email bomb' put out by the NDP. At least none that I've gotten, and I'm on every freaking list the NDP has. Just because there is a mention from an anonymous poster saying that, doesn't make it true.
That doesn't mean there hasn't been a little encouragement to vote in the poll. I personally posted it on my Facebook wall. I agree it's wasting time, but frankly - that's what 99% of web surfing is.
Why my name has to come up on this blog anytime the NDP is mentioned is beyond me. I don't "tell" the NDP staff anything. I haven't even been to an NDP meeting or event since the last convention. If you have a problem with the way the NDP is run, you need to do something about it other than post anonymous gripes on blogs. Find a new bogeyman - you are wasting your time on me.
As for the poll Linda Duncan's victory was significant to some people, myself included. Our votes count for as much as anyone else.
Even in Alberta.
NDP organizer gets out the vote on a silly online poll and all the Liberals do is whine about it. I guess with no staff and no money there isn't much else they can do...
Liberals look at list, realize they have accomplished nothing in the last 10 years, and try to denigrate the NDP for celebrating the fact they have something to celebrate.
What do the NDP have to celebrate? Electing one MP? Brian Mason's hegemony over the Alberta NDP Party? When expectations are already so low...
I'm rubber you are glue...
One MP is one more than the red team.
christian louboutin
christian louboutin shoes
christian louboutin discount
handbags
designer handbags
louis vuitton handbags
gucci handbags
discount handbags
replica handbags
Herve Leger
ugg classic tall
UGG Classic Short
UGG Ultra Tall
christian louboutin boots
discount MBT Shoes
MBT Shoes
UGG Classic Cardy
MBT Chapa shoes
MBT Sport shoes
MBT M.Walk shoes
MBT Lami shoes
I'm surprised that Uncle Ed's stunning defeat of the Jim Dinning machine isn't scorring a lot higher.
I do agree with some of the comments made to the effect that this poll demonstrates just how bland Alberta politics really is. This poll and the ensuing reaction should probably make it on its own top ten list.
I would argue that the the "Nooo Plan" advertisments were not particularily notable in and of themselves, but that they DID demonstrate that political actors outside of traditional parties were willing to take the gloves off and actually take the fight to the government of the day.
That's unusual in Alberta, as usually these sorts of actors try to work at accomodation with the government...and often get co-opted in the process.
Does anyone else find it passing strange that "third party" advertising limits were imposed by the very same group of people who endorsed previous support from groups like the National Citizens' Coalition or the BCNI? I guess "freedom of speech" is only extended to those who agree with the status quo, huh?
Post a Comment