America’s most successful politician?
One might argue that the most successful American politician this century has been U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. But wait, you say, he’s…
About that $130-million diversion
The question du jour in Alberta this week is why we were voting on an issue when everyday already knew what the result would be—that…
No, old folks don’t always vote Conservative
Old folks vote reliably Conservative, right? Well, they often do but not reliably. At least not recently. According to an article in The Conversation, summarizing…
Carney’s betrayal
In 2015 I voted for Justin Trudeau’s Liberals primarily to end the dreary decade of rule by Stephen Harper. As Trudeau brilliantly said, borrowing from…
What political type are you?
We tend to like things simple. Right or Wrong. Black or white. Mother Nature tends to disagree, however. She prefers complexity, and as a result…
Yes or no? The referendum and the queen of confusion
If I were to rank democratic instruments, I would put referendums at the bottom of the list. Quite aside from the fact there is another…
Sovereign slush fund?
I have nothing but the greatest faith in Mark Carney’s economic acumen. How could one not? This guy probably has the most comprehensive financial experience…
Does Hungary hold a lesson for the Alberta NDP?
Thirty-four years ago an ex-mayor of Calgary ran for the leadership of a provincial political party. The ex-mayor was Ralph Klein, “the people’s mayor,” and…
The NDP and the provincial/federal conundrum
The people have spoken. Last weekend, the members of the federal NDP elected Avi Lewis their leader with a solid 56 percent of the first…
Ashton’s promise—an idea whose time has come?
As a long time member of the NDP I watch the current leadership race with interest. There is an interesting and challenging group of candidates…
Does the NDP need a bigger tent?
A recent New York Times editorial gave me lots to ponder, blowing up a couple of my theories in the process. The title of the…
Is the populist fever breaking?
Populism, particularly the right-wing variety, has had a good run lately. Liberal democracy has been set on the back foot. The confidence of people around…