Party Politics? Swann Song?

I have been considering David Swann's letter and the responses since I became aware of the "Let's Talk."

I believe that I am seeing, hearing and reading angst in response from Albertans that want ideals to be met. I too feel angst about the political situation that we face, and the options for change presented thus far.

I also firmly believe that the vast majority of Albertans share the same dreams, values and ideals.

I want to tell you a little about myself to put this post in context.

I am a 'cradle conservative.' I was raised in and believed in the Peter Lougheed conservatives, although I have to admit that I was far too involved in my own life to pay a lot of attention to policy.

Within a year of Ralph Klein's first election as premier, I knew that I could not support a government that had no plan to do anything other than cut the deficit, at any cost.

I could not hold my head high as I saw a premier that could, and would, marginalize segments of society with no care or understanding. I couldn't support a man who believed more in his own worth than his role as premier.

Although it is American, I believed that government was, "of the people, by the people and for the people."

That is not what I saw happening in my province of Alberta.

I saw a government that encouraged dividing and seperating people based on occupation, income, life circumstances, and influence.

I sought out a new political home.

I became, and still am, an outcast in my large family because, in my belief, the role of government is based on values. For years, our government has become increasingly based on power and influence.

I don't believe that this reflects most Albertans values, including mine.

Governance is not a game to me. Nor is politics a game to me.

I do not believe that under the present election laws, and with what I see as the habituized corruption of the electoral system and the governance of this province under PC rule, that any traditional political method or appeal will change change the status quo.

I say this not because I believe that Albertans don't care or are corrupt, but rather because Albertans feel comfortable with a PC government and want a PC government.

If Albertans want a PC government, but are unhappy with what it is doing, then it is our job to show Albertans that there is a way to change the PC government into a government that will rule in the way that they have said they want.

Albertans are increasingly saying that the PC government isn't listening to them.

Albertans have said, loud and clear, that they do not want a change in government.

They have also said, loud and clear, that they do want a change in governance.

The only way that Albertans can keep thier government, and attain the governance that reflects their values, is to give their PC government a means of accountability.

I believe that my values are reflected by holding government outcomes to represent what Albertans have said they want, not by pursuing the role of government.

In my mind, this is indeed a goal worth working for.