tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post5428371828064695099..comments2024-02-18T20:48:07.173-08:00Comments on McMurray Musings: My Community Crisis is Not Your Political OpportunityTheresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14217715252564049451noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-10544862297787369732013-07-31T05:15:46.045-07:002013-07-31T05:15:46.045-07:00I understand it must be hard to see things like th...I understand it must be hard to see things like the rest of us when one is way way up, but down here in the real world things work a little differently. The idea of a politician not doing something stupid is as outlandish as the idea of a successful celebrity marraige. Your desire to hold on to the idea of incorruptable politicians is admirable but naive. Clinton got a blowjob, whats his nuts tweeted his knob, and Mike Allen wanted a low dollar threesome. It does not affect their ability to be a leader or a representive anymore than a sports star caught juicing or a singer lip syncing affects their ability to do their craft. Its time for you and the WRP to take your crusade elsewhere and focus on real problems not a YMM MLAs international horniness.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08819336006163476150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-56776072714101560552013-07-29T18:26:30.916-07:002013-07-29T18:26:30.916-07:00It matters because he is an elected representative...It matters because he is an elected representative of our community and province. What's the point of having laws or a legal system at all if we just make the arguement that everyone makes mistakes? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-76939572281429565532013-07-29T18:22:53.561-07:002013-07-29T18:22:53.561-07:00You should put it into consideration as Allen went...You should put it into consideration as Allen went there as a representative of not just our community but our province. The simple fact whether you agree with it or not, is that he broke the law. Personally I think we get enough bad publicity as it is without this kerfuffle adding to the mix.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-22237773993304971712013-07-28T10:37:31.217-07:002013-07-28T10:37:31.217-07:00Michael, there is a distinct difference between ta...Michael, there is a distinct difference between taking an interest and trying to dictate outcome. In the final analysis the people impacted most by the decision as to whether our MLA resigns or stays on are not "other Albertans" but the ones who elected him and who he represents - the constituents in his riding. I do not believe the intent of the opposition is to inform the public but rather to exert political pressure towards a particular outcome, and as an individual who will be most affected I resent those from outside trying to dictate an outcome that will have little effect on them but potentially tremendous effect on me. Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14217715252564049451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-41137019693560629572013-07-27T14:52:21.745-07:002013-07-27T14:52:21.745-07:00Any functional one has no guarantee of success, as...Any functional one has no guarantee of success, as the only person with any power is Mike Allen. He could have 100% of the electorate against him and he can still choose to not resign and you can only turf him when his term is up by voting for someone else.<br /><br />I am actually for the legalization and regulation of brothels in Canada (An Issue the Supreme Court of Canada is currently writing an opinion piece on this year). I have never personally used a prostitute nor do I intend to. My interest in this has nothing to do with the fact that he was charged (he hasn't been convicted). If he wants to pay for sex, and it doesn't affect his ability to carry out representing his constituents I say all the power to him. If he was my MLA and he was doing his job, I say "don't bother resigning".<br /><br />I am libertarian, and do not vote along traditional party lines (I didn't even vote WRP!). My interest in this as a Calgarian is:<br /><br />1) Alberta needs to follow BC's lead in providing a recall mechanism for constituents to force a byelection. Mike Allen has only brought this issue to the forefront.<br />2) Alberta should consider legalizing brothels (And yes, I believe in safe injection sites too).<br /><br />Political parties and individuals in this province have the freedom to make their views known. As long as political parties are working within the rules set out by law, I have no issue with them (or any other group/individual) contacting/polling Wood Buffalo constituents over the issue. <br /><br />Going the extra mile to inform Wood Buffalo voters of the issues is probably more meaningful given that your region has among the most apathetic voters in the province. What harm is there to inform the people and maybe force Mike Allen's hand to actually resign, and put the decision in Wood Buffalo constituents hands? Sure WRP is politically motivated, but they are also trying to get Mike Allen to actually resign. Politics is a messy business. <br /><br />If I were in Wood Buffalo I'd have no issue with other Albertans (Or Canadians for that matter) expressing an interest in ensuring the integrity of the Alberta Provincial Legislature.<br /><br />I feel that some people in Wood Buffalo are overly sensitive to the issue of other Albertans taking an interest.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16162561932762953563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-71048411585942533552013-07-26T08:10:44.644-07:002013-07-26T08:10:44.644-07:00In the end it doesn't matter if someone is hom...In the end it doesn't matter if someone is homeless, middle class, a celebrity, or a politician; no man is above mistakes. Every human on the planet has the right to make a mistake and has the right to be forgiven for those mistakes. Be it a lapse in judgement, honest mistake, unknown addiction, or personal preference we have no more right to burn this person at the proverbial stake and the witch hunts of our predecesors. Mike Allen is a good MLA and a good person who made a mistake, tell me you've never made a mistake in your life?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08819336006163476150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-11290197843282411282013-07-25T10:26:58.277-07:002013-07-25T10:26:58.277-07:00I have no respect for the WRP after the past week....I have no respect for the WRP after the past week. I want to wait for an election and make a decision based upon the candidates who run. If Mike runs again I don't see myself even putting this incident into the consideration. In my opinion I don't see what happened as such a terrible offense. That is MY OPINION, which I have a right to. I would like to see us all just drop the issue for now and the WRP is just being a pain in the buttt.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-3590526430143253992013-07-25T10:03:59.432-07:002013-07-25T10:03:59.432-07:00I voted for Mike but certainly do not condone the ...I voted for Mike but certainly do not condone the actions he did while on government business. If there is a bye election, I would not vote for him again as he crossed the line and committed a crime. <br /><br />To be honest, I have given up on the PC party entirely due to corruption. I thought Mike and Don would be vocal but they are 'yes' boys only. Sitting as an independent in the House will be of no use whatsoever for us in Ft Mac. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-89252201298584143862013-07-25T04:27:26.871-07:002013-07-25T04:27:26.871-07:00Mr. Allen should stay in his office and serve his ...Mr. Allen should stay in his office and serve his constituents until next election. If Clinton, Rob Ford, Duffy and half the politicsl arena get away with their shananigans then Mr. Allen deserves the voters patience and shouldn't be tarred and feathered for this.David Sabinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15007504939726190976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-78044733239644641362013-07-24T22:36:48.175-07:002013-07-24T22:36:48.175-07:00You are right - except that we do have a monopoly ...You are right - except that we do have a monopoly on the future of this MLA, as we elected him and he ultimately answers to us.Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14217715252564049451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-71633174593790870552013-07-24T22:30:29.420-07:002013-07-24T22:30:29.420-07:00Many Albertans feel betrayed by what happened in y...Many Albertans feel betrayed by what happened in your community. You don't have a monopoly on shame and resentment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-89512020670811076312013-07-24T21:43:16.495-07:002013-07-24T21:43:16.495-07:00Public pressure from your friends, neighbours, and...Public pressure from your friends, neighbours, and constituents is a powerful force that should not be underestimated, Peter. There may be no official mechanism - but that does not mean no functional one exists.Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14217715252564049451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-44294185189118613162013-07-24T21:38:36.665-07:002013-07-24T21:38:36.665-07:00Actually, Fort McMurray residents have as much say...Actually, Fort McMurray residents have as much say in this issue as the rest of us: that is, zero. There is no mechanism locally or provincially to force Allen out. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00795284635331263087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-7086232587311204312013-07-24T21:02:40.445-07:002013-07-24T21:02:40.445-07:00Pamela, I have had the same thoughts about a by-el...Pamela, I have had the same thoughts about a by-election. My only point is as you have stated - this is a decision for, and about, Fort McMurray. Thanks for taking the time to comment!Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14217715252564049451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-21575861044788052552013-07-24T21:01:27.313-07:002013-07-24T21:01:27.313-07:00I think it doesn't just "smack" of o...I think it doesn't just "smack" of opportunism - it clearly is. And it isn't just taking advantage of Allen but of all of us during a difficult time. The government did hold Allen to account - he has resigned from PC caucus and now sits as independent. So who is the opposition holding to account? Perhaps Allen, although they are pressuring us to put pressure on him - using us as pawns when we may not have even decided what we want. And while he was representing the province whether he resigns or not clearly impacts us the most and as such while others may have their opinions they cannot and should not have any real influence on an outcome that affects them little and affects us greatly. (and I am with you in that I don't know how effective an independent MLA is, either, so that is clearly a consideration).<br />Thanks for the comment as always! :)Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14217715252564049451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-34512681802842258652013-07-24T19:02:17.305-07:002013-07-24T19:02:17.305-07:00I must admit that this poll coming so soon after A...I must admit that this poll coming so soon after Allen's troubles does smack of political opportunism. I do think however, that the Opposition (of whatever political flavour) is merely doing what Oppositions are supposed to do in holding the government to account, however tasteless and frustrating that might sometimes seem. <br /><br />In my own personal opinion Allen needs to go as the longer this drags on the worse it will be for the city. I just don't think Fort McMurray is well-served by having one of its MLA's sitting as an Independent. I also feel (and I'm sure someone will jump on me for this) that as unpalatable as it seems, these recent developments affect all Albertans as ultimately, Allen went to MN representing not just his constituents here, but the province as a whole. Therefore, all Albertans have a right to speak their peace and (depending on their political views) demand he stay or demand he go.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-25725831800396589542013-07-24T18:44:16.817-07:002013-07-24T18:44:16.817-07:00But to make that decision he needs to resign and r...But to make that decision he needs to resign and run in a byelection. That is the best opportunity for his constituents to have their democratic say. Not some straw pole conducted among a few. But you arr right it is fort mcmurrays decision and wild roses behaviour is deplorable. Nothing new with them pamelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10527697884056081698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586607118525088475.post-3946031732599487942013-07-24T18:17:01.206-07:002013-07-24T18:17:01.206-07:00Amen...Amen...Jon Tupperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09513364987887860107noreply@blogger.com