My Civic Duty
Lately my in-box has been flooded with the urging of arts administrators to "Vote Dinning". It has become so loud that even the Globe + Mail has heard it, as their published article in today's Review section notes, "After years of being ignored, the Alberta arts community is throwing its support behind Jim Dinning...". Yes yes I heard it all - all week long. Even after I twice e-mailed Theatre Calgary's President Tom McCabe to tell him to remove me from his long e-mail recipient list and cease and desist from sending me his 'vote Jim' propaganda, he continues to urge with a twice daily persistency rate. (McCabe wrote Dinning's arts policy, I guess Jim was too busy...)
Now, Saturday as I sit here feeling like if I don't vote then I will relinquish my right to winge (something I hold dear), I am stewing in the personal betrayal that I feel for both Dinning and Stelmach...
Eight years ago I had the opportunity to meet Stelmach, then Minister of Infrastructure. It was after 8 solid months of lobbying and working within the Province and City to get a significant Provincially owned underused property turned over to the City to be opened up for the use of artists. We had the support of the Assistant and Deputy Provincial Infrastructure Ministers, we have support of the City (who would trade the building for a piece of road allowance that the Province needed) and all we needed was the Minister to sign. Stelmach didn't and I recently learned that the building was sold privately for a condo reno. I think Stelmach was not prepared to enter into what seemed to him like largely unknown 'arts and politics' territory out of fear and ignorance. Reading his current policy, this still seems to be the case. Big ideas and the opportunity to execute them now and again are what is needed to make substantive differences to artists. This requires more than $'s and if a Premier is not willing to support a substantive idea now and again (even out of indifference) then the arts will continue to be muzzled out of ignorance.
Two year ago I worked for an arts organization where Dinning was a board member. I recall fondly that his time on our board was the only time we did not receive support from Trans Alta, where Dinning was Executive VP. I was told that it was because Trans Alta's contribution was the purchase of a table at our annual fund raiser (valued at $3,500) for Jim. Of note is that this fundraiser annually sold-out and that tickets were offered first to sponsors and supporters of our organization. We had to hold a table for King Jim (who would always request his table long after the RSVP date). This arrogance is a real danger in a leader who has shown to me that he does not feel support for the arts is anything more than support for Dinning to be a wiener (oops, I mean winner).
And Morton... all I can say is The Calgary School. Sends shivers up my spine.
Maybe I'll stay at home and listen to the Federal Liberal Convention on the radio instead...
Labels: The Local Scene
posted by K. @ 13:17
24 Comments:
Cheers for the in-depth, first-hand analysis, K.
You have certainly not given up your right, as an Albertan, to whinge. Only people holing PC memberships are eligible to vote in this election, and NOBODY is gonna argue or arm-twist me into accepting any "duty" to buy one of those... I'll keep my integrity, thanks... nice to see you (and millions of other Albertans) do the same.
Very informative, k., thanks for the anecdotal evidence confirming my cynicism that anyone leading the PC party gives two shits about Alberta's artists. Except as marketing devices.
Well, the cold light of Sunday morning is upon us, a new day has dawned in Alberta that looks, well, much the same as every other day, going on 35 years or so now, here in the land of Conservative one-party rule.
I sincerely hope that all the "arts community" that got pressured, duped, and co-opted into participating in this pseudo-democratic farce feel like the suckers they most certainly are...
yeah - that'll teach them for joining.
Conservative, yes but same, no. I think we will all suffer from a withdrawl of love and hate for Ralph.
I was noticing on the radio this morning that even those who have known Eddy for his whole life are finding it hard to bring any emotive phrasing to describing him. Steady and practical aren't really word used in glowing comment on a person very ofen. Even if I was to describe the most bland person II know it would be with more passion than how these 'I've known him all my lifers' are using for good old Ed. It gives me the creeps......
Yes, I suppose it is sad, that we won't likely be able to look forward to our NEW Premier pelting the homeless with his spare change, or calling the mentally handicapped "fakers", or other wonderful Klein-isms...
my personal favorite was giving the environmentalist protester the finger. Sometimes words are just not enough.
"In-deapth first-hand analysis"? We all know the "Savant" is a smart guy but do we really need to be further contributing to that ego of his? As witnessed by the election results, I think Jim's arrogance was obvious to most Albertans (at least to those North of Red Deer) and the fact that 8 years ago Ed decided not to wade into an issue that he didn't have a lot of experience with, shows that he may, in fact, be the man of integrity his colleagues are making him out to be. Hardly an inditement.
Contrary to one of the comments above, knowing the team supporting Jim's bid, I believe Ed does represent real change for Alberta and his victory shows that the moderate voice within the PC party remains strong.
I say that more involvement in the process by those in the arts community and a little less bitching (not to mention the trashing of those that decided to get involved) would likely result in a much stronger voice and higher profile for "arts and culture" issues in Alberta.
How dare we express our opinions! We should be getting off our asses and joining people like Anonymous. Think of it! We could be spending our time and efforts practicing useless asskissing political phrases, telling others that they are arrogant and to quit bitching.
We should forget k's disheartening personal experience while working in the 'process'. She must obviously be confused.
Cheers for the in-depth, passionate commentary, "Anonymous". You'll find that the posts here on Studiosavant are written by many different contibutors. Although we may no always agree, we get along pretty well here, and when one of us takes the time to share their thoughts, I like to be generous with praise.
K.'s post (from personal experience of two specific instances, working with the two candidates mentioned, as a representative from the arts community) is indeed the most in-depth first hand analysis of the two candidates style in working with the arts community that I have seen... if you've seen better, please show me where... the Globe and Mail? The Calgary Herald?
"As witnessed by the election results, I think Jim's arrogance was obvious to most Albertans..."
Uh, sorry to debunk your theory there, but what on earth does a PC leadership race where a little over 100,000 party members cast ballots have to do with the opinions of "most Albertans" (or even those north of Red Deer)?
Ther PC party is backwards on the issues, plain and simple... whether the leader is "Extremely" backwards, or just "Moderately" so, is hardly of interest to me... but, I'm sure this mild mannered "Klein Loyalist" whose never rocked a boat in his life, will represent somesort of change, although considering its the same party in government I've known throughout my entire lifetime, forgive me if I (and others) don't get giddy with the new dawn.
Have no fear: the arts community will get involved, at ELECTION TIME, when we vote for OTHER PARTIES!
Thanks again for your comments.
Oh yes, Ms. Quoted... I'll second that!
K., did you hear your orders? A little more involvement in the process, please! Quit being so darned uninvolved!
anonymous, I think you have a point as to the 'involvement' issue. The thing is (as mentioned by MC and others) there are many ways to get involved. I once toyed with the idea of entering into politics, but in the end I found it too political. Now, I work hours of my life to ensuring that there are artists and art in my community. In this work I spend allot of time with the arts most fervent financial supporters (including the government at all levels). After a hard day of pandering and smiling it sure feels good to have an outlet. Thanks Savant.
Pardon me for interrupting your little love-fest. ;)
All I was saying was that the anecdote about Ed simply doesn't say very much about his position on the Arts. And the fact that Dave Hancock will likely be the Deputy Premier, or at least a very senior member of Ed's cabinet, means that "The Arts" will likely enjoy a higher profile that they ever have in Alberta.
I say give Ed the benefit of the doubt before labeling him a "creep" (or was it just "creepy").
MC, it was actually 144,000 voters (but who's counting), in a process that was open to practically everyone in the province. You are the guy talking about the one party rule, doesn't 144k make for a pretty good sample size?
Further to your partisan blah, blah, blah. Are the PCs "backwards on the issues" or just backwards on the issues that you feel strongly about (that also happen to impact you professionally)?
Concerning the Arts community "getting involved" I think that means a little more than simply voting at election time. It means getting involved with the party and government in power so as to improve the current situation.
K, I have to admit that I wasn't paying much attention to who had posted what. I think that you are the exception to the rule in this case and should continue "toying" with the whole "idea of entering into politics". I know the PCs would love to have you (sorry but it's true) and the Arts community in Alberta would be much much better off if you could stomach it.
No pardon necessary, Anony. Your previous comment was likely not worded as clearly as you would have hoped, but that's ok, you're always welcome here to try again, hopefully communicating more clearly (maybe next time!).
K.'s anectode about Ed said marginally more about his position on the arts than did Stelmach's own response to PACE's arts questionaire. It was obviously an interesting and enlightening anecdote, which can be taken (by you, me, or anyone else) for what it is worth. Let's leave it there.
Obviously, the arts could hardly enjoy a lower profile in Alberta than they do currently (among the lowest per capita spending in CANADA, despite Alberta's wealth, did I mention?), so what you say may well be true, albeit trivial.
Speaking of trivia, yes, you're right.. I should have said "A little under 150,000 voters" instead of " a little over 100,000 voters". My mistake. Of course, every party leadership race is open to any Albertan willing to buy a membership, be they PC, Liberal, NDP... None of these facts negates anything I've said, though... Are you confused about something here?
"Are the PCs "backwards on the issues" or just backwards on the issues that you feel strongly about (that also happen to impact you professionally)?"
Glad you asked. They are backwards on the issues, not just the ones that might effect me personally. (Just to clarify for you, arts funding issues don't really "affect me personally" any more than other political issues, 'cuz I'm a millionaire... in other words, my politics are not dictated by selfishness).
As you have unfortunately not surmised, many of us are involved in the interation between politics and the art community far beyond simply casting ballots in an election. You would serve your position better to not jump to hasty conclusions about people you don't know.
Why is it that conservatives only idea of "getting involved" consists in signing up with the conservatives? Is it a fear of democracy? I wonder...
Anony (you should just adopt this as a handle and stick around), I really am more of a municiple politico, but thanks for the 'vote' of confidence.
Yikes! You don't seem to like it when someone disagrees with you on your Blog, or at least it seems that way (it is always a challenge to determine tone in these types of exchanges).
I guess I'll just leave...
Well maybe just a comment or two on your scathing scathe-a-thon of a post.
RE: Your first paragraph.
That was particularly mean and hurtful. You sound like this friend of mine that is forever telling me I have "poor thinking skills". Thankfully, I know he loves me, irregardless.
RE: Electing a party leader.
Do you actually know that the provincial Liberals don't follow the Feds and use a restrictive delegate system to elect their leader? Or that the NDP don't have some kind of undemocratic time-requirement for holding a membership, relative to being able to vote for a leader (who's afraid of democracy now?)? Because I don't (didn't have time to check the Liberal thing but I'm fairly sure about the NDP time issue).
BTW – You can be as dismissive as you want but 150,000 voters is definitely not trivial. As far as leadership votes go, that's huge.
RE: Being a Millionaire.
Congrats man. That's wicked.
I hope you drew my name in the Christmas exchange this year (cuz normally you just "re-gift").
RE: Your Flamiest Flame
My comment on voting as "involvement" was based on your previous post,
"Have no fear: the arts community will get involved, at ELECTION TIME, when we vote for OTHER PARTIES!"
So you said it man, not me. Mr. I-love-to-jump-to-conclusions-and-then-be-really-mean-about-it.
RE: Your final Paragraph.
"signing up with the conservatives" and voting in the election last weekend is not "conservatives only idea of "getting involved"", it is simply ONE way to do so, understanding the present reality in Alberta. You talk about "one party rule" in this province, so why does trying to make things a little better by trying to put a guy into the Premiers Chair that agrees with you, or at least comes a little closer to your viewpoint, on some issues (no matter the motivation), have to be such a horrible horrible thing (as in it's something worth "outing")? You are, after all, still allowed to vote for whomever you wish in the next general election.
Anyway, we both know that this whole thread (I think that's what you bloggers call it) is getting a little tired so, I'm done.
Anony "Give Ed a Chance" 2
PHEW! Now that you're not so "Anonymous", I can take the kid gloves off...
Dude, you are not a good debater, at least not in written form. I am sorry to me so "mean", but you just are not following the English sentences that you are trying to respond to. I could try to go through this, line by line, to point out your unfortunate misunderstandings, but yeesh, what a waste of time!
Your friend may be right about thos e"poor thinking skills" after all...
Seriously man... you come in here with your guns blazing "anonymously" at us, and then complain about hurt feelings when someone poke holes in your shit-talk... weak, man. Weak.
Whatever MC. I'm a sensitive guy but, clearly, so are you. If by "guns blazing" you mean offering a different take on things you post, then fine, it is "your party" after all. I erroneously assumed that you would recognize the fact that it was me posting and that I was, in part, giving you a hard time. I think you take yourself, and this blog, a little too "seriously", my "friend". My apologies for wasting your time (you master-debater, you). Hopefully you can find someone worthy of your intellect to "debate" with in the future.
Thankfully, you can now go back to agreeing with each other in your various posts because I don't think I'll be back. Not that you care, although K indicated she thought I should stick around.
Whatever, Anony.
Okay, okay Anony - you are getting a big EASY here.
As you are all aware I could generally give two shits about politics, and mostly for reasons that this thread clearly displays. Inevitably someone ends up playing too hard and then getting their heart broken.
Now generally this blog is a nice place for like minded individuals to converse about things they feel are important (or frustrating). Most visitors here are friends, which may lend to a general feeling of agreement, but it is not a necessary to be in agreement. What is necessary is to take comments only as what they are. There is a fair amount of good natured ribbing going on, but always paired with respect. I have been reading this thread and have noticed that Anony is taking this all a little personally - Anony, you even mention this yourself with "it is always a challenge to determine tone in these types of exchanges".
I think we all welcome you to the blog, Anony, as long as you learn to take it easy a bit and most importantly - play nice.
Okay, now let's all kiss and make up.
*smack*
A hearty welcome to all recent commentors, and a sincere invitation to any lurkers (bloggish for anyone who reads but doesn't type up) to upgrade their membership. Thankfully we have had very few trolls, and I've only just recently deleted my first spammer comment.
We appreciate that anyone opens this page in their browser at all, and to have some people stick around long enough to read and comment - well, we're honoured.
*MMMMMWWWWWAAAAAAA*
Sorry if I offended because that was certainly not my intention.
Unfortunately, I made some assumptions around my original posts, primarily that I would be recognized by one or two of the regular contributors to Studiosavant, and when that didn't happen, well, things kinda' went down hill from there. Thankfully, my good friends know me very well and my apology was accepted (and my behavior forgiven) before I even managed to venture one.
I appreciate Ahab's comment in another thread that one must try to keep emotion out of the "debate" especially in this type of environment. I will certainly attempt to do so in the future.
In the end, as you may have guessed, I am a card carrying PC/Red Tory (and a fairly involved one at that) and I want do my part to help the Arts and Culture scene in Alberta, at least as much as I can, from the inside of the political machine.
I guess I just want to know that that work, however fruitless so far, will be appreciated and/or at least acknowledged.
If nothing else, I hope that I have contributed some additional flavor to your little on-line community.
Cheers All.
Your bleeding heart bourgeois,
Anonymous 2
Your comment is acknowledged and appreciated, A2; your political efforts will be as well, if they serve to enable Albertan artists and art patrons to keep making and buying art in the province. Thanks for offering to help, I hope you can.
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