Zombie Youth and the Canadian Property Rights Research Institute

A CULTURE OF DEFIANCE: History of the Reform-Conservative Party of Canada

In November of 2009, the Canadian Press learned that a government program designed to recruit the best and brightest from Canada's universities, had been politicized for partisan interests.

Before being granted an interview, those seeking to enter the Accelerated Economist Training Program, had to first write an essay on the Conservative ad campaign, labelled the Economic Action Plan.

"It smells a little bit," said Leslie Pal, professor of public policy at Ottawa's Carleton University. "It places an unfortunate implication of inviting people to write glowing things about the economic recovery plan."

Pal said he sees no rationale for asking people looking for a job with the government to comment on current government policy, especially when that policy is so contentious. "I think this is not a good idea."

A further indoctrination of Canada's youth into the neoconservative cult.

In his book Not a Conspiracy Theory: How Business Propaganda Hijacks Democracy, Donald Gutstein writes of a program that the Fraser Institute runs to catch them when they're young.

The Fraser Institute launched a program in 1988 that would have far-reaching impact on advancing the corporate agenda. This program, aimed at students, is actually a half-dozen initiatives through which the institute "is cultivating a network of thousands of young people who are informed and passionate about free-market ideas and who are actively engaging in the country's policy debate"

Some of those involved in the program include Jason Kenney, Ezra Levant, Danielle Smith (possibly the next premier of Alberta), Rob Anders and a young man named Matthew Johnston.

Johnston came to the public's attention for his part in a radio hoax, on behalf of his boss Rahim Jaffer.

Due to a scheduling conflict, Jaffir had Johnston take his part in a radio interview. Jason Kenney and Ezra Levant paid the man off, suggesting that "$40,000 buys a lot of silence".

But Matthew Johnston was also behind the formation of a right-wing organization: Canadian Property Rights Research Institute. Other members included Danielle Smith, a former student of Calgary School's Tom Flanagan, and Rob Anders, both members of the Fraser's youth program.

Rahim Jaffer had taken CanPRRI's case to Parliament when Revenue Canada refused to grant them non-profit, tax-exempt status. It folded soon after.

However, a look at one of their publications, shows more than a connection to the Fraser and the Harper government. They are linked to a network of think tanks and advocacy groups, many created under the guidance of Milton Friedman, Friedrich Von Hayek and other Chicago school alumni.

With a Harper majority and accelerated attempts to put his stamp on every aspect of government, will only neoconservative youth be allowed access into the halls of political power?

Will there be more tests?

When Carolyn Bennett was in Kingston recently to discuss our crumbling democracy, she spoke of the different criteria for those entering political life.

At one time, they got into politics to make a difference, often in their chosen field. As a doctor she was concerned with health issues.

But now she says that many Conservative candidates are only interested in party politics. They have no interest whatsoever in the betterment of the country, only in furthering an agenda. This includes their staff.

Bob Rae refers to them as "25-year-old jihadis", who often make the decisions for the elected MPs.

I shudder to think what kind of country we will become as a result.

Provincial Neoconservatives From Harris to Hudak; Klein to Smith

I'm doing something a little different with my blog, trying to organize archives, etc. so I'm using this page to link my stories to the Neoconservative movement within the provinces.

Feel free to use anything.

We've got to start preparing ourselves for the next election, by reminding Canadians that Stephen Harper is not the only problem this party has. They are the wrong fit for Canada and really must be put out to pasture, before they completely destroy this country.

Provincial Neoconservatives

Harris Nightmares Revisited

HST Nonsense

Tim Hudak

Congratulations Danielle Smith on Winning Leadership of Wildrose Party

Well she did it. Danielle Smith pulled it off and was named leader of the newly formed Wildrose Party.

You might wonder why I would care, living in Ontario; but I just found it kind of interesting.

I had originally posted that I thought it sounded like another Reform Party, and while Ms Smith has the backing of much of the old 'Calgary School', I'm still not convinced that it isn't. Can't help but think they're lining up the Wildrose to compliment Harper's Reformers, who don't seem to get along too well with Stelmach. And with Mike Harris's protege waiting in the wings. Hmmm. Hopefully, we can get red of the Ref-Cons before they can make an impact.

However, I think that Smith might be able to create a middle of the road, fiscally conservative party; without the baggage of the Religious Right.

She is already warning her party that they shouldn't get bogged down over single issues. Sound advice, since I believe that Alberta is far more progressive than people think. Unfortunately, we judge them by the nuts in the Reform-Conservative caucus; but any Albertans I've ever met are not like that at all.

If she can find candidates with fresh ideas and progressive thinking on social issues, without moving too far right (or left); I could see her as the next Premier of Alberta.

I'll try to forget for now that the 'Calgary School' like her. They gave us Stephen Harper, so hopefully, they avoided arrogant and mean this time.

I think she may be just what Alberta needs to change their image. Now will Rhona Ambrose smarten up and move to a party where she'll be appreciated? She looks so out of place, and must be getting tired of playing the window dressing for those gawd-awful Reform-Conservatives.

I think she would fit in nicely with the Wildrose and would be given a bigger role. Maybe Danielle would even let her talk.