Finding the Separatists in Municipal Councils

Character is always a ballot choice.

Individual members of the Reboot Alberta community are contacting private and public venues renting facilities for the Separatist Alberta Prosperity Project events.

Their message is direct, as proud Albertans and loyal Canadians are disappointed that the venues are enabling efforts to have Alberta separated from Canada.

SAYING YES TO ALBERTA & CANADA - SAYING NO TO SEPARATION.

Individual nonpartisan pluralist Albertans in the Reboot Alberta community are contacting host venues. They are expressing disappointment that the venues are enabling the spread of misinformation on Alberta’s relationship with and within Canada.

Publicly owned and operated venues should not hesitate to rent to such events. That is the price of our freedom of expression in a free and democratic society. Private operators have a choice to rent or not to separate events.

Private businesses used to display signs in the 1960s and 1970s saying, “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service.” I think we should encourage an updated Alberta variation: “No BS, No Half-Truths, No Separatists.”

In any event, Rebooters are also reaching out to local politicians where community-owned facilities are being used to spread misinformation and disinformation. We are asking if they knew that and

what they personally think about the implications and consequences of Alberta leaving Canada.

ASKING LOCAL POLITICIANS ABOUT SEPARATION

We ask them for their stance on Alberta's Separation from Canada. I expect some will dodge the question if they respond at all.

The easy “political answer” is that the Separatists Referendum Petition is under provincial jurisdiction and has nothing to do with local election issues. So, they may decline to answer the question.

CANDIDATE CHARACTER IS ALWAYS ON THE BALLOT

The first part is true: Separation is a provincial issue, at the Referendum stage. However, the second part, about their personal position on separation, is relevant in local elections. Mindsets natter.

A Candidate's Character is always on the ballot at election time. Personal attitudes about Separation are a character issue, a moral issue, AND a political issue for all Albertans, be they pro or con separation.

WE ARE ALL ABOUT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Freedom of expression has limits in law. We are not out to stifle the Separatists' freedom of expression. We want to know which private organizations and local candidates support the Separatists and why, and we will judge them accordingly.

Merely being politically disagreeable, contrarian, or iconoclastic isn't a legitimate reason to limit one's personal right of freedom of expression.

Spreading Trumpist Alternative Facts, Conspiracy Theories, Misinformation, Disinformation, Lies, and Deceits, in a political context, aren't necessarily legal issues either unless, of course, fraud is involved.

However, such behaviour is always a moral issue in a political context, and therefore, a significant concern to those of us who want to protect and promote a viable, free, and democratic society.

TO BE CLEAR

So, to be clear, we do not object to leasing venues to Separatists on legal grounds. In fact, I expect most would adhere to the spirit of the famous Evelyn Beatrice Hall quote: “I don't agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

We object on moral and ethical grounds. This is relevant because the Separatists too often distort data when they have it. They misinform fellow citizens about the practicalities of separation and the economic or social consequences of even pursuing the possibility.

We've learned that countering the 15% of hardcore Alberta Separatists with facts and logic is a waste of time and energy. The same is true for the 15% of Alberta First types, and for the 10% of rabid Canada First folks at the other extreme.

THE RISE OF THE PRAGMATIC DUALISTS

So, where does that leave the 60% of us who are proud Albertans and loyal Canadians? We aren't the mushy middle. We are the Pragmatic Dualists, who are simultaneously Albertan and Canadian. We refuse to make a choice between them because we are decidedly both. We are all Yes/And people, not Either/Or types.

We see the threat of Separation as a clear and present danger to our democracy, our family's well-being, and our Province's current and future prosperity.

Some of us are at the “mad as hell and not going to take it anymore” stage. We are done with ignoring or “tolerating” the Separatists' manipulations and misinformation.

We are waiting patiently for the pro-Canada Referendum Petition to get certified so we can start gathering signatures to say we want to stay as Albertans within Canada.

THE STATUS QUO IS NO ALTERNATIVE EITHER

That doesn't mean we accept the status quo. As assertive and engaged Albertans, we will press for the legitimate changes we see as needed. We will be intent on building a strong province and a strong country going forward.

THE CALL TO ACTION

In the meantime, as individual citizens, we will use the October local elections to make our personal anti-Separatist stance known. We will become known to local government candidates all over Alberta. We will ask them where they personally stand on the issue of Alberta's Separation from Canada. Their answers will help us decide how to mark our ballot.

At election time, power shifts from politicians to citizens. We Pragmatic Dualists need to use the power of our citizenship to defeat hardcore far-right candidates for local councils and school boards in October.

They are organized, well-funded, dedicated and determined to take over Alberta's local government and school boards.

Apathy is not an option. Responsible, informed, energized, and effective citizenship is the only way forward.

It's time to show up, stand up, speak up and act up. There is no time to waste.