The New Jews

February 16, 2004

By Alan Clark

   It has seldom been easy to be a separatist in Alberta. Lately however, I'm beginning to feel the way the European Jews must have felt in 1929. Here in Alberta, like Europe then, there is a lot going on politically. Plenty of talk about what should be done. Who's going to do it. When it will happen. Will there be change at the federal level? Will we institute the "Fire Wall"? Are the Klein conservatives ripe for a fall? The one thing all those leading the discussion seem to agree upon is that the separatists can't participate. Separatist's views shouldn't be heard. Separatist sentiments can't be given voice. I half expect Ian McLelland to start talking about "The Final Solution" for keeping those nasty separatists out of the debate once and for all.

   Dave Rutherford takes great pleasure in shooting down every separatist that calls his show. Unfortunately, Dave never seems to get anyone calling in who is articulate and able to defend against his verbal cheap-shots. It's too bad Dave doesn't have the courage to have someone like myself on the program. I don't expect a call from his producers anytime soon because, as your old friend Brian Muldoon would say "that idea's just not on". Besides, it's probably against official policy. From Ralph Klein to Ian McLelland to Dave Rutherford to Ted Morton to Link Byfield, it seems that the unspoken agreement is that any view is fair game except separatism.

   Funny that. Because as I travel around the province, I honestly have difficulty finding anyone who isn't willing to discuss Alberta independence. In fact, I would say that it seems to be becoming a very popular point of view, unofficially of course.

   So what is it about this opinion, this benign belief that so scares the likes of Mr. Morton, Mr. Byfield, Mr. Klein and Mr. McLelland that they hamper, hinder and forbid it's discussion?

   In the days of the former Soviet Union, Dictator Joseph Stalin forbade discussion on a number of issues, separation included. Likewise for Fidel Castro, Adolph Hitler, Pol Pot, Mao Tse Tung and every other psychotic mad man that you can name. The reason for this of course, was because these men simply couldn't face the truth or they knew that the truth would be irreparably damaging to them and their political futures.

   The truth that our so-called political leaders can't face is that they have failed. Every attempt at reform has failed. Every attempt at negotiation has failed. Every attempt at compromise has failed. They have no new ideas and now are simply trying to control the debate and herd us like sheep, away from the open gate.

   When free and open discussion is stifled and the truth hidden, tyranny isn't just on the way, it's on the loose. So when you hear Ralph Klein or Ian McLelland say that "we will not discuss separatism", tell them that you are an adult, that you have a mind of your own, and you will discuss whatever subject your heart desires. If they won't allow us to speak in their exclusive little rooms, then we shall sing our message from the roof-tops. The truth shall set you free.

Thanks for coming by.