When you surround youorself with snakes your likely to get bitten

[coppertop]

I would hate to base my decisions on the premier or any politician on what Graham Thompson writes. He is the king of negative journalism, and even GODalmighty would have a difficult time getting positive press in his column.
Horse, if you are speaking of the Public Affairs bureau, they don't just deal with the media releases from the Premier's office, they deal with all public affairs . If you subscribe to the media releases from the Alberta Government Website, you will see that each ministry has media contact people. If the public had no interest in what the government does, these people would not be necessary, but many Albertans like to be informed about what their government is doing, on a timely basis with accurate information, hence the public affairs bureau.

As far as how many communications people there are in the Premier's office, it is my understanding that he asked Klein's communications person to stay on and she has agreed.


Many municipalities, ours included, have a director of communicaton whose responsibility is to provide timely information on issues within the municipal governance to citizens. In our municipality that involves a newsletter, weekly column in our local paper etc. Provincially, it involves media releases, etc. I don't know exactly how many people are involved in the public affairs bureau but I do know that each ministry has their own communications staff.

[JD4ME]

Cowman
Thats the thing though he's no longer "just a man" as you say he wanted and waqs given one of the biggest jobs in Canada and he has to act the part and if we don't send a message to him now that this sort of behavior isn't what we find acceptable do you want him to think it is and quietly continue it behind the scenes? I don't, hopefully the people that read and participate in this dialogue over the past day will have gotten worked up enough to actually say something to him if they get the chance because kissing his butt for 5000 or 500000 is nothing but bad for him and this province.
A leader leads by words actions and example, is this the example we want to have him set. I don't and truely hope this was a one off and he'll learn from it because thats another thing a good leader does and thats listen and learn.

[JD4ME]

Coppertop
There's no doubt you know, trust and admire the man, he may even be a personal friend. But the best thing we can do for a friend is to express our thoughts to them not angrily or cruely but softly,kindly and thoughtfully and be there for them if they make a mistake. The worst thing we can do for a friend is accept the mistake and ignore it. If they are a good person and a true friend they will listen and respect you for your viewpoint.
They may not always agree but they are always your friend. Ed will need his friends over the next few years because when Ralph stopped listening to his and only listened to the 5000 dollar a plate crowd we all lost.

[coppertop]

Obviously you have never spoken to any of my friends. I have always prided myself in being a straight shooter, telling it like it is, and that is the type of people I surround myself with. If I screw up in word or deed, I expect my friends to tell me so, honestly and pulling no punches. That is the way I have always dealt with people whether it be in business, public life or with family or friends. Anyone can criticize, but in my view positive suggestions along with criticixm are what sets friends and people who are well meaning apart from those who are just plain negative and lower themselves to name calling, etc.
I always like to hear all sides of an issue before I condemn anyone, including the Premier, Prime minister or Queen for that matter.
I respect your views on this matter, in fact, I share those views when it comes to 'buying' time with politicians who are paid by the public purse. Have no fear, many people have provided their views on this issue to their MLA, and the Premier.

[JD4ME]

Nice to read that and I'm not surprised, why do you think I started this thread here yesterday. Maybe Ed will hear it from a friend. A stranger my be right but never listened to as openly as a friend is.