Blackberry Addicts: Accountability is worth the price.

Curtis Brown and Dan Lett are two reporters who are not considered friends of the tories. Anyone who thinks they are probably believe Frances Russell is a closet conservative for bashing Doer over broken roads. They report the news and take shots, sometimes deserved, against the opposition tories and the current administration. Sometimes I don’t agree with what they write, but hey, that’s what reporters do.

That being said, I think it can be argued that all official parties and media in Manitoba should embrace the transparency and accountability that FIPPA should bring. In fact, I would argue we could do more. I don’t think taxpayers mind paying for the requests of media and opposition make in order to ensure accountability of our provincial government. Hey Blackberries, why don't you get your official cheerleader polling firm to run a poll on that issue.

Here's the question:

What would you rather the NDP focus on: a) increasing accountability or b) spending millions on a rebranding exercise. I am curious to see the results.

I would have taken the two million the NDP blew on “spirited energy” and placed it in studies and committees looking for ways to improve accountability. I know there are no votes to be had in government reforms, but delivering honest open government should supercede that. Instead, the NDP reformed the Elections Finances Act to favour incumbent administrations. I don’t disagree with the concept of electoral finance reform as there is merit in reducing special interest control over our democratic system. I disagree with stacking the deck against the other two parties so that you can use government coffers to advertise your brand of cigarettes (ie. Spirited Energy).

Now, with regards to the Blackberry Staffers, Lett hits the nail on the head today. Only someone who works in the Leg (not Ledge Curtis!) would take that tone with FIPPA because they see it as a hindrance or burden to their daily life. Does that make me a staffer to ask this question? No. Lett and Brown are paid to be interested because that is their job (both are political junkies, but that is besides the point).

I am merely a political junkie with a penchant for writing. I have never been an employee of the PC or Liberal caucus for that matter. Yes, I have been involved with a party and know many people, but I do not get a paycheque from 450 Broadway or 23 Kennedy. I post after hours because I am not paid to write my ramblings at work (notice the post times). The Addicts cannot say the same thing.

The reason I started writing “the Andy Fletcher Show” under that moniker is because it is my intellectual burqa (also spelled burka or burqua). It is an empowering feeling. Dr. Suess made a career out of it. I respect the MSM blogger types like Curtis and Dan because they publish under their real names. The Black Rod was read by many early on because no one knew who they were and some of the posts were really well researched. Now that the main person was revealed, the interest and influence waned. Now he simply slams MSM. Yawn. The reason why the Addicts write anonymously is because they are frustrated NDP staffers lashing out in the death spiral of a second term. Also, because they posted from work. I notice they post after hours now. Thanks guys.

I allow feedback and welcome discussion and debate from all sides. Something the Addicts won’t do. Eventually, someone will pull off my mask like Black Rod, but it will not kill me or any political aspirations I may have (unlike Donne!) because I will happily stand by what I say and I am respectful of persons with a different point of view. Something the Addicts are not inclined to do.