Revolutionary Moderation

Lucky thirteen

Welcome aboard, Premier Stelmach. You've inherited a divided caucus, an economy that can't help but slow, and a party that by its own admission lacks direction.

On the bright side, you seem to be likable enough, the economic slowing that is bound to come shouldn't be along too soon (barring some radical and external force), and the federal government doesn't seem to be of a mind to constrain the provinces from doing pretty much what they want. So there's opportuinity there, too.

You have my sincere wish for all the best in governing Alberta well, right up until the next election and the surprise NDP sweep to power.

Ralph, thanks for fourteen years of public service. Enjoy your retirement - you must have some grandkids by now, right? They'll appreciate seing more of you, I'm sure.