I must admit being called a "left-wing nut" a few weeks ago by Premier Ralph Klein knocked me flat. You see, I do not support Bill 11. I did not jump to this conclusion hastily. I did research, asked the opinion of those I respect on both sides, and weighed the information.
Why knocked flat? Well, I have voted both Conservative and Reform and my friends would call me fiscally conservative. I am no fan of blind adherence to ideology though -- and I have also voted Liberal. I know there are difficulties with current methods of health-care delivery. I want them to be addressed -- but not by the likes of Bill 11.
Being accused of being something you are not opens you up to temptation. If I am going to be accused of being a leftist bad-girl, it sounds so illicit, even nasty . . . well, why not?
Before I confess to you my dirty little leftist escapades, I'd better protect the innocent. My family bears no responsibility for my actions. I come from a stock of staunchly conservative Western Canadians -- most of whom are long-time Albertans and have voted for many PC governments. My grandfather has held a Reform Party membership card from the beginning -- back when everybody thought they were the right-wing nuts. Some of my family members supported the campaigns of members of Premier Klein's current government. I have been steeped since childhood in the horrors of government excess, crown corporations, and restrictions on gun ownership. Unfortunately, I was also taught to think for myself -- perhaps that was their mistake.
Anyway, Premier Klein's obvious contempt for me and my quasi-communist thoughts tempted me to try out the dark (read left) side. Tentatively, I cloaked myself in my new persona -- decades of conditioning cannot be dumped from the psyche in a day. I wrote a letter to Premier Klein asking for some facts on Bill 11. I pointed out that I didn't think he had actually read the World Health Organization paper on health care that was linked to his government's Web site. The WHO's paper clearly states it supports the privatization of some services only on a not-for-profit basis. I asked him to explain how the Alberta Medical Association wouldn't be in a conflict of interest approving the procedures to be offered in the private clinics -- given that its members would be working in both public and private facilities. I asked for a concise accounting of the facts, devoid of ideology. I posted my letter and eagerly awaited his reply.
Weeks later, I received a letter from his assistant. He thanked me for my interest and promised to forward my comments to Health Minister Halvar Johnson. As I had CC'd the Minister, I was a bit confused, but maybe the assistant was, too.
A small taste of the dark side just whet my appetite to experience other illicit acts. I donated money to the Friends of Medicare. I read research from leftist-sounding publications like the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association. I attended a town hall meeting hosted by the CBC. I marvelled that lightening didn't strike me down when I walked through the doorway of the Carpenters and Woodworkers Union Hall in Calgary to eat vegetarian chili and listen to actress and daughter of medicare architect Tommy Douglas, Shirley Douglas speak.
Through it all, the Premier maintained that those that do not support Bill 11 were radical fringe leftists that were lying about the facts. Finally, I volunteered to help at the rally against Bill 11 in Calgary.
Even today, I can't quite believe it. Out of that room full of 2,500 to 3,000 people, I was the only fiscally conservative, quasi-right-wing person in attendance. I am still in a state of shocked marvel. Luckily, the Premier had prejudged the attendees for me or I might have taken them for regular Albertans. They all seemed so down to earth, nice even -- and concerned with finding a way forward with a health-care system that balances budgetary realities and quality of care.
I guess it just goes to show you how, even in Alberta, reality can be deceiving. Leah Lawrence always exercises her right to vote. She continues her crusade even though Premier Klein closed debate on Bill 11 on Tuesday.