Author Archives: susanonthesoapbox

When Politicians Lie…er, Misspeak Themselves

Posted on January 4, 2015 by susanonthesoapbox

“How do you know when a politician is lying? His lips are moving.”—Political joke. Politicians don’t lie. They misspeak, they overstate, they understate. And the press distorts, takes out of context, twists, exaggerates or does something equally heinous to what … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 24 Comments

The Soapbox Family’s Christmas Tree

Posted on December 28, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

Ms Soapbox spent Boxing Day reading, playing Battleship and wondering what to do about the Christmas tree. The Soapbox family has a fake tree. Every couple of years Ms Soapbox yearns for a real one. Ms Soapbox has had an … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations | Tagged , , , , | 24 Comments

Danielle Smith Betrayed the Wildrose; Jim Prentice Betrayed the Rest of Us

Posted on December 21, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” —Abraham Lincoln Premier Prentice gave every member of his caucus a copy of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book Team of Rivals. No doubt … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

OPEC Sets Up the Rollercoaster, Albertans Take a Ride (Again)

Posted on December 14, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

“You come from capitalist nations. You know what the market does. For any commodity it goes up and down, up and down”—Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi* Contrary to the expectations of many analysts, OPEC (read Saudi Arabia) decided it would … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 33 Comments

Fortress Calgary: The “Gate” in Mahogany Manor

Posted on December 7, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

What is it about gated communities that sends us into orbit? Calgary Planning Commission (CPC) just approved the construction of a “gate” in the southern Calgary to keep the hoi polloi out of Mahogany Manor despite the fact that the … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Justice, Privacy and Surveillance, Rich and/or Famous, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 26 Comments

What if Prentice Issued an FAQ to Explain Bill 10…?

Posted on December 3, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

Premier Prentice likes corporate-speak (“under new management”, “price takers, not price makers”, etc) so let’s apply a corporate communication tool, the FAQ, to explain the government’s rationale for Bill 10. And let’s assume for a wild and crazy moment that … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , | 34 Comments

Lessons Prentice Learned at Harper’s Knee

Posted on November 30, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

Somewhere between the time that Premier Hancock stepped down and Premier Prentice ascended to the throne, the PC caucus turned into a bunch of sniveling crybabies. Not to worry, Mr Prentice will save the day with a maneuver befitting his … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

Who Has The Worst Job in Alberta Politics?

Posted on November 23, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

Why does the public go bananas when Danielle Smith, the leader of the Official Opposition, criticizes the PC government? They say she’s too negative, too shrill, too something. Can’t she be more positive they ask? More supportive? Clearly they haven’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

Mouseland (why do people vote against their self-interest?)

Posted on November 16, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

               “All the laws were good laws. For cats.”—Tommy Douglas The other day I called Telus to cancel my campaign phones and internet service.  Groan.  After listening to canned music for 17 minutes I was transferred to a customer service … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 33 Comments

The Sonic Boom: How Alberta Became an “Offshore Business” in the Pathology Market

Posted on November 9, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

Why does Stephen Mandel, the newly minted Minister of Health, think it’s a good idea for Alberta taxpayers to support the lifestyles of wealthy Australian businessmen who earn more than $13 million a year, their executive teams who get ridiculous … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, General Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , | 35 Comments