Half a century ago, a group of clever, visionary people built a mighty structure...the Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta. It grew from the foundation of an idea, found room in the hearts and minds of Albertans, and established itself as a proud edifice, housing worthy tenants. Like many exciting new constructs, it flourished.
Sadly, over the years, those who originated this structure were replaced by others -- folks who were less inclined to maintain its systems and integrity. Like slum landlords, they tried less and less frequently to keep up its original appearance because, frankly, they couldn't remember what it was. Even more tragic, the structure's purpose began to change and adapt to these new managers. No longer a noble edifice for the care and protection of Albertans, it had sadly morphed into some sort of large-scale garage sale, open for business to opportunists.
Those Albertans who were paying attention, and who wanted more in life than a diesel pick-up truck and a snow machine, began to get nervous and started to whisper among themselves. Soon the whispers grew in volume and intensity.
Hearing this, the managers of the structure began searching, rather frantically, for ways to dress up,the structure so that the rabble would think that all was as it should be. In their search, the managers decided that their best hope going forward would be to hire an apprentice who happened to be between appointments.
One cannot help but think that by now, with crumbling foundation and compromised supports, this structure cannot be saved by an apprentice.
