Democracy Gone Astray

Democracy, being a human construct, needs to be thought of as directionality rather than an object. As such, to understand it requires not so much a description of existing structures and/or other related phenomena but a declaration of intentionality.
This blog aims at creating labeled lists of published infringements of such intentionality, of points in time where democracy strays from its intended directionality. In addition to outright infringements, this blog also collects important contemporary information and/or discussions that impact our socio-political landscape.

All the posts here were published in the electronic media – main-stream as well as fringe, and maintain links to the original texts.

[NOTE: Due to changes I haven't caught on time in the blogging software, all of the 'Original Article' links were nullified between September 11, 2012 and December 11, 2012. My apologies.]

Monday, December 10, 2012

Nexen-CNOOC, Petronas Takeovers Approved: Alberta Politicians And Readers React

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's announcement of approving the foreign takeovers of Calgary-based Nexen Inc. and Progress Energy Resources Corp. received a strong reaction from politicians and readers in Alberta.

Alberta’s NDP Leader Brian Mason said that there are grave concerns about the direction of the oilsands as a result.

“Alberta New Democrats have argued for a long time that all Albertans should be getting our fair share out of their oilsands,” said Mason in a statement.

“The increasing amount of foreign ownership in the oilsands is disturbing, and it will ultimately mean profits would be seen overseas, instead of in Canada and in this province.”

Some readers said their support was dependent on who remained in control, whereas others said as long as jobs were not affected, they supported the move.

"Takeover? You surely mean bailout. Yes, because we need their capital, expertise and technology. We are too small of a country to develop the oilsands alone," said Anthony Aleksic on Facebook.

    Our fault for giving him a majority government, wait until the next election. The only problem we may not be able to undo some of the things that are being legislated thru right now. We need a government that cares about Canadians and our beloved land, we need climate control and clean energy, we need jobs for Canadians not China. - Peggy Wilson, Facebook

Harper's announcement was welcomed by Alberta Premier Alison Redford, who had supported the deals.

"We are pleased that the federal government appears to have listened to our input and made a careful examination of the circumstances unique to these proposed arrangements, as did my government, and came to the same conclusion: the benefits are great, and any issues can be mitigated,'' she said in a statement.

"And so it begins... or ends. Depends how you look at it," said Nik Juneau on Facebook.

Original Article
Source: huffington post
Author: The Huffington Post Alberta 

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