FORSETH – How (NOT) to win friends and influence people

A DOZEN YEARS AGO, when I first became involved with the B.C. Conservative Party, I met an individual who was called on often for political commentary, and who was involved in both federal and B.C. provincial politics.

Often times they were part of political panels; called upon for their thoughts as to important political events taking place. That has continued through the years.

I always thought they were well balanced in how they approached things – that’s changed.

In recent months I have been following the Centre Ice Canadians, and their journey towards the possibility of becoming a new centrist political party.

This new organization must be rattling a few feathers, especially on the conservative side of things, because I certainly got hammered by that individual on Saturday afternoon.

What follows, is the conversation on Messenger which I had with that politico; I’ll title it, “How (NOT) to win friends and influence people.”

A: I think you’re making a big mistake with Centre Ice.

You’re missing the nuance, the craft.

It looks insecure to me & my colleagues. It looks like grievance politics because again you’re missing the nuance and you’re not allowing the forces to do the heavy lifting, and you’re full of failed candidates.

Just saying … It’s a complete missed opportunity … And it’s sad

Canadians retrieve information or see outcomes of bad policy differently

Sorry but I’m not in

Who the heck is running your org? Or comms (communications)

It’s upsetting because it’s the equivalent of revenge porn — Dumb

ME: While I respect your opinion “A” — I disagree. BEFORE I was even aware of Centre Ice I had already cancelled my monthly donation, and membership, in the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC).

It is NOT a party that represents me.

I was a strong early on supporter of the Reform Party of both B.C. and Canada as a bottom-up grassroots organization. The CPC is not even close to that, and I my opinion has drifted too far right.

On the other hand, the Liberal Party of Canada (LPC) has drifted to the left trying to get NDP support.

A: Ok, go forward.

I’m not wasting anymore time.

It’s so ignorant

And tone deaf

And I’ll say it again, you look vengeful

ME: There is NO longer any common-sense middle ground — and there is a LOT of people that are hoping / wishing that someone would fill that void and simply espouse some common sense policy / platform that people can grab hold of.

For now, anyway, I will be supporting CIC, and we’ll see where things go. Still a long way to go with policy platform to be fleshed out … a initial constitution … and of course a decision to be made on whether to proceed as a party.

A: Not one blue Lib will sway on that, and FYI they’re disappointed in your org(anization)

Oh come on

ME:  IF Centre Ice does not go to that step, then I will remain an abandoned and homeless small ‘c’ conservative that will have nowhere to place their “X” come next election

A: Oh jeez

You’re completely devoid of what people are telling you

Please stop.  I’m not going to read the rest

ME: WOW … that’s pretty bitter; way to win friends and influence people. I’m shocked you would be so blatant in dismissing the idea that this is something people could and would support.

Are we idiots in your mind? Are we not allowed the basic right to find something politically that meets with our needs. Talk about disrespect!!

A: Exactly it’s personal. Not data based. A place where all failed candidates have a voice? You have some good ideas, but it won’t go anywhere because it’s founded on revenge / negative

No one I know disagrees, and I’ve spoken to many people this past week alone

I’d have saddled up otherwise, and so would important voices, including blue Liberals, but they see you like I do

Goodnight.

At that point this individual bailed, which was disappointing because I hoped for an answer to this question … “Who were these so-called ‘important people?”

Were they politico’s, or regular everyday people?

I ask this because the everyday regular people, I know, are sick and tired of the often hateful and negative politics that have now become the norm.

IF someone, or some entity, like the Centre Ice Canadians can tap into a new positive direction, then I believe they WILL gain traction.

AND, even if they don’t, we (Canadians), have the right to believe in — and support — what we choose, rather than having to hold our noses (to stop the stench) as we vote for an option that ONLY is slightly better than the other.

Here’s what I believe is actually going on.

Backroom politicos, that have sabotaged grassroots rank and file party members and supporters, are fearful that perhaps in the near future a new political movement will kick them to the curb.

It’s happened before — and there’s no reason why it cannot, or will not, again.

AND … I believe those who are beginning to get nervous about this centrist option are now contacting those whom they know are supporting Centre Ice to try and dissuade us.

I don’t care who these so-called important voices are …

If they DO NOT support an end to the toxic politics now holding forth, they mean nothing to me, and I’m not interested in anything they have to say.

In Kamloops, I’m Alan Forseth … care to share your thoughts?

Alan Forseth is a Kamloops resident. For 40 years he has been active, in a number of capacities, in local, provincial and federal politics, including running as a candidate for the BC Reform Party in the 1996 provincial election. He more recently was involved in the BC Liberal leadership campaign.