There's always been something very likable about Preston Manning. He's not flashy or charismatic but his directness and earnestness which suggests that he's serious about politics and the public good, which isn't something that can be said for a lot of politicians. I laud his participation in the public square and his encouraging others to come together in a forum to tackle issues of importance for the future of democracy in Alberta and in Canada. This also suggests generosity on his part, to hear all sides of an argument, something very much lacking on the l/Liberal side of the aisle.

I wish I could comment at greater length on Alberta's politics specifically, but being an easterner I don't know enough about Alberta to contribute very much. What I do know, however, is that I like Albertans' spirit of can-do and the sense that they prefer to do for themselves rather than ask for federal handouts. The Big Sky out there seems to breed the live-free-or-die types. I like that!

Second sentence above should read:

He's not flashy or charismatic but his directness and earnestness suggest that he's serious about politics and the public good, which isn't something that can be said for a lot of politicians.

He looks good. Obviously the Red Rose being a foil for the conservatives in Alberta is leading to some change.

Canadians actually owe a debt of gratitude to Preston Manning for opening up our democracy at the national level. He paved the way for the Alliance and then the CPC.

His serious, honest, and sensible approach to things is what Canadians were looking for after years of being saturated by and condescended to by the-finger-dance-behind-the-Queen's-back-what's-a-few-million? thuggery of the Liberal$.

So, thank you, Preston! I'm a grateful Canadian who appreciates what you have done, and are doing, for our country, in order to make it a better place for all of us and not just a few special interest groups — which is the order of the day for the LPC.

Canadians actually owe a debt of gratitude to Preston Manning for opening up our democracy at the national level. He paved the way for the Alliance and then the CPC.

His serious, honest, and sensible approach to things is what Canadians were looking for after years of being saturated by and condescended to by the-finger-dance-behind-the-Queen's-back-what's-a-few-million? thuggery of the Liberal$.

So, thank you, Preston! I'm a grateful Canadian who appreciates what you have done, and are doing, for our country, in order to make it a better place for all of us and not just a few special interest groups — which is the order of the day for the LPC.