You know we have hit a new high of absurdity in the climate debate when Alberta Premier Danielle Smith goes on one of the world’s most popular podcasts to stand up for belching and farting.
I kid you not. Belching and farting is indeed a live issue in the climate debate, as witnessed by Smith’s discussion with Jordan Peterson on his podcast this past week.
Peterson put it to Smith that the radical left is pushing degrowth, deindustrialization and depopulation on humanity, advancing these goals by by demonizing fossil fuels. Peterson argued fossil fuel use has raised up the poor and allowed the world to prosper unlike it ever has before.
Smith ran with this notion, suggesting that radicals may have at last gone too far by shifting their campaign away from coal and the oilsands to attack farmers and food production. She noted at the recent United Nations climate conference in Dubai, radicals were “very delighted” that food production, with its massive reliance on fossil fuels for farming, fertilizer and transport, became part of the agenda.
Smith continued. “I think they may have overplayed their hand in going after our food producers. Our food producers are some of our most highest esteemed Industries and professionals in any economy, certainly far above lawyers and used car salesmen and politicians.”
If nothing else, Smith’s colourful example provides a useful line in the sand for 2024 politics: Do you side with the politicians who would tax cow farts? Or are you against them?
Smith’s appearance on Peterson’s podcast is notable for a few other reasons as well.
It signalled her enduring popularity with conservative intellectuals, but it also showed where she’s taking a moderate approach. For example, when Peterson talked about the need to promote the nuclear family lest we descend into chaos, Smith at once noted the growing movement of gays who now embrace conservatism. “(They) share those same values of bonding and monogamy and creating a family environment and connection and working hard and making sure you’re passing on to the next generation and believing in free enterprise.”
Elnaga promised to work against Smith at the party’s coming annual general meeting this fall if she doesn’t step up at once on cutting taxes, cutting government by 25 per cent, replacing the RCMP with a provincial police force, ending Alberta’s participation in the Canada Pension Plan, and halting immigration. “Truly, I quite like Premier Smith,” Elnaga said. “She’s visible and friendly, but I didn’t elect a professional pancake flipper or parade waver. Strongly worded tweets with Trudeau are fun and feisty but I want action.”
Smith’s major mistake to date? Delaying her vow to cut income taxes. Never back away from your biggest campaign promise. She’d be wise to remedy that error pronto, as well as tightening suspect rules that allow private companies to wine, dine and influence her cabinet ministers at supremely expensive Edmonton Oilers playoff games, a lavish benefit that smells of Trudeau-like entitlement.
But Smith’s talk with Peterson also signalled her ongoing political strength. Peterson applauded her for leading the way in banning the medical gender transitioning of children.
As for the right wing of Smith’s base, some may well move against her but in doing so they’re now up against a new but fundamental test. Are they willing to abandon Smith, risk fracturing the party, and possibly help put into power politicians who might well be amenable to a fart tax?