Recently a website has come to my attention called Chandlerlist.info (Twitter). The author of that website writes of a conspiracy being committed by a Craig Chandler (Twitter, organization), specifically in that Mr. Chandler is trying to influence politics by creating “proxy candidates” to run for him because, in theory, he himself cannot run because of past public relations issues.

Three quick points for the anonymous writer:

1. The legal problems you just created for yourself are legion. You made a good choice by getting your domain name done by proxy and hiding your private details, but eventually you’ll be found out. You’ll definitely be found out if you continue to write about Mr. Chandler seeing that (a) he’s a smart guy and (b) he has smart people with him in his posse. I suggest you consult a lawyer and be prepared for the legal eventuality.
2. Understand that calling Mr. Chandler a “snake,” a “fiend,” leader of a “cult,” or a possessor of “fringe” beliefs does not help you or your argument. Rather, show how he’s a fringe person, show how he’s a fiendish law-suite junky, and show how he is duplicitous. Most people do not know who Mr. Chandler is or how active he has been in Albertan politics, and you’ll likely be the first contrarian voice to him that they will find. If they find a mean-spirited rant they’ll skip your opinion. If they find logical, cited, and informative content they’ll continue reading. Make your presentation count.
3. Please, oh please, understand that Chandler has different politics than you but he does have body of people with him that shares his beliefs. To downgrade and insult him is to insult a great many Albertans, albeit they’re in the minority. But being in the minority does not matter since all Albertans and all individuals should command respect and dignity from people. Respect is key here.

Finally, while you might just find that Craig Chandler is evil incarnate or what-have-you… he does want a better Alberta. It might not be like the better Alberta in your vision, or in many others, but he sees something on the horizon and he’s reaching for it. He is training people, getting people together, and trying to achieve something here. He is leading.

He has also been one of the only political guys in Alberta–nay, in the country–that have actively sought out young Canadians to teach them the campaign craft and inclusion into politics. As an example, for his Leadership Institute event on political campaigning that he had a two months ago (I wrote about it, actually, here) he posted numerous times to the University of Calgary’s Wildrose and Conservative campus club facebook groups, contacted dozens of young politicos, bugged professors and teachers to plug his event, and even gave me–an ‘evil’ Liberal–a $65 discount so that a young, curious politically-minded young man could attend the two-day training seminar.

Personally, I find a lot of his ideas illogical and based on false assumptions. At the end of the day I can recognize he’s invigorating people and getting people involved, though. And that there, of engaging people, is worth quite a bit and should be noted in anyone’s appraisal of Mr. Chandler.