Apolitical Staples

Did you mean to say the Conservatives would try to continue this story? or the NDP?

I think the NDP and others in Vancouver will try to continue to push this story about Emerson being undemocratic blah blah blah. So sad too bad NDP. Shut up and get on with the show.

What a difference one word makes. Thanks, I fixed it.

Emerson is still damaged goods. Harper still looks like a weiner for not cooperating. But ya, let’s move on.

Although this paragraph in the report may serve as a rallying cry for those not thrilled with Emerson’s move:

That having been said, I believe that the discontent expressed by Canadians on this matter cannot be attributed merely to the machinations of partisan politics. Fairly or unfairly, this particular instance has given many citizens a sense that their vote – the cornerstone of our democratic system – was somehow devalued, if not betrayed. Relative to the Office of the Ethics Commissioner, this disquiet is reflected in the gap between the values underlying the principles of the Members’ Code and the detailed conflict of interest rules within the Code itself. While I can administer the rules, the gap can only be addressed through rigorous political debate and the development, through the political process, of the appropriate policies to address it.

The NDP will probably (and in my opinion rightly) call for changes in the law, ending this practice once and for all.

Rehotorical question. How can you wrap your head around accepting what Shapiro says in this matter when just a few weeks ago you were all claiming he has no credibility?

Robert - fair point. I really don’t care what Shapiro says on this. I have my opinions on Emerson (politically dumb but allowed) that are unaffected by this report. By the same token those who want him to resign will be undeterred as well.

I am just tired of the story so that is what I would like to move on.

Harper’s PMO said Harper was “loath to cooperate.” It didn’t say he wouldn’t cooperate.

Quote from G&M:

“Mr. Shapiro, however, noted Monday that both Mr. Harper and Mr. Emerson responded in writing on March 6, addressing the allegations in the original notice. He also made note of a conversation he had with the Prime Minister on the matter earlier in the month”.

This “story” is so over.

“Harper still looks like a weiner for not cooperating.”

What does one make of this statement from the CBC article?

“In the end, though, Harper gave Shapiro both an interview and a written response, the report said.”

Stated in the report:

“Third step: On March 6, 2006, both Mr. Harper and Mr. Emerson responded in writing, addressing the allegations that were contained in the Notices of March 2, 2006. As well, in the Prime Minister’s response, he referred to a conversation I had with him regarding this matter on March 2, 2006.”

It will be interesting to see whether a popular myth (“Harper Refused to Cooperate!”) is sustained when people are making up their tar-and-feathers comments in future, or not.

Now is the time for Harper to propose getting rid of Shapiro

I am just tired of the story so that is what I would like to move on.

This story is not going to go away and unless Emerson literally turns water into wine before the next election, Harper is already guaranteed to lose one seat.

Nah. Emerson may not even run again but whatever happens then it will be a new story. Or a new chapter anyway.

“Harper still looks like a weiner for not cooperating.”

What does one make of this statement from the CBC article?

“In the end, though, Harper gave Shapiro both an interview and a written response, the report said.”

It tells me Harper will say one thing in public and do something else behind the scenes. Are we sure he isn’t running for leader of the Liberal Party?

Given the record time this report came out (compared, say, to the Srgo report) I wonder if we now can expect a quick turnaround on the Stronach-Paul Martin floor Xing report from Shapiro. I wonder if Stronach and Martin have “responded in writing” to Shapiro yet? Just curious.

I agree with Mr. Staples,

This ridiculous story needs to be done with so the country can move along. As we have seen, there are plenty of major issues out there to discuss aside from “was it a bribe?”

Hopefully the rest of Canada will move on and we won’t have to listen to the almighty NDP lecture us on party switching. Is anyone else tired of hearing Alexa McDonough, Jack Layton et al wrattle on about whatever comes to their heads?

Riley, call me Greg.

It will be interesting to see whether a popular myth (“Harper Refused to Cooperate!”) is sustained when people are making up their tar-and-feathers comments in future, or not.

Well, if it does, and it probably will, Harper will only have himself to blame for it. After all, he’s the one who publically said he wasn’t going to co-operate and made absolutely no attempt to alert the public that he was in fact going to.

This ridiculous story needs to be done with so the country can move along.

Right, just like you conservatives moved on from so many stories. Bwah!

Good Grief people!!! One last time, all together now (especially you, Robert) The prime minister never at any time said he would not cooperate.

Not yet time for moving on …. there are still wrongs to be righted.

Harper and Emerson might have been exonerated under the code of ethics as no inducement was proven.

However, both men were guilty of an appalling political misjudgment, and of past and continuing arrogance towards the voters of Vancouver Kingsway.

The timing of Emerson’s defection, and the mind boggling statements by both men to justify both their decision to subvert the obvious intentions of the voters in that riding, and to denigrate those protesting the theft of their votes, are beneath contempt.

Harper and Emerson are still politically in the wrong. Emerson will get his comeuppance should he run again in any constituency in Canada. Harper will get his during the next session of Parliament and the next election, when he tries to ride the high horse of ethics to victory one more time.

Both are soiled.

And the voters of Vancouver Kingsway are still being deprived of their rightful representation in Parliament. It is now up to them to pursue their Charter rights in the courts, as the toothless ethics code did not right the wrong done to them by these two opportunistic politicans.

One way or another, justice will be done.

Check your calendars folks.

The PMO said Harper was loathe to co-operate with Shapiro’s political stunt AFTER Harper responsed responded verbally and in writing.

What Harper said then. What the PMO said then. What Shapiro said today. It’s all agrees on these three points:

1. Shapiro never received allegations of any special inducements.

2. Shapiro said offering the post in and of itself was never an issue.

3. Shapiro was playing politics. He states in the report that the Code covers conflict of interest, but that he would like jurisdiction over other ethical (political) matters .

Democracy Watch is right. If the NDP has any integrity on these issues they’ll call for Shapiro to resign.

“It tells me Harper will say one thing in public and do something else behind the scenes. Are we sure he isn’t running for leader of the Liberal Party?”

Never lose an opportunity to spin, eh? There is clearly no reason for anyone to pay attention to anything you write or say.

Well, if it does, and it probably will, Harper will only have himself to blame for it.

It’s not his job to stop people from lying in pursuit of their goals. All we need to do is ignore them.

However, both men were guilty of an appalling political misjudgment, and of past and continuing arrogance towards the voters of Vancouver Kingsway.

The timing of Emerson’s defection, and the mind boggling statements by both men to justify both their decision to subvert the obvious intentions of the voters in that riding, and to denigrate those protesting the theft of their votes, are beneath contempt.”

That reminds me of something…what can it be? Ah, I have it:

However, both [] were guilty of an appalling political misjudgment, and of past and continuing arrogance towards [the will of Parliament].

The timing of [Stronach]’s defection, and the mind boggling statements by both [] to justify both their decision to subvert the obvious intentions of the [Opposition], and to denigrate those protesting the theft of their [statements of non-confidence], are beneath contempt.

Doubtless you were happy then, but you are not now. Wah.