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Blog of Adam Daifallah -- author, journalist, law student. Lover of politics, writing, golf, curling, fitness, fashion, bacon and maple products -- not necessarily (but probably) in that order. Partisan of the Anglosphere. Contact me via email at adam@daifallah.com. This summer I am joined by Keir Wilmut and Omar Soliman.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Emerson / Fortier, the Energizer bunny story
It won't die, folks.
In reading comments on this blog and the thoughts of others, including several high-profile Tories, it is obvious that there is a lot of anger out there. Also a fair number of people defending the indefensible, some of whom would admit privately that they are actually appalled by this. As for the comment that the media is over-emphasizing the story -- no. They are not. They would be doing the same thing if it were the Liberals.
I fail to see how anyone can make excuses for what happened. I was particularly surprised to see two rock-ribbed conservatives whom I respect greatly, Ted Morton and Ezra Levant, engaging in excuse-making for these incidents on TV yesterday and today. They appear to have bought into the "it's for the greater long-term good" argument, the line the Harper people are trying to sell. The thinking goes that Emerson will solve the softwood lumber dispute, the Tories will get credit, and they'll pick up a bunch of new seats out West next time and form a majority. Sure, that could happen. But does it make what happened right?
Re-read Tony Quirk's comment: "I am concerned that we are beginning to use examples of previous Liberal behaviour to justify our current Conservative behaviour."
One more time now: "I am concerned that we are beginning to use examples of previous Liberal behaviour to justify our current Conservative behaviour."
That's all that matters here. The fact that the Liberals engaged in this behaviour is not an excuse for the Tories to do it, it is precisely why they should NOT do it! Conservatives are supposed to conservative, ie. have principles, ie. do what's right, not what's expedient, ie. not do what the Liberals would do in same situation. Seems like a no-brainer to me.
My mind keeps going back to the same point: this whole thing was totally unnecessary. What a shame.
(By the way, via Coyne, apparently even Fortier thinks Emerson should have to run in a by-election. How's that for caucus unity?)
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 12:10 PM
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