The Shotgun Blog
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Thursday, May 25, 2006
Not again!
You'd think that after the David Emerson thing, the Conservatives would have learned.
But no.
Here they are, treating another MP who is not a member of the caucus with respect, offering him a role with responsibility, being inclusive instead of exclusive.
It's that sort of dirty and underhanded political scheming that prompted David Emerson to bolt from his proper place among the Liberals, paragons of political virtue that they are.
This time, it is independent Quebec MP Andre Arthur in the sights:
Rookie Quebec Independent MP André Arthur, a former shock radio jock, is not ruling out the possibility of joining the federal Conservatives in this Parliament.
A controversial former radio personality whom the governing Tories put on the Commons Industry, Science and Technology Committee recently, Mr. Arthur said that he has not been approached by anyone from the Conservative Party, either formally or informally, to join their party.
"The only thing that I've been approached with is an extraordinary treatment. They gave an Independent a seat on a major Parliamentary Committee--Industry, Science and Technology and that is something that I have to measure, in terms of respect and seduction," he said.
"I think it was Jay Hill [who said in answering a reporter's question] that do you expect Arthur to vote with you all the time and he answered, 'Not all the time but once in a while would be fun.' It's quite evident that for me, this is a hand that's stretched in my direction, I shook it, I appreciate what they did."
That "hand" hides a sinister motive:
[Chief Government Whip Jay Hill ] added that the unusual step of putting Mr. Arthur on the Commons Industry committee has nothing to do with the possibility of enticing him to join the Conservative caucus. Rather, he said that the Prime Minister wants to empower each and every MP so that he or she could play a productive and constructive role in the Parliament.
It's enough to make my blood boil! How are we to have true electoral reform in this country with all these empowered and respected MPs gumming up the works, not doing as they are told by party leaders and spin doctors. Bev Dejarlais, the NDP MP for Churchill, was severely punished by Jack Layton for voting her conscience and according to the wishes of her constituents. No longer an MP, she now works for the Conservatives. Keep this up, and we'll have MPs from all three opposition parties wondering if they might not be happier working for an organization that values their thoughts, and not just their votes.
Imagine how much trouble the Conservatives will be in if that happens.
Posted by Steve Janke on May 25, 2006 | Permalink
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Comments
I love it!!
Posted by: HJD | 2006-05-25 4:54:18 PM
Your attempts at sarcasm fall short. Your writing needs a little more work.
Posted by: Howard Roark | 2006-05-25 6:15:28 PM
Howard R: "Your attempts at sarcasm fall short. Your writing needs a little more work."
Steve's piece is more properly called "irony."
(Dare I say, "your writing needs a little more work?")
Posted by: greenmamba | 2006-05-25 10:54:03 PM
KK
I would have thought that "transparency" was the point of the piece, nein?
Posted by: BoomNoZoom | 2006-05-26 12:44:26 PM
For those that can't read the piece for what it says may I suggest a day job other than sitting in front of your computer.
Steve makes perfect sense.
Posted by: in ques t | 2006-05-26 3:36:17 PM
PS
and funny too!
Posted by: in ques t | 2006-05-26 3:37:42 PM
Andre Arthur has been interviewed on Rutherford.
He'd be a great addition to the party.
Quick, Witty. Irreverent.
Could there be a better warrior for the forces of truth?
I think not.
Posted by: Set you free | 2006-05-26 3:46:30 PM
Some pieces on this blog are drivel. Sad but true. This isn't Conservative.ca. I don't visit this site to get official spin from the PMO. Let's start thinking freely for a change.
Oh, and Rona Ambrose is not that hot. She looks a little weird, actually. I mean, look, I wouldn't pass up an opportunity there but I certainly wouldn't call her the next day.
Posted by: Howard Roark | 2006-05-26 4:38:24 PM
Steve - you have once again made me laugh. Laughter is a Canadian value and those of us watching the Liberano/Dipper/Press gang wither on their 'tax payer's money' IV vine are laughing loud and long. We are all real Canadians who love our Canada (the "new" Canada).
Posted by: jema54j | 2006-05-26 9:17:55 PM
Remind us again Steve, where did you stand on Belinda Stronach's defection?
Posted by: Jim in Toronto | 2006-05-27 9:53:03 AM
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