The Game is Afoot from The Insomniac
Well, on the day that Canada's 22nd Prime Minister arrived at Rideau Hall in a mini-van to be sworn in, I spent the day in grade 2 wondering what was happening in Ottawa. From what I've seen, we've had a [Read More]

Tracked on February 7, 2006 2:06 AM

Nads the size of Magna-manufactured ball bearings from BumfOnline
It is still nice to know that some conservatives have their gonads fully intact ... [Read More]

Tracked on February 7, 2006 2:29 AM

In praise of Stephen from Blue Blogging Soapbox
"To understand how far Stephen Harper has come, you have to recall how far back he started. When he became the leader of the Canadian Alliance in 2002, it was fair to ask whether the job was worth holding. Under its previous leader, Stockwell Day, the ... [Read More]

Tracked on February 7, 2006 8:30 AM

Blogging "Tories" Openly Organizing Against CPC from Anonalogue
In the past, bloggers have been kicked out of the Blogging Tories for not supporting the CPC, this despite the fact the offending parties kept their views to their own (widely unread) blogs. Now here we have a case of people - ignorant, politically i... [Read More]

Tracked on February 7, 2006 9:18 AM

The best is the enemy of the good from Steve Janke: Angry in the Great White North
At small dead animals, we get a no-holds-barred reminder of what politics is about, and what the big picture is. Finally. [Read More]

Tracked on February 7, 2006 11:02 AM

Kate puts it best from Black Sheep Press
And Harper himself said immediately after Stronach left that he was opposed to legislation limiting a Member of Parliament from being able to cross the floor. Harper anyways is being consistent, perhaps he recognized at the time the possibility that ... [Read More]

Tracked on February 7, 2006 12:13 PM

Why the Mainstream Media is despised… from cerdipity
...almost as much as lawyers. Prime Minister Harper invites a David Emerson, a member of the opposition, to join his governing team for the express purpose of continuing the work on behalf of Canada that the Emerson was doing before his party lost p... [Read More]

Tracked on February 7, 2006 3:19 PM

Et tu, Brute? from Plum Blossoms
Paul Wells asks whether David Emerson is Harper's Harriet Miers. Well I guess superficially all the furious conservatives may seem the same, but no, it's not the same thing, because: David Emerson was still a card-carrying Liberal when he got... [Read More]

Tracked on February 8, 2006 5:03 AM

Et tu, Brute? from Plum Blossoms
Paul Wells asks whether David Emerson is Harper's Harriet Miers. Well I guess superficially all the furious conservatives may seem the same, but no, it's not the same thing, because: David Emerson was still a card-carrying Liberal when he... [Read More]

Tracked on February 8, 2006 5:18 AM

Tell A Fellow Tory You Love Her (or Him) from Plum Blossoms
The conservative response to the Harper cabinet has seemed to coalesce into two camps: the Kool-Aid drinkers, exemplified by this SDA post, and the raging righteous rightists, who Damian B has been cataloging quite thoroughly. Both sides seem complete... [Read More]

Tracked on February 12, 2006 10:47 PM

Kate

Like a true surgeon you cut to the chase

Syncro

Amen Kate. In fact the foaming at the mouth being done by tories on these blogs has now been reported by the MSM - to the delight of the Liberals and NDP.

Harper has to work with the deck he has been dealt - under the rules of the day. Where was the outcry when Trudeau appointed unelected senators to cabinet to address regional representation.
Or, when Chretien appointed unelected Pettigrew and unelected Dion to cabinet before they stood for election.
What Harper did was not, in any way, unrecedented.
Neither was Emerson crossing the floor. Harper was against the NDP proposal about floor crossers having to go through by elections. He gave excellent reasons for this during the CBC roundtable which is being quoted on numerous blogs.
So, he did not betray any of his own policies; any of his ethics and IMHO he made tough management decisions to better represent under-represented cities at cabinet and to put needed skills at the table.
Brilliant. I think so. Brave? Yes- the mark of a leader. Make the tough decisions to get the right results.I applaud him and we should rally our support instead of making the news as being rabid nay sayers.

You got it right, Kate! Cut PHSM some slack and let him get 'r done.

er...PMSH.

Kate:

Your insight is incredible.
Thanks for your site and keep up the good work.

Maitland

Right on Kate. I had a tough time tonight trying to convince my local Conservative candidate in Ottawa (who just lost the election) that what Harper did was gutsy and was the right thing to do if we want to stay in power for the next decade. You're abolutely right. We must use all the tools at our disposal. Why give the Liberals a chance to get off the mat?

Emerson is a quality minister who only went to the Liberals because he saw them as the "natural governing party". If we can convince future quality candidates to turn to the CPC as the governing party of the future we must be ready to do it. Anything less is irresponsible.

I totally agree Kate. And all of this bitching and whining is getting a tad bit ridculous.

Let's let the whole Libeal party in. It'll be
good - we'll be in power for ever ... just
like the liberal party. Oh, wait aminute,
we would be the Liberal party.

And a seconf point - pragmatic politics
requires at least a nod in the direction of
supporters and principals.

Well said Kate. Still, I'm not very comfortable with Emerson getting a cabinet post right away like this. Bad optics.

p.s. looks like there's an open italic tag in your post.

MODERATION IN ALL THINGS - "Thinkers of ancient Greece held the notion of moderation in high esteem. As early as the nineth century B.C., the historian Hesiod wrote in 'Works and Days,' 'Observe due measure, moderation is best in all things.' The Greek playwright Euripides echoed that sentiment in 'Medea' (c. 431 B.C.) with, 'Moderation, the noblest gift of heaven,' and after him the philosopher Plato advised in 'Gorgias' (c. 375 B.C.), 'We should pursue and practice moderation.' Centuries later, Chaucer first rendered a similar English saying in 'Troilus and Criseyde' (c. 1385) with 'In every thyng, I woot, there lith mesure (moderation or proportion)'

Conservatives, above all else, ahould be conservers of values. Basic fundamental values; not institutions.

I predict several more Liberals who were abandonded by Coach Martin to be looking for a better coach. I also think there are many good Liberals who themselves are disgusted by what their party has become - the Dingwall thing being the icing on the cake too.
It is hard to be considered ethical, honest and non-corrupt when you sit in an unethical party. And, I predict that once the audits begin and the Conservatives have a look at the books we will find that AdScam was the tip of the iceburg.
Would you stick around when the poop starts to fly? When you have no leader? When your party is disdained and disrespected. When all you really want to do is serve your constituents?
Expect more Liberals to seek sanity and sanctuary with the Harper conservatives.

Kate...a brilliant piece, and by the way is that female marcher on the left in the pic you? If so, let me say that like fine wine, you have definitely improved over time...

I have been personally been soooo tired of seeing the party(s) that I have supported personally and financially losing the election and essentially stating that "well we lost, but at least we held on to our principals"

What BS...if you don't assume power, you cannot change what's wrong with our country, and God knows changes are definitely in order.

Point being, a "moral" victory is no victory at all, at least in politics.

And...being pragmatic on some issues does not necessarily mean that you are jettisoning your principles...it COULD mean that you've decided to play chess instead of chinese checkers...

you can always paint over black with white paint

So now inkless wells is taking shots at you. I guess the big media types don't like it when someone actually defends the CPC.

I really enjoyed reading this blog while you were giving hell to the sleazy bunch we have had to endure for such a long time. On Harper's first day in office, it turns out that you (and he) are just a different shade of ends-justify-the-means expedience chasers.

Quel dommage.

The Emerson deal is about ambition nothing more. His and Harpers. Wells is wrong this won't turn out to be a Harriet Myers. But don't kid yourself this deal sucks - not enough to loose faith or cause a blog storm of protest but lets be honest and say that the deal is a bad one and a mistake and those that supported the party think it is wrong.

Ministers named from outside Parliament -1867 to present
http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/people/key/MinOut.asp?lang=E

Senators in Cabinet (includes Paul Martin Sr.)
http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/people/Senate/SenateCabinet.asp?lang=E&source=min

Kate... I can't help but say...

Your description of the post-Romanow wasteland is quite "Soviet". It fits!

Thanks for saying what needs to be said for those who are not as eloquent as they'd like to be. A wonderful piece that's helped comfort my mind regarding my feelings on the issue.

Thank you Kate! You are expressing much of what I have been feeling today. While I am not keen on the whole issue of Emmerson crossing the floor, I feel that people are failing to put things in perspective and to see the big picture here. In some cases, people have their facts mixed up as well. It is all very well to stand on the purity of one's ideals when in Opposition, however the reality is that, once you attain power, you must make some hard decisions. There will be times when people will not agree with such decisions, but they still need to be made. We have seen what happens when the PM fails to make decisions and clearly that does not work well either.

I have found it very difficult to read the blogs today, what with people frothing at the mouth and failing to clearly perceive reality through the fog. People need to take a deep breath and start clearly thinking here, rather than ranting.

Enuf said.

Kate: Best opening two paragraphs in a post, ever.

You big balloon popper.

You'll note Wells has failed to provide a link to my alleged reference to Paul Martin's political morality of the Stronach crossing. I went after Stronach hard, but I don't believe I made any reference to Martin at all.

(What for? One hardly needed such evidence after the cancellation of opposition days, followed by a week of refusing to acknowledge the fall of his own government through a vote of non-confidence.)

It was Stronach who looked at that behavior and said "that's for me!".

How strange, though - that Wells would refer to "Harriet Miers".

Didn't he notice that Alito was just confirmed with the Democrats disintegrating before a national audience?

If this is Stephen Harper's "Harriet Miers", then he's a craftier SOB than even the most partisan give him credit for.

I wonder if Emerson will complete his makeover by changing his name to Belinda. Yeh, Belinda Emerson has a really nice ring to it.

People I know are divided into two camps on Harper: that he is a principled man who is going to change the way politics is done or he is the Anti-Christ. My story all along has been the same: he's just another politician who will say anything to get elected. Turns out I was right.

All the self righteous fury about never electing senators and that members who cross the floor should resign was apparently a lot of hooey. It's bad when the other side does it since it shows they have no principals or morals. It's ok when we do it though since you guys are still a-holes and we have to compete with you.

I'm looking forward to the long essays complaining that the media are being hard on you for abandoning your principals when , and the poo pooh-ing of conservatives who think this is b.s. and how they should suck it up for the team but the fact is that if Harper uses the same tools, tactics and bs that the Liberals did in their worst days then Canadians will tar him with the same brush and treat him accordingly.

You can't have it both ways. If you want to run on a reformist platform - fabulous. If you want to act like Liberals, that might work, too, until they get their act together. If you want to reformist government and justify bad behaviour with the assertion they are still not as bad as the other party, that ain't gonna fly for long.

Keep another thing in mind: As a show of solidarity with average Canadians most of the new ministers took taxis or drove themselves today to show they aren't like the evil, corrupt Liberals. This is exactly the same tactic that Chretien used in 93 to show he wasn't like the evil, corrupt Tories.

La plus ca change.

Time for a reality check. People instinctively mistrust Harper. As weird as Diefenbaker was, and as smarmy as Mulroney was, they both won huge majorities against tired and corrupt Liberal governments. While they didn't have the Bloc bleeding off seats, Harper still should have won a majority. Now he's putting himself in Joe Clark's position with this dumb stunt. If the opposition parties detect any loss in Conservative support they'll force an election. The Liberals want it sooner than later before any more scandals get flushed out. I'd expect that enough old Reformers and Western separatists will bleed off enough Conservative support to take even Alberta seats off the safe list.

The Tories better enjoy the view from the government benches while they can. It might not last long.

RJM

So running in an important election under a red banner, and then immediately selling out everyone that voted for him... Is now something to be adored???

But eh, why would anyone on the Right want to "prove a point" regarding "Conservative Principle"?!?! :(

The quote about gnats and camels brought to mind another situation Jesus commented on.

Mark 9:40, "For he that is not against us is on our part."

He wasn't worried about someone working for Him being of a different "party".

Principles matter to some of us Conservatives.

Reform anyone?

"when you fight a monster, be careful not to become a monster yourself"

Stephen Harper quoting Nietzhe, May 2005

Kate,
You have said it well. As a fellow stubble-jumper in this great province of Saskatchewan, I too have seen daily 'up close and personal' the stifling effect of NDP policy in this province. With a resource mix as good or better than our neighbor to the west we have had to settle for 'have-not' status for way too long. The NDP would point out that we are now a 'have' province... funny, I hadn't noticed that the last time I sent one of my sons to Alberta and obviously couldn't convince him either. Kate, you were right to point out the obvious; that things would have been much different by now had that election result been honored by the Libs and Dippers of the day. The point is, hats off to the NDP for making it work and having several extra years to set the agenda in this province, namely to throw a blanket over anything that might turn a profit or get into business and compete with them until they leave.

As for the current federal climate, we Conservatives need to take a deep breath, plug our noses on this Emmerson appointment and realize that if there is going to be change come to this great nation it is going to come through strong leadership and vision. I don't like what PMSH did today any better than anybody else as it helps to load the cannons on the other side but I can count. This turn around by Emmerson puts a new light on the chances for government stability and perhaps longevity, hopefully two full years! The down side is nobody is smiling bigger than Jack Layton who once again gets to hold the balance in this government.
Holding my nose in North Battleford...
Maranatha

This was a brilliant move on Harper's part. Besides, I don't recall reading or hearing anywhere that DE actually gave up his membership in the Liberal Party. He was asked to join the cabinet, not the caucus. I could be wrong on this count, but like I said earlier on the previous thread, Harper would not have done this without a compelling reason. He's worked too hard and long to get the CPC to this position and would not jeopordize it right off the bat. Let's see how this plays out.

Another thing, waiting 2 months to reconvene parliament gives the tories ample time to find a few skeletons and to have a game plan to hold off a Lieberal attack. Harper has been full of surprises the past couple of months. The libs have been caught with their collective pants down and haven't been able to counter him. I think that we will learn over the next few days the whys and wherefores. Lets take a collective deep breath, do some stretches, go for a walk and relax.

Thank you Kate!!! You nailed it...first day on the job and some supposed CPC backers are looking for a bridge to jump off...
Let's let the smoke settle...
I've alluded before to Mr. Harper's chess-like moves...maybe I'm wrong and he's just a wicked poker player??? Game on...

Last spring I recall Mike Duffy on what seemed like a flailing Martin minority - a warning to Conservatives "never take your foot of the neck of a Liberal"..

And when, sure enough, they squeezed out of the hold, and pushed through their budget on a surprise vote, it was evidence that Harper was a bush league beginner - no match for Martin. By the fall, there was a manufactured campaign to dump him as leader, and a good percentage of punditry joined the chorus.

So, this time he's keeping his foot down, and now he's "unprincipled" for not offering them a little breathing space.

Sometimes, I do despair.

"There wasn't much the SaskParty could do about it, but at least the purity of their principle kept conservatives warm at night."

Hilarious.

Let's ask Brenda Bakken Lackey about the Sask Party's 'purity of principle,' shall we?

"Well, no it didn't, come to think of it. A lot of our best and brightest left the province and they still do. While dippers nationwide swoon at the mention of Romanow today, Saskatchewan's economy endures crumbling infrastructure, declining population, rising crime rates, predatory crown corporations and the worst business tax environment in the Western world."

Again, pure hilarity.

Almost none of this is true--including the nation-wide swoon for Romanow--but what it lacks in truth, it makes up for in amusement.

Keep up the good work.

I only refer you to what Ayn Rand said about living in a welfare state. To paraphrase she said that as long as you vocally oppose and acknowledge that it is an imperfect world in need of improvement, you must operate within the system you find yourself. It is suicide and immoral to make a martyr out of yourself so the very people who warped the system win by default and victimize you further. Anything else would be a 'Sanction of the Victims' ... a wonderful critique she had for businessmen caught up in corporatist structures ... that then manufacture some rationalization and sell it as philosophy.

I apologize for not getting the actual quotes ;)

Maybe Alan Greenspan will tell us some day what he thought he bought by being Chairman of the Fed. Leonard Piekoff suggests while saying its not up to him to judge that he simply 'sold out'.

I think Alan did the best he could with what he had, and the same goes for Stephen Harper.

as always you are excellent Kate...i agree and i feel PMSH has really done a gutsy and smart thing...maybe a few more libs will cross....but please not Belinda!!!

1)Emerson said that he is a non-partisan player (CBC newsworld). He wants to represent his riding the best way possible.
2)He has good credentials
3)Vancouver should not be left out of our Federal Cabinet
4)Harper needed to bring the country together. That requires gutsy moves like this.
Good post Kate. You knocked it out of the park.

"So, this time he's keeping his foot down, and now he's "unprincipled" for not offering them a little breathing space."

No, he's unprincipled because he made a big deal, nay, a primary focus of his campaign to do things differently, to have better democratic accountability to voters, to not appoint senators, etc. etc. He knotted the noose and put it around his own head. He'll be the one running out of oxygen if he thinks that he can just ignore his own rhetoric and platitudes.

Politics is a bloodsport and he learned his lesson well: campaign like a lamb so you can hide the fact you are both a wolf and swine.

Ted
Cerberus

I just don't get all this moaning and hand wringing about "ideals". I thought it was kind of the ideal to first win people over to one's ideas. If they bring a whole constituency with them, so much the better.

Reminds me of what somebody said about the Palistinian people always snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

When Wells mentions Harriet Miers I'm guessing that he is speaking to Frum, and suggesting that just as Miers' (attempted) appointment was threatening to split the right in the US for a while, Emerson's appointment might be doing the same to the Canadian right, such as it is.

Doubt it. We'll see in a week. If the Liberals pick this one for ammunition, it'll fire backwards. Wells can be inconsistant, that's his job, but the Liberals have history that matters. Someone pointed out at another site that when Trudeau was effectively annihilated in the West after the NEP he directly appointed 4 senators to cabinet to represent the west. None of them ran in any by-election.

And to return in a manner to Kate's thread, if five, or ten, Liberals had said last May, "you know what, I cannot support this corruption, I can't even look my own grandparents in the face, I'm going over to the Conservatives" would we have been all pissed-off, or happy about it?

Good grief! "If there is to be any hope of democratic renewal..." perhaps it should start now. Emerson was elected as a Liberal. he didn't choose to walk away from the corrupt, as you put it. He hoodwinked the electorate, and Harper rewarded him handsomely for it. My opinion of Harper just fell a few notches. Likewise of your blog for so vigorously defending this unprincipled and deceiptful B.S.

Scott

All this back patting is a little out of order. Just as in the Stronach episode, a lot of individual voters, exercising their franchise the best way they knew how, have been given the finger by their candidate. The time for Emerson to have declared his desire to serve in any Gov't that would have him was BEFORE the election; he could have run as an independant. The sleaze starts here and now. No more moral high ground. Before any body gets on my case, I've supported my Conservative candidates INSPITE of Mulroney's stench.

There's going to be a lot of posts for a while from people who will claim to have voted Conservative, and that they now are so disgusted that they will vote NDP or Liberal instead.

Yeah, they're practicing they're "ideals".

I think this quote sums up this whole matter:

"Don't hate the player....hate the game"

PMSH ( dang thats sounds good) didnt create this political system of ours - he simply operates in it. If this uproar from both the left and the right is the cost to get a very capable MP to serve in a very important portfolio, i say it is worth it. My wild guess is that in 2 years that this decision will be seen as a brillant move by the Prime Minister( by addressing several weaknesses that he had after the lection) and will help to the Conservative Party to another mandate

Kate wrote this:

"However - if there is to be any hope of the type of democratic renewal possible only under a majority government, we had better get a grip on the very real fact that the present rules are the ones everyone else is playing by, and that they lend themselves to crass political opportunism because they have been crafted and refined by crass political opportunists.

For the Conservatives not to use all legal parliamentary precedents to their advantage because of concerns over principle and optics, will only ensure the return of power to a Liberal Party proven to have no such reservations."

Of course, it is a falsehood to say that the 'rules' we saw followed today by David Emerson and Stephen Harper 'are the ones everyone else is playing by.'

As Jack Layton, Ed Broadbent and the NDP have argued for some time, what happened today should not be allowed. Stephen Harper offered words of praise for Ed Broadbent's ethics package during the campaign--a package that would have prevented what we saw today--but we now see that he was about as sincere in that praise as he was in his call for serious Senate reform.

Now, if by 'everyone else,' Kate means the more-or-less equivalent Libs/Cons, she is, of course, correct. She just shouldn't imply the federal NDP believes in treating the voters of Vancouver-Kingsway with the contempt David Emerson and Stephen Harper have shown them all today.

As for Kate's claim that the Conservatives should use any and all legal parliamentary precedents to their advantage, lest by their reticence they return to power a Liberal party 'with no such reservations'--I must ask, 'what reservations would those be, Kate?'

For the Conservative party has shown itself no more reserved than the Liberals in exploiting parliamentary precedent for partisan advantage.

When, last year, Liberal Tony Valeri exercised a totally legal and amply precedented move to reschedule opposition days, Stephen Harper and the Conservatives erupted in fury, arguing that "When a government starts trying to cancel dissent or avoid dissent ... is when it's rapidly losing its moral authority to govern," Harper told reporters Monday night."

Back then, it seems, Conservatives considered Kate's 'concerns over optics and principle' to be supreme over 'legal parliamentary precedents': after all, who were the Liberals to claim parliamentary precedent gave them the right to reschedule opposition days, when 'optics' and 'principle' put them clearly in the wrong?

Now, however, we have Kate and other Conservative supporters arguing that the same Valeriesque maneuvers (legal sure, but politically valid?) they once condemned are A-OK, provided they lead to Conservative victories.

And all of this, apparently, because Conservatives have 'reservations' about abusing their political power.

Evidence, please?

Agree with you Kate. What surprises me is the outrage that I've seen in the comments here; appointing Emerson to the cabinet was a totally unexpected move and hopefully Harper has a lot more such tricks up his sleeve to keep the Liebrals off balance. It would have been very nice to have a Conservative majority, but we'll have make the best of the current situation. So far I've been impressed by Harpers performance and for those who have to myopically stand up for their principles, they can vote against the CPC once it has a majority. I'm eagerly awaiting the time when I can again vote Libertarian in federal elections, but realistically, if I want to see the firearms act eliminated in my lifetime, I have to vote for the CPC.

One party that has steadfastly and uncompromisingly stood by its principles is the Western Canada Concept. The WCC has been around for over 20 years, and while I believe in what the WCC stands for (I was a member for a while), I don't think that Doug Christie has gotten more than ~300 votes in an election. I suspect I'll have a lot more success in getting greater independance for the west by voting CPC in the next few years.

I was an early member of the Reform party and when I first joined if someone had told me that I would someday be voting for the CPC, I would have told them they were crazy. I quit the Canadian Alliance over its support of bill C-36 and now limit my political participation to voting and sending Gary Breitkreuz yearly political donations (I live in Vancouver, but Gary has been the most influential member of the CPC and I was somewhat disappointed that he wasn't appointed to the cabinet). There are certain fundamental views that I've held for over 35 years, but I've learned that often the fastest route to achieve ones goal is an indirect one.

In BC, the CPC now has significantly fewer votes than the Reform party did at its peak. By bringing David Emerson into the cabinet, the CPC might be able to recapture much of the BC vote. While it didn't come up in the campaign, a large number of BC voters are terrified that Harper might make cannabis illegal here (Layton was the only person who said he wouldn't). For those of you who don't know Vancouver, cannabis laws don't exist aside from desultory efforts to prevent large-scale cultivation. Also, cannabis is now BC's #1 cash crop with revenues surpassing forestry revenues.

If the CPC takes off in Quebec, then who needs TO? A sufficiently decentralized country will make western separatists like me happy, make Quebec separatists happy and the only problem left to deal with would be what to do with Toronto? Hold an international raffle? (And where to build all of the new jails to house liebral criminals from the previous government).

I suspect we'll see other MP's crossing over to the CPC and Keith Martin comes to mind. I've never quite understood why Keith quit the CA to become a Liebral although I suspect it may have had something to do with bad feelings secondary to his run for the CA leadership.

What is most important now is separating Liebral criminals from the merely confused. The former should be in jail, and as for the latter; anyone can make mistakes.

Credulo:

Yes, and most of them will be telling the truth. I not only supported my Con candidate,I worked 'phones, put up signs and gave money. Next time around,I won't be able to bring myself to vote Lib or NDP but I'll sure as hell stay home on election day. Liberal, Tory, same old story.

Spot-On Kate!
Soooo many of you ASSUME DE's constituents elected him because he was a "liberal". Has it occured to the pius masses that perhaps he was elected because of who he is, and his ability to get things done? I'll repeat it for the hard of reading: Was DE elected for his ability or his party? Has anyone asked the people of that riding why they voted for him? I'm sure if the constituents are p*ssed, they'll let DE know at the ballot box. Do you really think, after all that has gone on, that Harper is an idiot? Sure sounds like alot do. All this sanctimonious handwringing of principles... Go ahead... take yer foot off the liberal throat. Go back to playing "chinese checkers" and let the govt. get back to playing chess (h/t Bruce).Personally, I'd just step down a lil harder! You can fight fire with fire, or fight fire with water. Sooner or later, you'll realize that water evaporates.

Yep, how about them Libs?

Lets see we've just finished "Slagfest 2006" and people are surprised that PM Stephen Harper is conducting 'lifeboat' talent rescuing from a tainted Liberal crew.

Lets recall the NDP candidate who was to take a fall in the Abbotsford riding; enticed by a Liberal; allegedly.

A Lib supporter suggesting the Conservative candidate was a sexual molester on radio and TV (Sask); with the intent of libel and slander.

Voters list tampering in Landslide Annie's old riding of Edmonton.

Ballot box stuffing for the Libs in Desenthe-Churchill.

All "highly democratic activities" on the part of Liberals. If I were David Emerson; I would be leaving the Liberals as well.

Belbimbo Strumpet crossed the floor and embraced the party of sin and corruption. David Emerson is leaving the party of sin and corruption. Perhaps he reached his own personal level of disgust and finally saw the light on the road to Damascus; unlike the erstwhile former PM Paul.

Turncoat or have the Liberals so reached a cesspit of odium through "Slagfest 2006" that some were rightly disgusted with the performance.

Walking across the floor for no reward, principled decision.

Walking across the floor for reward, political pragmatist or opportunist?

The optics are decidedly bad; was David Emerson hit by a bolt of electoral lightning on the way to Damascus or is he like his namesake David loading his sling to slay some more Philistines in the Liberal party?

Or even more apocalyptic; was in fact David Emerson: THE MOLE????!!!!!????

Hans.... Wouldn't it be a kicker if DE was "the mole"? One of Harpers "secret weapons"? Perhaps DE is just one of those people who wants to accomplish things for the people, regardless of what party is governing. I'd say those types are a very rare commodity indeed.

Why tell people to smarten up and stop griping so the Liberals aren't "sucked back into power".

They voted for tangible change, not change deferred. How hard would have been to to say no and how easy for Harper to be loyal to his supporters, rather than challenging their loyalty or political smarts.

You might win the SDA Award instead of Ol Hoss.

Haw, haw, haw, I'm reminded of Jehonadab in 2 Kings 10. He gathered all the Baal worshippers into one building by pretending he was going to make a sacrifice to Baal. Once he got them into the building he barred the doors and killed them all.

He used their own philosophy to kill them. Not unlike PMSH is using Liberal philosophy to slay them.

God said that was the right thing to do in His eyes (2 Kings 10:30).

A little covert action will go a long way.

"For the Conservatives not to use all legal parliamentary precedents to their advantage because of concerns over principle and optics, will only ensure the return of power to a Liberal Party proven to have no such reservations."

Can anyone explain to me why we bothered to have an election if the Conservatives are going to behave exactly like the Liberals? If not for acting on principle, what exactly is the difference between the previous government and this one? And if this one abandons principle on the very first day they are in power, then what was the point of electing them in the first place?

This was a stupid, stupid move.

No, Ed, this was an expression of Harper's highest principles. Rather than making his cabinet selections on strictly partisan grounds, he has enlisted the willing help of someone with expertise and invaluable expertise.

Were you outraged, by the way, when Brison "crossed over"? Or when Trudeau appointed four men to the senate in order to put them in cabinet?

People should trust and support Harper. The attacks from within are short-sighted.

Emerson has experience.

Well said EBD! Experience is what Harper NEEDS right now. DE has stated before he isn't a partisan.I believe DE is one of those rare people who doesn't give a rat's who is in charge, he just wants to do his work, for his constituents, and his country. So, let him be, let him work, let him help. Trust Harper... he didn't get this far by being stupid. He has 5 things to accomplish, that's all, just 5. Anything else is a bonus. I'm sure this won't be the last of the talent crossing the floor. And if it helps Harper in the ultimate goal of reforming govt, then great!

The comments here have been a Smorgasbord of delights. So many eager (and recent) Conservatives just itching to dive into the political dirt shouting: "Me too!" They all want to drink Emerson bath water. They celebrate how Harper has mooned the whole nation within a day of taking office. They seem to feel they have arrived in the big time now that their man has showed himself instantly ready and willing to get down there among the swine.
Alas I feel just as I did when I heard that all the big papers were coming out in support of the Conservatives: the fix is in, I thought, and our "betters" have decided to dump on one pol for a fresher model. Now it appears that someone has decided that a BC voice of a certain type is needed to push along the gigantic disaster that the Olympics of 2010 is sure to prouduce, plus bridges and highways, allways that, which our betters have also decided must proceed.
So we do not really have a politics? Guess not. But we have got rid of the English accent ? Well, yes, but we seem still to be burdened by the Blue Blazer crowd, and it looks like the fresly minted Conservative government has already been
given its marching orders. Harper lasted 24 hours.

Edmund Burke (1729-1797)

Speech To The Electors Of Bristol
Excerpt:

Parliament is not a congress of ambassadors from different and hostile interests, which interests each must maintain, as an agent and advocate, against other agents and advocates;

Parliament is a deliberative assembly of one nation, with one interest—that of the whole—where not local purposes, not local prejudices, ought to guide, but the general good, resulting from the general reason of the whole.

You choose a member, indeed;

but when you have chosen him, he is not member of Bristol, but he is a member of Parliament.

If the local constituent should have an interest, or should form an hasty opinion evidently opposite to the real good of the rest of the community, the member for that place ought to be as far as any other from any endeavour to give it effect.

I beg pardon for saying so much on this subject; I have been unwillingly drawn into it; but I shall ever use a respectable frankness of communication with you. Your faithful friend, your devoted servant, I shall be to the end of my life: a flatterer you do not wish for. >>

http://www.ourcivilisation.com/smartboard/shop/burkee/extracts/chap4.htm

In a nutshell, I, too, concur with Kate's analysis.

Sure, I was surprised at the two appointments, but upon careful consideration, I came to see it as an astute political move. Some conservatives reacted quickly and negatively, but, hey, I've done that, too, before, so I can't blame them. We're an easy folk to agitate, but we do then think carefully about stuff and settle down quite quickly.

The important thing is that the new government perform its actual job as promised. The appts, while controversial, are really immaterial to the end results. Besides, in the long run, they will have planted, subconsciously, in the minds of voters: 1) The Tories are moderate enough to get a Liberal defection right into the cabinet, proving we're not the kooks Paul Martin claimed we were and 2) We're serious about treating Quebec right, as well as all provinces, something the Liberals failed to do. These things matter a lot.

Funny how the MSM isn't making much hay about how the Liberals have done it in the past, too, as they didn't make a stink when they did, as I recall. Remember Stephane Dion's unelected appt to cabinet? Where was the big controversy? See, the MSM is biased against the Conservatives.

Kate,

I really hope you're right and we should give Harper the benefit of the doubt. Hope is the reason why I voted for the Conservatives in my downtown Toronto riding where everything was probably lost for us.

It's wrong to second-guess a guy like Harper who's brought us so far when we all thought that all was lost.

May our hopes endure and our fears be quelled! :)

I saw Paul Wellsss bon mots - would have been nice if he had the parts to actually link to the post in question.

I hear he is bitter as he is still writing his book on the last campaign and Stephen Harper is working on his next one!

Manley, Liberal? Is John Manley preparing his exit from the corrupt/moribund Liberal party?

Will John Manley be the next Emerson? Is Manley ready to put the interest(s) of the whole of Canada ahead of his own partisan ambition?

Will Manley walk to the Conservative party? Will Stephen Harper welcome Manley? Stay tuned.

Manley tells Harper to improve relations with the (gasp) United States (read, gasp, George Bush). Amazing talk when one considers this has been a policy of Stephen Harper from the beginning.

Manley has the best interest of all of Canada in his heart. Walk, John Manley; you have nothing to lose except the corruption of the Liberal party; walk, John Manley. Do the right thing. Kudos to John Manley. Bravo Prime Minister Stephen Harper. >>

Manley to Harper: Mend Canada-U.S. relations
By STEVE ERWIN

TORONTO (CP) - Repairing Canada's relationship with the United States and establishing common North American security strategies should be top priorities for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, former deputy prime minister John Manley said Monday. via cnews

Too bad Kate won't win Paul Well's contest, since the abject refusal has to be comical.

Kate may be many things, but comical...never.

The opposition parties will exploit every lapse in judgement, every mistake, every attempt at an end-run around around rules and ethics. If you buy Kate's exhortation to just accept this as the price for greater power, then you're accepting that politics is essentially about power. I don't know whether to be more concerned about Kate continuing to cultivate minions, or to get a little wistful thinking that the minions are going to have to grow up. Kate thinks the latter, obviously, hence this little lecture.

"Surely you don't want Jones to come back, comrades?"

Sorry Kate. As much as I'd like to crow about how we took a Liberal away (and as pragmatically correct as you are about this) I can't excuse what's been done. The difference between us and them is that we HAVE principles - and we're supposed to stick by them, unlike the Liberals. Principle matters.

Yes, you're right - politcally, it's a bad idea to make him run in a by-election. But we can't be hypocrites. We raged and howled when Belinda crossed the floor, and said that if she had any decency she'd run in a by-election as a Liberal. Two weeks ago Emerson was saying he wanted to be Harper's worst nightmare. Yesterday he was shaking the man's hand with a smile on his face. I'm glad we gave the Liberals a taste of their own medicine and I'm glad we've gained another experienced hand in cabinet - and a representative from Vancouver. But the cost in our credibility just isn't worth it.

I was against it at first but the more I hear from self righteous Liberals the more I am starting to think that I am not too worried about this Emmerson thing.

Roll on Big Mamma.

Roll on Prime Minister Harper.

Are you with Stephen Harper? The time has come, the walrus said.... Politics is life; move to 24 Sussex Drive with Prime Minister Harper. You have a Canada to re-build, rescue from Liberal corruption.

What is your choice/decision?

This Canadian conservative moves with Prime Minister Harper. >>>>

Moving Day on Thursday for Harper
Josh Pringle
Tuesday, February 07, 2006 6:18 AM

Stephen Harper will move into his new home on Thursday.

The Prime Minister says he has put off renovations to 24 Sussex Drive so he can move his family.

The National Capital Commission had recently announced its intentions to make renovations to the Prime Minister's official residence.

Harper says he wants as few disturbances to his children's lives as possible during his transition to the Prime Minister's Office.>> cfra.com

Does anyone really think that PMSH and DE are so stupid that they havent thought this through?
Im thinking we should admire DE for putting himself in the middle of a hurricane.
DE is a very smart man who is capable of big things and who surely doesnt need the headache.
I do not see him as an opportunist except insofar as he feels he can do something for his country.
I know its more fun to look at it differently, but i have a lot of trouble wondering why else he would consider such a move.
The vision of a "card carrying Liberal" of this stature being responsible for a very important portfolio does not disturb me all that much. Im kind of a "bottom line" person, and i think that when:
a) the softwood lumber dispute gets settled quickly and
b) The 2010 olympics costs get under control
We better all give both Prime Minister Harper and Minister Emerson the credit they will so richly deserve.
This isnt a sandbox game, folks.

I defended Belinda's right to cross the floor. I think it was a really bad political move on her part. She probably thought the NDP would keep the Liberals in power no matter what, just to thwart the conservatives.

There is a long history of crossing the floor. Ever here of Winston Churchill?

It was becoming clear that the first line of media assault on the new government was its lack of representation in Canada's major cities. Harper quickly and incisively blunted that strategy. Not surprisingly, of course, the media thread today is Harper's "hypocrisy", but it is sad to see alleged supporters of conservative policies allow themselves to be such willing tools.

I wonder how many people outside of Vancouver or the small circle of political junkies had ever heard of David Emerson? Was this a major public face of the Liberal Party? It appears that Harper identified a Vancouver MP whose background, expertise, and temperament were such as to strengthen his cabinet, a very different case than we saw with Belinda Stronach, a weak and ineffectual Opposition critic whose ineptitude was shown up even more starkly during her time in Cabinet. If he'd enticed Hedy Fry to cross the floor, I'd be more sympathetic to the critics here; if he tries to poach Ken Dryden or John Godfrey from Toronto, I might well jump ship, too, but the Emerson move seems surgical and strategic.

Similarly, the Fortier appointment gives the government a presence in Montreal (which would never abide being represented by a Quebec-area MP). Again, the move is strategic; if the idea of senatorial elections is put off until the Greek kalends, we may be justifiably skeptical about Harper's honesty (although I could easily live with retaining a small number of appointive Senate seats - three or four at most -- to allow governments to respond to events similar to the imbalances faced by Harper now and Mulroney and Trudeau in the past).

But I do wish some of our activist friends would get over themselves a bit. If we want to reverse the previous government's day-care agenda, get rid of the gun registry, increase democratic accountability, lower taxes, etc., etc., I don't see any other realistic options on the horizon.

Was it not D.Emerson that said he would be Harper's worse enemy. Then maybe it is smart to keep your enemy close. Toronto is upset about not having representation, they don't see those elected from the GTA as having much to with Toronto proper. Vancouver would have been in the same boat if not for Emerson's change of heart. Let's wait an see how this all plays out.

Kate, You are dead on. Public school boy honour and ethics will not get far in national politics. If the party were to insist on taking a moral stand on every issue the Tories would not have won.
Politics and warfare are very closely related. When you have an advantage you must press it with out any thought to your opponent. This is a world of spin, deception, and lies. Dividing your enemy, knocking a country loose from an alliance, is a well worn tactic. If you want to succeed in politics, or war, you will have to get your hands dirty.
The great unwashed have short memories, and even shorter attention spans. John Q. Public is not well informed, does not understand the issues, and I would be surprised if he could name one policy for each party. Elections are about sound bites, not policies.
In a few months time what will have happened? No one will remember this. However, we will have a strong minister we otherwise would not have. This is a win. This does not conflict with party policy.
If a party/army were to refuse to employ any of these basic political/warfare tactics it would be completely destroyed.
At the end of the day what is more important: victory, or ‘schoolboy’ fair play? Socialism has convinced me that we must win. If a few sneak attacks are employed along the way I won’t fret. We are playing by well-established rules, and we are winning. In short, folks: slash and burn!

This is the best analysis and commentary I've read on the subject, thanks for posting it.

Absolutely x2para--much as I dislike seeing a Liberal anywhere I have to trust Harper to knowwhat is best for Canada.
Who knew Graham was a comedian--yesterday he was waxing eloquent about the Senate appointment being appointed to Cabinet and being responsible for PWGS and not being responsible to Parliament--LOL--like Gags and the Liberals were so responsible with that portfolio--even the top Liberals swear they did not know what was happening with Adscam under PWGS--what a hoot

Considering the tens of millions of dollars that were STOLEN from the taxpayers over the past decade, it shouldn't be that difficult to recover some of it, and refund it to the people it was STOLEN from? (Seeing some of these crooks locked up, would be kind of neat, too!)

I think there are many people who are happier whining about the Liberal government and imagining some mythical perfect governent which will one day be elected and make everything perfect. Sorry, folks, not gonna happen.
Let's not forget, much of the whining is coming from Liberals, and Liberals pretending to be shocked Conservatives.
Not so long ago I figured I would be governed by Liberals forever.

I have little respect for those who cross the floor without election, but if Harper figures Emerson can be useful, I respect his political smarts.

As was written on Let It Bleed, that thud you heard from Harper putting it on the table...

Wow !
This is so good ...thanx for helping me see the light of day .
We may not like this , but it is a fact of life in Ottawa ...and Mr Harper either learns the game or he will be run out of town by his enemies .And that meets all of the good things we elected the Conservatives to do , will not get done .
So I will swallow this gnat and stay away from camels !
And yes , I am hopeful that some other MP's will see the light and cross the floor to join the Conservatives . We need an effective government that can stay in power for at least 4 years .
blessings from Virgil , Ontario

Chantal Hebert on CBC last night said the pundits today would be on Harper's case for not having reps from the 3 big cities - instead they are on his case for trying to rectify this situation.

One of the huge differences between Quebec and the "West" is that Quebec votes stragically to maximize its own interests. Hence they remain at the center of Canadian politics. Many in the "West" complain about this but vote to ensure they will never have influence.

In BC we always seem to vote the opposite of who is in power and it gets us nowhere. (BC being the only province in the last election to increase its number of Libs.)

Getting in power and keeping in power means having to make many tough decisions. When Canadians next go to the polls they will judge the parties on their whole body of work. For all of those Conservatives who are now disappointed are you really going to vote for someone else or not vote at all because Harper made these moves? If Harper does not implement all of his top priorities are you going drop your support?

My own view is that a half of a loaf is better than no loaf at all. If Harper manages to implement the accountability legislation, GST tax cuts, stronger military, etc I will be very happy. Just because he lured Emerson across the floor I am now going to vote for someone else?

Edmund Burke's conservative philosophy lives in Canada; lives in real life politics. Here is the real-life conservatism in action in Canada today. This is not fiction; it is not made up; the proof is what they do, not what they say. >>>

Excerpt from The Province (Vancouver)

Emerson said he decided he could best serve his constituents by being on the government side.

He agreed that some friendships are now broken.

"There will be some who, because they are long-time

Liberal partisans, will be very unhappy. To them, I apologize, but at some point in life, you have to make decisions as to how you will serve the public interest in the most effective way."

Emerson said he came to realize that Harper had the makings of a good leader.

"In talking to him, he comes across as sincere, honest, hardworking," he said.

"[Harper's] an analytical person. He's a lot like I am in many respects in the way he thinks about public policy," said Emerson, 60.

"He has done a good job in beginning to position the Conservative Party as a middle-of-the-road party of moderation. That, to me, is how you govern Canada over the long haul."

Premier Gordon Campbell welcomed Emerson's move to the Tories.

"He is there to carry out a mission to strengthen Canada and to strengthen British Columbia. He has something significant to offer in that role and we're fortunate he's there," said Campbell. >>
http://www.rapp.org/url/?ACPDUKG2
theprovince via nealenews.com

good work Kate.

Since the stumbling block for floor crossers seems to be the "voters don't get what they voted for" line I would then say the last 13 years of Liberal rule have been illegal.

They campaigned against free trade, but kept it when they got power

They campaigned to get rid of the GST, but kept it when they got power.

What's teh difference, voters didn't "get" what they vote for.

Big deal, look at the longer time frame.

Time for any honest Liberals out there to ponder the Dingwall payoff and ELECTION SCAM and do the right thing. Leave teh Liberals, sit independent and then join the CPC.

Politics is a blood sport. It ain't croquet.

Kate - ditto - touche - right on - as usual you have looked beyond the nashing of teeth and the MSM (once again) calling out that this is the death knell for Stephen Harper. I absolutely agree with you and we will continually be surprised at the manner in which PMSH governs.

We voted for change - change means doing things that aren't popular and believe me - this isn't the first thing SH has done that has been controversial and it won't be the last.

Hang onto your hat - its going to be a bumpy ride!!

For all you boys and girls out there thinking Stephen Harper is some white knight on a white charger, GET OVER IT.

Kate is 100% right on, this is politics not some ivory tower debating society. You do what you gotta do, and if Harper wants to make this go he needs the best people he can get. If he thinks this Emerson guy is The One for that spot, I'm good with it.

Frankly if I had my way Emerson would be on the back bench along with anybody else who crossed over for at least a year, just to see if they were honest about it or not. But I don't have my way, because Harper is the guy who put in the 150 hour weeks to be PM and I didn't.

Gee, maybe he knows something I don't! What a friggin' concept!

So kiddies, if you don't want the friggin' gun registry hanging on forever and you don't want your goddamn taxes to stay at 50%+, maybe you should put some trust in the guy you voted for and HAVE SOME RESPECT for his kung fu. (Acheivement or attainment, for the under educated.)

Here's something else to think about: socialists are milking this for all its worth, equating Emerson with Stronach and saying its all the same. Clearly not true, as others have said above.

You wanna be on their side?

Amazing. This from the person who posted Belinda Stronach's cellphone number. End justifies the means, eh?

Hey, no prob. I've read The Prince, and think it contains much wisdom. But don't bother us with talk of "principle" anymore, OK?

Maybe NDPers should practice "deep entryism" and uncloak in a few years to form a majority government. "Democracy?" That's a term used in election campaigns.

I totally agree Kate. I'm getting a chuckle out of all the students of the Joe Clark School of Politics, with all there hysterics. If you want too win, you fight with both fists.

Did someone just defend Jack Layton as principled?

The same Jack Layton who supported Paul Martin's government last spring in the wake of testimony of Liberal party money laundering, so that he could go to the polls later in the year with a list of NDP "accomplishments".

Yeah, that's principled, all right.

If you want too win, you fight with both fists - how true.

However, there are millions of Conservative voters who worked hard to rebuild truth within government - I know it was stupid for Canadians to believe that Harper after 12 years of talking about elected Senate would only take a few minute to reverse himself but I guess Canadian are too stupid to learn that all parties, once in power, will act the same. Do you think Harper would have received this many seats if he told us two week ago that he may have to take such steps?

By the way, what else are you and other Conservative willing to do to gain power -majority - clearly anything within the law? But the problem is the parties created the law and Glomery just gave us list of changes because the law needs a lot of work. Harper is the great talker of reform and accountability - but until then it is okay by your logic to act every bit the Liberal.

Does it really matter now bad the Liberal are if the Conservative within a few minute can do always with their promises? Do you not think that Harper and his adviser sat in a room and talked about the reaction and decided they did care with voters would think?

In the words of the Great Sun King of Shawinigan "If you like da politic and da sausage, don't to watch it be made of."

Russ Feingold was in a tough fight to retain his Senate seat in 1998, after having pushed for campaign finance reform and the elimination of "soft money". Even though he was still allowed to take soft money, and his opponent certainly did, Feingold steadfastly refused based on principle. That decision might very well have cost him his Senate seat, but he didn't just talk the talk on the issue. He ended up winning by a small margin, being rewarded for living up to his principles. At the end of the day, that's what people respect.

After that, he again stood on principle and was the only Senator to vote against the USA Patriot Act and won his seat by a wider margin in 2004. Whatvever you think of his politics, you have to admire his cajones.

Today's Toronto Star is criticizing Harper for believing that people from the 905 area can represent Toronto. They are also criticizing him for the appointment of unelected representatives for Montreal and Vancouver. He can't win.

The Toronto who? They're irrelevant, as evidenced by our recent election.

I don't know who defined Jack Layton as "principled," but it wasn't me. He caved on the crime issue and the Clarity Act, for example. But he's still pretty clean. Watch Harper around the Bloc in the next little while, and get back to me.

Anyhow, this all misses the point. What goes on in Parliament--the ad hoc alliances, the strange bedfellows and all--is one thing. But the voters--remember them?--have the right to be represented, last I heard. Floor-crossing is the pits, and I don't care which party does it and which benefits from it.

Kate has made the argument, in effect, that the voters don't matter, so long as her party benefits. Disenfranchise them in a good cause. There's a lot of that kind of thinking around, but let's not call it "democracy."

Excellent post, Kate.

Conservative hand-wringers out there should just get over this and move on. Harper was thinking about the next election when he welcomed Emerson into the cabinet; he needs to build bridges into more urban areas if he's going to get a majority and this is one way to do it.

Patience, people.
As was said, Harper is operating within the rules...As they are right now. Changing of the rules must wait until Parliament is in session. Elected senators, free votes, the dismantling of the gun registry, etc. will take a bit of time.
Remember, the system is still crap. Worry about lack of principles only if Harper doesn't change anything. At this point it's far more important for him to act strategically, not tactically.
Wait for it. Big changes are coming, but you can't change the course of something as big as the "ship of state" as fast as your motorboat.
Read Kate's post again!

move along people... nothing to see here... come now... move along... nothing whatoever to see here...
*don't for a second think that conservatives are any different than liberals... Alberta separation is the only way to end this eastern influence peddling*

Is the media mainly upset that they all got scooped? I heard it on CKNW sunday night and the host said that media newsrooms had it too. Then no one had the balls to say it.
Nothing like the bruised ego of a journalist.
enough

I totally disagree Kate....Harper parachuting an unelected party apparatchik into the senate and a cab-min seat is the hight of hypocrisy....it will damage us and there is no justification for it from the leadership of a party with an agenda to elect senate.

I'm disappointed...that comes from someone who has put a lot of time and money into getting this party to power. At this point I'm wondering if the system is even capable of reform.

Parse this any way you like, but it simply comes down to "principles are fine, but we're in charge now."

Was it a good move, Yes it was. PM Harper reconized the importance of better representation for the major centres. Are the voters angry, sure but when the wind is out of the sail & the calm after the storm, the voters will accept the situation. Just look at the last election Belinda won, even stronger so the voters were not that disgusted they voted for the person not he party. The liberals crying the blues, well aleast this was not a move to stay in power. I admire PM Harper for this gutsy move, will voters remember? Most likely not, just look at Adscam. If they were that disgusted the liberals would have been wiped off the electoral map. Yes I agree with some of the writers I hope there are a few more.

Does anyone wonder why we have heard from few liberal opposition members (except BG) - Is that the smell of FEAR I detect?

There is a point to ponder, as the landscape changes once again (albeit very slowly). Idealogies come "from the heart, of the soul and for the mind" whereby politics is an inherently dishonest, immoral and blood-thirsty business! When Politics penetrates Idealogy, anything can and does happen. Moral, honest people can turn immoral and dishonest (and the reverse can be sometimes true as well, I guess). It's all about gaining power and then retaining it. You're only as good as your last election.

Conservative or Liberal? Most of us know we were dearly in need of a change. This country could not endure any more of the Liberal Party!

I, for one, will wait and see how this new government operates, under the constraints of a minority. Time will tell! We certainly couldn't do any worse.

While all about you are losing theirs...

Not, I'm sure, that you aspire to being a man of course, Kate.

correction: *whereas

Interesting to note that as of 10:00 am EST the CTV and CBC websites no longer have this as a front page "story".

As far as Jack Chow, er Layton being "pretty clean", let's not forget he did sign the papers for a "stressed out" candidate who stole a $50K ring only a few years earlier.

Let the gnashing continue.....

Desperate Paul Martin offered candy to daddy's little rich girl in order to save his slimy butt. Being Daddy's little girl is her one and only qualification.

Builder Stephen Harper actually wants to run the country for the sake of the country and opted for an experienced federal cabinet minister right from the start even though he knows he'll get flack for it.

The differences are huge.

"As far as Jack Chow, er Layton being "pretty clean", let's not forget he did sign the papers for a 'stressed out' candidate who stole a $50K ring only a few years earlier."

And the people decided. Which is the whole point.

Does anyone remember when "jumpin' Jack flash" and Olivia nuzzled in a rent-subsidized apartment during his stay on the City of Toronto Council?

Interesting poll at ctv.ca: "Should MPs who switch political parties be forced to step down and run again in a by-election?"

With 27000 votes cast: 58% NO; 42% YES.

Interesting to note that high profile journalists are taking pot shots at bloggers.
Perhaps it's because Kate at SDA has a better grasp of the political reality in Canada than any "Chretien Liberal", as Maclean's Editor Ken Whyte referrred to Mr. Wells.
Talk about blind partisanship!
And, oh yes, tough teaty Mr. Wells, David Emerson is no Harriet Miers.

"And the people decided. Which is the whole point."

Not really. They never should have had to decide because they should have been presented with someone who wasn't a thief.

I take back anything bad I said about Belinda Stronach.

"Conservative or Liberal? Most of us know we were dearly in need of a change. This country could not endure any more of the Liberal Party!"

It's getting a little tough telling the difference between them these days. If we can only get 30 more 'principled' Liberals to cross the floor, we can get our majority!!

Can you have 60-70 people in cabinet?

Hey did any of you miss the irony yesterday of Anne McLellan's position being scrapped? Not only did she lose her seat her position was deemed a colossal waste of time, money, office space? I'm loving it.

That and Jim Petit's info about the T.O. Star.

"Are the voters angry, sure but when the wind is out of the sail & the calm after the storm, the voters will accept the situation."

You're right, bryan. Canadian voters accept just about anything. Baaaa...

I would just like to say that people can justify and rationalize anything. If Paul Martin had done this, you all would have jumped down his throat, but since it is your guy you will just rationalize it away. If you replace the words Stephen Harper with Paul Martin in Kate's justification post, how is it any different?

Face it. You are all just partisan hacks who don't care about ethics or principles - you care about power. Just like Harper.

Appoint an unelected individual to Senate when you said you wouldn't - heck that's OK. It helps us with our power.

Nice. Good luck ever playing the integrity card again.

Hey Peter - I'll offer you the same challenge I've given Paul Wells (who still hasn't come up with the goods) - find the post here in which I jumped on Paul Martin for luring Belinda Harper to his cabinet.

And you're goddamned right it's about power.

This is politics. It's not the Special Olympics.

"Not really. They never should have had to decide because they should have been presented with someone who wasn't a thief."

And the voters of Vancouver-Kingsway should never have been presented with a person intent on stealing their votes to get a Cabinet post.

"Does anyone remember when "jumpin' Jack flash" and Olivia nuzzled in a rent-subsidized apartment during his stay on the City of Toronto Council?"

I see rank-and-file Conservatives aren't fussy about the truth, either. Chow and Layton paid full market rent. It was a mixed co-op, some subsidized units. They didn't live in one.

Not all Conservatives have abandoned their ideals. Harper wants to take the party towards the centre to try and form a majority next time. Accountability and ethics have been sacrificed for this strategy. He may get his majority next election, but without a lot of his ex-Reform base, that will be difficult indeed.

File under hypocrite.

I am not a big fan of the MSM, but this is an interesting dig from the Tories' biggest supporter (Toronto Sun):
"Congratulations Prime Minister Stephen Harper!

In your first day on the job, you've accomplished what Paul Martin couldn't have done if he'd been PM for 10 years.

You just made Belinda Stronach respectable again."

OUCH!

Methinks Kate has succumbed to the odor of the 'small dead animals'with whom she consorts .
Yech!

"Hey Peter - I'll offer you the same challenge I've given Paul Wells (who still hasn't come up with the goods) - find the post here in which I jumped on Paul Martin for luring Belinda Harper to his cabinet."

Kate, this is an anti-Liberal, pro-Conservative blog. You ripped Belinda a new one when she defected and by extension ripped the government for allowing her in. Youw ant to play the semantics game, that's fine. It doesn't take a braniac to figure that out.

And if it's all about power, you must love PMPM. He did all he could to stay in power, much to the chagrin of the CPC. So why was it so wrong then and so right now? Where does the slippery slope end, or do you get to choose what is too far?

Methinks Kate has succumbed to the odor of the 'small dead animals'with whom she consorts .
Yech! Vive la difference!

Well done and Well Said, Kate.. the last post here in your response to Peter D and the post on the main page from which these comments have sprung.
I have to say I just found it gratifying in the extreme to have come here this morning to read what you wrote.
I didn't say it nearly so well as you have, but my points were the same to my husband, who is Conservative and voted for Stephen Harper.. or shall we say, for the Conservative representative in our riding... since we cannot vote for the Prime Minister as one can for the President in the US... but that's moot..
The glorious thing is that you said what needs to be said regarding David Emerson's move to the Conservatives. BRILLIANT move on Harper's part and it shows MORE than anything else his concern for representation with the best possible expertise in all areas of the country.
I was pleased and delighted to see what had happened AND that it came as a complete surprise to most if not all on both sides of the aisle.
My husband, however, coming home from a trip to the States and listening to radio all the way, had quite a different view... and I told him, "that's what you get for listening to those blowhards on the radio"....he was 'worried' that Stephen had made a big mistake... that there should be a by-election, blah, blah, blah... that the consituents in Emersons riding were 'duped'.
And THIS from a man who is solidly behind the Conservatives and Stephen Harper!!
My response was much the same as what you have said but you did it in a much more colourful way and I just got the best chuckle out of it this morning. Thanks, Kate!

Nice going KATE!
Your clear perception shines through a wall of BS once again.
And for all of those people who think this is an issue worth getting steamed about I say "GrowUp!"

I trust Harper to make good choices. IN fact this Liberal whore he took on has a purpose to serve and that is Harpers job to see that he does it. Do any of you genius' have a better idea? I doubt it.

OK Hungry Valley, So name just one Basic Fundamental value the Conservatives still hold?

True tales from Trudeau land, aka Truedeaupia:

Remember little Jack Horner, he of the Hornerites Holiness Movement, which arose in.... Quebec....

London Free Press: Former Alberta MP Jack Horner dies at 77
CALGARY -- Jack Horner, a former Alberta MP who started out as a Conservative
and ended his political career in Pierre Trudeau's Liberal cabinet, ...
www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/LondonFreePress/News/2004/11/20/722627.html
>>>>

Remember Hazen Argue, the only CCF/NDP leader whose portrait in NOT on the walls of NDP headquarters. Why not? Well... look here:

Hurt by this rejection, Argue crossed the floor six months later to join the Liberal Party (Liberal Party: ... He was re-elected as a Liberal MP ... but defeated in 1963 due to the concerted efforts of his former party. In 1966, Argue was appointed to the Senate (Senate: Assembly possessing high legislative powers) as a Liberal. He served as a member of Pierre Trudeau Cabinet ... from 1980 to 1984 as Minister of State

due to the Liberal Party's failure to elect any MPs west of Winnipeg in the 1980 general election (1980 general election ...

Senator Argue faced disgrace in 1988 when criminal charges of fraud (fraud: Intentional deception resulting in injury to another person) were filed against him but he died before the case came to court. >>>
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/reference/hazen_argue

"And the voters of Vancouver-Kingsway should never have been presented with a person intent on stealing their votes to get a Cabinet post."

Wow. Implying that this was a pre-meditated plan between DE and PMSH prior to the election. Not too much of a stretch.....

No matter how you sugar coat it Kate, it still is questionable why one decides to 'cross the floor' after a victory of the opposing party.

All tools disposable? What about the tools we already have? You mean to tell me the CPC doesn't have anyone good enough? Maybe that is why they didn't win the last two elections and squeaked by on this one.

Grant, if this gentleman has a lot of brains, then that is good, but what about principles? It seems to have been lost - principles and integrity go hand in hand. Now you're telling us to turn a blind eye to the corruption that has ruined our glorious Dominion?

To have someone run and stay with a party that is clearly corrupt and has contempt for the local voter is akin to the cop term of "guilt by association".

Question I see no one asked is what IF the Liberals had won, would have crossed the floor?

Of course not, gotta pay the mortgage on the new condo in Belize.

While politics is dirty, this could be a prudent move by Harper, so I will grant him that. But how long will this gentleman stay? Like BS Belinda, when the sugardaddy is ready, will he jump ship too?

Really I'm surprised. I do hope this turns out, but time will tell. Hopefully this leopard can change spots.

cheers
tom

Aaron The Redneck Economist has a good analysis: (WARNING!!!! THIS ARGUMENT CONTAINS LOGIC AND OTHER ADVANCED CONCEPTS THAT ARE UNSUITABLE FOR SHRIEKERS AND MORAL RELATIVISTS AND MAY CAUSE THEIR TINY LITTLE BRAINS TO EXPLODE!!!!)

"Sure, some bloggers think that Harper did this to exact revenge on the Liberals for wooing Belinda Stronach, but I can think of three solid reasons for appointing Emerson.

1. He’s from Vancouver.

2. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Queen’s University. Queen’s Econ Department is generally #2 or #3 in the country.

3. He knows a ton about the Softwood Lumber Dispute.

Occam’s Razor suggests the simplest explanation is often the correct one, so why not assume Harper respects Emerson for his knowledge on softwood lumber, which is no doubt backed up by a solid education?"
http://www.grandinite.com/2006/02/06/whoodathunkit-an-economist-as-minister-of-international-trade/

Many if not most Canadian federal governments have included a floor-crosser, and the same goes for minority cabinets including an unelected MP. This is more the rule than the exception.

In light of this, the shriekers are insane to be calling for Harper's head for a common parliamentary procedure and one really must question their motives.

One more point: why do the moral relativists hate the Canadian economy, particularly the softwood lumber industry? Emerson is the best person in parliament for the trade portfolio, bar none, and with the possible exception of Chuck Strahl nobody has the forestry experience that Emerson does.

I have not seen a single post in the blogsphere offering a cogent argument as to why Harper has done something to deserve such incredible backlash. I've seen many emotional arguments, and many moral-ralativist arguments, but not a single logical argument.

Harper's first day as Prime Minster he swears in a young, diverse, and dynamic dream team of a cabinet and half the Blogging Tories are shrieeeking with outrage. Get a f**king grip, people, you're only going to look foolish in the fullness of time, especially if Emerson nails the software file, which seems likely.

Dr. Dawg,

Would sincerely appreciate any info you have on the "Chow and Layton paid full market rent" revelation. I would be happy to stand and/or sit corrected.

I do remember the press (was it liberal, too, in those days) having a hay-day with it.

".....especially if Emerson nails the software file, which seems likely."

Of course, when this happens, the headlines will begin with "PM Stephen Harper, best friend of U.S President George W. Bush, announces....."

8^)

Heh, Geekian slip, that should read "softwood file".

Liberals will do what they have to do to stay in power. That was the theme of Chretien's autobiography "Straight from the Heart" It is what he did. It is what Martin did. It is what Belinda did. Now it is what Emerson is doing.

Until the future proves me wrong, I will continue to believe that SH has made a horrible, tragic, mistake.

plenty of new definitions of "hipocrats"!
Harper screw more then few people.

Well said Kate. My sentiments exactly, expressed in a far more eloquent fashion.

I think it's time that we Stand Up for Stephen.

Anonalogue, thats what I've been trying to say, but not so eloquently. I still say it's a brilliant move to get a resolution to the softwood lumber crisis, get a handle on the 2010 Olympics and get representation for Vancouver in one person. It was a daring move that he had to have known would cause angst in the Conservative ranks and give the opposition ammo but he did it anyway. You CAN NOT compare this to BS. She brought nothing to the Liberal cabinet except to postpone the inevitable.

BTW, did you see Layton in the post swearing in press conference. Did someone forget to tell him that the election campaign is over?

BTW, McGuinty is Liberal Premier of Ontario.

Liberal Premier of Ontario gives Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper's cabinet two (2) thumbs up. 22222

McGuinty Pleased with Tory Cabinet
Josh Pringle
Monday, February 06, 2006 9:21 PM
cfra.com

Vancouver Board of Trade endorses the decision too!!

http://www.officiallyscrewed.com/blog/archives/00000226.html#comments

The Toronto Sun's editorial says that SH has made BS look respectable. I disagree. It was teh constituents of Newmarket-Aurora who condoned th crossing and elected her again. In fact, I believe the majority of crossings are rewarded with a new term come election time. The CTV survey results amy be disappointing to the Conservatives but it is a fact of politics. This issue of deeming the crossing as unethical is a rather new phenomenon. It's not a big deal if the MP votes as you would have expected. Emerson is a business person ith experience in go't and in cabinet. He now has a say in how gov't will run.
Getting the best people in the right job is what the true maket place is about. Let's give SH.

Belinda may even belive what she did was based on principle, who cares. It's Paul Martin who created a new post for her vote that is questionable.

I can't understand the reaction by so many tory bloggers to this. Way to eat your own, guys.

RP,

This is what happens when you violate principles important to the majority of your party.

I agree with Kate. Isn't the job of the CPC to convert people to our cause? We need to stay in power more than 3 weeks.

I'm a conservative, but this BS just proves that any ethics one might have had or espoused to go out the window when the reins of power get in one's hands.....

john,

That's the whole point - ethics did not need to be thrown out the window to build the cabinet. There were other qualified candidates to fill cabinet positions. Harper had to pay off a favour in Quebec with Fortier and used the Liberal back door to do it. I don't know what he was thinking.

Lew,

"Harper had to pay off a favour in Quebec with Fortier and used the Liberal back door to do it. I don't know what he was thinking."

Please post the information that shows Harper "had to pay off a favor in Quebec".

I don't think the "Liberal back door" was used. The Prime Minister has been quite upfront about all this. Yes, the Prime Minister probably had other options but he chose this path for a reason. You are quite right in not knowing what he was thinking but I'll hazard a guess he knew what was coming.....

It's one thing to be pissed but please stop blowing smoke. It's very unbecoming.