Monday, February 06, 2006

In The Interest of Gender Equality

David Emerson is a dipstick, who whored himself out to the Tories.


Seriously. At least Belinda sat with the Tories for a year - you could make the case that she didn't feel comfortable in the caucus, or wanted to avoid an election, or had a ideological difference with the party. I certainly didn't make that case and was fairly critical of her, but that's an argument one could make.

In the case of David Emerson, he was elected two weeks ago as a Liberal. There is absolutely no way to spin this, except as a case of blatant opportunism.

posted by calgarygrit at 2:05 p.m.

34 Comments:

  • Looks like Conservatives and Reformers are just as upset about the Harper Hypocracy as everyone else.

    Here is some commentary from the normally Conservative love-in FreeDominion.ca:

    F250: "What a disgusting start to the new Tory government.

    ABC™: "This type of hypocrisy is no way to show that you're going to fight a democratic deficit. I'm disappointed in the CPC." "They're being dishonest right now by not standing by their convictions. It took less than a day in government for this to happen. That doesn't set a good trend for the rest of their days."


    jimmyr: "Yup, they screamed and hollered for changes when Stronach did it, but I guess it's OK once you're government. How positively hypocritical."

    Heartofsong83: "disappointed with David Emerson's opportunism ...he should have to run a by-election first."

    metallicat: "I am thoroughly disappointed in Stephen Harper allowing Emerson to cross the floor to the Tories."

    leewgrant: "Two elected Tories miss out on the cabinet. One because of Emerson and the other because of Fortier. There are a lot of pissed off people in the CPC caucus right now."

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:07 p.m.  

  • we wonder what Tony Abbott has to say about this...

    By Blogger daveberta, at 2:08 p.m.  

  • I REALLY wish you would come clean with what's on your mind (grin).

    It's a great cabinet, made all the better by Emerson ... just to gind it in a little more.

    FWIW:

    http://www.thiscanada.com/2006/02/06/harpers-cabinet/

    Can I say it again? It's a great cabinet!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:10 p.m.  

  • I was suprised that Jay Hill doesn't have a seat. But overall I think its a great balance and a well thought out cabinet.

    By Blogger Hasty, at 2:12 p.m.  

  • Is Anyone Surprised?


    This is why we need new, fresh faces in our party. Some people just can't wait to get back in power or are transfixed on staying in power.

    Shame on David Emerson. Pity his poor constituents who now have to live the lie with him. The funny part is that all of the Liberal Bloggers will be blogging how appalling this is, yet they are the same (not all of them) bloggers touting the likes of Brison, Rae, Stronach, Donsanjh and every other used-to-be something-or-others.

    Hypocrites!

    Maybe next time someone raises a "Support Belinda," or a "Brison for PM," or a "Rae for Rae Daes" banner, you'll think twice.

    I support Liberals! Life-long ones, not convenient ones!

    The What Do I Know Grit

    By Blogger James Curran, at 2:13 p.m.  

  • Chretien, mulroney and trudeau (the three most recent PM's who lasted) lasted long precisely because of stunts like this. I used to be martin supporter until I realized him and those around him don't have even a smidgeon of political adeptness or any understanding about the reality of Canadian politics. If I was a liberal still, I'd be scared right now.

    Harper has pulled a trigger on the Emerson thing, which any of the previous PMs would have done. The optics of this are very simple for Harper: Emerson is not being brought on board for my survival, during which time parliamentary responsibilty was suspended for one week. He is one of the competent ones, unlike a recent floor-crosser who lept from the back benches as a rookie opposition mp to a cabinet position that had to be invented for her. I need respersentation from metro-vancouver. I need to provide as stable a tory minority as possible. This allows me the option of approaching jack layton to pass legislation where we agree and gives the left more power. I'm obviously going to have a hard time getting liberal support. I'm not going to the BQ come hell or high water; I intend to beat them in the next election. In the meantime, I'm going to run in the same race everyone's running in. Until legislation is brought in to prevent floor crossing, I'm gonna have to play by the current rules.

    From every political angle, Harper's got his bases covered. He can AFFORD TO LOSE some votes in Alberta. He risks them, but could gain in the next election. This kind of shrewd thinking is completely missing from the Liberals now.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:17 p.m.  

  • Is anyone surprised?

    If I thought Belinda Stronach or Scott Brison were serious contenders to become my boss, I would jump ship too! Fortunately, I believe that will not happen. But if it does, I will be outta here for another election.

    This is another reason why we need a new Liberal leader ASAP. If Harper is already acting erratically, be leery what he does next. I do not want Paul Martin and his team running another time.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:19 p.m.  

  • I'm just appalled. I voted for a Liberal. He should have run as a Conservative if he thinks he's a Conservative - I'm sure Harper would have made a big deal about snatching a Liberal cabinet minister.

    Emerson knew his only chance at election was as a Liberal (or NDP). How long was he planning this for? This is just so sleazy and opportunistic.

    And it shows how hypocritical Harper is. He'd been PM for what, 20 minutes, when this happened? What a pathetic first day. So much for cleaning up corruption and bringing accountability to Ottawa. This first day is a crystal-clear message that Harper and Co. just said whatever required to get elected.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:21 p.m.  

  • Is this without precedent or have other credible MPs (not the Belinda's) crossed the floor to be in cabinet?

    Emerson will be one of the best Ministers in the Harper government and will help create trade relationships around the Pacific.

    A win for Canada. A lost for the Liberals. At least until the Liberals form the next government and Emerson switches back!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:32 p.m.  

  • There is no comparison for Emerson's jumping - less than two weeks after being elected as a Liberal and only days after discussing how to rebuild the Liberal party, he decides to jump ship.

    Belinda waited a year, Keith Martin's and Brison's parties dissolved before he jumped ship and Dosanjh was NOT an MP when he switched parties.

    And they said the Conservatives would do politics different?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:38 p.m.  

  • Don't you mean "attractive dipstick" Bart? Or perhaps Emerson is simply an "aging gracefully dipstick". As you well know, politics isn't for the faint of heart.

    BTW, what happened to that last great floor-crosser from BC...Joe Peschi-something. Has anyone heard of him since his magic walk?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:43 p.m.  

  • Just to get a jump on things before everyone goes apoplectic about Mike Fortier, does anyone recall a great "sturm und drang" when Bernie Boudreau was put in cabinet with a Senate appointment? I didn't think so.

    As I recall, Bernie B.'s terms were pretty much the same as Mike F's. He ran in the next general election and was beaten by Wendy Lill. I understand you can sometimes see him throwing his quarters agressively as he pays the tolls on the Mscdonald Bridge every morning.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:50 p.m.  

  • Anon's missing my point.

    If you are a true Liberal, you are and have been for life. That means when you don't agree with your party you still vote for them in general elections. That means when you run for office for the party, you have been a Liberal and embraced their values most of your life. That means in the darkest hours of your Party, you don't abandon ship, you do something about it so the Party regains it's former glory.

    Don't kid yourself! Brison, Stronach, Dosanjh and Keith weren't coming to the party without a promise. You'd be dreaming in technicolor if ya think so!

    The What Do I Know Grit

    By Blogger James Curran, at 2:58 p.m.  

  • Come on now, everyone that has crossed the floor has done it purely for some kind of reward.

    Stephen Harper said during "Your Turn" with CBC during the election that MP's can act on their conscious and decide to do what they want. If they cross, they will cross. He said nothing about people sitting as an Independent or running in a by-election. There is no hyprocrisy here. It is not part of the accountability act.

    When someone high profile with a PHD wants to cross the floor to the Conservatives, I would accept them.

    By Blogger Fighting for Democracy, at 2:58 p.m.  

  • I for one er..welcome David Emerson? Whom has obviously seen the sinking hulk that is the good ship Liberal and as such seen the blessed light that is conservatism?

    I wonder if Ujjah Dosansgh is considering switching over to us as well. Then he'll have been a member of all three national parties, that fellow gets around.

    By Blogger Chris, at 3:10 p.m.  

  • Yeah. maybe if Emerson didn't say this a week ago:

    "I'm going to be Stephen Harper's worst enemy," he warned. "We're going to stir the pot and you better believe we are going to make a heck of a lot of noise."

    The What Do I Know Grit

    By Blogger James Curran, at 3:12 p.m.  

  • The only thing surprising about the floor crossing is that it happened so quickly.

    Martin brought (bought?) in candidates, and pushed out many loyal party people in the process.

    The bailing of the opportunists is just the first step in what is going to be a long process of re-invigorating the Liberal party - the quicker it happens the better.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:30 p.m.  

  • Just clarify FACTS:

    Scott Brison supported the merger to create the Conservative party.

    Scott Brison was a voting delegate who personally voted FOR the merger.

    Three days later, Scott Brison defected to join the Liberals. He was rewarded with a cabinet post.

    BE CONSISTENT.

    By Blogger Michael Fox, at 3:33 p.m.  

  • James Curran,

    "The funny part is that all of the Liberal Bloggers will be blogging how appalling this is, yet they are the same (not all of them) bloggers touting the likes of Brison, Rae, Stronach, Donsanjh and every other used-to-be something-or-others."

    Except... as CG said in his original post... at least with Belinda they were able to come up with a semi believable excuse... was there something that happened between Emerson accepting his nomination as a Liberal + today... other than a Liberal defeat... not really.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:47 p.m.  

  • For the record, I was never a fan of Belinda or Brison crossing the floor.

    In Ujjal's case, it was going from the provincial NDP to the federal Libs, so I don't see that as being a big deal. The provincial Libs in BC are pretty far right after all.

    By Blogger calgarygrit, at 4:01 p.m.  

  • Breaking news: Emerson drops out of Liberal Leadership race

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:27 p.m.  

  • I feel sorry for the voters in his riding who thought they were getting a Liberal MP.

    By Blogger Charles J, at 4:33 p.m.  

  • "iLovLap",

    For crying out loud, the promise to Brison was obviously there.

    Go take a look at the Blogging Tories site. Almost every single blogger has been as quick to criticize this floor-crossing as they were to criticize Belinda and Brison. I'm proud of the Blogging Tories today. They are BEING CONSISTENT.

    Why is that so difficult for you to do? We're willing to criticize our party when it does something that we view as wrong. Yet many Liberals are trying to spin things both ways. That's the difference between us.

    By Blogger Michael Fox, at 5:02 p.m.  

  • Opportunism got in the way of solid message discipline today. Unusual for the Tories of late.

    On a day when Harper could have been playing up the experience of his cabinet and his focus on getting his priorities underway, all that goes down the drain in favour of a democratic shell-game.

    Mr. Emerson should resign immediately and Harper should call a by-election in his riding. But of course, none of that will actually happen...

    By Blogger screid, at 5:29 p.m.  

  • I just feel sorry for people that voted for the Liberals.

    So was he the mole?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:36 p.m.  

  • Nobody seems to remember that Emerson was a member of Paul Martin's cabinet. Perhaps he was unhappy with the shennanigans Martin and the board pulled and never told anyone. He crossed because he is more of a conservative than a Liberal.

    Martin posed as a blue grit before he came to power and then lurched so far left people like Emerson and Manley got uncomfortable. I dont think Emerson ever believed the libspeak he was required to spout. This is a win for Harper no doubt about it.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:07 p.m.  

  • Just to get a jump on things before everyone goes apoplectic about Mike Fortier, does anyone recall a great "sturm und drang" when Bernie Boudreau was put in cabinet with a Senate appointment? I didn't think so.

    The governing party, at that time, had 0 House of Commons seats from the province for which the Senator/Cabmin was appointed.

    Such is not the case with the current governing party or Fortier's province of appointment.

    By Blogger WJM, at 6:23 p.m.  

  • Nova Scotia is 11 seats.

    How many seats were people complaining that Harper was "shut out of" in Montreal again, during the whole "Tories have no support in the cities" debate? 18?

    You're arguing that 0/11 is cause, and 0/18 is not?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:47 a.m.  

  • They still don't have any "representation" in Montreal and Vancouver, this crap is about as representative of those cities as appointing the head of the Toronto Pork Authority to Cabinet.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:07 a.m.  

  • Not really with you on your point WJM. Bernie B. was appointed to fill a gaping hole in Lib'ral representation in Bluenose country (in that they were sent packing 0-11). Bernie B. was eventually given ACOA after a time and, of course, Brian T was given Industry before getting hisself reelected to the Commons, but only shortly before.

    Mikey F. is pretty much in the same situation. Harper was faced with the "How many ministers from Quebec City is too many?" question. The answer appears to be the same as for Calgary - three. So apparently someone handpicked from Montreal was called for. PM's prerogative I think. If he doesn't run in the first available by-election in the 514, I'll be happy to join you in complaining.

    On the other hand, it does seem ironic that most of the complaints are being made about Harper's two most (how shall we say it?) moderate choices for cabinet. Although feel free to insert you own adjective (centrist, red Tory, etc...).

    In addendum:

    Took a brief look at your site WJM. Priceless. DannyCorp indeed.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:02 p.m.  

  • Remember the first words out of Harper's mouth when the election was called? He addressed the SSM issue and everyone got all nervous cause we thought he had totally blown the election right then and there. Turned out to be a pretty shrewd move. I can't imagine why he would encourage Emerson to cross right now other than he's already thinking farther ahead than anybody else is today. He knows this will blow over like a winter storm - nasty for a few days, but then quickly forgotten by everyone except for those that voted for Emerson. Ha, ha, ain't politics GREAT???

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:08 p.m.  

  • I think both (Emerson and Stronach) recent examples are bad. Belinda didn't leave because of a disagreement with Harper. That's total BS! She thought he had a good chance at winning if the gov't fell, and the role she had for Stephen was for him to run into the Liberal buzzsaw, after which she could become CPC leader. Does anyone think she wouldn't want to be CPC leader now if she could be?

    Belinda had voted non-confidence in the gov't three times the week before she defected, then voted confidence in it? To this day I still consider Paul Martin's government from May 10th onward a "phantom" government, defeated in the House, stripped of its power to appoint ministers, dispense cash from the treasury, all of it. That was an affront to our democracy that hopefully is not soon repeated.

    Emerson's case stinks because it was only two weeks ago that he won as a Liberal. Even with a star candidate, most votes in any riding will be party and leader votes, not individual candidate votes. So ideally Emerson should run in a by-election to get the approval of his constituents.

    There should be some restriction on switching sides so soon after an election. Can't switch for a year, unless you either go the by-election route, or if you're booted out of caucus by your party.

    ULTIMATELY, if Canadians TRULY want to see the back of such behaviour in Canadian politics, then we have to be ruthless when it's called for. Stronach, Brison, Keith Martin, and Bill Matthews should all have been trounced in the recent election, if Canadians really wanted to see the end of these shenanigans.

    That all were returned with room to spare doesn't make me optimistic that such practise will be eradicated in the not too distant future. If anything, it only will encourage it.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:58 p.m.  

  • In regards to Ujjal, you can even go back to his days in India where he was a member of the Communist Party. People do change their minds... others... well they are David Emerson.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:26 p.m.  

  • At least, Stronach won her riding again....it would be hard to make the arguement that Emerson will win his riding....

    The conservative in Vancouver-Kingsway won only 18.8% of the vote....the race was between Ian Waddel (NDP) and David Emerson....the riding is firmly left...which is understandable, the demographics in the riding are alot of poor people and alot of immigrants, who know that the conservatives will not represent their interests....

    And, the arguement that Vancouver and Montreal aren't represented in the new government doesn't really hold water....Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto didn't vote conservative because they knew better....urban voters didn't want a conservative government, so to lure less principaled politicians from these areas into a conservative government doesn't help to represent them better....these areas aren't conservative!.....so, it only gives a false impression of representation, that I for one, am not falling for.....the conservative government doesn't care about our (i live in Vancouver) voices. If he did, he'd run on policies that better reflected our socialy consious ways of thinking. Instead, Harper simply appionted people who agree with his messed up conservative values, and they'll pretend to speak for us....

    Emerson should run in a by-election, then Mr. Waddel would win and Vancouver-Kingsway would be better represented...

    the only silver lining in this whole thing is that is shows how messed up Harper and his Alberta party is.....he could control the cowboys in his party for the election, but how long can he maintain? it's only a matter of time before their true colors come out and we'll see the CPC for what it really is: a far-right bunch of morons...then Canadians will look for a party that truely represents their views.....

    So, I say keep it up Mr. Harper, it's only a matter of time before you trigger another election with some stupid ploy or another, and then you can kiss your fifteen mintues of fame good bye....

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:55 p.m.  

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