Conservatives Are Right To Question

I’ve been criticized by other Conservative party members for speaking out about the Emerson and Fortier affair (not to mention other blunders). Some question my loyalty to the party; some claim that by questioning the actions of the party or the Leader that I’m somehow not a Conservative. One person even accused me of being a David Orchard supporter, of all things. Anyone within the party that knows me knows full well that I never supported Mr. Orchard. But I always supported Mr. Orchard’s right to speak out and organize.

What I am is a Canadian first, Conservative Party member second, which is as all members should be. Who should be surprised that there are differing voices within the party? I would worry more if there were none.

Political parties are not homogeneous pools of opinion – dissent within the party is important. In our history, dissent has played an important role in shaping this country. Dissent keeps us honest and on our toes. Dissent helps us all strive to do a little bit better, next time. Dissent is healthy.

Conservatives should not succumb to group think, and automatically and unquestioningly go along with what the leadership or cabinet says or does. Father does not always know best.

Conservatives should not assume that our party will always be on the correct side of an issue.

Conservatives ought not to believe that principle matters only when we are not in government, nor should we relax our ethical standards for the sake of expediency, by approving the wrong-headed notion that the end justifies the means.

Conservatives should not believe that criticizing the government of the day is a job only for the opposition.

Canadians want us to do better, but their expectations, however low, will not be easily met. We won’t do our jobs for the country if we passively sit by while bone-headed moves are made.

Conservatives should not forget the lessons learned during the long years we were out of power, or Canadians will ensure that we are put back out of power, soon enough.