Letters from all over
Harper claims that the critics of his Emerson appointment are “the Liberal party, the opposition parties, and elements of the media.” Harper is wrong – full stop. Two very legitimate polls have shown that a majority of British Columbians and Canadians believe the appointment of Emerson was wrong and that Emerson should resign immediately and call a by-election in Vancouver – Kingsway. As for the notion that “some elements” in the media are critical, an overwhelming majority of political pundits, columnists and editorial writers condemned Harper and Emerson for their betrayal of the democratic process and the constituents of Vancouver – Kingsway. This Canadian voted for harper’s Conservative party. This Canadian is still waiting for an honest leader to arrive on the scene. John Daly – Burnaby BC, Macleans
From one Conservative to another, I salute you! Mr. Daly is citing Ipsos Reid and Mustel Group polls which indicate that a majority of Canadians – and most certainly British Columbians, even in staunchly Conservative territory – want to see Harper and Emerson do the right thing and call a by-election in Vancouver Kingsway. Immediately.
As a long-time member of the Reform, Alliance and Conservative parties, I feel betrayed by Stephen Harper’s invitation to David Emerson to join our party. Letter, The Province
How ironic that Stephen Harper, in referring to his father’s sense of integrity, should come up with the best description of my feeling about his wooing of David Emerson away from the Liberal party: “If you compromise your integrity to get ahead , you haven’t gotten ahead.” Apparently the apple does fall far from the tree. Cathy Fenton – Kelowna BC, (citing Linda Frum’s interview with Stephen Harper, March 6th issue of Macleans), Macleans
Emerson, unlike Belinda Stronach, did not serve for even one day as an MP for the party whose banner he campaigned under. Days after proudly extolling the Liberal Party and blasting Harper’s Conservatives, he was secretly negotiating with Conservative campaign [co-chair and former MP John Reynolds]. Hence, it’s absurd to portray Emerson’s move as having to do with his personal “freedom” to change his party allegiance, as if it had been motivated by some sort of political or ideological change of heart rather than an offer of a cabinet post. Carl Rosenburg, The Georgia Straight
Hi, from the riding of Vancouver-Kingsway in BC (ground zero, you could call it). Most of us in the riding are very upset about the mess David Emerson (and PM Harper) has created. I’m very, very disillusioned… the fact that they are so taken aback by the reaction is very disheartening, because it shows a broad disconnect between the voters and the ones we vote for. Keep up the fight… many many people support you. Letter to Conservative MP Garth Turner, cited on his website
Congratulations on taking a principled stand on the floor crossing issue. I am a dedicated Conservative who was shocked that our new government would allow such a thing. This is surely a body blow for democracy. Is this really what our leader and new Prime Minister believes to be in conformity with his promised ethics reforms? I am deeply disappointed.
I am a Canadian citizen and card-carrying Conservative who firmly believes that any MP who wishes to switch parties should be forced to resign his seat and seek re-election. Letter from a voter in Orangeville, Ontario, to Conservative MP Garth Turner, cited on his website
My party is on the wrong side of the issue, and increasingly Conservatives are speaking out. Mr. Harper still has the opportunity to demostrate integrity, admit that he was wrong, and force a by-election in Vancouver-Kingsway. Emerson can fall on the sword by resigning, and come back in the civil service as a deputy minister, or leave government for good and find a business willing to take him.