Buckham throws party, no one comes...
Today the Campaign to De-Elect David Emerson held another public awareness pro-democracy protest at a venue David Emerson was attending. Thanks no doubt to the recent offensive and contemptuous quips of both Emerson (we’re ‘locusts’) and Prime Minister Stephen Harper (‘same ten people, old hat, isn’t it?’), campaign supporters flocked to the event, including many new faces.
Emerson’s misguided apologists had their own plans for the day. John Buckham, a paid Conservative Party organizer for the lower mainland, yesterday morning sent out a plea to local Conservative power brokers, urging them and their minions to come to the Hyatt and support their favorite turncoat, David Emerson.
Buckham encouraged his flock (oddly, I was not on the distribution list), suggesting they wear Conservative t-shirts, ball caps and buttons. Mr. Buckham helpfully suggested supporters make up signs with such stirring messages as “Emerson = Courage” and “United we stand!”.
Let’s get out and show our support for David and the courageous stance he has taken! And let’s show the de-Elect campaign that they are not the only ones who can put people on the streets!
Problem is, no-one answered Buckham’s call and showed up. Well, that’s not quite right. One supporter, evidently completely overwhelmed by the strength of our pro-democracy support, and visibly unnerved by the lack of a comforting posse of her own, bravely debated me on the finer points of democracy for 10 minutes and then quietly left.
No signs. No ball-caps. No supporters. No commitment.
With that kind of support from the party, its a wonder that Mr. Emerson isn’t already retired!
Question of the day: is the total absence of support for Emerson a reflection of the very real dissatisfaction within the Conservative party over how Harper has handled his cabinet appointments, or, more likely in addition, is the poor showing a result of yet another muzzle order out from the PMO?
Update: A press release was issued to media on Friday regarding the lost posse.
By the by, Mr. Buckham: Emerson’s actions are not ‘courageous’. Undemocratic, yes, and in fact unsupportable in a modern democracy. If Mr. Emerson were to show true courage and go back to his constituents for a mandate honestly achieved, I would be his biggest booster.