Letter to the Editor – Joe Hugelin of Niagara Falls Ontario on the Harperite Phone Games Against MP Irwin Cotler – December 16, 2011

Irwin Cotler

Hiring telephoners to say ‘There are rumours that there might be a byelection,’ (1) when there were none is untruthful. Equally so is speechifying to wheat farmers that ” his party “respects the vote” of farmers who back the single desk and suggested there won’t be any attempt to impose dual marketing on the Canadian Wheat Board unless a majority of producers vote for it.”(2), then denying “the vote” and imposing dual marketing.

Never before have such actions been justified on the bases of ” ‘freedom of speech’ ” or  ” ‘that this has been going on as long as politics in this country.’ ” . (1 )

Untruths have been practiced in politics long before the founding of Canada, for doing so is part of the sinister side of human nature. Never before, though, has there been a statement in the House of Commons that “It is a normal part of politics in this country”. (1)

It will be most unfortunate, will it not for the practice of politics in our Canada, if this be accepted as the new political norm

(1)
“Mr. Van Loan has defended the action, arguing against Mr. Cotler’s point of privilege on Nov. 29: “What he is asking you, Mr. Speaker, to do here is prevent people from being able to speak the truth. When they were asked, ‘Why are you making this call?’, ‘There are rumours that there might be a byelection,’ was the true answer.” Mr. Van Loan said it comes down to “freedom of speech” and “the fact is that this has been going on as long as politics in this country. It is a normal part of politics in this country and it is not a kind of speech that should begin to be chilled at this point.”
Top Conservative avoids being called to House committee after Grit MP Cotler’s point of privilege dismissed
http://www.hilltimes.com/news/politics/2011/12/15/top-conservative-avoids-being-called-to-house-committee-after-grit-mp-cotlers/29135

(2)
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says his party “respects the vote” of farmers who back the single desk and suggested there won’t be any attempt to impose dual marketing on the Canadian Wheat Board unless a majority of producers vote for it.
Ritz Says He Won’t Scrap Single Desk Unless Majority Of Farmers Vote For It
http://agcanada.ironsolutions.com/Article.aspx?ID=34842

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James Moak

1 Comment

  1. Good letter, Joe. We have to speak out, since history teaches us that we have nothing to gain but grief and shame if we cave into bullies and liars.

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