Joe Volpe loses the Toronto Star [and some bloggers, too]
Though not from the editorial board, Toronto Star columnist (and Liberal Party booster) James Travers thinks Joe Volpe needs to go, and to me that pretty much means Joe Volpe can't count on the Toronto Star for help:
In a more perfect Liberal leadership contest, Joe Volpe would quit now while Carolyn Bennett struggles to the last ballot on the first weekend in December. By doing the right things for the right reasons, Volpe would help the party shake its past even as Bennett charts its future.
A Liberal party that finally exhausted public patience with serial scandals cannot afford to let a whiff of odour waft around the leadership. That would only boost Conservatives who are doing everything possible - including the transparent stunt of taking Liberals to court over the Quebec advertising horror - to remind voters about the party's affinity for the cookie jar.
Transparent stunt? Well, I did say Travers was a Liberal Party man. Still, he's right about the fact that the Liberals have to appear squeaky clean. Anything less, and they'll never be able to escape that stench of corruption.
Liberal supporters will spin Volpe's troubles as being blown out of proportion, that Volpe is not being given the benefit of the doubt, that everyone plays the "limits" game (and they do). But those with at least some honesty like James Travers (who I suspect has more than just some honesty) will realize that Joe Volpe represents all that is bad about the Liberal Party. That rules are meant to be pushed to the edge. That anything is justified if it means winning. That scandal can be avoided by simply acting offended, as if being Liberal means one can do no wrong.
Joe Volpe's actions, and the response so far, plays into every bad stereotype. And worse yet, he is reinforcing the notion that the Liberal Party is made up of competing crime families -- there's Joe Volpe and the generic drug manufacturers, here's Scott Brison and the Bay Street crowd -- which is so ironic given Joe Volpe's Italian-Canadian roots and his hypersensitivity to mobster parallels.
Hopefully Volpe will listen to Travers. More likely, he'll resist until he can't resist any more, and the Liberals will have a very bitter and angry ex-leadership candidate on their hands.
Can't say I feel too sorry for them.
Update: Several Liberal bloggers are demanding that "sleazy" Joe Volpe immediately exit the leadership race. Will the list grow? Stay tuned for updates:
- Views from the Left: "Sleazy Joe Must Go"
- A View from the Left: "Get Out of the Race, Volpe"
- Battle of the Grits: "I always thought Volpe was a dirty politician..."
- Bob the Red: "Joe, Joe, Joe"
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Comments
There is not enough soap and water in Canada to make the liberals 'squeaky clean'!
Volpe's association with Apotex is not surprising though--after all--Apotex has it's own history. Just heard Pat Martin report that if he goes further with his investigation into the volpe/Apotex donation issue he will be sued by Volpe. Typical Liberal--run to the Liberal appointed court judges to 'prove' he is as pure as the driven snow--not the yellow stuff!
Posted by: George at June 1, 2006 09:14 AM
Nice to see nothing has changed with the Libranos. Is Gagliano running Volpe's effort?
Make sure your Huggies are on tight before you go to this website: http://www.youthforvolpe.ca/
It's a scream!
Posted by: gwgm at June 1, 2006 10:02 AM
Can someone fill me in on the significance of the birth announcements for the 3 youngest donors? I read a Globe & Mail link and one other story that made mention of a birth announcement, but no details about why or when. I can make a guess. Are they saying that there weren't birth announcements when these kids were born and they are now posted in the newspaper (approx.) 11 and 14 years later, as some sort of technicallity? I noticed there was mention that there is no legal reason they can't donate. Can you donate more or less depending on your age? Help me out what's missing?
This Toronto Star story is interesting about threats of slander when the donations are being questioned. In true Liberal fashion, when they get themselves in too deep, shut 'em up with a law suit. Deny and delay.
Posted by: Cheri at June 1, 2006 10:02 AM
Dear Tony Robinson, [a few nice words from the scary hidden agenda]
Since February I have actively been working on my commitments.
Â
I have been meeting with constituents, community groups, neighbourhood associations and other community stakeholders in order to continue providing a strong voice in the government for Vancouver-Kingsway and British Columbia.
Â
Among these activities:
Working to resolve the softwood lumber conflict with the United States. The framework will help bring stability to the province’s forestry industry and see a return of $4 billion USD in duties to Canadian companies. Â
Meeting with the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council to discuss how to move ahead on the Pacific Gateway initiative.
Meeting with Prime Minister Harper and Finance Minister Jim Flaherty to ensure the Government’s financial commitment to the Pacific Gateway was expressed in the Budget.
Facilitating a Container Trucking Stakeholder Forum with BC Minister Falcon to discuss a long-term solution for the industry and avoid any labour disruptions at the lower mainland ports.
Meeting with BC Minister Hansen to express continuing federal commitment and active participation to the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.
[This is about ½ of the list of business taken care of]
I offered a note of support, and David Emerson*s busy office found the time to thank me for my bit of moral backing.
Taking care of business is the impression I get. Makes me glad I voted the way I did. TG
Posted by: TonyGuitar at June 1, 2006 10:27 AM
As much as the Canadian Liberal politic would like to believe the the public tends to have a short memory, I don't think this long standing reputation of corruption and scandal will ever wash off the party.
I think the Liberals will continue to thrash for a while, but ultimately the party will die a painful death similar to what the Mulroney Conservatives did. It has already begun and may be the ONLY way to purge the filth from the party.
Posted by: Jan Schaafsma at June 1, 2006 10:36 AM
 
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