Back home tonight, after a week that was never expected; will never be forgotten. Many new experiences were crammed into a few days, some great and some devastating. I do not believe I have lived three days in my life during which I have been so praised, and so damned.
Did things spin out of control? Absolutely. Was I petulant and brash to speak out on issues? Maybe. Time will tell. Were the political gods right to challenge me? Of course. That’s their job – to support the government and the party above all else. Was I wrong to defy them? Now, that’s the question. From the point of an MP speaking his mind and representing voters, absolutely not. It’s what an MP should do. But in the context of the Conservative Party and the new Harper administration, the answer’s far less clear.
Of the hundreds of people who came, read and posted comments here, many have trashed me and did so for excellent reasons. Others have interpreted my public comments as utterly self-serving, and even suggesting I have a secret plan to take over the Tories! (Hey, I tried that already, 13 years ago. Check the results – I sucked at it.)
Now the word is spreading that I am considering quitting the Conservative Party and sitting in Parliament as an independent. In fact, when I stopped at the little gas station-grocery bar in Campbellville to get milk, the cashier excitedly pointed to today’s Toronto Sun, and flipped open the last copy to a news story headlined, “MP ready to bolt.â€
Back in the truck, Dorothy looked over at the paper, raised an eyebrow and said (icily), so, you want to explain that one?
Hey, I said, the story’s wrong. And it was. Maybe the combination of a hurried interview on a balky cell phone with a reporter out to turn me into bigger news than I am. Whatever. Still wrong. And now that I am out of the media hothouse of the nation’s capital, back in the riding and sucking in the country air of Halton’s 1,600 snow-covered square miles, I have time to tell you with clarity who I am and what I am about to do.
Garth Turner is a Conservative, and has been so for decades, like my parents before me. I believe in conservative values, support the Conservative Party, and ran proudly to be a Conservative candidate with Stephen Harper as leader. I put a lot of energy and time into promoting the Conservative platform in this last election, and was delighted that it came to focus on the middle class issues I’d been fighting for. The campaign brought into sharp focus in Halton the differences between Liberals and Conservatives and there was never a moment of hesitation in my mind that I was on the right side of the issues.
That conviction propelled me to campaign for eight months running, to knock on thousands of doors and walk virtually every street in Halton. I used every communications tool in my arsenal to get the party message out, wrote every brochure and flyer myself and ensured every home in the riding got the message. Personally, I gave up my job to campaign, along with my television appearances. I relinquished most of my income. I bought a house in the riding, and moved from the one near by – at a fairly staggering cost. I threw everything that I had into this cause because, in a few words, it was the right one.
Canada needs Conservatives right now. It needs a Conservative government that will enact the agenda we all fought for. It has been 13 long years since the country had reasonable leadership and an agenda which will help average families in so many aspects of their daily lives. It was never lost on me that I was out to win Halton for our party after two guys with red ties had wrestled the torch from Conservative hands. My hands.
And I won. My pledge to the voters was to represent them vigorously to Ottawa. I also pledged to advance more middle class issues to a receptive government, and to make their voices louder by having their MP speak freely on their behalf. Our campaign, and the hundreds of workers in it, found these commitments rewarded with a swing of 9,000 votes. Many people who had voted Liberal by rote this time supported a party, a leader, a platform and a candidate who embodied change.
Then came this week, and the sparks that briefly flew. But that discussion is over. I said my piece. My views are known. Time to move on.
The last three days have diverted me somewhat from my job, which is to serve the people of Halton, and I regret that. It shall be the last diversion for quite some time. Over the coming weeks we have a series of Town Hall meetings across the riding to discuss ideas for the coming budget. Please come. Bring your input. If you can’t get there, send me a message or comment. Vote on a couple of the budget-related issues posted on this web site. You can now even write me a snail mail letter, sans stamp!
After the meetings are done, I will prepare a pre-budget report for Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, and post it here for your review and revision. Please come by for a look. This first Conservative budget in more than a decade is crucial to beginning the changes we fought so hard to achieve.
In addition, this web site will be further developed, so our Halton experiment in Digital Democracy can break some new ground. Tomorrow we open up some discussion boards, so the entire community can get on the record and I can gain invaluable insight into how you want me to proceed in Ottawa. At the same time, our Help Center is growing stronger, more focused and effective every day. We’re adding some more staff to cope with the load, as well as adding more online tools – and extra office computers – to help you help yourself, 24/7.
This is just a taste of what to expect in the months and years to come. I am honoured, as I have told you so many times, to be the MP. It is a vast and important job, and you have my pledge that your trust in me will be repaid in loyalty.
And as for my role in Ottawa?
Well, loyalty’s needed there, as well. I am not going to abandon the party I walked so far for. I have no intention of seeing the caucus door close behind me. I will proudly take whatever seat I have in the House of Commons. And I will respect the leader, because leadership is hard.
I have my conviction and I have my principles. They will not be compromised. But I also have my Conservative family. I told you before. In fact, I told the country this week. I am not a quitter.
104 comments ↓
Congratulations on your decision Mr. Turner. It is good to know that you are planing to run on the Conservative’s policies. The problem started when you decided to run on Garth Turner’s policies instead.
Perhaps you can work with your party to make some of your ideas policies your caucus will support. And, be open minded if your ideas are occasionally voted down. There are 308 MP’s who all want to speak for their constituents- a diverse country with diverse views and opinions as your recent firestorm has proven.
Best of luck to you Sir.
Mr. Turner,
Great post. I know very little about you but I read your Sept. 22nd post about a letter from Laureen just BEFORE reading this one. As a result tonight’s wasn’t a surprise at all.
Keep pushing on C-251. The bill itself can’t be retroractive of course, but I’m pleased that way more than 60 MPs may be ready to take it to committeee next time.
One question for you. If there isn’t a consensus for C-251 in this Parliament,would you be amenable to a compromise to limit it to those entering cabinet?
In other words no one could enter cabinet after crossing until re-elected. Personally I would support C-251, but if a majority supported that limitation it would strike at the heart of the abuse and cynicism. Such a measure has precedent as Canada and the UK had similiar restrictions up until the 1920s.
Thanks.
Garth,
Yes, I agree – its time to move on. You made your views clear, and some people like it and some people don’t.
You have shown courage to do what you believe in. The Conservative leadership must show that they are tolerant of different views, even if it is coming from their own ranks. I trust that sense will prevail, and that you will be allowed to move on with the task that you set out to do without running the risk of further retaliation by PMSH et al.
I voted for you in the last election. The events of the last few days have shown that I made the chose the right candidate. I hope that further events will prove that my choice of party was correct as well.
Daniel
Bravo Garth. You are now getting TONS of play by being the lightning rod of outrage.
Ironic that you probably owe Zeus one for chucking out those lightning bolts for you.
BTW, what was the plan if no kaka hit the fan? I’m sure you had one–your media savvy is impressive (I mean that sincerely)
Look forward to voting a zillion times on your blog–always in your favor of course.
Congratulations Mr. Turner. I respect the clarity that you have achieved. All the best for you and the Conservatives. Canada will be grateful no doubt!
Garth, the party is stronger for your actions this week.
Harper got a sharp reminder that he has to practise what he preaches, and there’s no harm in that.
If Emerson can sleep at night with a clear conscience then he really is a Liberal! But as they say, c’est la vie.
Time to get a good budget passed, as you say.
Some interesting opinions here.
http://www.bourque.org/
Good for you, GT. Don’t overthink. Stick to your initial reasoning and instinct. It’s who you are, no? Best, Gustav.
Dear Mr. Turner,
I am a constituent of Vancouver-Kingsway. As you may presume, I am not at all happy with Mr. Emerson’s actions. Not in the crossing of the floor, but in the double-crossing of the constituents of this riding who voted for him as a Liberal.
I am not against the practice per se – in that I don’t think that it is in the best interest of the public purse to have a by-election every time somebody crosses, or sits as an Independent on a matter of policy or principle. That said, I would say that perhaps there ought to be a period – perhaps six months after being elected – during which time an automatic by-election would be triggered. In the cases of Ms. Stronach, and Mr. Brison there were clearly (to me, anyhow) fairly good reasons to cross the floor. Mr. Brison had been a PROGRESSIVE Conservative, and may have been dissatisfied with the merger, and may have been, as a homosexual, uncomfortable with some of the old Reform/Alliance views on his orientation. Fair enough. Ms. Stronach’s defection may have seemed a little bit more opportunistic, but she was also (I think) a Progressive Conservative, and from all reports was under the impression that she had little future with the CPC. Further to that, she did not think it a good idea to bring down the Gov’t at that time. I happened to agree with her on that, and admonished the Late Mr. Cadman to vote with the Gov’t, as I admonished Mr. Duceppe, Mr. Layton, Mr. McKay, Mr. Harper, et al on the budget. It was not a bad budget after all. Ms. Stronach had also sat on the Conservative benches for some 11 months at that point.
Mr. Emerson on the other hand, clearly did not have the wishes of his constituents in mind when he made his decision. Vancouver-Kingsway has voted CCF/NDP or Liberal all but once (the VERY Honourable John Diefenbaker’s Progressive Conservatives in 1958) since the inception of the riding in 1954 (who didn’t vote for The Chief in 1958?). This riding clearly voted AGAINST the CPC in the recent election (they only got 18.8% of the vote). Mr. Emerson knows that, as does the whole country. Therein is the problem.
Mr. Turner, I grew up in Halton County (in Moffat), and it is one of the most beautiful places on the planet – especially in summer. I applaud you on your principles, and if I still lived in Halton, I would have voted for you – even though I did not wish the Reform/Alliance Reconstitution to win Government. I have been aware of you since you used to write financial columns back in the 1980’s, and you have always seemed a “straight shooter” to me. Good for you for your principled stance, and your satisfaction with serving your constituents from the far side of the Moon if need be. Canada could use 307 more of your kind.
For the record, I have never voted Liberal in my life, and did not vote for CPC, LPC, or NDP in the last election. I voted for the candidate who had principles closest to my heart. I have voted PC under Joe Clark, Reform under Preston Manning, NDP, CAP, but never Liberal.
Thank you again.
Garth, I’ve been thinking a lot about the Emerson situation. It wasn’t until today that I am able to find prospective on this matter. IN today’s Toronto Sun is a story about the sentence received for a person convicted for the sexual assualt and kidnapping of a 9 year old girl from Vaughan. We elected Conservatives to crack down on crime, and provide minimum sentences for serious crimes. The jail sentence this sicko received isn’t even close to what he deserves. I urge you to put down your sword on the Emerson matter, and pick up on sword to fight the injustice a nine year girl and her family saw this week. We need tougher jail sentences for cold calcuated murders and rapists. Emerson will do more good for this country, than you will ever do picking a fight the Prime Minister over this. Call a truce, swallow the tough pill, and start doing the really important work.
My prayers for the little girl from Vaughan to her family. I have no idea who you are, but, for the first time in my life, I will be writing a letter to my Liberal MP, and to the Conservative government to take action.
Garth, move on. Help this family, and help protect other families. Before you know it, he will be back in our neigbourhoods.
michelel
“And I will respect the leader, because leadership is hard.”
You damn right. You have damaged the first week for the leader and for the party, and it will not be forgotten or forgiven.
Step #1 – Publicly apologize. Privately apologize to the leader and to your caucus colleagues.
Step #2 – Stay OUT of TV stations and radio stations until the House comes back. Do not give interviews without checking with PMO Comms staff.
Step #3 – Do what the caucus leaders tell you to do. No ad hoc budget consultations. No more freelancing.
Step #4 – Remember: you lost in 2004 because nobody cares about Garth Turner. They vote for the party. The *new* Conservative party brought you into the House – we can take you out. Understand.
Never EVER embarrass the leader again.
I just read the item in the Toronto Sun that you were leaving (considering?) the Conservative party. Thanks for correcting that incorrect report. It scares me to think that Harper will be like his Liberal predecessors and handle dissent by expulsion. Even if I disagreed with your position re Emerson (I don’t) I believe that democracy requires that you should be able to voice dissent from your leader’s view and one of the principal reasons that Canada is such a weak democracy is that Canadian party leaders will not accept dissent on any matters whatever.
Thank you. It’s been an interesting week and I applaud you for standing up for your principles, even if I didn’t agree with you. Parliament needs to get back to the time when constituents voted as much for the person as for the party. All MPs should have the courage to stand for their convictions even when they are at odds with the party they serve under without fear of retribution.
In the typical Canadian fashion – I do accept your explanation … it doesn’t mean much – I’m thousands of miles out of your riding.
I do, however, wish you the the best in your political career.
Excellent. We now have one member in parliament volunteering full transparency via this weblog. Indeed it makes at least for an interesting read – the inner conflicts of conscience of a career politician. The media circus forced you to reveal your priorities – and it was loyalty to your constituents above all. Bravo!
Shame how so few at the top grasp the importance of being accountable to those that are paying their way. When executives act unilaterally and spend shareholders money outside the budget they get fired. When you and I spend bankers money without explanation the rug gets pulled from underneath us. But when our politicians ask the public to trust them to their word and then do something different…they cannot even bring themselves to explain why the sudden panic to break their own rules of integrity.
We must forgive Harper, Emerson, and Fortier as they are political amateurs. As often the case with amateurs, in their haste to sail the ship they sometimes leave behind the experienced navigator. Next they try to call on the whole crew for advice and end up more confused then ever. They should turnaround, go back to port and start over again. Garth, I’m certain with your experience, the ship will be back to pick you up. Just be patient and keep your lighthouse shining.
Mr. Turner
In the short time that you have been in your current role as our MP, even before your first formal sitting, you have lived up to “ALL” of your election promises. I appreciate not only your honesty but also your passion, commitment and political intelligence.
Those who oppose your actions do so in isolation and with great short-sightedness. Please remember that the majority of Halton constituents elected you. I helped to elect you by giving you my vote. I did not elect a party nor any other individual. I gave you my sacred vote! Please understand that I did my research and I believe that you are destined for a number of very significant and important position in our federal government. Perhaps Mr. Harper does not yet see this potential now, but he will soon understand that you are a pre-destined star. He will see your true value very soon.
Hundreds of folks have expressed their opinions. Most supportive – but some – vehemently opposed to your recent actions. But, I know that you have thick skin.(Note: If you ever question this, please call me for a cerebral “pick me up!”)
You have such an honesty about you. You seemed to be wired that way! The supporters and detractors do two things, they make you question your position and they make you question your principles. They do not matter. We, your constituents, matter. When you were selected to be elected, you asked that you be our spokesperson, our representative. Please continue to BE.
I believe that you will be the best representative that our Country has ever seen. I am Canadian Garth Turner. If you prick me, my blood is red and I know that I am the most patriotic person that I can be. But, you are too. I voted for you because of this.
You are Garth Turner, MP. You are strong, you are intelligent, you are our representative, you are real.
Be, Garth… be!
If Conservative MPs aren’t going to speak out when something unethical and unseemly is going on in Ottawa, then who can we depend on?
If you aren’t going to speak out anymore – I’ll just vote NDP next time.
Good for you and good for the Conservative party that you stay on.
Thanks
I have been catching up on the week’s events which eventuallly led me to your blog. It has been very interesting to get a thoughtful and articulate glimpse into the life of a Canadian polititian.
For me, the new SH cabinet is either a bold example of “shock and awe” politics or incredibly bad judgement. Either way, contradictions abound. I certainly appreciate hearing you speak publicly and honestly on the situation. Government with integrity is what Canada voted for, not the coveting of power.
I applaud you in your decision to continue on in the government and to continue to work for your constituents. They couldn’t be better represented. Although you say you will be relegated to the deepest bowels of the House of Commons, I suspect that the front benches will always be mindful that you are watching.
Kenji
Thumbs up to you Garth. We need you IN the party.
Thanks for writing tonight’s blog Garth. I’m very happy to read it.
Mr. Turner…perhaps Mr. Harper should be reminded that he too was an outcast at one time. I think you are correct to choose principle over party. Too bad Mr. Harper does not understand principle and party should go together and not be a choice.
Garth, your closing paragraphs strongly suggest that you’re putting on a brave face but ultimately “they” have won. How can it be “time to move on” when the battle is not yet won? Mr. Harper has brought shame upon our party by replicating the very same actions we so vehemently opposed. We have become the enemy and it’s very sad to see you submitting to “their” will. I guess in the end even your principles are only so strong…
Mr. Turner welcome back to the Conservative caucus. I don’t know just how I should start telling you just how relieved I am.
As a supporter of same-sex marriage and abortion I’m always aware that I disagree with the party that I voted for on at least two issues, but that didn’t stop me from voting Conservative. Even during the height of the same-sex marriage debate, Conservative MPs who supported same-sex marriage did not give their more traditional colleagues hell simply on that disagreement. And as the intra-party polarization caused by David Emerson deepened, I began wondering whether all this was necessary, even though I too was alarmed (and not in a good way) about David Emerson’s defection. I wanted to approach you, but at the same time couldn’t think of a way to get my point across without causing you to feel that I’m out to make you compromise your freedom to dissent against the Conservative top brass.
Regardless, I’m glad, as I’ve said, that you’re back in the Conservative caucus. It must’ve been hard on you, seeing that certain pro-floor-crossing commentators were less than kind in saying what they think of you.
But I believe that every Conservative MP is equally important. Garth Turner, Stephen Harper, all equally important. And in this particular government, we need every democratically elected Conservative MP we can get. I don’t know what you will be hearing from caucus officials or from other commentators on this blog, but for whatever it’s worth, I, a voter who is neither in Halton nor in Vancouver-Kingsway (I voted in Vancouver South), will not forget your convictions and will welcome your continued presence in the Conservative Party as earnestly as before.
Sincerely,
Steve
I thought we lost ya’ for a minute there! Glad you’re back. It’s a good thing to have principle, but patience is a virtue.
Mr.Turner
I think you have made a great decision,
while I was not upset with your opinion on David Emerson crossing the floor, I was concerned with your timing in expressing it. However, as I said, a great decision for yourself, for your constituents and for the Conservative Party. I am certain that your experience and input will be greatly appreciated by fellow Conservatives in and out of The House of Commons. I look forward to following your future posts, it should be very interesting.
Dear Garth, I’m going to quote verbatim my comments from Andrew Coyne’s blog…
Comment #1
While there is significant merit in your argument that the voters have a right to feel disillusioned, AC, I say, “Hear, hear!” to Soccermom.
[She said: "Stronach and Brison did not resign. Neither should Emerson. Period. Next election he will face whatever music will be playing that day. Simple."]
Unfortunately, disillusionment after casting a ballot is something I do have personal experience with. Such is life.
Our system is representative Democracy.
We elect individual members to set policy and pass laws for us. Their party affiliation is one of the things we use to decide how to vote, but only one. What if the MP proves to be ineffective, changes their mind on key issues, or anything else comes up?
We say, “You suck!” at the ballot box next time and, if we feel like it, punish the party they moved away from / went toward.
If they don’t run again, we the voters can still punish parties if we choose. In the meantime, we elected the man or woman.
Such is our system of representative parliamentary Democracy – it has many flaws: lack of representation by population, an unelected Senate, and no Parliamentary veto power (by a clear majority) for judicial appointments, which effectively means a Prime Minister can stack the courts with radical justices of whatever political and social idealogy.
However, representative Democracy itself – voting for an individual, observing their actions while in office with the understanding that things change and there is no way in heck the next week much less 4-5 years can be safely predicted, and then judging them and their party(s) performance at the ballot box during the next election – is not the problem, in my opinion.
As for Garth Turner in particular, Steve Janke at Angry in the Great White North blog has a brilliant analysis here.
Comment #2
Lest anyone misunderstand, I like Garth Turner. He’s one of my favourite MPs.
I also like Stephen Harper and think he made a mistake: not on David Emerson, but on Michael Fortier.
I remember being in the audience in Sydney, BC on January 22, 2006, where, to much applause, Stephen Harper reiterated that a Conservative government would ensure Senators are elected; appointing Mr. Fortier whom is no doubt a capable and decent man, however, whom has never received an elected mandate was a mistake.
The Emerson defection was a coup. I’d like to see more.
Stephen Harper never, ever said that he wouldn’t accept an MP who crosses the floor because they want to join the Conservative caucus. I rather expect the reason he didn’t say that is because he wanted it to happen.
Stephen Janke’s main point is that Garth Turner is upset the Emerson was elected as a Liberal, violated the voters trust because many of those votes were cast because Emerson ran as a Liberal. Garth believes that Emerson, if he’s to sit in Cabinet or as a Conservative MP, really should go to the voters and get a mandate for the switch.
Fair enough. I understand that position. However, Garth, whom if I haven’t made this clear, I admire and respect, received many of his votes because he ran as a Conservative – many were votes for Stephen Harper and the Conservative platform as much as anything.
Does this mean I don’t think Garth is within his rights to sit as an Independent? No way. He’s within his rights to join the NDP or the Greens if he chooses.
However, his reasoning is flawed. By sitting as an Independent without going to the voters in a bi-election, he would be doing essentially exactly what he’s stridently criticizing.
Instead, if he’s upset, he should either:
1.) work within the party for change of this practice he strongly disagrees with and submit a private member’s bill if necessary
2.) sit as an Independent or defect, but, because of his reason for doing so, should go to the voters in a bi-election for a mandate (otherwise, he would be laughably hypocritical to any person who can reason)
3.) sit as an Independent or defect, but criticize Harper for Fortier, where he has some solid ground to stand upon
With that, I shall now go read Garth Turner’s blog.
AFTERTHOUGHT: Having studied your blog entry, Garth, I am glad you remain committed to your ideals and beliefs and will serve your Constituents as a Conservative.
Well-considered. I would simply add that in the future, such comments as you made this week to the media might be more effectively shared directly with the relevant individuals instead, in private.
You wouldn’t expect your wife to tell the media, or for you to read on her ‘blog’ those things you might prefer to hear from her in private. Yet, despite the implicit suggestions from those who have praised your public commentary, discussing in private does not suggest that opinions have not been vigorously represented.
Dear Mr. Turner,
I am a member of the CPC because of its support for the idea of the individual. The week past was an exercise in the limits of the rights of an individual. Your last post has made me feel much more positive than I have in a long time.
Mr Turner,
I don’t think you should say anything about Emerson’s floor crossing. If it weren’t for Stephen Harper’s excellent campaign, you wouldn’t have been able to be elected. You can discuss the matter with your party leader but not talk to the media. I don’t see you will be successful in any business if you don’t respect your leader, regardless he’s right or wrong.
What I can see is that you want to take advantage of this Emerson issue and build your own political captical. However, I think that’s very silly. Politics is art. You simply have not mastered the beauty of it.
Dang, I wish you were my MP!
Your Digital Democracy plan is very exciting and I hope it catches on like wild-fire across Canada.
Very nice comment K. Smith
RE: “And I will respect the leader, because leadership is hard.”
Oh, please. Maybe you will respect the leader, but that third person, self-aggrandizing, blowhard in paragraph 7 (“Garth Turner is a Conservative …”) does not and will not.
Could you provide a hyperlink to your proposal for by-election reform?
Thanks.
Garth, I admire you for speaking your mind, and trying to find some common ground to move forward. Bravo!
That being said, I hope that in the future, when you have a concern raised by your constituents, that you first tell them you will speak to the powers that be about it, rather than fueling a media feeding-frenzy. I sense that reporters are ticked off with the PMO for being so aloof, and are willing to grab at anything.
Keep up the blog and the good work, Garth! Just hold your cards a bit closer to your chest. If your were my M.P. I’d be proud!
Your ‘conservative family’ needs your help right now. Politically, strategically and tactically Steven Harper blew it in week 1. Deciding to prove at the starting gate that nothing has changed in Ottawa was out-of-this-world moronic. By letting people know you are principled, clear-headed and concerned is helping your party. You may decide to take your fight off the front pages – but don’t stop the fight. It is your party’s best hope for going longer than one short term.
Garth, thank you for your clear statement of commitment to the Conservatives. Your voice is needed in the Conservative caucus.
If the Conservatives are ever to upgrade to a majority, you are the type of principled and moderate face that the Conservative party needs to personify.
The way to deal with the press is to give them a written statement, of which you keep a copy. That way anything you say can’t be twisted out of context. Give the media a one line and they can make a big story out of it for days. Good luck Garth.
Well said Mr. Turner. We turn the page and move on. I concur.
Latest….
http://www.bourque.org/
Amazing.
This story keeps growing in the blogsphere.
Giving legs to the story are those wanting to see apologies from Turner.
When you look at what the Conservatives campaigned on — bringing a new integrity to government — and start off by — in the eyes of millions of Canadians — breaking those promises, it is little wonder this story has grown.
To assess the issue as Garth Turner’s fault is to ignore the facts.
This was a poorly thought out move by Stephen Harper and the PMO.
Period.
This might teach the “ivory tower” that the “peasants” and back-bench are not the trained seals the former Liberal government expected.
Perhaps Standing up for Canada also means Thinking Twice?
TIZ
Well Mr. Turner you have decided to turn the page and remain a Conservative.
I applaud your decision.
However, you have done irreparable harm to the party and the leader in this its very first week in power.
What have you accomplished?… you have lowered yourself in front of the media as being a turncoat (they really don’t care about your principles…it’s the story Garth), you have destroyed your relationship with your fellow caucus members because you made their lives more difficult and more importantly you lowered the respect for your prime minister by not publicly supporting his decision. Thank goodness the public really doesn’t care about the hysteria that has been created by you and the media as evidenced by the recent Ipsos poll.
I think your actions this week show that you are undiscipled and have a loose tongue. All of this will make it more difficult for you to get done what he want to get done. If you read Andrew Coyne’s blog today about floor crossing you will see the issue is more complex than you think. So I agree you should put your tongue and your principles in your pocket and become a team player by fighting for the things you believe in within caucus and help influence public policy in the best way you can. However, because your views are not accepted on another issue can we expect to see Garth Turner and his blog once again attacking the party that elected him?
Mr. Turner i believe that while your protest against Mr. Emerson were from the heart, i think you have missed the big picture entirely.
His coming into the fold advances tremendously the softwood lumber effort.
As well as giving a voice to a major city. His vote will of course be welcome as well.
The way that he arrived, is far outweighed by the potential benefit to this country.
Thisis a big country, we need people that can see beyond the small stuff.
People have crossed before, they will again. It is time to move on.
Your point is blissfully clear Mr. Turner.
I continue to stand in support and respect of you (our MP), in support and respect of the governing party (CPC)and in support and respect of our Prime Minister Mr. Harper.
I am looking forward to finding any further discussion of controversial cabinet and senate appointments perhaps in a topical discussion forum.
I look forward to this comments section being focused on comments pertaining to your daily log.
Bravo for your excellently written post!
Bravo to your hard working team of staffers and techs!
The sun is shining here in Halton and a new week begins!
Garth, you have taken a good first step.
Staying with the Conservative Values will provide each and every individual freedom of expression leading to positive synergy (1+1=3). Whereas, the Liberal values stifle free thinking and support Group-Thinking leading to negative synergy (1+1=1). Canada deserves Conservative Values.
We all know that pushing the Conservaive Values will be an uphill battle, but that is the challenge for all of us Conservatives.
The Liberal media assumed they had broken your will as a Conservative, and they took it upon themself to train (attempt) SH in their way of manipulating the public opinion. It did not work, and it will not work in the future.
Good for you, Garth – Stand your ground and stand up for your principals. I feel the same way as you, as I have posted in my own blog:
http://www.blog.ca/index.php/commentfromtheroad/2006/02/08/the_cabinet_door_seems_broken~545231
Stay the course: Canada needs more MP’s like you.
Shane Hall
Mr Turner, the media can be described as a sausage machine and they will push anything as long as it pays a buck to their pocket.
The media is attempting to use the blog to get a better pulse on the public mood but at this point censorship and stifling the responder is common practice.
Initial indicators were painting you as a cry-baby, sore loser, seeking to form a coalition to uproot Mr Harper.
Taking the position as a No Quitter is a positive step in the right direction.
Trust but Verify.
Take care.
Dear Mr. Turner,
On Feb. 11 your position was:
“I will proudly take whatever seat I have in the House of Commons. And I will respect the leader, because leadership is hard.”
On Feb. 9 you predicted:
“Speaking of offices, after today I’m expecting the Whip will be assigning me a renovated washroom somewhere in a forgotten corner of a vermin-infested dank basement in Ottawa. That should go well with my seat in the House of Commons that will be visible only during lunar eclipses.
Uh-huh. That kind of a day. This one MP came face-to-face with the party machine in a series of unhappy meetings including one tonight with the prime minister. I think it is now safe to say my career options within the Conservative caucus are seriously limited. If you would like a course on how not to be popular in Ottawa, then take a seat.”
Regardless of whether your predictions about your office, your parliamentary seat, and your career opportunities will come to fruition, I expect that Carolyn Parrish is proud of your theatrics.
Good post, Garth. Frankly, that was the kind of balanced message that I expect from you. I think if you had put this out earlier, a lot of the media-generated hysteria would not have occurred.
As for the comment by “Anon” earlier at 12:39 – I’m pretty sure that the comment was made by a Liberal stooge. We haven’t been in office nearly long enough to be that arrogant.
Good luck, Garth. Let’s see if we can make some changes for the better for this country.
Garth:
Here’s the funny thing. You are several thousand km away from the constituency where I live, yet I’m fairly certain I’ll be visiting your web site far more than that of my own local Conservative MP. To date, I have visited your site daily.
My local MP is a great fellow, but you are engaging the population in way that has not been done by an MP for a long time.
As well, you have impressed many by demonstrating that you are willing to stand up for what is right. Those who say the Conservatives should have stayed quiet over the Emerson affair really have missed the boat I’m afraid. The people, especially Conservative supporters, are hungry for something new, something fresh. We’re sick and tired of politics as usual.
The fact that some are surprised by our discontent is really what is surprising.
And besides, Harper’s move to appoint Emerson was plain poor tactics which will do nothing to help the party get a majority next time around.
You are refreshing. You truly are. Keep up the good work.
Garth:
If you go to vancouversun.com you will see that there was quite a fiesty demonstration against the Emerson defection on Saturday.
I just don’t understand why the Conservative leadership didn’t see this coming. None of us in the trenches needed hindsight to know that this would blow up.
The apparent inability of the Conservative leadership to avoid walking off a cliff in their first week suggests they need help, and they need it soon.
I’m 100% behind Harper, like all of us are. But if I consider how I would feel if my own Conservative MP crossed the floor to the Liberals, right after being elected, then it’s easy to see why the issue is not dying down.
Mr Turner.
Your blog with the interactive participation is bang on.
Digitial Democracy is several steps ahead of the pack.
Getting opinions directly from the masses is excellent feedback.
All of this is good and we need to see where it goes from here.
Garth:
You have restored the word of democracy. The Rule of the masses. I wish other MPs from different political stripes follow your step and be as open as you are.
Take care
Good afternoon Mr. Turner. Congratulations on your election. Bravo on your initial stand re the Emerson floor crossing. However I notice it didn’t take long for Mr. Harper to modify your opinion (cow you0. One visit to the principals office and “its all about leadership”. You need to continue the fight for what is right. There are approximately 40 of your fellow back benchers who felt the way you do (did?). Mr. Harper declared openly that he would allow free votes and the power of government would come from the caucus. Stiffen your resolve and maybe you can instill in your fellows members the backbone to govern in a way that is “open, honest and with integrity”. No one man should be “dictating” how members should serve their constituents, and that includes the Prime Minister. We voted the Conservatives to government (albeit a minority) to see if the sleaze would end. To-date they have failed miserably. Our only hope is if people such as yourself continue to have the courage of their convictions,regardless of party hacks.
Good luck in Ottawa.
Garth – just saw you on CTV’s Question Period – I appreciate you clarifying your point on national TV, and you came across as confident and reasonable. No conservative should have an issue with this anymore. Well done.
As an aside, I don’t personally think that an MP should have to resign before crossing the floor in all circumstances. I think that could weaken an MP even further relative to the PM. Emerson is a little different than Stronach – she claimed an ethical dilemma and he claims to be representing his constituents (although how he’ll have any time to represent his riding with a cabinet minister’s schedule i don’t know). Her position i understand better than his. But I’ll leave it at that. I think perhaps the best way to deal with MPs who cross the floor is to leave the judgement up to their constituents, but to respect the MP enough to allow them to continue as MP until the next election. Either that, or give them a year or two before they have to call a byelection. Just my two cents.
And again, good job on question period. I’m glad you convinced me to vote for you.
Just watched CTV Question Period – Garth Turner, Waddell NDP, Dosanjh(sp?) Liberal. Why on earth would you, Mr. Turner, let the panel back you into a corner? You had all the ammunition to put this issue in perspective and end it. Dosanjh personally was involved in bribing Grewals – with the intent of coldly buying their vote at a critical time last Spring. His Party bought Scott Brison and also Belinda Stronach – buying her vote a few days before a critical confidence motion. Is that forgotten? Mr. Waddell was responsible for the organization of the protest this weekend against Mr. Emerson. This is partisan, not righteous. His NDP Party kicked Ms. Desjarlais out of the NDP caucus 2005 because she voted to represent her constituents regarding same-sex marriage – which didn’t reflect the NDP position. How can these two men say Mr. Harper is “unethical”…which is how the panel ended up. To your credit Mr. Turner, you tried to make the point this isn’t about ethics, but you can see how Jane Taber, CTV let the last word go to Mr. Waddell…ringing in people’s ears that Mr. Harper is not an ethical person. These men and their Parties have no credibility. It’s a crime that they got away with this. Don’t be flattered by the media, Mr. Turner. You’re being used. Their motivation is to see Mr. Harper fail. Time to move on and leave them hanging on the barn door, whistling in the wind. Hopefully they will soon not have an audience. Lots of great things will be coming forth with the Conservative agenda. These are the things Canadians care about, but they may not be sensational enough for the media to create drama.
it’s saddenning to see posters such as anon and toronto tory shout from the rooftops that the party leader is god, and that no dissention may be tolerated, but it’s enraging when one of them posts that Garth was elected because he was a conservative. Look it up people – the last guy to run as a conservative in my riding lost handily. Garth energized the local voters. Voter turnout was up bigtime, from the 60’s to over 70%. Garth did that. the party and Harper aren’t the reason that Garth is here. Garth is the ONLY reason that the conservatives have a seat from which the MP can call toronto without long-distance charges. Now show my MP some respect.
Latest……….
http://www.torontosun.com/Comment/Commentary/2006/02/11/1437793.html
Not only is this thing not going away or dying down, but it is beginning to look like a human Tsunami that has started on the west coast & as it heads inland towards Ottawa is gaining strength & crushing every in it’s path…………….
http://www.torontosun.com/News/Columnists/Weston_Greg/2006/02/11/1437804.html
http://www.torontosun.com/News/Columnists/Goldstein_Lorrie/2006/02/11/1437803.html
http://www.torontosun.com/News/Columnists/Fisher_Douglas/2006/02/11/1437807.html
http://www.torontosun.com/News/Columnists/Copps_Sheila/2006/02/07/1429427.html
Mr. Turner.
I have been absolutely rabid in my criticisms of you in the last few days but I appreciate the tone of your latest post. I apologize.
But please, please, please do not allow yourself to be used by the media against your party like this again.
I appreciated my MPs terse and unhappy “No comment” and Myron Thompson’s measured disapproval.
I still do not agree that byelections should be triggered by floor-crossers, but I am sure you and your caucus will have some healthy debate on the topic.
Good luck and work hard.
I think there’s something important to be learned from this supposed “media frenzy” that’s been swirling around Mr. Turner. The press machine is a huge unstoppable force now that the interet needs to be fed. Mr. Turner seems to have a much better grasp of the new digital age than a lot of other politians do. The genie’s out of the bottle and we can’t go back to stonewalling the press every time a contentious issue breaks. I wish our Prime Minister would face the press head on in a straightforward down to earth way so they don’t get the idea there’s soemthing hidden and dirty they have to ferret out or invent themselves. Without transparency and access to the highest levels of government, individual MPs are always going to be hounded and cornered by the press.
MolarMauler, I think your theory that the media is using Turner is somewhat overblown. And yes, you were unfair in your criticism.
Yes, the MSM can be a pain in the ass. But that doesn’t mean that every Conservative blunder can be blamed on the media.
Look at the Conservative blogs. On the balance, people are very unhappy over the Emerson issue, and their feelings are not in any way motivated by the media, or Turner for that matter.
I think people are confusing random outburts that hurt a party (recall the Reform Party days), with a very valid concern by an MP, shared by many.
They are two very different things.
Garth is simply asking that the party leadership stick to the theme that they campaigned on. He’s not, for example, pulling far right-wing social policies out of nowhere and claiming they are part of the party platform.
This whole thing is bad. Emerson’s move was bad, poorly timed, and poorly explained. Emerson’s shock that people are unhappy is clueless and shows how out of touch he is. Harper’s actions were unwise. The party brass pouncing on Garth only made matters worse.
Talk to most Conseratives in the trenches and they will tell you that the only bright light this week was Turner himself.
Imagine a society where whenever you feel your boss has made a mistake(which most people could say is every day)you internally and publicly disagree and chastise him/her?
I suggest for all the noble Grits and Dippers who (suddenly by the way have dried up on this blog), to try that tommorrow at work. C’mon your full of principle and ethics.
You won’t because it would cost you your job in a second. Mr Harper did not break the law with his decision, he made a judgement call as leaders must do everyday. If you disagree you speak to them in private period.
I hope you do the same as any other person must do everyday in their own life. I know your history as I’ve been around awhile. It really is time to stop the showboating, media attention grabbing past and get to work for your constituents.
Best of luck!!!
All these demonstrations in Emerson’s BC riding are mainly the NDP wanting an election because they know it would be another seat for them in Parliament.
Two more points Garth:
1) I understand you worked very hard to get yourself elected. All candidates do. However, as much as local candidates always become convinced that they got elected primarily because of their own hard work and virtues, the fact of the matter is that the national campaign has far more impact in the vase majority of cases. So really, Garth, the fact that you are an MP has more to do with Stephen Harper than it does with yourself. So maybe when you’re publicly whining about your treatment at the hands of the PM, perhaps keep in mind that you do owe him atleast something for your election at all. Perhaps, for instance, not making private conversations private in order to propel the story in the media to make yourself a hero.
2) A little off topic but I am curious about what your public statements were back when you were an MP and Mr. Mulroney appointed a bunch of extra senators to get the GST passed. I seem to recall that wasn’t overly popular with the voters either, though perfectly legal. Did you speak out for your constituencts then? You may have, I honestly don’t know.
(1) Paint me as you wish, but I will say it again – this is an issue of democratic process. The people should elect their leaders, not the political establishment. How simple is that?
(2) Ask my constituents. — Garth
Sorry Ruth, you are wrong about the demonstrations here in Van-Kingsway. It is the people of this riding who are outraged. Ian Waddell (NDP in this riding) didn’t come to the demonstration yesterday, and there was no partisan talk at all. There were people who had voted Conservative at the meeting, and some of them were more outraged than Liberal, or Ndp supporters. Today at 2:00 we are having a demonstration at Emerson’s constituency office.
Further, the guy who started the first petition (there are several) is from Ontario, and if my memory serves, was a Conservative.
This is about fraud. I urge you to do some reading. Read Chantel Hebert, Lorrie Goldstien, Douglas Fisher, Andrew Coyne, et al. These folks are generally Conservative in their views, and are not happy with it.
Would you suggest that Mr. Turner spoke out because he wants the NDP to have another seat?
Please do a little critical thinking before you parrot what your mechanic (or whoever) said, that sounded erudite to your limited mind.
Notice the headlines that CTV gives this story based on Question Period with Garth Turner et al today:
CTV.ca News Staff
Updated: Sun. Feb. 12 2006 2:03 PM ET
Ontario Conservative MP Garth Turner is defending his decision to speak out against former Liberal David Emerson’s jump to the Tories.
Turner was called to task by Prime Minister Stephen Harper this week over his outspoken stance on Emerson being minted as the new Conservative international trade minister after crossing the floor.
Turner said on Sunday that the situation could easily be cleared up if Emerson just did what voters want: run in a by-election and seek a mandate from the people in his riding.
Turner said he believes Emerson is a talented, ethical person who would bring much to the Tory cabinet table.
“But that’s not the point here and I don’t want to lose sight of that,” Turner said Sunday on CTV’s Question Period.
“It’s simply a matter of satisfying the voters of Canada’s desire to have people who sit in the House of Commons actually be legitimized by the voters. I don’t think it’s a big deal. I don’t think it’s a stretch.”
Turner announced earlier this week that he hopes to push ahead with legislation that would deter future David Emersons and Belinda Stronachs from switching political parties, but admits he has probably limited his future in the Conservative Party.
When asked whether he would remain in the Tory caucus or resign and sit as an independent, Turner said he is proud to be a Conservative and that he’ll continue to fight within his party for what he believes is right.
“I’m going to speak up when I think it’s necessary, but I’m definitely going to be . . . part of caucus as long as they want me. I’m happy to be there. I was elected as a Conservative. I’m proud to be a Conservative.”
Liberal and NDP members, meanwhile, repeated demands for Emerson to resign.
Ian Waddell, the New Democrat who ran against Emerson and finished second in B.C.’s Vancouver-Kingsway riding, said of those who cast ballots in the riding, 80 per cent voted against the Tories.
“I think it’s megalomania . . .and the thirst for power,” Waddell said on Question Period. “Mr. Emerson would do well by getting off his high horse and actually meeting the people and talking to the people who are pretty angry with him.”
He added: “And Mr. Harper, if you really want to run a clean government on principles of accountability and what you said was the primary part of your platform, well, you’ve got off to a bad start.”
B.C. Liberal MP Ujjal Dosanjh, who was once the province’s NDP premier, said Emerson should have informed his constituents before switching parties “so suddenly and without any rationale whatsoever.”
“The rational is pure power,” he added. “There are no principles involved here.”
“I think my situation was entirely different in the sense that I felt after three years of hiatus from politics, actually I wanted to make sure that we don’t create a split on the left,” Dosanjh told Question Period. “That’s why I joined the Liberals and ran as a Liberal under very difficult circumstances.”
Emerson, who backed out of an earlier commitment to appear on Question Period, was branded a traitor at a noisy protest organized by the New Democratic Party.
He has repeatedly refused calls for him to resign and run again in a bye-election.
Well Garth, I’m glad you over the jittrs about public office again. Distance may make the heart grow fonder but the ’shock and awe’ landing and ensuing ’sonic boom’ effect won’t last long.
Most likely your ears have stopped ringing by now, hopefully clarity of thought will return.
Perhaps you will give ‘digital democracy’ the helping hand it’s needs, as it’s in it’s infancy here in the Great White North. This is a good thing Garth.
And you can certainy articulate your feelings, thats a fact.
But like my lovely wife tells me from time to time, “too much information”.
Touche Garth, welcome aboard, and fasten your set-belt this time, it’s going to be a wild ride.
Hi Garth, I saw you on CTV’s question period and thought you spoke very well and made your point eloquently about the importance of adhering to democratic rule and ultimately being accountable to one’s constituents.
Well done.
John G,
You seem to have a fundamental misunderstanding about democracy, and seem to confuse Canada with a dictatorship. Garth’s boss is only superficially Mr. Harper. His real boss is the people of the Halton riding, and Stephen Harper’s boss is the population of Canada.
In a democracy dissent should not only be welcome, it should be DEMANDED. No one needs to tow the party line just because, goose-stepping in unison. In this case Garth humanized the Conservatives a bit, and many were left feeling a bit better about them, not worse as you imagine.
The core fact that I think is remarkable is how you, and so many other blind party boosters, have convinced yourself that the floor crossing seduction of Emerson with a cabinet post, and the cronyist appointment of a party trooper to a critical government position, all would have gone unnoticed if not for Garth, and the messenger is the problem. You’re painfully deluded.
“Never EVER embarrass the leader again.”
Great line, best delivered with a funny moustache and a strong stage-German accent.
Democracy means government by the people.
Disenfranchised means deprived of the rights of citizenship especially the right to vote.
The people in Vancouver were not disnfranchised, they were given the chance to vote.
However, the term democracy indicates a form of government where all the state’s decisions are exercised directly or indirectly by a majority of its citizenry through a fair elective process.
To choose a party through an individual and then have that choice taken away from you during the process is not fair.
A by-election should be held now for Emerson and for all individuals crossing the floor and changing their party and their representational belief system.
I saw the Garth Turner CTV/QP interview today. Interesting. Dosanjh – he of “Senate offers & comfu fur” fame – was there to opine on ethics on behalf of the Liberals. Waddell is the 2-time loser of Vancouver-Kingsway, also there for obvious reasons.
Jane Taber – apparently to punish Emerson in a touch of juvenile hissy fit for cancelling on her – also invited (the now infamous) Garth Turner.
Mr. Turner – wittingly or otherwise – gave CTV the headlines they wanted. He also added a clever touch – he framed his “battle” in terms of democratic principles, rather than ethics. Of course, a PM who abandons such principles cannot possibly be ethical: an inevitable conclusion that Mr. Turner’s new best friends – Dosanjh & Waddell – quickly picked up on.
It does appear that Garth Turner – mindful of the implications if he were to voluntarily resign from caucus – is provoking the PM into a dismissal. His reasoning – to the extent he is capable of any – appears to be that he will then be able to claim the democratic high ground, and continue to undermine the government at every turn. With Rick Anderson’s assistance, perhaps the Democratic Representative Caucus concept can be resurrected to hold leverage in a minority parliament.
Mr. Harper, of course, is a smart man. My guess is that he will ignore Garth Turner, secure in the knowledge that the government will not be defeated before the next Quebec provincial elections (at the earliest).
Eventually, the media will get bored of Mr. Turner, and move on to covering relevant government matters.
Pundits will then be asking: what did Garth Turner achieve? The answer: not much more than Carolyn Parrish, Bev Dejarlais, or John Nunziata.
A seemingly talented man – Garth Turner – destroyed by his own poor judgement; used and discarded by the press into the dustbin of history.
Sad, really.
It’s funny that the voice of voter representation should come from a Progressive Conservative, mr. Turner, Whereas the voices of party politics above else are now coming from the supposedly oh so populist Reformers.
It reminds me of you typical south american left wing coup where the great populist rebel leaders turn into the dictators they fought to overthrow.
I wonder if the Green party would do the same if they were elected to be the government. The equivalent for them would be to announce the building of a nuclear powerplant in Tofino on their first day in office.
RE: By ANON on 02.12.06 12:29 am
Your opinion. I voted for Garth. Not for Harper. I voted Blue more for what Garth was promising to do, not for what the Conservatives as a whole would do. Garth has not let me down yet Harper has. Which is why I voted for Garth, not Harper.
Garth owes nobody an apology. Should he watch what he says because he is more in the spotlight now? Sure. But even if he says something in or out of the spotlight he shouldn’t have to apologize to anybody for it when it (meaning his voice) represents a good many people who voted for him. He is speaking for me. I voted for him. He isn’t speaking for you because you didn’t. That is evident by your opinions.
Finally, Garth is not embarassing the leader. Harper is doing a bang-up job doing that for himself.
I just watched Question Period… then I read this write up of it…
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060212/garth_turner_060212/20060212?hub=Canada
I think there is a disconnect going on there.
Dennis Forbes, unfortunately due to the last 13 years of Liberal rule many Canadians have confused our democracy with dictatorship.
My point is simply this, Turner has a history of media lust. If it was not this issue I guarantee it would have been something else.
What fundamentally separates my view from yours is I live in reality. I understand how in politics and business you comprimise some of your ideals for success. It’s unfortunate but true!!
I am not a huge fan of the Conservative party as you have suggested, I am a fan of Stephen Harper.
He along with Liberal corruption and a tired electorate are the reason the Tories are in power.
It was his strategy, vision and talent that got them elected. Ask anyone in the know!
If you want to criticize me for anything, criticize my desire to win!
In 18 -24 months the Conservatives will win a huge majority. Remember you heard it from me first!
I agree with Jim.
Mr. Turner was fabulous on QP today and managed to present an argument that made himself, the CPC, Mr. Harper and Mr. Emerson look good while standing by policy of by-elections for floor-crossing (which I still don’t agree with).
I saw no evidence of that reality in the write-up. The media stuck it to you again Mr. Turner. You can’t win with them Mr. Turner. You should stop trying.
I read this on your site last night Mr. Turner, “Then came this week, and the sparks that briefly flew. But that discussion is over. I said my piece. My views are known. Time to move on.”
I went on this comment section and told you I thought that it was a good decision.
Does moving on include going on national TV and expressing yourself for the umpteenth time? Move On??
Uaually, when people say they are moving on they move on, can you let us know when it is that you will actually be moving on from this or at least what your version of moving on involves.
It was actually my objective to defend the prime minister’s intention and to underscore there was nothing unethical about it, as the opposition alleges. I will not waiver from my conviction the process was flawed, and cabinet ministers should be elected. Just my personal view. — Garth
Good job Garth…
By being such a media whore you have the Liberals making noises about a quick return to power…
Maybe a man of such high principles such as yourself can do us all a favour and join them!!!
Keep reading your press clippings…
it will remind you of how important your are!!!
Asshole
As our good friend Mr. Mulroney said “there’s no whore like an old whore” and lord knows that Canadian politics hasn’t had a much bigger media whore than Garth Turner in recent memory. Please, would someone just tell him to SHUT UP ALREADY!!!!
So, one day after you said its time to move on, you’re on national television discussing it all again. You say you were there to defend the PM? Right.
Please Garth, just get it over with and go sit as an independent. The short term harm it would cause for the government would head off many future problems I’m quite sure. You know damn well you are putting Mr. Harper in a position where he’s goign to have to suspend you from caucus. How can you be trusted not to publicize –either on your blog or on Sunday afternoon talk shows — every conversation you don’t like that takes place in caucus meetings, or in private meetings with the PM.
For god sake, even Myron Thompson knew enough to say his piece and then get the hell off the stage. You, on the other hand, seem addicted to the spotlight you have created for yourself too much. Yes, MPs should have the right to speak up for their constituents. You have done that. But there is a fine line between that and just arrogrant disrespect for your caucus colleagues and a leader who had much to do with your election.
I will not quit caucus or sit as an independent. I will work within this party for the principles, convictions and beliefs that prompted me to become a Conservative member of Parliament. Get used to it. — Garth
Once again David Emerson has turned down an invitation to appear on national TV (CTV Question Period) to present his case to the people of Canada.
Why? What is he afraid of since he seemed to be so sure of himself that he refuses to resign? How can he continue to hide from public scrutiny when the more he does so, the more the press will hound him.
My take on the situation is that he is being muzzled by Stephen Harper just as he has muzzled others in his party, in fear that they will spout the truth.
And who did they send to Question Period to represent the Tories? Well no other than Garth Turner since he is already in deep “do do” and who, will not cause them any more harm than he has already done.
This is an old tactic but old tactics don’t always work in the way that they would wish.
Nobody sent me. — Garth
Turner,
You certainly know there won’t be any be-election. You are just making noise to (1) gain some more exposure. (2) show the public that you are a disgruntle Tory. You didn’t make it to the cabinet so there is a little unhappiness, huh?
Shame on you. Lots of Liberals like you. They are praising you. Join them now !
Have you actually read any of my postings, or is that too much work? I could care less about cabinet, but I sure care about this party being true to its democratic and populist roots, as well as what Canadians expect of us. — Garth
Garth, with all due respect…you are full of shit. If you gave any thoughts to anything except yourself, you would have stopped your gums from flapping by now. I hope Harper cuts his losses and kicks your sorry butt out of caucus. That way you can become the historic footnote that you apparently crave becoming.
“I will not waiver from my conviction”
“just my personal view”
Garth that’s fine, everyone has convictions and views. The fault was you proactively utilized the media for your personal “views”.
The PM, the party and your colleague’s
have not benefited from these actions.
Next time could you please keep your views between yourself and the PM?
There is no hope for the Conservative Party if people sincerely feel that what Turner has done is in some way going to bring the party down.
If the party cannot even withstand a sensible critique from one of its own members, it sure won’t withstand the next Liberal onslaught.
Turner’s views are shared by many in the Conservative ranks at this time. If he had not spoken up, someone else likely would have.
It seems some want to shoot the messenger.
That’s naive.
Focusing too much on Turner blinds one to the real problems of this week:
1. The timing and nature of the Emerson appointment (couldn’t have been worse)
2. Emerson getting upset because others are upset (we’ve had enough of that sort of self-righteous attitude under Martin)
3. Harper mostly quiet, and saying virtually nothing of substance to defend the appointment
4. Discontent and dare I say some disillusionment in the rank and file
5. Emerson missing interviews
6. Some Conservatives getting high and mighty and bashing Turner (talk about missing the point)
The list goes on.
These are the real problems.
I don’t think Harper’s first priority should be the GST or Child Care. I think he should examine what he and Emerson have done to diminish Democracy in Canada!
How can any voter believe what these two people are saying on any subject as long as it is clear that they hold voters and Canadian Democracy in such contempt.
I would remind Harper that voters have long memories for politicians who express contempt for them. This is especially important for a party that hopes to win a majority in the next election.
Would the few participants in this forum who are compelled to use profanity and hurl disrespectful insults at Mr. Turner please refrain from doing so or search out alternative forums. Telling Mr. Turner he is an “asshole…to shut up…and that he is full of shit†is more of a reflection about you (and the people you represent) than anything worthwhile or constructive you may have to offer. That Mr. Tuner has the hide to withstand such comments and insults is not the point. It is rude and uncalled for. No amount of disagreement of opinion justifies such degrading language aimed at a person that is giving so much of himself and only trying to do his best. Kindly extend to Mr. Turner the respect he deserves and has earned.
Garth Turner, Please keep fighting for a clean and transparent government, an improved democracy and accountable MPs, the PM included !
I am just amazed at the number of Conservative party supporters here that are showing their true colors by chastising Mr. Turner the way they are. I thought I that maybe what I was hering everyday for 6 weeks about honesty, change and accountability was going to be a fresh change from the same old song. Seems you folks are really making me think otherwise. You want to live in a dictatorship move.
I noticed that some of the commentors here I making a point of the fact that they voted for Garth Turner, and not for Harper or the Tory Party.
Fair Enough.
But the whole point of the outrage over the Emerson appointment was that the people of Vancouver-Kingsway were voting for Paul Martin and the Liberal Party, and NOT for David Emerson alone.
Without that, there’s simply nothing to rail against here.
Notwithstanding these comments, and regardless of either of these individuals’ well developed sense of self-importance might have them believe, neither were elected independent of their chosen party label.
Emerson ran as a Liberal and Turner ran as a Conservative. Emerson stood behind Martin and Turner chose to stand behind Harper.
And if David Emerson owed some measure of fealty to the Liberal Party, then it naturally follows that Garth Turner owes the same to the Conservative Party.
That’s the reality.
Again, as I’ve stated before, I don’t blame Garth for how he says he feels about these appointments. And I don’t fault him for saying it. It’s how he has gone about saying it, and how he continues to go about saying it, that concerns me.
As someone pointed out, Myron Thompson had the guts to say his piece. But he didn’t grandstand either. He rightly expressed his dissent, and he managed to do it with class.
Sadly, I don’t believe I can say the same for Garth Turner.
This is the latest story from Canadian Press:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/cpress/20060212/ca_pr_on_na/liberals_comeback;_ylt=Aq467mBiW1X7RQSznldGOuKFM1IB;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA–
As I predicted yesterday, the Liberals are looking on and are beginning to plot a rapid comeback.
Of course Harper himself will have to take the lion’s share of the blame for that. Either because of the appointments themselves, or for how poorly he has managed the fallout from them.
But in fairness, Garth Turner also has to accept some of the blame.
For far too long, Conservatives turned the knives both upward and inward, committing both regicide and suicide in the process.
What has it gotten us? an where has it gotten our country?
I for one have no desire for a return to Liberal hegemony, and the ethical void that comes with it.
And I would certainly hope that Garth Turner would agree with me on that.
Because if he does, it’s time he laid down his sword and got to work to putthe Conservative vision for this great country into a reality.
.
Mr. Turner..
Your tone today is quite different from what you were saying yesterday. Obviously you dont want to occupy a vermin infested office. As they say one day is a long day in politics and we will soon hear what you have been offered to shut up and keep quiet. Mr. Harper adn the Conservative party does not like dissent obviously, which can obviously at least be said fo the Liberal Party. I am waiting to see what kind of dissent members of the erstwhile Progressive Conservatives will say when some really controversial neo-con policies are introduced as private bills…
Best of luck on your new assignment which you will receive from Mr. Harper. At least hopefully you will have the qualifications for it (unlike the private secretary for La Francophonie)
Cheers
Nothing offered. Sorry to disappoint. — Garth
The lessons were yours to learn, Mr. Turner.
Do not think for one minute that the media doesn’t have its own agenda. You played into their hands beautifully. Did it not occur to you why PM Stephen Harper lays low around them? I would if I were in his shoes. I would concentrate on running the country to the best I could considering the circumstances presented to me at the time. And, I would give the media very very little info other than what is required, because so much of what they write/say is twisted, taken out of context, blown out of proportion, and has many of the underlying facts ommitted. This is what Canadians get fed under the guise of good reporting.
I might have long-range ideals, but as a human being on an imperfect planet, each one of us has to make decisions based on each step of the way, “before” we can get to the ideal world we would like to aspire to.
You’re on the right team. Go to bat for them, and help Canada get on track.
If politicians believe the media is the enemy, that’s exactly what it will become. In any case, this is our own medium now, isn’t it? — Garth
RZ
Please tell me you are “moving on” not Giving up!!!! The impression I got from your position was that you are a man thatis true to his princpeles. I hope this is the case and you are not prepared to sacrifice these values for either a carrot or a stick.
I will be watching with interest
Danial
The stick didn’t work. And not a carrot in sight. — Garth
Thank you for standing up for an ethical government. I did not vote for Harper and he has now confirmed my views that he is as unethical and arogant as the Liberal party had become. Bravo on your standing up and being counted may more of the members of parliment do so. I do not live in your riding but your votes should be proud of you for standing up for the principles the party and your hipocrite leader ran on.
You still cannot shut your mouth in public. I saw you on CTV yesterday and it was just as if you have not heard anything that has been said to you. You really put up a weak defense for the government and the prime minister.
I will no longer be reading your blog because it has become a blog of self adulation on how your standing up to the powers that be. I hope the Prime Minister throws you out of caucus. To me you are a pompous ass who really is interested in nobody but yourself. It’s all about Garth Turner. What a shame.
Garth, I’m sure your conscience is not at rest. Just reading the comments above agitates me enough to write this blog. However, I cannot help but notice that nearly one thousand individuals took a moment of their time to express an opinion. The good news is their comments can influence the creation of a true democratic vision for this country. Consider the popular saying, “a people without vision perish”.
Whatever the cost, you’ve made a very important contribution. Nothing is worse than apathy…and the censoring of your colleagues or gutless refusal of some to support you is, in my opinion, far more damaging to our great country. Good luck and keep on blogging.
Oh yes I forgot to mention, the modern world is changing fast, to a new type of democracy…a participatory democracy where “town hall” style meetings are being substituted by internet weblogs.
Agreed. But I am still doing both. People still need to meet, and talk directly, with other people. — Garth
[...] Be Saying
Filed under: General — TrustOnlyMulder @ 2:20 pm
Garth Turner is staying put. There was hints that the brief kerfuffle surrounding his opinionat [...]
[...] ying Filed under: Politics-Federal — TrustOnlyMulder @ 2:20 pm Garth Turner is staying put. There was hints that the brief kerfuffle surrounding his opiniona [...]
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Garth,
I think the biggest issue here is secrecy in government facilitated by a co-dependent media. I was at the Liberal forum in Toronto and saw an older man with a 1980 Trudeau button try to get out some information…You can actually see the old guy on the CPAC video of the Toronto forum…
about Ignatieff’s numerous declarations of allegiance to America and to the United States’ constitution and congress which the older man quite logically concluded makes Ignatieff unfit because of a “conflict of allegianceâ€. The old guy handed out some flyers,one of which I kept, and after checking all of the allegations he made (I spent the last few evenings reading Ignatieff’s articles at the urls listed below); I found that,amazingly, the older gentlemen has a very good and very scary point. Yet none of the media reported what the old guy said; yet they had no problem reporting what the young lady in a thong had to say. It seems not only do the Liberal Party controllers not care about Ignatieff’s conflict of allegiance but that our media won’t even be reporting it. This may be good news for your old party (having a conflicted buffoon lead the Liberals) but it reveals a dangerous alliance between political party heavyweights and our major canadian media people which could eventually castrate real political news reporting in Canada as has already occurred in the land governed by what Ignatieff calls “american scripture†(can you believe our media has never reported that little quote from the Granta article he wrote?
http://www.granta.com/extracts/1643
http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/news/opeds/2004/ignatieff_less_evils_nytm_050204.htm
http://www.whitman.edu/content/news/LivingFearlesslyinaFearfulWorld
http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/news/backup/opeds/america_burden_ignatieff_nyt_010503.htm
Ignatieff WROTE these quotes (and much more)in the articles above;
“I believed in America in a way Canada never allowedâ€
“America is the only nation on earth that can command the
faith of people like meâ€
“I have taught in the university system of Canada but
American higher education is the best
in the worldâ€
“Being an American is not easy. It is hard. We are required
to keep some serious promises. We are judged by a high
standard, one we crafted for ourselves in the founding
documents of the republic, the ones that talk about the
equality of all people, the ones that tell us that
government is of the people, by the people and for the
people. We need to live by this, at home and abroad, and it
is just about the only thing we can do to face the hatred of
those who want to destroy us.â€
Multiple references to “Our american constitutionâ€..â€our
american congressâ€..â€our
american way of lifeâ€
“America is the only nation that fills the hearts and minds
of an entire planet with its dreams and desires.â€
as well as his infatuation with what he calls “american
scripture†(Granta
article).
I am glad you are now an independent and hope you remain one. Party politics has become a sewer of deceit and power peddling.
keep on keeping on,Garth