Tonight Liz was running half-completed membership applications to Campbellville, while Jay was doing the same for people who had called in from Oakville. We had a couple of other volunteers processing new memberships online, plus working the phones. All day emails and phone calls and requests came in – familiar names of people whose party memberships expired at the end of last year (who remembers to renew when an election is over?).
It was confusing and chaotic. I spent my day with my cellphone in my ear while trying to keep up with the torrent of comments coming into the blog and the messages flooding into my inbox. The strategy team met for a couple of hours this morning. We slid from being amusingly involved in a maybe nomination fight into full combat mode.
And then, of course, there were the steady media calls, as the country’s radio stations and newspapers clued into the story unfolding in little, old Halton. And what is that story? Garth Turner fights to save his job. Or Marriage battle heats up in Ontario. Or Religious right mobilizes against maverick MP.
But that’s not it.
I have three things to say to you tonight:
First: This experience as an MP and politician is far different from anything I have experienced before. Last night a substantial amount of money materialized out of thin air. I received messages of support from all corners of the country. People are coming forward from other communities and ridings asking if they can knock on doors, do telephone banking or make signs. This is new. Even when I was a national candidate for leadership of the Progressive Conservatives 13 years ago, there was not such an outpouring of support. Something unique is happening. I am quite touched. Thank you. But I need more.
Second: It is becoming increasingly clear, though, that I am in this fight on my own. I spoke with party officials today, and it did not go well. My righteous right opponents who intend on swamping the nomination meeting on September 11th have gained access to party membership lists which should only be released after a candidate is endorsed. They make each phone call prefaced with. “This is a call from the Conservative Party of Canada…†Their organizational meeting last night was booked as a party event, and the would-be candidate, D’arcy Keene, was heard to say he was just out “to help Stephen Harper.†Maybe you read his comments in the media today – he is clearly claiming to be the party candidate. And I can find no willingness to police this process. Interesting.
Third: This is not a contest about who gets to sit in a green chair in the House of Commons. It’s not about my job. This is about the kind of country you want. My opponents, led by Keene’s benefactor, Charles McVety – Canada’s Jerry Falwell clone – have stated clearly that I’ve been targeted. They are pouring resources into Halton to accomplish that. And my crime?
They say it’s about my stated view that the same-sex marriage issue is better left behind us. They use code words like “people of faith†to draw a line between me and them. I’m on the wrong side. They decry my actions and statements which show I do not always walk in lockstep with the Conservative Party brass. Critics say I am too independent and not a team player. They quote my articles which state McVety’s army is bigoted and intolerant and does not represent the majority of Canadian people. They call themselves pro-family instead of anti-gay. McVety clearly states that religion and politics should mix, and is able to point to many members of the Conservative caucus to prove his cause.
But this is actually about the imposition of a religious moral code on a secular country. It’s about using a summer lull to scoop off a political prize which would be elusive when more people are paying attention. It’s all about the tyranny of the well-financed minority, versus the freedom of open democracy where all the people vote. Not a couple of buses of followers – but everyone.
So, this is not about the next election and who will be the Conservative candidate in Halton. If it isn’t me, well, I’ll get over it. But what I will not retreat from is the pursuit of a country where the doors and windows are opened up on the political process. Where people believe their leaders are representing them, not preaching to them. Where there is actually a role for consensus and cooperation. Where tolerance and hope are more important that any ideology. And where political parties and the people who lead them remember they are like trees, only as enduring as the roots that sustain them.
So, I’m pumped for battle. We all are. We are not going to waver in front of McVety’s righteous tank. We will not look over our shoulders for party reinforcements. We stand firm. This may be called Halton, but it’s really your town, your neighbourhood, and your Canada. It’s worth the fight.
28 comments ↓
Garth, you will hit a homerun. No matter what the result, you will always have a place in the hearts and minds of TRUE Canadians; and that is really what counts at the end of the day. Keep up the good work, we are all behind you.
Will you be the ‘Lieberman of the North’ (or maybe he’s the ‘Turner of the South’). If the CPC doesn’t want you Garth, there are lots of other options out there.
On another note, I see that the PM has announced 25 million in aid to help rebuild Lebanon. That’s after he supported Israel blowing it to crap in the first place. Go figure eh.
I’m a bit suspicious as to who is orchestrating this campaign against you. From everything I’ve been reading you are one of the very few politicians who is representing the people who sent you to Ottawa. Something tells me the “powers that be” don’t like that! Keep up the fight Garth – you make some Canadians proud.Julie
Oh boy. So Garth disagrees with SH once in a while. So what. Do you always agree with your friends or your spouse? Do you say, “Hmmm, we’ve disagreed 3 times this year, I guess we need to get a divorce. Hosta la vista, baby!†If your criteria is you’ve got to agree all the time or your friendship or your marriage is toast, then I feel sorry for you because you are probably single and don’t have any friends.
All this BS about how Garth should become a liberal is just wishful thinking on the fibberals part because they wish they had more like him. Well, they don’t have ANYBODY like him and that’s exactly why Garth is going to be the MP for Halton until he FEELS like retiring.
I imagine that little truth must cut like a knife for some.
Oh, well.
PS: For what it’s worth, my riding is in play as well, same timelines. Except my MP didn’t grandstand.
Guess who has my support? And I might be out of his riding by the time the next election rolls around, but I’ll still volunteer for him (Lawrie Hawn vs the dreaded Screecher), as most other ridings in town are solidly CPC.
Garth
Is it possible for you to publish things that some of us can do to help out. I live in the GTA (Scarborough) and I would like to donate some of my time to help out. I am sure others would like to help as well. Post some things that we can do to assist on the Blog …If someone wants to volunteer for that job they can call or email your riding office.
Take Care.
There’s also something else I find rather interesting in Mr. Turner’s plea to keep his job. Nowhere do I see a plea to Conservatives. He’s begging people from all over Canada to give him money, yet where’s the message for supporters of the Conservative party? This is a Conservative party nomination, not a referendum on foes Mr. Turner prefers to demonize. Just what party is Mr. Turner claiming to represent anyway? Or is he simply seeking the support of one-issue people himself, regardless of what party they actually care for?
Garth, you’re quite a joke. You’re now sounding like the Liberals in the last campaign with the, “This is about the kind of country you want” nonsense. You’re part of a socially conservative party with strong Christian backing and influence. Instead of waging war with people with which you have nothing in common, quit the party.
If you’re such a “man of integrity” you’ll stand down and run for a more secular humanist party in the next election.
Dear Mr. Turner,
I’m 19 years old, and I live in your riding of Halton. I’ll be honest with you, in the last federal election, you didn’t get my vote. The truth is, I was (and am still a little) concerned about right-wing social policy, and I was ultimately voting based on party demographics more than individual representatives.
That said, there is no doubt in my mind that you have secured my support based on your conduct thus far as my representative. I have long been a self-termed fiscal conservative, (and moderate libertarian) and to me the greatest shame in Canadian politics has been what I perceive as a lack of a party that really represents the views of most Canadians – fiscally conservative, socially progressive views.
In the past this has lead me to choose my moderate-left social views over my sensible fiscal views – but you have presented me with a new perspective and renewed enthusiasm in Canadian politics. Your straight-up approach has convinced me that there is reason to fight for my values and work to “take back” the conservative party from some individuals who (in my humble opinion) have limited it to a specific (and almost regional) ideology. You’re willingness to “call it as it is” has inspired me to believe that true Canadian conservatism and political integrity are alive after all. Single-handedly, you have given me hope that the system really does work (not a hope that I feel is very common amongst people my age).
While at a time not so long ago I would never have considered it, I now plan to register as a member of the Conservative Party of Canada, primarily so that I may support you in your campaign for re-nomination. This party is my party – this country is our country – and I’m willing to stand up for that. Your record speaks for you more than any campaign promise could, and in a handful of months you’ve turned this one-time “adversary” into a diehard supporter.
Thank you for your ongoing efforts on our behalf,
-Jeff,
Oakville
Dear Garth,
When the issue of SSM first arose, I was initially opposed. Nevertheless I came to tolerantly accept it as a fait accompli. How ironic, that at a time heterosexusls INCREASINGLY cohabit, homosexuals desire marriage. In my view, religious zealots have targeted the wrong group for their wrath. But that’s not at all unusual.
It was Jesus I believe, who allegedly said to Peter, “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, and unto God that which is God’s.”
SSM is neither a religious issue, nor a moral one. It is a social, secular issue. The Canadian Charter of Rights provides for equality, to which homosexuals are certainly entitled. McVetyites ought to recognize this. .
Clearly, there is a personal, venal vendetta against you, by misguided fools who practice false Christianity. Surely Garth, they’re not so stupid as to believe that you, and you alone, stand between them and reopening the issue in parliament.
May you prevail against the contemptible, mean spirited group, (of flat world mentality) organized to oust you. Many have suffered religious persecution
in the past; notably Galileo who said, ” I do not feel obliged to believe that the god who endowed us with sense, reason and intellect has intended us to
forego their use.”
Stick to your principles Garth.
Sincerely,
Gene
i am not from your riding but i do support you i also dont believe in same sex marrage but i feel it should be now left alone
what this group of righteous people are trying to do is wrong and if i was in your riding you would have my full support
good luck
mona p.
smiths falls ont.
Absolutely I will support you. Let me know where I have to send my money. I’ll
be sure to try and be at the meeting.
Regards
Bruce
So, I’m pumped for battle. We all are. We are not going to waver in front of McVety’s righteous tank. We will not look over our shoulders for party reinforcements. We stand firm. This may be called Halton, but it’s really your town, your neighbourhood, and your Canada. It’s worth the fight.
Quite the hyperbole there Garth. I’m waiting for guns and bazookas to be mentioned here. Can you exaggerate anymore.
Mr. Whitmore,
You’re part of a socially conservative party with strong Christian backing and influence. Instead of waging war with people with which you have nothing in common, quit the party.
I have been a Conservative for over 30 years, and Garth has my unequivocal support. Are you saying I am no longer welcome in the party?
If Garth is turfed out over this crap, I’m gone too, as I expect a lot of others will be too. I am fed up with this nonsense you are spouting. The Conservative party can not get elected with a majority in this country with pissants like you trying to drag us down.
We need more people like Garth, not less.
Humm, this sounds like the old reform party is taking over the Consevative party. To all the old Conservatives, what did you expect when you signed up with them?? Their attitude was always your either with us or aganst us, no middle ground there…No toleance for anyone else… We miss a real Conservative party in this country..
To all the old Conservatives, what did you expect when you signed up with them??
Brian, I expected to do battle with them. I expected to eventually make them realize that you can’t form a majority government with extreme views. I expected I wouldn’t give up my party without a fight.
Hi Garth,
As a Christian (and hard core Jesus freak), I want to apologise for any grief that you have been given from my brothers and sisters. In my opinion they should not be using the legal and parliamentary systems to force their beliefs upon the masses. There’s simply no Biblical justification for this. The Bible calls upon us to follow an ethic of loving everyone first, and to follow a set of guidelines second. While I personally don’t agree with same sex marriage, I fully understand that not everyone shares my opinions – and that’s O.K. We’re not supposed to judge others. We can respect and support everyone without having to agree with each other’s lifestyles. God hates religion, and there are thousands of bloody years of history that show the perils of mixing state laws with religious laws.
Thank you for all the hard work that you’re doing. I believe that you’re an exceptional representative of the majority of people in our riding.
Simon M.
(member: The Meeting House)
Hello Garth,
Absolutely we’ll support you in this. We feel privileged to have you working so hard for us. We believe that you are a good, decent man and
a man of integrity. I may already be a member, I’m not certain if my membership has lapsed, it may have. Also, my husband will become a
member so that you will have the support of both of us. Please forward information so we can ensure membership immediately and we’ll see
you on September 11th.
Regards,
Catherine Pellerin
Garth, Sharon and I are strongly against same-sex marriage but we do support civil union as a means of ensuring gay rights. Regardless, we fully support you as our Halton candidate
hey conservative members of halton: this notes for you! i hope and pray that each and every member of the cpc in halton get out and vote during this nomination process. in my view (as an “outsider”), garth has done a stand up job as mp for middle class canadians. please vote for his voice of common sense. all of us canadians need him in ottawa. get the job done! the rest of canada is watching and hoping….
karim
There is a number of points to pick up on in this nomination challenge, Garth.
Some things cannot be changed at this point in the nomination challenge. All that can be done, again, is to bring it to the attention of party members, or wannabe party members.
Political candidates at the *first point of entry* are allowed, (in the CPC party, also the Liberal party), to sign up instant members, specifically to boost the voting numbers to elect the rep for that riding.
Bulk memberships, which are different from signing on individuals, are also permitted by the CPC and the Liberal Party….not sure about the NDP, as I think they limit ability to vote, within the party, by the date a member signed up.
This essentially encourages single-issue/group candidates, and needs to be debated by the party, to bring the essence of democracy back to its place.
What this happens there is less respect for the party and its policies, than the finding of a useful and available tool.
The concept of democracy can also include not doing one thing to protect it….by not voting or participating in the decision-making at all.
I doubt your constituents find themselves in that camp today.
What can happen when a sitting MP is defeated, is that the many other issues that he/she has vowed to work on, can/will be lost to his constituents, (smaller and greater), as in this case.
The ‘Turners’ of ‘Ottawa-land’, have experience in the outside real world where middle class folks find themselves.
We need people like that, to see both the broader, and focused, picture.
We also know that there will be challenges; there should be challenges.
We just want them to be fair challenges and we need to, as a party, decide what is fair….for the next time, as it goes now.
The issue of opening up the debate on SSM has some finer points that get missed, but are worth noting.
As I understand it, the Prime Minister promised during the last election, that the opportunity would be there, for *any* MP to bring forward a motion in The House, to see IF MPs even wanted to re-open debate.
This motion would not come from ‘the government’, but from a single MP’s initiative.
That motion then needs to meet the requirement of having the majority (or is it a higher requirement(?), of the MPs present in The House, agree to consider, *not to actually debate SSM yet*, but to consider that preliminary motion only.
That is a huge hurdle, is it not?
Many of those MPs, even on the CPC side, have decided that while they did not like the manner/process in which the civil marriage bill was passed, they have moved on to letting it be.
The point now is to get this nomination won and behind you, which you are doing with great enthusiasm.
The only other comment I would make, about the spectator sport that is politics, is that it has taken on an edge that is troubling, noting poster comments equating current day Christians with terrorists.
I hope some sense of moderation in that tone will follow.
I do hope you win though, no matter the agitation you can cause, since we need those who will be catalysts, in the government, to get things moving.
Here’s a slogan for your campaign:
“Choose your Canada”
Hi:
I have read much of Garth’s blog and comments pro and con.
It would be, in my humble opinion, a diservice to all Canadians if Garth Turner were to loose the nomination for his riding.
On the big picture, if Mr.Turner should lose the nomination, I would venture to say it may be one of the spikes that will lead to the defeat of Mr. Harper as PM and probably the CPC as an alternative governing party.
Keep up the good work Mr. Turner. It’s too bad not more of our MP’s are jumping on your bandwagon to oppose such disrespect for our system of democracy.
Harrison
If Garth is not wanted by his party, why would he expend so much energy trying to hang on to it?
Why not push for an independent run during the next election, whenever that is?
Hey Ed Brooks,
You’ve been a Conservative for 30 years, have you? Difficult task since the party has only existed for a few years now. What you meant to say was that you’ve been a Progressive Conservative for 30 years.
This is not the P.C. party. The P.C.s died because Canadians had enough of them and will vote for the real Liberals every time, not the pretend Liberals.
Just keep in mind that the Reform/Canadian Alliance had a multitude more M.P.s elected than your precious P.C.s and it was essentially the Canadian Alliance that rescued your moribund party from oblivion. If you don’t like the facts, then leave for your real home in the Liberal or N.D.P. camp.
Hey James Whitmore,
Can you raise the level of debate a little beyond assinine? Yes the party has gone through various transitions over the years, but anyone who doesn’t get in a snit over semantics can understand the connections.
I have been involved in all the parties under the various names, whether PC, CPC, Reform, or CA. Always working for the inevitable reunion.
Spare me the holier than though sanctimony. Where the hell do you think the Reformers and Canadian Alliance supporters came from? They didn’t start out with the Liberal or NDP party.
My real home Liberal or NDP? Them’s fighting words.
Hey Ed Brooks,
The level of debate will rise higher than assinine as soon as you excuse yourself from it. Call yourself whatever you want, but if you’re in favour of gay marriage you are not a small “c” conservative.
We should have let Joe Clark have his way and leave you guys to your own devises. You’d have your fifth-party status in the House locked up and you could stew in your own juices looking for ways to out-”progress” the N.D.P.