Blogger-accuser Stephen Taylor and his mentor, Stephen Harper.
In recent days I raised questions about the Conservative Party’s ongoing practice of using MPs’ offices to maintain a political database, in contravention of the rules. I spelled out how Tory members routinely harvest the personal information of their constituents, which is unethical. And I gave media a real-life example of how the Conservative Party moved tens of thousands through a local riding association in order to score an undeserved and taxpayer-funded refund.
And then I sat back and wondered if anyone cared, and how the counter-assault would come. Now I know. PMO associate, Harper aficionado and self-named Conservative pundit Stephen Taylor has struck. Er, sort of.
Mr. Taylor has written a blog of copious length after looking at my fund-raising web site (www.garthturner.com). He saw that in addition to credit card donations, I was accepting cheques, made payable to “Garth Turner Campaign, in Trust.†From that he made the assumption (since he did not call me) that I had opened a trust account, and wondered then how the new election financing rules would allow donors to get a tax receipt. I won’t trouble you with all the grinding details, since you can read them on Mr. Taylor’s blogette for yourself (www.stephentaylor.ca) . But you can see from his effort on this that he thinks it’s a big deal. Maybe it is. Beats me.
Anyway, I thought I’d tell you how this came to be. When Mr. Harper threw me out of caucus, I sat as an indie for a number of months, during which people sent me money because they took pity on my soul (and I had left $30,000 in the local Conservative bank account). So, I opened a bank account and put the money in. It was not a trust account, but rather a small business account, in my name.
Months later when I joined the Libs, I found the local association was paralyzed with internal strife following the divisive leadership campaign. The treasurer was not talking to the president and the association bank account (which was empty) was frozen. No deposits, no cheques. So, I kept my indie account open, since a Spring election campaign seemed close at hand. Many of you reading this helped by sending me small donations through PayPal, and eventually enough money was collected to buy signs.
More months passed, a new bunch of people took over the Lib riding association, the bank account issue was settled, and I made the Official Agent of my election campaign a co-signer of the account. We then started the process of sorting out which donations were made as an indie, and which as a Lib, and transferring money to the association account. That is close to being complete (remember, this is all done by volunteers).
In the meantime, I did not think to change the wording on my website from the Garth Turner campaign to the Halton Liberal Association, so cheque-writers would face no delays or hassles in getting tax receipts. Whoops. Screw up. Enter Stephen Taylor and his “clean government†buddies to shoot my butt off.
So, what have I learned in the last twelve hours?
First, the website wording was changed. I learned not to ignore that. Second, I spent lots of time talking to a flinty-eyed party regulatory guy about campaign financing. I learned I do not want to be a regulatory guy. Third, I learned that even if the Lib riding association was dysfunctional, I had to turn over the meager amount of money in my indie campaign account. Fourth, I learned this will take some days, weeks maybe, to sort out since every donation of five or ten bucks, made over PayPay, by credit card, or cheque, will have to be reviewed. After all, the guardians of Clean Government are out to bury me – once they dig themselves out. I have learned there’s a big controversy raging about whether or not political candidates can even raise money online through portals like PayPal. It’s the Internet thing, you know, the devil’s invention.
And I’ve learned I am apparently not dead yet.
For that, Mr. Taylor, I thank you.
62 comments ↓
Garth:
You just got owned by the Two Steves
Steve
Garth, If I write a cheque to the Halton Liberal association, will I still get a tax reciept or do I have to wait until the writ is dropped to recieve a tax reciept?
Well, one of the issues Harper ran on was accountability. And as soon as I see Stephen Harper and Stephen Taylor apply the standard they’re trying to use on Garth to the neo-Con party and the entire operation of the formerly New Government of Canada, I’ll believe that election promise.
Isn’t Canadian politics grand? One piece of partisan mud after another.
Wow – you’re right on top of this one, eh?
Maybe you should devote the same attention to fundraising regulations.
By Steve on 10.29.07 4:56 pm
Or, since we’re talking Internet donations and stuff … let’s call it “pwned”
I hope Mr Taylor can help out all the con MPs who are in all that trouble with Elections Canada.
More on torture of prisoners.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2007/10/29/qc-afghanreport1029.html
Ottawa dismisses report that Afghan prisoners are still beaten
Last Updated: Monday, October 29, 2007 | 3:26 PM ET
The Canadian Press
Are you not the special advisor to Steffi on fund-raising? Maybe you should know the rules and regs before you start throwing stones.
So this is no big deal but you sure changed that website quick. Let me ask you this “Do you think Canadians are cynical about politicians and politics because politicians say one thing and do another? Just asking….
Mr Garth TurnerMP,
Why are we helping the USA in Afghanastan kill innocent human beings?
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/66351/
Hey, back off Stephen Taylor. He works for the Manning Centre for Democracy, a non-partisan NFP.
How dare you accuse him of being in cahoots with Harper?
The CPC are so desperate to defame you they use young impressionable kids to trash and bash – or at least make an attempt – which makes these youngens feel oh so important.
No matter how they try to construe it – you’ve been right up front – everyone can access your blog and read what you’re doing. If you were hiding something, then it wouldn’t be up for everyone to scrutinize would it.
These kids shouldn’t let themselves be used this way – it’s a shame.
I’m so sick and tired of negativity I think that if Dion hit his mother over the head with a hammer I’d vote for him – just because I can’t stand the constant tension anymore under the immature Harper.
I watched a bit of the Dalai Lama interview with the media – Jason Kenney looked so proud to be so important didn’t he – and, he kept trying to pull the Dalai Lama away from the press, yet he seemed to want to answer their questions.
One thing came to mind with what the Dalai Lama said – treat each other with respect and dignity.
Harper lacks to much character and statesmanship he probably doesn’t get it – that means everyone Harper, your family, your country, your OPPONENTS. Whay a hypocrtie Harper is.
Herb: Isn’t Canadian politics grand? One piece of partisan mud after another.
So you also feel that the “flinty-eyed regulator” is part of the partisan mud? If so, you are the very thing you are complaining about. The rules are put in place to protect all of us from all of them.
Once you get the rubes to think they are on your team, you can shuck em like oysters. And then listen to them squeal when someone acts to protect them…
Garth,
I trust you (NOT something I can say about Canada’s Clean©®© Government). I sent a cheque made out to the old name, but I’m certain it will make it’s way to the right spot. Like last year, I’ll have the unredacted thank-you letter with your signature on it to prove it.
“(and I had left $30,000 in the local Conservative bank account)”
Garth, was that your money in the account or was it individuals donating to the conservative campaign? How many liberal dollars are in that account?
Here’s the next point. You were elected as a conservative. You campaigned as a conservative. You had a responsibility to work as a conservative not as a divisive and self serving individual. Those who donated those thousands of dollars to the conservative party expected you to work with the party not against it.
Next point, follow the rules. Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Don’t blame Harper and Taylor for your perceived ignorance.
The money I left was a rebate from Elections Canada for the 2005-6 campaign. Blame? I’m not blaming anybody for anything. Why should I? — Garth
Mr Garth TurnerMP,
Removing Lead from gas has cut crime rates around the world.
http://environment.independent.co.uk/green_living/article3104678.ece
We need to stop putting fluoride into the drinking water soon! It also has trace amounts of lead and arsinic in it. The fluoride they put in drinking water is industrial toxic waste.
Who were the sosiopaths that planned this public deception!
For more info. on the fluoride being put into the drinking water and the sceince that is now know about it’s bad effects on the human body goto.
http://fluoridealert.org/
Steffi?!?
Who’s that Jeff? She sounds hot!
Let’s see, Stephen Taylor was right, you were in violation of Canadian election laws, but somehow you’re the victim?
The victims are those that actually buy your act, Mr. Turner.
I know, I’m a part of some vast right-wing conspiracy looking to get you. Blah blah.
Not at all. I just know you care about me. — Garth
Mr Garth TurnerMP,
artical on the Aug, Missing USA Nukes:
Questions reamin/Iran war???
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=7158
Why does PMSH want to standardize Canada with the Bush USA, through the shadowy dealing of the SPP?
I think this is to be expected. You have been a royal pain in the butt for the CPC, particularly given your past association with them and some idea of the inner workings of that joke of a party.
Clearly, anything (and I mean anything) can and will be used against you, Garth, and they have been dying to pounce on you in any capacity…
Flattering, I suppose
…
I wonder if the CPC will admit payrolling guys like Taylor and Janke…paper trail would know doubt be interesting to behold…not to mention Harper’s purported bankrollers…
Austin
Mr Garth TurnerMP,
For anyone that missed this, on youtube,
‘The most important video You’ll ever see(part 1 of 8).
Arthmatic, Population, and Energy.
(This is a wise man. We ALL should pay attention!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-QA2rkpBSY
Garth: We then started the process of sorting out which donations were made as an indie, and which as a Lib, and transferring money to the association account.
Just in the interest of full disclosure, what are you doing with the funds that – in your judgement – were sent to “indie” Garth?
All will be disclosed. Keep your hormones in your pants. — Garth
Keep your hormones in your pants.
My pants are fine, Garth. Yours seem to be on fire… LOL
Mr Garth TurnerMP,
The (second) most terrifying video You’ll ever see. ‘How it all ends’.
Still not clear about climate change and that we should act sooner that later. watch, How it all ends, 10min.
If you want to learn more there is a complete series of video this guy has made you can watch for free.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF_anaVcCXg
Some one should give this guy a medal for the effort he has made to get good information out to the public. Send his link to all your freinds.
PMSH is not a critical thinker and doesn’t care what happens to his own kids future. What make you think he care about you and your family?
Harper and his gang think money from there bosses with save them. They are small minded selfish sosiopathes.
Hypocracy know no bounds, when it comes to the “blue kool-aid brainwashed” con youth
Interesting it is only the cons who do not have a youth wing, guess the brainwashing takes care of that too.
Mr Garth TurnerMP,
Garlic ‘beats hospital superbug’.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3344325.stm
Don’t worry bud! An Ontario educated lawyer will wipe up the courtroom floor with an Alberta educated lawyer, been there done that…twice. I sent you money, you gave up Harperism, simple. The Harperonies simply want to collectivly punish, give em enough rope, the rule of law is the rule of law! The Con Party of Canada obviously bent the law too far, why aren’t the rcmp involved. Ralph Goodale did nothing relating to income trusts and the rcmp were close to providing rectal exams based on??????????????
Blame? I’m not blaming anybody for anything. Why should I? — Garth
By Jim on 10.29.07 6:13 pm
Because thats you MO. You are always the victim. Its someone elses fault.
You have no personal accountability. Thats what makes you a good lib.
I’ve never been called hot before…Thank you.
I thought that was his name – Steffi. Its not? Are you sure? He sure looks like a Steffi. Thats his Parisan name. You guys do know he’s a citizen of France? Oh yeah. He’s one of the imports. Him and Ziggy. Couldn’t find any good candian Liberals so they import and steal from the dippers – Rae.
The cons released garth because he was a free agent anyways.
Anyways….stone…glass houses…you know…but when the libs do creative accounting, its called “looking out for Canadians”
Hey garth, how bout you get Steffi to open the books on the liberal election financing for the last ten years? Now that would be interesting…..
Mr Garth TurnerMP,
‘Apocolyptic view’ of climate change.
We should still try, there may still be time to stop the worst of it.
Do you have kids? Do you care about other human beings on this planet?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/oct/29/climatechange.sciencenews
Mr Garth TurnerMP,
Why does PMSH want to harmonize Canadas standers with the Bush USA thought the shadowy SPP dealing?
See artical, American kids education levels. You get what you pay for.
Also the Fluoride in the drinking water if drunk by infants will lower there IQ’s for life!
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2007/10/24/notes102407.DTL
info on fluoride. http://fluoridealert.org/
Garth, was that your money in the account or was it individuals donating to the conservative campaign? How many liberal dollars are in that account?
I’m sure that there is a combination of money in the account. I made donations based on Garth as the candidate, not based on the fact that it was to the Conservative Party. I’m pretty sure others donated because it was the Conservative Party…
Mr Garth TurnerMP,
How to explain the modern world to childern [cartoon].
http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/cartoons/nemi/nemi_1968_600×194.gif
Mr Turner, keep on trying to make the world a better place for everyone to live in.
Not at all. I just know you care about me. — Garth
Why wouldn’t I? You’re the MP I voted in as a Conservative. Now you’re a Liberal, without my consent. Thanks.
Garborator,
clue me in – who is the “flinty-eyed regulator” who is protecting rubes like me, Taylor or Harper?
And what “rules” are you talking about? The ones everyone pays lip service to, or the ones everyone (incl Harper) bends to suit?
Mr Garth TurnerMP,
So you think we have free will?
Are the people behind the curtain trying to manipulate us all?
“The Shock Doctrine”, youtube short flim
6 1/2min long.
http://fulgerica.com/en/2007/10/29/the-shock-doctrine-short-film/
Hey, back off Stephen Taylor. He works for the Manning Centre for Democracy, a non-partisan NFP.
How dare you accuse him of being in cahoots with Harper?
By Hands off Taylor on 10.29.07 5:52 pm
Oh how I love the scarcasm.
Is it not possible for bloggers to write in a mature way? Are people no longer able to present their point of view and allow debate without name calling, ridicule, putdowns etc. Can you not present facts without making them up? What are those of you who are parents teaching your children, or do you not think they read these blogs?
Canadians, please treat others as you would like to be treated, you don’t have to try to reach the lowest level of discourse.
Maybe you should devote the same attention to fundraising regulations.
By Lawrence Garvin on 10.29.07 5:29 pm
Like your con Saviour Larry. At least Garth made a mistake rather than the deliberate attempt by the cons to cheat the taxpayers.
So this is no big deal but you sure changed that website quick. Let me ask you this “Do you think Canadians are cynical about politicians and politics because politicians say one thing and do another? Just asking….
By Jeff on 10.29.07 5:34 pm
Yep Jeff – just look at the the cons ‘New Government’ – said too many things to count in opposition and look/read what they say today. What ABSOLUTE harprites.
Good grief! It’s not enough that the Harper party want to tie up their in-and-out scam in the courts, now they’ve turned their attack dogs on you Garth so as to deflect attention from their closed and unaccountable government.
The only thing that surprises me about this is that the NDP’s Judy whats-er-name didn’t get the Commissioner of the RCMP to send her a letter about you being ‘investigated’ for…whatever.
Hey, back off Stephen Taylor. He works for the Manning Centre for Democracy, a non-partisan NFP.
How dare you accuse him of being in cahoots with Harper?
By Hands off Taylor on 10.29.07 5:52 pm
Good one HOT – ROTF
Then there’s this:
‘MSM Finally Catching on to Conservative Scandals?’
http://tinyurl.com/3d9jgd
I have two points to make on todays news
First Is Mr Flaherty’s the reason for haste to make an economic statement 1) To deflect from the income trust anniversary 2) Because the Auditor General is about to make an announcement 3) the prelude to an election.
My second point is this just who do we believe the conservative minister who tells us that we are making progress in Afganistan or the BBC who tells us that conditions are geting worse in and around Kabul to the effect that food aid trucks can not get food to the starving Afgans. Do we believe
Mr McKay of millions of little girls going to school or the NGO who says that security even around the capital makes it unsafe for truck to move and down to the southern parts of Afganistan.
“(and I had left $30,000 in the local Conservative bank account)â€
Garth, was that your money in the account or was it individuals donating to the conservative campaign? How many liberal dollars are in that account?
Here’s the next point. You were elected as a conservative. You campaigned as a conservative. You had a responsibility to work as a conservative not as a divisive and self serving individual. Those who donated those thousands of dollars to the conservative party expected you to work with the party not against it.
Next point, follow the rules. Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Don’t blame Harper and Taylor for your perceived ignorance.
The money I left was a rebate from Elections Canada for the 2005-6 campaign. Blame? I’m not blaming anybody for anything. Why should I? — Garth
By Jim on 10.29.07 6:13 pm
Jim – I sent Garth money after he left the Cons. I would never support this neocon govt. I have also sent the Libs a cheque and will do so again – part of my 60th birthday money I received – but I’ll choose the timing. And, I’ll do what I can, even on chemo, to see that this arrogant minority neocon govt never gets to do to Canada what the Bush govt. has done to the US – made them a rogue state & laughing stock in most of the free world. The US is decadent, on a free fall and yet Harpie wants emulate them – did you hear me hitting my forehead. How dumb can we be to take a reservation on the Titantic.
Garth,
They got you in their sights, and if you give them something to shoot at , they will. The race is to the swift; the battle to the strong. You weren’t swift enough in this case. You have to be several steps ahead of the con miscreants and show no weakness. Good luck and God speed.
You have the greatest sense of humor and your getting more charismatic each day. Thanks Garth
~giggle~
Stevelock Holmes and Doctor Jankie
Couple of smucks
~evil grin~
You know Garth, you really should send Taylor and Jankie a thank you card for pointing out this minor error. It’s good to make sure all your deals are above board.
To the Honorable Member for Halton.
Mr. Turner,
I am very much in awe in respect to your importance in the lives of so many of our fellow Canadians. I have recently perused a number of websites which apparently follow political trend, concepts and activities, and have discovered that you are a very central figure in the lives of many persons.
You must feel honored to be so significant in the eyes of so many learned and responsible citizens.
I am honored to have held audience with such an important Canadian, albeit in a minor fashion. It is heartening though, to see so many of my fellow citizens are interested in your career, thoughts and input into the political process of our country.
I make best efforts to comprehend the responsibility of being held in such high esteem as to be the focus of interest of persons central to, and of influence in our Great Land.
Please accept my words as further endorsement of your efforts on behalf of the People of Canada.
Keep your eye on the pebble.
The Comrade
You’re creeping me out. — Garth
LMAO! Yeah, I bet your feel demolished by Steve the Younger, eh Garth?
BTW, he should wait until puberty is complete before attempting to grow a beard. Is he razor challenged? Seems he is also comb challenged?
Oh, and please tell him to have his mother iron his shirt next time he does a photo op with Steve the older!
Jim: I hope you are sending the same sermons on accountability to the Conservative Party and their alleged in and out scheme that may be costing Canadian taxpayers almost a million dollars.
If the Cons are under investigation by Elections Canada why aren’t they being open and transparent about it?
Did you write and ask them to come clean and follow fund-raising rules?
“‘(and I had left $30,000 in the local Conservative bank account)’…
The money I left was a rebate from Elections Canada for the 2005-6 campaign. Blame? I’m not blaming anybody for anything. Why should I? — Garth
By Jim on 10.29.07 6:13 pm
Jim – I sent Garth money after he left the Cons. I would never support this neocon govt. I have also sent the Libs a cheque and will do so again – part of my 60th birthday money I received – but I’ll choose the timing. And, I’ll do what I can, even on chemo, to see that this arrogant minority neocon govt never gets to do to Canada what the Bush govt. has done to the US – made them a rogue state & laughing stock in most of the free world. The US is decadent, on a free fall and yet Harpie wants emulate them – did you hear me hitting my forehead. How dumb can we be to take a reservation on the Titantic.”
By KPN on 10.29.07 8:20 pm
I did almost exactly the same thing KPN!!!
I sent Garth some money as a Liberal twice (for HIS re-election, myself being a lifelong Progressive Conservative and not being able to stomach giving money to the LPC) and will do so again when I get some more money together.
But I also recently finally relented and sent $18 to the Liberal Party of Canada because I cannot stand to see this Harper Party leading this great country Canada for one more second, and the LPC represents the best alternative as far as I am concerned…
At least until Stephen Harper can be wiped off the face of the political landscape.
Sincerely,
MB
P.S. Best of luck with the chemo KPN. In any case, you have made at least one significant contribution in this lifetime by supporting Garth. Savour each day, whatever it may bring my friend.
You’re creeping me out. — Garth
By Greg on 10.29.07 9:10 pm
Ah, now you’ve gone and hurt my feelings. Geez, try to be nice to someone and look what you get.
Life is hard eh?
Garth,
You have no firewalls built of black markers, PMO protected privilege, threatened law suits, time-buying advisory panels, reports for you only, in fact nothing to keep revelations of truth out beyond the horizon. And that’s a good thing. By being above board here at your site, it will play to your advantage when the tables are turned and honesty reveals the bankrupt nature of your attackers.
Oh, ain’t the fruits of resolve just wonderful?
Maybe some of this would help , eh Zorph ?
Is it REALLY TRUE that you and 94 other Liberal MPs abstained when it came to voting on the Throne Speech which included a declaration that Canada would not be meeting any of its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol?
You had your chance to bring down the Government then. I take it you are all more interested in the well being of the party as opposed to the people?
I guess then, you’ll just hafta let the REAL government do it’s job KEEPING THE PROMISES it made when it was elected.
Methinks PMSH has had a large influence on Taylor.. they both appear to have similar waistlines.
. . . I’ll do what I can, even on chemo, to see that this arrogant minority neocon govt never gets to do to Canada what the Bush govt. has done to the US – made them a rogue state & laughing stock in most of the free world. The US is decadent, on a free fall and yet Harpie wants emulate them – did you hear me hitting my forehead. How dumb can we be to take a reservation on the Titantic.â€
By KPN on 10.29.07 8:20 pm
——————————————–
P.S. Best of luck with the chemo KPN. In any case, you have made at least one significant contribution in this lifetime by supporting Garth. Savour each day, whatever it may bring my friend.
By MB on 10.29.07 9:50 pm
Ditto to what MB says — enjoy all your family and friends, and take time to smell the roses, KPN.
Remember Caligula and ancient Rome? They had become a decadent society, had a madman in power for a few years then headed downhill big time. Everything and everyone runs its’ course down here.
America is now almost a carbon copy of that Rome, and unfortunately we are tied too closely to them — UNLESS CANADIANS CHOOSE OTHERWISE.
I remember in the third Indiana Jones movie (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade), the old man said “Choose wisely”. Sage advice!
I think it goes beyond saying that much less expectation that the attacks on Garth on this website are due to his party affliation and not based on political ideology of ideas and opinions he has. Due to his affiliation it is a rather sad day when valid issues, such as unexpected or foreseen irregularities are brought out by his own admission are incessantly attacked.
I believe that nothing further needs to be said to those that are attacking previous Liberal campaign funding and spending that the same scrutiny MUST be applied to ALL parties. To single out one and ignore others is expected of someone that is truly biased and lacking honesty as well as integrity. After all, it would be considered just a tad hypocritical would it not to only focus on one party?
It takes a strong person of integrity to demand all parties become accountable and to see how wide spread things are NOW rather than what was done in the past decade or even further. It seems pointless to argue about previous PMs and their parties funding in the context of here and now unless one really wants to dig up old skeletons that no one in this day and age really wants or cares to know about. For me, I already hate Brian Mulroney as it is. That does not mean that I need to know all the shady shit he did in the past. My convictions into his integrity, hell, was is a lawyer and most lawyers that become politicians are well no better than used car salesmen.
So, until you demand that the CPC make themselves available to questionable if not outright illegal fundraising/campaign spending tactics please do yourself a favour for all Canadians and find a bridge to hide under and harrass any goats that pass your way. You have proven to be nothing more than a mindless nonthinking sheep that is part of a greater flock of idiots that cannot think for themselves. Until you ask difficult questions to all parties, you are not worth my time to read any more of your comments or attempts to draw blood.
Letter to the Editor, Assistant to the Editor or to whom it may concern.
When life gives you lemonade, try very hard not to turn it into lemons. It is more politically astute.
When handing off to the B team, be sure their cue cards have been rotated.
Quoting Churchill does not necessarily determine whether one understands the sentiments. Pit Bulls are the only dogs being given away for free. Reason being, nobody with any sense wants one.
When a cannon is fired, it rolls backward. Don’t stand behind it. It will run over you.
When a fisher lays out his bait, he never knows what he might catch. Sometimes a Hammerhead, sometimes a Blowfish, occasionally just a Codswallop.
Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get.
I dunno, Garth. Looks to me that Steve the Lesser is just as guilty of implying impropropriety as the Liberal Party about the jobs those signatures got after the in-and-out.
I suggest Dion gets a couple beagles off their can to sue for libel just to drag a few lines out of their defense (assuming Steve the First doesn’t hang the Lesser out to dry). No point acting like an adolescent when you can get someone predictable to do it for you.
Its not like Elections Canada expected you to keep it in a sock. The money, that is.
Just answer the damn questions and be done with it.
Sure, Steven Taylor caught you and you should have cleaned your own house before throwing stones at another, but good on you for admitting your mistake and correcting it Garth.
This whole situation is SO absurd. Your post strikes as serious for you only. What can we do but make jokes about it?