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Was Garth Turner’s blogging a betrayal? Or the future of politics?
(Key Porter Books, Toronto) — Stephen Harper demanded subservience. Garth Turner would not give it.
Stephen Harper exerted complete control – over caucus, policy and message. Garth Turner embraced the new technology and the promise of digital democracy.
The battle lines were drawn before they met – hard and fast, uncompromising, black and white. What was the spark that ignited the war ending in Canada’s, perhaps the world’s, first dooced politician? What was so dangerous that could not be tolerated by the back room boys? So radical it was considered destabilizing?
It was the Internet. And a blogging MP.
This is a unique story. An important story. Written as a first-hand account by a professional journalist, author and Member of Parliament, Sheeple takes you behind the scenes to witness an all-out battle between old style politics and an agent of change. Between an often cult-like caucus and a politician who insisted he worked for the people.
Turner opens the sealed caucus room doors to reveal a clash of personalities, a collision of ideas and a disturbing dose of the religious right. In that room are inexperienced MPs, cowed into submission, and political staffers wielding so much power that caucus is governed by fear. Layered on this volatile and disappointing mix is Harper’s insatiable quest for a majority, a desire so strong it resulted in a military-style discipline that repelled anyone deviating from the script.
This is a story about Stephen Harper and Garth Turner. It’s also about the changed nature of Conservatism and the triumph of a party over democracy. Turner shows in graphic detail how Harper concentrated power in a few hands and in the process neutered those people the voters had sent to Ottawa to represent them. Gone was the ability of Conservative MPs to speak out on your behalf. And gone was Garth.
Turner had political experience. He was not naive. He served as a two-term MP, a cabinet minister and leadership contender. But he was also a professional journalist and author and of that Stephen Harper was dismissive. Harper told him journalists make bad politicians because they only want to tell the truth.
Garth Turner paid that price.
Sheeple: Caucus Confidential in Stephen Harper’s Ottawa
By Garth Turner
Key Porter Books
$21.95, paperback, 978-1-55470-179-7
AVAILABLE APRIL 24
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18 comments ↓
This is going to be a must read. Thanks for the heads up Garth.
Well, Harper may be gone sooner than later. He hasn’t got much of a chance of getting a majority in an election. So the infighting starts and the country is once again at the mercy of whoever has the most power.
And Duffy is still in the Senate.
Sigh.
This is one book I will go out of my way to read.
Just keep in mind that the book is based entirely on Garth’s view of events. Whether or not they’re balanced, or even fair, will no doubt be determined once the pundits have a chance to pass judgement on his claims. In any event I’d imagine he’ll make a tidy profit for his take on things.
I was there, Frank, unlike you or the pundits. — Garth
Canadian Rosebud blog…
Stephen Harper did his March tour of the US television news shows and was all about putting the record straight:
“Thanks to the decisions of Jean Chretien and Paul Martin, Canada’s economy and banking system remains on solid ground. Me, well, I did stay at Holiday Inn….”
And that’s about the size of it all……..
True, although there were dozens of others there as well. and I’d imagine each has a spin on what transpired
The great thing about having the pundits pass comment is that they’ve nothing to gain or lose by putting your book through the reality check wringer. Keep in mind that you’re passing comments on folks you had a less than suucessful relationship with so you’re take on things may be a little biased. In any event I’m sure it’ll be entertaining.
Cheers
3vil grin
Oh I think I will be able to recycle some my daily Zorpheous’ next month.
Janke is already loading hs diaper.
I’m going to need a signed copy Garth
It’s on my must-have-and-no-excuses! list with my bookstore, Garth.
And, Frank? We’ve already heard Harper’s side of the story, courtesy of the Blogging Tories. It’s about time for the balance, doncha know.
Hi Garth, Any chance you’ll have a few signed copies that people could buy straight from you?
Will there be a book tour to get copies sign at?
You’ll be able to buy a signed copy here shortly. Thanks. — Garth
#3 Frank, said: “Just keep in mind that the book is based entirely on Garth’s view of events.”
So, Frank, what you’re really saying is that he could have named the book ‘The Hurl According to Garth’.
Garth – so glad to see you’re still rocking boats and making sure we’re all awake to what’s going on. Here’s a link to some fascinating research that sheds some light on why it’s going on. All the best!
http://members.shaw.ca/jeanaltemeyer/drbob/TheAuthoritarians.pdf
Stephen Harper will never get a majority. Could Garth Turner get a majority as Leader of a progressive Conservative party?
Probably best not to take any politicians spin, whether Stephen Harper or Garth Turner, at face value. I’d imagine folks who do are sorta the poster children for the “Sheeple” tags; that’s sorta the point.
Considering myself a political “centrist” I look forward to reading this book. Although I am almost positive that it will reinforce my view of Stephen J Harper as being a most dictatorial individual, I look forward to some insight into “hows and where fores’ of this petty man. Great idea to write the book Garth and as always I look forward to your comments.
“Stephen Harper will never get a majority. Could Garth Turner get a majority as Leader of a progressive Conservative party?”
Very little progressive in this party. More like Oppressive Conservative party. Wonder what Stephen “Hittlper” plan is for the Amero? Think he’ll sell this Country out to the “banks”? LOL!!! Rhetorical question.
Garth can’t wait to get the book however as a Canadian that walks with my eyes and ears open can’t imagine it would give me any other view of Stevie than I already have. Thank God the PM ( Puppet Master ) will never win a majority and probably not win again. Good for us!
Garth keep up the good work after all someone needs to deal with truth
Can you explain the title? Sheep + People = Sheeple?
Or what?
Happy Easter Weekend! Garth I was just taking a second to stroll around and here you guys are talking politics and stuff without me!
Hope you are well it’s been a while.
One question….Do you think that Iffy Iggy would have allowed you to keep your blog going? Especially if you were even the teeniest weensiest bit critical of him?
I hear the guy makes Harper look like a easy-going saint.
What say you?
Leasa
Garth,so glad your blog is back,cant wait to read the book!