[Marcarc]

Wasn't that a joke?

[whelan costen]

If the press release said Liberal ran as Liberal to get elected in Vancouver Kingway and then was offered a cabinet post with Conservatives and changed parties before the House sitting began; would we be outraged? NO? Why not?<br /> <br /> Yes the CAP press release was making a mockery of the Emerson affair. As in what floor did he cross? What ideals were being compromised by his Liberal party that forced him to leave and become a Conservative? <br /> <br /> Should we not hold ALL parties to the same standards, or will we continue to accept the Liberal/Cons can do whatever they wish and keep making up the rules as they go along? We are simply pointing out the hypocrisy of this system. <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/confused.gif' alt='Confused'>

[badsector]

Emerson's "defection" is election fraud. An elected Liberal was replaced by an appointed Conservative. If we let this happen, next they'll jsut buy all the seats and get absolute majority. This must stop, otherwise free elections will be a thing in the past.

[whelan costen]

badsector it is 'election fraud' as far as the people are concerned, but there is nothing, that I have seen, which actually prevents it from occuring. Which in part was why I did the tongue in cheek press release. They are making the rules to suit whatever they do, and the rest of us are stuck with it, unless we fight like mad to get it changed, now and demand Emerson's resignation and Fortier to run in a by-election if he wants a cabinet post.<br /> <br /> Write to the PM, and other elected? officials and demand that it be addressed properly and that the rules be changed, there are several problems with the election act that favour the major parties and need to be changed if we really want democracy. But we won't get it unless we demand it.

[Marcarc]

I've got bad news, you won't change it even if you DO demand it.

[Calumny]

I liked your article, CWC. <br /> <br /> Unfortunately, Roy got in wrong. It's about power, not 'perception' and if you don't have the former you never have the chance to change the latter.<br /> <br /> Rather cynical, I agree however, it has stood the Liberals in good stead for many years and doubtless will again come the next election.<br /> <br /> Of course, once you get the 'power' thing over and done with, 'intent' becomes the thing.<br /> <br /> The unfortunate reality is that those with scruples generally lose out to those who lack the same, and if you're in a game with the rules weighted against you the only way to win is to change the rules.<br /> <br /> <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'>

[whelan costen]

Calumny I like the way you think...<br /> 'The unfortunate reality is that those with scruples generally lose out to those who lack the same, and if you're in a game with the rules weighted against you the only way to win is to change the rules.'<br /> <br /> So many people are willing to change their scruples instead, so they can stay in the game, that's the big problem we have in politics today. If more people demanded a change of rules to make them fair, we would all be able to play with comfort no matter which team we were on.