Pursuing the Turncoat

Forgive the few days of singular focus on David Emerson's defection here, but as mentioned below, this really has the potential making of a unique opportunity in Canadian politics. Consider this the last in a series.

Why? First, check out Tarantino and Coyne and Cosh for varied, thorough, and final debunking of the many supposed justifications for the move into cabinet. Also consider that while the appointment of Fortier, especially by this government, certainly reeks (and will probably provide greater fodder for the Liberals when the House sits) - it is not wholly unprecedented in this democracy.

The Emerson situation is that extra shade unprecedented. A turncoat after a mere two weeks (arguably after one night!). A public admission that absolutely no principles played a role in his decision - Emerson himself says that it amounted to simple electoral math. Simply put, he would sit with whoever formed government, regardless of his constituent's wishes, regardless of the party platform and promises he campaigned on, and regardless of his past statements against his opponents.

Truly, the man has shown nothing but contempt for the democratic process by which he secured election to the highest levels of our government. To those dismayed at the idea of their candidate voting with Harper on the key issues of the new Parliament - too bad. To those frustrated that he misappropriated donations intended to help elect a "Liberal" - suck it up, I raised my share of money for you anyway, he says.

And yet, he insists on remaining the sole judge of the propriety of his new found conversion, refusing to put his assertions that he is acting in the "people's best interests" to the test. Now, ironically, his big regret is that he got involved in public life two years ago. Heh. Funny that he never seemed to pick up on the fact that the voters might wish to keep tabs on you in between elections. I bet many of recent allies wish he hadn't bothered either.

As Tartcider pointed out, the real affront here is to the residents (essentially disenfranchised) of Vancouver-Kingsway. But there remains a wider principle at play. Emerson's arrogant and presumptive behavior calls out for a strong response, if only to serve as a cautionary tale for future opportunists who need to see consequences attach to such cynical behavior. If he gets away with this move relatively untouched, truly anyone can rely on any excuse to plop comfortably into cabinet, for whatever reason tickles the fancy.

SO - over to you, good residents and Liberals of greater Vancouver. Hold his feet to the fire, for as long as it takes. And to Conservatives dismayed at Harper's role in this debacle, bravo for adding your criticism to the mix as well. Keep this story simmering. Maybe you'll succeed in getting Ablonczy or Moore into the cabinet yet.