Here is a letter I just sent to the Prime Minister of Canada and to the Minister of Defence.
During a period of my life when, among other things, ideals were of foremost importance, it so happened that I was elected Chairperson of the National Executive of Canadian Jewish Congress. This followed about 12 years experience working in a volunteer capacity for my community in the areas of social justice and human rights. Throughout all of those years it was a matter of great pride when an elected Member of Parliament would take the time to meet with me to discuss matters which were important for society as a whole, not only the Jewish community. I will never forget how it felt to be invited to meet the Prime Minister of Canada to discuss these issues and then to walk out of the meeting(s) knowing that at the very least, I had been heard and the concern raised was understood and would be considered seriously. What struck me then and reverberates now is that I walked out of those meetings fully confident that I could trust and believe in everything that person had just said to me. Over the course of those twelve years I had occasion to meet with
Members from all major political parties and three Prime Ministers. This letter is not about a particular political party, it is about how I feel right now as a Canadian citizen who has voted thoughtfully in every election since becoming eligible to vote and who has actively participated in community life and met and talked with people from all walks of life.
It has been my honour to speak with pride about Canada, to discuss politics with immigrant Canadians, to feel proud of my country, what it stands for and the high ethical standards that I believed was integral to our Canadian brand.
With regret I no longer feel the same sense of pride, nor do I believe that Canada has any higher ethical standards than other countries that are criticized for allowing unethical actions to go unresolved. Yesterday I read a blog from a UK journalist that was very complimentary of you, Mr. Harper. Melanie Phillips called you a Statesman for the West. Here is an excerpt from the blog which you can read in full at melaniephillips.com/a-statesman-for-the-west.
Harper’s approach is a principled one, cemented as it is into a clear division between right and wrong, truth and lies and thus standing four-square against the ruinous moral relativism and nihilism of the times.
Mr. Harper, can you justify your support of Mr. MacKay’s extravagant use of a military helicopter now that the correspondence from the military has been made public? How can Canadians trust you under these circumstances? Speaking for myself, I find Mr. MacKay’s actions and subsequent attitude and answers to the questions about this incident, to fall into the category of a very spoiled young adult who has a sense of entitlement. He seems to think that just because he is Minister of Defence, he has the right to use these services for his personal benefit and convenience. The reality is quite the contrary. Any elected Member of Parliament in any position is working to protect Canadians. I am sure it is not part of the job description to take advantage of government services and supplies for one’s personal enjoyment or convenience.
I have no doubt that the ride on the end of a rope hanging off the helicopter was quite thrilling , but it reminds me a bit of certain other high ranking politicians from other countries who appear to spend a great deal of time enjoying themselves rather than taking care of the public trust. They do what they want and then deny it all. Is that what we are to think of our Members of Parliament and is that the kind of behaviour you condone for the representatives of my beloved country? Mr. Harper, you need to put a stop to this immediately. Peter MacKay does not deserve the position he has been elevated to. And if you, as Prime Minister do not
address this, then quite frankly, neither do you. And the description of you as the Statesman of the West will soon be found to be quite incorrect.
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