Where this contradiction becomes interesting is that both statements came from the mouth of NDP MP Pat Martin who said:
"Enough is enough, there are more compelling issues facing the nation."
AND
"I realize there is a bigger downside than there is a plus side to it, because as interesting as it may be for us to hear what Mr. Jaffer has to say, at this point in time it could compromise a serious investigation into very serious criminal charges."
So what are they trying to say? What is the political play? Obviously Iggy would prefer the NDP to pursue this matter, because if he has to unleash Mark Holland on Canada, some of that mud slinging will stick to Iggy's face. The NDP didn't drop this to do Iggy a favour. Or did they only do a mea culpa because the ethics commissioner denied their charge? When Pat Martin said there was a very serious criminal matter involving a cabinet minister, and that there are more important national issues, he is likely just doing damage control for the failure of Libby Davies.
I have a feeling it is the very likely probability of major and far sweeping lawsuits and libel and slander charges from Helena, Rahim and their family and business associates that are putting a chill on this story.
ReplyDeleteEven some of the more rabid media talking heads have tried to tone it down- albeit they still have big happy smiles on their faces when slamming anyone conservative.
Was MHF kicked off said committee also, what happened in 24 hours. Holland will be vicious and maybe Pat Martin will have a twinge of guilt and ask very serious questions to cut Holland down.
ReplyDeletePat Martin's interveiw on sunday QP was very very close to the crossing line, and the flipflop was more like a run fast and hard in the other direction...what he said on sunday:
ReplyDelete"It is before the RCMP, in fact the difference between lobbying and influence peddling is about five years in prison.
All the more reason why our Committee should be very very seized to this issue is because influence peddling is such a serious offence, its right up there with high crimes and misdemenours in the criminal code, right next to treason.
It undermines the most fundamental tenets of democracy and Parliament (finger hitting table) should be very seized to this issue..."
A three ring circus indeed with the clowns asking the questions.
ReplyDeleteHolland, Wayne Easter, Marlene Jennings, Attaran, they all fit the profile of a brain dead culture. There are more, but we all know them. You be the judge.
ReplyDeleteAlso there could be a huge backlash from dipper women,
ReplyDeletewhen Jack did his 'Magnum PI' thing in QP,
Judy Washale' sitting beside him, was not laughing, not even smiling.
Dippers got their hands surprisingly dirty with this scandal.
Not their usual mo.
The opposition parties went after Brian Mulroney like a lion hunting for a prey to chew. same here. They are hungry and anyone who does not smell coalition the lions begin to prowl. Their media gate keepers let them loose for the kill without sedating them back to reality.
ReplyDeleteTo answer my own question, I don't think they did grow up. I think they sensed the downside risk of being on the attack when the evidence begins to paint a picture of innocence. It may be a mistake to assume any benevolence in their recent actions.
ReplyDeleteI agree Iceman. It's only damage control, or better yet, passing the damage to the Liberals. A quiet bleat of a mea culpa on the part of the NDP and then they allow the Liberals to carry on in full-steam until they wake up and realize that maybe they went overboard. By then, they'll be the only ones wearing it.
ReplyDeleteJack Layton's merry band of inquisitors saw their edge ebbing and they want to quietly retreat.
Just read at NNW that Libby's complaint will be acted on by the ethics commissioner. Pat Martin is against the committee inquisition and now the ethics gal will investigate. Any connection.
ReplyDeleteMethinks the fear of litigation doth make the lefties tremble.
ReplyDeleteWherever you have sleazy activities you have Dippers and their associates. Layton probably discovered a dipper nest somewhere in the proximity of the scandal and decided to run away for fear of tripping over a few of his own.
ReplyDelete