Tuesday, January 22, 2008

John Tory's Counterpoint

John Tory appears to have taken exception to the National Post's January 19 editorial, The Coward at Queen's Park, which was mainly a slam at Premier Dalton McGuinty for his lackadaisical attitude regarding Caledonia and the HDI's so-called native 'extortion racket'.

The Post had taken Tory to task as well:
...The saddest part is that the disgrace here is bipartisan: This is not merely an indictment of Ontario's governing Liberals, but also the opposition Conservatives. In the face of Mr. McGuinty's spinelessness, the best John Tory's party could do was suggest bringing civil lawsuits to try to recover lost income. Among other things, this is a pathetic microcosm of why Mr. Tory can't win an election...
At the time I thought it was a trifle harsh, but nobody seems to be taking a tough stance in this matter, so I reasoned that the criticism was warranted.


In today's Counterpoint - At Caledonia, the rule of law must be upheld, Tory clarifies his stance on the issue:
...Since the beginning of the dispute in Caledonia, my colleagues and I in the PC Party have been unwavering in our argument that the rule of law must be respected and upheld. Quite simply, actions must have consequences.

I have said repeatedly that no negotiations should be held with any person or group involved in an illegal occupation, or any other illegal activity. Otherwise, a very dangerous precedent will be set...

That's true. I must give credit where it is due, and I strongly feel that Tory's solution is the best. It is non-confrontational, but it does imply a certain consequence when the rule of law is broken.

Too bad that the one myopic issue derailed the whole election. John Tory would have done far better on this file than Dalton McGuinty.

I could almost support John Tory to stay on as leader - if it weren't for the Prince of Darkness.


* * * *
Related: Great letter in today's Post by Mike Quattrociocchi - 'Lawlessness' in Caledonia:

As a small developer in Brantford who has dealt with native protesters and their demand for "development fees," I can say that your editorial was bang on. Truer words could not be spoken than, "It is a case study in cowardice, and everyone who voted for Mr. McGuinty should be ashamed of it."

However, I don't agree with tarring all politicians with the same brush. While Mr. McGuinty took his firm stance on the fence, John Tory was busy visiting Caledonia on several occasions to witness firsthand what was happening. He wanted to understand the challenges and concerns many residence faced, and even accepted an invitation to sleep over at a Caledonia residence. While Mr. McGuinty was busy pitting natives against non-natives and promoting vigilantism, John Tory was the only politician who spoke for the rule of law and constantly pushed for a resolution.

( . . . )

When I confronted Mr. McGuinty at a campaign stop in Hamilton to question his government's lack of resolution, he was more concerned with threatening media outlets who dared to air the story than addressing my problem. Mr. Tory, on the other hand, in the middle of his campaign, took time to talk to me and to listen to the problems I and other developers were experiencing. Mr. McGuinty attempted to stifle the subject, Mr. Tory listened and addressed the issue.

Mike Quattrociocchi, Brantford, Ont.

(Links added by yours truly)


* * * *
Wednesday Update: Oops!! Gary McHale is not impressed - John Tory failed Caledonia.

O.K. then. Let's just say that there are degrees of spinelessness. Realistically no Ontario politician is going to rush into Caledonia with guns a-blazing.

Thursday Update: Ontario reaps what it sows - Gazette. H/T Jack's Newswatch.

16 comments:

OMMAG said...

Hogwash!
Tory is a weak sister and a centrist appeaser.

On a brighter note:
Today I received my 8 X 10 glossy of the PM and Family ... just in time to celebrate the TWO FULL YEARS that have passed with our LEADER in charge!

Prime Minister Stephen Harper .... someday even the CTV/CBC talking heads will be saying those words!

OMMAG said...

That being said (re; Tory) there is no way he could be ANY worse than McSquirmy .... !

Joanne (True Blue) said...

That being said (re; Tory) there is no way he could be ANY worse than McSquirmy .... !

That's for sure.

An 8 X 10, eh? I'm jealous!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm not happy with the antics in the lead up to the PC convention. I'll be yanking my membership.

See Adam Daffallah.

Anonymous said...

Vote "yes" at Bourque survey quesgtion on the future of John Tory.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Bourque survey available here.

So far the 'boot' has the lead.

Anonymous said...

If John Tory is actually concerned about or not is anybody's guess. Certainly the national media have not conveyed this to me.

As an Albertan, I am on the outside looking in here, but it seems to me that you don't have any real Conservative option. That being said, JT is miles ahead of the current regime or, even worse, the Dippy option.

(That being said, as an Albertan, my only really conservative option is the Wildrose Party, which has no hope of winning. I find myself forced to support Harry Stelmach, [or Ed Strom, I keep getting confused], as the least offensive of bad options.)

Matt said...

I could almost support John Tory to stay on as leader - if it weren't for the Prince of Darkness.

Is this to say that if it weren't for Kinsella's tactics you think Tory would be fine at the helm, but because of the opponent we're up against he's gotta go?

Or am I totally reading this wrong? :)

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Matt, I'm saying that no matter how good John Tory is; i.e. no matter what redeeming qualities he may possess, WK will hang that albatross of a funding issue around his neck come the next election.

Therefore he still must go.

This, BTW, is disgusting. I can see why Anon is yanking his/her membership.

Anonymous said...

I respect Adam D's opinion very much. He's got a good political instinct about strategy.

I agree with is take on the smear the Tory folks have launched on Devlin.

Anonymous said...

Could someone post the names of those current and former MPPs supporting Tory? I'm sure there's a list somewhere....that should give us a good idea of whose lining up behind him and who isn't.

I supported Mike Harris, and don't really appreciate it when Tory's team and Eves before him distanced himself from Harris...it makes me feel that my conservative support wasn't appreciated. A member should never feel that way.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Could someone post the names of those current and former MPPs supporting Tory?

I'd love to know that too. It might be easier to ask who isn't on the list. Typically MPP's will say they're supporting the leader, because not to do so is the kiss of death in terms of advancement, I would imagine.

Möbius said...

Joanne, you could probably write my opinion on this, if you've paying attention.

Could Tory be worse than McGuinty?

Yes, he lost the election.

Möbius said...

I'm not sure whether it has to do with the amount of fermented grain product I consume, or not, but I have a heck of a time getting the word verification correct.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Joanne, you could probably write my opinion on this, if you've paying attention.

Yes, it was his obtuse obsession with FB-Funding that stuck us with four more years of McGuinty.

Möbius said...

Yep.

If you think Dion will get another chance after the upcoming disaster, then you might think JT has a chance.