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.

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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)

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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.