When the retention of power, political brand worship and self-serving behaviour become imbedded in the collective culture of those charged with preserving and advancing the common good, effective democratic governance is threatened and things become very messy for good reason. Such is the case in the current Mike Duffy trial.
Because of the current political culture that defines our current Conservative government and Prime Minister Harper, fundamental breaches of honesty and transparency have been committed. Thanks to the press and reporters like Andrew Coyne, I am provided with the necessary background and information to form an informed and educated opinion on this particular issue.
The main actors in this soap opera make every effort to control the message and cover their butts in the name of service to themselves rather to the service of those they have taken an oath to serve and govern.
If this was Russia or another corrupt dictatorial regime, this would not even be an issue. As of yet, those in the media who seek out the truth and still have their professional integrity, do not have to worry about drinking a radioactive cocktail to keep them silent.
Hopefully, before our federal election, Justice Charles Vaillancourt will sort out this mess and make a judgment which is wise and fair. This will help me make my own decision in the court of public opinion on Oct. 19.
Wilf Borgstede, St. Albert
