This entire thing is a bit of a red herring, but that's not too be completely unexpected. Politicians on the whole are slimy dirt bags, so no big surprise that this particular group, of all political strips, are being so.
Harper has said that he knew some financial arrangements were talked about. That doesn't make it a bribe, nor does it make it a "life insurance policy". It has been speculated that what was offered was his nomination in the riding and help from the PC Party for campaign expenses (something that is done by all parties for some candidates) to ensure no undo hardship occured as a result of the vote. Doesn't make it right, but it doesn't make it a bribe for a million either.
To suggest Stronach was not bribed is equally absurd. Money is not the only thing that people can be bribed with. In Belinda's case it is obvious to anyone with their eyes open that she was bribed with "power", specifically the power (or percieved power) of a cabinet position she didn't deserve and hadn't earned. What was she, the ministry of complex files or something? Something that didn't need a minister before she crossed the floor, and hasn't needed a minister since her departure. It was a bribe, flat out, and was done in such a way that it would be difficult to prove.
The whole thing is more about "they are horrible while we are great" on both sides than about what is good for the country on any level.
|