One thing that bothers me is that it wouldn't surprise me in the least if this did go right to the top of the Conservative party and that speaks to the culture and methods of the party and its leader.
I honestly think if the scandal pointed to Layton and the NDP most people would bet on it being rogue individuals - not that I'm an NDP voter - but that's how I perceive the culture of that party. Maybe it's unwarranted and perhaps some of it has to do with Layton's passing, but that's my perception.
The Liberals, I would also suspect it would be rogue operatives, mostly because I don't think the current iteration of the Liberal party would be capable of organizing a bake sale.
The Harper Conservatives on the other hand are renowned for their top-down organization and the ferocious centralization of their message. I also perceive Harper as willing to do pretty much anything to gain power and I think that mindset percolates through the whole Party.
Given those two things I feel it is likely there is some kind of party involvement and, even if Harper is completely unconnected to this, he has to bear some culpability for encouraging a culture where this kind of behaviour could be considered acceptable.
I honestly don't know how any of you could vote for this man or party.
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