Tape-gate: someone had to say it

Anyone else have tears on their democratic pillows?

Just in case you thought even a shred of dignity remained in the Canadian parliament, the players have sunk to unbelievable new lows in their never-ending quest to lower Canadians' expectations of, while simultaneously raising their contempt of our political system.

I refer, of course, to Gurmant Grewal (http://www.gurmantgrewal.ca/), Member of Parliament for Surrey-Newton/North Delta and self appointed James Bond of the House of Commons.

In case you've been living in a closet for the past two weeks - and you may have to make room for many others who are tired of the banana republic Canada is fast on the path to becoming to join you - here's the skinny on Mr. Grewal's recent contributions to political discourse in our nation's capital:

i) having not found a reason to be in front of the national media since revelations he had hired one of Canada's most insane political quacks to run his constituency office (http://www.thenownewspaper.com/issues04/052204/news/052204nn1.html) MP Grewal alleges he received invitations from the federal Liberal party to support the budget vote, or cross the floor, in exchange for a cabinet position in a Liberal government, a 'get out of ethics hot water free' card and a senate seat for his wife (who represents and, one assumes, lives in a separate riding than her husband but nonetheless enters the Liberals' bribery thoughts)

ii) having been tempted not a whit by such dastardly, Gritty behaviour, Mr. Grewal considers it his parliamentary and civic duty to meet with Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh (http://www.ujjaldosanjh.ca/) and Prime Minister Paul Martin's Chief of Staff Tim Murphy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Murphy) to try to trap the offending bribers on tape, in order to prove to Canadians just what dastardly people they are.

iii) the tapes being unclear, garbled to the point as to make it impossible to decipher anyone's motives, offers, etc., Mr. Grewal turns over the tapes to the media, but not before, numerous independent audio experts confirm, the tape has been edited with several portions missing

iv) notwithstanding the stupidity and astounding lack of ethics inherent in his taping acts, Mr. Grewal allegedly approaches passengers at the Vancouver International Airport to transport a package for him to Ottawa.

v) unable to cope with the stress his actions have placed him under, Mr. Grewal approaches Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper who, inexplicably, without consultation of any medical personnel, grants Mr. Grewal paid stress leave.

Need I say more about the sorry state of parliament?

Quite simply, no one comes out smelling good of this stench. The Liberals, if any of the allegations are true - and given the recent defection of Belinda Stronach to the Grits in exchange for a promise of a cabinet position it's hardly possible for the Liberals to deny the possibility of the proposed transaction - are demonstrating yet again that politics is based on power, not principle.

The Tories, on the other hand, are looking like rejects from a Clousseau School of Subterfuge. So unconvincing are Mr. Grewal's tapes, half his own caucus won't support his version of events on the recod, let only the rest of the public. Recent polls (http://www.decima.com/en/pdf/news_releases/050526E.pdf) indicate that far from the release of the tapes pushing support away from the Liberals, the general public is even more distrustful of the Tories than before.

Quite a convincing play, Mr. Grewal.

But far apart from the damage done to the individuals or even the parties involved, the unbelievable sullying of the already terrible opinion held by most Canadians about our federal political system is almost enough to bring tears to the eyes. That is, it would be if most people hadn't already become so jaded and completely apathetic about Canadian democracy as to not even register emotion.

It should have citizens reaching for their pitchforks, bayonettes and horses. Far be it from me to advocate open revolution - I'm not terribly brave and would surely be among the last ones to run towards a battle - the absolute corruption, power mongering and complete disregard for democratic principles in Ottawa's corridors of power are akin to the "Intolerable Acts" that had the Thirteen Colonies throwing off the chains of British Colonial rule in the eighteenth century.

In short, we shouldn't be mad: we should be fuming, raging, fit to be tied and ready for action. It turns out, parliament is only a few steps removed from the schoolyard, where 'he said-she said' passes for debate and responsibilities for actions taken are obfuscated by trivial name-calling and changing of the subject. Did Mr. Dosanjh really stand up in the House of Commons, the leading legislative body of our land, and ask if Peter Mackay had rented a dog for news spot?

When the federal budget has yet to be passed and countless other issues awaiting resolution, how can any government or party leader permit this kind of ridiculous game playing in the House?

But, as usual, government business will carry on (or it won't and we won't notice)and Canadians will continue to elect the same old people, demand little in the way of integrity and accept the type of corruption, maniuplation and deception with a shrug.

It's a crying shame.