Mr. Emerson goes to Ottawa

Shades of Belinda! Just as Ms. Stronach crossed the floor of the House right to left to walk into a cabinet position, David Emerson now crosses the floor left to right to walk into a cabinet position. Needless to say, a number of Mr. Emerson's constituents are a little annoyed. And a number of his Liberal campaign workers are more than a little annoyed after putting in many long hours getting him elected to represent a liberal philosophy and Liberal policies. They, quite rightly, feel betrayed. As for the Liberal Party, it would be completely justified in asking for its campaign funding back. With interest. A class action suit would be in order for all those poor suckers who donated to Mr. Emerson's campaign and have now been defrauded out of their money.

When we vote in this country, we tend to vote for the party, simply because we know the parties, their philosophies of government and their policies, whereas we often have little knowledge of the candidates. This is a major reason why civic elections have such poor turnouts: without party affiliation, voters don't know what the candidates stand for.

But, presumably, Belinda and David felt they could serve their country better decision-making in cabinet rather than filling space on the opposition benches, and of course they are absolutely right. Tough on their constituents and their former parties but, if they are any good, better for the country (other than possibly undermining respect for politicians). One of the vagaries of the party system is that many first class people, cabinet material, have to waste their careers in politics sitting in opposition. Crossing the floor is a way out of the trap.

Too bad for those betrayed but, judging by Belinda's solid re-election, many of the people who matter most, the electors, are willing to forgive the sinners.