Galloping Geezer
 
"Photo Credit to Julie Ann Biggs out on the Mekong River, Cambodia Vietnam Border."
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Jack Downey Comments on Canadian Issues to Inform and Amuse.
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A Legacy of Honour
Jean Chrétien
Our Prime Minister is leaving politics after many years in different
portfolios. We expect the very best from our leaders and history will judge
them for what they accomplished in their various terms in the difficult task
of guiding our country of two founding nationalities. There is talk of
leaving a legacy so history will remember him through the ages. Canadian
history has yet to record any Prime Minister that has left a legacy that
reflects total honesty and the strength to show the ultimate in leadership.
The Right Honourable Jean Cretien MP can set an example by refusing to
appoint people to government positions as payment for past support. He
should insist on open competition. To follow the example of past Prime
Ministers, with their many millions of dollars squandered on ex politicians,
party hacks, and hangers on, demeans not only the country, but also the
position of the PM and his lady. The recent appointment to the CEO of the
Canadian Mint, at $250,000 per year for three years, of an unqualified MP
who is already drawing an $80,000 a year pension, is something I would not
be proud to leave as part of my legacy. I expect that there are many other
MPs that will be looking for high paying, prime positions solely because of
past service, no matter how immoral or disloyal to Canada.
There is an allotment system of jobs and benefits for retired or defeated
Senators and MPs. These perks-after-service are official, under Statues of
Canada Bill C-275 Chapter 13, An Act Establishing the Canadian Association
of Former Parliamentarians, but certainly not well known. It is interesting
to note that this Act was passed in May 1996, before the new increased pay
structure was promulgated. The allotment is covered in para (e) "to protect
and promote the interest of former parliamentarians." The question arises,
"Who protects and promotes the interest of Canadian Taxpayers from
employment of MPs that were voted out of office (as was our new Canadian
Mint CEO)?"
A justification paper "To Run or not to run?" (A survey of former Members
of the Parliament of Canada January 2001) by Associate Professor David C.
Docherty , Ph D , Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON. provides
thirteen pages of mostly negative responses by former MPs as to their
personal and family costs of completing the job they volunteered to do as
service (for pay) in representing their constituencies. After listing all
the negatives, 86.5% said they would serve again. That is a very high job
satisfaction rate and indicates that being an MP has great opportunities
over a lifetime. Someone will find a committee or government department to
ensure the Cohort stands united and financially provided for even after
defeat.
Once a person gains power, it soon becomes impossible for them or their
family to remember that they were hired at the pleasure of the electorate
and are well paid for their service out of our tax dollars. That is the
electoral agreement.
I am sure the greatest legacy that could be provided by our retiring PM
would be to allow our MPs to face our country without being paid off like
some blackmailer who demands more and more for performing what should be his
or her honourable service.
The Legacy of Honour would be to make sure that the position of politician
is one of honour and respect and would be a legacy worthy of history books
across the world! Be the first Prime Minister who showed " OH CANADA WE
STAND ON GUARD FOR THEE." Make it so Prime Minister. It is doable and will
ensure that we will never forget you. We supported you and your Lady wife.
Now you can support us with this Legacy.
© Jack C. Downey CD
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Thanks for your help
best regards
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