Why Is The Story Of G8 Unethical Spending Important?

In normal circumstances, I suspect the story of the Harper government's dissolute and dishonest spending on G8 pork in contravention of its stated Parliamentary purpose to alleviate border congestion would not have 'legs', as they say in journalism. However, as critical thinkers who follow politics know, this dishonesty is symptomatic of a much larger problem that has defined the Conservatives since they assumed office.

Much has already been written about their contempt for democracy, their abuse and disrespect for Parliament, their disdain for MPs who are not part of the fold, etc., so there is no reason for repetition here. But I think this latest indicator of the amorality of those who have the hypocrisy to say they serve the people of Canada is a timely reminder of what is at stake in this election.

Although I do not believe it is generally useful or productive to reduce issues to absolutes, I think that absolutes are precisely what we have to consider before we cast our ballot: Do we want a government that at least has a semblance of concern for the well-being of Canada, both the nation and the people that comprise that nation? If we do, I don't see how we could vote for the Harper Conservatives.

However, if we want a government that is contemptuous of traditional Canadian values, that has a vision of a Canada comprised solely of rugged individuals whose chief concern is personal freedom, a government in which 'quaint' virtues such as honesty, compassion and integrity don't matter and whose pursuit of power is its highest value, then, of course, we will vote Conservative.

I don't especially like what I have just written, but the polarizing nature of Harper, his minions, and his tactics have taken me to a dark place in my thoughts, a place I hoped I had abandoned a long time ago. I honestly believe that the health of the Canadian psyche is at stake here, perhaps the most compelling reason to vote with an eye toward good principled government, or at least the honest pursuit of one.

Harper Places New Restrictions On Press

In a Globe online article I just read, new restrictions are being placed on the kinds of questions the P.M will entertain:

Conservative officials ... announced the national Harper tour would no longer take questions on local campaigns.

This is in reaction to some embarrassment the poor boy has experienced lately, and is in addition to the 4 questions he will allow from national reporters per day.

I have only one question: Why does the press let him get away with this?