tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19402125.post228237782073154825..comments2024-02-07T16:22:39.625-05:00Comments on Jeff Jedras: Harper can’t take a punch, threatens libel lawsuitUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19402125.post-9513257835624476252008-03-05T11:36:00.000-05:002008-03-05T11:36:00.000-05:00It's okay for Dion to sue Duceppe but god forbid a...It's okay for Dion to sue Duceppe but god forbid anyone sue Dion. I'm not saying Harper's suit is valid, I'm saying Dion has no high moral ground.<BR/><BR/>http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080303.WBwblogolitics20080303182541/WBStory/WBwblogolitics<BR/><BR/>• March 8, 2007: Stephane Dion suing Gilles Duceppe<BR/><BR/>• March 3, 2008 — Liberal news release: "What we are witnessing is yet another example of the Prime Minister silencing his critics and shutting down debate by threat and intimidation. This is what is known as a 'libel chill' - using the threat of a libel suit to remove an issue from where it should be rightfully debated: before the Canadian public. It is Mr. Dion's duty and responsibility to raise these issues before the Canadian public to get the answers they deserve."<BR/><BR/>http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/Page/document/v5/content/subscribe?user_URL=http://www.theglobeandmail.com%2Fservlet%2Fstory%2FLAC.20070308.DION08%2FTPStory%2F&ord=73682710&brand=theglobeandmail&redirect_reason=2&denial_reasons=none&force_login=false<BR/><BR/>Sponsorship fallout: Dion suing Duceppe<BR/><BR/>BILL CURRY<BR/>OTTAWA -- Lawyers representing Stéphane Dion are demanding to see the bank records of Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe as part of a $400,000 lawsuit Mr. Dion launched before he became Liberal Party Leader in December.Mark Dowlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01399115211805036553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19402125.post-88144616754888799272008-03-04T17:49:00.000-05:002008-03-04T17:49:00.000-05:00Has anyone else stopped to think this might just b...Has anyone else stopped to think this might just be a publicity ploy? "SCANDAL! DECEIT! EVIL! Read it all right here in my new book." <BR/><BR/>Seriously, the fact the Dona Cadman is still with the PC party should be screaming volumes.Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04348461053489264773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19402125.post-83911941546935641572008-03-04T14:25:00.000-05:002008-03-04T14:25:00.000-05:00It's possibly fair comment to claim 'criminal acts...It's possibly fair comment to claim 'criminal acts' when a PM admits that he knew financial incentives were being offered to Cadman, even if it ends up nothing illegal was going on. Three things that help the Liberals here:<BR/><BR/>1. Fair comment applies on matters of public interest and need not be accurate, merely reasonable in the face of available facts.<BR/><BR/>2. Harper, a sitting MP and the PM has so far refused to explain what the phrase means.<BR/><BR/>3. And judge would be hesitant to rap the knuckles of the Leader of the Opposition on a matter which was already broadcast all over the country legally. It is frankly silly that the Party's comments outside the House would add to any damage already done from inside the House under Privilege. And any judge would be hesitant to interfere in the democratic process.<BR/><BR/>All that being said, there's a case to be made that fair comment doesn't cut it. In response to that, not all that long ago, a SCC judge did comment (I forget whom) that politicians should refrain from libel suits against each other. It was taken as a hint that a defamation Sullivan/Nelson defense could work in Canada. Heck, it's been accepted in every other democracy of note, including the UK and New Zealand, both which come from the same common law traditions.<BR/><BR/>I really hope Harper sues and Dion stands fast. Our libel laws are draconian and need revision.Mark Richard Francishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16331995640397477486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19402125.post-85608782476257911472008-03-04T10:40:00.000-05:002008-03-04T10:40:00.000-05:00I really think that the Liberals have failed Canad...I really think that the Liberals have failed Canadians yet again. It was their responsibility to ensure this was investigated fully. Holding government accountable is the job of the official opposition. They have now made themselves part of the story and if something illegal happened, it will likely be hidden by the image of the Liberals stepping in shit again. They really screwed this one up and I suspect have given the Conservatives a pass.<BR/><BR/>I'm not a Stephen Harper hater but I am wise enough to understand that government will not serve the people without credible opposition. The Liberals would be wise to demonstrate that they can be effective opposition before asking for the top job.Dantehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17467453055415173229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19402125.post-46444790717240074302008-03-04T00:55:00.000-05:002008-03-04T00:55:00.000-05:00We'll see if Dion et al can take a punch, and take...We'll see if Dion et al can take a punch, and take it for the team. If they do, I'll have newfound respect. If they don't, they fail Canada in a big way.Saskboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13258259356749068135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19402125.post-87867340806565338332008-03-03T16:05:00.000-05:002008-03-03T16:05:00.000-05:00By the way, somewhere today I'm sure I read that C...By the way, somewhere today I'm sure I read that Cadman's list of confidants now include his family plus "close friends". Did anyone else catch that?bigcitylibhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05081538803991095825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19402125.post-50507937772710258412008-03-03T14:09:00.000-05:002008-03-03T14:09:00.000-05:00Not very Republican of Harper to decry lawsuits an...Not very Republican of Harper to decry lawsuits and then become a frequent flier and sue often.<BR/><BR/>What a baby.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19402125.post-85223049737364949872008-03-03T13:36:00.000-05:002008-03-03T13:36:00.000-05:00Jeff, I emailed you on this subject.Jeff, I emailed you on this subject.Steve Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04871113039374739208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19402125.post-34564523031540924792008-03-03T12:42:00.000-05:002008-03-03T12:42:00.000-05:00Fucking EXCELLENT posting.... I'm even going to bl...Fucking EXCELLENT posting.... I'm even going to blog about it.Sean Cummingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01550744638377851070noreply@blogger.com