The Swearing in, and immediate controversy, of the 22nd Prime Minister.

The people of Canada have voted for the Conservatives to form a minority Government, yet I hear these very people already complaining that they don't like that a Liberal has crossed the floor to sit in a Cabinet position. Is it because Emerson ran as a Liberal, or is it because these people are short sighted , narrow minded and too untrusting to believe that the Prime Minister they elected would want the best for Canada? I expect that Mr. Emerson's Liberal constituents may feel betrayed, but at the same time why wouldn't you want the MP you voted for in a place of influence for you?

There are any number of reasons that the PM might ask someone to join his party in a Cabinet position, and although I may be wrong, I choose to believe that Mr. Harper saw something in Mr. Emerson that would be to the ultimate benefit Canada! This is COMPLETELY different from the Stronach’s defection where Martin was trying to buy votes to pass controversial legislation, but the only motive I see here is for a stronger Canada. We have yet to see or hear why Mr. Emerson was asked to join the Conservative cabinet, but people are so quick to jump to a negative conclusion before they think about all the possibilities of the action that was taken!

When Stronach crossed the floor it was for personal gain and political advancement, however Emerson crosses the floor without bettering his position only maintaining the status quo. Of course a cabinet post is always sought after, but from the sounds of it Mr. Emerson did not seek it out but was invited based on his past performance.

I believe our system of Government is antiquated and limiting for any true positive advancement for Canada, and the people of Canada seem to be happy with its limitations because they can't see past the two parties. Our Government is based on an adversarial system (hence the term opposition), but that doesn't mean they have to oppose every initiative set forth by the Government. In the same thinking why shouldn't the Government consider members of other parties for recruiting if it betters Canada?

I think that people have jumped to conclusion with Mr. Emerson's move, and they need to sit back and judge the outcome of the action instead of just the action. We tell people not to judge a book by its cover, but that is EXACTLY what people are doing by getting upset about this action before they know the whole story or have seen any outcome.


Bob