On Second Thought....
This is one obnoxious individual, Karlheinz Schreiber. Nonetheless he was successful in many spheres of life. In his country of origin, Germany, having been employed in the secret service of West Germany, then as a justice for a number of years, and then on to arms dealing and industry-lobbying. In the process making allies of high-placed political acquaintances, including former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl.
In his Canadian incarnation as a resident, then citizen of this country, making friends in similarly high political places, both provincial and federal from among Liberals and Conservatives. Wheeling and dealing. He comes across as greasy, unsavoury, but then those characteristics fit quite nicely with many of our politicians who share those singularities. Brian Mulroney comes quickly to mind.
This man has managed to inveigle himself into the confidence of politicos in both of Canada's main political parties. And not just shady personalities, but some very well-thought-of and thoughtful politicians who are thought of in retrospect as having served the country well. So there must be something worthwhile about the man other than his unctuously ingratiating mien.
He's in somewhat desperate personal straits, however, having been charged in Germany for illicit manoeuvrings, and is being recalled to stand trial there. Canada, having him in custody, standing ready and eager enough to hand him over. But the current situation where he has revealed rather unsurprising allegations about former prime minister Brian Mulroney resulting in a number of enquiries has him given temporary leave to remain.
For which grace he is expected to testify during a number of official enquiries recently launched into the whys and wherewithals of cash monies of substantial amounts having been handed over by him to the former prime minister. In the process tarnishing the highest office in the land. Mr. Schreiber likes to be coy, but he is foxy and sharp, with an obviously unimpaired memory.
He will testify, he claims, but he wants to be treated with respect, to have the dignity of his person acknowledged. And who can blame him? Thus far he has been treated with contempt. And that is rather contemptible. To insist that he remain in a criminal holding facility, to be brought into the enquiry chambers handcuffed is an insult he ill deserves. Particularly as a man of a certain advanced age.
It does the government of this country no credit to insist that this man reveal all. Yet in the process behave toward him as though we are a second-rate banana republic. Then again, perhaps we are on occasion.
In his Canadian incarnation as a resident, then citizen of this country, making friends in similarly high political places, both provincial and federal from among Liberals and Conservatives. Wheeling and dealing. He comes across as greasy, unsavoury, but then those characteristics fit quite nicely with many of our politicians who share those singularities. Brian Mulroney comes quickly to mind.
This man has managed to inveigle himself into the confidence of politicos in both of Canada's main political parties. And not just shady personalities, but some very well-thought-of and thoughtful politicians who are thought of in retrospect as having served the country well. So there must be something worthwhile about the man other than his unctuously ingratiating mien.
He's in somewhat desperate personal straits, however, having been charged in Germany for illicit manoeuvrings, and is being recalled to stand trial there. Canada, having him in custody, standing ready and eager enough to hand him over. But the current situation where he has revealed rather unsurprising allegations about former prime minister Brian Mulroney resulting in a number of enquiries has him given temporary leave to remain.
For which grace he is expected to testify during a number of official enquiries recently launched into the whys and wherewithals of cash monies of substantial amounts having been handed over by him to the former prime minister. In the process tarnishing the highest office in the land. Mr. Schreiber likes to be coy, but he is foxy and sharp, with an obviously unimpaired memory.
He will testify, he claims, but he wants to be treated with respect, to have the dignity of his person acknowledged. And who can blame him? Thus far he has been treated with contempt. And that is rather contemptible. To insist that he remain in a criminal holding facility, to be brought into the enquiry chambers handcuffed is an insult he ill deserves. Particularly as a man of a certain advanced age.
It does the government of this country no credit to insist that this man reveal all. Yet in the process behave toward him as though we are a second-rate banana republic. Then again, perhaps we are on occasion.
Labels: Crisis Politics, Government of Canada
posted by Pieface | 7:00 PM
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