More Theatre!
But the depth of the drama, the extent of the observers' expectations, the hollow revelations are so dreadfully dim. One might imagine there to be no meaningful purpose to the staging of yet another ($14-M!) trial to attempt to determine why, when, wherefore, did former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney succumb to greed and in the process irremediably tarnish an already trashed reputation.
But the public has a right to know, and in fact should know how or whether Brian Mulroney availed himself illegally of money he was not entitled to, nor should have been entitled to, contravening the non-grubbiness of his office. Plus, Mr. Mulroney did himself no favours when he attempted to 'sell' the furniture at 24 Sussex Drive back to the government for $150,000, on leaving the premises. This transaction was in process when public outrage cancelled it.
Mr. Mulroney excused himself, pleading poverty, that he was merely attempting to provide for his family which had suffered greatly, having to live within the constraints of a prime minister's salary. Let's see: housing and board, free. Pricey international journeys, free. Well furnished and very private summer cottage, free. What did they spend money for?
Ah, Mila's fabulous hair styling, jewellery and elegant clothing. Brian's gleaming footwear and snappy suits. The children's education. Of course the Progressive Conservative Party did extend itself to aiding and assisting where it could, providing wherewithal for additional perquisites. Inclusive of decorating 24 Sussex Drive to Mrs. Mulroney's exquisite tastes.
But, alas, Brian Mulroney the barrister earned far more as a high-priced lawyer than he did as executive first minister of the country. That's the thing; those who have managed to haul themselves into the heady atmosphere of high earnings often yearn for something more ... intangible. Power, for example, to wield the power that comes with representing the best interests of a country and its 30-million population.
To sit in glory hog-nobbing with other heads of state. That kind of elevated opportunity comes with a price. Presumably, one who aspires to political domination of a country is prepared to make some sacrifices as proof of their altruistic idealism. So the Mulroneys were leaving office as an impoverished First Family. So dreadfully sad, surely the Canadian public owed them a debt of gratitude?
Some very good legislation was passed; Canada, under Mr. Mulroney's direction, did distinguish itself on some world-level files, among them helping to hasten the dismantling of Apartheid in South Africa, (fat lot of good that's resulted in) and bringing the United States on board to battle acid rain (the environmental disaster du jour). That said, much of Canada detested Brian Mulroney and his greasy posturing. Irrational, I know.
Enough to break your heart; here the man worked his ass off for his country, was poorly compensated, and left in a flurry of bad feelings emanating from the very people he faithfully served. Surely he and his family deserved better from a rude and unresponsive public? His wife Mila, we were informed, expected "the type of lifestyle they had prior to joining politics". And his Irish soul was determined to deliver.
That, presumably, is why he was so enticed by Karlheinz Schreiber's generous offers. Cash on the line, no receipts, thank you very much. The original payment was supposed to be a cool half-million. But since Mr. Mulroney didn't deliver whatever it was he was supposed to be working for, that was reduced to a measly $300,000, and Mr. Schreiber wanted it back. No workee, no fee. $225,000 tops, counters Mr. Mulroney.
At the time, though, the money was a godsend, to the impoverished Mulroneys. So dreadfully poor, they could only put together $1.675-million to pay for a mansion in upper Westmount. And then they had to really scrounge to bring it up to par; another $700,000 to fix the dump up, including that indoor swimming pool. And luck was with them! Mr. Mulroney speedily found himself once again employed by the Ogilvy Renault law firm.
All right, you can't blame people for their financial aspirations, even if they resemble pond scum more than fondly departed political elite. And who is Karlheinz Schreiber anyway? Just a manipulator of people, ingratiating himself into their confidence, enticing them with easy money, and bringing them into his quick-rich schemes as a lobbyist for powerful foreign corporations.
Just incidentally also an embezzler, tax evader and scheming con-man. Let us not forget his charm, insouciance, dramatic flair and singular ability to engage the media. That's why Germany wants him returned, they miss his jocular presence, his engaging personality, his promises of culpable revelations to shock and titillate.
We still want to know the whys and wherefores. We would deeply appreciate the opportunity to be informed about where Airbus fits into all of this. Above all, we'd like Brian Mulroney to return that Canadian government settlement of $2-million of taxpayer dollars, dammit.
Kapish?
But the public has a right to know, and in fact should know how or whether Brian Mulroney availed himself illegally of money he was not entitled to, nor should have been entitled to, contravening the non-grubbiness of his office. Plus, Mr. Mulroney did himself no favours when he attempted to 'sell' the furniture at 24 Sussex Drive back to the government for $150,000, on leaving the premises. This transaction was in process when public outrage cancelled it.
Mr. Mulroney excused himself, pleading poverty, that he was merely attempting to provide for his family which had suffered greatly, having to live within the constraints of a prime minister's salary. Let's see: housing and board, free. Pricey international journeys, free. Well furnished and very private summer cottage, free. What did they spend money for?
Ah, Mila's fabulous hair styling, jewellery and elegant clothing. Brian's gleaming footwear and snappy suits. The children's education. Of course the Progressive Conservative Party did extend itself to aiding and assisting where it could, providing wherewithal for additional perquisites. Inclusive of decorating 24 Sussex Drive to Mrs. Mulroney's exquisite tastes.
But, alas, Brian Mulroney the barrister earned far more as a high-priced lawyer than he did as executive first minister of the country. That's the thing; those who have managed to haul themselves into the heady atmosphere of high earnings often yearn for something more ... intangible. Power, for example, to wield the power that comes with representing the best interests of a country and its 30-million population.
To sit in glory hog-nobbing with other heads of state. That kind of elevated opportunity comes with a price. Presumably, one who aspires to political domination of a country is prepared to make some sacrifices as proof of their altruistic idealism. So the Mulroneys were leaving office as an impoverished First Family. So dreadfully sad, surely the Canadian public owed them a debt of gratitude?
Some very good legislation was passed; Canada, under Mr. Mulroney's direction, did distinguish itself on some world-level files, among them helping to hasten the dismantling of Apartheid in South Africa, (fat lot of good that's resulted in) and bringing the United States on board to battle acid rain (the environmental disaster du jour). That said, much of Canada detested Brian Mulroney and his greasy posturing. Irrational, I know.
Enough to break your heart; here the man worked his ass off for his country, was poorly compensated, and left in a flurry of bad feelings emanating from the very people he faithfully served. Surely he and his family deserved better from a rude and unresponsive public? His wife Mila, we were informed, expected "the type of lifestyle they had prior to joining politics". And his Irish soul was determined to deliver.
That, presumably, is why he was so enticed by Karlheinz Schreiber's generous offers. Cash on the line, no receipts, thank you very much. The original payment was supposed to be a cool half-million. But since Mr. Mulroney didn't deliver whatever it was he was supposed to be working for, that was reduced to a measly $300,000, and Mr. Schreiber wanted it back. No workee, no fee. $225,000 tops, counters Mr. Mulroney.
At the time, though, the money was a godsend, to the impoverished Mulroneys. So dreadfully poor, they could only put together $1.675-million to pay for a mansion in upper Westmount. And then they had to really scrounge to bring it up to par; another $700,000 to fix the dump up, including that indoor swimming pool. And luck was with them! Mr. Mulroney speedily found himself once again employed by the Ogilvy Renault law firm.
All right, you can't blame people for their financial aspirations, even if they resemble pond scum more than fondly departed political elite. And who is Karlheinz Schreiber anyway? Just a manipulator of people, ingratiating himself into their confidence, enticing them with easy money, and bringing them into his quick-rich schemes as a lobbyist for powerful foreign corporations.
Just incidentally also an embezzler, tax evader and scheming con-man. Let us not forget his charm, insouciance, dramatic flair and singular ability to engage the media. That's why Germany wants him returned, they miss his jocular presence, his engaging personality, his promises of culpable revelations to shock and titillate.
We still want to know the whys and wherefores. We would deeply appreciate the opportunity to be informed about where Airbus fits into all of this. Above all, we'd like Brian Mulroney to return that Canadian government settlement of $2-million of taxpayer dollars, dammit.
Kapish?
Labels: Canada, Heros and Villains, Politics of Convenience
posted by Pieface | 6:05 PM
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