View him with suspicion
MICHAEL IGNATIEFF His glib response to why he is entering Canadian politics now seems disingenuous, to say the least
Re New role a gamble, Ignatieff admits Nov. 28.
There’s just so much about the vile, strong- arm tactics of certain Liberal oligarchs in trying to install Michael Ignatieff as the next Liberal candidate in Etobicoke- Lakeshore that would compel judicious Liberals and indeed all Canadians to react with revulsion and anger: the lack of proper notice, the endofthe- week timing, the locked doors, not answering the phone calls of the duly elected riding association’s executive, etc. And then to make matters worse, some in the party have the gall to pretend that Ignatieff is not being “ parachuted” in.
There’s just so much about Ignatieff that would compel judicious Canadians to view him with suspicion and unease. His glib response to the question of why he is entering politics here and now seems disingenuous, to say the least. It has only dawned on him, after an obvious question allegedly put to him at a Massey lecture, to fully engage in civil society now? And I won’t repeat the many ill- considered and even hateful things Ignatieff has said in the past about certain ethnic groups as it appears his comments are becoming more generally known.
I must say I am very surprised and deeply disappointed with those misguided, oblivious or even worse, uninformed, senior Liberals who thought this person would be a good candidate, let alone a “ star” candidate. Even more bizarre and unacceptable, these senior Liberal oligarchs saw fit to install the proud “ Great Russian” in the fast lane for the party leadership. Is this how we correct the “ democratic deficit?” Walter Daschko, Toronto Re Ignatieff to seek seat in Etobicoke Nov. 25.
I read in the Toronto Star that Michael Ignatieff will be running as a Liberal candidate in the coming election. I question his appropriateness as a Liberal candidate who should espouse the democratic ideals of this country and respect for all nationalities living in this country.
Ignatieff’s derogatory remarks, questioning the very existence of the Ukrainian nation in his works, make him a very poor choice to represent the Liberal Party of Canada. Already, there are questionable irregularities connected to this event.
Ignatieff has been declared the upcoming candidate for Etobicoke- Lakeshore riding in Toronto, without due democratic process. I know for a fact, that two other capable and qualified candidates had their applications ready prior to the deadline, but were not accepted. The doors were locked before the 5 p. m. deadline for applications, even as staff were seen in the offices on the second floor of the Liberal party headquarters in Toronto.
I was in Ukraine for the presidential elections in December 2004 as an international observer. This I volunteered to do, to ensure the elections would be transparent and acceptable for the people of Ukraine. I now feel that I have to speak out in Canada and make sure that any irregularities at the riding level be corrected to prevent any miscarriage of our electoral system in Canada. Valentina Kuryliw, Toronto