SEX Sells Newspapers

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 56) December 3, 2014

In the last month or so the Canadian news media has inundated itself with sex scandal after sex scandal.  To the glee of reporters and the public alike; SEX, SLEAZE and SCUTTLEBUTT garners a lot attention from the public and if you are using the British tabloid model, “it sells newspapers”. 

The Jian Ghomeshi Scandal 

Just after the sex scandal broke Mr. Ghomeshi published a rather arrogant response to the blockbuster expose.  In his view, his pain inflicting, masochistic sexual activities are acts between consenting adults and therefore nobody else’s business.  Not so for the three female, one male accusers who have come forward with much different stories.  Ghomeshi is now facing five serious charges and could serve serious jail time if the charges are proven in court – one charge is for choking and carries a sentence up to a life.  Mr. Ghomeshi posted $100,000 bail, surrendered his passport and the 47 year old was released from custody in the care of his mother – the Ghomeshi trial re-convenes on January 8, 2015.  As to what the Ghomeshi scandal has to do with politics – probably nothing other than it is an introduction to sex on Parliament Hill.   

The Parliament Hill Sex Scandal

Things have gotten a lot messier on Parliament Hill these days and you guessed it, it has to do with sex amongst the political elite of this country.  Two Liberal MPs were summarily dismissed from the Liberal caucus because of an informal discussion a complainant had with Liberal leader Justin Trudeau – actually there are two accusers, both female and both members of the New Democratic caucus.  Apparently both accusers want to remain anonymous and neither wants to lodge a “formal” complaint.  As more sordid details are revealed to the press it becomes more obvious to me; Justin Trudeau acted properly and as leader of the Liberal Party, acted with political integrity.  As to the leader of the New Democratic Party and how he is handling the scandal, Mr. Mulcair is botching it big time.  In my view, Mr. Mulcair has always been a champion of political transparency and has consistently used his political skills to effectively hold the Harper government to account for their misadventures – but not only is he un-transparent on this particular matter, he is going in the wrong direction – the result, he is digging himself and his party into an even deeper hole.  The best thing Mr. Mulcair can do is come clean with the public; distinguish between the two complainants and express regrets as to how things have unfolded.  For one of the complainants it appears that she is basing her defensive argument on the definition and meaning of consensual sex.  Based on what is being reported in the press her arguments are very weak and therefore she should apologize to all involved and resign from the House of Commons.  As to the second unknown complainant; the rumor is that the issue is “stalking”.  If stalking is the concern than the matter should be turned over and handled by the police.  As to the suggestion that a process is needed to deal with personal misconduct issues within the halls of the Parliament, it’s up to the Speakers (of the Senate and the House of Commons) and their respective security forces to pass judgement.  Otherwise and outside the traditions and protection of the Houses of Parliament, parliamentarians are like everyone else and the law of the land prevails. 

The Peter Goldring Factor – An Interesting Twist

Last week Conservative MP Peter Goldring added his own recommendation to those in Ottawa who want to avoid any confusion when soliciting or offering sexual favors; wear a video camera to avoid any “besmirchment” of ones character at a later date.  Almost immediately the statement was withdrawn by Mr. Goldring with the retraction coming directly from Prime Minister Harper’s office – so much for independent thinking in the Conservative Party.  For me I learned a lot from Mr. Goldring’s bizarre statement and it’s not good for either species. To put it in terms that I understand:  Courting, Flirting and Cavorting is a Risky Business!