We should have kicked Helena Guergis right back to the curb
We should have kicked Helena Guergis right back to the curb
Fri, 02/26/2010 - 12:35
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Despite public apologies for her rude, arrogant and mean spirited personal attacks on Air Canada and Charlottetown Airport employees, the question not answered is did federal Cabinet Minister Helena Guergis receive preferential treatment despite her outrageous behaviour.
Certainly seems the junior minister benefited from her so-called VIP status. Airport and Air Canada employees went out of their way to help, which is not uncommon. But in their attempt to placate Guergis did employees allow a security hazard on a plane?
If you or I came flying into the airport 15 minutes before departure there is little chance we would get on board.
If we spewed insults at Air Canada employees we’d likely be shown the door.
If we rushed threw security, a legal requirement, without stopping and threw a shoe at an employee we would be questioned.
If we kicked and banged on a security door we would be given the boot right back.
Just a couple of weeks ago an Air Canada passenger was refused passage because of body odour. That pales in comparison to Guergis’ actions. Let’s not forget it is now routine in the airline industry to bar people perceived as a threat.
Helena Guergis may be a federal cabinet minister but her actions were erratic and hostile.
Ask yourself: If you or I ran through security, threw a shoe or kicked and banged on a security door demanding to be allowed through, would we be allowed on the plane?
Very, very unlikely.
The minister should count all the lucky stars she saw on her trip home. If we were as rude as her, we’d made some crack about why the need to rush home to a crack head. But we won’t stoop that low.
Instead we’ll simply say the minister should be damn thankful she not only got on the plane but isn’t facing criminal charges because of her childish, immature behaviour.
Spin Free
by Paul MacNeill
Paul MacNeill is Publisher of Island Press Limited. His commentaries and news stories have won regional, national and international awards. He is a keen observer of the political scene and is a regular contributor to CBC Radio.
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Helena might look back one day and realize PEI is actually Canada's most brilliant Island paradise. She might discover that many people swear by the PEI dream, but likely, she won't be back.
www.LivethePEIdream.com
If any one of the Chalottetown airport employees had been deliberatly negligent in thier attempt to perform thier duty, they would have probably been terminated.
Ms. Guergis and her secretary's behaviour would not have been condoned in any other airport. There are measures in place for unwarranted and erratic behaviour. Why weren't those measures invoked? Why were other travellers subjected to this uncomfortable situation?
Obviously, we are paying salaries of a few misguided politicians who think they are above the law. Could there be a a double standard? It's incredulous that this behaviour can be written off as "having a bad day".
It would appear that these women have forgotten thier Government Department's mission statement. They are an embarrassment to the Status of Women organization. Thanks to thier extreme child-like behaviour the credibility of an organization, which continually struggles to maintain its existence, has been tainted. They have done a huge disservice to women in general.
Gerry
The Harper government insulted Canada's National Flag Day, and used the brand name of MOLSON CANADIAN BEER. Molson were not aware of this until they were informed by Joseph Bonnevie, co-founder of the Central Party of Canada, who was on Parliament Hill when the Canadian Flag was first hoisted.
There has been no response from CBC, but Molson Canadian representives in Montreal, told Mr. Bonnevie that they do no endorse any political party.
It is illegal to mis-use a registered brand name, trade name or alter the copywrite design. It is also illegal to promote spirits on National Television. Who paid for this FREE BEER, you the tax payers.
See the truth at
http://www.centralparty.ca/blog.html
http://www.centralparty.ca/news.html
http://www.centralparty.ca
The Central Party of Canada believes that Helena Guergis should immediate resign or PM Harper should dismiss her from her post. The action by this minister is not acceptable.
There is an arrogance in the Harper government towards Atlantic Canada.
Joseph Bonnevie
co-founder
Central Party of Canada
http://www.centralparty.ca
The statute of limitations has not run out on this one. I'm from Vancouver, and upon hearing the story my sentiments rang exactly inline with this article. I fly very often, and I expect secure passage free from harassment from other passengers, whether it be airside or preboard. Her actions were criminal (specifically the attempt to interfere with security), and I see no reason why charges were not laid. Swearing and being in a foul mood, well, that's no biggie (although not very becoming of any person, woman or man).
I am in the process of researching what action(s) are necessary to encourage the crown to lay charges, and failing that, how to request her name be added to no-fly lists at least in the US, where such behaviour is not tolerated domestically nor internationally. I have a lot of time on my hands, a modicum of intelligence, and really no political agenda. (I believe all 3 parties are full of idiots)
I just do not want Canadians putting the rest of the world at risk, nor do I want our success as olympic hosts tarnished because our representatives dislike their occupations. I don't care if she resigns or not, but charges need to be laid.
If anyone wishes to join me in this quest, feel free to email me at accountability@canadianhoser.com
I am very serious about this.
Eric