Hmmm, are we growing numb to the scandals and misdeeds of our politicians?
It is that time of year when are inclined to cast a look back at the year that is ending and reflect on its most memorable events. Regrettably, political scandals are 2019’s primary legacy. In no particular order, here are but a few of the political disgraces that we witnessed and the words to live by for each of the perpetrators.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau found himself knee deep in the SNC-Lavalin controversy as the federal election approached while at the same time taking flak for the “black face” photos. He disappointed many by refusing to take responsibility and dispatching his accusers. Despite all the body blows, he managed to return to power albeit with a minority.
Justin Trudeau’s 2019 Words to Live By: I did nothing wrong.
U.S. President Donald Trump did pretty much whatever struck his fancy and basked in the attention. The Democrats took aim at him for abuse of office by allegedly pressuring the Ukraine to announce an investigation into Joe Biden and his son Hunter. The year ended with the House voting to impeach him – a symbolic gesture at best given the Republican controlled Senate.
Donald Trump’s 2019 Words to Live By: I can do nothing wrong.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford weathered a patronage scandal while pressing forward on his personal mission to reduce the deficit at any cost (pun intended) and put his personal mark on the province. In the process, he made enemies of just about everyone and is currently embroiled in a battle with the teacher’s and support staff`s unions.
Doug Ford’s 2019 Words to Live By: If you disagree with me, you are by definition wrong.
Federal Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer led his party into the federal election decrying the Trudeau scandals. While he managed to weaken Liberal support, he fell well short of a Conservative win. His fall from grace was completed when misuse of party funds brought his political career to an ignominious end.
Andrew Scheer’s 2019 Political Words to Live By: It is only wrong if you get caught.
British Prince Andrew made headlines over his friendship with disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein along with allegations of misconduct on his own part. He has denied all the allegations, but has been yanked from public appearances by the Royal Family.
Prince Andrew’s 2019 Political Words to Live By: Pardon me, I picked the wrong friend.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnston rode the scandal rollercoaster throughout the year – conflict of interest allegations relating to his relationship with American entrepreneur Jennifer Arcuri, a loud argument at the flat that he shares with Carrie Symonds and groping allegations by journalist Charlotte Edwards.
Boris Johnston`s 2019 Political Words to Live By: Three (or more) wrongs make a right.
In summary, it was the year of the political witch hunt. But with so many political witches casting their wicked spells, wrong is becoming a worn out term and we are at risk of becoming numb to the dirty deeds they perpetrate.
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Tags: Andrew Scheer · Boris Johnston · Donald Trump · Doug Ford · Justin Trudeau · metaphor · Michael Robert Dyet · Prince AndrewNo Comments