Please take the time to watch the interview with former Finance Minister Charlene Johnson at the CBCNL website click here.
Charlene should have used the results last night as a time to reflect. She should have immediately respected the people's choice - but that did not happen.
As you watch the video clip note some of the commentary:
1. I am completely dumbfounded.
I am sure she is - that is because they were not listening to the people as they claimed they were. That is because the people of Newfoundland and Labrador did not see the progress the Tories claimed was happening.
2. There's mayors here in this room tonight cause this government did so much for these communities.
I am sure Charlene forgets or never did listen to people saying that mayors and councillors in many communities felt intimidated by the Tory stranglehold and feared that bucking this government in any way might hurt chances for a fire-truck or pavement. Johnson will not recognize the partisanship of her government. Fortunately mayors - councillors - and residents have a secret ballot.
and then this beauty
3. There’s mayors here can’t believe it that we did so much for them and this is what happens in return ... And I can say all of this now because I’m not a politician anymore.
We did so much for them? Excuse me what? Charlene was very fortunate to be chosen by the people and paid by the people for public service. The former Minister forgets - she and they were spending our money - our tax dollars. She nor they did anything for us. They did not create the wealth nor did the put the oil in the ground or control the markets. In return she was paid generously and has a pension from us - the people. Instead of being humbled by past election victories she says:
4. Councillors and mayors here can’t believe that this is how
people voted for all we’ve done for their town – it says a lot.
Yes Charlene it sure does - you were the government - using our money and our resources. What did you expect in return for that? You have a pension - you received wonderful pay-cheques - and benefits. Loyalty to what Charlene? Should the people have kissed your feet - or perhaps they should have curtsied or bowed.
And then in response to a question of the discrepancy in what Charlene said was support at the doors versus what the vote count was the "retired" politician said
5. I wish they would have told us that...
Johnson is upset that people withheld information from them. Imagine that! I suspect they invoked Bill 29 and decided to keep that proprietary knowledge to themselves.
In final exasperation of the situation - she talks about visiting Beaumont Hamel and understanding that the voter is always right.
Charlene's finest hour? or Charlene unscripted and sooky?
But wait Charlene is going to give some thought to running again. You do that Charlene - thanks for the pavement and fire-trucks.
