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What do you guys think about this? i don't quite buy his story about the hiking accident back in 1997 causing him to snap. Plus the power of his position seems to have put off the auction house from pressing charges as it would if a regular citizen committed the crime, in my view. I think its good that he fessed up and returned the watch or whatever it was he shoplifted but I think it would be good for him if he copped a plea.
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The guy did the right thing. It took a LOT of guts to stand-up and admit what he did, and to do it in public no less, plus in resigning he took away the only ammo his political opponents may have had. He needs help, I for one hope he gets it. He's a quality guy, and a stand-up MP.
The Conservative media here in Ottawa want to string him up (Perhaps they've forgotten about all the shennanagins that went on under a certain Mr. Mulroney... including mob ties if you believe Stevie Cameron) And the Post compared him to goon Todd Bertuzzi. He's certainly being villified.
One thing you'll notice about this whole situation: the NDP seems to rally around their MP's in trouble. Layton and the party are all supportive even though Svend embarrased them, and potentially cost them a seat in the house. The Liberals on the other hand, are a house divided, currently passing the buck and leaving their own, Copps and other Chretien loyalists, out to dry. The NDP will never hold power, but I like the way they're handeling this.
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I just hate when someone in a position like his gets off without getting charged. If it was any of us, there would be charges laid.
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Stephen Dame,
I just think there is more to this Svend thing that we know. I do think someone else would be prosecuted. This is what the Auction House had to say; "While our client has a zero-tolerance policy towards theft of any kind, FAS accepts Mr. Robinson's apology," said a release from Federal Auction Services Inc., of Brampton, Ont., on Friday. (from ctvnews.ca website)
So if there is zero tolerance why not in this situation? I think its narrow minded to dismiss Svend as an MP and now some apparent medical condition as not being a factor in this.
Svends medical conditions were not a problem in the past for him to participate in protests and travel a couple years ago to Israel and get roughed up by the military there in a pathetic attempt to meet Arafat. Seems pretty convient to bring up this "condition" now after getting into trouble.
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Bah.
He stole an expensive ring, couldn't stand the guilt and admitted what he did. He broke the law and should be punished accordingly. What are all the laws and courts that we have for if all it takes is a public apology to get out of being punished for commiting a crime?
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So the lesson there is that it's alright to steal cause he apologized?
I don't really think it's relavant that the crime was commited against someone who's wealthy opposed to someone who's not. I guess the wealthy people should just look at theft against them as acceptable because they can afford to lose some. :roll:
Lets say he stole a single working mothers car instead when he "snapped". Is an apology ok for that too?
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This is why the law recognizes the value of DISCRETION. Stealing a ring and stealing a working mother's car are totally different things and should be handled accordingly. Both theft? Sure. Both equal in the consideration of context? Not at all.
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I read the Canoe website just for yucks, Stephen. I also have to point out that if it were a Conservative MP getting busted in the same case, the NDP and Liberals would be demanding his or her resignation, thats just politics. What I dont like in any case is a politician claiming some special problem exempts him/her from the law. The evidence is clear that he stole, and he should be punished accordingly. How else are we to have faith in a justice system if somebody with power and privelge is allowed to get a slap on the wrist?
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I ro realize they're two totally different things. poor choice for an example, but I'm tired and hungover so you'll have to forgive me.
I also realize that this crime is not totally devistating for all involved with the exception of probably Sven. But theft is theft, just because it was a wealthy auction house doesn't make it less of a crime.
I think he should be charged, maybe I'm missing something here but seems to me that it was a substantial enough crime, theft over $5000 is fairly serious. I don't think he needs to be sentenced to death or anything but you know the old cliche' do the crime, do the time...
