Turmel, No Good Deed Ever Goes Unpunished

I can't know what went on in Turmel's head, was it simple opportunism to jump ship at this time?, Did she have an epiphany and learn to love Canada? Is her story of supporting a friend true?

I don't know and it doesn't matter!

While I applaud her for leaving the Bloc the NDP leadership blew this big time, they should have known of her previous status and they should have realized how it would play out in the media, no fault on her.

Did no one ask about her previous status? Did no one think it would matter or play badly in the press? Did they think they could keep it a secret?
The NDP has helped fan the flames on enough scandals over the years they should have researched Trumel more thoroughly and they should have know how unsavvy this decision was. That it came at Jack's suggestion might be dismissed because he's sick and preoccupied, I get that, but the caucus supported the decision making it their own.

I'm sure some would even say there has to be a trade off between attracting and rewarding quality people, and making them pay their dues. Is a 2-3 month rookie a suitable interim leader? I doubt she knows the workings of Parliament yet, the entire workings of her own party, or the dynamics within caucus.
Had Turmel served a whole term as MP to prove herself and distance herself from the Bloc this might not have been an issue.

I suppose the other option would have been to sell Turmel as a coup on the Bloc rather than let this come out after the fact. The open and reformed ex sovereigntist story would have shone compared to the dirty little secret story out now.

"It's not a bug, it's a feature!"

The NDP is likely to have a number of sovereignty issues while digesting this new cadre of MPs. I'm not gloating, I wish we had such a daunting problem, but they need to find these issues NOW, deal with them and not give the media these gotcha moments. They've been around long enough to know better.

Turmel did nothing wrong, in fact she did a very good thing and now she's getting tarred and feathered for the party's naivete.
Ferengi rule of acquisition number 285 No good deed ever goes unpunished

To be honest if a Bloc member renounced sovereignty and joined the Greens or even better crossed the floor I'd welcome them like a conquering hero. I'm not against people changing their beliefs, its a healthy part of personal growth. I wouldn't however expect them to immediately jump the into the leadership even if only an interim position, nor would I be comfortable with it.

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