Shapiro: Full Moon Fever & Free Advice

Dear Bennie,

Wow, you sure got Mr. "Principles of Convenience's" knickers in a twist! You might the first guy he fires outside his own office.

Cool.

But you're in a bit of pickle.

You need to communicate a little more clearly. Here's some free advice, likely worth every penny you paid for it.

You got 'splainin to do...

How about a letter to Harper and to the individuals who requested the investigation. It should say the following:

A preliminary investigation decides if there is a problem, and whether the Commish has jurisdiction to investigate and judge it.

Everyone needs to calm down until that's done.

Next you need to deal with the attacks that....

... you are a Liberal Hack:

The Ethics Commish reports to Parliament, not the PM. You might want to quote from your own enabling legislation which says:

"72.01 The Governor in Council shall, by commission under the Great Seal, appoint an Ethics Commissioner after consultation with the leader of every recognized party in the House of Commons and after approval of the appointment by resolution of that House."

You might want to note that your appointment was voted on by the House, and that your candidature was approved by the leaders of the parties... like Stephen Harper. You need to cut through the Liberal appointee slur...

You might further quote the legislation on the process for firing your sorry ass...

72.02 (1) The Ethics Commissioner holds office during good behaviour for a term of five years and may be removed for cause by the Governor in Council on address of the House of Commons.

... that you are trying to decide who should be cabinet.

Emerson said he'd resign, not you. Your job is to judge, the sanction is Stephen Harper's job. Remind him of that.

Take the High Ground

You're just doing your job, the one the House asked you to do. Ask Harper to keep his comments to himself where they might hinder or taint your investigation.

Commit to providing an open and transparent investigation that can be judged by the House on its merits.

Suggest it's to his benefit that he not politicize a difficult situation, and that undermining the Office does no good to anyone. Because it doesn't.

Be Open

Put the letter on your website.

It's called being open and transparent. It removes the need to comment and fuel the fire. And leaves Harper to clean up his own mess while you get on with your investigation.

Well Bennie, as Tom Petty once said, "Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out / hey I will stand my ground /and I won't back down..." Coincidentally from his album "Full Moon Fever". Betcha it kind of feels like that these days, eh?

Best of luck Bennie,

A Canadian Publius.