Mike Murphy replies
This is a followup to How Mike Murphy lost my vote
On Sunday after I'd emailed his campaign Mike replied. I apologise for taking so long to post his reply. Work is a bit busy right now. My comments come at the end
Hi Mark 1. Abortion is an issue where opposing views are found in most political parties and across Canada. It is no different in the Conservative party. Stephen Harper has been very clear on our party's position; a Conservative government will not legislate on abortion, nor will a Conservative government sponsor a referendum on abortion. 2. In response to your question on sending troops, Canada, thanks to ten years of neglect we have no additional troops to send anywhere. I think each situation requiring troops will have to be addressed on its own merit whether it is with or without UN approval or for that matter a US led operation. 3. The Conservative party feels that issues such as same-sex marriage should be made in Parliament and not by unelected judges. We will propose a new vote on same-sex marriage and in keeping with our voting policy it will be a free vote for Conservative members. I want to assure you however; a Conservative government would fully support and defend the freedom of religious organizations to determine their own practices with respect to marriage. My own position is rather traditional; marriage is between a man and woman. I do feel however, there must be the same legal protection for all committed couples. 4. While the Party would "decriminalize" 5 grams or less, we do not in any way advocate drug use of any kind. The use and possession of marijuana must remain illegal. Possession of 5 grams or less should be dealt with through summary convictions (fines), to be imposed and paid at the time of apprehension or appearance, and not resulting in a criminal record; The 30-gram limit proposed by the committee is too high, and is five times greater than permitted by the extremely liberal drug laws in Holland; Possession of more than 5 grams should still be considered a criminal offence; trafficking any amount of marijuana must remain a criminal offence; We are calling for the following conditions prior to implementation of the proposed summary conviction process: 1. Fine amounts should be specified, and should increase significantly for subsequent offences; 2. Fine payment should be vigorously enforced; Best Regards, Mike Murphy Conservative Candidate Ottawa Centre
I would like to thank Mike for the courtesy of his reply. However in replying Mike entirely missed my point. Since the conservative party promises free votes I want to know how Mike will vote. Not what the party's policy is on issue. Mike is supposed to represent my interests and so I think it reasonable that he share his thoughts. Finally on the issue of troop deployment he doesn't even address the question. I asked where he would stand on Joint operations with the American's that lack significant international support (in other words similiar to Iraq).
Oh well it's down to two choices for me know the Ed Broadbent (NDP) or the Green's. If its Ed then it will because of Ed and inspite of Jack Layton