Integrity the foundation of democracy

Dear Editor

In reading Vic Hult's Aug. 20 and 27 columns, one must ask, is there anybody in Harper's base who even slightly considers honesty, ethics and integrity, when it comes to government?

For gosh sakes, even though Mr.Hult somehow completely missed it, the Duffy trial has revealed Harper OKed an elaborate conspiracy carried out by those in his office to try and hide the fact his chief of staff paid Duffy's ineligible expenses. Which they knew was terribly wrong. They very deliberately tried to deceive Canadians. Canadian prime ministers just don't do that.

They also tried to sabatoge the official and supposedly independent audit looking into senate expenses. And yes, Mr. Hult, it does matter!

The promoted culture of deceit and "anything goes" in Harper's office goes beyond disgusting. That is why many in Harper's inner circle are, or have been, in court, fled the country, tearfully apologized to Parliament for their terrible behaviour, hid in airport washrooms, plea bargained or are or have been in jail, Harper's former parliamentary secretary among them.

It's people like Mr. Hult and his partisan cavalier dismissal of the despicable Duffy trial findings that have enabled Harper to lower the bar to a point where water can no longer seep under it.

I know I'm not going to change Mr. Hult's mind or that of anybody else in Harper's base, that’s not my purpose. I'm just asking everyone else, to take into consideration before they vote in October that honesty, a high standard of ethics and integrity are still the very foundation of democracy and good governance, whether Mr. Hult et al like it or not.

Mo Miller

Unity