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Liberal MP Tom Wappel asks blind war veteran why he should help him when he didn't vote for him
Alison Smith's interview with Tom Wappel revealed a bit more of his questionable character. He expressed indignation that his obnoxious behaviour should be so newsworthy. What should be more newsworthy is our Prime Minister's failure to censure such behaviour? I do however wish to thank Mr. Chretien for his support of MPs' right to free speech, as it gives us a means to measure their true worth, or worthlessness, as the case may be.
Carole Qureshi
West Vancouver, BC
I completely agree with Tom Wappel when he pointed out to newscasters early on that his letter had been "clear"
and "unambiguous"! And I'm certain this is where he received the letters of "support" which he referred to during
this evening's interview on The National. In no way did Mr. Wappel even once suggest that he was WILLING to come
to the aid of the elderly Mr. Baxter! His letter did, however, indicate that this MP was incensed that the war-vet had
not bothered to give him his vote.
The words and tone of Tom's letter were very clear that, until the matter of candidate preference was cleared up, the
more immediate needs of Mr. Baxter would not be addressed, either in writing or in deed. Tonight Mr. Wappel
indicated that when people, such as Mr. Bond, write letters which are offensive in tone, they should expect to be met
"in kind", no doubt on parliamentary letterhead and with full usage of offensive language. Why then was Mr. Wappel
noticeably irritated, on camera, that Mr. Baxter "responded in kind" by daring to call the media instead of taking extra
time, in his weakened condition, to deal directly with Mr. Wappel and sort out issues of allegiance in order to win
approval from Mr. Wappel to take on his own case. Whose needs are more important anyway? Those of an
81-year-old war veteran who is partially deaf and legally blind, or those of TOM WAPPEL? Tom's answer should be
obvious to all of us!
Tom Wappel is arrogant, condescending, rude and a bully. Obviously Mr. Bond, who we learned tonight had written
to Tom calling him "one of the phoniest" politicians he'd run across, knew him very well. Tom has made a special
television appearance and an apology, only now, because he fears for his political position. Otherwise, I feel sure
that he would stay the course and defend his right to abuse power. If left in office I'm certain that he will continue to
use his position to quietly pick and choose those whom he will undertake to help - those cases which will serve to
benefit his political office the most!
Speaking of "phoneys," isn't that sweet that Mr. Wappel is now so concerned for Mr. Baxter's invasion of privacy by
the media! Oh, the added stress this must be adding to Mr. Baxter's pre-existing health problems. Dear Tom must
be agonizing. Gee, wonder why Tom couldn't see the terrible stress that his confrontational letter would cause Mr.
and Mrs. Baxter in the first place? Had he stated that he would be happy to help Mr. Baxter with his dilemma in the
hopes of thereby earning his vote once again for the next election, that might have been understandable. He did not.
The surprise here, is that an elderly gentleman with health problems surprised this M.P. by making public an
egregious letter from a power-hungry local politician. I applaud Mr. Baxter. Yes, ..Tom's letter, ...as he himself
noted,... was all too clear. He should not be in office.
Lynne Annesley
Ajax, Ontario
Wappel's ingratitude toward a genuine Canadian patriot is disturbing, but should come as no surprise to any
Canadian with a glimmer of intelligence. In fact, Wappel's response to Mr. Baxter is typical of the corruption and
third-world despotic politics that infests the federal Liberals:
Chretien voted against his OWN 1993 campaign promise to elect an ethics counsellor accountable to parliament
(read: Shawinigate fear). Hedy Fry, ironically the Minister of Multiculturalism, fabricated Western racism, then, when
held to evidence, childishly insulted the opposition and levelled more fabrications, to standing applause by her entire
Liberal caucus. A Liberal candidate from Calgary in the 2000 election stepped down after he was snagged on
videotape at a Palestinian rally with a sign calling for the death of Israel. Liberal Minister Elinor
Caplan blanket-bombed 250 thousand Canadians (the Alliance membership) as "racists and holocaust deniers"
without a shred of evidence.
A democratic electorate deserves the leaders it elects. Therefore, as long as Canadians like Randall Marion
continue to elect Liberals, Canadians like Baxter will continue to be left in the cold (to Randall's delight, no less). If
we're lucky, the electorate will show their gratitude to Mr. Baxter's service (and Mr. Wappel's disservice) at the 2005
ballot.
One down; 176 to go.
G. Gallant
Calgary, Alberta
As a loyal liberal all my life, I have to say my loyalties and admiration to the party as a whole have never
been so jeopardized, so rapidly, by the few words of one small-minded MP. Tom Wappel's words were
only the beginning however, when I saw Prime Minister Chappalledretien downplay the entire affair, and without
so mush as a wrist smacking, I was appalled by this. And I can't believe Mr. Wappel, and now the PM, are
willing to throw away what respect and credibility they have from the voting population. Instead of
addressing the issue, they seem to be doing what they usually do after an incident like this; scattering to
cover themselves. I will rephrase this, if the PM and others don't even have the respect or the guts to fire
one of their own MPs for the treatment of one of our own heros that defended Canada, what hope is
there for the rest of us?
And until then I will NEVER feel I can support the Liberal party, until I feel this matter has been resolved
in the appropriate way it should.
I will no longer defend the PM. It's his
turn to show us what a great leader he proclaims himself to be.
Corby Lavine.
In my mind, this is yet another example of what Canadians are to expect in a society where
monopolies are increasing in number. Just as we are at the mercy of the monopoly utilities (Bell, Air
Canada, Hydro, etc), the same applies to the political system that we now have where essentially there is
no competition. The Wappel issue makes me wonder how much of this there actually is in our political
system.
An apology will not work. We as a people put too much faith in our politicians and this exemplifies the
need for drastic change in how politicians are measured.
Peter D.
Lakeshore, Ontario
Politics, like any other career, attracts the good and the not so good, the capable and the not so capable,
the giving and the self-serving. The Liberals do not have a monopoly on the Tom Wappels of the world.
Tom just happens to be a little less bright than most; to document one's stupidity in the form of
correspondence only proves it. There is an expression I'm sure many are familiar with, "Tis better to
keep one's mouth shut an be thought a fool, then to open it and remove all doubt". In the end, one need
only look to the leader of the Liberal party and the example set to understand how a Tom Wappel can
flourish for so long.
Dave Males
Mississauga, Ontario
As a Canadian serving abroad, I can only say how embarrassed I am at this
kind of action by a representative of the ruling party!
Telling another Canadian citizen - and especially a Vet. - to "Kiss my Ass"
is not what I thought what we (Canada) were all about!
I thought this only existed in developing countries
Dump the fool.
Jon F. Klaus
Paris, France
Tom Wappel's conduct is only the latest and one of the most glaring examples
of arrogant and ignorant behaviour by members of the Liberal government. It
truly is a shame that Canadians could not see a credible alternative to
replace them last fall.
I noticed that many asked how Mr. Wappel could have known how Mr. Baxter
voted for the Alliance. It is not unusual for campaigners (from every
party) to conduct phone outs to gauge support for their candidate. It is
everyone's right to refuse to disclose their political affiliation, and if
they do declare their support they are giving the candidate the right to use
that information to help their campaign. Randall Marion indicated this in
his "your space" letter.
What I find astonishing is Mr. Wappel's abuse of that information (even more
so, Mr. Marion's defence of it). Has it escaped both of you that an
81-year-old distinguished war veteran, who should be honoured and respected
for his service, was insulted and denied assistance over a petty political
disagreement? The Alliance wasn't criticising Mr. Wappel over knowing how
someone voted (I'm sure most of them know how some people voted as well).
They were rightly criticising him for abusing that knowledge and punishing a
constituent for his political views.
Incidentally, one of the main reasons for the trouble in the Alliance and
Mr. Day is not entirely unrelated. Mr. Day is being accused of acting in
some degree like Mr. Wappel (although Day is never so blatantly insulting).
Much of Day's troubles stem from his ill-thought-out remarks as well as his
apparent inability to listen to or deal with those with political
differences. That is why it might be prudent for both to resign from their
posts (and in the case of Mr. Wappel, his seat as well for his disgraceful
conduct as an MP).
Mark Hayden
Calgary, Alberta
Alright, let's come down, even if its just for a moment...
According to Wappel, he found out Baxter's political affiliation through polling done during the
election (yes, candidates to run their own polling, I've worked on a campaign and have
participated in it). That means that there was no dastardly behaviour on the part of Wappel
regarding how he determined Baxter's election choice (darn those pesky Grits!).
Don't think for a moment that I condone Wappel's monumental incompetence, but before we all
accuse politicians in general of subverting the democratic process, lets at least try to get the
facts straight for a change...
Gimme a break.
Anand Toprani
So Mr. Wappel keeps solid records gathered in the course of the election
campaigns. Fine. But how are those records to be used? Individuals may be
prepared to answer, during an election campaign, a question about voting
preference. MPs like Wappel, I believe, would be smart to take that information
and do some later polling to determine what caused individuals like Mr. Baxter to
waver in their support. This data could help an MP to determine what he must do
to gain further support (or regain support) in future elections.
But, it is a complete failure of character, ethics, values, and I would hope of rules,
regulations and law to use that data to determine which of your constituents you
will choose to assist in personal matters with the Federal Government. Mr. Baxter
wasn't part of some organization looking for government favours, contracts or
handouts. (I don't like the idea that voting or contributions can influence those
decisions either.) He was an individual resident of Tom Wappel's riding who
asked for assistance in determining his eligibility for a government program. The
political staff's voting-preference data should NEVER NEVER have been
referenced or come into play.
I too am a constituent of Tom Wappel's. I too have once indicated my inability to
support Mr. Wappel at the ballot-box. I guess I too am disenfranchised because I
was prepared to speak out about my problems with Mr. Wappel's positions and
platform. Despite the freefall of respect for our system and politicians, I still
believed that the system did not work that way.
This is a big deal. Please don't let the issue die.
Gord Martin
Scarborough, ON
Wappel messed up no fewer than three times and should resign. Should his riding association accept him as
their candidate again he can then test validity of his views with the electorate. Here's how I scored Wappel's
performance:
STRIKE ONE
A cornerstone of our democratic process is the secret ballot. It is supposed to protect people against
persecution from a person they had not voted for. Wappel, swing and a miss - Strike One
STRIKE TWO
My understanding is that Wappel is a member of the "Government of Canada" and not just the "Government
of Those Who Voted Liberal". It strikes me as abundantly obvious that his job is to work for ALL of his
constituents. Wappel, fastball down the middle - Strike Two.
STRIKE THREE
Wappel asks "How is it that you are writing to me for help when you did not think enough of my
abilities to justify voting for me?" Seems pretty darn obvious to me. Or, to quote Forrest Gump
"Stupid is as Stupid does". Wappel, caught looking - Strike Three, yer out!!!
Bill Mark
Toronto, ON
"Dear Mr. Wappel,
I would like to salute your decision to check up on how the constituents vote in your riding prior to giving
them help. Seeing as the man voted for someone not a Liberal it is obvious that he is of unsound mind. That
the traitor should then choose to turn tail and ask for your HELP!! It is disgraceful. It was a sad day when the
government stopped keeping track of their supporters and I can only hope that, with your leadership and
guidance, the day will once again return when blacklisting makes a comeback.
Your loyal supporter,
Joe McCarthy"
In reality, the signed and sealed resignation of Mr. Tom Wappel is the only just outcome that can come from
this. That such a man remains in office is disgraceful. What he did was not a simple error in judgment. Has this
man instructed his staff to search his voter data base every time a request comes in for help? Am I to
understand that the criteria by which he decides who gets help is based on whether or not the person is a
liberal voter or not?
This man is seriously lacking in principle. To decide whether or not someone deserves help based on how
they voted is reminiscent of the days of McCarthyism. It seems obvious to me that equal rights to all is not one
of Mr. Wappel’s beliefs. How can such practices continue in a country that claims to be democratic? I urge all
people who do receive phone polls in the future to remember not to say a word and not to indicate who you may
or may not be voting for on the chance that there should be another Tom Wappel in your riding.
There are four registered voters in our household who cast votes for four different parties. What is particularly
ominous is that three of us may be blacklisted. I can only hope that Mr. Chretien is the only Liberal supporter of
Mr. Wappel.
Sigurd Imgrund
Unionville, Ontario
A person does not sit down a write a letter without thought. Letters take some thought and indicate a thinking process with reflection through proofing etc. Verbal responses may be cast as impulsive. (Letters are more compulsive).
This person MP Tom Wappel has revealed his disposition. I would pay to hear what Mr. Rex Murphy would have to say on this matter. (Ed's note: No need to pay. Here's Rex's commentary.)
My opinion of what the party should do with Mr Wappel is:
- (not legal to tar and feather any more)
- The Prime Minister must apologize for the actions of this MP.
- Minister of Veteran Affairs must apologize
Voters of Scarborough Southwest must tell this member that he is no longer needed to represent any component of this county.
This is not an error in judgement; it is an error in character.
Even the use of voter surveys are no longer going to be seen as just a survey but as a tool to be used against them later in time should they support the wrong party. (Hmm reminds me of another country some time ago.)
I encourage all voters to articulate their disappointment IN
- The MP (hope soon to be ex-MP)
- Government Response - (WEAK)
I hope that this note gets dropped on top of the pile that winds up in the in-box of this undeserving of the title MP Tom Wappel.
Ed Stone
Corner Brook, NF
Liberal MP Tom Wappel's behavior was not only disgusting – it was also a reminder that when the election dust has settled – we the electorate – revert to being 'little people.' For the most part, politicians sicken me and as long as we have an election process that is fueled by money – only those with the cash count . . or win. This is NOT democracy.
Aaron Kfir
St. John's, NF.
I was outraged to read in this morning's update about the veteran, Mr and Mrs Baxter who went to their MP for help and were treated so poorly. I am outraged by Wappel's response and trust that other Canadians are as outrage, and ready to express it.
Many members of my family, including my father, were active in the WWII and I believe these brave individuals deserve more than the kind of response received by the Baxter's.
I only hope those in his constituency remember this the next time there is an election.
I will be writing this to Wappel (I’ve contacted the Parliament to receive his email) - at least this is something small I can do - even though I am in another country.
Nita Stemmler
Washington,D.C.
I find the statement "Wappel ... refused to explain how he knew how the Baxters voted, saying it was 'his business" very unsettling. Our elections are conducted through a secret ballot. No one else is supposed to know how we voted (unless we tell others ourselves). If the government knows how we voted, and especially if the government uses that knowledge in any way (either for or against us), then there is a flaw in the system.
The public have every right to know how Mr. Wappel found out how the Baxter's voted.
Marc de Asis
Richmond Hill
Has any investigative reporter asked Tom Wappel how he knew that his constituent did not vote for him in the last election?
If not, why not?
There is a much bigger issue here - the secrecy of the ballot, and no reporter has yet addressed it.
Will this just be another instance in which the Liberals ignore an issue into oblivion?
Dave Olejnik
Hamilton,Ontario
I am so disgusted at the MP who treated the war veteran in such a manner.
He should be punished for his actions.
Dishonorable and disgusted is what I feel about his letter to the Vet.
M. Guest
In the news story concerning Liberal MP Wappel, I would think that the bigger question is how did he know how the constituent voted? I did not see any discussion of that fact!
Harold Harkonen
Thunder Bay,Ontario
Does this,Wappel, individual think that only the liberals pay his salary? I'm afraid that this attitude is all too prevalent in the whole liberal party as is pretty evident by the remarks by both the PM and his deputy in regard to this fiasco.
I hope the Legion can force his resignation and have a byelection where people can have chance to demonstrate their views.
Jim Currie
Fonthill
Once again my convictions have been strongly reaffirmed regarding politicians. Granted, there may be a handful of them worthy of their position, but a worm the likes of which made your newscast tonight is on a level to which I hope I never have to descend. An 81 year old blind veteran; it is beyond me how anyone could be so low. You sir, are vile. Your constituents should be ashamed of you, as I am.
Bill Francis
Victoria,B.C.
The news of Tom Wappel and his disgusting letter to war the veteran trying to get his benefits is simply another nail in the Liberals coffin. To be truthful had the Prime Minister chastised him I would have had a lot of respect for him but now I am really rethinking my voting strategy for the next election. I do not like the idea that a cabinet minister or anyone else can just look and see who voted for who and then say I'm in but you didn't vote my way so get lost. Maybe we should look for some other form of government in this century.
J Standen
Kingston,Ontario
I strongly believe that Mr. Tom Wappel should be forced to resign from government for the monumentally stupid remarks he made in his letter to Mr. Baxter. It is his duty to help all of his constituents, not just the ones that voted for him. It is very disconcerting that he somehow knows how Mr. Baxter voted, when according to Mr. Baxter, even his wife did not know. Wappel declines to say how he knows, stating that it is "his business". I believe that it is everyone's business to find out how he knows this since we are all entitled to vote in privacy. If he knows how Mr. Baxter voted, does someone know how you, I or anyone else voted? Does the name Orwell come to mind......
John Parker
London,Ontario
Regarding Jim Baxter's problems with MP Tom Wappel. I thought the Baxters raised a very valid question which did not appear to be answered in the CBC coverage. How did Mr. Wappel know how Mr. Baxter voted? I was under the apparently mistaken impression that my vote was secret, that my name did not appear on the ballot in the box. This raises serious concerns in my mind about the information available to Members of Parliament.
John Wignall
Toronto,Ontario
I believe that CBC news should definitely look into exactly how Wappel could know how Baxter voted. The very thought that he could know jeopardizes both the principle of secret ballot and, indeed, democracy itself. If CBC pushes, I think it could get the information necessary to find out how this could occur. I find this occurrence extremely disturbing.
Keith Hannaford
Norther Arm, Newfoundland
In response to your story on Mr. Jim Baxter, a Second World War II veteran, and Tom Wappel, MP ... I can only say to Mr. Chretien and Mr. Wappel -- SHAME ON YOU! This country and the democratic process that Messrs. Chretien and Wappel espouse in their countless speeches and debates is only accorded to us by riding on the coat-tails of individuals such as Mr. Baxter. Mr. Baxter went to war for an ideal; he risked his life for the philosophy that liberty and freedom are the basic rights of all individuals -- to insult his contribution, his personal sacrifice and his dignity by a demeaning interrogation of his political affiliation and voting preference is insulting at a minimum and not worthy of elected government officials. Mr. Prime Minister you should be ashamed to be supporting someone in your government who behaves in such a manner.
Later in the program there was a comment that the Canadian Forces are having difficulty recruiting individuals -- no kidding -- what a surprise -- low pay; intolerable working conditions; and the ingratitude of those they serve.
I'm embarrassed to be a citizen in a country that treats its war veterans in this way.
Connie Park
Edmonton, Alberta
In the the news story about the vet asking for help from his MP, I was even MORE shocked to discover that the M.P. knew how he had voted. That's the news story I would like to hear more about. I apparently was under the mistaken impression that our elections were by secret ballot and no one would know how an individual voted. I sure would like to know if I am wrong.
Eva Wright
Calgary,Alberta
Mr Wappel should resign, now. I was outraged by his arrogance. He does not deserve to serve the Canadian public. It is obvious that the job has gone to his head. That happens to a lot of politicians. They lose focus and forget who the boss really is: the Canadian public. How can someone, whose primary purpose is to serve the public, be so insensitive and uncaring. He does not deserve to hold public office.
JV LeBlanc
Moncton,New Brunswick
I do believe he had the right to ask this voter the question as to why he was not a supporter of him in this election when he had voted for him previously.The mechanism used to determine your support in an election is how Mr.Wappel was able to determine that this voter supported the Alliance.
A campaign worker would have called this voter and asked if they could count on this voters support in this election , and the voter would indicate if in fact they where supporting the incumbent or some other party.Every political party does this in every election and for the Alliance critic to rise in the house and suggest some sort of wrong doing is utterly stupid, ignorant , and disgusting. If the Alliance is in such a disorderly state that they have to rush to make this an issue it makes one wonder why? The practice of Polling The Vote is as old as elections themselves,and to suggest that it is a back door practice,practiced by only the Liberals,shows that the Alliance need to do some homework on how elections are really conducted.
Randall Marion
Winnipeg,Manitoba
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