Conflict of Interest : USA vs Canada

Canadians aren't Saints, as much as I would like to believe it  As all human beings are, we are deeply flawed and complex.  Of course, we can't be perfect.  Look at the amount of times we apologize and say sorry every day.  Yesterday, I was buying groceries and it was very busy.  I bumped into another shopper.  I apologized.  She didn't accept my apology and insisted she bumped into me and said sorry to me.  We politely discussed this for a few minutes only to block an aisle in a very busy store.  Soon both of us were bumping into people accidentally and saying sorry only to be told that they were the ones who were sorry. 

We all know stories of Canadians behaving badly.  I remember there was a bet between then President Obama and Prime Minister Trudeau.  It was a joke that the loser got Justin Bieber.  Remember when Rob Ford was Mayor of Toronto.  It would have been an opportunity for the rest of Canada to gang up on Tarawna and judge them for voting for him.  Actually, we all were embarrassed.  A Canadian behaving badly is something nobody is proud of.  Whether it is in our leadership, our neighbourhoods, or even in our families, we don't like stories of falls from grace. 

There is a story in the news today about a Canadian Member of Parliament who has some issues which led to his immediate resignation as an MP representing Brampton East.  He resigned to seek professional help related to a gambling problem which had left in significant debt.  The reason this made national news is that he is also under the investigation of the Ethics Commissioner.  It is alleged that Grewal might have been in a conflict of interest when he invited a construction executuve - who was paying Grewal for legal services at the time - to official events with Justin Trudeau during the Prime Minister's trip to India early this year.  The conflict of interest code prohibits MPs from using their positions to further their private interests or to improperly further another person's interests. 

Now, I am sorry, but inviting a contractor to events is rather mild in my opinion.  Even if he was found in violation, I imagine he would be only subject to a stern warning not to do it again.  Also, from what we know of Trudeau's trip to India, it seems that he was desperate to have anyone attend events or have him meet with people.  The trip was rather a flop.  I'm sure the PMO sent out a "SOS", ""does anyone know anyone in India who wants to meet with the PMO?" 

However, our government is investigating this perceived conflict of interest. 

Let's look at how things are being handled south of the border. 

Trump gets elected and won't reveal his income taxes which would give information about his foreign investments and any liabilities.  He supposedly places his businesses in a blind trust.  He appoints his son-in-law as one of his chief advisors.  He appoints his daughter as Senior Special Advisor.  His media team promotes Ivanka's clothing line.  He turns one of his golf courses into "The South White House" giving it unprecedented exposure.  During an international trade mission, he makes a stop in Scotland and stays at his resort forcing the media to stay there as well.  He seems to have an unusual connection to Putin and seems to defend him often.  Also, The Saudi Monarchy and Royal Family have total power and have a history of corruption allegations as well as a poor record of dealing wih equality of women.  Recently, there seems to be a lot of direct evidence that they participated in the death of a journalist.   President Trump steadfastly defends the Saudis.  It is curious, especially when he thinks Hillary Clinton should be in jail over some emails. 

A few of those do seem like Trump, or his business interests, are being served by virtue of him being President.  This would be conflict of interest. 

Yes, the Mueller investigation is still going on, but, we have lost interest.  Mostly, because Trump does something ridiculous almost every day to distract us. 

I know Canadians aren't all Saints.  I also know there are millions of ethical citizens in the USA.  But, atleast when it comes to holding our elected officials accountable for their actions, Canada does have a much higher standard.  That is leadership.  Needed.