Okay so here's the thing. I think it's pretty clear that Raitt used the term "sexy" to denote the media appeal of the medical isotope issue. Its attractive to the media because it is a huge issue that has a direct effect on a many, many people's lives. Most rational people probably understand this.
But here's the thing that gets me. This whole tape fiasco could have been a total non-story. Imagine if, instead of there being a court case, Raitt controlled the story, and played ball with the Chronicle Herald reporter. What would have happened if, instead of seeking a court injunction, Raitt said to the reporter "listen, this was a private conversation, and I chose my words very poorly. Obviously, my staffer wasn't the sharpest, and that problem has now been resolved. In the meantime, I continue to work with all my colleagues in caucus to find a resolution to the medical isotope shortage." Bam. Done. One day story, if that.
Instead, Raitt's staffer went to court. Nothing gets people's attention like a court case, especially when its because the big scary untransparent government is trying to hide information. That move alone made this story so much bigger than it otherwise needed to be. It got everyone's hackles up: if the Conservatives are willing to go to court to protect this tape, there must be something really damning on it right?
Then, to make matters worse, Raitt has steadfastly refused to apologize. Now, the Liberals and the other opposition parties can continue to hammer away, and Raitt and Stephen Harper's government continue to look as callous and stubborn as they do.
This isn't a story because of what Raitt said. This is a story because of how the original story was handled. The real shame is that its distracting us all from real issues, like figuring out what we're going to do to a) get out of this medical isotope mess and b) make sure we never get into this situation again.
Raitt needs to apologize so that she can put this matter behind her, and return to the very real work demanded of her as a minister.
UPDATE: Lisa Raitt just read an apology for her remarks, which I saw on Newsworld. I have not yet found a link to the story.
UPDATE:Link
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Nice blog. I must come visit more often.
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