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It was just a matter of time before Liberal MP for Esquimalt Juan deFuca, Keith Martin would either resign on his own or get kicked out of Liberal caucus after shooting off his claptrap regarding private for profit health care, particularly after Ujjal Dosanjh publicly threw him under the bus. It was suspect when Keith Martin came back for more just yesterday. After opening his claptrap again, it was obvious he was planning to leave. Now, it’s confirmed that he calls it quits; not seeking re-election; plans to retire from politics.
On one hand, I say good riddance. Anyone who talks about Americanizing health care in Canada is dangerous, no matter what party colour they’re wearing (oh, those crazy pro private for profit cheerleaders can disguise it any way they like, but in the end, it would be the carbon copy of the American disaster of a health care system, complete with discrimination for pre-existing conditions). Lord knows we have enough of ‘em with the Harpercons, led by Stevie spiteful himself.
Not to mention, Martin is a pro-lifer. Who needs that?
However, given that he only his seat by 64 votes, this, in spite of the fact this MP was ideologically more like a CRAPer Harpercon than a Liberal, the seat is likely to go back to the Harpercons, thus approaching them closer to that coveted majority they so desire.
Martin doesn’t really offer any specifics as to why he’s quitting, except to say:
“Canada’s institutions need new blood and new ideas and it is neither sensible nor fair for someone to stay too long.
About his future plans:
“Personally, I hope to be able to find new opportunities to use the substantial networks I have built up over time in our universities, the private sector and NGOs to implement innovative solutions to address the domestic and international challenges we face.
Anyone care to attempt to translate that? I’ll go first. I will open private for profit clinics and then start my career as a full time lobbyist for the private for profit health care industry in beginning my quest to rid the poor, working class and middle class of universal health care.
No, Dr., you won’t be missed.
Ujjal, if it was you who chased him out, good job!
I hope the door doesn’t hit him in the ass on his way out … and good riddance!
ck Reply:
November 9th, 2010 at 4:27 PM
Now, Leftdog, don’t hold back, tell us here, at SSM how you really feel, now!
And in 3…2…1!!! Let the Private for profit lobbying games begin!
I think he might be looking for the top provincial job, privatising BC…Shudder.
he had many people fooled
he seemed progressive there for awhile
reflects again badly on the Liberals
ck Reply:
November 9th, 2010 at 6:18 PM
Indeed, I think that’s partly why he’s leaving. After that public smack he received from Dosanjh, one would think Martin would have learned, but no, we see him over a week later in the NattyPO spewing this junk again. Me thinks it’s possible he may have been given a choice; shut his claptrap or leave, or something along those lines.
Is it just me, or did this come remarkably close to the time that Campbell resigned? Anyone think he might run for the provincial Liberals? He’s perfect for them with just the right amount of Conservative ideology wrapped in a pretty slightly socially liberal bow.
On the riding and where it will go, The NDO have had a strong showing in this riding since 2004 and with Dave Barret had the riding with 50%. Now, I agree that with the joined Cons it’s anyones game, but I think discounting Liberals or NDP in this province is pre-mature. Since 2004 the NDP havn’t fallen below 20% and in 2004 and 2006 the NDP had strong showings above 30%. I think this is a winnable riding for the NDP, especially with the weakness of Iggy.
ck Reply:
November 9th, 2010 at 10:49 PM
Others have been speculating about Martin taking a crack at the BC Liberal leadership race to succeed Campbell. Something our co-blogger, Kim, shudders about and rightfully so, given how gung ho he is about privatized health care. Hell, he may privatize a whole shitload o’ BC. My condolences.
Also, in 2008 the NDP’s spending in the riding droped by about 1/3, right along with their vote percentage. In 2006 they almost tied with the Libs in campaign expenditures and followed closly in vote percentage. In 2004 they had less then half and were only behind by about 3000 votes. Again, I think this riding is winnable by the NDP, if not the Liberals.
ck Reply:
November 9th, 2010 at 10:52 PM
I hope so; anyone but the Harpercons at this rate. That was the only reservation I had about Martin’s resignation as it would bring Stevie Spiteful’s seat count that much closer to his coveted majority. But other than that, as you’ve read in my post, I certainly don’t have much use for him.
Lest we forget Keith Martin made an ass of himself back when he jumped ship from the Con/Alliance party to the Liberals. He said he thought Paul Martin wasn’t ‘wedded’ to the universal and public Canada Health Act. Then there was his meetings with David Basi, and his other affiliation with Liberals in B.C. involved in the scandal. Now that the Liberals have managed to illegally bury much of the political shit they should really be wearing, suggestions Martin the Opportunist should take a stab at the leadership race is depressingly and probably correct.
There is no better trough in Canada than as a has-been x talentless, career politician to go for. Poor B.C., tell the guy to quit politics altogether, you don’t need his baggage.
ck Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 7:10 AM
You may be right too. I originally thought he’d open private for profit clinics and begin the wonderfully lucrative career in private for profit lobbying