(Canadian) Tory MP retracts suggesting jailing bad journalists

[Newsjock]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060331.wtorymedia0331/BNStory/National/home

Canadian Press

Vernon, B.C. — A backbench Conservative MP has retracted a statement he made earlier while blasting the media for its testy relationship with Prime Minister Stephen Harper: that reporters who write distorted articles should be jailed.

In a brief column sent to several newspapers in his Okanagan-Shuswap riding, Colin Mayes said that might help the public “get accurate and true information.”

Mr. Mayes seemed to suggesting in his column that the media be covered by something like the Conservative government's proposed Federal Accountability Act, which would prosecute elected officials and senior public servants who break the public trust.

But in a statement issued Friday, Mr. Mayes said he is retracting the comments "without reservation."

Mr. Mayes adds that he fully respects the freedom of the press and regrets making the earlier comments.

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[bemildred]

1. Let's jail stupid MPs instead.

Bound to do a lot more good.

[Canuckistanian]

2. They're just begging for bad press, aren't they?

I'd say it was just short of a war between the press and Steven Harper now. Eliminating the post-commons scrum, muzzling the backbenchers (and ministers) and generally insulting the press.

Not a good start for our little neoconette...

[CHIMO]

3. Tory MP retracts suggesting jailing bad journalists

The Courier recently decided not to publish the MP's regular columns.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060331.wtorymedia0331/BNStory/National/home

Seems to me that the newspaper is in effect contributing to a political party.

[HuffleClaw]

4. 'regrets' my ass, they were testing the waters

harper is determined to import american stifling of dissent.

[gator_in_Ontario]

5. I agree

I am married to a Canadian. I probably know more about Canadian history and politics than most Canadians (who tend to be as apathetic and complacent as Americans). Present company excluded of course.
I definitely know that "Oh, that can never happen here" is a risky statement. That's what I said to my dad before the 2000 elections when he warned me about Bush. I voted Democrat as always, but to see my dad's predictions roll out into reality....priceless.
My dad died in 2002, but I can almost see him perched on the couch with a beer, and one HUGE "I told ya so!"

[saigon68]

6. Colin Mayes = Ass-Clown