I was in Parliament for Zelenskyy’s speech. When a supposed war hero was introduced, I stood up and applauded. I assumed he was a partisan who fought communist occupation after WWII. Now I’ve learned he was a volunteer member of an SS unit, I feel sick to my stomach. #cdnpoli 1/6
On one hand, I am sure it was a mistake by the Speaker’s office. Lots of people wouldn’t know enough history to be careful of such things. On the other hand, I’m sure it was the responsibility of the Speaker’s office to vet anyone to be honoured by Parliament.#cdnpoli 2/6
I am particularly concerned that with Putin’s mischaracterization of Ukraine and it’s Jewish president as a Nazi state, this will create a lot of ammunition for further disinformation around the world. This is not just about Canada. #cdnpoli 3/6
Liberals often go after Conservatives for posing in pictures with random people at events who turn out to be far right reprobates. When that happens, what are we hoping the Conservative will do? What do they actually do? What should happen here where it is far worse? #cdnpoli 4/6
I am not sure that anybody should lose their job over this if it was a clear mistake due to the short time for preparation, but I think it needs to go further than a simple apology. I’d like to know what procedure will be followed to ensure it does not happen again. #cdnpoli 5/6
As a Jew who was one of the people unknowingly applauding a Nazi soldier, I can hardly imagine a more embarrassing moment. Somebody had better take responsibility for it in a serious way. Everybody who was in that room needs to feel clean again. #cdnpoli 6/6
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For decades, the Kielburgers have been celebrated and supported by the media and major organizations. Now, for agreeing to run a cancelled government program but otherwise doing what they’ve always done, their reputations have been destroyed. /1
It seems to me that either the Kielburgers never deserved the praise they received, or they are now being treated very unfairly. Either way, their former supporters seem hypocrites who aren’t prepared to take responsibility for what they helped create. #WECharity#WEscandal /2
I’ve been disappointed by media coverage of #WECharity#WEscandal because every story and opinion ignores this key point: the Kielburgers’ style has never changed. These unchanged people can’t be angels one day and crooks the next when nothing about them has changed. /3