2019 in Review: The Year of the Political Witch Hunt

Hmmm, are we growing
numb to the scandals and misdeeds of our politicians?

It is that time of year
when are inclined to cast a look back at the year that is ending and reflect on
its most memorable events. Regrettably, political scandals are 2019’s primary
legacy. In no particular order, here are but a few of the political disgraces
that we witnessed and the words to live by
for each of the perpetrators.

Canadian Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau found himself knee deep in the SNC-Lavalin controversy as the
federal election approached while at the same time taking flak for the “black
face” photos. He disappointed many by refusing to take responsibility and
dispatching his accusers. Despite all the body blows, he managed to return to
power albeit with a minority.

Justin Trudeau’s 2019
Words to Live By: I did nothing wrong.

U.S. President Donald
Trump did pretty much whatever struck his fancy and basked in the attention. The
Democrats took aim at him for abuse of office by allegedly pressuring the
Ukraine to announce an investigation into Joe Biden and his son Hunter. The
year ended with the House voting to impeach him – a symbolic gesture at best
given the Republican controlled Senate.

Donald Trump’s 2019
Words to Live By: I can do nothing wrong.

Ontario Premier Doug
Ford weathered a patronage scandal while pressing forward on his personal
mission to reduce the deficit at any cost (pun intended) and put his personal
mark on the province. In the process, he made enemies of just about everyone
and is currently embroiled in a battle with the teacher’s and support staff`s
unions.

Doug Ford’s 2019 Words
to Live By: If you disagree with me, you
are by definition wrong.

Federal Conservative
Party Leader Andrew Scheer led his party into the federal election decrying the
Trudeau scandals. While he managed to weaken Liberal support, he fell well
short of a Conservative win. His fall from grace was completed when misuse of
party funds brought his political career to an ignominious end.

Andrew Scheer’s 2019
Political Words to Live By: It is only
wrong if you get caught.

British Prince Andrew made
headlines over his friendship with disgraced financier and convicted sex
offender Jeffrey Epstein along with allegations of misconduct on his own part.
He has denied all the allegations, but has been yanked from public appearances
by the Royal Family.

Prince Andrew’s 2019
Political Words to Live By: Pardon me, I
picked the wrong friend.

British Prime Minister
Boris Johnston rode the scandal rollercoaster throughout the year – conflict of
interest allegations relating to his relationship with American entrepreneur
Jennifer Arcuri, a loud argument at the flat that he shares with Carrie Symonds
and groping allegations by journalist Charlotte Edwards.

Boris Johnston`s 2019
Political Words to Live By: Three (or
more) wrongs make a right.

In summary, it was the
year of the political witch hunt. But with so many political witches casting
their wicked spells, wrong is
becoming a worn out term and we are at risk of becoming numb to the dirty deeds
they perpetrate.

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