Editor:
It appears that while Charlottetown MP Sean Casey is more than willing to throw a punch - like a lot of bullies - he isn't able to handle one himself.
Mr. Casey was incredibly vocal last month in highlighting one missed vote by P.E.I. regional minister Gail Shea. Mr. Casey seemed unwilling to accept Minister Shea's word that she had a legitimate reason for stepping out of the Commons, even though the minister made it known that she supported the government on the matter in question.
While he was quick to criticize Minister Shea, Mr. Casey took great offence when his own voting record was recently questioned in a submission to The Guardian.
In response to a piece highlighting that he had missed a whopping 196 votes since he was elected in 2011, Mr. Casey felt compelled to explain that much of that voting took place while he was away for a personal reason.
What's good for the goose wasn't good for the gander after all, Mr. Casey would like to say.
What Mr. Casey still needs to explain is why he missed so many other important votes including those on the new auditor general, electoral boundaries, First Nations issues, issues related to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, food safety, and immigration (a file he should know something about given his admitted involvement in the provincial nominee program).
Mr. Casey also skipped a vote in November on Bill C-44, which gives increased EI benefits for parents with sick children. These are important issues in Parliament, I'm sure the Charlottetown MP would acknowledge.
Mr. Casey chose to bully and berate Minister Shea as if the mere criticism itself signaled wrongdoing on her part. If that's the lowered level of politics Mr. Casey would like to bring to Prince Edward Island he should at least be prepared to face equal scrutiny.
Mr. Casey, Islanders are fair people who appreciate the concept of a level playing field. Don't give us these cheap shot attacks if you can't handle the same scrutiny.
Dan Aiken,
Warren Grove
