The Half Monte

Monte Solberg was one of the good guys. Shortly after entering Parliament three years ago, I witnessed an exchange between Solberg and Liberal Mike Savage concerning EI reform. In Question Period, Savage joked that, as minister, Solberg was doing the "Full Monty" on EI because people who deserved the benefits couldn't get them. Solberg quickly shot back that what he had just heard was a "Savage attack." The full House roared with laughter. It was good natured and fun, and it made a point. Speaking with Savage afterwards he pointed out that Solberg, though hyper-partisan in the Commons, was good to work with and was open to ideas. I later had that confirmed by some MP friends in the NDP.So, I've been saddened to read many of Monte's columns recently, in which he seems just as hyper-partisan as he was on public display in the House. His rant today on Michael Ignatieff's plan for EI being impractical is easy enough to say, but he refused to comment on the reality that, as it stands, the government's program is lacking as well. That's why the PM has been willing to search for something different.People reading this blog will know that I have been concerned with the media's willingness to peddle this hyper-partisanship, either Liberal or Conservative, in ways demeaning to not only Parliament but to the media as well. Understanding the need to keep a respectful distance from partisan politicians, historically media has permitted commentaries only from those who have retired. Why? Not only because it kept the media itself from looking as if they were peddling one party, but because politicians themselves, once retired, often took on a more statesmanlike quality once they were "delinked" from the party process. Thus we had Ed Broadbent (NDP), Joe Clark (Conservative) and Sheila Copps (Liberal) taking on a more objective view in their columns or op-eds. Their deep experience in Parliament actually transcended their own particular biases to a degree that was informative. In other words, they took their new role in journalism seriously. They still had their point of view, but they could now acknowledge that is was just one of many. Sensing this, media outlets permitted them to continue.Monte Solberg's recent columns appear to been an exception to that rule. He knows very well Employment Insurance needs serious help, even with the governing Conservatives, but he refuses the mantle of statesman and dealing with the complexities. The media in this case has permitted itself to foment partisan purposes and it's sadly obvious. Yet anyone who says something like this runs the risk of being covered negatively because media, including Monte, seems to always get the last digs in. I know that there are other examples of Liberal and NDP columnists being too partisan in their writings, but the fact media permits this in whatever fashion has undermined our democratic process.We require serious thinkers, people like Monte Solberg. I didn't know him well, but his reputation was one of respectful public servant. Whatever partisan jab he gave in QP, he wasn't like that in private with members from other parties, and in this he was somewhat unique. I want the Full Monte - the one who has had vast experience in Parliament and can be objective when need be. Now out of politics, he can apply that good mind of his to our obvious political problems and assist us in renewal. So far, his columns sound like the Monte from Question Period and the media, often critical of such partisan showing, has permitted itself now to extend the "dumbing down" quality of Question Period by another means.Monte Solberg is a good man, an effective politician and a dedicated public servant. I want the "full" Monte back. We require his wisdom now more than ever and we need the leaders of media to get back to their objectivity. We need men and women of statesmanship. Monte can be clearly qualified.  We all need to become serious again. Please Monte, break the bonds.