Scandal Spin

Sorbara case doesn't fit the scandal definition, asserts Ian Urquhart in Saturday’s Toronto Star newspaper.
Before we question Urquhart’s fanciful notions, let’s review the episode.The case involves Mr. Sorbara, who this week resigned as Ontario’s Treasurer, subject to an investigation into companies he was associated with.
The Premier, McGuinty , argues that Sorbara was not the direct target of an Ontario Securities Commission investigation into Royal Group Technologies, a company of which the Finance Minister had formerly been a director.

"I said [last year] that if I became the subject of an investigation, I would step down," Sorbara said, prior to his dramatic move. "This afternoon, I learned that I was the subject of an investigation and I decided to step down."

An RCMP raid took place earlier in the week, on the offices of the Sorbara Group in Vaughn, Ont. Police were acting on a judicial search warrant that names Mr. Sorbara and four other men with links to Royal Group. It alleges the men broke the Criminal Code some time between 1996 and 2002 by publishing for prospective shareholders a prospectus that contained "false" material. Another allegation relates to fraud in the sale of a Brampton property.The first Urquhart assertion questioning whether this is a scandal:

”That depends, of course, on your point of view. If you are inclined to give Sorbara the benefit of the doubt, as I am, you will answer no to the first question and yes to the second.”

No Ian, it depends on the definition of scandal, which certainly does not imply active corruption or misdeeds. It does imply that there are issues, serious or otherwise, which are generating negative attention.
The reason I would jump on this one is that it seeks to dilute our language. The mere fact that a major government figure is implicated in an investigation constitutes scandal.
Now whether there is corruption or not remains to be seen. The police are obviously carrying out extensive investigations, which might in fact clear the former treasurer.
A further aspect of scandal in these issues relates to the weak attempt at cover up by the Premier.
Probity demands open and transparent action on any dubious positions. Sobara did the right thing, but obviously there were the normal thoughts denial or simply riding out the storm.
Urquhart obviously admires the ‘best defense is offence’ approach:

"But if you are one of the many people out there who have been egged on by the corrosive chorus of talk radio and see all politicians as scumbags, your answers will be reversed.
The opposition Conservatives at Queen's Park seem to lean toward the scumbags view. In the wake of Sorbara's resignation, they filed a non-confidence motion declaring that the Liberals must go because Premier Dalton McGuinty "has failed to ensure the highest level of integrity for his ministers" and his government is operating under "a cloud of scandal."

No, Sir, name calling does not alter the truth. To be sure, many out there are addicted to the predigested opinions of mass media. That is why you have a regular column Mr Urquhart.
To draw a conclusion that because the media say it it must be wrong is self defeating.As to the politicians who jump on the slightest whiff of a scandal, well no one ever said that was a smart thing to do.
Unfortunately it has become political capital, and what is sauce for the goose… In the end, it is one of the less edifying of current political tactics.
But you see, Mr Urquhart , we are suddenly arguing a host of different issues here. It seems to me that your initial premise is baseless so we need to be diverted by side issues.
Your thoughts on the mass media rabble and questionable partisan advantage would make an interesting read. Without, I might add the venom and vilification.
This is, to all intents and purposes a scandal! Even by the weakest of definitions: “Talk that is damaging to one's character; malicious gossip.”
That does not presume guilt, which is basic to your premise.
That baseless charges have, historically, hurt politicians is not the issue.
That politicians might cynically use dirt as a tool of their trade is not the issue.
That the media is not always terribly responsible in a chase for a good lead is not the issue.
The issue you raised Sir, is a question of the definition of scandal, and you missed the mark by a country mile. Regardless of guilt or innocence, the Sorbara affair is a scandal.