Svend: just a common jewel theif

Subject: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: GUEST,Bill Mason
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 01:21 PM

Who knew that Svend Robinson, the gay Canadian socialist parliamentarian had such expensive taste in jewelry?

"I was stressed out and don't know how I could have done such a thing," said Svend, after video cameras caught him stealing a ring valued at $50,000.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 01:41 PM

What does being gay, Canadian, socialist, or a parliamentarian have to do with kleptomania?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Amos
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 01:47 PM

It just goes to show you should never trust your jewelry to a gay Canadian socialist parliamentarian, obviously!! Not a hard decision, with this information in hand!!

Fortunately, not a choice most of us will have to make, for various reasons. :>))

A

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Peace
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 01:51 PM

Well, Svend did take something that didn't belong to him. However, his being a gay Canadian parliamentarin is attestation that he is neither a common thief of jewels nor a thief of common jewels. No matter how ya slice it, his jewels are in the wringer, and that ain't all that common.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: open mike
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 02:45 PM

news here
and his statement on his web page

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Peace
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 02:49 PM

I wonder if we'll ever see letters like that from other politicians in Canada or other countries? Huh. We ain't too bright but we're mostly honest.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: harvey andrews
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 03:18 PM

He reads like a man worth voting for!

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 03:31 PM

People do stupid things sometimes. Without taking time to read the long long article about the crime (it looked like literary blow-by-blow slow motion) or more than his first couple of phrases in his explanation (poor health), it would be satisfactory to see people just accept the return of the item and the promise not to do anything so stupid again as the end of it. Will charges be pressed? Probably, if the owner of the ring doesn't like the lifestyle or politics of the offender. Otherwise, not. That provides food for thought, eh?

Martha Stewart got hung up in some similar act--an impluse to do something that she thought better of (remove a message from her computer, then put it back). There was no victim in her "crime," and in the end, there was no "victim" in the lifting of the ring.

SRS

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Backstage Manager(inactive)
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 03:41 PM

Until now, the auction house that owns the ring has always stood by a zero tolerance/we prosecute all thefts policy. However, in this case, they claim to be satisfied with Robinson's apology.

A couple of larger issues are at play here though. If non-member of Parliament committed such a crime, would they be prosecuted after a similar claim of pressure or stress? Undoubtably, yes. If he's not prosecuted, the message of one law for those in high places, and another for the rest of us, is reenforced.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 04:06 PM

If the act happens and is then immediately resolved, why should he be different? Are people in high places the only ones allowed acts of conscience?

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Wolfgang
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 05:01 PM

What does being gay, Canadian, socialist, or a parliamentarian have to do with kleptomania? (Wysiwyg and others with a similar idea)

Any news itew about any more or less known person has two informations in it: (1) What has X done? (2) Where from do we know X?

German league last seaon high scoring footballer Ailton has yesterday married his long term girl friend...
Would you say here what has his being a high scorer to do with his marriage?

Mark Thatcher, the son of British Prime Minister Margeret Thatcher is missin on the Ralley Paris Dakar since yesterday.
Is his status asson in any way related to him being lost in the desert?

Susan, Amos or whoever, why do you think that the usual standard ofreporting about known persons should ne altered here. Because it is bad news?

Would you also object to a report saying "gay Canadian socialist parliamentarian Svend Robinson has spoken at a ralley of the 'USA out of Iraq' movement. What has his being... to do with his objection to present USA politics?

You may be right that Bill Mason had the intention you read, but I must say to me Bill Mason's post sound at the first glance completely neutral.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: CET
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 05:49 PM

Charmion, actually, who has not re-set the cookie on the computer:

It sounds like a classic sign of burn-out to me, and the fact that he has been a voracious lens-louse and publicity hog since entering public life yonks ago makes that more, not less, likely -- he kept it up long, long after a normal person would have quit.

We have all seen the most unlikely people get picked up for the silliest things -- e.g., senior police superintendent steals steak from Loblaws, famous general recently returned from horrible mission in Africa is found dead drunk in a park. Generally, when the wheels of the court system start grinding, either the prosecutor finds a way to avoid laying a charge or to drop the charges, or the judge awards a conditional or unconditional discharge. It's not hard to see that the Crown in Mr. Robinson's case might think it would be hard to get a conviction, which is generally how they decide whether to lay charges in the first place. That's why the province has appointed a special counsel to make recommendations.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 07:20 PM

Excerpt from the STATEMENT BY SVEND ROBINSON MP

For some time now, I have been suffering from severe stress and emotional pain. While continuing to undertake my responsibilities as the federal Member of Parliament for Burnaby-Douglas, and to serve my constituents with dedication and hard work, I have experienced great inner turmoil. The reasons for this are of course intensely personal, and I am not prepared to discuss them, but among others relate to the cumulative pressures of dealing with the emotional consequences of a nearly fatal hiking accident. The past few months have been particularly difficult and painful.

This accumulated stress culminated last Friday in my engaging in an act that was totally inexplicable and unthinkable. While attending a public jewellery sale, I pocketed a piece of jewellery. I did this despite knowing full well that the employees who were there recognized me and did so in a context where I had provided to them my full name and contact information in writing, and that the entire area was under electronic surveillance. Something just snapped in this moment of utter irrationality. Immediately upon leaving the premises I realized that I must return the jewellery.

A couple of things occur to me after reading the above...
If he has been "dealing with the emotional consequences of a nearly fatal hiking accident", he may well have been taking an anti-depressant. I have a very dear friend who experienced a significant personality change after taking a particular anti-depressant (Zoloft (US)/Sertraline (Europe)) -- to the point that for the first (and only) time in her life (she was in her 50s, I think), she shoplifted. I can't help wondering if something similar has happened to this fellow (and, if so, I bet that even though he was brave enough to be open about his homosexuality decades ago, he may not be *quite* brave enough to make it public knowledge that he has been taking ant-depressants). If this is the case, then my heart goes out to him.

(BTW, for those who are wondering, my friend was apprehended as she was leaving the store; spent the night in jail (where she was not even allowed a blanket to help keep warm although she was shivering with cold) and was prosecuted (by a gung-ho public attorney who evidently wanted to earn a reputation for himself as being "tough on crime") -- even though she had written testimony from her doctor that this particular anti-depressant has been known to cause such side effects -- and convicted. She did not have to spend any more time in jail, but paid a large fine and ended up with a "criminal record". She was so traumatized and SO *deeply* ashamed of the entire incident that although it happened over 20 years ago, I only learned about it from her a few months ago, and the only other person she's ever told was her husband (and I don't think she'd have told him if it had been possible not to). She doesn't want her children (all adults now) to ever know about it either. Personally, I'm *appalled* by how she was treated, but there's not much I can do about it now. I can, however resolve to try to be understanding if I ever come across someone else having similar problems. At least she was able to switch to a different medication and -- I'm happy to say -- has never had a similar problem since.)

Cheers,

YY

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Gurney
Date: 19 Apr 04 - 07:22 AM

Not too bothered about the rest of the description, but the parliamentarian bit concerns me.
Those who make the law, (or enforce, or administer it,) should be bound by it more firmly than the rest of us, in my opinion.

After all, they ARE imposing it on us, sometimes against our will, usually without consultation. And getting paid for it.

Yeah, yeah, I know they do crooked things. I just don't like it.
The ones on this side of the Pacific get caught, too, and get away with it.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 12:18 AM

Yorkshire Yankee - in these 'enlightened times' it is still easier to be accepted for being gay than for being mentally ill. My office (until recently) had an openly gay employee who was accepted by all but the most hard headed (and incidentally oldest member, but he objects to everything post 1945 on principle). The gay employee was devious, malicious and dishonest but accepted by all, included in all activities, social or otherwise and his lack of output ignored.

Two members of the same office have mental health problems leading to them taking some time off sick. These two members have been treated almost as lepers since their return, with one being victimised for allegedly doing no work and the other being isolated. Both are excluded from the majority of team social events, shunted about the office, discussed behind their backs and made to feel unwanted, unsupported and useless, despite being reasonable, honest workers.

I have no doubt that this chap Svend is more concerned with being mentally unwell than with his being gay. However,having said that, there is still no excuse for theft. There are defences but not excuses.

LTS

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: dianavan
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 12:56 AM

Bill Mason - Video cameras did not "catch" him stealing the diamond.

Immediately upon leaving the premises I realized that I must return the jewellery," he said. He added that he was "too afraid to go back."
Unable to contact the owners by telephone during the long weekend, he
went to police on Tuesday morning.

Svend Robinson is a good man suffering from depression. Although he is stepping down, his constituency and other politicians hope that it is only temporary. His record stands for itself. He is respected as a voice of reason in a tough, political world and he has been at it for a long time.

I hope that he will be given the help he needs at this time and that he takes a well-deserved rest.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Metchosin
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 02:13 AM

Gurney, Svend Robinson has not exactly been directly party to making any law or enforcing or administering it, he is not of the correct poltical party to have had any real power attached to his vote in parliament in all his years an MP. The only way Robinson's vote would ever effect the average Canadian would be if Canadians ever elected an NDP or minority government, theorectically possible, but highly unlikely. Besides, Svend's a rank amateur compared to the thugs we currently have in power now, come to think of it, his returning to government would seem highly redundant. *BG*

Charmion, I would surmise that Robinson discovered long ago, that the only way to bring attention to "minority" views and issues that the "average head up their ass" Canadian establishment voter would much rather not think about, was to become a "voracious lens-louse and publicity hog". Canada desperately needs some "squeaky wheels" to prick it's collective conscience and he has served this country well in that regard.

he kept it up long, long after a normal person would have quit. Perhaps what you mean is after most would have rolled over and played dead, then taken their quiet little feather bed in the Senate. Thank God the world is not entirely populated with "normal people".

And yes Liz, I certainly agree with you there.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: dianavan
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 02:34 AM

Maybe Svend wants to provide a role model for Bush.

I stole the money that congress had allocated to Afghanistan and used it to invade Iraq. I'm sorry and will return it immediately.

That'll be the day!

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 08:42 AM

Svend Robinson has often shown very poor judgement. This would seem to me to be the ultimate example of that tendancy. Neither his politics or his personal life are at issue here, what is at issue is his ability to make choices that are compatible with honesty and integrity..he has always dressed up his grandstanding as "moral action", now he needs undress this mistake, stop calling it stress and haVE THE "MORAL INTEGRITY" TO CALL IT WHAT IT IS...SHOPLIFTING

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: GUEST,Bill Mason
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 09:22 AM

Bill Mason - Video cameras did not "catch" him stealing the diamond.

Immediately upon leaving the premises I realized that I must return the jewellery," he said. He added that he was "too afraid to go back."
Unable to contact the owners by telephone during the long weekend, he
went to police on Tuesday morning.

Dianavan,

You need to follow the news a little more deeply than just reading the "alleged" thief's prepared statement linked to this thread.

Svend stole the ring on a Friday, said he tried to contact the owners over the weekend, went to the police on Tuesday and made his tearful appearance on Thursday.

However, the video evidence was turned over to the police on the Sunday. Svend turned the ring over to the police and confessed only after the irrefutable evidence was on the table. If you read the news beyond Mudcat, you'd be well aware of that.

You live in Vancouver? Well it was front page news in the Sun and the Province. It was all over the radio and television newscasts.

And by the way, Dianavan, it's now also come out on the news that he was shopping in an expensive jewelry store in Burnably for a diamond engagement ring for his live-in boyfriend. The jeweler was interviewed on CTV News and said Svend was freaking out over the $10,000 price tag for a ring he wanted. A couple of days later, he steals one worth $50,000.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: el ted
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 09:28 AM

His letter reads like the mewlings of a drama queen. "near fatal hiking accident" my arse! He has been caught with his pants down!

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Mooh
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 10:54 AM

Svend Robinson is certainly one of Canada's more colourful political characters, and for years I have enjoyed watching his alternative methods of raising public attention to his causes. I respect him for that and very often agree with him, except that he all too often whines too self-righteously for my liking. I bet he works harder than most of our public figures, but much of that is negated by his sometimes prissy delivery.

Now, his credibility is circling the toilet. Medical, mental, and trauma induced excuses aside, his actions of the past week come off appearing selfish and maladjusted. Not to belittle his experiences, but not everyone needs to respond to life's pressures as he has, allegedly. He has failed to rise to challenges of his personal demons and now he appears to be weak. Whether he or the electorate can put this aside remains to be seen. Whether he can deal with the shame remains to be seen.

Either way, he's no idiot, he'll land on his feet financially, and the book publishers are likely already lining up.

Next week, another scandal.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: GUEST,Bill Mason
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 10:59 AM

Either way, he's no idiot, he'll land on his feet financially, and the book publishers are likely already lining up.

If he resigns his seat in parliament, or doesn't run in the next election, he'll be reciving a parliamentary pension of $71,000 per year, indexed to the cost of living.

I don't think I'll be playing a benefit concert for him any time soon.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Mooh
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 11:46 AM

Bill...Yeah, no kidding, me neither, but old Svend won't be content to be merely pensioned. His ego will keep him in the public eye for a while. This latest episode reminds us how good he is at PR spin.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 12:36 PM

I have to say I respected Svend for years, although I may not have always agreed with his politics. He was, I believe one of the first elected representatives in North America (or anywhere) to come out in the late 80's, and he always fought for the little guy.

Even though he confessed and admitted to taking the ring - he tries to make it sound as if it was an act of 'momentary irrationality' caused by stress of a 'recent near fatal hiking accident'. Well, it turns out that the near fatal 'recent' incident was in 1997 (seven years ago) and the momentary irrationality sounds like some kind of temporary insanity defence, which to me reeks of trying to avoid taking personal responsibility for his actions. He only tried to contact the owners and police after the auction house complained to the police and the irrefutable video evidence was shown to him.
(It would be interesting if a reporter had asked whether that is the first time that happened or if there were other 'irrational' stress induced moments of kleptomania.)

I think its a pretty safe bet that, if a regular non-elected citizen
were caught shoplifting - they wouldnt get off with dropped charges, paid medical leave.
His public embarrassment and loss of career is a form of punishment though, and he will have a comfy pension.

I find it hypocritical given that the NDP came down hard on premier Gordon Campbell after his drinking and driving incident in Maui, and now its outpouring of sympathy for Svend as if this is some moment of temporary insanity. (btw I dont support Campbells politics either)

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 01:39 PM

I find it hypocritical given that the NDP came down hard on premier Gordon Campbell after his drinking and driving incident in Maui, and now its outpouring of sympathy for Svend as if this is some moment of temporary insanity.

Svend wasn't barrelling down the wrong side of the road in 2000 kilos of steel in the dark pissed as a newt. Not quite the same thing ...

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Metchosin
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 02:41 PM

Gee BigPink Lad, maybe the ring had special magical properties and could have been used as an instrument of death too.....my precious....LOL

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: dianavan
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 10:36 PM

Petr and Bill Mason - I do read the newspapers here and watch the news on t.v., too. I haven't heard anything about Svend coming forward after the video was turned over to the police. Can you please provide a link? I honestly thought that he returned the ring because he knew it was wrong.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel thief
From: Cluin
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 01:09 AM

Mr. Robinson, in a meeting with his lawyer before going to the Horsemen, admitted that he may well have been captured on video doing the deed (as was the case). His lawyer advised turning himself in to avoid further damage to his reputation. So S.R., a well-known attention junkie, delivered a speech to the media, adding the tear-filled story of the emotional stress from his falling down and getting a boo-boo while hiking on his property (Watching it, I just wanted to see Willem Dafoe show up and smack him up side the head).

Though I got tired of his preachiness at times, I used to have a lot of repect for Mr. Robinson's morals and commitment to socially important issues, but a lot of that is gone. He just looks like a common criminal now who hawked a big sparkly for his partner. Anybody else would have been charged; so should he.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: GUEST,Bill Mason
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 09:19 AM

Dianavan,

You really shouldn't have to rely on the kindness of guests at Mudcat to provide links for what has been front page news in your own home town.

Even if you don't bother to read your local papers or watch or listen to your local newscasts, you could go to a search engine and find dozens of links on your own.

Anyway, here's one for you that includes most of the facts I've referred to.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: dianavan
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 08:04 PM

Bill Mason -

I don't rely on Mudcat for my information ( I already told you that). It is here that I discuss the information I have. When I posted, the only information I had heard was that he had turned himself in. There was no mention of a video camera.

After hearing about the video camera, I asked mudcatters for a link. I got one (from Halifax) that included the bit about the video camera.

I always respected Svend and saw him as courageous. I did not, however, overlook the bit about the video camera because of personal bias. With additional information, I would have to agree that it looks as if he is lying and whining to save his skin.

Sorry I posted to your precious thread.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: dianavan
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 08:07 PM

Bill - Theif (in your thread) is spelled, t-h-i-e-f. You shouldn't rely on mudcatters to correct your spelling. Get a dictionary or spellcheck.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: dianavan
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 10:52 PM

Guest Bill Mason - The first news of the theft was on the 15th and 16th and did not mention anything about a video. It wasn't until the 17th that it was reported that there was a video turned over to the RCMP. I didn't hear any news that day because I was involved in a community planning process. I can hardly be blamed for missing the part about the video. I am an active citizen, not a media watchdog.

After being personally attacked by you, I decided to do a little investigation of my own. It seems as guest, Bill Mason, you have only posted four times, all to this thread. I can only conclude that you are not a true guest but one of Martin's many pseudonyms or perhaps a gay basher; trolling mudcat.

Regardless of the recent theft, Svend's dedication to environmental issues (Queen Charlotte Islands and Claquot Sound) have helped save many sensitive areas of BC. For this, I will always be grateful.

I suspect, however, that what upsets you the most is the fact that he has championed the gay rights movement in the Vancouver area.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: el ted
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 10:33 AM

Interesting.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: GUEST,Bill Mason
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 04:15 PM

I can only conclude that you are not a true guest but one of Martin's many pseudonyms or perhaps a gay basher; trolling mudcat...I suspect, however, that what upsets you the most is the fact that he has championed the gay rights movement in the Vancouver area.

"Martin?" I have no idea who Martin is or who you're referring to.

"Gay basher?" I previously mentioned the word "gay," or even the fact that Svend is gay, but once, in this sentence: "Who knew that Svend Robinson, the gay Canadian socialist parliamentarian had such expensive taste in jewelry?"

From that, you have the nerve to smear me as a "gay basher." You have absolutely no clue as what you're talking about. From the same sentence, your complete absence of logical thought could have called somehow concluded I am a "Canadian basher," a "socialist basher," or a "parliamentarian basher." Each conclusion as absurd as your attempted smear.

And, by the way, you should know that it has been Svend himself, over a period of many years, who has made his gayness a primary factor in his identity. As I'm sure you know, he was Canada's first out-of-the-closet gay parliamentarian. He also took it upon himself to out another MP, Scott Brison, because he didn't think that Brison belonged in the closet.

Anyway, Dianavan, you should know that your feeble attempt to smear me says much more about you than it possibly could about me.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 04:49 PM

Be nice, kids. Rudeness, like knowing the words to the National Anthem, is un-Canadian.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: semi-submersible
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 07:10 PM

Hear, hear, dianavan. I believe Svend has been good for BC on balance. Not this month, though.

Still, he stacks up pretty well, warts and all, against the incumbent encumbrances of my odd-shaped riding (since its reshaping, heavily populated rich conservative West Van has consistently outvoted sparse rural working-class Sunshine Coast population). I don't see our reps admitting stuff even after being faced with evidence against them. (But I don't recall hearing of anything this bad.)

I don't think it's "common" for a thief to make a public announcement of his crime.

Interesting how the slightly-left NDP party gets mentioned continually in coverage of scandals involving its members, while media quickly find other emphases when the corporation-friendly Liberal and Conservative parties' politicians get their fingers dirty.
Then of course the emphasis is all the other way when something looks good: if it's a Liberal move it's news; if the NDP did it, it's dismissed. The fast ferries (locally built under an NDP government) are an infuriating example: a consistent effort to describe them as failures culminated in a rather irregular distress sale by the next government.
Wonder if this could have anything to do with most of the media being owned by big business, and the rest of them depending a lot on advertising sales? Could editors and reporters be influenced by considerations of job security, advertisers, and flak from upstairs when deciding what's "news" and what spin to give it? Nah.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: dianavan
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 04:18 AM

I don't think its just the media. The media were all over Campbell when he got caught in Hawaii for drinking and driving. It died down quick because the public finds him boring.

Svendy, on the other hand, is more interesting. His case appeals to the public because he's gay. They want to believe that he really is twisted and untrustworthy.

I have nothing to say about his personal life, but I certainly admired his politics. As to the theft, it certainly did not hurt anyone. Let the courts deal with it.

As for Campbell, he also committed a victimless crime but a crime that could have potentially killed someone. His politics kills people everyday so whats new? I have nothing but disdain for him.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: GUEST,Bill Mason
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 09:22 AM

As to the theft, it certainly did not hurt anyone.

It didn't hurt anyone?

Well, there's the owners of the ring that could have been out $50,000.

More likely, the insurance company would have been out the 50 grand. And when insurance companies have to pay out like that, the rates go up for everybody.

And when insurance rates go up, businesses pass those rate increases on to the customers. Next time you pay 5 cents more for a head of lettuce, it might be because of a thief like Svend.

It didn't hurt anyone?

Well, there's every citizen of Canada who is paying for the RCMP who have to devote resources and manpower to this case.

It didn't hurt anyone?

Well, there's every citizen of BC who is paying for the crown prosecutors and the court system who have to devote resources and manpower to this case.

It didn't hurt anyone?

Well, there's every citizen of Svend's constituency who are paying for a full time member of parliament to represent their interests and are not now being represented at all.

It didn't hurt anyone?

Well, there's Svend's live-in boyfriend, and other family members and friends, who have to deal with the mental anguish and public pressure that Svend has now brought upon them.

As for Campbell, he also committed a victimless crime

Describing speeding while drunk as "a victimless crime," has to be one the stupidest comments I've yet read. It's the kind of comment, though, that I've come to expect from you.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: dianavan
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 03:56 PM

Bill Mason -

Let me explain - When I said "hurt" I meant physical pain or death.

As to the "owner" of the ring; I thought it was siezed at customs before being put up for sale. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 04:10 PM

Don't make me git the hose ...

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: GUEST,Bill Mason
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 05:05 PM

Let me explain - When I said "hurt" I meant physical pain or death.

As to the "owner" of the ring; I thought it was siezed at customs before being put up for sale. Correct me if I'm wrong.

So, what you're saying then, is that crime does not "hurt" anyone unless it causes "physical pain or death?" Sheesh.

I've never seen any reference to the ring having been seized at customs. However, if that were the case, then the people of Canada would have been out $50,000. That's the equivalent of four years of my federal taxes. I work very hard and certainly don't appreciate dirty politicians wasting my tax money, or stealing from that pot.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: dianavan
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 09:35 PM

In the context of my post, I meant physical pain, death or injury.

Svend is not a "dirty" politician. He may be a thief (thats for the courts to decide) but (as far as I know) as a politician he's squeaky clean.

What do you think of Gordon Campbell?

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: GUEST,Bill Mason
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 10:17 AM

The Gordon Campbell and Svend Robinson stories are apples and oranges. Obviously, you want to change the subject to deflect attention away from the "alleged" jewel thief that you are so enamored of.

Since you ask, though, I think that anyone who drives drunk, or who steals $50,000 rings, are common criminals and not worthy of the public trust.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Metchosin
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 12:38 PM

Apples and oranges? Maybe you're right. Although both tearfully admitted their "indiscretion" to the public before the TV camera, and stated they were going to seek professional help, Robinson stepped down, whereas Campbell did not.

After all, there seems to be more of a public acceptance, in the western provinces for drunks at the helm, than for kleptomaniacs jumping up and down on the back benches. LOL

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Metchosin
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 01:19 PM

Particularly if you don't like his politics.

It did occur to me, when I saw the odd reference to the "near fatal accident", referred to as the starting point of his depressive problems, that perhaps his fall off one of the cliffs on Galiano wasn't so much a slip as a jump.

If the intention was to "end it all", it would perhaps explain why a broken jaw and ankle looms large as "near fatal" in his mind.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 01:47 PM

Although both tearfully admitted their "indiscretion" to the public before the TV camera, and stated they were going to seek professional help, Robinson stepped down, whereas Campbell did not.

Svend Robinson has not stepped down. He's taken a so-called "medical leave" and is collecting his salary while leaving his constituents unrepresented.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: GUEST,Bill Mason
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 01:49 PM

The guest post above at 1:47 PM was mine.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Metchosin
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 01:55 PM

oh, well as I said, maybe your right, like apples and oranges.*LOL*

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 02:46 PM

Lets hope the faggoty bastard gets prison

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: GUEST,Bill Mason
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 05:15 PM

Svend was formally charged yesterday. If convicted (the "alleged" crime is on videotape), the maximum penalty is ten years.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Peace
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 05:21 PM

He will likely get community service.

Subject: RE: Svend: just a common jewel theif
From: Cluin
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 05:34 PM

Time served. Debt paid. Gavel bangs. Sweevend walks. Boohoo for the camera. Back to business as usual. Let's see if Layton takes him back to the fold...