The Liberals seem to be establishing a crisis response pattern when one of their own is found offside. As with Buttsgate their starting point in the Monsef case is to defend, obfuscate and defame anyone who questions them, in this case Butts calling Monsef's detractors 'birthers'. However unlike l'affair Butts, where mea culpas were only forthcoming a year after the fact when wrong doing could not be denied, the simple solution is to 'soften' the rules to take the heat off. Monself is in a ridiculous position - of course she should not be deported as the more extreme commentators suggest - but it is largely one of her own making. She should stand down as minister until the air is cleared. She is young and if she is as capable as is alleged she will not stay out of cabinet long. Justice must not only be done but it must be seen to be done. The Liberals should put a billboard up in the cabinet room so that all ministers understand the standard.

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