"How A Former General Lost His 'Political Virginity'"

This was a front page headline on The Huff Post yesterday.

Retired general Andrew Leslie might have expected the 

verbal jostling that comes with the rough and tumble of 

politics — after all, both of his grandfathers served as 

Liberal defence ministers. (CP) | CP

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Lost his 'political virginity'

Leslie may have been prepared for the scrutiny that began last weekend with Conservative MPs questioning his 2012 moving expenses, which totalled $72,225.86 — the bulk of which was likely realtor fees. Leslie moved a couple of blocks under a program that sees the government cover the costs of a final move for members of the Canadian Forces when they leave the military.

Leslie's moving expenses were the subject of two statements by Defence Minister Rob Nicholson, who now occupies a position once held by both Claxton and Andrew McNaughton, his paternal grandfather.

Optics of General Leslie's moving expenses don't look good.

Read more here.

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General Andrew Leslie's Moving Expenses

How can someone spend over $70,000 to move just a few minutes away? Did Andrew Leslie use a Lamborghini to tow the moving trailer? In an economy when many are struggling to make ends meet, when young people are struggling to find jobs, this guy can charge over $70,000 for moving expenses? Really?

I think it is important to support our veterans, but this program should have caps on how much can be claimed. Really, for a move of such a short distance, it is hard to imagine how it could cost anywhere near $70,000.

What is especially baffling in all this, why are Liberals defending General Leslie? Makes no sense. This is a clear abuse of a government program. Even if he was supposed to be a star Liberal candidate, this shows he's a deeply tainted star. Liberals shouldn't be defending him, especially as Justin Trudeau wants to present a new Liberal Party with a new kind of politics.

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