Palermo on the Ottawa

Omerta! That seems to be the binding thread in the testimony of Jean Lafleur in front of the Gomery Commission for the last two days. Omerta is the Italian expression that signifies the vow of silence taken among Sicilian mafiosi. Transgression of the omerta leads to vendetta, and to guaranteed loss of life.

Lafleur does not remember the time his income increased nearly 22 times (from $108,000 to $2.3 million) as a result of Liberal contracts; he does not remember speaking about sponsorships with Jean Pelletier from the PMO in the 4 or 5 expensive dinners they shared in Ottawa. Nor does he remember the invoice for $112,500 that he sent to Public Works. But he does remember thanking Pelletier for giving his son a job; and he does remember Pelletier as a charming man of refinement and culture, Le Devoir reported this morning. Flattery and proper gratitude must always be displayed publicly in Palermo.

Cross-posted from The Politic.