Query regarding abuse of a politician's position

Breezer

I got an email from an MEP tonight with a pamphlet from a religious organization attached. He apparently felt that I "might be interested" in it.

I wasn't particularly interested in the pamphlet's message, but I was interested in the fact that this came from his official European Parliament email address. I felt that this was an abuse of his position and emailed him back, asking if this was now his party's policy or if he was simply distributing an unrelated organization's promotional material.

I got a rather terse reply informing me that the views expressed in the pamphlet were those of the religious organization, which he more or less agrees with.

I know this is hardly the biggest problem facing our nation right now, but I do feel it is inappropriate. Am I right to think so? And if so, to whom can I lodge a complaint? The Ombudsman's office? SIPO? I feel this might be overkill.

Seth Brundle

Are you sure it was from them and not some weird spam purporting to be from the MEP?

DeVore

Can you attach the pamphlet?

As far as I am aware its fairly frowned upon.... especially for Europe.

DeV.

Breezer

It was definitely from the MEP, I'm just avoiding naming names for now.

The pamphlet is from the Iona Institute, I've attached it below.

I should probably point out that I was a member of the youth wing of this party at one point, I haven't renewed my membership, but I assume I'm still on the mailing list. I'm not sure if that makes a difference.

Scofflaw

Breezer wrote: »

It was definitely from the MEP, I'm just avoiding naming names for now.

The pamphlet is from the Iona Institute, I've attached it below.

I should probably point out that I was a member of the youth wing of this party at one point, I haven't renewed my membership, but I assume I'm still on the mailing list. I'm not sure if that makes a difference.

It would mean it wasn't spam, at least. I don't think there are any particular restrictions on endorsement of non-profits by MEPs.

cordially,
Scofflaw

DeVore

<offtopic> That pamphlet is idiotic.

Their argument is that gay marraige shouldnt be allowed because a gay marraige is a bad place to bring up kids.

I think I can safely say that when two gay people get married..... they arent having kids. That pretty much goes with the territory.

Theirs is an argument against gay adoption. (I dont concur with that either but at least it isnt internally illogical).

It seems more like "um, gay bad, um.... quickly, someone think of the children...."

I mean, you dont want to hurt kids do you ??????
</offtopic>


Anyway, I think its definitely dodgy that he is sending this out but it might be to the list you are undoubtedly still on. Still, using MEP facilities like email servers and bandwidth shouldnt be allowed for personal crusades imho.

DeV.

Breezer

Scofflaw wrote:

I don't think there are any particular restrictions on endorsement of non-profits by MEPs.

Fair enough. I don't feel it's particularly ethical though when said non-profit is taking a political position
that isn't official policy of the party the MEP represents.

DeVore wrote: »

Still, using MEP facilities like email servers and bandwidth shouldnt be allowed for personal crusades imho.

I agree. I mean it's not exactly going to bankrupt the country, but still not on really.

I'm not going to take it any further. I CC'd the party leader in my reply and that'll do me. Not that it'll make a blind bit of difference but at least I made my point.

Cheers.