Executive Producer, CTV Montreal - I have always been amused by the sense of self-importance of our leaders.
Just look at the cabinet swearing-in ceremony this week in Quebec City. It was like these people were on the red carpet accepting Oscars in front adoring fans. Come on.
The adulation for new Transport Minister? It was like Elvis walked into the room, or the reaction my dog gives me when I've been away too long. Way over the top.
Yes they have important jobs, but heck it's not Leo DiCaprio up there.
Fact is, Jean Charest shuffled his deck, but he used the same cards, the same gang that got him into so much hot water with the voters with scandal and allegations of impropriety and cronyism, and plain incompetence.
Backbenchers are being overlooked
There is fresh blood out there. Geoff Kelley was a fine minister in the past and could be again.
But hold on, Geoff is an Anglo from Montreal Already two in cabinet--well two on paper-- and besides Charest demoted both of them.
Perish the thought that we might have too many non-francophones at the cabinet table. It's a shame Anglos don't have an alternative.
Fact is that in many aspects of public life and public policy, we really don't matter that much.
Heck we now have an education minister who doesn't speak English. What are the chances of getting proper English textbooks?
Or what about Guy Ouellette? The guy knows more about the criminal underworld than anyone else in Quebec City. The former SQ biker expert would have been a great Public Security Minister.
Actually, the Liberals do have some bench strength. But Charest refuses to take a chance, preferring to leave his fate to the same-old, same-old
Jean-Marc Fournier is a good guy and competent, but he quit two years ago. Now he's back to try guide the Liberal hopes for renewal with the voters. Same old wine in a not-so-new bottle.
Politicians who quit should pay for breach of contract
What's really galling about this is the cavalier regard many have for the taxpayers.
Apparently it is fine to get elected and then quit whenever you want if something better comes along. About half a dozen Liberals have done it since the last election and each time it means you and I have to pay for by-elections.
Perhaps Jacques Dupuis was figuring he would stay until his pension got more attractive. As it is he is leaving with a bonus of $150,000 and a bill for taxpayers of over half a million dollars for a St. Laurent by-election next month.
I think if people we elect find greener pastures elsewhere before their four-year term is up, they should pay us.
It's called breaking a contract. We need people who aren't in it for themselves, we need integrity. That seems to be in short supply
Guess the lure of the red carpet and the applause is too much to resist.
