Rumours are once again circulating that B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell was either on his way to see, or just had visited, his mistress when he was stopped for drunk driving in Maui back in January. Now, or so the updated rumour goes, the mistress is about to give birth; Campbell's wife is about to divorce him and Gordo himself is about to resign.
It's interesting to look at the emails that are flying about this rumour. On the one hand: indignation that the traditional media is suppressing the story (but is it a story? should the mainstream media be reporting gossip?) On the other hand: glee at the prospect that Campbell, who seems so upright and stern, should fall like this.
I'm not a fan of Gordo. I think that he and his Liberals have done a lot of damage to British Columbia and especially to its most vulnerable residents. I think he is mean-spirited, narrow-minded and vindictive. But would I get pleasure out of his resignation?
No. First, if Campbell does have a "mistress" (a sexist word), that's a matter for him, his wife and the other woman involved. It's none of my business. It' s none of your business. Second, this is not a matter to resign over. Presiding over the wholesale selling of the province's assets; the dismantling of the public sector; the harming of innocent British Columbians; yes, that he should resign for. Not for matters involving his personal life. Finally, even if Campbell were to resign over this (and I can't see him resigning over adultery - not in the 21st century) I don't think it would make the slightest difference to the way the province is being mis-governed. the Liberals would still have 76 out of 79 seats in the Legislature. They would quickly elect a photogenic replacement for Campbell as leader and life would go on as before. Changing the captain on the ship won't alter its course.
Posted by wetcoast at August 9, 2003 06:12 PMI think that your article takes a very superficial perspective of this issue. I have no idea whether the rumours and allegations are true or not but, they have certainly reached the level of urban legend throughout many parts of the Province. The amount of detailed information; dates, locations, places, names, etc leads one to believe that there is likely some element of fact (as there are in many legends).
If you believe the rumours, the second party involved is the Premier's deputy chief of staff and executive assistant. This fact alone elevates the story well above any Bill or Kobe incident for several reasons:
1. It has been well documented in the media that Lara's travel expenses for the past couple of years have been excessive. Has the taxpayer been funding romantic getaways and retreats? If it is true that Lara was in Maui last January was that also on the taxpayers tab?
2. Lara is a young (34), eager, energetic lady who has pretty much been at the Premier's side since leaving school 10 years ago. Gordon has complete control over her political future and any aspirations of her own that she might have. A few phone calls and Lara would be right back where she started 10 years ago with no future in politics or Government anywhere. On that basis, how can anyone enter into a completely consensual, reciprocal relationship? In many environments (ie Military), any direct superior - subordinate sexual relationship is considered harassment and punished in the same manner.
3. The rumours are that the latest details are being leaked by a cabinet minister and a senior bureaucrat. If this is true it demonstrates a serious lack of leadership and respect within Gordon's own inner circle. There will be an inevitable backlash and house cleaning if rumours prove true and the Premier holds onto power and how will that effect our already struggling economy and health systems.
4. Perhaps the single largest sector of the BC population impacted to date by the Government's policies have been families, especially those with elderly or disabled members. Female voters have been leaving the Liberal party in large numbers and already polling indicates that they are favouring the NDP. The cheating husband image will not help the matter and will further risk MLAs in sensitive ridings.
You failed to mention that the Democrats we not re-elected in the US after Bill's affair!
Posted by: Andrew at August 10, 2003 11:29 AM