Like the bibulous neighbor who doesn't know when to leave the party, Premier Gordon Campbell hangs in even though the music's stopped.
As any political leader will attest, power and the ability to hold on to it is greatly dependent upon your skill in herding cats.
The cats in this instance being your cabinet colleagues and the party caucus.
Through a combination of threats and rewards, the ultimate being the desire to remain the governing party, the leader orchestrates his troops while presenting a solid front to the outside world.
With Friday's resignation of energy minister Blair Lekstrom over his fundamental disagreement with the HST, and way it is being jammed down the throats of British Colombians, the cats are starting to stray.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King used to require those accepting cabinet positions to sign undated letters of resignation. Disagree with King or become a liability, and he merely signed the letter, and poof - you had officially resigned from cabinet.
According to a prominent local Liberal in P.G., he declined to run because Campbell has a similar policy that requires would-be ministers to sign a document agreeing to resign if they ever feel the need to disagree with the premier in public. Exit stage right Blair Lekstrom, Carol Taylor etc., etc.
By taking the long and lonely walk, Lekstrom has demonstrated that he has what Gordon Campbell lacks - principles. When he could no longer stomach the lies which had preceded the introduction of the HST and the arrogant manner in which Campbell and his "Mini-Me" finance minister, Colin Hansen, have moved to implement the tax, when he could no longer ignore the clear wishes of the people who elected him, he did the honorable thing and resigned.
Contrast that with Campbell and many of his caucus mates who remind us of the line from comedian Groucho Marx, "These are my principles. And if you don't like them, I have others."
The bleating of the few who say the HST is good economics has been drowned out by the screams of the many who say it is bad politics.
Campbell should do the honorable thing - the Lekstrom thing - withdraw the HST and announce the date of his retirement, no later than the fall.
The party is over Gordo, time to leave with dignity.
