Philosophically Correct and Politically Naive?

A lifetime ago, when I was first embarking on my career in social services I, because of a philosophical disagreement with my bosses over how people should be treated, quit my job. Quitting that job eventually meant that to get another job, my family and I had to relocate to a city two hours south leaving the community that the children were born in, the house that we had built and in the process losing contact with a number of good friends. In hindsight, my decision may have been a bit precipitous but the only people hurt were my family and perhaps my reputation in that one community. There were no consequences for either the organization or the people that were served by that organization.

I have always admired people who have the integrity to put moral principles above a paycheck or mindless loyalty. I, therefore have in at least principle, some admiration for Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott. They too resigned their position as a point of principle. And for that act - they deserve to be praised. But to be clear - while they did lose $80,000 annually off of their salaries (as ministers) - they are not exactly penniless as they are still elected MPs making $167,000 annually plus all of the other benefits including a housing allowance. As far as I can see, until this week their reputations only were enhanced by their decision.

Unlike me, however, their decision does have long term consequences for the organization that got them elected. By their very public acts of disclosing information that would have normally remained private including sharing their thoughts via traditional media outlets, they have potentially affected all of their Liberal colleagues especially if the two women continue to provide political fodder to the opposition. If in October the Conservatives win the election - Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott must take responsibility for that result.

If there is a change of government, their decision to denounce the activities of the Prime Minister and his staff, will have profound effect on millions of Canadians especially in terms of action on climate change and reducing/outlawing the kinds of racial trivial being sprouted by some individuals who have shared a stage with the Conservative leader. While I in no way am a fan of the Liberal government, I would be far less excited by having a Conservative government in power who see no reason to encourage a reduction in carbon emissions, who are openly in favour of big business have access to our natural resources and have not for two decades demonstrate any understanding of the profound inequalities in our society.

It seems to me that people in a position of power not only have a responsibility to do the right thing, they must also be aware of the consequences of their acts. Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpot may have done the right thing by leaving. They were at best incredibly naive to believe that their actions did not have profound consequences for the country. If they were not naive - then they were intentionally destructive and are willing to place their values above everyone else's. Neither attribute is useful in a politician.