What? Me worry? (Stockwell Day edition)

The very first step in a twelve step program is to admit that there's a problem and that things have become unmanageable. Incredibly, Stockwell Day can't seem to admit there is a crisis of confidence at the RCMP. Not only have many of its rank and file members who wear the Red Serge have lost faith in their senior command, but Canadians in general are beginning to question the very competence of a police and paramilitary force that until recently was seen around the world as being at the forefront of forensic science and counterintelligence measures.

These aren't just "problems that have come up," as Day suggests. These are very serious issues. The release of false information about Maher Arar to US authorities, the possible mismanagement of pension funds, and allegations of sexual harassment are just the tip of the iceberg. Not to mention some glaring inconsistencies between what the official record says what happened a couple years ago at Mayerthorpe, Alberta and what actually happened; and the possibility the Mounties apparently failed to follow up on a lead that James Roszko may have murdered someone several years before or how Roszko managed to beat the RCMP on sexual assault charges levied against him.

Naturally, Day will just say, "It all happened under the Liberals -- it's all their fault." Sorry, doesn't work like that. Ministerial responsibility requires the person in charge, whoever and whenever that is, to step up to the plate. An internal review with a limit of only 90 days is not acceptable. Even a review by another police force won't suffice. On the other hand, a judicial review would in my opinion take too long. But the cumulative lack of competence shown thus far compels Day to call for a special prosecutor with a reasonable time limit to file charges -- I'd give him or her twelve months.

Of course, the Conservatives think they're holier than the Pope, so it's not gonna happen. We expect the Mounties to have a degree of independence but in exchange there is an expectation that their trust and confidence will not be shaken. If there is attrition as a result of all these scandals, people will point their finger at the top -- the political top, not the bureaucratic one.

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