Sins, repentance and redemption. A tale of two politicians.

This is a story of two politicians - their stories follow a similar plot but the endings - oh, the endings are very different. 

Our first hero is Maxime Bernier, a well liked fellow from a small town in Quebec.  He came from solid Conservative roots - his father represented the riding!  Attractive, charming and a rising star from the moment he entered caucus as an MP.

He was given a major portfolio and said a few things he shouldn't have (telling a foreign leader who he should appoint just doesn't play well in diplomatic circles).  But that furor was being managed.  And that's when it happened.  The real scandal.  It had been discovered that Bernier had left very important documents at his girlfriend's place.  Not good, especially since she was a beautiful woman with a past. 

I have heard it said that the bit of info was leaked by aforementioned girlfriend who was rather miffed about the break up.  I don't know if this was hill gossip or if it's true.  What I do know is that Mr. Bernier had his entire character come into question over his choice in women. I think this whole incident would not have gotten so much press had it not been for the fact that Bernier's ex was very photogenic, had extremely large breasts and a past that included some very unsavoury characters.  Very Hollywood tabloid!

But instead of denials and making excuses Bernier offers his mea culpas and resignation.  With great humility he retreats from the spotlight, keeps his head down and works his ass off to represent his riding.  His grace during this time proves that he is truly repentant for his sins.  Time marches on and now Bernier is out and about and poised to once again move into a place of responsibility and prominence.

Then there is Helena Guergis who is from a small town in Ontario.  She comes from a family who are very active politically - assorted mayors and municipal councillors.  Like Bernier, she rose up relatively fast in the caucus once she was elected.  Another bright and shining star.  Again like Bernier she made a mistake - she behaved in a very unministerial manner at an airport and then a staffer sent a most unfortunate letter to a media outlet.  It got all very unpleasant but Guergis was weathering this storm. 

And then her real scandal came hot on the heels of the lesser missteps.  It was leaked to the press that her husband - a man who seems to have issues with driving, things that he may or may not put into his body for purely deleterious effects was using his wife's office to conduct/elevate his business in the eyes of his potential clients.  Again, a politician who chose a partner who was not, hmmm, how shall we say - like Caesar's wife.

Unlike Bernier, Guergis showed no remorse in the potential scandal, she proclaimed loudly her innocence and became quite - well - insistent that she did nothing wrong.  And while she may have done nothing wrong criminally by allowing her husband to use her office showed poor, very poor judgement. 

No remorse, no repentance and without those she will find no redemption. 

If Guergis had good grace (and good sense) she should have immediately resigned, apologized and moved into the background - quietly!  She didn't and consequently is now out of caucus, out of the party and out of time. 

At least Harper's time, which he doesn't seem to be giving to her in any way shape or form.  And I don't blame him - there seems to be a history of entitlement there.  I seriously doubt that she is worth the trouble to him.

After comments recently made by Ralph Goodale, my spidey senses are telling me that they are eying Guergis and her riding.  Can you imagine Ralph defending Helena's honour?  He did! And now Guergis is telling reporters that she is a solid Conservative and if she can't run under the blue banner she will run as an independent. 

Should be somewhat amusing to watch although really, go home Helena.  Resign your seat and take care of your baby.  Leave this stress behind, we all know it's not good for the new one. 

So there you have it, the story of two rising star MPs who make mistakes  with a lover central to each scandal.  One politician accepts responsibility for their actions and the other doesn`t.  One finds renewal and the other - well, the other doesn`t. 

But like all stories there is a moral here.  Admit when you`re wrong, accept the consequences of your actions and be willing to make amends.  Be humble, be grateful.  Work hard and most important - keep your fool mouth shut.