Finally: Harper makes a mistake

The Globe and Mail reports today that Stephen Harper "almost dared" the opposition parties to continue their calls for a public inquiry on Brian Mulroney's alleged tax evasion. From the CBC:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has dismissed calls by opposition parties for a public inquiry into reports about cash payments made to former prime minister Brian Mulroney, saying allowing the government to launch probes against former political adversaries was "extremely dangerous."

"Do they really want to say that I, as prime minister, should have a free hand to launch inquiries against my predecessors?" Harper asked reporters Friday in Halifax following a speech to the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.

The answer to this is easy: Yes. Launch inquiries against any member of government, former or current, who is suspected to have committed a crime.

This, in my view, is a rare political mistake for Harper. His statement implies two things: 1) that Mulroney is guilty of something, but that Harper wants to cover it up, and 2) that former Liberal leaders are guilty of something, and that Harper has known about it but done nothing.

If I were Dion, I would illustrate those two implications loudly. "If Harper has evidence that any former Liberal leaders committed a crime, he should do his duty and bring them before an inquiry!" I'd shout. "Anyone who betrays their public office, from any political stripe or on either side of the aisle, should have to answer for it. But the Prime Minister is obstructing an inquiry into a suspected crime against the Canadian public. Why? Doesn't the Prime Minister believe in public oversight? Who is he protecting? And what does he know about former Liberal leaders that he hasn't acted on? If he has information, disclose it. I have absolutely nothing to hide."

I think those criticisms would stick, and make Dion look ethical and decisive. Harper has given the Liberals so few openings. Capitalize on this one.

And for my two cents on this: if any Liberal leaders are indeed guilty of tax evasion, or any other crime, show them no mercy. Public office is a sacred privilege. No protection for anyone who betrays that, regardless of what party they're from.