Nip the institutional game in the bud

I like when common sense triumphs in a madhouse such as the House of Commons. Milliken's ruling on the Afghan detainee documents issue is a compromise and, IMHO, a good ass-kicking for the Conservative government. Because "national security" is a catchphrase I'm sick and tired of hearing. Relating to the mission in Afghanistan it is completely out of place. Sensitive strategy documents jeopardize the security of our troops, rather than Canada itself.

It is patently obvious to anyone gifted with neurons that hardly any information can be classified forever, but that classifying certain documents for the duration of a military mission is more than ordinary. Therefore, Harper should table several proposals before Parliament and have the Opposition approve at least one. 

But a greater question emerges. If the security of troops, mission and country cannot be put in jeopardy by revealing the documents' contents, how on Earth are the Liberals going to argue the Government is guilty of breaching international law? They would have to beg Parliament to take them on their word, destroying thus the foundation on which justice is built.

At the end of the Afghan mission most of the documents should be made public, and those suspected of "war crimes" judged.

The Liberals are therefore waiting to reject all Government proposals and hope for Milliken to find the Conservatives in contempt of Parliament. We must not give them that opportunity.

Give Ignatieff, Duceppe and Layton five days worth of meetings. Following that, table a series of proposals on how to arrange document access while waiting for the mission to finish, and make the approval of at least one a matter of confidence.

We shall see then how much the opposition is willing to play games with the institution of the Speaker. Before the two weeks are up we will either have a sworn committee or a dissolved Parliament. 

But for the love of God do not call the election yourself, Prime Minister. For once, just for once, make an eventual negative will of Parliament work in your favour.