Speaking truth to power

Minister of National Defence, Peter Mackay, take note: your role as MND carries with it responsibilities completely separate from those of other politicians. The defence of a nation cannot be managed with the next election cycle at the first priority in your mind.

At the risk of sounding like I'm kissing American ass, you could do worse than to take a page from Secretary of Defense Robert Gates' book. Read the whole thing. And remember that, while he has a two front war going on, manages the world's most expensive, capable, and internationally engaged fighting force, and undoubtedly has fifty hours of work to pack into each twenty-four hour day, he still made time to talk seriously with the next generation of U.S. officers.

Leadership is more than a ministerial office, a limo driver, and a boost in your paycheque. Your predecessors have not exactly covered themselves in glory, but that's no excuse for you not to raise the bar, and in so doing, set an example for those who follow you. Pitter, patter, sir.