Thursday, November 25, 2010

Good Luck Danny Williams!

Wow! What a magnificent farewell speech by Danny Williams! That was pure passion! Interesting, engaging and powerful.

In the last hour, Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced his resignation. As a news item, this is a shock to many people, and he will definitely be missed.

He's been Premier of Newfoundland & Labrador since 2003, and with his words, and especially emotion, has staunchly defended the province and it's resources. Williams governed at a time when NL prospered from oil and mineral resource income, and became a "have" province. His strong stance as a promoter of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, as a fighter of provincial rights, has consistently endeared him to roughly 80% of voters. Unlike his predecessors, he has also had a consistent online opposition, who magnify his unfinished business as Premier.

Politics is a rough line of work. It has great financial rewards, hmm, I guess.. one can take that in different ways... and/or it offers personal rewards of accomplishment. Certainly, it is difficult on a human level to be in the public eye daily for many years, and to be scrutinized under the microscope constantly, and while most applaud, the soundings of fewer cut deep. Williams is certainly emotional about the state, history and future of Newfoundland & Labrador, and it always showed. However, the energy expended with the thrust of emotion can take its toll on personal health and happiness, and when it becomes an unrewarding or uncertain investment, then it becomes a prison.

The doctors' salary dispute alone is very stressful, and would ironically cause a premier to seek a doctor's help. Is is not a surprise to hear of Williams' resignation. It's a very stressful job, and despite popular support, the pressure and criticism that accompanies it, is a major challenge to face in life. My advice is to take a rest Mr. Williams, protect your health, and enjoy the rest of your life. You have certainly contributed much of your energy and emotion to the goal of improving the province and its future, now it's time for someone else to bear the responsibilities of the huge challenges. Congratulations Danny on your success and your representation of the province.

Best wishes Premier Williams.

2 comments:

ViewPoint2010 said...

Excellent post Charlie. I find it interesting to see how the media seems to want to focus on the warts rather than the accomplishments during Williams' time in office. Reminds me of Spiro Agnew's comment about the "nattering nabobs of negativism".

Good to see you back in the blogosphere. I've been taking a break as well. Enjoyed your rock star post. vp

Charlie said...

Many thanks for the comment VP! It will be interesting to see what really happens in time with the "agreement" on Muskrat Falls. My feeling is that it is at the very least an option that Williams and many people in the province wanted, that is, without having to kowtow to Quebec, and add insult to injury of the 1969 disaster. I think that that injustice, which did not show much brotherhood between provinces at the time, drove his passion in standing up for the province. Not sure what the future holds with that project, but hope if it environmentally acceptable, and with the blessing of 1st Nations peoples, that it is financially lucrative for the prov., and also allows a future option for the larger Lower Churchill Falls as well.

Yes, have not been blogging much in recent months.. trying to give my eyes a break in this way. All the best VP!