so, those girls weren't legally underage for sexual consent, although one was underage for drinking. it's a technical twist that ought to matter but ultimately doesn't. it's crass enough behaviour to be disqualified from public office.

and, as to the precise question of his resignation, his guilt isn't even a factor - he was asked to resign because of the distraction the allegations would create around the campaign. he should be free to run in the upcoming leadership campaign, should the accusations be demonstrated frivolous in due time. it's just that this narrative around due process is missing the point; he is being asked to resign so that he can go through with his due process in a way that is severed from the party that is running for office. he can't be asked to do both things simultaneously, and the public can't be asked to multitask on that level.

could that happen to anyone? well, yeah. and, anyone that it might happen to ought to be entitled to a leave of absence to attempt to clear their names of charges. but, a running premier can't take a leave of absence, so he must be dismissed instead.

the fact that he might be likely to defeat the charges is immaterial in the decision. politics is hard.

but, if this is truly frivolous, who might be responsible for it?

well, i think it was ultimately the democrats that took out al franken. might somebody in the conservative party be watching too much game of thrones? well, it's a plum position to be in, in a potential backlash election. a coveted spot. might somebody more powerful have taken it away from him? or, maybe it was a disgruntled group of hard right conservatives that wanted to stop brown from steering the party into the centre...

of course, it might have been kathleen wynne. that would be a sneaky move. and, invite retaliation - and a potentially stronger opponent.

i'm not sure the motives add up for any of the suspects, here, besides a usurpation from above. and, if true, i suppose a potential suspect will make itself known, in time.

jagmeet singh must cut his beard.