GO JOHNNY GO? SLOW DOWN!

So, let me try and get this straight: Barack Obama admits to using marijuana, cocaine and binge drinking and the U.S. president is quickly proclaimed the Next Great Hope.
John van Dongen admits to a speeding problem and some want our MLA’s lead foot turfed from office faster than you can sing Radar Love.
Explain this to me.
Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer, one of the wiser writers in the dumbed-down world of reportage, wrote Saturday that Solicitor General van Dongen – also the minister in charge of public safety – is now his Hypocrite of the Year finalist.
Predictably, B.C. Conservative Party leader Wilf Hanni then demanded van Dongen’s resignation, suggesting Gurcharan Dhaliwal would be a much better representative for Abbotsford South.
Gurcharan who? Talk about the need for being brought up-to-speed in this rather bland provincial election campaign.
For what it’s worth, the real “scandal” would be if van Dongen tried to use his power to escape traffic fines or penalties. He didn’t. He manned up. The system seems to work, doesn’t it? And isn’t it comforting to know we’re not the only ones making ICBC donations?
You expect politicians to call for his job, because it’s the only way they’ll likely unseat him in an area where he is respected.
You expect voters, especially those not preferring Liberals, to demand an execution and replacement, despite many not knowing the difference between an MLA or an MP.
It is fair to suggest van Dongen’s days as a credible spokesperson for safe driving are over. Just as Premier Gordon Campbell may not be poster material for Mothers Against Drunk Driving campaigns.
But van Dongen remains an effective politician and standup human being – and, perhaps, the perfect dude to catch a ride with if you’re running late, but we digress.
Campbell might, for perception sakes, move van Dongen to another ministry or, to raise funds in this recession-riddled province, enter him in NASCAR events. There are options for our Johnny Lightning. Worst-case scenario he could run as an Indy-pendent. Bada boom, bada bing. (I’m here all week!)
Unlike many politicos, van Dongen doesn’t phone the media for photo-ops, he doesn’t blow his own horn and doesn’t go out of his way to make rivals look bad, which is rare in the nasty bloodsport of B.C. politics.
In fact, when NDP leader Carole James announced three years ago she would have to undergo cancer treatment, van Dongen was one of the first to wish her well.
This election, really, has its “scandals.” We should focus on government adding more MLAs and costs during a worldwide recession. We should talk about tolls to get to and from work, the Olympic cost overruns and fudget-security budgets.
We should talk about B.C. Rail, the Cambie Line business killer, health care, taxes, waste disposal, poverty, the homeless, gangs, justice and foresty.
Some or all of these issues could be the Achilles’ heel for van Dongen’s Liberals or for his own political future. But speeding as a “scandal?” Get real.
Tonight at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, you can put Johnny on the spot and ask him about this and other important issues during an all-candidates’ meeting for Abbotsford South contenders.
You can meet Gurcharan, the likable Bonnie Rai (NDP), the always “interesting” Tim Felger (Independent) and newbie Daniel Bryce (Green).
And, because this forum starts at 7 p.m. sharp, you may have to “drive like Johnny” to get there after dinner.
Start your engines!