A Woman Scorned

As soon play with a scorpion. Vengeance, when it's possible is the sweetest of confections to a damaged ego.

Perhaps it's inevitable that when two people meet, whose interest in one another is chiefly that of appreciation of the other's physical beauty because it would reflect well on their discriminating choice of partner, their dalliance will be short-lived. That kind of superficial selection process works well with young people. When individuals fail to mature beyond adolescent values, such unfortunate selections are made.

And then there are the consequences. A woman scorned is a frightening sight. Even among otherwise well-adjusted females, capable of comporting themselves with confidence and ease. That their attributes have been rejected is not readily accepted. Women fume and agitate, and a wise man makes himself scarce. Think of the Harpies of Greek legend; talons ready to scrape tender skin, as a metaphor for the anger of a woman set aside.

Sometimes mutual passion, when it exists, subsides and both parties understand there is nothing more for them in the relationship beyond an amicable parting. Sometimes one or the other in a partnership recognizes that the attributes of character they look for in one who will share their life is missing, takes courage in hand and sunders the relationship.

And sometimes people out to use one another, incapable of feeling deep emotions, simply abuse their relationship and finally end it. There has been nothing of substance invested in the relationship. No emotional attachments, no value seen in a deep appreciation of the other's personality and choices in life.

In the case of Julie Couillard, one-time girlfriend of Maxime Bernier, one-time Conservative Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Government of Canada, the relationship was based on a juvenile attraction; each thinking the other "cute". Pity that was not the 'cute' as in clever (as a fox). This was a matched pair in self-regard and attractive appearance; superficial, each using the other for personal advantage.

Still, in most dalliances or alliances with the opposite gender, it is generally the male who is at an advantage. And all the more so when the male is further advantaged by position, wealth, power or authority. In the case of Member of Parliament Maxime Bernier, that too was superficial; a warm body placed in a position of authority he was incapable of adequately performing in.

His forte was obviously thespian. On the stage in some manner, even as a male model, where his physical attributes and his self-avowed 'charm' might be adequately appreciated. Isn't it amazing the type of personalities that politics so often attract? Still, he was a minister in an important portfolio in a primary government, and she was doubtless grateful for his notice.

They enjoyed one another for a time, and then they did not. Particularly when news of Madam Couillard's personal background was revealed, and felt to be inappropriate for a companion of a Minister of the Crown. Still, a male should be chivalrous, considerate, and kind when making that separation after a prolonged acquaintance of a very personal and intimate kind. And he most clearly was not.

Clearly, an idiot besotted with himself, as Madam Couillard so incisively describes. Remember that old adage, that the bigger they are, the harder they fall? That can be construed on so many levels. It's not always that a woman scorned can have her revenge. But in this very particular instance, it was possible, and it has been well and truly accomplished. Public humiliation.

She is obviously no innocent, dreadfully taken advantage of. But she is an intelligent woman, despite her past (and more current) unfortunate choices in men, and deserving of some consideration from a man who enjoyed her confidence. To completely desert her, and leave her to defend herself, fearing further damaging exposure if he even remotely assisted her, was Maxime Bernier's style.

Now he is being exposed to Madam Couillard's style. Very well deserved, too.