Corner Brook -
Paul Oram apparently couldn't take the heat. The controversial minister of Health left politics Wednesday, because he says his health is suffering and there was too much pressure on his family.
What did Oram expect when he accepted the portfolio when it was offered by Premier Danny Williams only about three months ago?
All Oram had to do was ask the man he replaced what the job entailed.
Ross Wiseman was under immense scrutiny nearly every day of his tenure - trying to explain some unacceptable actions of those under him.
The Department of Health is like no other in government, and Oram should have known what he was taking on.
The people in this province are willing to let go some shortcoming of the politicians they put in charge ... but they aren't willing to see their health-care system eroded because of money, incompetence or political convenience.
Those who work in the field of health care deal with life and death issues every hour of the day, every day, and they should have at their disposal everything they need to perform their jobs to the best of their ability.
And that costs money ... lots of money ... but taxpayers could care less about cutting costs where their health system is concerned.
When they, a family member or a neighbour need medical care, they want the best care they can get.
Oram never seemed to grasp that reality. Maybe he wore blinders because of his successful business background.
As a private citizen and business owner he can now run things any way he feels is best - something that eluded him in politics.
