I'm beginning to wonder...

If just maybe there's more to Harper's cabinet choices than mere bungling.

Harper could be solidifying his grip on the party.

1) Ferret out anyone that isn't absolutely loyal to him. (Or at least smart enough to keep their disagreements well behind the scenes).
2) Make a few "disciplinary examples" for the rest of caucus to contemplate. (It would appear that Mr. Turner is due to be the first)
3) Exhaust people - observers in particular - so that when he goes to legislate something controversial he doesn't get the trashing that he so richly deserves.
4) Set a low bar of expectations among the voters - especially the wingnuts. That way he comes out looking like a hero in the next election no matter how little he does.

Harper's reputation is that of an autocrat - he doesn't like criticism particularly, and isn't exactly known to be overly adaptable. So, if I were to look between the lines a bit at current events over cabinet ministers and "parliamentary secretaries", I have to wonder if Harper isn't thinking of something fairly cynical in an effort to guarantee that he gets re-elected in a subsequent election. (which we all know will happen in the next couple of years)