Dear Editor,
Some parliamentary sittings are really embarrassing the people of this country. Of recent, many of the sittings are purely venomous attacks across the divide. One often wonders whether these people, vested with the powers bestowed upon them by the electorates, are truly doing their job as leaders. It would appear that everyone wants to be absolutely right and correct; no side wants to compromise on an issue and so our parliament becomes a theatre of high drama and intrigue.
It is a bad example to the new parliamentarians who have to toe the line in the rabble that entertains our nation.
I support the action of the House Speaker to leave the chamber when honourable men and women behave dishonourably in the highest forum of the land.
I am not sure, as a layman, who governs the country when we look at what happens in parliament. What about all these motions that are passed? Have they any effect on the policies of the state?
When our leaders are so steeped in hatred and antagonisms can the outcome of arguments be acceptable to the public?
Our parliamentarians sometimes behave as though the two sides of the House are sworn enemies − or are they? Have they forgotten that they have to work for the common good of the country? These unbecoming displays have spilled over to some other leaders in other realms. Labour for one. Why must everything of concern be confrontational? There is much nit-picking going on in some quarters. Such actions will discourage foreigners from coming to our country. In many cases, arguments to justify actions and counter-criticisms involve much time and energy which could be spent in more constructive things.
In my view, this period in our history is the most challenging and unique where governance is concerned, where parliament is challenged by the actions of its honourable members; where much uncertainty prevails; and where a number of decisions are challenged.
We the people, the commoners, look forward to the mature behaviour and decorum that befits whatever emerges from the chambers of Parliament. Our politicians and labour leaders need to do some introspection. All is not lost.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
