Sin bin time? Ian's Rural Ramblings

In the deep and distant past when I was growing up. I was taught many principles, respect your elders, be seen but not heard, do not talk unless you were spoken to and don’t interrupt were the ones that come to mind most.

Now as a greying adult. Do I follow these principles any more? Well, I’m willing to give my elders the benefit of the doubt of respecting them before coming to other conclusions. Be seen and not heard is usually the other way about in my writing career. I do instigate conversations and I occasionally interrupt especially when I think the talker is dominating the conversation/interview. A classic tactic I might add.

So, what about youngsters today? Well, I think some of their elders especially in high profile positions and I’m going to especially include all levels of government here do not set a good example at all.The insulting sometimes downright bullying type behavior is loudly applauded by partisan parties all around the world for all to see. Is it any wonder that this behaviour is mimicked face to face and online with sometimes catastrophic results?

There was a recent spat in the Alberta Parliament recently and I’m only mentioning it because it will be fresh in folk’s minds. There have been numerous other similar and no doubt worse occurrences down the years. Anyway, Wildrose whip Jason Nixon was posing a question (in typical parliamentary fashion) to NDP Alberta Health Minister, Sarah Hoffman who responded in a way that could be construed as likening Wildrose supporters to sewer rats. Hoffman has apologized but not before the comment was widely reported in the media and spread via social media.

In the grand scheme of things, the NDP took some political flak and damage and to my mind so did the Wildrose for making political capital. Governing Alberta is not a game for point scoring despite the arena that the legislature seems to be at times. Real people need real help not political posturing from anybody. Get on with the day job please.

Sadly, such events go on in parliaments and municipality chambers all the time. Well, here’s a thought for the speaker role. How about stamping down on bad behavior in the house. Name and shame the offender/offenders and send them to a parliamentary sin bin for a specified amount of time. The offenders should be embarrassed, may miss a crucial vote, may miss out on a promotion or get demoted and just might lose their seat come election time.