Time to play nicer in politics

Political behaviour is always questionable at any level of government. Without the daily “goings-on” in the Senate and House of Commons or, in our own provincial House of Assembly, the print, visual, and electronics media wouldn’t have much to do, discuss or tweet about. Essentially, they would be out of business.

And, of course, we wouldn’t want that.

Reporting on directional decisions made by political leaders employs thousands of media people across the country and besides that it provides nightly entertainment value and critical information for folks when they arrive home from a hard day’s work.

Usually, observers know everything is same old with the world when they see and hear journalists present, from their perspective, all the discord taking place as political events unfold, internationally, nationally, and provincially. After which follows a thorough analysis by pundits covering every angle of an event. No doubt, it’s intense, cerebral, interesting but not for everyone.

Provincially, consumers of political matters look forward to their evening news and the daily “goings-on” in our own House of Assembly. And what “goings-on,” indeed.

Unscripted drama at its best and its worst.

There are good characters, bad characters and scenarios which couldn’t be scripted by any panel of writers. The media, through the bravery of some elected representatives stepping forward, have exposed for the public some serious issues related to how politicians and perhaps, bureaucrats, treat each other at various levels of the political food chain.

It’s not pretty. In fact, many would suggest it’s appalling how elected representatives, on the same team, no less, inappropriately communicate with each other in order to show their authority, power and superiority. What has been exposed in the past year and in recent months in the House of Assembly, in terms of decent human respect and interaction, has hit an all-time low.

Politics has always been viewed by most as a tough, intense, nasty business. That, however, in itself, shouldn’t excuse how politicians interact with each other while working in close proximity to each other to achieve common objectives.

The upswing in political misbehaviour, along with the serious lack of transparency, political accountability and leadership are, in large part, responsible for the low turnout of eligible voters in many provincial and federal elections and less again in municipal politics.

It seems, people are up to their eyebrows with negative politics, negative politicians, baffle-gab excuses, and a monstrous, slow moving decision making machine referred to as government. It’s like watching the infamous Newfoundland Bullet moving across the province in slow motion.

Someday, but not soon, we will arrive at our destination. People are simply turned off, fed up, and disillusioned because they don’t see their own personal situations improve.

They view government’s slow pace and lack of will to act as farcical, “nothin’ gon’na change ther’ b’y.”

And sadly, it doesn’t. Political promises are akin to “fake news.” Unfortunately talk is not cheap in Newfoundland and Labrador politics. In fact, it’s downright expensive. And it’s getting more expensive to live here each and every day. As onlookers to daily events taking place here, it’s discouraging and certainly not a good practice model for anyone to witness, particularly our youth. Moving forward, things must change significantly if we ever want to see positive increases in voter turnout in this province.

To any politician, in any political party, who favours and supports derogatory expressions, nasty remarks and actions towards fellow elected representatives in the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador, isn’t it time to get on with the business of governing?

Stop the s--- that is currently taking hold in the House of Assembly. You are an embarrassment. You were elected by the people to do the work of the people and you are being paid handsomely for that privilege. Isn’t it time that you reset your brains and actions to positive, appropriate political conduct, decorum and human respect in the House of Assembly? The people of Newfoundland and Labrador are watching. We expect far better behaviour from our elected officials.

For those who can’t see themselves doing so, perhaps a change of scenery would help. The voters of Newfoundland and Labrador will have their say soon enough.

P.J. Dwyer Gander