Debate in the House
I don't know about you but if anyone's caught the Question Period you'll see how discussions of national import are conducted in our House of Commons. Check Hansard for a hint. Aside from the sarcasm and character assassinations from the party of the day empowered to answer, there are actual rules and procedures on how enquiries are made. These rules are rigourously adhered to, depending on just how adept the Speaker's office attends to them. Anyone coming up with a "notion" for "debate" doesn't know anything about Parliament or Parliamentary discussion.
Those elected representatives (NDP) clamouring for some sort of public process whereby we can be dissed in Parliament is not currently up to speed on House of Commons Procedures. Of course, this would not dissuade the dogs of underhanded political tricks (NDP) from using distorted public opinion polls or to foment destructive demonstrations to kidnap the agenda. We're talking politics here and you know how masterful the NDP is in adapting to current situations they have no business in addressing.
In the rules of debate stemming from the above noted procedural document there are a number of issues which construe debatable material for the members representing us common folk. Of those 16 there is not a one which is relevant to "debate" the continuation for the mission in Afghanistan. Of course, having the upper hand in swaying the ignorant masses through their media minions shouldn't prevent them from trying. Sniping by members has not been outlawed yet.
It is my understanding, based on observing the admirable learning curve of Stephen Harper's team, that their command of House procedures will not allow any frivolous grand standing to be allowed onto the Order Paper. Harumph, don't get your panties in a knot Mr Layton, WE control the agenda.
posted by Ottawa Core @ 9:00 PM
3 comments
links to this post
3 Comments:
I see the "ignorant masses" and "character assassinations" on floor all adds up in your mind to legitimate parliamentary procedure?
Another thing the "ignorant masses" and I would include you among them, sorry to say, as your dismissal of Canada's NDP party is low-brow at best and "ignorant" at worst is indeed shameful.
Decisions to go to war are discussed, debated and decided on the floor and that remains to be seen right after the new government firmly gets a grip on where their respective office washrooms are in the long corridors. As well once they've located their cafeterias and have had a good lunch after Apr. 3rd, perhaps they can discuss and decide when the aboriginals get a clean water supply, eradicate homelessness, starvation to rival any in Afghanistan.
Hopefully, as well, they will be capable of uttering more than three sentences retracting their campaign promises in their "rush to jugment" on the Afghan campaign which has something to do with a planned pipeline.
Canadians would like to hear a little more about that.
Televised town hall meeting once a month with MPs and constituents in local halls would go a long way toward establishing the "ignorant masses" consensus. A viable idea.
The Canadian public can't afford any more moot MPs or backbenchers.
What kind of a heading is Ethics Schmetics?
We'd better see some don't you think after Apr. 3rd.
It was wonderful to hear Harper say the word "debate" when deboarding his jet upon return.
I'll return for more of your thoughts later. They're so interesting skirting 'light' issues of import.
debate in canada has been irrelevant since chretien's era of buying, owning, intimidating, colluding and oppressing the democratic institutions (all of them i can think of). i sat with jaw agape when queries from members of the house of parliament's loyal opposition were met with rcmp dossiers prepared for just such an occasion. when the power mad loose the reins of free discourse, or retire from disputing any and all opposing views to their tyranical rule, we might begin to "develop" a sane society once again. it'll take time to reinvigorate the gangsters who call themselves the fourth estate. the revolution in blogging might be the stick they need to look outside their windows of socialist academia. i'm all for airing as many views as there are, let's hope new means outside the type of parliamentary debate we have devolved to will instill massive participation in the democratic process.
Heheheh. Nice. You are a source of infinite wisdom, OC.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home