Filibusters, Feather Dusters and Posturing Politicians

Hmmm, is it just me or is the House of Commons (that's our federal parliament, for my non-Canadian readers) beginning to resemble a sandbox squabble between five year olds?

It was inevitable that the standoff between Canada Post and the Canadian Union (CUPW) of Postal Workers would land in parliament's lap. Before I go any further, let me make it clear that I'm not taking sides on the issue. Canada Post has real sustainability issues that it must manage. CUPW is honestly trying to protect the rights of its workers.

The escalating bitterness between the two parties was disturbing enough in itself. But the real circus began when Canada Post locked out its' workers forcing the government to step in with a back-to-work bill. You could sense the politicians sharpening their rhetoric and practicing their posturing in anticipation of a good old-fashioned parliamentary, sandbox catfight.

Stephen Harper and the Conservatives rang the bell, swaggering with their majority government, by including legislated wage increases in the bill that are less than what Canada Post had offered. Jack Layton and the NDP answered the bell vowing to defeat the legislation.

Back to the negotiating table the two parties went. Nobody in their right mind expected them to reach an agreement as they are miles apart on the major issues. But they had to jump through the hoops for appearance's sake.

Then the debate in the House begins literarily around the clock. A mere formality since the Conservatives can push through the bill with their majority. But not before the NDP plays the infamous "filibuster" card. One NDP member after another, all 103 of them, making 20 or 30 minute speeches for the express purpose of delaying the inevitable.

There is so much posturing going on in the House that they may just get nominated for an Emmy Award. Unfortunately, the filibustering, blustering and posturing is about as effective as a feather duster in a Sahara Desert sand storm.

Meanwhile, we sit back exasperated as our tax dollars, which pay the MPs salaries, are burning in the bonfire of rhetoric. Is it any wonder politicians regularly find themselves in the top 10 list of most disliked professions?

Attention Mr. Harper and Mr. Layton: We, the electorate, respectfully suggest that you get out of the sandbox and start acting like responsible adults. Your time and efforts (and our money) would be much better invested if you put aside your political agendas, sat down in good faith and used your collective intellect to find a win-win solution.

At this moment in time, our "distinguished" House of Commons is a metaphor for a sandbox squabble. We would prefer that it be a metaphor for the good will and tolerance for which Canadians are known.

Holster your egos, grow up and show us you deserve to be where you are. We put our trust in you. It's time you lived up to it.

~ Michael Robert Dyet is the author of "Until the Deep Water Stills – An Internet-enhanced Novel" – double winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards 2009. Visit Michael's website at www.mdyetmetaphor.com or the novel online companion at www.mdyetmetaphor.com/blog. Visit www.smashwords.com to download a free preview of the e-book version.

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