The other day, I witnessed the rudest, most childish behaviour I have ever seen, not in a schoolyard or grade-school classroom, not at a wrestling match, but in our legislature during question period.
In the face of colleagues speaking on issues that critically affect British Columbians鈥� lives and the well-being of our environment, I聽heard raucous laughter, jeering, catcalling and hollering. I did not hear the members who were speaking. I left when my dismay overcame my investment in the procedures.
When I voiced my distress to the staff who attend visitors to the legislature, one of them winced in recognition and explained that this is a British style of parliament (look where it has got that country) and that the concept is one of theatre during question period. Yes, theatre of the absurd has its place, but this was just plain bad theatre for this audience member.
How can these elected officials call themselves honourable members when they act so shamefully on salaries paid by British Columbia taxpayers? The solution is to stop speaking until they have the floor. That is what we teach our children to do.
Mary Anne Pare
Victoria
