Our youthful Senate
What, a youthful Senate? Are you kidding? Well, at least a more youthful senate since the recent appointments were announced.
The average age of 66 for senators was recently reduced when 9 senators, brand new to the “Honourable” were announced. The average age of the 9 new “ones” is approximately 59. Apart from the fact that all senators must retire at age 75, the fact that some are younger than others means little as to the effectiveness of the senate. Older or younger means little when dedication to the tasks to which they are assigned is of greatest importance. All senator bring their talents to be shared in any deliberations that take place.
These appointments bring forth at least one statement of appreciation as the former Honourable Alfonso Gagliano, a minister of the Crown was not appointed to another Honourable position. If Jean Chrétien, the “golf ball”, the former prime minister, was still in power,who knows what might have happened. We recall that after "Alfie" left his previous position as a minister in disgrace, he was nevertheless given an “exotic golf ball” appointment as an ambassador. We may also recall another “golf ball” appointment when Jean, “da little guy from Shawinigan” appointed his nephew to an most important ambassadorial position. Was all that but an element or an aspect of polluted political patronage, cronyism or whatever that Canadians have grown to expect and accept?
The appointment of Lt. General Roméo Dallaire was a real “political coup”. This man has acquired the respect of most Canadians. Through his words, both spoken and written, Canadians have come to a better understanding of the meaning of genocide. He has a very good understanding of international affairs as well as those military. Canada will be well served by his participation in discussions and debates on subjects related to those two fields of endeavour. Canadians are honourd by this appointment.
As to the other eight appointments, although they may not have the respect of some Canadians, in general they are well qualified to sit as senators and to bring their voices to the committees of the Senate and top the senate floor.
We now can look forward to the next round of appointments of which three will go to residents of the Province of Quebec. Who might these “political” appointees be? Paul might know but he is not telling. It is hoped that he will do this before the Gomery report is produced but, if not, perhaps Justice Gomery will receive an appointment. He is still only 72 years of age; his appointment would be a richly deserved “political” appointment.
I have watched Senators functioning within their committees and must say that I am impressed with their performances. Some Canadians believe that the Senate should be abolished. Others have said that the Senators should be elected on some constituency basis. With these ideas, I can’t agree. Senators, with their personal thoughts and ideas, without any allegiance to a particular group, can function in due conscience and with self respect. I trust this to be the case; we are well served by our Senate, even when the members are politically appointed.
The average age of 66 for senators was recently reduced when 9 senators, brand new to the “Honourable” were announced. The average age of the 9 new “ones” is approximately 59. Apart from the fact that all senators must retire at age 75, the fact that some are younger than others means little as to the effectiveness of the senate. Older or younger means little when dedication to the tasks to which they are assigned is of greatest importance. All senator bring their talents to be shared in any deliberations that take place.
These appointments bring forth at least one statement of appreciation as the former Honourable Alfonso Gagliano, a minister of the Crown was not appointed to another Honourable position. If Jean Chrétien, the “golf ball”, the former prime minister, was still in power,who knows what might have happened. We recall that after "Alfie" left his previous position as a minister in disgrace, he was nevertheless given an “exotic golf ball” appointment as an ambassador. We may also recall another “golf ball” appointment when Jean, “da little guy from Shawinigan” appointed his nephew to an most important ambassadorial position. Was all that but an element or an aspect of polluted political patronage, cronyism or whatever that Canadians have grown to expect and accept?
The appointment of Lt. General Roméo Dallaire was a real “political coup”. This man has acquired the respect of most Canadians. Through his words, both spoken and written, Canadians have come to a better understanding of the meaning of genocide. He has a very good understanding of international affairs as well as those military. Canada will be well served by his participation in discussions and debates on subjects related to those two fields of endeavour. Canadians are honourd by this appointment.
As to the other eight appointments, although they may not have the respect of some Canadians, in general they are well qualified to sit as senators and to bring their voices to the committees of the Senate and top the senate floor.
We now can look forward to the next round of appointments of which three will go to residents of the Province of Quebec. Who might these “political” appointees be? Paul might know but he is not telling. It is hoped that he will do this before the Gomery report is produced but, if not, perhaps Justice Gomery will receive an appointment. He is still only 72 years of age; his appointment would be a richly deserved “political” appointment.
I have watched Senators functioning within their committees and must say that I am impressed with their performances. Some Canadians believe that the Senate should be abolished. Others have said that the Senators should be elected on some constituency basis. With these ideas, I can’t agree. Senators, with their personal thoughts and ideas, without any allegiance to a particular group, can function in due conscience and with self respect. I trust this to be the case; we are well served by our Senate, even when the members are politically appointed.
posted by croweagle at
10:36 PM
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