Difficult Times

One of my favourite films won an Academy Award for cinematography in 1965. The name of the film was “Ship of Fools.” On most any day we can now see, on television, the “House of Fools”. No, I am being unkind, I should say the “House of Foolishness” where our representatives to the Federal Parliament shout, pound desks, and make all sorts of sounds coupled with words to drown out the words and comments made by members on the “other side.” Where we expect civil debate, we find individuals wanting to gain political points. The issues become clouded and the public frequently turned off.

In the “House of Foolishness”, would anyone want to address the Canadian public? The Prime Minister did want to address the Canadian people but he chose to do so from his office. There he could feel much more comfortable; he would be able to feel at home.

This he did tonight. Seldom do prime ministers address the public directly from their offices. It is done when there is a crisis situation for the nation. Do we have a national crisis at the present time? No! Is the Liberal party in crisis mode? Yes!

The Gomery Commission revelations have been shocking and most disturbing. The prime minister would like to see an election called after Mr. Justice Gomery presents his report and recommendations in December. The parties in opposition might prefer a much earlier date. The Canadian public is ambivalent.

My personal preference would be for an election in October. Let us have a pleasant summer and after schools reopen and the cooler fall weather is with us, we would have the ideal time for an election.

In any case, we live in difficult times: in very difficult political times!