The NDPs extremist reaction to the “elbowing” incident was angering, immature and deserving of scorn, and our response to it could further such dramatics.
When we bear witness to inappropriate actions it is human nature to answer it with an equal or greater reaction, which is why for centuries those who acted against the common good have been scorned by their society. In following those norms we might naturally condemn Trudeau and Mulcair, along with Brosseau, Van Loan, Ambrose and others for dramatizing the moment, but engaging in that manner threatens to validate the inflated magnitude of the incident and if we follow the example set by many our leaders last week that engagement would be rooted in exaggeration and intolerance, and in the end we would be well rehearsed for playing our parts in the next drama with even greater depth and conviction.
None of this is good for the society of Canada – it divides us as a people and moves us one step further along the divisive path our neighbors to the south have taken.
I would hope that our MPs can overcome their conspicuous inclination towards party politics and instead set an example of intelligent consideration, and unity.
Jeff Christopherson
Qualicum Beach