The most frequently televised image of the U.S. Congress is the congressional hearing: senators sitting in judge-like dignity on a dais, interrogating some brilliant or villainous (but always interesting) witness.The most frequently televised image of the Canadian Parliament is the daily Question Period: opposition members and cabinet ministers adversarially seated two sword lengths apart, hurling insults and retorts in the guise of questions and answers across the floor of the House of Commons.
Our American friends display one of the most attractive features of their elected chamber on TV; we display one of the least attractive features of ours. So what should be done?
Well, watching pompous morons like Barbara Boxer or Henry Waxman in action is not exactly what I'd call attractive; on the other hand, Marlene Jennings is as stupid as any three of 'em put together, so you might have a point.
Comments (4)
I'm not convinced that we need to reform Question Period.
Posted by Patrick Ross | May 21, 2010 9:03 PM
Posted on May 21, 2010 21:03
Actually we should turn question period into "question and answer period".
Posted by advocate | May 21, 2010 11:50 PM
Posted on May 21, 2010 23:50
I think they should drag Chuck Barris out of retirement to moderate both the senate hearings and question period. Talk about a gong show!
Posted by Powell Lucas | May 22, 2010 8:44 AM
Posted on May 22, 2010 08:44
By November 2010, Barbara "The Brooklyn Yenta" Boxer will be known as "former Senator."
Posted by Sisyphus | May 31, 2010 11:29 AM
Posted on May 31, 2010 11:29