A call for decency in Parliament

The Editor: The ongoing erosion of decorum and respect within the highest echelons of our republic is a matter of grave concern. Parliament, once revered as a sanctuary for constructive debate and national advancement, has increasingly devolved into a platform for hostility, personal vendettas, and blatant disregard for the electorate. Both sides of the political spectrum have exhibited behavior unworthy of the nation’s leaders. The pervasive bitterness, arrogance, and verbal aggression not only reflect a lack of mutual respect but also a profound disrespect for the public, including schoolchildren and citizens who observe these proceedings with growing disillusionment. Parliament is intended to embody service, accountability, and exemplary conduct. However, when elected officials prioritize theatrics over substantive discourse, they undermine public trust and weaken the democratic foundation of our society. The refusal to address legitimate inquiries, the cacophony of shouting across the floor, and the apparent unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue all contribute to the degradation of our republic’s dignity and the principles our forebears valiantly defended. The citizenry deserves leaders who embody grace, humility, and respect—leaders capable of disagreeing without dishonor, debating without disdain, and representing without ridicule. It is imperative that Parliament reverts to a culture of decency, maturity, and national responsibility. Our children are watching, and the future of our nation hinges on the examples we set today. Nicholas Ashby, via e-mail.