The Devaluation of “Scandal”
It used to be fashionably derogatory to call Italians, Wops, but that word is seldom heard, now. We have matured as a society, and Italian-born Canadians, like myself, find it easy to ignore the pathetic examples that still use the word. When we do hear it, we do not initiate a movement to banish the perpetrator to Siberia for social rehabilitation. This desire would effectively eradicate, not the deed itself, but its history, which has taught us what was wrong with the deed in the first place.
The current hue and cry, by all the obvious suspects, to banish MP Tom Lukiwski, is a perfect example of such a mistake. Mr. Lukiwski said something in the past which, for good or bad, reflected values of the time. Society has matured and censored those who repeat such phrases today. Our justice system has evolved to reflect the new societal norms. Squashing the MP with all the firepower being advised by opposition MPs, and gay rights advocates, is nothing more than an attempt to rewrite history. It is an attempt to silence every past source of unacceptable behaviour, and, having thus whitewashed history, an invitation to repeat history’s mistakes.
It is something else, as well. It is a further example of the cheapened value of the word scandal. The number of “scandals” which have recently mired the wheels of parliament, is scandalous. Were it not for Mr. Harper’s ability to ensnare the Liberals in their own web of mendacity, and force needed legislation past their ineffective bleatings, parliament would have become a legislative version of the National Enquirer.
The opposition is so incapable of contributing anything of value to the lives of Canadians, that the search for another Conservative scandal has completely derailed any pretense at alternative policies, or visible principle. What passes for opposition at this time, amounts to a mugging of the Canadian taxpayer. Another parliamentary inquest on the subject, is parallel to striking a debate at the ship’s bridge, and leaving the helm to fend for itself.
The NDP who outed Mr. Lukiwski and now sit on the sidelines with feigned impartiality must reap the reward that a snitch deserves. Their shallowness contends amongst the infamous with the likes of Judas. Where was their outrage when they supported the rancid Liberal government in the depths of adscam? What more can be said about them except that never has the constituent been so poorly served?
The Lukiwski affair, has no place in parliament and should be subject solely to the judgement of Canadians at large. The sensitivities of gays (Is that still an acceptable word, or am I ready for rehab?) have the full force of current societal norms to bolster them. The sight of jackboots to the throat of a closet homophobe, and the fear of language chill, does nothing to further the cause of gays in a progressive society. If we all must feel this fear, for fear of what we may have once thought or said, gays will only reap backlash. The battle is won, and a great victor is a gracious one.
April 6th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Interestingly, my 8 yo son was over at a friends this weekend who taught him the old way of saying “Iny Miny Miny Moe”. In horror the mother apologized profusely for her sons actions, which I accept. My son didn’t know what the problem was because he didn’t understand the word. The discussion on the way home was a) some select words are offensive to people and more importantly b) in polite society, you do more to damage yourself when a degrogatory term is used.
As for this incident, it was 17 plus years ago, I think we have all changed as a society since then.
I still don’t agree with gay culture or the gayifying of straight culture, but let’s cut the guy some slack. He will face the slings and arrows of polite society that Canada still has (save for the Liberal party who are without shame).
April 21st, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Conservatives hate gays. What’s the problem?
It is entirely appropriate for Parliament to censure the behaviour of one of its own.
Lukiwski should do the honourable thing and resign. I am shocked that you would defend his terrbile behaviour.
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Your clairvoyance is stunning, as usual.
Let me be just as specious as you are, and say, that Liberals hate logic. What’s the problem?
You want to condemn something that happened in the past, by the standards of the moment. By that yardstick, many of the world’s greats fall by the wayside, and probably, you first.