I have been reading a biography of William Gladstone who was prime minister of England several times in the nineteeth century. He was also a spendid orator with one and two hour speeches in Parliament. One can only lament that political speechmaking in the House of Commons no longer takes place. If you want to hear what a cabinet minister has to say – beyond being a smartass at Question Period – you have to be a member of the Canadian Club or some business organization that occasionally asks a senior minister to address them.
In fact, the House of Commons is adrift in paper as members read what they've written or have had their staff write for them. They can't even ask a question that isn't scribbled on a piece of paper. The speeches I have heard lately have been pretty boring. And why not, there is hardly anyone in the House to listen.
Once, as I remember, it was forbidden to read speeches or questions. Members had to learn to speak and the House and the visitors were better for it. I love a good speech but I won't sit still while some guy reads his cliches in a monotone as quickly as possible.
Perhaps a wise Parliament may someday restore the no reading rule so we can learn a great deal more about the members. . . their learning, there passions, their wit.
And they may remember: A good speech, like a woman's skirt, should be long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest.
Ends
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