Stupidity seems to have infected the political class including- MLA’s, ministers, and political staff.
What do they NOT get about restricting travel during the COVID pandemic, especially in provinces with a lock down in place?
It is pretty simple- when the health advice on federal and provincial websites is asking you to stay at home- why would you take off for Hawaii, the UK, or a Caribbean island?
All have the same ridiculous apology to offer- they are so sorry. Sure, once they got caught!
One premier-Jason Kenney even offered some cover for his bunch of delinquents. Why?
Every one of these travelers should pay a political price for their stupidity.
While the spotlight is usually on government members, even the opposition can get caught up in feeling too self-important. Sadly, the “don’t do as I do, just do what I say” attitude inflicts politicians and staff at all levels and in all parties.
Yes, they are entitled to a holiday- try a staycation like the rest of us.
This feeling of entitlement is quite common when governments are into their second or third mandate, but some of these are first term governments. I can only imagine what these individuals will be like if they survive into a second or third mandate.
The best advice we used to give our MPs was think before you act and how would it look on the front page of the Globe and Mail or Toronto Star?
It is this type of entitled behavior that makes a mockery of their own governments pandemic efforts and encourages the population to also flout the rules.
I doubt they can be fined or docked pay, but I would love their bosses to publicly ask them to donate their entire salary (for the days they broke the rules) to a charity, preferably one working with COVID-19 patients.
Maybe then they will learn they are not so important or above the rules the rest of us live by.
What do you think?
Keith Beardsley is a former senior political staffer and advisor to five federal party leaders with over 40 years of political involvement including both opposition and government roles.
