Rules for Orderly and Civil Debate.

They have been in place since the first British House of Commons in which Oliver Cromwell. figured prominently.

Over the centuries, there have been amendments but the principle remains the same. The right of each member to be heard is enshrined.

Civility is essential The rules have withstood the test. No organisation attempts to function without them. Lacking respect and consistent application, rules can be perverted and corrupted.

Mayhem ensues. As it did on Tuesday. People often ask how I endure. Well I do . But not always with equanimity.

It was not the first time the obstruction has been used. But it was a perfect example and for a change, I was not the target.

Councillor McRoberts properly filed notice of intent of two motions. They were listed as business to be decided. The Agenda was circulated. The public were apprised. The Agenda was approved by resolution.

When a Councillor is recognised by the chair, he is entitled to speak without interruption which has the effect of putting the speaker off his stride. It causes extreme irritation and is quite likely to cause an uncivil reaction. Ergo ... the rule.

When a point of order is raised, the speaker must stop speaking and take his seat until the point has been stated .

(Parliamentary rules also call for the member to rise and address the chair when speaking).

The point of order shall be stated clearly and succinctly. The member raising the point shall take his seat.

The chair shall rule either to accept or reject the point raised.

The chair's ruling may be challenged.

The chair shall put the challenge to a vote.

On Tuesday, MacEachern interrupted McRoberts as soon as he started to speak .She argued the
motion was a re-consideration of a previous motion and could not be considered at this time

The Chair accepted the point . The ruling was challenged and supported by the usual majority.

Responsibility for compiling the items of business to be dealt with rests with the Director of Corporate Services.

If the motion was a re-consideration, it was the responsibility of the Clerk not to place it on the agenda and advise the councillor accordingly.

That is not what happened. The motion was properly before the council .

Councillor McRoberts had prepared himself well. He knew the rules. .

No matter .

With Morris in the chair and MacEachern at her elbow, rules or no rules, nothing is permitted to happen or not to happen save and except it comes from the " inner circle of power"

I looked up the word "Oligarchy" in the dictionary this morning. It says; " a government in which a small group exercises control for corrupt or selfish purposes"

I think that just about captures the essence.

Without a single shot being fired, rights have been sucked right out from under us.