Self-praise is no recommendation

Letter to the Editor -

Dear Editor,

I remember when, as a boy growing up on Random Island, I would often hear people speak in a colloquial manner rather than in a strict grammatical fashion.

For example, it was usually said that so and so was 'comin' to dinner rather than 'coming' to dinner. To say 'coming' might be interpreted by some that you were 'grand' or 'putting on airs'.

In the same vein dear old Aunt Annie would pronounce that such and such a person was too 'fullish' (meaning foolish) for works' and Uncle John would assert Bill was 'as fullish as odd socks'.

It is in this context I make a few observations about the 'words of wisdom' coming out of the mouths of our Honorable Members of the House of Assembly.

Foolishness? Silliness?

Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing?

Yes, these things and much more.

Let me illustrate with a few examples of these so-called Honorable Members praising the Premier - and themselves - to High Heaven; sure, 'tis a wonder they don't sprout wings and fly away before our very eyes. The like has not been heard before.

Listen: We need a champion; we now have that champion in the Premier (Finance Minister Marshall)

We've done extremely well and turned things around under the guidance of the Premier (Development Minister Skinner)

There's not a more passionate Newfoundlander, a more passionate leader, a more committed leader, a more visionary leader than our Premier (Justice Minister Collins)

We have the most dynamic Premier this province has ever seen (MHA Collins)

This province is truly blessed to have a premier of the caliber of Premier Williams (MHA Davis)

Premier Williams handling of the expropriation of Abitibi property of Grand Falls was one of the best moves ever made by a Premier (Environment Minister Johnson)

Need I go on? This litany of self-praise by politicians has cluttered the media in recent months.

One after another they have seized every opportunity, it seems, to dazzle the electorate with a barrage of words describing the magnificent government - especially the Premier - we are privileged to have.

What did we ever do to deserve these guardian angles?

One more serious note, why do our members carry on in this, as uncle John would say if he were alive, "fullish" way? Are they praising themselves continually to make themselves believe that is so? Do they think if they repeat it often enough, the voters will also think it is true?

Do they heap praise upon themselves to hide a feeling of insecurity? Why throw accolades the Premier's way almost every time they open their months? Could the motive here be to help them feel more secure in their own niche?

If I were the Premier, I think I would be embarrassed by this adulation thrown at me.

And I would doubt its sincerity. The Premier, I submit, is a very intelligent and able individual and quite capable of ending for himself.

Sure, he needs the support of caucus; sure, he needs their understanding and loyalty.

But that, I would suggest, is a far cry from the utter 'fullishness' that's going on. The members are making laughing stocks of themselves, and very few people pay any attention to them anymore.

May I add if you must speak, make sure you have your facts straight because as recent events have unfolded you have, as often as not been shown to not know what you are talking about.

I'm almost tempted to paraphrase the old adage 'Sometimes it is better to...' ( (Oh, well, you know the rest.)

I'm reminded of the words of advice my mother used to give me on occasion when I was growing up - it went something like this: 'Whatever you're doing George, give it you best effort and if it deserves any praise, let others do that because, my son remember self praise is no recommendation'.

Are you listening, MHAs? Or are you too busy talking?

George Martin

Clarenville