Parliament on the Potomac

WASHINGTON D.C. - Bob Rae cracked the entire bus up when he told the story of being Richard Nixon’s paperboy back in the 1960s and only getting a ten-cent tip for Christmas from the politician.  ”Even back then I seemed to have trouble with the Republicans,” he said to laughter once again. Deepak Obhrai (Conservative) told funny stories of his own visits. The two Bloc members, ably working through issues with an interpreter.  Paul Dewar (NDP) slipped in to have coffee with me and discussed his own sincere and moving hopes for Canada’s image in the world. Chair Kevin Sorenson (Conservative) was ably leading us through the numerous meetings.All were members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, here in Washington D.C. for meetings with our American counterparts and to discuss the vital relationship between the two countries that shared the longest undefended border in the world. It was something to watch, as members from each Canadian party worked harmoniously to present the Canadian position in ways that were positive and constructive. Of course, we had to. These were the “big guys” after all and we had to present an image of professionalism and serious outlook. The arrival of Obama has brought a sea change here to Washington - openly acknowledged by every bureaucrat and politician we are encountering here. It’s a new day, saddled with enormous economic challenges, but nevertheless a time where opportunity yet abounds. They have nothing but compliments for the sheer professionalism of our staff at the Canadian embassy (the most attractive embassy in Washington). We wholeheartedly agreed, after dealing with the embassy staff at different times during the day.We discussed matters of mutual interest and shared concern - Afghanistan, the Americas, Africa, international aid, NATO, trade. We all took our role seriously and pulled our act together for the sake of Canada’s image to these important neighbours. I was impressed by all of them.There was only one problem. Leaving a meeting at the State Department late in the afternoon yesterday, I was asked by a State Department official what I thought of the doings in the House of Commons during the day’s Question Period. I confessed I had been in meetings all day and hadn't heard. Finally on the Internet in the evening, I read the accounts of QP and of the hyper-partisan attacks. Again, it was saddening. He we were with major players, acting professional and serious with some of the high people in the American administration, while back home it was partisan business as usual. Our teams had let us down. We had put aside our differences here to make an impact, and under Mr. Sorenson's help I think we did, but it was being eroded at home. The saddest part of it all was that it was a State Department official who alerted me to the conduct in our own Parliament. This is hokey stuff and deserves better from all of us.Parliamentarians on the Potomac working responsibly in the midst of great challenges. Parliamentarians in the House of Commons? Gawd!