Senate page stunt was nothing but a temper tantrum

If I were to interrupt Senate chamber with some sort of a makeshift traffic sign, I’d surely pick something a little more interesting than “STOP.”

Sorry, Brigette. I know you thought your “STOP HARPER!” sign was pretty nifty, but with a whole assembly of traffic signs and symbols to adopt for partisan purposes, why go for the most predictable choice?

How about something a little more positive, such as a bright red “YIELD” triangle? That way, you could get your five minutes of fame while also emblematically encouraging better decorum in the House of Commons. Or, if you’re looking for something with a little more snark, how about a reflective “WATCH FOR CHILDREN” sign? Of course, the best messages are often the most concise, so with that in mind, a simple “SLOW” should do the trick.

Of course, it doesn’t really matter what sign Senate page Brigette DePape used to interrupt the Speech from the Throne June 3, because the stunt was clearly void of any practical purpose. Of course, DePape’s press release gave vague allusions to Canada’s need to stop the Harper agenda, as well as misguided desire for a “Canadian version of an Arab Spring,” but DePape’s childish exploit served to achieve neither one of these goals.

Some have admired DePape, calling her “bright” and “brave” for her rogue act. But it is not admirable to abuse professional position to get access to the Senate floor. Nor is it bright to engage in some supposed form of civil disobedience with no pragmatic purpose in mind. The Silent Sentinels could be called “bright” and “brave” for engaging in civil disobedience to win American women the right to vote, but DePape, for her thirty seconds of Senate spotlight, hasn’t earned that.

Sorry DePape. “DEAD END.” Your stunt was just a show.