Discourse on Parliamentary Madness

Socratic Dialogue

In the tranquil haven of a serene garden, Socrates and Cephalus engage in a dialogue that mirrors the chaos unfolding within the chambers of their beloved Parliament. As Socrates lounges comfortably beneath the protective embrace of a shady tree, Cephalus approaches with a troubled countenance, bearing the weight of recent events that have plunged their once noble assembly into turmoil.

The characters: Socrates, a classical Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy and made famous for his role in Plato’s dialogues, where he engages in discussions with various interlocutors to explore philosophical concepts, and Cephalus, a character who appears in Plato’s dialogue “Republic” and who is an elderly man and a wealthy merchant, known for his piety and integrity.

Cephalus: Socrates, my friend, I come to you burdened by the weight of recent events in our beloved Parliament. It seems that chaos reigns supreme, and I cannot help but wonder if our once noble assembly has descended into madness.

Socrates: Ah, Cephalus, your distress is palpable. Pray, enlighten me on the happenings within the hallowed halls of our Parliament. What calamities have befallen our esteemed lawmakers?

Cephalus: It pains me to say, Socrates, but the very fabric of our democracy is unravelling before our eyes. Picture this, Socrates: the Speaker, once a paragon of impartiality, is now accused of playing favourites like a kid in a candy store. And the opposition? They’re like actors in a Shakespearean tragedy, silenced by the tyrannical director wielding the gavel! And just at the last sitting, the Speaker even had the audacity to utter ‘Rest in Peace’ to the Leader of the Opposition when ordering his suspension!

Socrates: Fascinating indeed, Cephalus. It appears that the ideals of democracy are under siege, and the guardians of our institutions have faltered in their duty to uphold the principles of justice and fairness. But tell me, how did we arrive at such a lamentable state?

Cephalus: The root of the problem lies, perhaps, in the erosion of trust and respect among our lawmakers. The Speaker, charged with maintaining order and facilitating dialogue, is perceived to have instead become a partisan actor, beholden to the whims of the ruling party. This breach of trust has sown discord and resentment, leading to a breakdown in parliamentary decorum.

Socrates: And what of the role of the Prime Minister in all this turmoil? Does he not bear some responsibility for the state of affairs in our Parliament?

Cephalus: Oh, Socrates, it’s like the Prime Minister’s lost the script and decided to ad-lib his way through the whole production! He’s the director, the producer, and the lead actor, all rolled into one chaotic package. As the leader of the House and the nominator of the Speaker, he wields considerable influence over parliamentary affairs. Yet, his failure to prioritize the principles of democracy and good governance over narrow partisan interests has only exacerbated the crisis.

Socrates: It appears, then, that the malaise afflicting our Parliament runs deep, permeating the very foundations of our democratic system. But tell me, Cephalus, do you believe there is hope for redemption? Can our lawmakers reclaim the dignity and decorum befitting their office, at least during the final days of this Parliament before the country goes for general elections?

Cephalus: Ah, Socrates, that is a question that weighs heavily on my mind. While the path to redemption may be fraught with obstacles, I dare to hope that through decisive action and a renewed commitment to democratic principles, our Parliament can emerge from the shadows of madness and reclaim its rightful place as the cornerstone of our democracy.

Socrates: Your optimism is commendable, Cephalus, for it is in times of crisis that the true character of a nation is revealed. Let us not lose faith in the resilience of our democratic institutions, nor in the capacity of our lawmakers to rise above petty partisanship and work towards the common good.

Cephalus: Indeed, Socrates, let us hold fast to the belief that reason and integrity will prevail in the end, and that the madness that grips our Parliament shall be but a fleeting moment in the annals of history.

With renewed hope and determination, Socrates and Cephalus continue their dialogue, seeking solace and wisdom amidst the tumultuous currents of political strife.

Socrates: My dear Cephalus, your concerns about our Parliament’s descent into madness have sparked a curious thought in my mind. Do you suppose that perhaps we have stumbled upon the elusive answer to an age-old riddle?

Cephalus: And what riddle might that be, Socrates?

Socrates: Why, the riddle of the Sphinx, of course! For what could be more perplexing than the enigma of how a group of supposedly rational individuals can transform a venerable institution into a veritable circus?

Cephalus: Ha! Indeed, Socrates, it seems we have uncovered the true identity of the Sphinx at last: a bumbling band of buffoons in ill-fitting togas, stumbling over their own feet in a desperate attempt to outdo each other in the art of political buffoonery!

Socrates: And what a spectacle it is, my friend! Why, I daresay even Dionysus himself would blush at the antics unfolding within the walls of our Parliament. One can only imagine the uproarious laughter echoing through Mount Olympus as our lawmakers engage in their weekly farce.

Cephalus: Ah, but let us not forget the tragicomedy of it all, Socrates. For while we may find amusement in the absurdity of their antics, we must also recognize the gravity of the situation. The very foundations of our democracy are being shaken to their core by the reckless behaviour of those entrusted with its stewardship.

Socrates: Quite so, Cephalus. But amidst this carnival of chaos, do you believe there’s hope for redemption? Can our lawmakers trade in their clown shoes for statesman’s boots?

Cephalus: Ah, Socrates, the optimist in me says yes, but the realist wonders if we’re all just living in a tragicomedy penned by a cosmic playwright with a wicked sense of humour.

Socrates: Perhaps, my friend, but let us not lose faith in the power of reason and the resilience of the human spirit. For even in the darkest of times, there’s always a punchline waiting to be discovered.

Cephalus: Hear, hear, Socrates! Let us toast to the enduring power of laughter and the hope that one day, our Parliament will be the envy of all the world’s comedy clubs!

With a raucous laugh and a clink of their imaginary goblets, Socrates and Cephalus raise a toast to the absurdity of it all, finding solace in the shared belief that even in the midst of madness, there’s always room for a good joke.

 

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Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 24 May 2024