Defending freedom to choose even when we don't like what people choose!

"I, like some of you, find the racist message and extreme socialist policies of the EFF obnoxious, however, I am inclined to believe that in the interests of a strong democratic SA we must put aside our likes and dislikes in order to defend our freedoms - including freedom of speech and expression in Parliament.

Now don't get me wrong I have grown to respect the institution of Parliament second to none and I am very vocal on my disappointment that opposition politics has caused South Africans to disrespect and under-value this important institution which does an important work as the representative, people's Parliament it is.

Tracking my path over 15 plus years as a Member of Parliament may give some insight into my thinking.

I was nothing if not an activist when I first came to Parliament - I knew what I knew and had no problem saying it like I saw it or 'heard it'!  I often took the liberty of calling the ANC murderers - amongst other things. Today I am not proud of it but I smile at my ignorance, arrogance and lack of knowledge. I clearly felt courageous and was fearless for my cause - respect and humility being ignored in my zealous efforts.  I was also rewarded with the respect of fellow zealots who like me somehow thought our cause was best served by cliches, sarcasm bad manners and being disrespectful!
Like the EFF I did my share of being disruptive, spoke out of turn reacting to statements I didn't agree with in meetings and in the National Assembly - I was always looking for the most radical way to get my point across.

It didn't take me too long fortunately to get acquainted with the rules and practices of Parliament - and to figure out that there was a better way - a way that did not disrespect people and cause them to shut their ears to what I was saying - a way to play the ball and not the man. I also began to understand that it was of far greater benefit to understand the issues from multiple perspectives before assuming I had the answers.  It is easy to see things through our eyes but that is never the whole picture.

I remember my attitude being reflected in what I wore on many occasion as I paid little attention to dressing for the Opening of Parliament each year And favoured pants suits and even sandals - so much easier to work the long hours and survive the tiring oversight work.

All members of Parliament - not just opposition parties - should in my opinion protect our freedoms and the rights of minorities.  Believe it or not - the ANC has on many occasion been better at that than the opposition has!  Yes most of us at Parliament right now are offended by the intolerance and rude behavior of the EFF and we will allow the rules of Parliament to draw some lines - what we cannot and must not do is become defensive and redraw those lines more restrictively than they need to be for purposes of getting our work done as efficiently and effectively as democracy will allow.

The EFF will grow up - some may remain disrespectful, bitter and rude - it is their choice to do so - others will reflect the growth in their lives and we will all be the better for it.  Choice must remain an option!  The DA are themselves facing interesting choices - having been guilty of obnoxious and disruptive behavior in Parliament over many years they are now showing signs of choosing to grow up - growth is always impressive!

The way I see it - from my own experience - after five years you may not have changed visibly but like it or not your 'eyes have been opened'.   After ten years you do not think at all like you did when you first came to Parliament but you can still open your mouth and recite the same rhetoric - after 15 years you are ready to do the job you came to do with the necessary knowledge and tools acquired."

Besides, defending freedom to choose even when we don't like what people choose - seems to me a "God thing" to do!