Air turbulence...

The Force is presently flying through some 'chop'. Turbulent air can slow the aircraft and also affect the Captain and other Officers in flight. The majority of passengers on board are tolerant but anxious. This is expected and understandable. They have kept the unusual flight conditions to themselves rather than jeopardize the good reputation of the Airline. This is admirable.

A few passengers cannot wait to land; to face the media and to publicize and criticize every word and action of the Captain as he tries to bring the aircraft under control.

Meanwhile on the ground...

There are a few topics in our society which are not commonly mentioned in polite circles. The colour or style of your child's underwear comes to mind. Teachers and playmates don't need to know -- it's kept in the family. Likewise, most children learn in the home when to remain quiet during dinner or what topics to avoid if Aunt Bessie drops in for a visit. There is no reason for anyone in the family to be embarrassed. Respect for each other has well been observed in the family unit across time and culture.

A member of an organization knows what to say, when to say it and to whom. In the sports world a player does not bypass the coach and complain to the CEO. An office employee does not communicate ill intentions to the bank President. A university student of medicine, engineering or law does not speak directly to the Dean about their dissatisfaction without first speaking to the Department Head.

In any organization, reasons will arise for concern. It is absolutely impossible to have all human beings in a group agree whether that be within the family, a sports team, a volunteer committee or the work site. Generally speaking, discussions of a sensitive nature are kept in-house so that debatable points can be argued, rangled over, analyzed and decided upon within the framework of the organization. There comes a time when everyone is on board with the goals of the organization.

Members of the RCMP understand the organizational term 'chain of command'. It does not behoove any member of the RCMP to display a lack of respect for this long established tradition. No one argues that there are problems to be fixed within the RCMP. Open conversation is essential and willingness to change will strengthen the Force.

However, to involve the media and to address concerns in public are not helpful approaches. Problems must be thrashed out internally. It is a common social norm not to air personal dirty laundry in public so that every Canadian might hear it.

I read with dismay in the local Ottawa Citizen that certain members permitted the publication of private letters which were meant for the sole attention of the Commissioner. Allowing these letter to be available to the press was a low tactic. These members have discredited themselves. This tactic is not acceptable in any organization. It is injurious to the entire RCMP.

I firmly believe that any member who goes beyond acceptable social norms or organizational traditions ought to seriously consider the harm which they have afflicted on the Commissioner and his strategies to advance the Force.

In the Officer Corps, anyone who adopts a position which is firmly entrenched and contrary to the good intentions of the Commissioner knows to resign.

The same action applies to other ranks. Constables and NCO's have an internal trail through which they can voice they displeasure. If they do so, and are not satisfied, they should attend their CO's office and call the Commissioner and apologize. Then quit.

In the RCMP, to feel the point of the sword is a rich entitlement for everyone.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685