Does the Harper government need to learn how to play nice?

There has been a lot of press lately, about the Harper Conservatives' penchant for using heavy-handed tactics to govern the country.

Vancouver Sun columnist Barbara Yaffe cited several examples of what she calls the Harper government's "mean streak", in her column Thursday.

The respected journalist writes about how, in recent weeks, Opposition MPs have complained about the repeated use of closure by the Conservative government as it moves to get several bills passed by the Commons before the Christmas break.

She wrote about the their decision to deny Green Party leader Elizabeth May accreditation to attend the Durban conference on climate change.

And she opined about the Harper government's preoccupation with accountability, rather than compassion, in the continuing saga at Attawapiskat.

Yaffe's column is certainly a good overview of the authoritative nature of the Harper government.

But this is nothing new.

For decades, opposition parties, journalists, and those that disagree with prime ministers have accused majority governments of abusing their powers.

In 2000, the Globe and Mail wrote this about Jean Chretien:

"He has become a one-man band, loving power for its own sake (witness his premature election call), terrorizing backbench MPs who might seek an independent voice when confidence isn't at stake...and in general treating his position as lord of a fief rather than as a public trust."

Also in 2000, Canadian Alliance MP, Deborah Grey made this statement, taking a swipe at both Chretien and Brian Mulroney:

"The (Liberal) government has now broken the all time record set by Brian Mulroney for shutting down debate in the House. Mulroney used closure 66 times but with this government we are up to 67."

Many also complained about Pierre Trudeau and his "my way or the highway" persona.

So, are the Conservatives really 'big meanies'?

Or, are they just another majority government, in a long line of majority governments, that use the powers bestowed upon them to push forward their agenda?