Sometimes you have to really love the Internet. Witness this new Liberal online ad, a response to the Harper government's misspending of G8 money:
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Why Is The Story Of G8 Unethical Spending Important?
In normal circumstances, I suspect the story of the Harper government's dissolute and dishonest spending on G8 pork in contravention of its stated Parliamentary purpose to alleviate border congestion would not have 'legs', as they say in journalism. However, as critical thinkers who follow politics know, this dishonesty is symptomatic of a much larger problem that has defined the Conservatives since they assumed office.
Much has already been written about their contempt for democracy, their abuse and disrespect for Parliament, their disdain for MPs who are not part of the fold, etc., so there is no reason for repetition here. But I think this latest indicator of the amorality of those who have the hypocrisy to say they serve the people of Canada is a timely reminder of what is at stake in this election.
Although I do not believe it is generally useful or productive to reduce issues to absolutes, I think that absolutes are precisely what we have to consider before we cast our ballot: Do we want a government that at least has a semblance of concern for the well-being of Canada, both the nation and the people that comprise that nation? If we do, I don't see how we could vote for the Harper Conservatives.
However, if we want a government that is contemptuous of traditional Canadian values, that has a vision of a Canada comprised solely of rugged individuals whose chief concern is personal freedom, a government in which 'quaint' virtues such as honesty, compassion and integrity don't matter and whose pursuit of power is its highest value, then, of course, we will vote Conservative.
I don't especially like what I have just written, but the polarizing nature of Harper, his minions, and his tactics have taken me to a dark place in my thoughts, a place I hoped I had abandoned a long time ago. I honestly believe that the health of the Canadian psyche is at stake here, perhaps the most compelling reason to vote with an eye toward good principled government, or at least the honest pursuit of one.
Much has already been written about their contempt for democracy, their abuse and disrespect for Parliament, their disdain for MPs who are not part of the fold, etc., so there is no reason for repetition here. But I think this latest indicator of the amorality of those who have the hypocrisy to say they serve the people of Canada is a timely reminder of what is at stake in this election.
Although I do not believe it is generally useful or productive to reduce issues to absolutes, I think that absolutes are precisely what we have to consider before we cast our ballot: Do we want a government that at least has a semblance of concern for the well-being of Canada, both the nation and the people that comprise that nation? If we do, I don't see how we could vote for the Harper Conservatives.
However, if we want a government that is contemptuous of traditional Canadian values, that has a vision of a Canada comprised solely of rugged individuals whose chief concern is personal freedom, a government in which 'quaint' virtues such as honesty, compassion and integrity don't matter and whose pursuit of power is its highest value, then, of course, we will vote Conservative.
I don't especially like what I have just written, but the polarizing nature of Harper, his minions, and his tactics have taken me to a dark place in my thoughts, a place I hoped I had abandoned a long time ago. I honestly believe that the health of the Canadian psyche is at stake here, perhaps the most compelling reason to vote with an eye toward good principled government, or at least the honest pursuit of one.
Some Useful Tuesday Links
The CBC website has some useful links revolving around the G8 controversy and the upcoming debate.
Monday, April 11, 2011
The Romance is Over, Stephen
In this video, women discuss why they can no longer continue their relationship with Mr. Harper.
More Harper Government Lies and Misdirection
While this is hardly news, the CBC reports more lies and misdirection from the Harper regime.
He Who Controls The Media Controls The Truth
Were this April 1st, I would have dismissed the following story as simply a prank, a kind of satire on the anti-democratic propensities of the Harper government which, as all of us who follow politics know, runs 'a closed shop' administration. Numerous posts and stories have reminded us of the multitude of measures practised by the regime demonstrating its antipathy towards anything resembling an open exchange of ideas, choosing instead to 'manage the message' through fear, anger, innuendo, and character assassination. In other words, for those who pay attention to such things, the Harper regime's contempt for democracy has been breathtakingly transparent.
Imagine how much more power to control, manipulate, and frighten that these goose-steppers will have if they realize their dream of media control that is being reported by the CBC in an article entitled: Harper to create government-run media centre: report
As they used to say, read all about it here.
Imagine how much more power to control, manipulate, and frighten that these goose-steppers will have if they realize their dream of media control that is being reported by the CBC in an article entitled: Harper to create government-run media centre: report
As they used to say, read all about it here.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
John Ibbitson on Voter Suppression
John Ibbitson has an interesting online article entitled 'Voter suppression' the Canadian way. I have long-suspected that the Conservatives, with their extensive record of contempt for democracy, are using this election campaign to both appeal to their base and to discourage non-supporters from voting, thereby giving a minority the ability to help determine the future shape of our country.
Harper's efforts at fear-mongering, his sowing of suspicion and anger, his relentlessly negative ads may indeed serve the goal of voter suppression.
Take a look at the article and see what you think.
Harper's efforts at fear-mongering, his sowing of suspicion and anger, his relentlessly negative ads may indeed serve the goal of voter suppression.
Take a look at the article and see what you think.
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