Describing them as "a social irritant and a threat to the Jewish character of the state," Israel is set to deport 60,000 African migrant workers, or, as they are being labelled, 'infiltrators,' all of whom were technically working illegally.
Despite its collective historical experience with racial profiling, the state apparently sees no tragic irony in this measure.
Despite my general disaffection with the mainstream media, I continue to be heartened by one of the few bright spots on the journalistic landscape, The Toronto Star.
Awarded a Citation of Merit on Tuesday evening at Rideau Hall for the work done by investigative reporter Kevin Donovan that uncovered the Ornge air ambulance scandal, president of the Michener Awards Foundation Russell Mills had this to say:
“Stories revealed a stunning lack of government oversight at a critical public service, in which senior managers benefited over those people the air ambulance service was supposed to be helping."
“The Star highlighted how millions of dollars were used to create everything from private companies to a charity, and to purchase new helicopters that were improperly outfitted.”
As a result of the series, whistle-blowers came forward to expose the shocking depths of the scandal.
Unlike most newspapers today, The Star continues to uphold the finest traditions of journalism that have traditionally played such an important part in protecting and promoting democracy.
I had an experience yesterday that served only to deepen my cynicism about the mainstream press (The Toronto Star being the sole exception). I called The Hamilton Spectator's Stephanie Crozier to suggest that her story about Friday's protest at the constituency office of my Conservative M.P., David Sweet, had overlooked an important element, the fact that a No Trespass sign had been erected at the entrance to the strip mall housing Mr. Sweet's office.
She told me that she didn't see how that was newsworthy. I tried to point out to her that it was a violation of our fundamental rights as citizens of a democracy, and that the kind of gated community mentality represented by the sign was perhaps also indicative of a deeper problem with what is happening in this country under Harper.
Her response was that the interdiction seemed reasonable, given that the owner's property had allegedly suffered some damage to plants some time ago. She had not pressed him on whether this damage had been caused by an individual or a group. As well, she had spoken to Sweet's office manager, who had stayed behind a locked constituency door during the protest, despite the fact that it was supposed to be open to constituents. Again, she saw this as perfectly reasonable.
While she was pleasant and cordial enough in our telephone discussion, I got the distinct impression as we ended our conversation that she had pegged me as some sort of crank.
Why am I even bothering to write about this? Is my ego so fragile that I cannot accept that my view did not hold sway over her? Not at all. It's just that when one remembers that a free press used to be regarded as a mainstay in protecting our democracy, it is yet another reminder of how debased our fragile democracy has become, and that the press has done little to mitigate that slide.
Action #23: Here are the next seven Conservative MPs. Please email them and ask that they "call in sick" on the day of the final budget vote. It will only take a few minutes of your time. By reporting back in a comment we will all be able to keep track of the campaign's progress. It will also encourage others to participate.
1. Dave MacKenzie: dave.mackenzie@parl.gc.ca
2. Phil McColeman: phil.mccoleman@parl.gc.ca
3. Costas Menegakis: Costas.Menegakis@parl.gc.ca
4. Rob Nicholson: rob.nicholson@parl.gc.ca
5. Rick Norlock: rick.norlock@parl.gc.ca
6. Gordon O'Connor: gordon.oconnor@parl.gc.ca
7. Joe Preston: joe.preston@parl.gc.ca
Be sure to email them all separately!
I know many of you are upset and outraged about the 2012 Budget Bill that Harper is trying to slam through parliament with his majority. Here is one quick little step you can take to help stop the Bill being passed - take away his majority! There were 7 Conservative MPs who missed the final budget vote earlier this year for a number of reasons, let's convince them again!
Action #20: Here is the set of seven Conservative MPs. Please email them and ask that they "call in sick" on the day of the final budget vote. It will only take a few minutes of your time. Please feel free to pass this along to encourage others to participate.
1. Michael Chong: michael.chong@parl.gc.ca
2. Joe Daniel: Joe.Daniel@parl.gc.ca
3. Barry Devolin: barry.devolin@parl.gc.ca
4. John Duncan: john.duncan@parl.gc.ca
5. Rick Dykstra: rick.dykstra@parl.gc.ca
6. Kerry-Lynne Findlay: Kerry-Lynne.Findlay@parl.gc.ca
7. Diane Finley: diane.finley@parl.gc.ca
Here are two possibilities for the text of the email:
Dear Honourable XXX,
I am emailing you to respectfully ask that you not participate in the upcoming budget vote -- call in sick instead. The process of including legislation in the budget bill circumvents our democratic process and makes a farce of our democracy. The erosion of democracy and citizens rights bit by bit leads ultimately to a dictatorial system. If the changes to environmental legislation are legitimate and have merit, then they will be able to withstand scrutiny in the house, in the press and in the minds of the people. Please defend our democracy and insist that this budget bill be divided up appropriately.
'Lest we forget' Hundreds of thousands of Canadian men and women have lost their lives in two world wars to protect our democracy. Think of their sacrifice.
Sincerely,
OR
Dear Honourable XXX,
I am emailing you to respectfully ask that you not participate in the upcoming budget vote -- call in sick instead. The gutting of 50 years of environmental legislation will have profound implications for the health and safety of Canadians, who are growing increasingly concerned about Budget 2012. If the changes to environmental legislation are legitimate and have merit, then they will be able to withstand scrutiny in a bill of their own. Please defend our democracy and insist that this budget be broken up into manageable bills.
Sincerely,
