Monday, July 03, 2006
Happy (Be Vigilant) Canada Day
Now the rant (you were warned by the title):
Canada has elected a minority Conservative government with a Prime Minister who is slick, smart, power-hungry and very much from the neo-conservative (with a touch of Jesus) background. Here are some things to keep in mind as we praise this country for its tolerance, reasonableness, compassion and beauty (which it has).
- We have removed ourselves from the Kyoto climate change accord with no replacement policy and lots of sucking up to oil interests.
- Same sex marriage is legal across the land - our new PM will bring it back to Parliament in the fall and offer the chance to reverse that.
- Decriminalization of marijuana was to be legislated this year (no criminal charges or record for possession of small amounts) - gone now.
- Big budget increases for police, borders, military, spies and customs... cuts to the budgets of the arts and culture, CBC, the environment, First Nations accord, childcare programs and more.
- The UN Human Rights Council worked for 10 years to bring forward a Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This important work was led by Canadians. Last week, when the Council voted to take it forward to the General Assembly, only 2 nations voted against it. You guessed it - Canada was one of them.
- Canada continues to have its own version of Anti-Terrorism law (Bill C-36) and it uses it. A number of men have been imprisoned now for up to 4 years - no charges, no trials, no information to them or their lawyers, indefinite imprisonment.
- Outcry against US 'torture planes' flying kidnapped prisoners through Canada's airspace? Not yet. We probably bring the coffee on for the pilots.
- Government protest and outcry against Guantanamo Bay Gulag? Not lately.
Be vigilant. Think of your children and grandchildren and don't fall asleep under this regime.
Still happy in Canada...but keeping an eye on the gnomes at the wheel,
Your Canadian Friend
I'm gone 3years and this is what happens?!
you have got to be kidding (aside from losing all my smug bragging rights down here) this IS NOT my Canada. not the one I am so proud of... not the Canada my father taught me to be proud of.
what is happing to my country? thanks Gary -
I think....
However, they're pretty good at making people afraid and pushing the right vote buttons. They're controlling information now too (questions in advance or no answers for eg).
Don't despair, just be sure you vote.
This is very predictable.
Harpers policies are Howards sway!
as I did portray
Look for new signs
New minders lines !!
Just a govt Farm and mineral state
Talent sleeps, deny creative break
Back to conservative fate
Enlightened thoughts dont rate
Best wishes
Very nice poem Lindsay - and everything you told me Harper would do (because of his nice Aussie coach) has come true so far. It's actually amazing.
He has a minority so far, so it's not clear that he'll be there for the long run. TIme will tell.
<< Home
Post a Comment