A Mea Culpa ....of sorts!

In recent days much has been said about MP Larry Millers comparing those that favor the gun registry to the Hitler regime, whilst I think that in this case there is no comparison its hard for someone who has alluded to such comparison when speaking about our current PM and his regime to be overly critical. So I will say right here that I in no way wish to suggest that Herr Harper supports genocide or the killing of Jews, rather the opposite seems to be the case as he seems to think that Israel can do no wrong. I do find this comparison rather ironic however when it comes from a member of the most tightly controlled and least open party we have ever had in power in Canada.

Hitler was a dictator who ran the country with an iron fist surrounded by a few trusted lieutenants who effectively dictated policy to the detriment of all who did not agree with them. He came to power largely by democratic means and his ability to sway the public opinion, in part due to the fear of further depression. Prior to coming to power any who voiced disagreement during his speeches were removed, after those removed included any in his party who dared to oppose him.

“During 1933-34, Hitler consolidated his authority through the destruction of all other political parties, "coordination" of all aspects of German life, and the liquidation of dissent”

“March 1933 Election The Nazis stepped up their harassment of their political opponents, “

“On March 23, 1933, the Reichstag passed the Enabling Act, which gave dictatorial authority to Hitler's cabinet for four years. Armed with full powers, Hitler moved to eliminate all possible centers of opposition. His policy is known as Gleichschaltung, which translates literally as coordination. In this context, however, it meant more precisely subordination, that is, subordinating all independent institutions to the authority of Hitler and the Nazi Party.”

The Nazi Party Organization Book says The Führer is always right! Never go against discipline! Let the program be your dogma.

Given the above I have to say that I find the comparison between the two regimes much more compelling than any comparison to those who would retain a list of long gun owners. I will leave it up to the reader to decide which is closer to the truth.

-------------------------------------

In regard to the elimination all possible centers of opposition watch for the Parliamentary Budget Officer to be eased out in the near future and replaced with a more amenable (read less thorough and honest) individual. Over the last few years Kevin Page has repeatedly been at odds with the Harper Regimes budgetary forecast and in almost ever case been proven to be correct. He now points out that the recent threats to increase the eligibility age for OAS and GIS are not necessary needed and that the scare tactics that say the pension system is not sustainable are not necessarily true. For his pains his report was called "unbelievable, unreliable, incredible." by one of the Harper faithful. In my view he should be given the Order of Canada for services above and beyond under constant attack from the ruling regime!

Then there is the recent attack on environmentalists who have been dubbed 'radicals' by this regime, it now seems that they are now considered a terrorist threat. - The minister said that, in addition to foreign threats, the government would be vigilant against domestic extremism that is “based on grievances – real or perceived – revolving around the promotion of various causes such as animal rights, white supremacy, environmentalism and anti-capitalism.” How long will it be before openly criticizing Harper and his followers becomes a crime against the state, next on the list may well be the blogging community, keep you head up folks.

Support Democracy - Recommend this Post at Progressive Bloggers

Only hope for Democracy?

This came to my inbox, and although both Rural and I agree that such a plan might be the only real hope we have for democracy (albeit one fraught with potential complications), we also are not going to hold our breaths.  At any rate, what is refreshing is that people are coming up with plans, breaking new ground, thinking "out of the box".  That is indeed what it will take to counter Herr Harper's dictatorial regime.  I'm curious to see what other people think of this strategy, so please post your comments!

***

Dear friends - Chers (chères) ami(e)s,

How can we make our democracy work better for Canadians? There’s no easy solution. That’s why we need to know what you think about one specific, and potentially urgent, idea.

Some quick background: Leadnow launched before the last federal election to bring Canadians together and call for politicians to cooperate on the major challenges facing our country. During that election, 61% of voters cast ballots for change. After the election, the Leadnow community hosted a series of local gatherings (and online votes) all across Canada to set our direction for the coming years. Thousands of us voted to make electoral reform one of our highest campaign priorities.

It comes down to this: we believe that Canada needs a multi-party political system and electoral reform to make sure we can elect governments that best represent all Canadians. The question is: how do we get there? We want to know what you think of the following statement (we are the authors of the statement, which we are using to learn what you think):

“I call on the opposition party leaders to support political cooperation for electoral reform. During the next federal election, the NDP, Liberals and Greens should work together in key ridings to defeat Conservative incumbents. After the election, they should cooperate to pass electoral reform and make sure our government better reflects the values and priorities of all Canadians.”

What do you think?

I strongly agree – I agree – I disagree – I strongly disagree

Thank you for all you do.

With hope and respect,

Jamie, Matthew, Anna, Emma, Adam, Gracen, Ryan on behalf of the Leadnow team and volunteers.


Leadnow.ca is an independent community that brings Canadians together to hold government accountable, deepen our democracy and take action for the common good.


Support Democracy - Recommend this Post at Progressive Bloggers

Representation & Depression

With parliament once again back in session I am again fighting depression, its not that the attack on our democracy increases any more during these time but that it receives greater attention and is far more obvious. We have seen the statements by Minister Oliver and by PM Harper regarding the need to 'streamline' environmental hearings and how those that oppose multinational projects that threaten our lands and forests, rivers and oceans are 'radicals' and 'enemies' of Canada' which shows us exactly how much respect this regime has for due process. We have seen them declare that Canada will not participate in future efforts to curb world environmental change without so much as a debate in parliament, we have seen the move to 'harmonize' our regulations and border security with the U.S. Again with out any consultation with either the citizens or their representatives in the House of Commons. But these things are about specific major projects and if these things are not deemed important enough to debate in the house then what of lesser matters?

With the house back in session but a few days we see exactly where things are going, on day one 'time allocation' was used to restrict debate after just two hours. Many committee hearings have already been declared 'in camera' so that all details of same will be withheld from public scrutiny. The PM announces changes to Canadians pension plans, not in the house but overseas, changes that effect the most vulnerable in our society but leave the rich and powerful unaffected. A manufacturing plant which received millions in 'incentives' and was the backdrop for one of King Harpers photo op announcements packs up shop and lays off 100s and the silence from Ottawa is deafening. We could all add to the list but can do little about it, hence the depression.

It seems I am not alone in my lack of optimism regarding our collective future under this regime, Lorne over at Politics and its Discontents it would seem has similar feelings.....

“I have to admit that nowadays I am feeling the pessimism of old strongly reemerging, not to the point of giving up my blog and whatever value it might serve in the fight against the extremists who now control the Canadian government, but to the point where I realize that the battle is lost without the willingness of Canadians, no matter how hard their daily struggles might be, to educate themselves about the issues and keep current with as many facets as possible of the neoliberal agenda being relentlessly advanced by those who pretend to represent us. “

And there is the rub “pretend to represent us” ..... Exactly!

Support Democracy - Recommend this Post at Progressive Bloggers