Bill C-51: Learning How to Raise Our Voices to Denounce a Dictator

They rallied all over country from St John's to Vancouver, in the sun and in the rain.

In a country which is normally so quiet and complacent, they raised their voices once again to let Stephen Harper know what they think of his dangerous Bill C-51.

And it was a wonderful sight, that sent my spirits soaring like a bird or a rocket.



Because although they can't stop the bill from passing, and they were only thousands, instead of millions as I might have hoped, I was so proud of them.

For I know Canadians are not the demonstrating kind, except in Quebec. But that sinister bill has brought many of them into the streets for the first time...



So they have come a long way.

And I know that they are not just protesting against that police state bill. They are showing their disgust for Stephen Harper and his brutish Con values. 

His real values are indicated by the assault on parliamentary democracy and the courts, a quasi-police state terrorism bill, the chopping up of the tax system for partisan advantage, gaming the electoral laws, the assault on environmentalists and environmental laws and even on charities that dare suggest government should do more for the poor. Then there’s the priority of ideology over evidence as demonstrated by the muzzling of government scientists, a war-mongering foreign policy and more. 

All this in the name of authoritarian control in the prime minister’s hands, with the aim of bending the country to his will in the creation of a right-wing society not unlike what the American Tea Party preaches.

Which couldn't be more grotesque or less Canadian.

And what makes my spirits soar even higher is knowing that resistance can only grow, as more Canadians find out how Bill C-51 threatens our freedoms.

Or why in the hands of a maniac it could be so dangerous... 



And the best thing is, not only has our increasingly desperate dictator, or would be Big Brother, brought many Canadians into the streets for the first time.

Thank you Great Crazy Leader.

His cowardly decision to boycott the leader's debates with the biggest potential viewership, has also alienated the major TV networks... 



So as Ralph Surette points out, they too might finally stand up to him and cost him even more feathers..

I’ve always had the impression that, given how dirty and nasty the Tories could be, punches were being pulled by the TV networks. My suspicion is that as the election nears, and especially if the Tories are seen to be slipping, there’ll be a “no more Mr. Nice Guy” move afoot, which will coincide with a burst of explosive little tips rolling in from inside government by Harper’s emboldened and long-silenced enemies from within. 

Now I don't want to suggest that raising your voice in public is easy for many Canadians, who are as I said a quiet people. It isn't, I know that all too well myself.

Because I'm so soft spoken many people have trouble understanding what I'm saying. And I'm so shy that raising my voice in public is almost impossible.

So when Prince Philip once visited my school, and I was designated to stand up in front of all the other students and shout: "three cheers for the Duke of Edinburgh hip hip hurrah" I practically died of embarrassment. 

Which is why for years I let my fists speak for me when confronted by any kind of bully, or let my drum speak for me at demonstrations.

But I have been working on that, I'm pretty confident that should Harper's sinister motorcade whiz past me I would be able to shout "down with the dictator" or just "shame." Before I was shot.

And I'm happy to report that last Friday I did have my little moment of triumph.

When while biking on the island I saw a commotion near the ferry docks, and came across the King and the Queen of Holland !!!



And since I absolutely LOVE our special relationship with the Dutch, and I'm so proud that our brave Canadian soldiers liberated that country from the Nazis. And because I thought the seven orange tulip chairs the royal couple gave us are so cool.

I felt I just HAD to say something eh?

So when the Queen passed by about ten feet away I summoned up my courage and shouted "long live our beautiful friendship !!!"

And although it wasn't much of a shout, more like an amplified whisper, I actually think she heard me because she turned in my direction and smiled. So when I cycled home afterwards I felt pretty proud of myself.

And I guess my message, as the darkness of Bill C-51 descends upon us, would be this one: 

Don't be afraid to stand up and denounce Stephen Harper and his foul Con regime. Or raise your voice in defence of our precious Canadian values. It's not that hard, and our country is counting on us in its hour of need.

If I can raise my voice ANYBODY can.

If we could liberate the Dutch.

We can liberate ourselves...



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