Canada's Faltering Freedom
The problem is not unique to Canada, nor entirely absent from the US, but our neighbors to the north seem to be doing their best at the moment to lead the so-called free world in denying what Americans call the First Amendment rights (speech, religion, etc.). In fact, the Canadian government’s quashing of the expression of opinion—executed through its “human rights commission”—is downright frightening. It is trite to describe this kind of thing as Orwellian, but that’s what it is.
In Canada and elsewhere, the unpopular opinions most in danger of being declared verboten tend to revolve around two issues: Islam and homosexuality.
The case of Mark Steyn, in hot water for criticizing Islam, has gotten some press, because he’s a well-known writer attached to powerful friends. See here and here.
This recent piece by David Warren in the Ottawa Citizen recounts some other cases, equally disturbing, which have gone less remarked.
In Canada and elsewhere, the unpopular opinions most in danger of being declared verboten tend to revolve around two issues: Islam and homosexuality.
The case of Mark Steyn, in hot water for criticizing Islam, has gotten some press, because he’s a well-known writer attached to powerful friends. See here and here.
This recent piece by David Warren in the Ottawa Citizen recounts some other cases, equally disturbing, which have gone less remarked.
Comments
#1 2008-06-17 14:50 (Reply)
As Canada goes, so goes the world? (heh, heh!)
#2 2008-06-17 21:41 (Reply)
I’ve recently joined a coalition of bloggers who are speaking out (while we still can) against these kangaroo courts. Please lend your support by keeping up with the issue (and donating to legal defense funds if you can!) - some good blogs to visit are: Ezra Levant and Free Mark Steyn! - from these you’ll find links to others blogging for our freedom.
#3 2008-06-18 20:55 (Reply)
Thanks, Linda.
First they remove the Bill of Rights (no taxation of income, and senators selected other than by mob-vote), then they squelch harmless speech cause it causes someone a tear. It’s their decisions that bring tears!
#4 2008-06-19 00:44 (Reply)
This is why I support organizations that fight “thought policing”.
http://www.thefire.org/