I have long expressed concern over the fact that the democratic system practiced in Canada leads to the opportunity to exercise democracy one day every four years (or so) and that we live in a functional dictatorship the rest of the time if the exercise of that democratic action results in a majority government.
Ministers (Gerry) Ritz and (Jim) Flaherty gave credence to that point of view with their opening shots across the bow of Canada’s political ship.
Ritz announced that his first action will be to repeal the Canadian Wheat Board Act and introduce legislation that will not require a farmer vote for the change. He cited the fact that the opposition would not allow him to do it in the past.
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Democracy stood in the way in the past and he is obviously sure his proposed changes would not be supported by the majority of farmers, so he intends to take steps to be sure democracy will not stand in his way in the future, even to the point of changing the law. Trust him? Well, you shouldn’t.
Flaherty could barely contain his glee when he announced his intent to remove public support for Canada’s political parties. He bluntly made the point that the opposition would not allow him to do it in the past, but they can’t stop him now.
How true. Indeed, as with any dictatorship, the Harperites will do whatever they want and no one can stop them.
This is not a condemnation of Harper, or his trained band of seals, but a condemnation of our democratic structure. Whenever a prime minister is armed with absolute power, supported by less than 40 percent of the voters (less than 24 percent of the electorate), it is obvious our democratic structure is sorely lacking. What is at stake? My freedom and yours.
David Miner,Speers, Sask.
