4MyCanada, a non-profit organization that helps Christian youth become engaged in politics, wants its members to attend a Campaign School organized by the Canadian Centre for Policy Studies. On the face of it, there is nothing wrong with this. But 4MyCanada claims to be non-partisan and the Campaign School is for social and fiscal conservatives. The Canadian Centre for Policy Studies, says it`s not associated with the Conservative Party of Canada. Maybe not officially, but in truth it`s a Conservative, not conservative, think tank, run by one of Prime Minister Harper`s long-time organizers.
Joseph C.Ben-Ami is President of the Canadian Centre for Policy Studies. Mr. Ben-Ami`s resume credits include the following: Policy Aid to Stephen Harper and Stockwell Day; National Director of Operations in Stockwell Day`s 2002 Leadership Campaign.
Also speaking at the Campaign School: Rod Bruinooge, Conservative Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South; Activist Tristan Emmanuel who recently headed up Conservative MPP, Randy Hillier`s Campaign to lead the Ontario Tories, and Faytene Kryskow, founder and director of 4MyCanada (While Kryskow may not be officially tied to the Tory party, her session focuses on turning youth into socially conservative activists.)
Most Campaign School sessions reflect the right of the Conservative Party of Canada. Sessions include Running Right: Lessons from the Hillier Campaign; Winning as a Pro-Life Candidate; Campaign Essentials for Social Conservatives:In Search of Unity: Fiscal Conservatives & Social Conservatives - Myths & Facts; Communication Essentials for Social Conservatives (aka.Spin Doctoring)
No Red Tories, Liberals, New Democrats, or Greens will speak at the Campaign School. The sessions reflect only the right of the Conservative party. So, this Campaign School is obviously designed to recruit staff and volunteers for candidates in a narrow spectrum within the Conservative Party of Canada.
The Canadian Centre for Policy Studies isn't encouraging the vast majority of Canadian Christians, who do not suscribe to its ideology, to become activists. (Christians in Canada span the political spectrum.) Since this Campaign school will train only Christians who are fiscal and social conservatives, it is not about turning the faithful into voters. It`s about political ideologues using religion to gain political power.
As a Christian, I want to point out something to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Mr. Ben-Ami, and Ms. Faytene Krystow: Cynical attempts by church `leaders` and their allied political cronies to manipulate people into giving political power to ideological elites have a long history of destroying churches, worldwide. In Canada, we need only to look to Quebec, where manipulation by priests and their political allies played a key role in the complete secularization of that province.
Duplessis`s Quebec was faith based and ideologically conservative. It was also repressive and corrupt. Both Duplessis era religion and politics have been totally rejected by modern Quebecois. The `Quiet Revolution` nearly destroyed Confederation. And it's something 21st century preachers and political recruiters should think about when they are tempted confuse political affiliation with Judeo-Christian faith.
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Saturday, 4 July 2009
The Fourth of July from Canada
I hope Americans have a wonderful holiday, celebrating their achievements, their families and their country. But I wish Canadians, in their quest to be friends or do business with Americans, would drop the neo-colonial mindset and stand up for themselves.
I wish Canadians would insist events, like the American Revolution, are portrayed in popular media and books accurately and, at least occasionally, from our perspective. I wish Americans would stop revelling in the fact that they don't know what a Governor General or a Member of Parliament does.
Most of all I wish Canadians would stop excusing this and allowing it to happen.
It's time Canadian actors and writers told publishers and producers that our words, our spelling, our accents, our places, and our perspective are too important to exchange for money. It's time Canadians backed them up and refused to watch, read or listen to media that does not portray Canadian perspectives accurately.
Let's be honest: The United States of America is not the only freedom loving country birthed in that bloody war between brothers now called the American Revolution. The Americans did not teach the United Empire Loyalists about freedom or hardwork or fighting for what they believed.
Those who opposed American rebels had to found another country to find freedom. There was little dissent allowed during the rebellion in the thirteen colonies.
Here's what loyalists -- mostly tradesmen and farmers with diverse ethnic backgrounds, not wealthy landowners, endured: jail, hanging, confiscation of property, forced renunciation of their beliefs, tar and feathering, and eventually exile to the wilderness.
That's our history. We have no reason to hide it, but we do for fear of offense and something we call a 'friendship.' But is, what Father of Confederation Sir Alexander Galt called 'a servile fear' of American anger really a friendship?
Friends treat each other with respect. Friends are equal. Friends aren't afraid of telling their own story, using their own accent, saying their own words. Friends don't hide who they are from each other. Friends want to learn about each other.
When Canadians can talk to the Americans honestly about our shared history, then we might be able to call each other friends.
When Canadian actors are no long asked to change their accent in order to get a job in their own country; when Canadian authors, screen-writers, and producers are no longer asked to use American spelling or turn Canadian stories into American ones (as Paul Gross was when he made Passchendaele and when Americans and Canadians can see movies and read books about the United Empire Loyalists, Canadian regiments in WW I, or the colonists battles in the War of 1812, made from a Canadian perspective, we'll be getting somewhere close to friendship.
Until then, we are merely polite acquaintances condemned to repeat our mistakes. Pity.
I wish Canadians would insist events, like the American Revolution, are portrayed in popular media and books accurately and, at least occasionally, from our perspective. I wish Americans would stop revelling in the fact that they don't know what a Governor General or a Member of Parliament does.
Most of all I wish Canadians would stop excusing this and allowing it to happen.
It's time Canadian actors and writers told publishers and producers that our words, our spelling, our accents, our places, and our perspective are too important to exchange for money. It's time Canadians backed them up and refused to watch, read or listen to media that does not portray Canadian perspectives accurately.
Let's be honest: The United States of America is not the only freedom loving country birthed in that bloody war between brothers now called the American Revolution. The Americans did not teach the United Empire Loyalists about freedom or hardwork or fighting for what they believed.
Those who opposed American rebels had to found another country to find freedom. There was little dissent allowed during the rebellion in the thirteen colonies.
Here's what loyalists -- mostly tradesmen and farmers with diverse ethnic backgrounds, not wealthy landowners, endured: jail, hanging, confiscation of property, forced renunciation of their beliefs, tar and feathering, and eventually exile to the wilderness.
That's our history. We have no reason to hide it, but we do for fear of offense and something we call a 'friendship.' But is, what Father of Confederation Sir Alexander Galt called 'a servile fear' of American anger really a friendship?
Friends treat each other with respect. Friends are equal. Friends aren't afraid of telling their own story, using their own accent, saying their own words. Friends don't hide who they are from each other. Friends want to learn about each other.
When Canadians can talk to the Americans honestly about our shared history, then we might be able to call each other friends.
When Canadian actors are no long asked to change their accent in order to get a job in their own country; when Canadian authors, screen-writers, and producers are no longer asked to use American spelling or turn Canadian stories into American ones (as Paul Gross was when he made Passchendaele and when Americans and Canadians can see movies and read books about the United Empire Loyalists, Canadian regiments in WW I, or the colonists battles in the War of 1812, made from a Canadian perspective, we'll be getting somewhere close to friendship.
Until then, we are merely polite acquaintances condemned to repeat our mistakes. Pity.
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Seal Meat and the Crown
I can't resist a quick comment on the controversy over the Governor General's participation in an Inuit Seal Feast (given in her honour.) The controversy has overshadowed the good work Mdme. Jean is doing this week -- meeting with the Inuit, advocating for a Northern University, and building understanding. Why Canada's viceroy hasn't gotten much international media attention for this is sad comment on the International Media's understanding of Canadian issues. It is sad that the American media has insulted the Governor General's Constitutional Role and the British media appears more concerned with what the EU thinks than the rights of an indigenous people within the Commonwealth.
Most Brits, Europeans, and Americans do not understand that those Inuit hunters are the Queen's subjects. Nor do they understand that the role of the Canadian Crown is quite different than the British Crown. And they are completely blind to the fact thatit does not matter what the Queen's former British Press Secretary thinks of the issue. He is neither Canadian, nor a spokesman for the Canadian Crown. If they want an authority on protocol of Canada's Crown, they should be contacting a Canadian source.
The Canadian Crown is not purely Ceremonial. It has full power to dismiss a government not acting in the interests of the Canadian people. It has full rights to dissallow legislation which violates rights of Canadians or violates the Constitution. The Governor General can also dismiss (fire) the Prime Minister.
The Canadian Crown is not only separate from The British Crown, it works quite differently. The British Crown buttresses a State Church and a class system. The Canadian Crown has evolved to protect religous and ethnic minorities from political interests and to protect the weak from the powerful. Among its most sacred trusts is ensuring that Indigenous peoples are protected from political interests. The Crown controls the Armed Forces.
As the Queen's stand-in, the Governor General protects the rights of all people from the excesses of political and economic power. (No matter what language, religion, ethnicity, economic state, or class they are in.) It is also her job to increase understanding between these groups.
The Crown is pledged to look out for the interests of the Queen's subjects -- not the sensibilities of European Politicians and Animal Welfare groups. Madame Jean's only obligation at the feast was to honour the people honouring her. She did so. And nearly 80% of Canadians support her actions.
The opinions of non-Canadians (even the Queen's British subjects) have no bearing on what is appropriate for the Canadian Crown.
But it may be a good idea for British politicians who claim loyalty to the Queen to get to know the issues and people of Canada. After all, by siding with Europeans against the Queen's Canadian subjects, they may be putting Her Majesty in an awkward position.
Most Brits, Europeans, and Americans do not understand that those Inuit hunters are the Queen's subjects. Nor do they understand that the role of the Canadian Crown is quite different than the British Crown. And they are completely blind to the fact thatit does not matter what the Queen's former British Press Secretary thinks of the issue. He is neither Canadian, nor a spokesman for the Canadian Crown. If they want an authority on protocol of Canada's Crown, they should be contacting a Canadian source.
The Canadian Crown is not purely Ceremonial. It has full power to dismiss a government not acting in the interests of the Canadian people. It has full rights to dissallow legislation which violates rights of Canadians or violates the Constitution. The Governor General can also dismiss (fire) the Prime Minister.
The Canadian Crown is not only separate from The British Crown, it works quite differently. The British Crown buttresses a State Church and a class system. The Canadian Crown has evolved to protect religous and ethnic minorities from political interests and to protect the weak from the powerful. Among its most sacred trusts is ensuring that Indigenous peoples are protected from political interests. The Crown controls the Armed Forces.
As the Queen's stand-in, the Governor General protects the rights of all people from the excesses of political and economic power. (No matter what language, religion, ethnicity, economic state, or class they are in.) It is also her job to increase understanding between these groups.
The Crown is pledged to look out for the interests of the Queen's subjects -- not the sensibilities of European Politicians and Animal Welfare groups. Madame Jean's only obligation at the feast was to honour the people honouring her. She did so. And nearly 80% of Canadians support her actions.
The opinions of non-Canadians (even the Queen's British subjects) have no bearing on what is appropriate for the Canadian Crown.
But it may be a good idea for British politicians who claim loyalty to the Queen to get to know the issues and people of Canada. After all, by siding with Europeans against the Queen's Canadian subjects, they may be putting Her Majesty in an awkward position.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Pat Mestern Review
Fergus,Ontario based author, Pat Mestern, has reviewed: Stars Appearing: The Galts Vision of Canada. The review appears in two publications: The Guelph Mercury and The Record
Quotes From Pat Mestern's Review:
"I've always been a fan of John Galt's novels and poetry, written more than 180 years ago. I'm referring to the same John Galt who founded Guelph and gave his name to Galt, now part of Cambridge.
"Alberta author Jane Harris focuses not only on John, but on his sons John Jr., Thomas and Alexander. Their contribution to Canada's early history, especially the development of southwestern Alberta and Lethbridge was extensive. In particular, the dedication to Canada by John Galt's youngest son, Sir Alexander Galt, a father of Confederation, was brought to life in an easy-to-read, well researched format."
Quotes From Pat Mestern's Review:
"I've always been a fan of John Galt's novels and poetry, written more than 180 years ago. I'm referring to the same John Galt who founded Guelph and gave his name to Galt, now part of Cambridge.
"Alberta author Jane Harris focuses not only on John, but on his sons John Jr., Thomas and Alexander. Their contribution to Canada's early history, especially the development of southwestern Alberta and Lethbridge was extensive. In particular, the dedication to Canada by John Galt's youngest son, Sir Alexander Galt, a father of Confederation, was brought to life in an easy-to-read, well researched format."
Saturday, 16 May 2009
CBC Tars and Feathers Loyalists
A few minutes ago, Brent Bambury, host of CBC Radio's Go, made the dumbest statement I've heard in a long time. In a dubious attempt at humour, he smeared the United Empire Loyalists by claiming they arrived in Canada with all their goods and slaves in tow. Has he never heard of Black Loyalists?
Does he realize that most United Empire Loyalists were actually tradesmen and farmers, many of whom lost everything they owned? Does he realise Loyalists were branded as traitors, tarred and feathered, jailed, and hounded before they fled? Some never escaped the hangman.
Very few Loyalists were wealthy. And in 1793, Lord Simcoe, Governor of Upper Canada passed the Act Against Slavery,, making the colony the first place in the British Empire to pass legislation designed to end slavery. The act has been critiqued as too timid, but in 1793, Simcoe's measure was an heroic attempt at social reform that went against the advice of wealthy business types.
If Mr. Bambury was an American radio shock jock or pseudo-news comedy host, I'd wouldn't be surprised by his error. But I expect much much more from my taxpayer funded Public Broadcaster. Agree? Disagree?
Does he realize that most United Empire Loyalists were actually tradesmen and farmers, many of whom lost everything they owned? Does he realise Loyalists were branded as traitors, tarred and feathered, jailed, and hounded before they fled? Some never escaped the hangman.
Very few Loyalists were wealthy. And in 1793, Lord Simcoe, Governor of Upper Canada passed the Act Against Slavery,, making the colony the first place in the British Empire to pass legislation designed to end slavery. The act has been critiqued as too timid, but in 1793, Simcoe's measure was an heroic attempt at social reform that went against the advice of wealthy business types.
If Mr. Bambury was an American radio shock jock or pseudo-news comedy host, I'd wouldn't be surprised by his error. But I expect much much more from my taxpayer funded Public Broadcaster. Agree? Disagree?
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Don't Let them Dance on Your Dreams
Yesterday, I packed away a little New Testament my mother gave me. It's now on the mantle at the new house we'll move into as you read this. (Anyone who knows me, knows I despaired of God giving me back my own house. I also thought I would never remarry, get a book published or make a living from writing. In turn, each gloomy prediction has proven wrong.)
One of my forebears, probably Granddad or Great-Granddad Boyle, turned down two pages in that little testament that came to us from the Bible Society of Upper Canada in 1896. One page is turned down to Revelation. Another is turned to a chapter in the book of Hebrews. The chapter promises God will never foresake the children of a good man (or woman).
Despite the fact that several of my great-great-great grandparents are buried in Canada, I watched Susan Boyle's Britain's Got Talent performance on YouTube, with a sort of clanish pride. So did my cousins. I doubt Susan is related to us. (We come from a long line of Protestants.) But, somewhere along the line, my Loyal British forebears picked up the same ability to defy convention and dream audacious dreams.
Susan's cheeky optimism and self assurance protected her from the caustic assessments of judges and bad mannered audience members. Without them, she may have walked of the stage without proving them wrong. Without them her life would be far less joyful.
That silly dance, irrepressible grin and quick wit mimic my mother's antics. (Not to mention those of her siblings.) Many times her goofy jokes made the teenage me cringe. These days, she wants to grow up to be 'The Old Woman who Wears Purple."
Then there was Susan's very direct comment when her age, 47, was brought up: "And that is just one side of me," she said, wagging her head for emphasis. That isn't a far cry from what my mother told provincial bureaucrats who interviewed her for a job after she graduated from university at age 50.
Can't remember if it was her age or her gender that was brought up. Her reply though is clear. "Is that a problem for you?" Apparently it was: She didn't get that job; she got a better one.
God guides us to our dreams. Don't let anyone trounce on yours.
One of my forebears, probably Granddad or Great-Granddad Boyle, turned down two pages in that little testament that came to us from the Bible Society of Upper Canada in 1896. One page is turned down to Revelation. Another is turned to a chapter in the book of Hebrews. The chapter promises God will never foresake the children of a good man (or woman).
Despite the fact that several of my great-great-great grandparents are buried in Canada, I watched Susan Boyle's Britain's Got Talent performance on YouTube, with a sort of clanish pride. So did my cousins. I doubt Susan is related to us. (We come from a long line of Protestants.) But, somewhere along the line, my Loyal British forebears picked up the same ability to defy convention and dream audacious dreams.
Susan's cheeky optimism and self assurance protected her from the caustic assessments of judges and bad mannered audience members. Without them, she may have walked of the stage without proving them wrong. Without them her life would be far less joyful.
That silly dance, irrepressible grin and quick wit mimic my mother's antics. (Not to mention those of her siblings.) Many times her goofy jokes made the teenage me cringe. These days, she wants to grow up to be 'The Old Woman who Wears Purple."
Then there was Susan's very direct comment when her age, 47, was brought up: "And that is just one side of me," she said, wagging her head for emphasis. That isn't a far cry from what my mother told provincial bureaucrats who interviewed her for a job after she graduated from university at age 50.
Can't remember if it was her age or her gender that was brought up. Her reply though is clear. "Is that a problem for you?" Apparently it was: She didn't get that job; she got a better one.
God guides us to our dreams. Don't let anyone trounce on yours.
Monday, 20 April 2009
Twitters on Canada
Been experminenting with Twitter. Haven't spent too much time trying to attract followers or even posting while I learn the ropes. Here are a few of my recent posts:
On Canadian Media:
No more money for programmes meant to reach a foreign audience first.
8 minutes ago from web
Let's all say 'chocolate bar', 'toque', 'chesterfield', 'constable', 'police detachment', 'riding' and 'running shoe' together.
9 minutes ago from web
Seems to me that when you over package yourself to reach a 'global' audience --aka Sirius or PBS -- you wind up reaching nobody.
10 minutes ago from web
Will we see the end of the bland (North American style) programmes and return to scripts that honestly reflect our own culture.
11 minutes ago from web
Susan Boyle continues to turn entertainment on its head. Wondering if any Canadian television networks are taking note.
12 minutes ago from web
On Today's Hijacking:
Apparently pretty good: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/...
about 2 hours ago from web
So what are the changes of the Canadian Prime Minister actually being in Jamaica when the Jamaicans rescue passengers on a CDN charter jet?
about 2 hours ago from web
On Canada's Public Image (Or our obsession with it)
We don't need to sell foreigners on our story. We need to educate Canadians about their own strengths: not worry what others think.
4:51 PM Apr 16th from web
Waste of money: http://tinyurl.com/cohyda
4:48 PM Apr 16th from web
On the economy:
According to this, Canadians feel postive enough to buy houses: http://www.lethbridgeherald...
9:17 AM Apr 15th from web
On the Reserve Power of the Crown( AKA, why our 'anachronist' political system works better than 'progressives' think:
Bowen's use of the Reserve power of the Crown is way more interesting than that story of Lord Byng and Mackenzie King. And more important.
9:31 AM Apr 14th from web
Why doesn't anyone know the story of John Bowen saving Alberta from dictatorship in the 1930's? Oh right, I haven't written it yet.
9:30 AM Apr 14th from web
Frankly, I think that's what is wrong with the RCMP, too. Maybe it's time go back to own way of doing things and dump the American advisors.
9:29 AM Apr 14th from web
The Americanization of our Constitutional Monarchy along with control of power by the Prime Minister is skewing parliament.
9:28 AM Apr 14th from web
On Canadian Media:
No more money for programmes meant to reach a foreign audience first.
8 minutes ago from web
Let's all say 'chocolate bar', 'toque', 'chesterfield', 'constable', 'police detachment', 'riding' and 'running shoe' together.
9 minutes ago from web
Seems to me that when you over package yourself to reach a 'global' audience --aka Sirius or PBS -- you wind up reaching nobody.
10 minutes ago from web
Will we see the end of the bland (North American style) programmes and return to scripts that honestly reflect our own culture.
11 minutes ago from web
Susan Boyle continues to turn entertainment on its head. Wondering if any Canadian television networks are taking note.
12 minutes ago from web
On Today's Hijacking:
Apparently pretty good: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/...
about 2 hours ago from web
So what are the changes of the Canadian Prime Minister actually being in Jamaica when the Jamaicans rescue passengers on a CDN charter jet?
about 2 hours ago from web
On Canada's Public Image (Or our obsession with it)
We don't need to sell foreigners on our story. We need to educate Canadians about their own strengths: not worry what others think.
4:51 PM Apr 16th from web
Waste of money: http://tinyurl.com/cohyda
4:48 PM Apr 16th from web
On the economy:
According to this, Canadians feel postive enough to buy houses: http://www.lethbridgeherald...
9:17 AM Apr 15th from web
On the Reserve Power of the Crown( AKA, why our 'anachronist' political system works better than 'progressives' think:
Bowen's use of the Reserve power of the Crown is way more interesting than that story of Lord Byng and Mackenzie King. And more important.
9:31 AM Apr 14th from web
Why doesn't anyone know the story of John Bowen saving Alberta from dictatorship in the 1930's? Oh right, I haven't written it yet.
9:30 AM Apr 14th from web
Frankly, I think that's what is wrong with the RCMP, too. Maybe it's time go back to own way of doing things and dump the American advisors.
9:29 AM Apr 14th from web
The Americanization of our Constitutional Monarchy along with control of power by the Prime Minister is skewing parliament.
9:28 AM Apr 14th from web
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
