First, we have this poll from CTV/Strategic Counsel that indicates that a majority of Canadians believe that we will be hit by a "terrorist act" in the near future. Then, in a statement that could have been scripted by Dick Cheney, Harper is claiming that the threat is "very real".
“That's why not only is the government acting nationally against terrorism threats, but we're also working globally in Afghanistan and all over the world to deal with this problem.”
For crying out loud, you haven't even defined what the problem is. Just what is a "terrorist", Stephen?
Then, just for giggles, we find out - via Russia, no less - that our government intends to table an "anti-terrorist financing bill". The first question in my mind is this: why are major announcements about Canadian government policy being made by our ministers when they are abroad? Yet another "fear card" element - ooooh - Canada's being used to "launder money for terrorists".
Adding onto all of this, we have the first moves in the dance to lock our borders down tight - yesterday, we heard Senator Hostettler from the US accusing Canada of being a hotbed of terrorist activity and being "in denial". The Conservative government came under fire in the House of Commons for failing to stand up to this crap, and limply responds with Parliamentary Secretary Jason Kenney "hoping that Hostettler would retract his comments". The third fear card being played here is that our "lax" immigration and border policies will affect trade with the United States.
Most of these items have a seed of fact in them, but as with many things, it's been vastly blown out of proportion.
1 comment:
Lets Play Question and Answer:
Q: _For crying out loud, you haven't even defined what the problem is. Just what is a "terrorist", Stephen?_
A: Well actually it turns out that a terrorist can be identified as anyone who plays with paintball guns in a forested area. (ref: the recent arrests in Canada and the two teens arrested in the States).
SB
Post a Comment