Oh, it's there all right. Every time you type "I can't believe there hasn't been an uprising yet" there are many more Canadians thinking the same thing. It's still a small minority of Canadians, but they're there. It's just that the "progressive" or "leftist" brain-trust has no idea how to harness this energy.
Nobody appears capable of large-scale, strategic thinking. (I'm making myself an exception here. My problem is getting access to the resources that the plodders are in control of.)
Now, the vast majority of Canadians aren't even thinking about this shit. They're busy going about their lives; following the Olympics, listening to Nicky Minaj or Lawrence Welk or whatever. But I sincerely believe that most of them are decent, intelligent people, who would be opposed to what harper was doing if they only knew. I believe principled, direct action, ... used intelligently, would actually mobilize a good deal of those people to at least support us.
But the disarray and delusion that I saw recently at the anti-harper rally, and the same factors that have the US progressive/left in their lowly state - and which degradations are on their way here if they aren't checked, do not make me optimistic.
Nobody appears capable of large-scale, strategic thinking. (I'm making myself an exception here. My problem is getting access to the resources that the plodders are in control of.)
Now, the vast majority of Canadians aren't even thinking about this shit. They're busy going about their lives; following the Olympics, listening to Nicky Minaj or Lawrence Welk or whatever. But I sincerely believe that most of them are decent, intelligent people, who would be opposed to what harper was doing if they only knew. I believe principled, direct action, ... used intelligently, would actually mobilize a good deal of those people to at least support us.
But the disarray and delusion that I saw recently at the anti-harper rally, and the same factors that have the US progressive/left in their lowly state - and which degradations are on their way here if they aren't checked, do not make me optimistic.
7 comments:
When media and bloggers point out good points in draconian bills, they do a disservice to those fighting against implementation.
When progressives have a rally they often lose sight of their original aims, causing a cacophony of other voices which all have their own issues. This has the effect of diluting all the messages and disrupting the purpose of the rally.
If one wants to protest the environment, then hold a separate rally, do not bring your protest to a Citizenship rally.
People contradict themselves all the time. Like Anne Cavoukian's site, realprivacy, doesn't have the little lock in the address bar at the top of the page, the little lock that is supposed to protect the reader from being snooped on.
I watched via webcast most of Anne's January 28 conference on privacy: I would have gone if there had been space.
When I saw the venue, I understood why there wasn't space; people were sitting around round tables. You could have doubled attendance by seating people in the usual rows. It was very informative, a great conference, but everyone seemed to know each other already. I noticed a lot of speakers weren't introduced by name; I guess that wasn't necessary for the attendees.
All this is offputting; Anne claims she wants the public involved but she doesn't act like it and my involvement in this issue that I am interested in is sluggish.
My trust in Canadians is at an all time low anyway. Mixed messages don't help.
Filcher,
Given how pointless a rally is anyway, I don't think it matters. Just as long as people don't start fighting each other.
I still cringe thinking about those clueless Trots at the protest against police violence shouting for an independent Quebec.
ffd,
I've never heard of this person or this movement (I've heard of the issue thought.) I agree we have to be hospitable. i even think there should be entertainment to attract people.
I actually agree Thwap, but rallies do provide a support system to those wanting their voice heard, and a place to meet interested people who share your beliefs. These rallies should be great starting places to set up computer support groups, or pass out information packs on businesses that can be boycotted or people to write or email about the issue. In a growing corporatist world we need to target the corporations rather than the puppets that don't represent us in government. While protests may not have actual great power to change themselves, they can be used to spread the world to those that may also care enough to make a small effort to let their displeasure be known.
Filcher,
There's no question that any genuine citizens' action is going to have people out in the streets. And it's great to get to meet people and network.
But this whole: "The people united will never be defeated!" "Hey-hey! Ho-ho! INSERT NAME HERE has got to go!"
Tiny groups of people on the sidewalk saying "Whose streets? OUR STREETS!!!"
It makes me sad.
Anne Cavoukian is the Privacy Commisioner of Ontario. Her website is www.realprivacy.ca. She organized a conference which is unique in Canada as far as I know, on the surveillance situation in Canada. Most of the Canadians speaking are professors. The first half of the conference was information, the second part activism, a lot of it happening in the US. You can watch the whole thing on webcast if you like.
A lot of this is heavy technically but it is an issue that affects everybody, even those who don't use computers. Especially you, Thwap. You and your fellow bloggers need all the privacy you can get. There are limitations on what can be discussed on the internet.
ffd,
Okay. Thanks for that information. I remember that name from news reports now that you told me who she was.
I'd like to think that anything I discuss as a blogger or as an activist would be something that I could stand by in a court of law.
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