Editor:
Four weeks ago we were consumed with a so-called “Truckers convoy” that occupied Ottawa. Now, we are caught up in an invasion of Ukraine where citizens are faced with the brutal threats of a dictator who won’t accept a sovereign country’s choice of social democracy.
There is a common thread linking these events, that of tyranny. In the case of the Ottawa occupation, it was led not by champions of democracy but people deeply connected to right wing organizations that have been seeking to undermine social democracy for years. This leadership – which no one elected – encouraged participating protesters to squat in Ottawa and overthrow government. When that wasn’t successful, they perpetuated weeks of bullying abuse on residents until a massive police operation forced them out.
Across the ocean, Ukrainians are fighting for their survival against Russian tyranny. President Zelensky has made it clear the Ukrainian fight is about standing up for social democracy, and dying for this cause if need be. And we know many citizens are paying this price.
There’s no fence to sit on now. You are either all-in for social democracy or you support tyranny. In the dark wormholes of tyranny, the truth is twisted to serve the aims of its unelected mouthpieces who are using the most potent tools of propaganda to sow their messaging including dissent and distrust in government.
Our social democracy has been hard won and it is not perfect. But we have checks and balances to help it improve. Most of all its strength lies in people committed to strengthening it, not stripping it down. If you disagree with government, use our power of (real) democracy to be heard. Maybe we’ll agree and maybe not, but our futures may well hang in the balance because of your commitment, one way or the other.
Michael Maser, Gibsons
