Forty years ago, when I was much younger, more passionate, and probably less wise than I am now, I was a Progressive Conservative. In those days, anyone could go to any political rally anywhere to listen to, and occasionally heckle, a candidate. Indeed, attendance was encouraged. It was seen as a way of influencing the undecided. Politics was interesting, and it was fun.
Not so to-day. To-day, one must pre-register to attend Conservative functions. Inquisitive students who attend the rallies of more than one party, and who are unfortunate enough to be photographed with an unacceptable leader, are ejected from the hall. Anyone who deviates from the chanting in unison and the obligatory clapping at pre-determined appropriate moments is immediately suspect.
If this description sounds disquieting, it is perhaps because one could apply it to the infamous Nurenburg rallies held in Nazi Germany in the 1930s. Enforced conformity is undemocratic. It is suggestive of Orwell's "1984". It also might be symptomatic of a kind of mentality that is incompatible with the very notion of open and accountable democratic government. Let us not forget that the Conservatives have already been found in contempt of Parliament. Are they not contemptuous of the Canadian people?
No comments:
Post a Comment