by Cameron Bailey I cannot really remember being quite so disheartened and disgusted by a government as I did when I read MP John Weston’s letter defending Bill C-51.
I understand that, under the Stephen Harper regime, Weston is not allowed to have opinions or thoughts of his own, but to sign on wholesale to the gross violations of basic civil rights is an affront to all citizens who value the freedom of thoughts and moral actions.
Hidden in this odious piece of legislation are the words “activity that undermines the security of Canada” as anything that interferes with the economic or financial stability of Canada or with the country’s critical infrastructure. This is already being done with the muzzling of scientists, the tax scrutiny of any charity that disagrees with the government, the automatic back to work legislation of legal strikes, and the list goes on. This bill will enshrine these violations in law and remove more and more of citizens’ right to call their governments to task.
What Weston doesn’t mention are such things as the proposed $5-million fine for growing, preserving, or sharing an “unregistered natural health product.” This would include things such as garlic and other home remedies as well as medicinal marijuana. This would indicate a huge debt the government owes to the pharmaceutical industry.
It also allows search and seizure without warrants and without evidence. There are so many clauses in this insidious bill that further restrict the basic freedoms we cherish, that its passage must be blocked. It appears to me the largest threat to our safety and security is our own government and the toadies who speak for them.
Weston needs to know there have been far more people killed by drunk drivers than “terrorists” in this nation and yet I do not see his government enacting legislation to address this carnage. I don’t believe for an instant we had any problem with Muslim people or nations until the Conservative government decided to march lockstep with the US, one of the largest war criminal nations in the world.
I have to say I do long for the day that the term “honourable” actually means something to our MPs and other elected “officials.”
Cameron Bailey is a resident of Powell River with a keen interest in the politics of the nation.
