Update on Grassroots Protests Against Contempt of Parliament

Barrie, Ontario will be a part of this action:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&gid=237914414270

Harper knows he can treat Parliament with contempt because Canadians don't really care.  Most folk think that Parliament is ineffective at the best of times and that most of the debate in the House of Commons is just posturing (which sadly it is much of the time).

Although I personally think that allowing Harper to perogue Parliament to avoid accountability for his minority government is a serious issue, I doubt that our opinion is shared by the majority of Canadians who didn't care when he did it last year and don't seem to care again this year.

Elizabeth's "groundswell" is only among the politically active 10% of Canadians.

We need to focus our energy on speaking out on issues that Canadians can and do identify with if we want to tap into a real groundswell.  

For example, the pat-downs and virtual strip searches in airports is a far more visible affront to Real Democracy.

Without taking a statistically valid poll, its not possible to state ‘categorically’ what is or isn't a groundswell, or what will, or will not motivate Canadians.

However, one can make a relative judgment based on the amount and character of emails that the major media receive. And also by assessing the news and media coverage. But it also depends on how persuasive a case that the opposition can make on an issue. Hence, an opportunity for the GPC to lead.

Surveying the traditional print, on-line media and the more well-read blogs, it is striking that even the traditional right-wing supporters of the Conservatives are criticizing this trend to undemocratically close parliament whenever its convenient.

Canadians may be disappointed with parliament, but they are value-conscious. They work hard and they don’t want politicians on a perpetual holiday. Especially dictated by a minority of members. I think its too early to write-off the public just yet. 

“There is a tide in the affairs…”

The Con's and the media seem to be giving a lot of voice to the notion that Facebook group protests are essentially meaningless. "Slactivism" is the pejorative for the nearly effortless click-to-join level of committment. Chris White, the guy who started the biggest FB group (85,000) was interviewed by Ghomeshi this AM and, with qualifications, he said the same thing.

What these groups can do is mobilize "traditional" protest. The FB group urges citizens to write to their MPs and tell them to get back to work. The rallies are of the utmost importance and present a big opportunity to demonstrate (pun intended) Harper's despotism. 

I'm encouraged by our bump in the polls and I think that it has a lot to do with Elizabeth's early, strong denunciation of prorogation along with the "kick and scream" quote.

As an additional call to action, I think it would be great if we saw multi-party/NGO/volunteer organizing committees formed in the major centres where rallies are taking place. Maybe if voters see the opposition parties working together for the sake of democracy, they'd be more open to a coalition.

As an aside, I think the rallies should be referred to as "Pro-Democracy Rallies" --- like in other dictatorships around the world. Prorogation is really only the last straw in Harper's litany of abuses.

Here in Sudbury, the local NDP MP’s have seized the high-ground with regards to the January 23, 2010 demonstration. There’s little to suggest that the demonstration is going to be anything but a partisan affair. I’m reluctant to suggest to our local Green Party people that they might want to show up to this demonstration – there was no invitation for us to participate, and no expectation that we would. Why would the NDP want us there? I mean, kudos to the NDP locally for being out in front on this issue. It’s easier for them to organize given that they have two MP’s here, and their close affiliation with local unions.

Another demonstration by Greens locally would only be a shadow of what’s currently being planned by the NDP and their union partners.

My question to you: if you’re from the Green Party, would you just show up at an NDP rally with your banners and flags flying, even though the stage will be cluttered with NDP speakers only?

I suspect that the NDP is very keen on keeping Liberals and Greens out of these demonstrations elsewhere as well. Where demonstrations are not being planned by Democracy watch-groups, they will have a very partisan and orange flavour.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, and maybe what you’re experiencing elsewhere in terms of the demonstrations being planned.

After a week and a half of mysterious absence at an 'undisclosed' location (in Europe?), Iggy is now trying to take the high ground on this issue by pulling a publicity-stunt. 

The Liberals need to be agressively 'called-out' on proroguing;  Chrétien used it to delay investigations into the Sponsorship Scandal.  Iggy's  35 year absence from Canada doesn't exonerate the Liberal party from its shameful record. 

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/748497--liberal-mps-coming-ba...