Harper’s contempt for democracy has been on display since the election began, as illustrated by the following five examples which have been reported in recent days:
1. Canadians can only attend campaign events by invitation, or as otherwise approved by the Conservative Party.
2. Reporters are limited to a total of five questions that they can ask Harper at campaign events.
3. Harper’s staff decide which reporters can ask the five questions and which subjects are acceptable.
4. Reporters with TV cameras are escorted out of Harper’s campaign events after two minutes or less.
5. Conservative candidates have been told not to attend all-candidates meetings or to speak with the media.
Where is the rioting in the streets? Why are the media cooperating by giving any coverage to this upstart autocrat? How can the party of Stephen Harper still have any support in the polls which are reported so frequently? His record in office is not impressive. His election platform and promises are in no way superior to the opposition parties. Returning him to power is to endorse the continuing erosion of our democracy.
Canadians are known to be polite, even deferential. But Harper’s restrictions cross the line. Freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom of speech – these cherished democratic rights apparently only apply to Harper and his entourage, not to the Canadian people.
Enough is enough. It is time for Canadians to wake up to the outrageous behaviour of Stephen Harper and to rid the country of this would-be Emperor.