Like 1930s Germany?
Dear Editor:
I was relieved see Murray Stevenson’s letter (Morally reprehensible, March 19) appear in the Wellington Advertiser.
I would like to point out the irony of the editor’s comments following David Courtney’s letter (Cartoonist is ‘funny,’ March 26). Although your accounts are reasonably accurate as a synopsis of the Nazi rise to power, the real irony lies in your comment: “but the referendum was rife with intimidation and propaganda.”
The irony is in the strong parallel between 1930s Germany and post-2020 Canada. I believe post-2020 Canada is “rife with intimidation and propaganda.”
Government supported propaganda saw a serious uptake starting in March of 2020. Fortunately there are alternate media sources which can neutralize the propaganda for now (Bill C9 among others are seriously infringing our freedom to speak without fear).
As for “intimidation” in Canada, where to begin? Federally we saw organizers of the truckers’ convoy (Tamara Lich and Chris Barber as the most prominent but there were others) imprisoned, with their basic freedom being seriously hampered to this day. Don’t discount the unimaginable defence costs against mischief charges. Supporters’ bank accounts were frozen and unarmed protesters were trampled by heavily armed police and their horses. All because of an illegally imposed Emergencies Act.
Provincially, we saw the Mayor of Emo forced to pay $5,000 to a complainant by the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal for refusing to proclaim Pride Month. We saw Chilliwack B.C. School Board Trustee Barry Neufeld fined $750,000 by the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal for statements about trans/queer-inclusive education.
So called “ethics commissioners” are used to devastating effect on local councils (Lisa Robinson is just one example).
These actions have a very chilling effect, forcing opposition/criticism of government agenda to put up and shut up. This can be viewed in parallel to 1930s Germany and its determination to silence its opposition/criticism.
As Canadians, how far down this rabbit hole are we prepared to go? How far are contributors such as Allen Berry, Paul Dunnill, David Courtney and to a lesser extent Ann Hollings willing to push our country into a socialist/authoritarian nightmare like 1930s Germany?
We need to learn the lessons of our ancestors before those same consequences come knocking on our door(s). Although I do not agree with your cartoonist’s depiction of U.S. President Donald Trump, I fervently agree with his/her freedom to express his/her opinion.
Wayne Baker,
Wellington North
*Editor’s note: An SIU investigation into a single incident of alleged “trampling” in Ottawa, involving a man and woman knocked down by a police horse, was discontinued as there were no significant injuries from the interaction.