Friday, January 09, 2015

He Wants You To Be Very Afraid

                                             http://www.theglobeandmail.com


Yesterday, in British Columbia, Stephen Harper warned that the world is beset by Islamists:

Harper drew the connection between the Paris attack and what he described as the "international jihadist movement," including the Islamic State, also known as ISIL.

"They have declared war on anybody who does not think and act exactly as they wish they would think and act," said Harper.

"They have declared war and are already executing it on a massive scale on a whole range of countries with which they are in contact, and they have declared war on any country, like ourselves, that values freedom, openness and tolerance. We may not like this and wish it would go away, but it is not going to go away."

Never mind that Harper's description of jihadists sounded remarkably like his own acolytes. Statistics Canada reported that same day that there was no growth in the Canadian economy in December. The master economist has clearly failed in his economic crusade. So, with an election looming, he needs another kind of crusade. And a crusade against terrorism fits the bill. Michael Harris warns:

When Parliament returns, Stephen Harper will be bringing forward new anti-terror legislation. Fear is Harper’s most powerful vote magnet; security is fear’s most reliable handmaiden.

The new legislation will be a loyalty test administered by Harper on Thomas Mulcair and Justin Trudeau — and on all of us, really. Are we tough or soft on terrorism?

Harper will follow the lead of the Far Right in Europe:

Just consider how the Far Right has pounced on this sickening crime to advance their political agenda. In France, Marine LePen of the Front National party has used the massacre at Charlie Hebdo to declare war on Islamism — without having the facts. That’s not a small consideration when you remember that France has five million Muslim citizens.

In Great Britain, the leader of the UK Independence Party, Nigel Farage, has jumped from these wanton murders to pronouncing a fatwa of his own against multiculturalism — as if putting an end to cultural tolerance would be good for being British.

We still don't have the facts about the attacks in Quebec and on Parliament Hill. But facts have never mattered to Harper. What matters is that there is an election to win and the line about "a steady hand on the economic tiller" won't work any more.

That is why Harper wants you to be afraid -- very afraid.

10 comments:

Lorne said...

I am very afraid, Owen, but not for the reasons Dear Leader wishes.

Unknown said...

From that article:

"...Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Thursday, as he warned that jihadists are at war with anyone who values openness and tolerance."

Kinda like the kettle calling the pot black.

Now why are the cons swooping over British Columbia? Infant Fantino was here too. Well the BC Lieberals are joined at the hip with the fed cons. They both worship China reject the USA and swoon over the very very rich and to hell with the constituents that other than those who donate money to their campaign war chest.

I am getting sick of this dog and pony show...

Owen Gray said...

Terrorism is a diversion for Harper, Lorne. And, if he can pull off this magician's act, we'll all be in deep, deep trouble.

Owen Gray said...

Unfortunately, Mogs, a lot of people are still buying tickets to the show.

Unknown said...

I agree Owen, fear of terrorist will be his number one tool in his election campaign. I just wish the MSM would challenge him on this. It will be interesting during the election if the opposition challenges him. I know Tom Mulcair says the Ottawa attack was not a terrorist attack, which I was glad to hear him say, but so many more need to speak out

Owen Gray said...

We must refused to be cowed, Pam. We know that Harper is a master of fear and smear.

Anonymous said...

Afraid of Harper? I feel nothing other than, the utmost contempt for Harper.

Harper lied about being requested, to take part in this war with ISIS. Obama said, he did no such thing.

These are the only true words Harper has ever uttered. I am the law. I make the rules. And by the time I get through with this country? You won't recognize it. That is for sure. Canada has never been governed, by a fascist dictator. Canada has never been an occupied country, by Communist China before either. Canada has never been a dictatorship before Harper.

Dana said...

Soon to be seen Jenni Byrne ad on craigslist:

Wanted: dark skinned, bearded Middle Eastern or African men between the ages of 20 and 35 to lurk menacingly around suburban malls during all hours of the day. Note: if said lurking results in arrest a bonus will be paid if the person arrested says absolutely nothing to anyone about anything and just glares angrily at everyone. Limited term of employment. Free lifetime membership in Conservative Party of Canada and tattoo of Stephen Harper on your ass crack for all successful applicants.

Owen Gray said...

And he plans to stay where he is, Anon.

Owen Gray said...

Having seen how Byrne acted the last time around, Dana, I find that ad almost factual.