Gary Mason writes that the word "freedom" has been weaponized. The latest example of that process comes from Pierre Poilievre:
If you watched any of federal Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre’s video announcing his candidacy for the leadership of his party, you might have discerned a theme: freedom.
Variations of the word were used nine times in his three-minute performance. If he is elected leader and is ultimately successful in becoming prime minister, Mr. Poilievre promised, among other things, to make Canadians the “freest people on earth,” with “freedom to make your own health and vaccine choices, freedom to speak without fear.”
“Freedom over fear,” he recently tweeted.
This is not by accident, of course.
Authoritarians around the world are doing what Poilievre is doing -- particularly the Orange One just south of us:
Freedom, as an ideology, has been appropriated by the Make America Great Again (MAGA) wing of the U.S. Republican party. There is a strong MAGA fan base in this country, apparently with prominent supporters such as Candice Bergen, the new interim leader of the federal Conservative Party of Canada. Undated photos circulating on social media appear to show Ms. Bergen sporting a camouflage MAGA hat.
MAGA hats and Trump signs have been ubiquitous at the Freedom Convoy occupation in Ottawa, which has attracted donations and political support from the U.S. One man rode a horse through the downtown streets carrying a flag emblazoned with the word “Trump.” The word ‘freedom’ could be found on most signs being touted by the protesters. For many, it’s a word that has become code for white-identity politics and the far-right’s weapon of choice in the culture wars.
Mr. Poilievre has been a strong advocate of those gathered in Ottawa, meeting with them and helping get their message out.
He’s been less vocal about the lawlessness that has taken place or the harm that the encampment has caused to commerce and downtown residents. It would appear that the presumptive favourite to win the Conservative leadership isn’t prepared to jeopardize his relationship with potential supporters in the name of law and order.
It's not as though we haven't been warned:
As Elisabeth Anker, a professor of American studies at George Washington University and author of Ugly Freedoms recently wrote in The New York Times: “Today, more and more, laws, caucuses, rallies and hard-right movements use the language of freedom as a cudgel to erode democratic governance and civil rights; these laws expand the creep of authoritarianism.”
And George Orwell, of course, knew how authoritarians can pervert language to corrupt thought.
One wonders what he would say about Mr. Poilievre.
Image: The Toronto Star
26 comments:
Poilievre was the favourite going into the last Con leadership race. He had former Harper attack dogs Jenni Byrne and John Baird as his campaign managers. Then he suddenly bowed out. Rumour had it that his management style was like former GG Julie Payette's and that staff threatened to go public if he ran. Seems like there's a gold mine out there for any enterprising oppo researcher.
Cap
Poilievre leaves a bad taste in a lot of mouths, Cap. I suspect those who've spent any time close to him have a treasure trove of stories.
One particular "freedom" message from Skippy was his use of the word in relation to religion. When reference is made to religious rights and freedom you know that a certain crowd is being pandered to by those who probably don't have a particular affinity for any "God". "when Facism comes to America it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross". I make no claim to this quote as I believe there has been a controversy to the owner but it conveys a very ominous image.
Canadians have never mixed state and religion in the past that I can recall, except when reference was made to Harper being of some fringe western evangelical church.
https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2015/09/14/Covert-Evangelism-Stephen-Harper/
When the hardcore majority in this so-called "freedom" party are still working to reverse such legislation as access to: (1) safe and legal abortions, (2) dying with dignity, and (3) legal same sex marriage rights, I may or just might pay attention to their blathering. Otherwise they can continue their retreat back into the 1950's if they wish, but please don't expect the majority of Canadians to follow suit. Also, you can forget about re-instituting your version of YOUR Lord's Prayer in all publicly funded schools.
I grew up in the 1950's when old white men ran governments and all men were the 'boss' on the home front. I do not want my 3 granddaughters to face that backwards society again.
If we don’t begin to pay honest attention to leaking methane in Antarctica, the sink hole in northern Russia, Alaska, and the Yukon, releasing methane in the Arctic as well, we aren’t going to need to talk about freedom. The freedom we already have in this country will not be worth anything. Read “The Disaffected Lib Mk’s February 8, 2022 piece on his blog. Also look for CBCs Documentary Channel for the sink hole in Russia etc. Canadians need to be concerned about the Insurrection that is happening in Ottawa yes. Perhaps someone who lives in Ontario could fly a flag saying “Sink Holes Releasing Methane” through the crowed, and don’t say it ought to be me. I do not have the money. Anyong
There are politicians who are well aware of the votes available in particular denominations, zoombats. I suspect that Skippy learned that lesson very well under the tutelage of Stephen Harper.
Women are not going back to the 1950s, Lulymay. There are lots of men who appear to have missed that memo.
The problems e face -- like the problems at the poles -- require collective responses, Anyong. People like Poilievre have missed the boat.
I'm with Cap. My venerable Ottawa Tory sage told me a few days ago that he's convinced Poilievre has a fear of exposure for something. I think of him as a perfect, NLS or "nasty little shit." He's got the charisma of two-day old roadkill. That's not to say he won't appeal to his tribe.
I don't think Poilievre is concerned about jeopardizing his relationship with potential supporters. I think he's trying to stoke fear, anger, and hatred against the government and, in particular, Trudeau.
I find it particularly disturbing to see Candice Bergen wearing a MAGA hat. She should be more concerned about making Canada great again.
Actually, many things about this protest concerning the direction many people seem to want to take Canada is very scary. It's like people want to go back to some long-gone civilization.
GDN
Poilierve strikes me as a seething caldron of grievance, Mound. There are those who will welcome that into their houses. But, once they do, it will rot everything it touches.
We are at a crossroads, Gordie. This could take a very bad turn.
"As the other animals watch through the window, they find they are unable to tell pigs and humans apart. "
A good line, PoV. Orwell was no fool.
I am intrigued by the report's of Skippy's personal wealth, some say $7M some as high as $9M, either way it is a whack of money gleaned by a person who has had no other job than politics!
A 20 year history would need an annual savings rate of at least $250K, way above the pay of a politician.
So let the MSM investigate, I bet they will not, so it will be up to Frank Magazine to expose these finances.
I await, with bated breath those diggings!
Poilievre wins Canadian prime minister
Trump wins US president 2024
Kenney remains premier in Alberta for 2nd term
western canadian town councils swamped with truckdrivers
Think my afternoon nap havin nightmares. :(
Truly a nightmare, lungta.
Not bad for a guy who was first elected to the House of Commons at the age of 25, Ben.
I think we've all probably met the Poilievre type in school, University and the workplace. Truly obnoxious, and "don't know what they don't know" but still think they're the smartest in the room. Accumulation of wealth, rise to high level positions, and lots of job jumping are but a few of the characteristics. Too soon to tell, but I think outside of tory circles the guy is a hard "no" on electability. BC Waterboy
He's managed to be re-elected to his seat a few times, waterboy. That says as much about his constituents as it does about him.
Beware the demise of Canada as we know it today! Beware Kevin Oleary.
Harper managed to be re-elected as PM a few times.
That says as much about Canadians as it does about him.
sorry - couldn't resist - as you say "Beware Poilievre"
We forget that O'Leary wanted to be the leader of the Coservative Party, Rob. It's freightening to think about where we'd be if he had been successful in his quest.
A point well taken, PoV.
Lungta,, ah, there will be no nap this afternoon. that is too scary. Perhaps I need to look at N.Z., australia, O.K. the earth quakes in Japan aren't that bad compared to your outline of future politicians, rule by the rabble.
I've never liked Mr. P. Big mouth and not much sense coming out of it. He does have catchy phrases which some like, but P.M. of this country, omg, time to head north, far, far north.
His brand of Conservatism wants to take us back to the days of old, when you couldn't control you own body if you were female, doctors were paid by yourself and if you didn't have the money too bad, spousal abuse was a family matter, no people of colour or Jews and Muslims at the golf club or in the neighbourhood.
Given the symbols some of these mr. P. types carry with them and their support for the truckers, they lookk a little to white supremist for my tastes. Lived through that in Canada already. When I was a kid people of colour were only permitted to live in British Properites if you weren't Jewish or a person of colour. People who were not white, had to be listed as "servants" to live in the /british properties here in B.C. No joining country and golf clubs either.
I too consider Mr. P. a danger to Canada and our way of life. Wonder how many of the maga crowd is working on his campaign or being consulted.
Good questions, e.a.f.
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