'Today's decision by the broadcasting consortium is an inexcusable mistake and a slap in the face to all those who care about democracy and freedom of speech in this country. They have bowed to crass partisan politics from three other federal parties. Elizabeth May deserves to be in the included in the nationally-televised leaders' debates. She has jumped through every hoop that has barred her way and she still is being kept from presenting the Green platform to a national audience by the Conservatives, NDP and Bloc.
The Green party is a truly national party that has run candidates across the country for the past two elections. We have a sitting MP. We had the support of nearly 700,000 Canadians in the last elections and are polling at over one million votes in this election. There is no logical reason why Elizabeth May and the Green Party should be kept out of this important national forum.'
I sent a letter expecting as usual that nothing would happen to change the decision that was made mostly because Mr. Harper doesn't like Ms. May. Yesterday I received the following email which goes to prove that people really can make a difference:
Dear Green Party Supporter,
I am writing to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for supporting my campaign to be included in the televised leaders' debates.
Because of you and countless thousands like you who donated money and deluged the airwaves, the Internet, newspaper letters columns and politicians' inboxes with a national outpouring of outrage, the broadcasters have now reversed their decision to exclude the Green Party.
I am both humbled and inspired by what I have witnessed in the past few days – the exhilarating spectacle of Canadians rising up to protest a blatant injustice.
Your victory isn't just a victory for the Green Party, it's a victory for democracy and for the fundamental Canadian values of equality and fairness.
Thank you again for standing up for democracy.
it's important to speak when you have something important to say.
ReplyDeleteit's also important to listen, because sometimes we might learn something.
i'm happy for canada.
C'mon canucks, be more like us. Two parties are plenty!
ReplyDelete- Love, Your Friendly Neighborhood Empire
sera - It's also good when you have something to say to be in a place where people can listen. Ask Dennis Kucinich and Ralph Nader.
ReplyDeleterandal - Is that like divide and rule? It seems to happen in Canada too but at least there they have an optional entrance.
Hello, Susan.
ReplyDeleteThis seems rather odd to me, in a somewhat sinister way.
Is there a precedent for the barring of party leaders from the debates?
Where I come from, Susan, you efforts either get you an "Attaboy" or "Waytago." Your choice. Either one comes with a jock-like slap on the ass and a smile that says "ya done good."
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ReplyDeletept - Not that I ever heard.
ReplyDeletespartacus - One does what one can, eh?
Wow, that is pretty lame. Keeping a party from voicing its beliefs is a heavy handed action. Very amateur.
ReplyDelete