Double standard
As time goes by, it is as surprising as it is disappointing to see just to what extent our federal and provincial governments will invest so much energy into changing what really interests the population, not to say what is really in the population’s interest. As we see the surprising rise in the Occupy Wall Street movement who has seen enough of the other 1% of the population grabbing most of the wealth, where can the debate be directed?
Towards those who, in fact, defend the 99% with conviction. Let’s be clear that the diversion is very convenient. Just last week, we saw proposed Bill C-317 tabled in Ottawa, which is aimed at forcing labour organizations to publish and break down their financial statements. But, what about breaking down and making public the expenses linked to holding the G8? What about transparency surrounding the purchase of the F18s? Why has it been decided that the new Champlain bridge will be built in a “PPP” mode, the ultimate mode of institutional collusion?
While the Charest government in Québec wants to demonstrate that it is attacking the real corruption problems, particularly by putting an end to unions investing in construction sites, what about the very disturbing allegations in the Duschesneau report? What about the public enquiry commission that everyone wants and that the government refuses to set up? What about the growing number of allegations of corruption and collusion?
No one is against virtue and needless to say our society can only gain from the fact that there is more transparency, including in unions. But this transparency must apply EVERYWHERE. Because, while we are keeping attention on the youth of society smoking pot at CEGEP and on the poor whom we want to force to take drug tests, we are deliberately removing the real problems from the debate that are at the heart of the global economic crisis and cynicism regarding political issues.
Furthermore, many in the United States see, in the birth of the Occupy Wall Street movement, a logical follow-up to an Arab spring, and this grassroots movement will not stop there. Already, several cells have emerged in other countries, including Canada. There is little doubt that the public will demonstrate in front of our governments’ doors after the dictators and wealthy of Wall Street, if the latter do not quickly end this diversionary strategy and further the real interests of the population.