Democracy Gone Astray

Democracy, being a human construct, needs to be thought of as directionality rather than an object. As such, to understand it requires not so much a description of existing structures and/or other related phenomena but a declaration of intentionality.
This blog aims at creating labeled lists of published infringements of such intentionality, of points in time where democracy strays from its intended directionality. In addition to outright infringements, this blog also collects important contemporary information and/or discussions that impact our socio-political landscape.

All the posts here were published in the electronic media – main-stream as well as fringe, and maintain links to the original texts.

[NOTE: Due to changes I haven't caught on time in the blogging software, all of the 'Original Article' links were nullified between September 11, 2012 and December 11, 2012. My apologies.]

Saturday, September 15, 2012

11 Conservative MPs and a Senator Say Exactly the Same Quote About the War of 1812 At the Same Time

Friday was the day for news releases from the Conservative government about its ongoing War of 1812 celebrations.

Conservative MPs and a senator fanned out in eastern Canada to partake in taxpayer-funded gatherings.

No details on the cost but one Defence Watch reader who attended said he a nice time having refreshments and such. The receptions are being funded out of the $30 million fund the Conservatives set aside for celebrating the War of 1812.

The news releases started pouring in Friday afternoon, one after another at one minute intervals. The fascinating thing was how 11 Conservative MPs and a senator can all say exactly the same thing.

Notice how each had the exact same quote:

“Our Government is committed to support our men and women in uniform and to commemorate Canada’s military heritage. I am pleased to be here to honour those regiments and soldiers whose decisive actions throughout the War of 1812 protected Canada and allowed our country to emerge as a free and independent nation within North America.”

On the positive side – at least for DND staff – it sure makes the job of the 450-plus public affairs officers and public affairs personnel that the department and Canadian Forces employs an easy one when you can just churn out the same news release multiple times.

For your reading pleasure here are the details:

1) CORNWALL, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Sept. 14, 2012) – Guy Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Stormont-Dundas-Glengary South, today highlighted that numerous Canadian Forces units will be awarded perpetuation of historical units that fought in the War of 1812 and, therefore, inherit Battle Honours for engagements that were of critical importance for the defence of Canada during the War. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on September 14, 2012.

“Our Government is committed to support our men and women in uniform and to commemorate Canada’s military heritage,” said Mr. Lauzon. “I am pleased to be here to honour those regiments and soldiers whose decisive actions throughout the War of 1812 protected Canada and allowed our country to emerge as a free and independent nation within North America.”

As part of the commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the federal Government committed to honouring the memory of all who served during the war. To recognize the gallantry of thousands of early Canadians who fought to defend their homeland during the war, current Canadian Army regiments that perpetuate War of 1812 units that fought in six key engagements and campaigns that were pivotal to the defence of Canada will be awarded the following Battle Honours: ‘DETROIT’, ‘QUEENSTON’, ‘MAUMEE,’ ‘NIAGARA,’ ‘CHATEAUGUAY,’ and ‘CRYSLER’S FARM.’



2) BRANTFORD, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Sept. 14, 2012) – Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament for Brant, today highlighted that numerous Canadian Forces units will be awarded perpetuation of historical units that fought in the War of 1812 and, therefore, inherit Battle Honours for engagements that were of critical importance for the defence of Canada during the War. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on September 14, 2012.

“Our Government is committed to support our men and women in uniform and to commemorate Canada’s military heritage,” said Mr. McColeman. “I am pleased to be here to honour those regiments and soldiers whose decisive actions throughout the War of 1812 protected Canada and allowed our country to emerge as a free and independent nation within North America.”

As part of the commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the federal Government committed to honouring the memory of all who served during the war. To recognize the gallantry of thousands of early Canadians who fought to defend their homeland during the war, current Canadian Army regiments that perpetuate War of 1812 units that fought in six key engagements and campaigns that were pivotal to the defence of Canada will be awarded the following Battle Honours: ‘DETROIT’, ‘QUEENSTON’, ‘MAUMEE,’ ‘NIAGARA,’ ‘CHATEAUGUAY,’ and ‘CRYSLER’S FARM.’



3) BRAMPTON, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Sept. 14, 2012) – Parm Gill, Member of Parliament for Brampton-Springdale, today highlighted that numerous Canadian Forces units will be awarded perpetuation of historical units that fought in the War of 1812 and, therefore, inherit Battle Honours for engagements that were of critical importance for the defence of Canada during the War. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on September 14, 2012.

“Our Government is committed to support our men and women in uniform and to commemorate Canada’s military heritage,” said Mr. Gill. “I am pleased to be here to honour those regiments and soldiers whose decisive actions throughout the War of 1812 protected Canada and allowed our country to emerge as a free and independent nation within North America.”

As part of the commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the federal Government committed to honouring the memory of all who served during the war. To recognize the gallantry of thousands of early Canadians who fought to defend their homeland during the war, current Canadian Army regiments that perpetuate War of 1812 units that fought in six key engagements and campaigns that were pivotal to the defence of Canada will be awarded the following Battle Honours: ‘DETROIT’, ‘QUEENSTON’, ‘MAUMEE,’ ‘NIAGARA,’ ‘CHATEAUGUAY,’ and ‘CRYSLER’S FARM.’



4) TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Sept. 14, 2012) – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today highlighted that numerous Canadian Forces units will be awarded perpetuation of historical units that fought in the War of 1812 and, therefore, inherit Battle Honours for engagements that were of critical importance for the defence of Canada during the War. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on September 14, 2012.

“Our Government is committed to support our men and women in uniform and to commemorate Canada’s military heritage,” said Minister MacKay. “I am pleased to be here to honour those regiments and soldiers whose decisive actions throughout the War of 1812 protected Canada and allowed our country to emerge as a free and independent nation within North America.”

As part of the commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the federal Government committed to honouring the memory of all who served during the war. To recognize the gallantry of thousands of early Canadians who fought to defend their homeland during the war, current Canadian Army regiments that perpetuate War of 1812 units that fought in six key engagements and campaigns that were pivotal to the defence of Canada will be awarded the following Battle Honours: ‘DETROIT’, ‘QUEENSTON’, ‘MAUMEE,’ ‘NIAGARA,’ ‘CHATEAUGUAY,’ and ‘CRYSLER’S FARM.’



5) ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Sept. 14, 2012) – The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today highlighted that numerous Canadian Forces units will be awarded perpetuation of historical units that fought in the War of 1812 and, therefore, inherit Battle Honours for engagements that were of critical importance for the defence of Canada during the War. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on September 14, 2012.

“Our Government is committed to support our men and women in uniform and to commemorate Canada’s military heritage,” said Minister Nicholson. “I am pleased to be here to honour those regiments and soldiers whose decisive actions throughout the War of 1812 protected Canada and allowed our country to emerge as a free and independent nation within North America.”

As part of the commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the federal Government committed to honouring the memory of all who served during the war. To recognize the gallantry of thousands of early Canadians who fought to defend their homeland during the war, current Canadian Army regiments that perpetuate War of 1812 units that fought in six key engagements and campaigns that were pivotal to the defence of Canada will be awarded the following Battle Honours: ‘DETROIT’, ‘QUEENSTON’, ‘MAUMEE,’ ‘NIAGARA,’ ‘CHATEAUGUAY,’ and ‘CRYSLER’S FARM.’



6) HAMILTON, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Sept. 14, 2012) – David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, today highlighted that numerous Canadian Forces units will be awarded perpetuation of historical units that fought in the War of 1812 and, therefore, inherit Battle Honours for engagements that were of critical importance for the defence of Canada during the War. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on September 14, 2012.

“Our Government is committed to support our men and women in uniform and to commemorate Canada’s military heritage,” said Mr. Sweet. “I am pleased to be here to honour those regiments and soldiers whose decisive actions throughout the War of 1812 protected Canada and allowed our country to emerge as a free and independent nation within North America.”

As part of the commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the federal Government committed to honouring the memory of all who served during the war. To recognize the gallantry of thousands of early Canadians who fought to defend their homeland during the war, current Canadian Army regiments that perpetuate War of 1812 units that fought in six key engagements and campaigns that were pivotal to the defence of Canada will be awarded the following Battle Honours: ‘DETROIT’, ‘QUEENSTON’, ‘MAUMEE,’ ‘NIAGARA,’ ‘CHATEAUGUAY,’ and ‘CRYSLER’S FARM.’



7) FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK–(Marketwire – Sept. 14, 2012) – John Williamson, Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest, today highlighted that numerous Canadian Forces units will be awarded perpetuation of historical units that fought in the War of 1812 and, therefore, inherit Battle Honours for engagements that were of critical importance for the defence of Canada during the War. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on September 14, 2012.

“Our Government is committed to support our men and women in uniform and to commemorate Canada’s military heritage,” said Mr. Williamson. “I am pleased to be here to honour those regiments and soldiers whose decisive actions throughout the War of 1812 protected Canada and allowed our country to emerge as a free and independent nation within North America.”

As part of the commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the federal Government committed to honouring the memory of all who served during the war. To recognize the gallantry of thousands of early Canadians who fought to defend their homeland during the war, current Canadian Army regiments that perpetuate War of 1812 units that fought in six key engagements and campaigns that were pivotal to the defence of Canada will be awarded the following Battle Honours: ‘DETROIT’, ‘QUEENSTON’, ‘MAUMEE,’ ‘NIAGARA,’ ‘CHATEAUGUAY,’ and ‘CRYSLER’S FARM.’



8) TRURO, NOVA SCOTIA–(Marketwire – Sept. 14, 2012) – Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland – Colchester – Musquodoboit Valley, today highlighted that numerous Canadian Forces units will be awarded perpetuation of historical units that fought in the War of 1812 and, therefore, inherit Battle Honours for engagements that were of critical importance for the defence of Canada during the War. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on September 14 2012.

“Our Government is committed to support our men and women in uniform and to commemorate Canada’s military heritage,” said Mr. Armstrong. “I am pleased to be here to honour those regiments and soldiers whose decisive actions throughout the War of 1812 protected Canada and allowed our country to emerge as a free and independent nation within North America.”

As part of the commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the federal Government committed to honouring the memory of all who served during the war. To recognize the gallantry of thousands of early Canadians who fought to defend their homeland during the war, current Canadian Army regiments that perpetuate War of 1812 units that fought in six key engagements and campaigns that were pivotal to the defence of Canada will be awarded the following Battle Honours: ‘DETROIT’, ‘QUEENSTON’, ‘MAUMEE,’ ‘NIAGARA,’ ‘CHATEAUGUAY,’ and ‘CRYSLER’S FARM.’



9) WINDSOR, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Sept. 14, 2012) – Dave Van Kesteren, Member of Parliament for Chatham – Kent – Essex, today highlighted that numerous Canadian Forces units will be awarded perpetuation of historical units that fought in the War of 1812 and, therefore, inherit Battle Honours for engagements that were of critical importance for the defence of Canada during the War. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on September 14, 2012.

“Our Government is committed to support our men and women in uniform and to commemorate Canada’s military heritage,” said Mr. Van Kesteren. “I am pleased to be here to honour those regiments and soldiers whose decisive actions throughout the War of 1812 protected Canada and allowed our country to emerge as a free and independent nation within North America.”

As part of the commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the federal Government committed to honouring the memory of all who served during the war. To recognize the gallantry of thousands of early Canadians who fought to defend their homeland during the war, current Canadian Army regiments that perpetuate War of 1812 units that fought in six key engagements and campaigns that were pivotal to the defence of Canada will be awarded the following Battle Honours: ‘DETROIT’, ‘QUEENSTON’, ‘MAUMEE,’ ‘NIAGARA,’ ‘CHATEAUGUAY,’ and ‘CRYSLER’S FARM.’



10) LONDON, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Sept. 14, 2012) – Susan Truppe, Member of Parliament for London North Centre and Ed Holder, Member of Parliament for London West, today highlighted that numerous Canadian Forces units will be awarded perpetuation of historical units that fought in the War of 1812 and, therefore, inherit Battle Honours for engagements that were of critical importance for the defence of Canada during the War. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on September 14, 2012.

“Our Government is committed to support our men and women in uniform and to commemorate Canada’s military heritage,” said Mrs. Truppe. “I am pleased to be here to honour those regiments and soldiers whose decisive actions throughout the War of 1812 protected Canada and allowed our country to emerge as a free and independent nation within North America.”

“I am proud to be part of the commemoration of these historic events that are such a significant part of our country’s history”, said Mr. Holder. “We honour all soldiers, past and present, whose courageous efforts defend our values and freedom.”

As part of the commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the federal Government committed to honouring the memory of all who served during the war. To recognize the gallantry of thousands of early Canadians who fought to defend their homeland during the war, current Canadian Army regiments that perpetuate War of 1812 units that fought in six key engagements and campaigns that were pivotal to the defence of Canada will be awarded the following Battle Honours: ‘DETROIT’, ‘QUEENSTON’, ‘MAUMEE,’ ‘NIAGARA,’ ‘CHATEAUGUAY,’ and ‘CRYSLER’S FARM.’



11) ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR–(Marketwire – Sept. 14, 2012) – The Honourable Fabian Manning, Senator for Newfoundland and Labrador, today highlighted that numerous Canadian Forces units will be awarded perpetuation of historical units that fought in the War of 1812 and, therefore, inherit Battle Honours for engagements that were of critical importance for the defence of Canada during the War. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on September 14, 2012.

“Our Government is committed to support our men and women in uniform and to commemorate Canada’s military heritage,” said Senator Manning. “I am pleased to be here to honour those regiments and soldiers whose decisive actions throughout the War of 1812 protected Canada and allowed our country to emerge as a free and independent nation within North America.”

As part of the commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the federal Government committed to honouring the memory of all who served during the war. To recognize the gallantry of thousands of early Canadians who fought to defend their homeland during the war, current Canadian Army regiments that perpetuate War of 1812 units that fought in six key engagements and campaigns that were pivotal to the defence of Canada will be awarded the following Battle Honours: ‘DETROIT’, ‘QUEENSTON’, ‘MAUMEE,’ ‘NIAGARA,’ ‘CHATEAUGUAY,’ and ‘CRYSLER’S FARM.’

Original Article
Source: ottawa citizen
Author: David Pugliese

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