How long, would you say?

We, in Canada, often follow the States in trend on debate issues.  We don't make the same choices but we often find ourselves embroiled in similar debates after or as issues are being batted about south of us.  No matter what you do, the loudest and the biggest tends to dictate the culture in the classroom.  And we happen to have the seat next to the loudest and the biggest.

This tendency is being exacerbated by our current Conservative government that believes it has a mandate to change our very way of life in this country.  Our Conservative leaders seem to be dutifully following the leaders of the United States as they attempt to control their constituent populations while at the same time denying that population its voice, rights, and freedoms.

Well, now, down there, they are having debates over women's reproductive rights -- and it looks like the debate has devolved to removing women's rights period.  One female senator is suggesting that women need not have the right to vote.  Nice.

Where is the backlash coming from?  What fear?  Is it to take our minds off of the rich and their bailouts?  Or take our attention away from bill after bill that attempts to limit rights and freedoms?  Or would folks really strip over half the population of its rights to spite Obama?  No idea.  None, really.  I am pretty sure that even the people spouting these opinions and restrictions may not fully believe them.  That it's all political.  Who really wants extremists to be in charge of anyone's health care.

Because here is what I believe:  No one in their right mind would limit freedom of speech, unless they were frightened that they could not support their own position.  No one in their right mind would deny a woman providence over her body unless her power is intimidating.  No one in their right mind would rescind Habeas Corpus unless they need to operate in secrecy.  No one in their right mind would limit my ability and access to information if information weren't powerful.  The privileged put up fences when they are frightened, when they know the world is not fair but want to keep what is theirs, whether they deserve it or not.

I am pretty sure this debate is being kindled here in this country and we will soon have to argue women's reproductive rights again.  Just as bills limiting information sharing and increasing the government's access to private information are being tabled -- just like they were down there in the States.  I say bring it on.  In this day and age, are you really going to expect me to sit down and do what you tell me to do because you believe in some god or other? Or want to preserve the privilege of the rich?  Do you really think that I am so addicted to computer games that I'm not listening?  Really?  I think I'll be able to put them down.

Why, look.  I already did.