In today's news...

[fajrdrako]

From the CBC: The Conservative government is closing down most of its Status of Women Canada offices, saying they are not doing enough to serve women directly.

Let me ponder this. The government thinks they aren't doing enough so they're largely closing them down so they can do that much less? How does that make sense? And then, Heritage Minister Bev Oda said Wednesday said: We don't need to separate the men from the women in this country …

It isn't about separating women, it's about helping them. Gender disparity? Sexism? Violence and poverty? Does our government really think that women don't need advocacy any more?

Depressing.

Comments

[glinda-north.livejournal.com]

The government thinks they aren't doing enough so they're largely closing them down so they can do that much less? How does that make sense?

It sounds like they've caught the current US strain of the conservative virus. My sympathies.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Sadly, that's probably what's happening. I've always thought the Canadian government's concern for women's rights and well-being was an example to the world. Now no one cares - well, no one but us chickens. Hmmph.

[dewline.livejournal.com]

Yep. This has been old news for quite some time up here. Harper's crew has been wanting us all marching in lockstep with the Dubyans for quite some time, and this is part of the process of dragging us into ideological line.

The next federal election cannot, in my personal opinion, happen soon enough for the good of Confederation.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Amen to that! I am well aware that we could do worse than Harper. I think and hope we can do better.

keep sending those cards and letters!

[maaseru.livejournal.com]

Bev Oda and all her pals in the Cabinet do not read LJs - and they very likely know exactly what we think, but they don't care because we are not part of their agenda. However, if people actually take the time to speak up, they have to say something, sometimes even take a step or two back.

fwiw

Re: keep sending those cards and letters!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Yes. You're right. I'll write. I can do that! I'm literate! I know how to write a letter!

Re: keep sending those cards and letters!

[dewline.livejournal.com]

Working on it here. Not sure how much good it's doing as yet...

Re: keep sending those cards and letters!

[maaseru.livejournal.com]

Whether you realise it or not, they do pay attention. They count the "we love yous" and "why? why? why?s", and sometimes even attempt to answer some of them, though this party is not interested in social issues - as opposed to economic ones.

Echoes of Paul Gross...

[dewline.livejournal.com]

...who's said as much himself at assorted events where he's done Q&A sessions I've attended. I recall him saying, in fact, that they still pay more attention up here to such things than -- for example -- their American counterparts.

[meret.livejournal.com]

I empathize. Closing down the White house version of that was one of the first things bush did. :(

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Bad, bad idea.