2003-09-14

Canada is guilty of pandering to U.S. paranoia. The detention of 19 Muslims recently for the horrible crime of "suspicion" is evidence of that. Ernie Eves' bashing of immigrants while he wraps himself in the American flag over the war in Iraq confirms it. Now, and not for the first time, Muslims are detained, grilled and expelled simply for being Muslims on September 11.

The problem with giving in to fear and prejudice is it's hard to stop. Racial profiling by the Toronto police is one example of something so prevalent that the police don't even seem to realize that it's happening. It takes leadership with vision and courage to stop it. Sadly, our political leadership, as exemplified by Jean Chretien, Ernie Eves and Mel Lastman, seems to have none of these characteristics.

No wonder so many people have been turned off of politics.

With provincial, municipal and federal elections all coming up, the public have a rare opportunity to clean house. In these elections, I urge everyone to vote for candidates and parties capable of restoring faith in our political leadership. Vote not because you've always voted that way, but because the party is speaking to issues that will make Ontario a better place.

Above all, reject parties who seek to play on fear and prejudice. We have too many examples throughout history that show where that road leads.

Gary Dale, Provincial NDP Candidate
Scarborough East