5 Feet of Fury

Freedom of speech: a call to arms

But if all of those boys and men who fought against certain tyranny in two world wars don’t speak loudly enough from their foreign graves about the price and value of freedom for Stelmach to hear clearly, perhaps it’s time for living Albertans to actually raise a ruckus if not arms.

“The Alberta Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act is being used to stifle and trample our most fundamental human right.

(…)

“Borovoy says speech that denies people equality is already well covered by the act and hate speech is covered by the Criminal Code. Borovoy therefore has a solution to restore human rights to Alberta’s human rights commission.

“‘I think the removal of this section is necessary, but it may well not be sufficient,’ he warned. ‘I think there’s no substitute — as with so many other things — for a lot of vigilance at the citizen level.’ Vigilance at the citizen level? He means you and I doing our bit to stand on guard for the values of this country, not the values of Saudi Arabia or Syria.

“It’s time freedom of expression became an election issue and Albertans secured a promise from Stelmach to protect it. As his quote would indicate, he needs help understanding what needs to be done, so let’s tell him. Call him and tell him you want Section 3(1)(b) removed from Alberta’s human rights act. Tell him you want him to stand up for your most fundamental right.

“You can call 780-427-2251 or toll free at 310-0000 and ask for the premier’s office. Because of the election, his e-mail address is shut down. However, you can fax him at 780-427-1349.

“Or send a letter to: Premier Ed Stelmach, Executive Branch, 307 Legislature Building, 10800 97th Ave., Edmonton, AB T5K 2B7.

“Democracy requires free speech. By practising both now, you’ll help protect both for the future.”