These are the groups with whom many of those who advocate for Israel, including the Christian elements of the lobby, have aligned themselves - a mix of religion and expediency.
Canadians should ask why these groups have brought the Middle East to our institutions, even to those in which it has no business. If the case of Rights and Democracy is any indication, our institutions are libelled and their independence is threatened. Civil society and civil servants who deal with the Middle East have been scared into silence. Never before in Canadian history has the mention of a foreign state evoked such "chill', to use former NDP leader Ed Broadbent's term.
The resulting asymmetry in advocacy impact and in access to political leaders weakens the very fabric of our society, undermines our institutions and our civil society in general, and stifles the debates that are necessary in a democracy. It also results in a one-sided understanding of the conflict leading to biased public policy.
Rick Mercer's message was given during the 2009 prorogation of Parliament. It is even more valid now that Parliament has been shut down for a second time and policy is being formed according to the dictates of special interests.
It is the job of politicians to serve the interests of the people, and it is the job of the people to continually hold their feet to the fire. As Canadians, we have no right to be apathetic towards politics and the administration of our country.
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