Equality mirage

Are 'gay rights' masking conservative agendas?

(See tail end of Questions about U.S. election.)

Prime Minister Paul Martin was steadfastly non-committal about same-sex marriage before taking up the Liberal Party leadership (mid-2003), and remained so leading up to the federal election (June 2004). Yet, he's now done a complete about-face, ever since President George Bush's official visit in November. Funny.

Compare news articles about Prime Minister Martin's stance on same-sex marriage before and after Bush's visit: PM Martin used to waffle endlessly, yet his new position is unusually clear and resolute.

See recent article: 'Cabinet minister ponders breaking ranks,' (Globe & Mail. December 15, 2004.)

Based on my possible surveillance, and hence, observing progressive events and listservs I participate in or endorse, I believe security bodies have been discovering benefits to embracing the queer population, and appearing to support LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) progress. I've been suggesting this possibility for two years, due to certain incidents and strange encounters I've had with people. (Like in this post, only with people who are queer.)

Police Chief Julian Fantino's recent appearance on the cover of fab Magazine is a good example of what I mean by 'queer faddism'.

Believe it or not, I think some of the upswing in queer visibility is a way to get people's guards down: it helps promote goodwill, social ties, a celebratory sense of freedom, and mutual co-operation between Canada and the U.S. (academia, health, politics, tourism).

I question whether some of the increasing 'official' support for LGBT rights in Canada may contain hidden agendas. Here's why (kindly suspend your disbelief for two minutes...):

1. Making Canada appealing to Americans increases cross-border relations and can spur migration.

- There's always been a steady stream of U.S. citizens into Canada. Stepping this up would increase cultural integration and the U.S.'s political influence.* (See 'Fox news and free speech.')

2. Status quo within the country is getting shaken up and factions are forming, which can further destabilize national unity.

3. Promoting queer-friendly media and products means good business.

4. Homosexuality is also commonly associated with blatant sex, promiscuous lifestyles, etc - and sex sells.

5. Queer folks, usually men, are movers and shakers in many industries, including popular entertainment, arts, fashion, beauty, design, and so on. Again, big bucks and cultural fusion.

6. Changes are being brought about in U.S. and Canadian cities close to the border (eg, privatizing many public radio stations). Need I say it? Media is powerful.


America has been studying how to facilitate deep integration with Canada for many years - especially post-911 (see Council of Canadians). You may not believe me today, but I think close study of Toronto's activist and social scenes has helped elites devise creative new approaches to Canada-U.S. integration: WATCH FOR THE CONSERVATIVE UNDERTOW.


*Note: I'm all for a world without borders, but global politics are not so kind in actual reality.

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If we want a strong, free, independent Canada, responsible journalism, public awareness, grassroots empowerment, and upholding civil and privacy rights are key.

While I myself may have progressive values, I'm not necessarily anti-conservative: I hope we may all find peaceful co-existence through dialogue and holistic solutions.

Our neighbour's founding values are similar. The U.S. Constitution had partly been influenced by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and others' interest in the Iroquois confederacy and the Six Nation's Great Law of Peace (see 2nd paragraph).

Also see, 'The United States Constitution: Is it a Native American Myth?'

Gaining a sense of both America's history and its future direction - never mind talking about the Illuminati - makes National Treasure a compelling movie (see review and one viewer's comments). The film's casting, positioning and depiction of certain social groups, and clear emphasis on money (treasure) and materialism are intriguing. After all, money is power.

So getting back to Prime Minister Paul Martin's sudden interest in human rights and equality for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) people...

What's up with that?

Here's my take: Canada's elected representatives have been vested power by the people to serve this country and its citizens. But they're probably betraying this trust to enable the interests of a narrow few. No surprise there. But how is this is being done? And do you care enough about Canada's sovereignty and preserving democracy to speak out?

We are soon to be Can-Am flunkies, and all that entails.