Democracy for all
Free speech does not protect you from the consequences of saying things that are stupid or things which are incompatible with common shared fundamental societal values.
Hamza Chaoui is an imam with hundreds of followers, mostly it seems on social media. He advocates Sharia law where women are denied basic rights, a system from the 8th century which really hasn't changed much.
Chaouisays Islam and democracy are two parallel lines which will never intersect because, as he wrote, "democracy allows for the election of an infidel or homosexual or atheist.”
He says his teachings are based on an interpretation of the Koran followed by Sunni Muslims. Mayor Denis Coderre says Chaoui is an instrument for radicalization and says he will deny any request he makes for a permit to open a community centre in Montreal.
"It’s clear it has nothing to do with religion," says Coderre, "and if we want to protect our kids, if we want to protect some of the people who might, through the Internet or through other ways, be influenced. And you know we can think of the worst, it is imperative and important that I take my full responsibility."
Premier Couillard this week agreed that it would not be a good idea to allow Chaoui to open up a storefront operation. And I believe most reasonable people think the same way.
Now Chaoui is threatening to sue. And this is where the sheer blood-boiling hypocrisy comes in. He says he may seek redress under the Quebec and Canadian Chartersof Rights, which are democratic charters. Some people think they can have it both ways: they can slam the system, preach the evils of democratic rule, but then try to hide behind its protections.
Our world has become a dangerous place and itis time we started making some new rules. Chaoui says he has never incited violence or hatred. But what he stands for seems to me not to be a society of inclusiveness based on equality and decency.We live in a democracy where everyone counts or nobody does.
Gas gouging in Quebec
You already knew this. The oil companies treat us like fools.
A new study from the CAA finds, yes we have been gouged by the oil companies in Quebec.
And, yes prices do go up before weekends, especially before long weekends. The study found that Montreal drivers paid more for gas than they should have in 2014 on 131 days.
It’s not all taxes as some claim. That's only one factor. It’s greed.
Even this week, an overnight increase of 15 cents a liter. It’s scandalous.
And the oil companies do it because they can. And because governments also benefit from higher prices with their insatiable appetites for your hard earned cash.
To borrow from Shakespeare, “Lord, what fools these drivers be!”
