Dear Editor:
I was born in 1954 near the midpoint of the baby boom. Like so many, I grew up in Canada in that post-war era knowing a freedom and a sense of equality that was unprecedented in the world. We were immunized against the worst of the diseases that had plagued the previous generations, protected with antibiotics, and by a medical plan that meant illness didn’t lead to bankruptcy. We were also free from military conscription.
Like so many, I had grandparents and parents who were involved in the wars and in the war efforts. We grew up very aware of the sacrifices their generations had made to defeat tyranny, and stood in remembrance of those who didn’t live to see the future they created for us.
We lived the early part of our lives anticipating World War Three, thinking we might be called up for our turn. But that turn didn’t come for Canadian Boomers, and we were given a chance to live our lives in peace and prosperity, a gift extremely rare in human history.
That gift is now threatened. In ten short years we have seen the erosion of the democracy that was so hard fought for by our forebears and trusted to us. We have seen a government that distains parliament, imposes election laws that make it difficult for neglected Canadians to vote, passes anti-terrorism bills that do nothing but undermine the privacy and freedom of Canadians. And while it waves the flag of patriotism and unity, this government neglects our veterans, shows contempt for our peacekeepers, and attempts to use our regional and generational differences to divide us.
Should we be worried about the muzzling of our scientists, the destruction of our national science libraries and the loss of the long-form Census? The greatest force in democracy is public opinion, but public opinion is worthless unless it is informed. The results of the science and the census belong to us and we are being denied this information at a time when climate, food and water supply, an ageing population and immigration are such critical issues. This government has survived on the largest and most deceptive propaganda campaign in Canadian history and is systematically burying the facts.
The Boomers are ageing, and with age can come a fear of change, but ours is a generation that, in youth, was the voice of social change and no matter how old we are, we are still Canadians.
Democracy is an ongoing battle against tyranny, and in our fear and complacency, tyranny has stolen a march. It may not seem like a war, and it comes late in our lives, but where is the courage of Vimy Ridge, of Juno Beach, and Kapyong? This is a time to emulate those generations and do something for those that follow. Will our generation be remembered for building and sustaining democracy, or as one that only consumed democracy’s benefits? It’s late. The election is upon us, but we still have a chance to set an example of courage and citizenship for the young people.
Bruce Leighton, by email
