The House of Commons has
not sat since the last issue of The Interim came out. I want to take this
opportunity to discuss some important ideas on how to be even more effective
through 1998 in our work on behalf of unborn children and other victims
of anti-life forces in this country.
The present federal political
situation does not look very hopeful for pro-life concerns, but this is
not a sufficient reason for us to be discouraged and give up hope. It is
our business to change the status quo, to work hard to get our politicians
to take seriously the plight of so many unborn (and now even born) children.
So, how can you make a difference?
First of all, you need to
hear what a growing number of politicians -- from Liberal Senator Anne
Cools, to many Reform MPs -- and organizations -- from REAL Women to the
Centre for Renewal in Public Policy -- are saying about the nature of politics
in this country.
It might be too disturbing
even for many pro-lifers to accept, but we do not live in a functional
democracy at this time, and the sooner we face that reality, the sooner
we can target our energy at activity that is more likely to be successful.
Examples
Let's look at practical
examples:
1. As democracy falters,
governments show less interest in the views of the general population.
They respond to the beck and call of special interest groups -- but only
those groups that represent the values governments espouse. As a result,
the traditional means of communicating our views to politicians -- letters,
petitions and even phone calls -- become increasingly less effective.
This means that, despite
our natural trepidation at the idea, we as pro-lifers have to make a commitment
to pursuing more face-to-face meetings with our MPs. We need to be able
to look into the eyes of our Mps.
We need to let them see that
their political policies have a real impact on real people. We need to
bring our children as well. We need to know that we have their full attention
when we bring to them our concerns.
Face-to-face meetings are
going to become increasingly important in the days ahead. CLC will be looking
to expand our activity on this front this year for the sake of Canada's
unborn children.
2. As the political establishment
becomes increasingly driven by the pursuit of power and the government
becomes increasingly isolated from the people being governed, the importance
of electing more pro-life politicians becomes more urgent.
It has always been easier
to work with MPs who are already committed to the issue than to convert
others who are pro-abortion (it is this way with every issue). But the
situation becomes even more acute when politicians become less interested
in the views of the people.
Electing pro-life politicians
has always been a leading goal of Canada's pro-life movement, including
Campaign Life Coalition, but it has also been one of our most challenging
tasks.
Election debate
Prior to each election,
the debate rages over whether our vote should be based on principle or
on strategy (for the most hopeful candidate among those deemed to have
a reasonable chance of being elected). Election reflections among pro-life
activists almost always include frustration at the low numbers of people
who vote for the pro-life candidate in any election race.
Wrestling through this issue
in the tension of a pending election has not produced ideal results. Very
few people feel comfortable making snap decisions about such important
issues as their vote under the pressure of the moment.
I want to challenge each
reader whose mind is not made up on this issue to make a commitment right
now to talk to somebody about the importance of "principled" voting --
and to do it now, in between elections, when the arguments can be considered
rationally and when people have the time to think through the different
points.
I hope these thoughts are
helpful -- that they help motivate us to pursue effective activity on behalf
of the unborn and the other weak and vulnerable people in our society who
are in danger.
Remember: Svend Robinson's
pro-euthanasia motion is in the middle of debate in the House of Commons.
There is a vote at the end of debate, so make sure you let your MP know
that you want him/her to vote against it.
Senator Haidasz's bill to
protect health care workers from persecution when they refuse to participate
in procedures that violate their consciences is in committee in the Senate.
We need to find a member of Parliament who is willing to introduce similar
legislation in the House of Commons. Contact your favorite pro-life MP
and ask him or her to consider taking ownership of this very important
initiative.
(Tim Bloedow writes a
regular column from Ottawa on pro-life affairs).
