"A closer view"

The true test of freedom of expression is not found in the voicing of the concurring viewpoint, it is however clearly and expressly found or displayed in the protection of the dissenting one. Freedom of Expression, (there is no freedom of speech per se in the Charter) subsection two of the Fundamental Freedoms of the Charter of Rights along with Freedom of Assembly and Association cannot withstand an “A la carte” mentality, not for “THE PEOPLE”. Governments however love it, as it eats away at the very fabric of the statements, neuters the strength of peoples resolve, divides and renders mute the very voice of freedom and its meaning. One cannot as a society say “these topics” may be discussed yet “those topics” may not and still cling to any notion of the principles enshrined in these charter freedoms without the acceptance of censorship, hypocrisy and the eventual death of the very freedoms themselves.

Critical thinking and self filtering are skills greatly needed in today’s society. They are critical skills and must be ever more a part of the educational lexicon if the very foundation of freedom that we embrace as Canadians is to continue. “Hate” as defined by the Supreme Court, as the “lone caveat” to freedom of expression becomes a dangerous quagmire when it drives dissenting view underground to hidden rooms without the clarity of discussion or alternatives. Throwing that Caveat ruling around like stones, to edit expression, should be a principal of great concern.
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