.
KW: Sometimes when overzealous government law enforcement go too far, it becomes so comical, it is difficult to realize the travesty of justice that occurred. But, the victim was still harmed and the practices are still in place. So, we should acknowledge the violation of rights, try to learn from what happened, and use the teachable moment to try to fix something. [The Canadian Green Party is on top of it, see the readmore.]
It is amazing that armed Canadian border guards detained Amy Goodman, held her passport, and questioned her. Then, they stated she could only stay in Canada for 48 hours.
Even Keith Olbermann, on MSNBC, took notice. Olbermann said, “You guys might want to rethink your priorities and if you are that desperate to prevent criticism of some Olympic Games, you shouldn’t detain a noted commentator and write her scripts for her.”
And, now, Amy Goodman is actually going to report on the Olympics, and some of the injustices behind it.
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from Green Party Watch
Canadian Green leader protests detention of American journalist
December 4, 2009
From the Western Standard Shotgun blog:
Reports of the detention of an American journalist trying to cross into Canada for a speaking engagement have prompted outrage within the Green Party of Canada. Amy Goodman was kept at a British Columbia border crossing for over an hour, apparently because officials wanted to be sure she wasn’t coming to Canada to make negative comments about the Olympics.
“Are we turning into a police state?” wondered Green Leader Elizabeth May on hearing the report. “Canada is a free and democratic nation with a Charter of Rights and Freedoms protecting free speech. Why are our border guards being so overzealous concerning what visitors will speak about while they are here?”
“This incident raises concerns about the ongoing erosion of rights that needs to be addressed by the opposition parties,” said Jared Giesbrecht, Green Party Justice Critic. “Canadians’ value freedom of speech as a fundamental right. The Canadian Border Services Agency should be monitored by independent oversight mechanisms to ensure Canadian values are fully reflected in its operation.”
Ms. Goodman was planning to speak about American health care reform and to promote her new book, Breaking the Sound Barrier. Border guards eventually allowed her into Canada but only with a requirement that she leave within 48 hours.
Filed under: 3rd party, green, Green Party, international politics, local, News, politics, progressive politics, third party, US Politics Tagged: | Amy Goodman, canada, Canadian border, Elizabeth May, Green Party, Green Party of Canada, JAred Giesbrecht, Journalist, Olympics, Pacifica Radio, WBAI
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