As time passes, the fringe becomes mainstream. This is happening with efforts of the rabid anti-free speech Antifa types, who now seem to have an ally in a federal political party in Canada. The NDP has adopted the position that former White House advisor Steve Bannon should not be allowed to participate in a debate scheduled tonight in Toronto.
It shows how unserious the NDP really is, but that doesn’t mean it’s brazen opposition to free speech isn’t a serious problem.
I tackle this in my latest Loonie Politics column, which subscribers can read here. If you aren’t a subscriber already, use promo code ‘Lawton’ for a discount.
Here’s an excerpt:
Allowing these ideological clashes to happen is paramount for any free society to be able to challenge its paradigm.
Far too many people don’t want this or any other contentious debate to go on. Since Munk Debates announced the Bannon-Frum square-off, self-styled anti-fascist groups have tried to get it shut down. These calls became far less fringe when NDP member of parliament Charlie Angus said this week that Bannon’s invitation should be cancelled “out of respect” for the victims of last weekend’s horrific synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh.
So far as I know, Bannon had nothing to do with the attack and wasn’t even in Pennsylvania at the time, but somehow his presence in Toronto would be disrespectful to the families of slain Jewish worshippers, Angus says.
An NDP spokesperson told CBC that Angus’ comments reflect the party’s position.
I suspect the NDP’s stance was the same last week, but the Pittsburgh tragedy gave Angus the political cover to promote an agenda of silencing others.
Freedom of speech means controversial people can express controversial opinions. It also means anyone can decide whether or not to entertain those views. Yes, it even gives people the right to criticize a platform being afforded to someone.
This process becomes censorship when the force of the state is weighing in. The NDP may not be in power right now, but it’s a party seeking to govern Canada. As such, Canadians should be concerned if it has an official stance that anyone’s speeches should be shut down. If it’s Bannon today, it’s someone else tomorrow.