Trigger warning. This is a more political post than usual for me. If political commentary offends you, walk away.
Reflecting on Remembrance Day
In honor of Remembrance Day, I decided to dedicate a few hours to reflect on—and, to be honest, learn more about—the two world wars. Like many in my generation, I have taken democracy and my way of life for granted. I knew democracy wasn’t static, but I believed it was steadily evolving. I’d let myself be lulled into a sense of security in my rights and freedoms, assuming that “things” would keep getting better: things like freedom of expression and the right to be and love who you want, as long as no one is harmed. But the past few weeks have shaken my belief that democracy is, in fact, winning.
The legacy of WWI and WWII
I spent some time studying the events and timelines of both WWI and WWII, enlisting ChatGPT to help me understand the connections between the Allied forces for democracy and the Axis powers of Germany, Italy, and Japan. Ultimately, these wars changed the world, leading to technological advancements, major political shifts, and the rise of efforts for global peace, like the formation of the United Nations. But it seems that what was fought so hard for may be at risk today.
Reading the signs: Danger ahead
Today, Russia is invading Ukraine, North Korea is threatening South Korea with nuclear weapons, and the United States—the most powerful nation in the world—has elected a leader who shares values more aligned with Russian and North Korean leadership than with his democratically inclined predecessors.
This reflection has left me feeling deeply uneasy. I’m heading off to a family dinner tonight and can’t help but wonder: what would that look like if Germany had won the war? What if they’d taken over Western countries and left Japan to rule an Eastern empire? What would my family be like? Would we even be here?
Imagining…
My mother is Indigenous, though she gave me up to a white woman. Perhaps that would have still happened. If I had survived and lived to marry and have children, what would their lives be like? My youngest daughter is gay, and I have a trans grandson. What version of hell might they be living in under an authoritarian regime?
It feels unimaginable—or at least it did. But hearing about proposed plans in the U.S. to dismantle federal oversight of education while pushing control to individual states while concurrently mandating 10 commandments makes me wonder what this could lead to. His decree includes:
Patriotic Education: Trump advocates for a curriculum that emphasizes patriotism and the “American Way of Life.” He proposes creating a new credentialing body to certify teachers who align with these values.
Eliminating Left-Wing Indoctrination: Trump aims to remove teachings related to Critical Race Theory, gender ideology, and other materials he views as politically inappropriate.
You can read all about the plans on Trump’s website.
Prevention. Prevention. Prevention.
I’ve reached a point where I feel compelled to understand what I can do to prevent a shift toward authoritarianism in Canada. I see us slipping in that direction—maybe not as radically as our neighbors to the south, but still, there’s a shift. Ironically, I think a lack of education is partly responsible for this slide. Teaching reasoning, civil debate, and democratic studies explicitly—and early—might help grow young people into adults capable of fully participating in a democratic society.
An alternative history
So, what to do? I decided to seek some insight from AI. I first asked ChatGPT what life would be like if Germany and Japan had won WWII.
To sum up the nightmarish scenario, ChatGPT described:
A controlled, isolated, and fearful existence
In this alternate world, Canada under German control and much of Asia under Japanese rule would be vastly different from today. Canada would lose its democracy, freedoms, and multicultural identity, with daily life characterized by fear, censorship, and strict government oversight. While underground resistance movements might persist, daily life for most Canadians would be one of conformity, limited freedom, and dependence on the Axis state’s demands.
Fortunately, this hypothetical scenario did not come to pass, allowing Canada and other nations to continue developing as open, free societies.
I also asked specifically about the impact on Indigenous communities. ChatGPT responded with:
A profoundly oppressive existence
In this Axis-controlled world, Indigenous communities in Canada would likely face extreme oppression, cultural erasure, and violence, with little opportunity for self-determination or freedom. Traditional ways of life would be systematically dismantled, and survival would be an everyday struggle under strict control and exploitation. Indigenous resilience, however, might allow these communities to keep aspects of their culture alive, even in secrecy, until the opportunity for resistance or liberation emerged.
Thankfully, this alternate history didn’t come to pass, and Indigenous communities continue to play a vital role in Canada’s identity and progress.
What can I do?
The next logical step for me is to think about and plan actions to prevent a slide toward authoritarian governance. I understand that swings in the political pendulum are natural, but if we allow it to swing too far in either direction, we risk losing generations—literally generations—of lives to unimaginable consequences.
Dear ChatGPT: In today’s political climate, what can Canadians do to ensure we remain a democracy and not slide into an authoritarian government with leaders like Trump, Putin, and Kim Jong Un?
TL;DR
To protect Canadian democracy in today’s political climate, Canadians can take key actions:
- Stay informed and vote: Rely on credible news, engage in political conversations, and encourage voting, especially in underrepresented communities.
- Support free press and free speech: Defend independent media, stand against censorship, and promote open dialogue.
- Strengthen democratic institutions: Uphold checks and balances, and demand transparency and accountability from all leaders.
- Defend civil liberties: Protect individual and minority rights to maintain freedom and equality.
- Engage locally: Participate in community groups, town halls, and local initiatives to build accountability.
- Protect digital rights: Advocate for data privacy and combat misinformation to maintain informed citizenship.
- Promote Inclusivity and Unity: Reject divisive rhetoric, foster inclusivity, and work across divides.
- Support ethical leadership: Elect leaders committed to democratic values and transparency.
- Actively defend democratic rights: Exercise the right to peaceful protest and support civil rights groups.
By working together and staying engaged, we can maintain a resilient democracy and safeguard our freedoms for future generations.
In The Life of Reason (1905), George Santayana wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” As we face environmental crises and authoritarian shifts, remembering history isn’t just a caution—it’s a call to act decisively to protect our planet and uphold democratic principles for future generations.
Full list of things to do
In today’s political climate, we can take several actions to ensure that Canada remains a democracy and avoids slipping into authoritarianism. With examples of authoritarian leadership on the world stage, such as Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, it’s a timely question. Here are some practical steps Canadians can take to safeguard democracy:
1. Stay engaged and informed
- Get the Facts: In a time of misinformation, staying informed through credible news sources is critical. We should seek multiple perspectives, fact-check information, and be wary of media that promotes extreme or divisive views.
- Engage in political dialogue: Discussing politics with others can deepen understanding and spread awareness. Encourage open, respectful conversations on democratic values and rights, helping to build a community consensus on the importance of democracy.
2. Vote and encourage participation in elections
- Vote in All Elections: Democracy depends on high voter turnout. We can can strengthen democracy by voting in municipal, provincial, and federal elections. Apathy gives authoritarian-minded leaders more influence, while voting keeps power accountable to the people.
- Promote voting in underrepresented communities: Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to vote, especially in communities with historically lower voter turnout. Voting not only gives a voice but also represents diverse perspectives in government decisions.
3. Support independent media and free speech
- Defend press freedom: Free media is essential to democracy, as it holds government and leaders accountable. Supporting independent news organizations and advocating for press freedoms help maintain a transparent and informed society.
- Fight censorship and Support free expression: Authoritarian governments often restrict speech to maintain control. Canadians should stand against any attempts to limit free speech and promote a culture of open dialogue, even when opinions differ.
4. Support democratic institutions and legal protections
- Strengthen checks and balances: Canada’s institutions—like the judiciary, Parliament, and free press—need to remain independent to check government power. We can actilvely support policies and leaders that reinforce these protections rather than weaken them.
- Hold leaders accountable: We should demand transparency and honesty from their leaders. Political accountability, whether through public forums, oversight committees, or legal action, prevents abuse of power and protects democracy.
5. Defend civil liberties and human rights
- Stand up for rights and freedoms: Oppose any laws or policies that curtail basic rights, such as freedom of speech, assembly, or privacy. We should recognize that limiting these freedoms for one group can eventually affect all citizens.
- Protect minority rights: Authoritarian regimes often scapegoat minority groups to create division. Canadians should support policies and practices that promote equality and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone’s rights are protected.
6. Stay active in community and civic engagement
- Participate in civic groups and local organizations: Strong community networks and civic organizations help prevent authoritarianism by fostering local leadership and problem-solving. We can engage with neighborhood groups, volunteer organizations, or local boards.
- Attend town halls and public meetings: Local government meetings allow citizens to voice concerns and influence policies directly. Being active locally builds a culture of accountability and lets us address issues before they escalate.
7. Protect digital rights and privacy
- Advocate for data privacy: Authoritarian governments often use surveillance to control citizens. Canadians can support privacy protections and transparency about government data collection to ensure citizens’ personal information is protected.
- Combat misinformation: Recognize and report misinformation online, and help others learn to discern factual news from misleading information. Digital literacy is essential for a democratic society, ensuring people are not manipulated by false narratives.
8. Cultivate inclusivity and national unity
- Reject divisive rhetoric: Authoritarian-leaning leaders often create fear and division to consolidate power. We should reject leaders or policies that promote fear, racism, or intolerance, and instead advocate for inclusivity and understanding.
- Build community connections: We can strengthen our democracy by working together across social and political divides. Volunteer work, neighborhood events, and local initiatives bring people together, building unity and reducing polarization.
9. Encourage ethical leadership and transparency
- Elect ethical leaders: Support leaders who demonstrate honesty, integrity, and a commitment to democracy. Avoid supporting those who use inflammatory language, undermine democratic norms, or show signs of authoritarian tendencies.
- Demand transparency in government actions: Government decisions and policies should be open to public scrutiny. Canadians should push for transparency laws and support organizations that monitor government actions.
10. Prepare to defend democratic rights actively
- Exercise the right to protest peacefully: Peaceful protest is a democratic right and a powerful way to make voices heard. As Canadians, we can participate in peaceful demonstrations if government actions threaten democratic rights or civil liberties.
- Support civil rights and watchdog groups: Groups that monitor democracy, like the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, play a critical role in defending rights. Supporting or volunteering with organizations like this helps ensure Canada’s democratic values are protected.
We can protect democracy by staying engaged, supporting transparency, and building and maintaining inclusive, well-informed communities. These actions create a resilient society with strong democratic foundations, making it much harder for authoritarianism to take hold. By working together, we can help ensure that Canada remains a free, democratic nation, for future generations.
Cross posted to LinkedIn