Standard hypocrisy
In the Oxford dictionary, hypocrisy is defined as “the assumption or postulation of moral standards to which one’s own behaviour does not conform”.
Many people, notably politicians, are guilty of such behaviour. The most blatant examples can be found among the Harper Conservatives, who have condemned undemocratic practices and muzzling of free speech in some countries.
Consider Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s treatment of the CBC. As Ian Morrison of The Friends of Canadian Broadcasting said: “Stephen Harper has single-mindedly pursued the dismemberment of the CBC since the day he became prime minister.” In 2012, Harper cut $115 million from the CBC’s budget, causing layoffs of 2,000 employees and cuts to many programs.
Also consider the muzzling of scientists and bureaucrats, threats against legitimate NGOs, limiting debate on important legislation, and on and on.
Even more serious is the Conservative double standard on the international front. While their stand against the barbaric actions of ISIS is commendable, on the other hand, Canada sold millions of dollars of military equipment to Saudi Arabia, which treats its citizens in ISIS-like fashion such as muzzling dissent and free speech, torturing, whipping and even beheading citizens who disagree with the actions of the Saudi dictators.
When it comes to hypocrisy, Harper and his party rank near the top.