Time and time again I read in the headlines constant complaints from the public about the ways in which our governments are run. It becomes a continuous cycle of an “us” versus “them” complex wherein we attach feelings of anger, resentment and prejudices. These negative emotions we project forward into our communities is not an effective way to improve or actively motivate our society in a positive manner. Our countries (Canada and United States of America) were founded on democratic principles that allow us the freedom of speech and the right to be heard through laws and statutes that are created for us and ultimately by us (through a voluntary voting process). The people who hold office are legally bound by the same laws as we are and anyone, no matter what his/her perceived status may be, can be called out for abusing our systems of government.
Have you ever actually read your rights and freedoms as a citizen of your country?
Legislation is often tied up with legal jargon that the average person cannot understand let alone read out without tripping over every word! What is one to do when faced with this challenge? Hire a lawyer? Spend countless hours studying legislation? Enroll yourself in law school? Answer: Put your money away, forget about the dictionary and screw that application form! There are people who do make a point of studying and understanding our government legislation and they are here to help us!
Here’s what I found online:
Founder Michael Mulley spends his spare time translating Canadian parliamentary transcripts, posting these online for the average person to read and understand. This allows you to track what your MP is up to without all the hassle of rummaging through Parliament of Canada ‘s website for specific information.
David Eaves at datadotgc.ca organizes Canadian government data for public use.
“The Canadian government is depriving itself of its most effective tool to improve services and find efficiencies: data. In the age where information abounds and the technology exists for easy access, the government should analyze the data that is often literally at its fingertips, as well as share it with anyone, as is being done in the UK or US,” says Eaves, in the article Websites for Democracy
Other government data sites:
U.S. data website: Data.gov
U.K. data website: Data.gov.uk
Understanding Legislation
Another interesting personality I had the pleasure of being introduced to is Freeman-on-the-Land, Robert Arthur Menard. Through the website ThinkFree.ca and with the help of self-proclaimed “sentient sovereign being” Robert Christy and filmmaker/media activist Paul Verge, Robert Menard takes you on a journey through Canadian legislation. Via educational videos available on YouTube.com and his website, and various seminars and educational materials he offers to the public , one can clearly comprehend that Robert Arthur has spent many years studying Canadian legislation, making a concentrated and comprehensive effort of understanding it. He is able to break down in simple terms each step one must take to meet any challenge within governmental legislation. In turn, the average Canadian will better understand his/her rights and freedoms as a citizen of Canada. Robert Menard also has a website dedicated to the implementation of a peaceful society, The World Freeman Society.
AngellCain Online Research & Media will also make a concentrated effort to seek out any additional and useful information pertaining to the efforts of creating transparency and accountability within our governments. Please look for future updates on this subject.
Keep in mind when using the above information!
- Understand your country’s governmental hierarchy – Who does what? What are his/her responsibilities?
- Thoroughly investigate your candidates before you vote!
- Read and make a point of understanding the fine print before you sign!
- You are your own authority!
