(via my brother, of all the people you’d never think would send something like this.)

Of course, this site is probably banned in China now as well.

Exacerbated by recent cyberattacks originating in China against Google and clearly targeting human rights activists as well as the continuing and scarily deteriorating situation for human rights activists inside the country (including recent arrests, secret trials and severe jail terms) this is an incredible and extremely courageous move. And don’t even get me started on the idea they might possibly also have been the people to scotch an agreement at Copenhagen.

We have decided we are no longer willing to continue censoring our results on Google.cn, and so over the next few weeks we will be discussing with the Chinese government the basis on which we could operate an unfiltered search engine within the law, if at all. We recognize that this may well mean having to shut down Google.cn, and potentially our offices in China.

Gutsy, because my guess is that China is probably roughly 15%-20% of Google’s business, which is a big risk for any company to take. Google is willing to scotch its business entirely rather than compromise its current principles. Even more encouraging because this is a freaking company willing to put profit on the line for what’s right and as part of its larger idea about what’s right.

And incredibly encouraging because I haven’t seen boo from one G20 government about China’s human rights position because everyone is just a little too concerned about the Benjamins with the global turndown. Don’t even get me started about the lackluster position of the Canadian government on this front. it’s a scary day when companies are leading government in moral and thought leadership.

Hopefully, it’s not all sabre-rattling on Google’s part. In any case, this is the best news I’ve heard on human rights in China in ages, so all I can say is Good on ya, Google.

So, it’s been problematic trying to explain it to friends abroad who can tell I’m extremely angry about it, but it defies easy description for what a slimy move it is because most people find it hard to stretch their mind around the idea the elected PM can simply tell people the session is over and we’re not answering any more questions here thank you.

The best I’ve found so far is to explain it like the school year (or point at wikipedia – note: wikipedia edit war in progress on the prorogue topic at time of writing). Imagine the principal, mostly because he just can’t be bothered or wants to avoid the fact that embarrassingly none of his students would pass finals due to his bad management or that he would be fired, decides simply to close the school and tell everyone not to come back. Doesn’t sound too bad until you realize all the students lose their academic year if they haven’t already completed their courses (and few have). If anyone has a better analogy though, please let me know.

But, of course, it’s much worse than that. Parliament is where our elected representatives hold the PM and his party to account for the decisions around governing our country. Especially in a minority government, proroguing should not be allowed here as it is a slap in the face to democracy, incredibly un-Canadian and a vicious abuse of Prime Ministerial powers as vested in him by the people of Canada. If no one is holding the PM to account it is like he is ruling, not governing. And it is so incredibly arrogant to simply do this and think Canadians are simply so jaded and bored by their government that we’ll roll over to watch the Olympics and the hockey games. Hopefully, Harper has made a grave miscalculation. I’d like to see him removed from office over this. HOw many non-confidence votes can be introduced at next session? I’d like to see it the prime thing on the docket. Let’s see him try to prorogue Parliament 10 days in.

I am very glad though that the international condemnation on this is rolling in though. The always outspoken and even handed Economist has weighed in with two devastating articles (Canada Without Parliament and Harper Goes Prorogue) basically expressing how underhanded and Macchiavellian this is. Read them here and here. An abuse of democratic machinery against the spirit of democracy.

So, call your MP and tell him how upset you are with this hijacking of Canadian principles. Even better, call the PMs office and protest all you can. And, finally vote against this kind of arrogance in the next election.

First off, brass tacks: If this pisses you off as much as it does me, join the facebook group and call and tell your Member of Parliament you expect him in session. Better yet, that sad excuse for a PM and tell him what’s what. Canadians need to get politically engaged again if our government is going to be accountable. Democracy is not a fait accompli and neither should be this proroguing.

Rick Mercer says it best: “This Prime Minister has gone from the promise of an open, accessible and accountable government to a government that is simply closed.” Canadian elected officials don’t get two month snow days, particularly if it’s just to shut them up so you don’t have to deal with democracy. Hey, and it’s even worse when you use it to dodge a “no confidence vote” that would have taken you out of office. That’s banana republic talk, not Canada. Well, until Harper…

Stephen Harper doesn’t have that problem. Our Parliament has been suspended for no other reason than the Prime Minister simply can’t be bothered with the relentless checks and balances that democracy affords us. He doesn’t want to have to stand in the House of Commons and hear anyone question him on any subject. I don’t blame him. Parliament is filled with jackals, opportunists and boors. The problem is, like it or not, they were elected.

I also don’t blame the Prime Minister for wanting to keep his ministers out of the spotlight. This is a man who could argue that he is Canada’s greenest PM simply because he’s the only one who has gone out of his way to give potted plants key portfolios.

I have no idea what’s happened to Canada in my few years’ absence, but it’s becoming obvious to me that someone needs to start up an organization similar to the one I currently work with in Australia to bring us back to a vision for Canada that isn’t a freaking joke of the promise of a great nation.

So, OpenAustralia has created the excellent Planning Alerts website. Type in your email address and a postal code and a radius to be informed about and you’ll end up knowing when some corporate evil-doer is thinking of altering the fundamental character of your hood.

The Guardian has a good timeline if you’re unfamiliar with the background.

Now might be a good time to donate money to the Free Burma or coalition chapter in your neck of the woods.

(via BoingBoing.)

Got a great idea, but lack the development muscle to make it happen ? Here’s your chance to create something with clear social, civic or democratic value and make the UK a better place (and it needs it).

(Disclosure: Even though I would have blogged this anyway, I’ve recently applied to be on the Board of Trustees of UKCOD, the organization that oversees mySociety.)