Brigette DePape writes in the Toronto Star today, “I am moved by the excitement and energy with which people from all walks of life across this country greeted my action in the Senate. One person alone cannot accomplish much, but they must at least do what they can. So I held out my “Stop Harper” sign during the throne speech because I felt I had a responsibility to use my position to oppose a government whose values go against the majority of Canadians. The thousands of positive comments shared online, the printing of ‘Stop Harper’ buttons and stickers and lawn signs, and the many calls for further action convinced me that this is not merely a country of people dissatisfied with Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s vision for Canada. It is a country of people burning with desire for change. If I was able to do what I did, I know that there are thousands of others capable of equal, or far more courageous, acts.”
She highlights, “Media and politicians have argued that I tarnished the throne speech, a solemn Canadian tradition. I now believe more in another tradition — the tradition of ordinary people in this country fighting to create a more just and sustainable world, using peaceful direct action and civil disobedience.”
The by-line for her op-ed notes that she has “started a fund to support peaceful direct action and civil disobedience agains the Harper agenda: www.stopharperfund.ca” That website states, “Many people have generously offered to make donations to me, after I lost my page job. While I am thankful for these gestures, I do not want to personally benefit financially. I have, however, decided to create a fund to support organizations and individuals engaging in creative non-violent direct actions against the Harper government’s agenda. Any money donated would go to training, legal advice and support for such actions. I hope that people who had thought to donate to me will instead consider donating to this fund.”
To read DePape’s op-ed in the Toronto Star, please go to http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/1005119–why-i-did-it-senate-page-explains-her-throne-speech-protest?bn=1.
