The case for the *Harper Regime*.

Not sure who pegged it first, but I read it here; I think it would be strategic to consistently use it, wide, far and often.

One definition of the word regime that appears increasingly applicable to Harper's reign over the House of Commons:

Totalitarianism (or totalitarian rule) is a political system where the state, usually under the control of a single political person, faction, or class, recognizes no limits to its authority and strives to regulate every aspect of public and private life wherever feasible.

Totalitarianism is generally characterized by the coincidence of authoritarianism (where ordinary citizens have less significant share in state decision-making) and ideology (a pervasive scheme of values promulgated by institutional means to direct most if not all aspects of public and private life).

Totalitarian regimes or movements stay in political power through an all-encompassing propaganda disseminated through the state-controlled mass media, a single party that is often marked by personality cultism, control over the economy, regulation and restriction of speech, mass surveillance, and widespread use of state terrorism.

"the state, under the control of a single political person, faction, or class, recognizes no limits to its authority and strives to regulate every aspect of public and private life wherever feasible ..." How many times now has Stevie Spiteful defied Parliament to subvert it his will? Prorogation: twice to date, once to avoid a challenge he would have lost over MPs' access to documents regarding government directives on Afghan detainees. How many specific private members' bills were presented by abortion-criminalizing MPs in an attempt to circumscribe and erode women's right to choose? How many competent public officials have been fired and incompetent Harper appointees installed? And what about the stacking of the Senate to his benefit?

"Totalitarianism is generally characterized by the coincidence of authoritarianism (where ordinary citizens have less significant share in state decision-making) and ideology (a pervasive scheme of values promulgated by institutional means to direct most if not all aspects of public and private life)." The significant erosion of members of the Opposition - a majority of elected officials - capacity to participate in, and influence the outcome of standing committees' work has been observed by a number of people. Much has been noted about the ideological shift.

"Totalitarian regimes [achieve] power through an all-encompassing propaganda disseminated through the state-controlled mass media, a single party that is often marked by personality cultism, control over the economy, regulation and restriction of speech, mass surveillance, and widespread use of state terrorism."

All-encompassing propaganda is disseminated by the PMO. Reporters have limited access to elected officials of the Conservative minority government unless sanctioned by the PMO and capable of faithful stenography *cough* Jane Taber *cough*. In the last five years, Stevie's Politburo has increased its budget, its power and its presence. CRTC support for any changes advanced by the ReformaTories has been ensured with the appointment of Tom Pentefountas. If Stevie gets his majority, the CBC will likely be dismantled and all journalists who have reported events or facts that appeared critical of his regime, dismissed.

CTV reports:

The government is looking for ways to monitor online chatter about political issues and correct what it perceives as misinformation. The move started recently with a pilot project on the East Coast seal hunt. A Toronto-based company called Social Media Group has been hired to help counter some information put forward by the anti-sealing movement. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has paid the firm $75,000 "to monitor social activity and help identify ... areas where misinformation is being presented and repeated as fact," [...] The seal hunt pilot project was set up in part "to establish foundations and recommendations for future programs and campaigns to use social media as another way to listen to, inform and engage with Canadians" [...]

And of course, there are the minions who labour for love or money under the tutelage of BloggingTories founder Stephen Taylor.

From the CBC video clip posted above:

Treasury Board President Stockwell Day, shrugged off the directive. "If you think you're on to something that is going to ignite people from coast to coast in a fury of rage, maybe we'll look at it. But this is the first I've heard of it, so good luck with it."

What a giggle from Doris as he arched a well-groomed eyebrow. The coast-to-coast fury in response to Stevie's arbitrary abolition of the long-form census caused nary a ripple in the Harper Regime's authoritarian stand.

Other Progressive Bloggers on this phenomenon: Dr Dawg and pale at ACR.