A little Remembrance Day dilemma for Occupy Ottawa

Canada's War Memorial in Ottawa

The Occupy Ottawa Movement faces a little moral dilemma on Remembrance Day tomorrow: to protest or not to protest?

Remembrance Day is a solemn day for Commonwealth countries. A day to remember members of the Canadian armed forces who died in the line of duty so that we could enjoy the peace and freedoms we enjoy today.

But, Remembrance Day is also an occasion for politicians to whip up emotions. And pretend that they do care. It’s a perfect day for political Occupy protesters to stand up and say wait a minute…

Not easy for Occupy Ottawa. Not after Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Conservatives new militaristic orientation in domestic and international issues.

In a new thrust to glorify the Canadian military’s robust military role in every day Canadian life, Ottawa recently restored the “Royal” moniker to the Canadian navy and air force. And then there’s the new militaristic approach to complex military issues. Libya, one example.

Still, Occupy Ottawa shouldn’t let emotive political sentiment give cover for the suppression of dissent. Speaking truth to power is hard, costly even.