Harper government monitoring on-line chats about politics

[Connie Fournier]

Harper government monitoring on-line chats about politics
Correcting what it calls 'misinformation'

<a href=http://www.news1130.com/news/national/article/58287--harper-government-monitoring-on-line-chats-about-politics>News1130 Staff</a>
May 23, 2010 09:22:22 AM


OTTAWA (NEWS1130) - The next time you post an opinion in an online forum or on a message board, don't be shocked if you get a rebuttal from Ottawa. The Harper government is monitoring on-line chats about political issues and correcting what it may perceive to be 'misinformation.'

It started with a pilot project concerning the East Coast seal hunt. A company out of Toronto, called Social Media Group, was paid $75,000 to help counter information put out by the anti-sealing movement.

The company tells the government what it considers to be 'questionable statements,' government employees then reply with information. Some experts say the Tories monitoring the public was just a matter of time.

[Connie Fournier]

Duh.

The Conservative Party has had operatives on FD since the site opened.

[RedDog]

I'm here fairly often. I wonder if I can get on the payroll and just carry on.

[RedDog]

For that matter Connie and Mark, I wonder if you could government salaries to monitor the site - something you do anyway.

[Connie Fournier]

For that matter Connie and Mark, I wonder if you could government salaries to monitor the site - something you do anyway.

Hmmm. I wonder what my principles are worth to me?

[Edward Kennedy]

Duh.

The Conservative Party has had operatives on FD since the site opened.

...and johnny come latelies include rcmp, opp, csis, kp, etc.

[Edward Kennedy]

...and of course the fascists of hrc's...

[styky]

Gosh darn it this is shocking I tell you, shocking.

No really, the idea that they would actually have to PAY someone to read chat is about as mind boggling as paying someone to read letters to the editor. What, they couldn't find anyone in the government that could keep up?

[homer1969]

Harpers my favorite big brother.

[Connie Fournier]

Their loss that they tried to squash FD instead of taking advantage of the fact that they had a ready-made vehicle for the promotion of conservative principles.

I guess they are more interested in propaganda than principle, though....

[RedDog]

Their loss that they tried to squash FD instead of taking advantage of the fact that they had a ready-made vehicle for the promotion of conservative principles.

I guess they are more interested in propaganda than principle, though....

Exactly. It could have been a platform for reason, debate, to discuss issues and form consensus, or at the very least get a grasp of where the nation is at on issues. Their paranoia and insecurity is showing.

[styky]

Their loss that they tried to squash FD instead of taking advantage of the fact that they had a ready-made vehicle for the promotion of conservative principles.

I guess they are more interested in propaganda than principle, though....

Three times in the past few weeks I have been called by the CPC looking for funding. My comment to them is as always. "When the CPC actually does something Conservative I'll consider it."

[backhoe]

Mr. Steve? ( Yeah, I mean your PM... )

Eat my shorts.

[wildernessvoice]

Hey! Harper! Remember this letter???
April 3, 2002

To Free Dominion Members

Congratulations on your Free Dominion Banquet

As the leader of the Canadian Reform Conservative Alliance, I want to thank you for the volunteer work you are doing to promote principled conservatism. Thank you for providing a discussion forum for the Alliance's National Council Candidates. It is through hard working volunteers like yourself that we will defeat the Liberals.

The internet will continue to play an increasing role in the interactive citizen government e-relationship. Free Dominion is on of the many steps in that direction.

I'm sorry my wife Laureen and I are not able to attend your banquet this evening. I applaud your efforts in rewarding outstanding principled conservatives such as my good friend and colleague Peter Shuley. Peter's sudden death in November was a great blow to myself personally as well as the party. Peter's grassroots democratic legacy will live on as our party continues to reach out to average Canadians.

Sincerely,

Stephen Harper
Canadian Alliance Leader

[cinyc]

Duh.

The Conservative Party has had operatives on FD since the site opened.

A political party doing that with its own money is one thing. The government monitoring websites with taxpayer dollars is another - completely creepy and big brotherish, especially if it's not completely transparent. Yikes.