Although this blog was intended to cover the development of Atomic OS T² ('Take Two') I'll also have some commentary on Canadian politics, law, privacy, and intellectual property.

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of joining MP Garth Turner, Liberal Leader Stephane Dion, a number of other MP's from around southern Ontario, more than a thousand concerned citizens, City TV, and a panel of political bloggers at the Oakville Townhall.

Follow up:

The Battle of Fear and Hope is what Stephane says he can see coming in the world of politics and particularly in interactions between politicians and constituents: heavier FUD campaigns. He expects the next election to be primarily "about policies and politics."

That's not very surprising but what did take me off gaurd is Garth Turner's approach to Digital Democracy. In what must be one of the first events of it's kind in Canada, Garth and Stephane put together a special blogger's reception prior to the Townhall. A bold move in and of itself, but even more so if you take into account the event was billed as non-partisan. Add Garth's website, blog, and MPtv... Well I think it all points to Garth having a good grip on technology and perhaps even how it can benefit politics.

Of course there were Liberal signs, flyers, and brochures everywhere at the event (not to mention a few quips about the Conservatives) but everyone was reasonably well-behaved and communicative. Lots of great questions and even a few good answers. Some of the questions asked by citizens involved:

• the Environment. "The Green Shift" was the main focus for the night so Stephane was quick to answer and fairly thorough in his responses. I didn't know this but apparently Stephane chaired Kyoto. (Mixed feelings on that since AFAIK Kyoto didn't really get anywhere.)
• Copyright reform. Bill C-61 and ACTA - the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement - were the reasons I wanted to attend. It was really good to see that I wasn't the only one. Stephane and the Liberals believe we need to nurture and protect our (Canada's) Knowledge Economy and he supports starting over from scratch - including public input - if bill C-61 dies due to an election.
• Export of Water. Stephane believes we should protect our food and water supplies.
• Women's Right To Choose. Stephane supports this.
• Election reform. In regards to the (poorly executed) Proportional Representation referendum we went through, Stephane Dion would have voted for parties in the following order:
  1. Liberal
  2. Green
  3. NDP
  4. Conservative
  I've been voting Green for a few years now so I found his preferences rather interesting. I may support the NDP in the next election due to their support for balanced Copyright reform. More on that later though.

Anyway, there was quite a lot going on and I took only brief notes. This seems a fair summary of the night though. If you wish to read further about the event - or watch the Townhall recording - visit this post on Garth Turners blog. (The blogger's reception is not covered in the hour long video but comments on the posting provide more perspectives and links to additional blogs.)

Given that the world is heating up with climate change and cooling off with cold (and conventional) war scenarios - I really want to believe in Hope.

Hope that with a little bit of tolerance, acceptance, and cooperation between parties and citizens we will find the path to a stronger, safer, sustainable Canada. Maybe we can even take some of that and share it with the world. Open Source Stylez. ;-)

Cheers!