Thread by @shovas

Dr. Leslyn Lewis on the UN #ThinkBeforeSharing Conspiracy Theories Campaign:

"In fact, it is a clear agenda to control thought by pitting citizens against each other and to police the thoughts of their neighbours."

#cdnpoli

https://twitter.com/LeslynLewis/status/1562490754127532033

"The UN has put out a framework for people to [assess and undermine] the legitimate questions that people are asking...by labelling these questions as “conspiracy theories”."

"We have seen this tactic used by our own government to avoid answering the uncomfortable questions that hold them accountable. It is textbook gaslighting – a way of manipulating and bullying people with feelings of shame by getting them to think that they’re the problem..."

"We have all witnessed news reports and speeches that seem to be parroting the same points with the exact same delivery from leaders all around the world...

"... Prime ministers, former presidents, cabinet ministers, CEOs from all over the world repeating the same line that COVID-19 is an opportunity to reset our economy, and to "Build Back Better"."

"Yet, when people point out the obvious, that such similarities cannot be an accident, that there seems to be coordination – they are mocked as a conspiracy theorist. Why?"

"The truth is that global organizations such as the World Health Organization, the World Economic Forum, and the United Nations are working together to transform our way of life...

"... And if you ask any questions about the coordinated changes to our economy, about the new ESG requirements for businesses, about proposed digital IDs and vaccine passports that could be programmed to monitor our purchasing and travel habits, or any other sweeping changes...

"... they are ushering in – you will be called a conspiracy theorist and accused of spreading disinformation."

"Yes, and the most popular liberal word used to silence you is to call your statements “dangerous”, without any evidence of the danger that your words pose."

"What I find so offensive about the UN’s approach is that it attempts to shut down debate and to regulate what people think and believe. It’s the responsibility of governments and leaders to provide the facts, to answer questions and be accountable to the people."

"It is not the people’s responsibility to censor and shame their neighbours and to stop them from asking questions. It’s not hard to imagine what kind of regimes are ruled by such cultural rules."

"Yet in an ironic twist, the United Nations’ campaign also teaches us how to identify a real conspiracy which – don’t worry – never involves the government."

"The UN has taken a page from the Trudeau Liberals’ internet censorship proposal, Bill C-11, and put it on steroids."

"Citizens who care about freedom of thought, who understand that asking questions is a good thing, and who require their elected officials to provide evidence and data supporting their policies, should recognize when they are slowly being silenced."

"The truth is they fear that Canadians will ask them questions about the destruction that their policies have heaped on our economy and our family structure."

"As engaged citizens and stewards of our democracy, we must not back down when someone in power responds to a legitimate question with, “That’s a conspiracy theory”, or “stop talking, you're spreading dangerous misinformation”."

"A healthy democracy is built on open debate, freedom of thought and freedom of speech. We must fight to keep these freedoms strong in Canada. It is essential."

leslynlewis.ca/blog/conspirac…