Democracy Wars ( 2015 )
"Democracy Wars" was created by the artist to inspire Canadians to vote in the 2015 Federal Election. Painting a parallel between the upcoming (2015) Star Wars movie characters and Canada's current political leaders. Derrick has highlighted the current acidic political climate of friction and hyper-partisan politics within Canada. Mr. Harper's now infamous 1996 quote in which he prophetically says, "We [Canadians] live, instead, in something little better than a benign dictatorship," perfectly sums up Harper's tenure and approach to governing Canada. During his 9.5 years of ideologue rule, Harper has done nothing to ease his own "benign" dictatorship's power. Instead, the PM has done everything within his power to consolidate his dictatorship within a corrupt, non-elected and unaccountable PMO (i.e. Duffy senate scandal), a puppet caucus, and a submissive Conservative senate majority. Simultaneously Harper's government has routinely isolated, ostracized and vindictively punished "non-Conservative" Canadians in a heavy handed, bitterly partisan manner.
The 2015 election is in many ways a real WAR for DEMOCRACY within Canada.
The artist hopes that a majority of Canadian voters will use the 2015 Federal Election opportunity to send the strongest message possible to any future government -- A message that Canada's democracy is too important to be spoiled by one man's hunger for power. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. 9.5 year's of Harper's "benign dictatorship" clearly illustrates how Harper treats subordinates with his grasp on power. Divide and conquer, it is ENOUGH!
Canadians need to elect a brand new government on a mandate of honesty, openness, compassion and caring, a trustworthy, user friendly, fair minded, environmentally friendly, science based, economically diverse, and uncorrupted government. A truly "Canadian" government that will treat all Canadians fairly, respectfully and equally regardless of their political stripe, place of residence, race, income, sexual orientation or religion.
Canada, it is TIME for a DEFINITE CHANGE in the Federal Government!
Make sure you cast your VOTE (X) this Oct. 2015.
"Democracy Wars" has not yet been framed. It currently measures (unframed) 29" tall by 40.5" wide or ( 72.5 cm high by 101.25 cm wide ). Additional close up images from this painting are posted on this website's Detail and Gallery Pages.
UPDATE :
A personally signed letter from Canada's newest Prime Minister Mr. Justin Trudeau.
On November 5, 2015 I sent a letter and a small matted reproduction of my painting "Democracy Wars" to Canada's newest Prime Minister, Mr. Justin Trudeau. In my letter to our newest Prime Minister I asked him to remember his election promise for electoral reform.
On February 18, 2016 I received the Prime Minister's reply letter in the mail. It is really great for Canada to finally have a Prime Minister that is approachable and who responds personally to Canada's citizens and their concerns. Thank you Justin.
Here's wishing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government great success in guiding Canada "Progressively" forward into the 21st Century.
Please click on the images below to see full and larger copies of both letters.