{"product_id":"diesel-and-discord-robert-george-cruise-9781998497577","title":"Diesel and Discord: The Populist Uprising that Shook Canada's Pandemic Politics","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiesel and Discord: The Populist Uprising that Shook Canada's Pandemic Politics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eBy Robert George Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date: \u003c\/strong\u003e July 4, 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eBook Summary\u003cp\u003eIn the frigid depths of early 2022, a convoy of trucks and supporters traversed Canada, culminating in a massive occupation of Ottawa. What began as a protest against vaccine mandates evolved into a national crisis that tested the country's political and social fabric. In \u003cem\u003eDiesel and Discord\u003c\/em\u003e, historian Robert George Cruise provides a comprehensive account of the events, exploring the motivations behind the movement and its far-reaching implications.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCruise delves into the lives of key figures, such as Jack \"Dogbone\" Ducharme, whose CB-radio communications became emblematic of the convoy's grassroots nature, and Tamara Lich, whose fundraising efforts brought both support and scrutiny. The narrative examines the roles of political leaders, law enforcement, and everyday citizens caught in the turmoil.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs the protest expanded to critical border crossings, including the Ambassador Bridge, the economic impact became undeniable. The government's response, invoking the Emergencies Act for the first time, sparked debates over civil liberties and the balance between freedom and order.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThrough meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Cruise captures the complexities of a nation grappling with dissent, unity, and the meaning of democracy in challenging times.\u003c\/p\u003eKey Themes\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePopulism and Political Dissent: \u003c\/strong\u003e An exploration of how grassroots movements can challenge established political norms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCivil Liberties vs. Public Order: \u003c\/strong\u003e A critical look at the tensions between individual freedoms and governmental authority.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEconomic Disruption: \u003c\/strong\u003e Analysis of the protest's impact on trade and the economy, highlighting vulnerabilities in supply chains.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMedia and Misinformation: \u003c\/strong\u003e Investigation into the role of social media in organising, spreading information, and influencing public perception.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNational Identity: \u003c\/strong\u003e Reflection on Canada's self-image and the societal divisions exposed by the convoy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003eAuthor Bio\u003cp\u003eRobert George Cruise is a historian and author known for his insightful analyses of Canadian history and politics. His work frequently explores the intersections of social movements, governance, and national identity. \u003cem\u003eDiesel and Discord\u003c\/em\u003e continue their tradition of examining pivotal moments that shape the Canadian narrative.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Robert George Cruise\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 1998497577\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781998497577\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Diesel and Discord\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 07\/04\/2025\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 354\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.04lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.74d","brand":"Robert George Cruise","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":48154128449791,"sku":"9781998497577","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/files\/img_c1f8f7b3-bf85-443b-bcef-4f969be72a72.jpg?v=1770788082","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/diesel-and-discord-robert-george-cruise-9781998497577","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}