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Tommy Douglas: The Road to Jerusalem (Western Canadian Classics)

Name: Tommy Douglas: The Road to Jerusalem (Western Canadian Classics)
Price: 16.95 USD
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Rating: 4.7 (11 reviews)

4.7 of 5 Stars: Regional Canada - Tommy Douglas: The Road to Jerusalem (Western Canadian Classics)

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Book Synopsis: 2004 marks the 100th anniversary of Tommy Douglas's birth, and the beginning of production of a CBC mini-series about his life. Tommy Douglas was a Baptist preacher who organized his church as a relief centre for the poor in the hungry 1930s and rose to become a political legend in Saskatchewan, winning five straight majority governments and transforming the province. This acclaimed biography, written by a longtime friend and associate, closely follows his life through his working-class childhood and his boxing and political careers on the prairies to his years of national prominence as an advocate for peace, human rights, and Canadian independence. Douglas chose a hard road: in provincial government and federal opposition, he faced continuing hostility from mainstream institutions and the media. Often, though, his seemingly radical proposals simply anticipated later events. The Saskatchewan government's medicare program provoked a bitter doctor's strike and continent-wide controversy in 1961, but the program proved to be a success, and medicare was soon introduced across Canada with the support of all political parties. Tommy Douglas is still remembered as one of the country's most eloquent orators and as a critic of the status quo. He was passionate in opposition to corporate power and in defence of Canadian nationalism; his refusal to support the War Measures Act during the terrorist scare of 1970 earned widespread condemnation, but is also considered by some to have been his finest hour.

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Tommy Douglas: The Road to Jerusalem (Western Canadian Classics)

Discover the incredible life and legacy of Tommy Douglas, the charismatic leader who transformed Saskatchewan and shaped the very fabric of Canadian society. As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth, embark on a journey through the remarkable story of a Baptist preacher turned political legend.

Inspired by his humble beginnings and driven by a relentless passion for justice, Tommy Douglas organized his church as a relief centre for the poor during the Great Depression. From these grassroots beginnings, he went on to capture the hearts of the nation, winning five consecutive majority governments in Saskatchewan.

Authored by a trusted friend and associate, this critically acclaimed biography takes you from Douglas's working-class childhood to his influential boxing and political careers on the prairies before propelling him to national prominence as a champion of peace, human rights, and Canadian independence.

Tommy Douglas defied the odds, defied mainstream institutions and the media, challenging the status quo at every step. While his ideas might have seemed radical at the time, history proved him right time and time again. The introduction of Saskatchewan's groundbreaking medicare program, for example, ignited a firestorm of controversy, but ultimately became a resounding success, leading to the nationwide adoption of Medicare.

A fervent critic of corporate power, Douglas fiercely defended Canadian nationalism and never shied away from speaking his truth. His principled stand against the War Measures Act during the 1970 terrorist scare showcased his unwavering commitment to civil liberties and remains an indelible testament to his character.

Take this opportunity to delve into the inspiring story of a true Canadian hero. Join us on the journey along "The Road to Jerusalem" and gain valuable insights into the life of an extraordinary man who forever changed the course of our nation.

Unlock the untold story of Tommy Douglas today!

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