… what Canadians want?

No tags

One of the reasons my blogging tapered off last year is that I got so depressed by Canadian politics that I couldn’t bear the thought of thinking about it in my very very limited free time. I got depressed when I saw the Liberals under Ignatieff not do anything for a year, all the while alternating between excuses as to why they had no options and “tough talk” that would not scare an infant. I got depressed when I saw the NDP going after the Liberals. I got depressed when I saw the Conservatives throw democratic, Parliamentary, conservative, even common-sense principles out the window.

Like many Canadians, I was pissed when the Conservatives prorogued Parliament yet again. And I am steaming mad now that it has returned. Today’s Throne Speech makes me want to scream. Everything that this government did one year ago that offended me to my very core is being done again. Only this time, it’s worse. It’s a giant “F-You” to the country because they heard the outcry last time and they’re saying that they just don’t care. They know the Opposition Parties suck and they know they can get away with doing whatever they want.

Putting non-financial legislative and regulatory changes into a budget, which this Throne Speech promises, is completely, totally, utterly outrageous. Policy is supposed to be debated in the House. Policy is supposed to be a allowed to fail. Or improve. Not to be hidden under the rock of a budget like the slimy poison that it is.

I want my country back. I want all of ‘em out of the House – every last partisan, spiteful, arrogant, superficial, out-of-touch one of ‘em. The blue, the red, the orange: go home.

No tags

Sorry, but that was my first thought when I read about Dick Cheney’s heart attack.

My second thought was, “Gee, is NBC’s Olympic coverage truly THAT bad?!”

dick cheney, olympics

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Olympic media sponsor CTV have been making a big todo about Canada’s new-found “patriotism” during these Olympic games. The PM spoke to the BC legislature to kick off the games, and CTV has been running a mini-doc about patriotism ad infinitum this weekend. For what it’s worth, I think some things need clarification.

The displays of so-called “patriotism” that are making everyone so teary-eyed, like flag-waving and anthem-singing, are also symbols of “nationalism”. The constant reiteration that Canada is better than other countries because it’s Canada, “us”, is a modest step away from chauvinism. I think it’s great to have fun at the Olympics, and I am glued to the TV myself. But I also have my fingers crossed that the politicians and the TV announcers who are getting so excited about the flags and the anthems and the maple leafs being better-because-they-are- ours will get over it. That kind of unchecked, unquestioned rah-rah leads to bad things …

Here’s what the PM said:

Patriotism, ladies and gentlemen, patriotism as Canadians should not make us feel the least bit shy or embarrassed. I know that thoughts of grandeur and boisterous displays of nationalism we tend to associate with others … And so, when we, in our national anthem, ask God to keep our land glorious and free, we mean all of us – all men and women who choose to be Canadians of equal worth, not just in his eyes, but in each other’s. Canada, our Canada is truly worthy of our pride and our patriotism.

For what it’s worth, I feel a strong sense of duty to my community, but I’ve travelled. I know I’m not better than another human just because I’m Canadian. I never call upon God or other religious figures to protect my nation. And I actually hope for glory and freedom for everyone, regardless of their citizenship.

nationalism, olympics, stephen harper