I'm sure some people may not like what I'm about to write but I believe it to have some merit. If not, I'm sure some of you will point it out.
I overheard a conversation between two people discussing America's racial problems.
We Canadians speak of American race relations as if we don't have any ourselves. Of course, anyone who has a mild understanding of Canadian history knows this to be false. Canada has a woeful racial record.
However, I hardly knock our past for it. Those were the times and harking back on it serves no one. It's good to be aware and offer the odd acknowledgment but it's best nations move on.
America has had a volatile racial history but yet it managed to elect a black President.
In America, there's an audacity to hope and strive for the best. In Canada, we don't dare dream. We don't aim for excellence. It's just the way things are here. To some, this prudent path is preferable. One man's version of balance is another man's definition of mediocrity.
Will we ever see in our lifetime a black or other minority elected as Prime Minister? Will Quebec ever produce a non-francophone premier?
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Dare to dream. I like that.
In what discipline does Canada excel in? I mean, to the point we're envied and copied. Education? Nope. Our system is a mess. Public health? A dysfunctional monstrosity. Sports? Not really.
I must admit I was proud when the Canadian Olympic Association boldly asserted it was aiming to win the overall medals table in Vancouver 2010. Even if we don't, I don't care. At least we tried. Did you know Canada holds the dubious distinction of being the only nation ever to host an Olympic summer games and not win a medal? The winter games were hardly any better, until we were shocked into shame of not winning a gold in Calgary in 1988. Someone, somewhere said, "enough is enough."
I would love for us to say the same things in education. What is wrong in aiming to produce the best universities? How about public health? Why can't we say, "People, it's time this country truly lives up to its promise and produces the best medical system on the face of the earth and this is how we shall achieve it..." But right now, no one even dares admits publicly changes are necessary.
Aim high Canada! We can do it.
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What's the definition of a loser? A Democrat. Let me explain.
Democrats and people on the left spend a lot of time obsessing over Rush Limbaugh and the influence he exudes upon Americans. The media, Howard Dean, Bill Clinton and the present administration have all made direct references to his comments. Did Bush obsess over Michael Moore? Just asking.
Now, I'm sure Limbaugh (he must drive liberals and independents absolutely bat shit crazy. Which I'm sure explains his massive popularity) does have some influence, but how much can he have? Either you believe Americans are impressionable dolts or you believe them to be free thinking and standing individuals. If Limbaugh is so powerful, how come then, did Clinton get elected twice? Or how did Obama get elected with full control of the House? Simplistic I know, but politicians use simplistic (and superficial) excuses.
Since 1992, the Dems (will) have been in power for 10 of those. The way they speak, you'd think they're the NDP - never sniffing a shot at power.
Think about this. They achieve power and they still find a way to whine! About a radio personality. Ugh.
Moreover, this "I inherited a mess" thing has...to...stop. At some point, you have to take ownership and show a set of balls. It's like buying a beat up building with potential. It may take time and you can console yourself for a short period you "inherited" a mess but in the end, you chose to enter it. Make it work and stop complaining.
In some odd ways you are right in the two segments of your post. Canada is a victim of it's caring attitudes and acceptance of differences. Both slow it down...but i'd rather have a slower but human pace leaving fewer people by the wayside.
ReplyDeleteThe Americans dare to dream and some achieve that dream regardless of what happens to others. This trait goes a long way towards explaining the current violent healthcare debate down there. If someone stands in your way, shoot the bastard, you have a constitutional right to be armed and to defend yourself.
Canada is a community, the USA is a conglomerate of individuals.
Violent healthcare debate? It's been pretty vocal but I haven't heard or read of any violence. Have you?
ReplyDeleteI think you're on the right track with your last statement. But is it a coerced community or done willingly?
Canada has its positives but we shouldn't be afraid to speed it up from time to time.
Here's an interesting story I should have inserted in the post. My friend is in foreign affairs. He observed that in countries like the UK and USA, diplomats act and are treated like rock stars. To those countries, diplomats are integral representatives of their nations. In Canada, we take a different approach. For example, no wine and cheese at functions. We're afraid of looking like we have panache. We want to project an austere (if not unrealistic) image of who we are.
He doesn't seem to mind it, but it's a telling story nonetheless.
My son's now dead father in law was a commercial attaché at our Algiers embassy when he met his wife. They had been posted all over the East bloc including Moscow. From my conversations with him and his wife I got the impression of a no frills job, lots of hard work and not much partying.
ReplyDeleteOur diplomats are salesmen and their job is to promote our goods and political interests. They produce more but in a less flashy or splashy way.
Wilson and Raymond Chrétien in Washington are prime examples of what I say.