Hey, what's up with you, Canada / Canadians ??

[kaat]

Unlike my usual spiritual pursuits, I need to rant. And the question about the following is: Are all countries like this ?

Quick Preface: I'm an Englishman; born & raised London UK till age 22, then 34 years in Canada (Toronto).

Okay, here are JUST A FEW Canadian examples that make my head hurt ...

(1) A couple of years ago, our Ontario Provincial Govt (liberals), while anticipating a difficult upcoming election, made a political move, and cancelled 2 partially constructed gas plants. Eventual cost to tax-payers: $1,000,000,000. It's been in the courts, but nobody went to jail (I think).

(2) Our Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau (a firmly entrenched 'elite' - see father Pierre), thought it was okay to receive VERY expensive gifts from the Aga Khan (a family friend). Oops: The Aga Khan is registered as a government LOBBYIST. But, well, that's fine. No consequences. Q: Would Trudeau perhaps also take gifts from, say, Vladimir Putin?

(3) We have huge issues in attempting indigenous reconciliation. It's been top of mind here for a while. E.g.: The Canada 150th birthday celebrations were very 'dampened' as a result. Now, when I ask the average Canadian what they think about reconciliation, I'll generally get "What's that?" or "Not much". Do they think reconciliation is something that indigenous folks need to do?!

(4) We are approaching the apparently enlightened idea of a decent minimum wage: $15/hr. Great. But wait. It's chaotic; many small businesses fear bankruptcy; other firms are figuring ways to make jobs even less secure. The relevant minister was just on TV saying "Well, that's just it; we don't know what's going to happen." Pffft.

(5) Our national public broadcaster (CBC), confirmed why mobile phones are potentially risky: (a) Those 'rays' going into your head ARE damaging, oh, but it's not physical - it's MENTAL. (b) Your smartphone camera is constantly working - ON YOU - it uses facial recognition, and can track your every MOOD. When the government gets paranoid, and you're heading to parliament in a foul mood, well, watch out. [[EDIT]] - Fact is, the sidewalk phone-zombies are worse than ever. Fools.

I could go on and on and on. Many Canadians are just too accepting, too meek. As a Brit, I'm something of a natural activist - we don't tend to take much ****. What's wrong, and are all countries THIS BAD??

I may well be wrong on some details, but not far wrong.
Martin

P.S.: I join the poorly-attended protests when I can - I am, after all, a Canadian citizen - one who is awake. In Britain, at least 'back in the day', there would have been riots by now.

 

[bobhikes]

I'm not Canadian but my Grandmother was and I visit Family still living there and I would trade your problems for ours under Trump in a second but I don't like the Cold. My only grievance against Canada is no beach climate.

 

[Srivijaya]

In Britain, at least 'back in the day', there would have been riots by now.

You've been gone a while mate. UK citizens can't be bovvered to be politically active, unless there's a pair of trainers to be grabbed. Just come back to the UK for a month or two and I guarantee you'll return to Canada with a new-found appreciation of its merits.

 

[kaat]

Yeah, I suppose this is what I would expect from the U.S. & UK perspective and I get that. The U.S. seems to be suffering from this endless Trump bluster that goes so quickly, that it's easy to miss something truly important. Like e.g.: I am so confused about who did what to get Trump into office, that I give up until it is made clear (or IF).

I wonder what other country's views we might get here. Presumably there are folks here from far and wide.

 

[UpperLimits]

I'm not Canadian but my Grandmother was and I visit Family still living there and I would trade your problems for ours under Trump in a second but I don't like the Cold. My only grievance against Canada is no beach climate.

"Problems" under Trump? (snicker) Must be really tough on businessmen. Just can't get workers no how with that darn booming economy. Tell ya what. If you can arrange the legals, ya got a trade there, bud!! (I'd love to have your set of "problems." )

Isn't it interesting how the proverbial grass is always "greener over there." Seems to be that way no matter what perspective you start from...

 

[Twilight Hue]

Unlike my usual spiritual pursuits, I need to rant. And the question about the following is: Are all countries like this ?

Quick Preface: I'm an Englishman; born & raised London UK till age 22, then 34 years in Canada (Toronto).

Okay, here are JUST A FEW Canadian examples that make my head hurt ...

(1) A couple of years ago, our Ontario Provincial Govt (liberals), while anticipating a difficult upcoming election, made a political move, and cancelled 2 partially constructed gas plants. Eventual cost to tax-payers: $1,000,000,000. It's been in the courts, but nobody went to jail (I think).

(2) Our Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau (a firmly entrenched 'elite' - see father Pierre), thought it was okay to receive VERY expensive gifts from the Aga Khan (a family friend). Oops: The Aga Khan is registered as a government LOBBYIST. But, well, that's fine. No consequences. Q: Would Trudeau perhaps also take gifts from, say, Vladimir Putin?

(3) We have huge issues in attempting indigenous reconciliation. It's been top of mind here for a while. E.g.: The Canada 150th birthday celebrations were very 'dampened' as a result. Now, when I ask the average Canadian what they think about reconciliation, I'll generally get "What's that?" or "Not much". Do they think reconciliation is something that indigenous folks need to do?!

(4) We are approaching the apparently enlightened idea of a decent minimum wage: $15/hr. Great. But wait. It's chaotic; many small businesses fear bankruptcy; other firms are figuring ways to make jobs even less secure. The relevant minister was just on TV saying "Well, that's just it; we don't know what's going to happen." Pffft.

(5) Our national public broadcaster (CBC), confirmed why mobile phones are potentially risky: (a) Those 'rays' going into your head ARE damaging, oh, but it's not physical - it's MENTAL. (b) Your smartphone camera is constantly working - ON YOU - it uses facial recognition, and can track your every MOOD. When the government gets paranoid, and you're heading to parliament in a foul mood, well, watch out. [[EDIT]] - Fact is, the sidewalk phone-zombies are worse than ever. Fools.

I could go on and on and on. Many Canadians are just too accepting, too meek. As a Brit, I'm something of a natural activist - we don't tend to take much ****. What's wrong, and are all countries THIS BAD??

I may well be wrong on some details, but not far wrong.
Martin

P.S.: I join the poorly-attended protests when I can - I am, after all, a Canadian citizen - one who is awake. In Britain, at least 'back in the day', there would have been riots by now.

Canada isn't a whole lot different than us Yanks in my opinion. Sure different issues different faces, but the same old BS. Canadiens just do it far better than the US.

I'm aware of Inuit issues, especially around Thunder Bay, there will likely be some concessions but there's still a long way to go as far as reconciliation goes.

One thing Canadians have got to do is help address the suicide rate. It saddens my heart just to hear about it over the CBC every time I go up to Toronto.

 

[kaat]

Canada isn't a whole lot different than us Yanks in my opinion. Sure different issues different faces, but the same old BS. Canadiens just do it far better than the US.

I'm aware of Inuit issues, especially around Thunder Bay, there will likely be some concessions but there's still a long way to go as far as reconciliation goes.

One thing Canadians have got to do is help address the suicide rate. It saddens my heart just to hear about it over the CBC every time I go up to Toronto.

Right on. See, I feel that all society's worst problems are, in fact, known and felt by all. It's how we each choose to respond that makes the difference. If "respond" also involves responsibility, then the way we act is how we show our concern. Meaning, the more who show no concern, the less an effective outcome is likely. In this case, the cost of being awake to new ideas, is that now and then, we will fee badly for the aboriginals and perhaps even guilty - and in your case, have a saddened heart.

I think it is not coincidental, that a certain Buddhist practice, "Lojong", aims at taking in all the world's suffering, and breathing out space in return. It's not as heavy as it sounds.

Don't know if I'm making sense.

Look - following on from :
(3) We have huge issues in attempting indigenous reconciliation. It's been top of mind here for a while. E.g.: The Canada 150th birthday celebrations were very 'dampened' as a result. Now, when I ask the average Canadian what they think about reconciliation, I'll generally get "What's that?" or "Not much". Do they think reconciliation is something that indigenous folks need to do?!

My overriding notion is that we can't stand idly by, waiting to see what the next guy does. That will rarely meet our criteria for success.

 

[bobhikes]

"Problems" under Trump? (snicker) Must be really tough on businessmen. Just can't get workers no how with that darn booming economy. Tell ya what. If you can arrange the legals, ya got a trade there, bud!! (I'd love to have your set of "problems." )

Isn't it interesting how the proverbial grass is always "greener over there." Seems to be that way no matter what perspective you start from...

Darn booming economy where, I one of the blue collar workers I haven't seen a raise in over ten years and I'm not getting one this year. My property taxes go up every year and Trump has done nothing to fix that. My medical did not go up this year for the first time in 10 years and Trump is taking away the subsidies so you can bet it goes up next year. I also have immigrant family members which are being affect by Trumps unfair immigrant policies. Yes the Trump gave breaks to the business unfortunately I am not a businessman.

 

[kaat]

Thinking about this thread, I wrote a little poem that I quite like:


In Which

These are not times in which to be offended
Not times in which to feel entitled
These are times in which to open and to broaden
These are times in which to live unbridled