The War Room

DOSSIER NUMBER 7: ON CANADA DAY, WHAT DEFINES A COUNTRY?

Note: Originally a Dossier was promised on how the philosophy of SSM invalidates Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. That will come but being this is Dominion Day, The War Room felt this Dossier was more appropriate.

Many will celebrate Canada Day in honour of the country of their birth; in honour of the country of their residence; and in honour of the country in which they live. Some will take the time to reflect quietly on what it means to live in Canada…most will not. Some will quietly reflect on the nature of patriotism in the Nation State; most will use Canada Day as an excuse to drink beer, eat burgers and listen to The Tragically Hip.

We will ask some questions. We do not know what the correct answer is and have spent much time thinking about them lately. The main question-the one from which all of the others will flow- is:

In a democracy, what defines a country?

Does a government define a country? If so can a government say which citizens are good patriots or bad citizens? Should the bad citizens partake in celebrating a country which they do not define? Is the government honest? Is it corrupt? Are all religions and cultures tolerated or just those that acquiesce to the government? Does the government protect all of its citizens or just a desirable few?

Do citizens define a country? If so do the citizens of the country have enough of a say in policy? Are the citizens informed or apathetic? Are they hospitable to foreigners or exploitative? Do they respect their freedom or take it for granted? Would they die for the country? Is the country worth dying for?

Does culture define a country? Who then defines the culture? Do you feel you have a say in it? Does it reflect your view? Do you feel comfortable saying your piece? Are all views respected?

Does tradition define a country? What are the countries traditions? Are they respected? Are they even known? Are they taught in schools? Do younger generations know and respect those traditions?

Do the founding fathers define a country? If so, do you know who they are? What they desired? Is what they desired being upheld today? Would today’s version of the country be a testament or an insult to their vision?

Does international reputation define a country? Is a country how they see themselves or how others see them? Does the country earn respect or ride on the coattails of the past? Does it uphold its duty or let others pick up the slack?

Does helping its less fortunate define a country? If so, how does it treat it’s poor and sick, its elderly, its children and babies? How does it treat its indigenous peoples, its farmers, its land?

Does freedom to dissent define a country? Is dissent allowed or frowned upon? Are those who disagree welcome at the table or shut out? Is free speech a platitude or a necessity to the country?

My father was with the Canadian Navy during the latter part of World War II. Because he had me later in life, I am younger than most of the children of WWII veterans but I have always asked these questions of myself. On the July 1st holiday, I hope many more Canadians ask them also.

Have a safe Canada Day.

posted by Nicol DuMoulin @ 7:46 AM