Canada Day And Independence Day - July 2006

[Liberal Crozier]

When we were young, Canada Day was called Dominion Day. It speaks to the fact that we are a constitutional as opposed to a parliamentary monarchical democracy. It is much easier to celebrate Canada Day today !!
This is true regardless of the fact that international global corporate companies can require you to "live abroad" for a date and time certain...certain, that is, to return to full and absolute freedom.

Yes, it was not easy to celebrate Canada or Dominion Day decades ago, when adult, gay and out, you were subjected to "abnormal psychosexual diagnosis", physical and emotional abuse, and the total subjugation of your rights and privileges as a citizen and simple human being.

Yet, we did celebrate - even if the love was one-sided and not reciprocated. We did so because we believed in the promise of the Canadian experience, and the fact that our culture nurtured equality and a national ethos to lead the world in human rights.

Independence Day has not always been an easy celebration for the oppressed minorities of your country . Whether you are discussing the indigineous Peoples or the former African-American slave and Jim Crow victim, you are defining individuals who loved, fought and died for a nation who betrayed their most basic human rights.

LGBT Americans have been made the posterchild for a theocratic homophobic agenda, while the supposed allies and supporters in politics or faith systems betray the cause in either the courtroom, legislative venues, or in the mainline pew.

It is also a time when it is not easy or comfortable to be a Roman Catholic or Anglican LGBT Christian for obviously the same reasons - albeit with a theological patina that rings hollow to those gay-affirming Christians who know that bad biology, or bad social science, is also bad theology and not in keeping with loving your God and your neighbour as yourself - as well as in bearing false witness against same.

Whether you celebrated on July 1, or are celebrating today on July 4, the LGBT person's patriotism is that much more valuable, and holds more promise that those who, because of psychosexual orientation and birthright, enjoy all the rights and privileges of citizenship. And like the Aboriginal or First Peoples (aka Native Americans) or African Americans of decades past, there will be American GLBT citizens who will NEVER breathe the fresh air of complete equality and freedom on this side of the highway.

That, my friends, is true patriotism.....

[Dash]

I want to let you know how much I appreciate your posts. I always read them with great enthusiasm. I'm very grateful for the quality and substance of your writing.

So while I may not be speaking up in response, know that I'm still nearby listening eagerly.

[Jennifer5]

Nicely said. Thank You!

[nowvoyager]

I agree entirely, Liberal C, I am always challenged and delighted by your posts.
Happy belated Canada day to you, may Canada continue to be a leading light, with equality, maple syrup and John Ralston Saul, for less free countries elsewhere.

[pnggrad79]

LC,
Enjoyed your posts. When Texas enacted a ban on same sex marriage this past November, I enacted my own little form of rebellion and protest against the hypocrisy of the United States, which claims to be the leader of the free world-yeah, if you're straight, white, and male. Therefore, I refuse to pledge allegiance to a country that does NOT offer freedom to GLBT's, black people, Mexican people, or women. I do not sing the national anthem,and I do not pledge. I wrote to my congressman, John Cornyn and proposed that he along with anyone else who voted for the FMA, to rewrite the pledge and say instead, "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, divided by bigotry and hatred, with liberty and justice for some." and take out the clause in the Declaration which states,"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." because the United States does NOT treat everyone equally, nor recognizes our God-given rights to equality, but has a long, dark, evil history of depriving people who are different from them basic rights.
I applaud Canada and it's long history of providing freedom to those who were enslaved in this country, and those who continue to be deprived of our rights because of an evil religious spirit that would turn this country into a theocracy, bent on persecution of anyone who does not agree with them.
Thanks LC, and best of luck to you.

[tdogg]

pnggrad,

Interesting concept - haven't thought of that before. Have you sent that on to people you know who it would apply to? Wondering how effective that might be...

LC - I believe Canada is a great country, not only beautiful (with AWESOME birdwatching!) but miles ahead of our own in strides towards acceptance, tolerance and legal rights for all. I've been a couple times, although only for our Canadian Nat'l Arabian show, and hoping to get there again in the future (one of these years). I love the country, people, birds and the Canadian Nationals is one of my favorite shows. A real top notch major horse show with a small town back country friendly feel to it. Loved it!

Happy Canada Day!