the welcoming committee
An American requests I hurry out.
An anonymous Albertan would rather I stay.
If only I could introduce them to each other.
An anonymous Albertan would rather I stay.
If only I could introduce them to each other.
sharia
This morning I see that Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, is banning the Muslim religious court known as sharia . This ends months of debate about whether sharia would be legal and binding in Ontario. I'm quoting at length from the story in today's Toronto Star because many US readers are likely not up on this. In a surprise announcement that caught both supporters and opponents of sharia law off guard, Premier Dalton McGuinty says he will move quickly to ban all religious arbitration in the province. McGuinty made the announcement in a telephone interview with The Canadian Press yesterday after months of debate and controversy surrounding use of Islamic sharia law in family arbitration. "I've come to the conclusion that the debate has gone on long enough," the premier told the news agency. "There will be no sharia law in Ontario. There will be no religious arbitration in Ontario. There will be one law for all Ontarians." The announcement prompted t...
Goodness, the nuts are falling from trees in full force lately.
ReplyDeleteReminiscent of the scrap some guy tried to pick with Alicia at Last Left, and then myself over at LB.
Maybe he told his pals to run through our links or something. Funny how they all seem to come out at once.
But at least you have a T.O.-area welcoming committee (which actually wants you here) eagerly awaiting your arrival. :-)
Goodness, the nuts are falling from trees in full force lately.
ReplyDeleteI know! They do seem to fall in bunches. I always wonder if wmtc was listed or linked somewhere that I'm not aware of. But you're probably right - it's probably through blogrolls.
But at least you have a T.O.-area welcoming committee (which actually wants you here) eagerly awaiting your arrival. :-)
It's something I value highly. Hell, even Rob says I'm welcome. ;-)
P.S. G: Your new .gif is very enigmatic. Is it you?
ReplyDeleteOf course, you're welcome. Being tolerant of different politics is just as important to a just society as being tolerant of different religions. We sometimes get a little overly enthusiastic in our political debates up here, but most of us get along.
ReplyDeleteOf course, if the Left lost four elections in a row (as we Conservatives have), I'm sure that would change. ;)
Nice.... nothing like being smug and condescending all in one. Perhaps it's better that you live in T.O (which of course the rest of Canada understands is the centre of the universe).
ReplyDeleteI'm not nuts... just thinking aloud about how arrogant your blog reads.
And I'm not trying to pick a scrap... I just have a different opinion... interesting that disagreement makes me crazy as opposed to having a different view point.
When the nuts start attacking you, you must be doing the right thing.
ReplyDeleteYou know, nothing bugs me more than the "Canadians define themselves as not-Americans". That's not true. It's not a definition, its a clarification because a Canadian might be confused as an American to an outsider.
People from other countries sometimes confuse New Zealanders with Australians, to which the New Zealander will adamantly state that he/she is "not Australian". However, I doubt people say that New Zealanders are defined as "anti-Australians".
"And I'm not trying to pick a scrap... I just have a different opinion... interesting that disagreement makes me crazy as opposed to having a different view point. "
ReplyDeleteThe very way you framed your original comment was confrontational and asking to be rebuked, not just "stating your opinion".
I.E. Confrontational method
"What if we don't want you? Canadians are rabid anti-americans, even Canadians who live in the US and drive up with their US licence plates get treated badly"
Nonconfrontational method of saying same thing:
Some Canadians are strongly anti-American. You may be treated badly when you arrive.
The other thing you need to do is state examples. I lived in the states, and our car did have Illinois plates.
ReplyDeleteSomehow, despite driving through the heart of T.O., I didn't seem to notice the hordes of rabid Canadians spiting a Canadian family who happened to have American plates on their car.
I'm not nuts... just thinking aloud about how arrogant your blog reads.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. You're probably not nuts. But I do think it's at least slightly nutty to wander into someone's blog - anonymously - and make rude, arrogant, sarcastic comments. Both your comments on the "Why Canada" post are that. I do find this strange and a little nuts.
And I'm not trying to pick a scrap... I just have a different opinion...
That's ridiculous. If you were not trying to scrap, you wouldn't say things like "But thanks for taking the time to find out about how Canada works before you moved" and such. You wouldn't start out with "What if we don't want you?" etc. etc.
Kyle explains it best above.
People often leave snotty, nasty comments, then strike an offending pose when they get slapped back, claiming "I was only stating my opinion". You were not. You were being rude, and you were slapped down for it.
And, I might add, you're a chickenshit about it, too - not even using your name.
Get the fuck out of here.
Now you can go around saying Americans are anti-Canadian. When really I am just anti you.
Oh how funny, LP was posting at the same time. Plus he was being nice.
ReplyDeleteThank you. :)
I've just discovered LP's blog, and via it, this one. Welcome. I see you've met the Albertans already. Speaking of which...
ReplyDeleterobfromalberta, I must gently needle you; Conservatives in Alberta have won every provincial election in living memory, but the Liberals from your province seem to be a fine and civil bunch, no?
BTW (having just learned this at Kevin Smith's Q and A in Vancouver last weekend), I'm given to understand that one thing that our soon-to-be countrywoman should check out immediately upon arrival are Glossettes. Delicious, delicious Glossettes. Welcoming committee, take note.
Here's another Torontonian who doesn't hate Americans or think my city is the centre of the universe, and who is happy to know you're moving in. Sorry about the oddballs attacking you (anonymously, quel surprise). I hope they get bored soon and go away.
ReplyDeleteNot sure I'd recommend Glossettes, but to each his/her own. I believe Smarties are quintessentially Canadian, so get some of those too.
I'm told they're leaps and bounds above the American equivalent. And Smarties do have that Canadian special edition out now, too...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marnie and Wyre.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the oddballs attacking you (anonymously, quel surprise). I hope they get bored soon and go away.
They usually do. Plus I enjoy using them for sport while they're here.
Smarties? You mean the candy? And Glosettes...? Qu'est-ce que c'est?
Oh Wyre, welcome to wmtc. Nice to meet you.
It's my pleasure. And remember: you're part of a proud tradition of Americans coming north that extends at least as far back as the Revolution, so you don't need to take guff from anybody. Gentle ribbing for picking Toronto, on the other hand, maybe.
ReplyDeleteGlosettes are similar to Goobers and Raisinettes south of the 49th. Except, I am assured, they're even better.
And Smarties are little chocolate discs in a colourful candy shell. Like M&Ms, only ... well, frankly, I prefer M&Ms, but Smarties were part of my childhood, so there's that nostalgia factor.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that what Americans call Smarties are what we call Rockets -- little pastel "pills" of sugary bliss that hurt your tongue if taken in large quantities. True or false?
"you're part of a proud tradition of Americans coming north that extends at least as far back as the Revolution"
ReplyDeleteYes! I posted about that a long time ago... can't find it now w/ my handheld.
"Gentle ribbing for picking Toronto, on the other hand, maybe."
Well, I'm a New Yorker, it makes sense. :-)
"Glosettes are similar to Goobers and Raisinettes south of the 49th. Except, I am assured, they're even better."
Yum!
L-girl on iPAQ
Oh duh. I welcomed you and misspelled your name. You have a wry humor, or perhaps are rye and not wheat - but are not wire or wyre. Sorry about that.
ReplyDeleteL-girl
Smarties are little sugar things -- however, they do not hurt. They are friendly and yummy. Sort of like Sweettarts.
ReplyDeleteGlossettes do not sound good. However, I love Zero bars.
Final Word: Snickers rule the world.
Well, Snickers and David Ortiz.
Hey L-G,
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled across your blog. I don't even know for sure how? Anyway, I wanted to say welcome! My maternal grandpa was an ex-US pat. He settled here after WW2; which he spent fighting Japan in China as a Ranger. He happily turned his back on Philly some 60 odd years ago. My dad came from the Netherlands in the mid-50's. He was a boy and his dad made the decision to move for him but Dad was grateful for the choice when he was old enough to understand the reasons.
American have been coming to Canada in search of a better life since the American Revolution! Some say that your Revolutionary War spawned the birth of two nations -the US and Canada. See, British Empire Loyalist flooded into Canada to avoid being tarred and feathered or worse following the British defeat. Those from NY state and Pennsylvania came for free grants of land in Upper Canada (Ontario). Others from the colonies further south were ferried to, what has become, the Atlantic provinces by the Royal Navy - including Freed Slaves who had taken up arms in the service of the Royal cause (bit of Canadian shame here unfortunately).
During the war of 1812, there was a real concern among British officers that "Canadian" colonists of American descent might offer aid to the invaders of Upper Canada. In fact, one or two traitors were to join the American forces but the vast majority of settlers remained true to the Crown.
When Canada purchased Prince Ruperts Land off the Hudson Bay Company, in preparation of opening the west, it is true part of their reason for doing so was to keep American encroachment of Canadian sovereignty at bay. You see, what are today, Canada's western provinces were being turned to as a place for another chance to start on cheap, abundant land by those who had missed out on the best lands when the US had opened up the Lousiana Territory. Moreover, once the land had been surveyed and parcelled, Americans cued up for their 160 acres along with Brits, Ukrainians, Germans, Swedes, Finns and Icelanders. Maybe your hostile Anonymous has secret American roots that, for some unknown psychologically perverse reason, have twisted him in the particular way he attacks you for some personal short-comings of his own heritage? We here in central Ontario are well aware of the American bent of our Albertan brethern : ) He might even have an Ontario connection given his attitude to central Canada? ; )
Anyway, now that I've had a few pokes at the (doing my best Foxworthy drawl) redneck out west. I recommend you do a study of Canada American relations through history. Many of the reason you've embraced Canada are developed out of our profound understanding of the American way. Of course, it isn't essential, but I have found it of interest. Best Regards on the move!
Americans were also responsible for the development of the transcontinental railroad that facilitated the Confederation of Canada provinces both directly and indirectly. They flooded into the Klondike spawning the development of the Yukon territory whilst Alberta was still a District in the Northwest Territories!
Interesting blog you have here. Its a shame you seem unwilling to debate. It would be fun... Why write so much of your political views and not argue? That is really a foreign to me. I always thought that was the point of being American... But then you are leaving aren't you. Well, good luck with that! I don't know much of Canada... I'm sure it will be nice:)
ReplyDeleteyour new pic is very enigmatic
ReplyDeleteThank you! Whiteboard effect on digcam. Had a bit of fun learning the effects. Sepia mode produced some good stuff too, but this one is still relatively anonymous enough ... can't have it be TOO close, now!
"are arguing just to be heard, not to learn"
ReplyDeleteIt sorts of like when you do a presentation, and a person asks questions to show how smart they are, not to get an answer.
On the other hand, I'd say that a debate never changes the mind of the people debating, but it might change the mind of an observer.
Hey ALPF, have a great trip, eh. Sounds like great fun. (Do you have a laugh track, too?) :)
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I'd say that a debate never changes the mind of the people debating, but it might change the mind of an observer.
Kyle, I agree. I have learned a lot from discussions between you and Rob, or Rob and Lone Primate, or Rob and... Hmm, do we see a pattern here? :)
When I speak to someone, one on one, who seems to have an open mind and wants to hear other points of view, I always use the opportunity for gentle education. And I hope I do the same when it comes to learning from others.
I just find the typical "debates" on the internet tiring and pointless.
and a person asks questions to show how smart they are, not to get an answer.
ReplyDeleteDoncha hate that?? There's at least one in every crowd.
I have learned a lot from discussions between you and Rob, or Rob and Lone Primate, or Rob and... Hmm, do we see a pattern here? :)
ReplyDeleteYes, apparently I'm the life of the party.:D
Rob: We all want to be as popular as you. :)
ReplyDeleteI should run for office. Maybe I could replace that f**kwad Rob Anders who represents my riding of Calgary West.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the anonymous commenter: move as fast as you can! It's much better here.
ReplyDeleteLG; not to worry. It's a very common mistake. People think I'm being cyberpunky when in fact I'm being semi-Victorian with the extra "e". (My last name features one of those "e"s on the end that people very often assume is some sort of optional curlique...)
ReplyDeleteI have to agree that there are many motives for asking questions of a presenter/lecturer beyond those two; trying to help others in the room understand something, for instance. As Kyle says, some questions are really aimed at the observer.The best test is: does it add to the conversation or people's understanding?
(Having been trained in a discipline which thrives on questions and discussion and then having taken a Masters in a second discipline where questions were regarded as somehow icky, I've had some time to think on that one...)
Rob: Are you with VoteoutAnders.com?
... it's always a party when Rob and Kyle start posting ... just kick back and enjoy the show ...
ReplyDeleteYou guys rock.
In what field are questions considered icky? That would suck.
ReplyDeleteI like the Victorians. I studied Victorian lit in college and got into the whole era.
Rob: Are you with VoteoutAnders.com?
ReplyDeleteNo, I actually hold my nose and vote for him anyway because I consider the party more important than the local MP. However, if there ever was a candidate that might make me change my vote, Rob Anders is the one. Even Stockwell Day is an improvement over Anders.
Well, fair enough, Rob. And yet...
ReplyDeleteYou know, maybe it's time someone challenged that nitwit at a nomination meeting. I'm just sayin'. If the man is actually hurting your party's national chances, (See also: Randy White, Danger Agent Grewal, et. al.) then perhaps the bigger picture needs to come into play.
As for the field, LG, I'm not sure whether my experience was unique to my school or even an unlucky draw when it came to courses, so until I can gather more data I'd rather not get anybody angry. I suspect it may have been the school. But at very least, it came off badly compared to English Literature, where anything goes. :)
No, I actually hold my nose and vote for him anyway
ReplyDeleteI grew up hearing this expression. My parents were usually more progressive than the Democrat running for national office, but: "hold your nose and vote for [insert name of lame Democrat here]" because the Republican is worse. One nose-hold at a time, the parties became indistinguishable.
It's not relevant to Alberta, I'm sure. It's just the expression sounded so familiar.
You know, maybe it's time someone challenged that nitwit at a nomination meeting.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, so much so that I've often fantasized about taking him on myself.
Run, Rob, run!
ReplyDeleteL-girl on iPAQ
L-G, just to give you an example of what a total knob Anders is, a couple years ago the Canadian government decided to confer honorary citizenship on Nelson Mandela. By Parliamentary rules, any legislation can be passed without debate if it has unanimous consent and it would have been unanimous were it not for Rob Anders. Every single MP, Conservative, Liberal, New Democrat and BQ voted for it, except Rob Anders. Why? He believed Mandela was a communist and a terrorist.
ReplyDeleteOf course, Mandela did get his honorary citizenship, but it was an embarassing incident for Calgary West. To make things worse, when Nelson Mandela came to Canada to accept his honour, he offered to meet personally with Rob Anders to discuss his concerns. Rob Anders response, "It's too short notice, I don't have the time". What a tool!
Wow. That is some serious tool-itude.
ReplyDeleteI'm telling ya, Rob: run!! :-)
I don't know about everybody else but to me the people groups associate with are generally a good indication of the character of group... doesn't speak well for the conservative party ;)
ReplyDeletePeter
Yes well, when the Liberals dump Hedy Fry, who claimed the good folks of Prince George, BC were holding daily cross-burnings, then they can start criticizing the Conservatives.
ReplyDeletePoint is, there are kooks all over. You can't criticize a whole group for the actions of one.
ReplyDeleteBeing from PG and living in Kitsilano at the time, I was delighted to be able to vote against Fry last year.
ReplyDeleteAh, that felt good.
Rob, i am not saying the liberals are innocent either... that is why i tend to lean to the good ol' NDP ;) But even they had Sven... i guess i have to vote for the marijuana party!
ReplyDelete