Monday, July 03, 2006

Unique? Eh?

With Canada Day just over, it's got me thinking about what makes this country unique, besides back bacon and poutine? After careful consideration...........not too darn much anymore...................take for instance...........................

CBC TV: We've basically annihilated our TV public broadcasting station with endless changes to reflect the incessant need to lure the younger set into watching it. The latest recommendations are beyond the pale...............cut advertising completely and increase federal funding (hello? Like that's going to happen, and if it did in lalalalala land, how would that help?)............cut Hockey Night in Canada and other sports events (the only money making shows on this station) and replace it with what? Hinterland Who's Who snippets?..............Oh, and lets move in a couple of new reality shows (because we all know they are highbrow entertainment) and mess up The National telecasts as much as we can.
The powers that be have ruined this station to the best of their ability. Not only have they cancelled any semblance of quality drama, they have no long term vision.........just quick hit summer fare of more of the same.............. maybe the glory days are over......... maybe it's time to wave good bye to the land of the Friendly Giant and Mr. Dress-Up and Chez Helene....... and move on.

Booming in the West...............Brain Drain in the East........... yes this continues to be a Canadian trait. How proud I feel! How many more will have to move away from their roots, their familial and kindred support before something gives? I'm afraid that this has become the (gag) "new normal" and will continue throughout my lifetime. Until the Maritimes develop a political system that is more collaboratively visionary..........until the provincial powers that be merge to form a more cohesive force to be reckoned with, we will always have little clout and recognition on the economic front.

Multi-culturalism and all things mosaic. Once a proud cornerstone and definately the foundation of our vast and magnificent country, the immigration system seems to be rotting in it's own bureaucratic bumbling. The fact that we seem to be allowing every faction of global conflict and hatred into our country without a wink of an eye, while stumbling over misconstrued political correctness to a point where our empathy has gone seriously awry, we have set ourselves up as a clear threat to security........both nationally and internationally. I embrace the concept of multi-culturalism. I embrace the open-mindedness it allows in our society. However, we have to be cognizant of the fact that we are being taken advantage of and it's frightening. We have lost our multi-cultural balance. Monte Solberg has his work cut out for him.

Supporting our Veterans. Gee, I thought we were pretty supportive of our war vets........until I read the disgusting news story about a bunch of drunken yahoos urinating on the War Memorial in Ottawa after the Canada Day celebrations. Well............maybe the "stink" this is making will rally the support? One can only hope.

So..........what does Canada stand for? What does make us unique? Blackflies? Maple leaves? Prime Ministers who know how to do the J-stroke? Blueberries? Alberta Oil? Dulse? Corner Gas? Prima donna diva singers? Exported comedians? Stanfield undies? Mukluks? Toques? Hosers? Moosehead? Margaret Atwood (ugh)? Robertson Davies? Robert Munsch? Raffi? Baby seals? Canadian Shield? Ashley McIsaac? Leonard Cohen? Exported news journalists? Hockey? Yes, yes........and most importantly our unique Tim Hortons coffee...................now being served with a smile in Afghanistan.

The previous governments may have slashed and gashed our previous large symbols that defined us............but the comical and nonsensical little symbols are still vibrantly and absurdly defining. It's a weird country, but I think I'll stay and enjoy the humour...........oh and some good Maritime fiddling.


1 comment:

Quilting Goddess said...

How true it is .... as always you've taken the words out of my mouth. Sometimes you have to laugh or you will end up crying.