Whatever happened to just standing on guard for thee?
From today's Globe and Mail:
"Canada is more...than hockey, saying ‘eh’ a lot, and drinking Tim Hortons coffee". I'm conflicted on this belittlement of (fun) national identity.
First of all, it's the beholders' own folly for ignoring (or making conclusions based on ignorance) our incredible and accomplished history. Who doesn't know that we burned down the White House? Canada IS in fact known to have excellent hard power, despite the US making fun of us for being, and I quote Homer Simpson, the "younger brother, who, by the way, has never had a girlfriend".
In trying to show we are not just soft power, (which apparently is how we define Peacekeepers who gang up on and beat civilians to death), we're sending out a very clear message to the world stage that we ARE in fact aggressive; but this is already completely obvious! We riot over hockey, for crying out loud. How does puffing out our chest and implying that we are ready to fight benefit us? This only puts us on the radar. What are we trying to prove, and to whom?
Now in terms of the Monarchy, as a once dominate culture (which I personally hail from), that has now become the minority to what appears to be Eastern Europeans, whom, from what I have observed, consider Canada to be second-rate to their homeland and don't really seem to want to be here, I really don't have a problem with returning back to the entire foundation of this awesome country. But then where does this leave Quebec? The French helped to make this country interesting and unique, and it is crucial to work with the Separatists, whilst not alienating those who do in fact respect the Empire.
On the flip side to my disagreement of our exertions, Harper is brilliant for funding our presence in the North, and I am extremely grateful for his timely insight and action; this is standing on guard, literally, which is, in my opinion, is the most noble form of patriotism.
In closing, can we not just be left to train for defence: we already know we are amazing, must we flaunt pearls before swine?
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