Goood reminders Fred. I’ll just add a point if I may. A lot of what we take for granted folks is . . . SOCIALISM. Yes - the dreaded socialism. Which btw is NOT communism. In fact, there hasn’t really ever been a truly communist country, that follows Karl Marx’s theories. Russia? Nope not ever. So please do not conflate the two. Adding to your reminders.
So needed Fred!! I think so many people see the glass half empty these days when we are really so lucky with our basic standards of living.
My contribution is that my father was the Director of Parks for the province of Manitoba and later in life the man that started building what is now Kananaskis Park. All those places took lots of planning and money so the everyone could enjoy nature. But more likely these days they would bitch about lack of parking or park fees.
We are so so blessed to live in this fabulous country.
Keep up the clear messages. That’s what is needed these days!!
What a wonderful article Fred! We do tend to take so many things for granted, and reminders are so very important. From Tommy Douglas of the CCF on the centre-left, to Lester Pearson of the Liberals on the centre, and Conservative PM John Diefenbaker on the centre-right, we owe so much to these brave leaders. Tommy Douglas, as Premier of Saskatchewan was able to bring in hospital insurance and later Medicare, but only after the provincial debt was reduced. Lester Pearson, who introduced both hospital insurance and Medicare for all Canadians. And John Diefenbaker, a Conservative, introduced the Canadian Bill of Rights. (I don't believe that the current Conservative Party could/would introduce anything of real value, because they pander to voters like Joe in your article!) Your articles are always so timely. Thank you so very much for all you do.
Absolutely Fred! We ALL stand on the shoulders of those who fought for us and came before us!
Goood reminders Fred. I’ll just add a point if I may. A lot of what we take for granted folks is . . . SOCIALISM. Yes - the dreaded socialism. Which btw is NOT communism. In fact, there hasn’t really ever been a truly communist country, that follows Karl Marx’s theories. Russia? Nope not ever. So please do not conflate the two. Adding to your reminders.
Fair point Patricia.
I think a lot of Canadians hear the word socialism and immediately picture something extreme, when much of what we actually rely on every day...
is really just the idea that a society should pool resources for the common good...
like healthcare, pensions, roads, public education, safety nets.
Appreciate you adding that perspective.”
Thank you much Fred. Always appreciate your comments, and maybe even more that you respond to every comment I’ve noticed. Thank you!!
So needed Fred!! I think so many people see the glass half empty these days when we are really so lucky with our basic standards of living.
My contribution is that my father was the Director of Parks for the province of Manitoba and later in life the man that started building what is now Kananaskis Park. All those places took lots of planning and money so the everyone could enjoy nature. But more likely these days they would bitch about lack of parking or park fees.
We are so so blessed to live in this fabulous country.
Keep up the clear messages. That’s what is needed these days!!
Thank you Shelagh... and what a legacy your father left behind.
Imagine the vision it took to protect spaces people would enjoy decades later...
long before anybody could post photos of them online.
You’re right... we are incredibly lucky here, even if we forget it sometimes.
Appreciate the kind words.
Love you for this! Thank you ..
Well said Fred, lots of people need this reminder. I'm old (77) so I don't.
I agree. Canada isn’t perfect and we must help to move forward on many social issues but IT IS NOT BROKEN! Be sceptical of anyone who says otherwise.
Exactly Joanna.
Canada has problems... every country does.
But there’s a big difference between needs work and completely broken.
We can improve things without burning the whole house down.
Appreciate this.
What a wonderful article Fred! We do tend to take so many things for granted, and reminders are so very important. From Tommy Douglas of the CCF on the centre-left, to Lester Pearson of the Liberals on the centre, and Conservative PM John Diefenbaker on the centre-right, we owe so much to these brave leaders. Tommy Douglas, as Premier of Saskatchewan was able to bring in hospital insurance and later Medicare, but only after the provincial debt was reduced. Lester Pearson, who introduced both hospital insurance and Medicare for all Canadians. And John Diefenbaker, a Conservative, introduced the Canadian Bill of Rights. (I don't believe that the current Conservative Party could/would introduce anything of real value, because they pander to voters like Joe in your article!) Your articles are always so timely. Thank you so very much for all you do.