THROWING BACK THE STARFISH
Many know the story of the one determined beachgoer who one by one
attempted to throw back the millions of starfish trapped out of
water. In terms of the entire problem, his contribution was
negligible, but to each of those spared fish, it was most
significant.
Canada has always been less than a "superpower ". Yet, in many ways
we have exercised more influence than our size should suggest. Sixty
years ago, our forces were among the most powerful in the world. The
Canadian shoulderflash is respected to day in the more than one
hundred nations where our peacekeepers serve.
Until a hockey game in Russia in 1972 we were far from a boastful
nation. To day, we remain reluctant to praise our glory. After
today's Canada Day celebrations , there is the Live Eight concert;
it occurs in six cities...Tokyo, Paris, London, Rome, Philadelphia
and Barrie?..... Barrie ! We feel the need again to apologize.
Yet Canada has always been included in the G-7 because of its global
reputation { and that of its former Prime Minister Trudeau.}
We are not Americans. We have a separate identity. This is
demonstrated in our contrasting relationships with Viet Nam, China,
Cuba and now Iraq. This exists despite the huge pressure of our
neighbour. Fortunately, Nixon used this Canada-China connection to
normalize his American - Communist Chinese one. This avenue exists
for the other countries. Can we make a difference ? Maybe not in a
gun battle, but guns were never in our Constitution. We lead best by
example.
So, on this Canada Day, let us thank our forefathers for their
wisdom. For all those who serve abroad. From the ridge at Vimy, to
the shore at Juno Beach, to the mountains of Afghanistan. Thank you.
I will wear my red and white today; not because we wish to rule
the world; but in a strange way I don our colours because we don't.
If you don't get this I apologize... its the Canadian thing to do !! |
