Waiting So Long Between Posts

I don't know why I do it. I promise myself everyday I will write something...and by the time I visit all my blogger pals, I just don't feel like it. Or...I often feel like what I have to say is irrelevant.

It finally dawned on me, that this blog is for me. Its here so that I can express myself about anything that I want. I can let my feelings and thoughts be known, and the only thing I really have to worry about is being honest...very important....and not being afraid of nasty commenters. I always admire the people who blog and get those nasties and do one of two things. They either ignore them...or they respond in a perfectly rational way. lol...I tend to not be rational when upset, so I am afraid of what I might say. My intent is to have people visit me...say what they want and not be afraid to speak their mind. I just need to learn to respond properly.

There is one blog I visit regarding adoption. It's a lovely blog about a lovely family who has adopted I think 7 children internationally. They also have 4 of their own, and will be adopting one more from the Ukraine. The mom is a great blogger...but oh my! I have never seen such defensive behaviour on a blog. Anytime she is disagreed with, her retorts are sassy to the point of feeling sarcastic...very icky in my opinion. I am not talking about people commenting saying mean things either. I am talking about differences in perspective. However...this blog post is not about that.

I also read some great progressive Alaskan blogs. Those folks are amazing! One has a radio program on Saturday evenings and I always tune in. I have even gotten the nerve to call her open line...when I can get through. These people are witty...caring...and very politically savvy.

This past winter was extremely hard for Native Alaskans for a variety of reasons. At one point, through the blogs we readers discovered that many had to choose between food and heating oil. Bloggers and commenters from all over the world sent care packages and money and parcels arrived and were dispersed to the villagers in need. Governor Palin? She took a trip to visit with a whack job minister, (sorry...I don't think all ministers are whack jobs) and homemade cookies...AFTER everybody else did the heavy lifting.

When the ice on the mighty Yukon river began to break up...it literally broke up...pulverized actually...entire communities. Homes..businesses...everything. Once more the blogs sent out the clarion call....and we bloggers and commenters got to work again. Governor Palin..??? Not really sure she did much.

Recently, on one of my fav Alaskan blogs, someone using anonymous (of course) has been telling Canadians to mind their own business when it comes to US politics. At first I thought...oh well...they can say what they want I suppose.

Then I got a bit ticked off. I decided to vent on my own blog, rather than do that on my Progressive friends blog...so this is it.

As a Canadian...some Americans piss me off. I am tired of all the ridiculous things said about my country...our health care....our gun control....blah blah blah.

We ...like the US value free speech. We do not value it however...when that "liberty" is used to incite hatred and violence against someone of a different colour...a different religion or sexual orientation. We have laws for " hate speech"...for that is what it is. Free speech be damned. Be accountable for what you say, and you can have all the free speech you want.

Yes..Canadians pay higher taxes and it pays for universal health care. That means the homeless man down the street gets to have a doctor...gets to have surgery if he needs it...gets tests if he needs them...gets put in hospital if he needs it....gets medications requiried....can go to alcohol and drug treatment. A few extra dollars less off my paycheque is worth that to me. I am sure it is worth it to anyone with any humanity.

Yes..sometimes wait times are long. In my experience this is for elective things...although I know it happens for needed things too. This doesn't occur is the states...with private insurance?? Please...I am not that stupid. Of course it does.

I love Rick Mercer, but when he takes his act to the states, and a university prof. from Harvard, actually signs a petition to "force the Canadian Government to halt the annual Saskatchewan Seal hunt"...I am disgusted. Or when someone thinks that Wayne Gretzky is our "president". Or..one of our provinces is "Toronto". Or...congratulating us on the fact that we have our first national newspaper. One governor when asked by Mercer if he thought Canada should have a navy...he said ..sure why not. Mercer then asked where would we put our ships, ( most normal folks know we live between both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and that we have a grand navy)
was told that perhaps Florida or some such place would let our ships sit there.

I live in remote northern Manitoba. I have been asked however, inane questions like "do you know so and so who lives near the big gas station outside of Toronto?" Please believe me....this is true.

Many americans know nothing about us. Even Obama's new homeland secretary...Napolitano..stated when she was in Canada a few weeks ago...that the 9/11 high jackers came through Canada. WTH??? She didn't know they all had US visas. She didn't know they all learned to fly in American flight schools? Un freaking beleivable.

People...what happens in the United States affects Canada. It affects everybody everywhere. Just look at the economy and tell me differently. (I am just grateful for wonderful Canadian banking laws) I have seen many online articles where Americans are free to comment on us. I am just as free to comment on American politics. Perhaps more, because I have at the very least learned something about the country...about the people...and most certainly about their politics.

I will not disregard anyone who criticized my country...as long as they have done their homework too...and not just spout off the latest talking points. Learn about who we are....what we believe in and why. We are not perfect...we have a long way to go. Canadians will debate though....and we listen. We will not dismiss you out of hand, and certainly will not tell you to mind your own business. I'm sorry...but there is an irony in that statement. An american saying "mind your own business"....interesting indeed. Iraq????

Thanks for listening...I feel a bit better. I am not meaning to offend, I am just speaking my own truth. I am sure not every Canadian feels as I do, but most of us would really love it if silly things about our country would just stop being said.

Rest assured...the government does not get between me and my doc....and the government is not coming to take away hubbys guns. Sheesh...

Have a great day....sun is finally coming out now.