What are the reasons to celebrate July 4, 2009 from the perspective of a Canadian? After all, our destinies are inextricably linked with that of our kind neighbours to the south.
The U. S. has elected a dynamic, inspiring president with a vision. Lawrence Martin writes there are a number of aspects of his vision which complement our own:
- With his centre-left philosophical tilt, Barack Obama, who knows little about Canada, is ironically closer to the Canadian mainstream than the American one.
- He is a moderate who favours conciliation over confrontation.
- He is also a multilateralist and a multiculturalist.
- He pursues nuclear disarmament and a health care system like ours.
- He stands up against climate change deniers.
- He is not blinded by any sense of American superiority or muscle-flexing Manifest Destiny or bloated conceit that he is carrying our the will of God.
- He rises above all American prejudices.
- Being a politician with an independent mind and an international perspective, his leadership is based on broad global interests more so than narrow domestic biases.
- He is a great leader who understands the inherent stupidity of the we're better than you school of nationalism, that can only lead to conflict.
- Unlike some advisors who want to see another Cold War , this one with the Islamic world, Obama's approach is to reach out, not drive wedges.
- Canadians love the fact that Obama is not exaggerating foreign threats.
- Obama sees a larger world out there which he approaches from a new and enlightened perspective.
Canadians rightfully salute these positive attributes of the Obama administration. Happy Fourth of July, America.
By the way, here is Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Canada Day speech on July 1.
Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. ~ Barack Obama
Tags: Independence Day, quotations, celebration, commentary, Obama quotes
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Friday, July 3, 2009
July 4, 2009: Well Wishes from a Neighbour
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2 comments:
I like the paragraph of Harper's speech which probably echoes the American perspective, “We must never forget that our country, our way of life, did not happen by accident. We are a product of diverse peoples committed to common values. A country that cherishes freedom, democracy and justice. A country proud of our past, and confident in our future.'
I find particularly meaningful the comments and tributes made my new citizens who praise their new home and nation. It's something we may often take for granted. Thanks for the visit.
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