Imagine living in a country where going to school could earn the punishment of having acid thrown in one’s face. For many Afghani girls, the nightmare scenario is a reality. It’s hard to imagine such a barbaric society that permits public beatings, intimidation or worse of anyone opposed to it, but in many parts of the world, such crimes are the norm.
Canada is such a great country it’s easy to forget how much of the world lives under the tyranny of brutal dictators or suffering under the oppressive heel of Islamic fascism where freedom is forbidden. While free speech is cherished in Canada as a fundamental right, in other countries saying something not in line with the rulers can results in severe punishments. People in Canada are free to travel from one end to the other, but in other countries one’s mobility may be limited by government edict.
It is a tell-tale sign of a free country where the freedom is so strong one hardly notices. It’s easy to take for granted when the terrible nightmare scenario is happening in a place far away and one can saunter down to the beach or family cabin instead of thinking of the horrors others have to endure and fight against.
Not only is Canada among the freest countries in the world, Canada has sought to share its freedom with others. Canada is pulling out of one of these countries after a decade of fighting the good fight in Afghanistan. The brave soldiers who are returning should be shown appreciation for putting their lives on the line to fight foes who want to remain in the Dark Ages under Islamic sharia law.
So on Canada Day this weekend, we welcome the celebrations as a sign of the strength of the country and the resolve to be a force of good in the world, even when it may be unpopular to do so. Organizers in St. Paul deserve credit for putting in the effort to bring back Canada Day and make it a great day for the community, as do organizers in Elk Point and other neighbouring communities for keeping the patriotic spirit alive.
