WE ARE ALL CANADIAN
‘Islam isn’t compatible with the West,’ ‘Muslims can’t be true Canadians,’ ‘Immigrants don’t respect our country or our values.’ You name it, we’ve heard it. On July 1, the largely immigrant-based Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Edmonton put these baseless concerns to rest by once again opening up their mosque for Canada Day festivities. Guests from all walks of life were welcomed, allowed to visit inside the mosque, and treated to a free barbecue. Now, although the ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran and ended with a traditional Islamic silent prayer, everything in between was one great tribute to Canada. The walls were adorned with banners and Canadian flags, little children were singing the national anthem, and community members were giving short speeches on what it means to be Canadian. In the ceremony, attendees were especially reminded of their Canadian responsibility to reflect on past and present injustices in the country and do whatever it takes to right those wrongs. The focus of this message was reconciliation with our underserved Indigenous populations, however, it can even be extended to encompass our current wave of Islamophobia in Canada. The Muslim community opens its heart for Canada and in turn hopes that Canada too can overcome the rising sentiment of Islamophobia and open its arms for them. It’s about time we accept the essence of being Canadian, highlighted by the Ahmadiyya Community’s motto: Love for All, Hatred for None.
Ali Shahan Butt
Edmonton
(We are glad you shared this wonderful story with us of what it means to be Canadian and celebrate together. It’s gestures like this that bond us)
FREEDOMS LOST AND GAINED
From Roger Miller, made famous by Janis Joplin: ‘Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose.’ Freedom doesn’t mean anything if it doesn’t have a sense of values underpinning it. So, people want to run amuck and get money, sex and drugs on demand … or whatever else they want, without self-awareness. The Supreme Court disagrees. Today it’s time to reflect on moral values and education and stop appealing to the lowest common denominator in society. That ‘freedom’ turns to tyranny.
Fred Stewart
Grand Junction, Colo.
(Decisions by the Supreme Court on both sides of the border are giving all of us reason to reflect)
BACK TO THE BASICS
I have been voting municipally, provincially and federally now for 50 years. I can tell you all with a great deal of certainty that the promises and the mudslinging happen with every election is just a load of hot air. Whichever party gets in with a majority will find an excuse not to keep their promises and the mudslinging will be forgotten in a heartbeat. If they get a minority, then they use that as an excuse not to fulfil their campaign promises. Quite frankly, I get tired of the BS that happens. I want a government that is going to do the basics: Pay down the debt, keep taxes low and stimulate employment to ensure a broader tax base. The rest will take care of itself.
Gord Mimms
Brampton
(Hear, hear)
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