It seems that the whole brouhaha over whether or not to stop the daily singing of the national anthem at Belleisle Elementary School in New Brunswick took place because of just two parents. These two, with their I'm-more-important-than-everybody-else attitude had objected to it on religious grounds. (emphasis and incredulity not only mine) I'd really be curious as to just what religion it is which requires its adherents to disrespect the very country they want to respect them.
Anyway, the reaction of school principal Erik Millett was to bring the daily acknowledgement of the country that shelters us all to a screeching halt, supposedly to make an "inclusive school". Inclusive, my arse, Millett. What about the majority? What about those who have no problem with singing out their pride in calling Canada home? What about all of us who choose to live here because we LIKE the place more than any other available to us? We are more than willing to warble away each morning with a smile on our faces and a feeling of gratitude in our hearts for this country called Canada.
Millett simpered away about the poor kids of the complainers having to step outside in the hall. He didn't feel that would make a nice start to their day. Does he think it would somehow be any nicer for the majority of kids who would have to step out into the hall so that they can sing the anthem? People who bleat and whine about their religious freedom need to be made aware that we all have charter rights here in this country, not only them. That means that sometimes the greatest good has to be the basis of operations. This Canada that they refuse to acknowledge in song is the same country that offers everything wonderful about it to everyone who lives here, including those religious dissidents.
The dictionary defines dissidents as those who disagree with the methods, goals, etc., of a political party or government; take an opposing view. In a democracy, we are all allowed to dissent with out government, but we are expected to do so in peaceful ways that do not trample over the rights of others. The singing of the national anthem is a ritual observed in every country on our globe, I believe, and demanding that the ritual be snatched away from the majority is snatching away one of their rights.
These two pious pinheads from New Brunswick need to take another look at their priorities. If they include being able to raise their children in a country that offers them peace and so much more, in contrast to so many other countries, then they should stop complaining about singing the anthem.
Suck it up and sing along, people, or get the fuck out of Canada.
1 comments:
Well, the anthem is back on. The school board ordered it.
The principal, in some of his whining, said that one parent barged into his office. "He said that I should be ashamed of myself, that I embarrassed the community. He said that if my admin assistant wasn't there he would drag me outside by my shirt collar to the parking lot and beat me senseless." While I'm not one to condone violence, I think the principal could use some sense -- forcibly or otherwise. (The principal hasn't returned to work -- he's been traumatized by the whole experience.)
I'd really like to know who the parents were that had an issue with the national anthem. And what their religion is. The religion excuse has got to be the most stupid fucking thing I've heard in a while. There's no logic in the argument. Unless it's to say we're religious, so we don't need no stinking logic.
The only people who may have an issue with national anthem would be the natives. But even they should get over it or be left behind. If you're in a public institution, you've decided to participate in Canada. That means you observe and demonstrate some patriotism.
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