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Saturday, June 24, 2006

The immigrant experience - racism in Canada

TheStar.com - Welcome but unequal?

Good article here noting the experience of 3,000 Canadian immigrants when it comes to racism or un-equal treatment in their experience with government, services and employers.

It's interesting that racism is still alive and well in Canada, just like it is in the US. I guess it's no suprise that in the experience of new immigrants to Canada, the racism is subtle. Canada is a subtle country, after all.

Sometimes I am concerned about the discrimination I may face in Canada as a new immigrant. It doesn't concern me so much that I wont continue to pursue my dreams though. As in the US, racism is primarily excercised by a few ignorant individuals. The institutional experience of those surveyed is mushc closer to what is happening in a lot of western nations.

As the face of a nation changes, so does its biases. Maybe oneday those who have been most victimized will be in control, and maybe they'll be more understanding.

Monday, June 19, 2006

The frog and the pan of water

TheStar.com - U.S. learns to live with less freedom

We, not the French, are a nation of frogs.

The citizens of the US, post 9/11 are like nothing more than mute, cowering amphibians sitting in a pail filled with the water of freedom, suspended above the fire of tyranny.

The current government keeps adding wood to the fire below, but not at a rate fast enough for the citizens to notice their freedoms evaporate. So the citizens don't notice. In fact, they encourage the government to add more fuel to the fire. This fuel is composed of fear and takes the shape of security.

Soon the water of freedom will boil and freedom will evaporate completely - but not before the citizens to whom it once mattered so much have all died in along with their freedom.

This article reinforces my desire to make a new life in Canada. Canadians are still wise enough to think for themselves - to protect their freedoms from their own government. The citizens of the US have forgotten who this country belongs to.

As a wise man once said, "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania (1759)

Ribbett...ribbett...

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Canadians are Canadian

TheStar.com - Political gurus explore U.S.-Canada split

The most interesting thing I found about this article didn't have to do with Al Gore's visit to the Mont-Tremblant, Quebec conference noted, but instead, the continuing work of Environics as explained by pollster Michael Adams. If you haven't read their book "Fire and Ice," regarding the differences between the US and Canadian peoples and how they view the world around them, do yourself a favor and get it.

What is clear is that far from being culturally absorbed by us southerners and our culture, Canadians remain distinct in their world view - one fostered by multiculturalism, tolerance, and a healthy skepticism regarding those who are given the gift of political power.

As Americans give over more and more power to their leaders; seeing dissent as un-patriotic; willing to trade freedom for security, Canadians continue to mature in a politically and socially more responsible manner - taking care of their own and promoting good relations with the rest of the world.

Beware Harper and any attempts to model Canadian politics and foreign affairs after the US model. Yes - it does bring power and wealth - but only for the few.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Summertime and the living is bloggerful

Hi readers...The Expatriate Mind will be slowing down for the summer (if you couldn't tell already) to get some much needed chores done, as well as focus and save and enjoy life! The posts won't be so frequent, but we'll definently keep you aware when something of note happens in the immigration front. in the meantime, I hope you all enjoy your summer too!

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

TheStar.com - Majority welcome immigration, poll shows

TheStar.com - Majority welcome immigration, poll shows

This interesting article speaks to the acceptance of immigrants by the general public in many nations around the world:


"In the U.S. and Australia, just over half said immigrants are good for their country. In Canada — where immigrants are actively recruited — three-fourths said immigrants are a good influence."

Isn't it cool that Canada still leads the way in polls like this. Pat yourselves on the back, O'Canada - you set a good example for all nations in this area.