Many are called. Few are chosen.
That sums up the work of my life well enough. At least, it
does for me. Maybe that’s lucky. Because it won’t do for some. Or so it seems.
Anyway, it’s that way here.
Long ago, I decided to do this thing. Because it made sense
to me. Despite being even then surrounded by a world not only surreal in
deportment but filled with inexplicable danger.
This place in which we all live has ever made little
objective sense when viewed up close.
So, faced with constant change, it seemed a good idea to
write down what went on for people who might come along later. That is, if the
place survived its current inhabitants.
And that’s what I did. Because the world into which I was
born claimed itself to be both democratic and free.
Now later, when things didn’t go as I hoped, there was only me
to blame for the results of my actions.
I had chosen, of my own accord, to do what I did. Thus, only
I am liable for the results.
C’est la
vie. That is life.
Because the job of a free and democratic society is to let
people pursue their dreams, not make them come true.
Likewise, in a society that seeks democracy and freedom for
all, not one of us is ever likely to get exactly what we want.
Because the basis of both democracy and freedom is compromise.
People who claim to believe otherwise are profiting by
dividing the ignorant and pitting them against one another in ideological warfare.
And, yes, that statement could refer to any number of loudmouths
lately made famous by spouting ignorance and hatred on a certain worldwide streaming
platform.
You’ll have to make your own pick.
Now, back to our story.
Where, as usual, a tiny but vocal minority of only thousands
these days threatens the freedom of mostly silent millions in this country.
While profit-seeking corporations and the echo-chambers
of social media foment treason by pandering to the ignorant and ill-informed.
And our democracy staggers under the weight of its people’s
blind stupidity.
For the price of a world built on the fantasy of everyone getting
what they want, seems plain enough here.
Participation medals led to this.
Ignorance, and intolerance, too.
Along with hate, bigotry, and its idiot cousin racism.
All made possible, so I believe, by stupid.
Are you offended by such honesty?
Good.
I am offended by stupid. I am offended by extremism. I am
offended by bigotry. I am offended by racism, both individual and
institutional.
I think you should be, too.
And if you’re not, you know why we can’t be close.
That doesn’t mean we can’t share this country, and live as
neighbors, in peace.
If all of us agree to respect the rule of law.
Which means accepting my freedom ends where it infringes on
yours. And likewise, that yours ends where it impedes your neighbor’s.
Democracy means I don’t get to have my way. And neither do
you.
We also have a thing called a charter of rights and freedoms
that’s aligned with and supports the rule of law here.
The law also makes it clear that small groups of people, no
matter how vocal, or violent, may not impose their will on the often-silent majority.
As a member of a minority group, I know this well. I also
respect the democratic principle behind it. It means we, and everyone else,
must rely on the rule of law when seeking justice.
Or when airing civic grievances.
But, if any should choose to deny the law while either
protesting or disagreeing with it, the law must at once be enforced against
them.
Otherwise, the freedoms enjoyed by the rest of us are put at
risk.
And I’m not willing to say nothing while either stupid or
cynical people try to destroy the democratic society bought and paid for with the
lives of my forebears.
Not only that, but here, in Canada’s democracy, we make
choices with ballots, not bullets.
On this island of intellectual freedom, meanwhile, I stand
against the intolerance, greed, and stupidity promoted by the convoyed minority
groups that now threaten the rule of law in Canada.
I also suggest that you, like me, break your silence. To let
your elected reps know you support the rule of law.
And that we, the people, will always refuse to allow
terrorists to dictate the terms of Canada’s democracy.
No matter on what side of the political spectrum they stand.
And despite the color of their skin.
That’s right, we know what color most of these so-called protesters
are. Other people are nice enough not to say anything about it.
I’m not.
And we also know the grounds of both parliament and border
crossings would be covered in blood if colored folks tried making such a
protest there.
In case anyone is wondering, the fact it hasn’t happened to
date is the result of privilege.
They’re soaking in it. At the expense of the rest of the
country.
While exercising what they believe are their democratic
freedoms.
Just as today, I’m exercising the democratic freedom and privilege
that allows me to publish these words.
Ain’t democracy grand?
I don’t know about you, but I love it. Because, though it
may not be a perfect system, it’s better than anything else we have ever tried.
That’s a fact, easily confirmed. Of course, you’ll have to read
a little history if you don’t want to take my word for it.
Now, let’s return to matters of selfish concern. Because,
after all, that’s the point of this site.
The big news this week is that my latest novel Refugees of
Confederation is now available in paperback, hardcover, and eBook worldwide
on Amazon.
Click the Buy Books page above or the URL below to get a
copy today.
Remember this, and don’t forget, books make great gifts.
Thanks again for being here. Thanks also for sharing this
with anyone you think might like to read it.
Peace and love,
TFP
February 20, 2022
