It seems as though in recent weeks there’s been a lot of news coverage on the accommodation of minorities who come to this country, and when is enough, enough. From the allegations of Peel Memorial Hospital discriminating against hiring nurses who can’t speak Punjabi, the controversy at Pearson with Muslims wanting to install foot washing basins. even onto the political stage with the platform of John Tory and his PC party to support and fund faith based schools [attended by only 2% of Ontario’s ethnic minorties], at the end of the day the news is everywhere and it seems as though it has everyone talking.

I figure a good portion of this coverage and dialogue could be be accredited to Bruce Allen, even though his comments didn’t really come to my attention until this morning; despite having been posted in the comments. None the less, it seems that what Allen had to say really woke quite a few people up and really got everyones attention, including C.O.S.S’s. For the most part I have to commend COSS and more specifically Supreet Singh for taking a decisive stand and getting things done. I also have to commend Singh for going on public radio and for the most part being able to hold his own against an audience and host that were pitted against him.

All the same, the discussion isn’t a new one and the arguments don’t seem to ever change. On one hand you have those who feel that everything they stand and believe in is being taken away from them, while on the other you have those who just want an equal playing field so they to can get a piece of the same pie that everyone else has been enjoying for the last so many decades.

Most who came here, came with the same goals and hopes. A fresh new start, a do over. For some Canada was everything they dreamt for, a country where they could take refuge under the charter and its laws. It’s this very bond that individuals have with the charter and the freedom’s that it allows, which creates and breeds most of the animosity that exists between groups on both sides of the argument; those who feel we’re not doing enough and those who feel we’ve done to much.

For those who lack rights the charter has been the defining corner stone which in due time ensures that their own rights are granted and protected. For those who have rights it’s the constant fear that with the ever evolving and encompassing nature of Canada’s charter, that the Canada that “they” have come to know and love will one day be taken away from them,

You’d be hard pressed to blame either side for feeling the way that it does, since it’s only a matter of time before yesterdays minority becomes tomorrows majority who in turn goes on to oppress against next weeks up ‘n coming oppressed group. But amongst all that irony what remains the most ironic is that for a country who’s entire identity and culture is based around its ability to accept all as being equal; it remains in constant struggle to do so.

Anyways getting back to Allen’s comments. I’ve listened to them a few times now. I’ve also been able to listen to his justification of his comments. A little, too late? Maybe. Succumbing to pressure amidst the growing public furor to make amends with his advertisers? Possibly. But regardless of how you interrupt what Allen said, he did bring the reality of the constant struggle that minorities face once again to the forefront of public discussion and its the hypocrisy highlighted through such discussions that forces the majority to at some point take a look in the mirror and realize what they’re doing and help ignite a flame amongst the minorities to remind them, that they still have a long way to go.

After all as Tejdeep Singh more eloquently writes, its the constant pushing and challenging of the status-quo which continues to drive us forward setting the on going precedent while leading by example.

Allens original comments

His follow up, clarification

Looks like Colbert is right once again, and I guess this blog only echo’s what he ’s saying, but eh I still think posting and linking stuff does more then most hunger strikes off yesterday ever did. But then again I’m also part of the minority that think this kid had it coming, and don’t see him getting all barbecued as being that big of a deal. (A sad day when the only person who agrees with you is Fox News).

But in all seriousness, although the force may have been a bit excessive, there was a reason no one jumped to his defence, and it wasn’t fear or not knowing what was happening. It was because people couldn’t stand him. If you watch the videos where he’s being escorted out, you can hear the applause from the audience once the police grab him. For those who think they were cheering at his comments, watch the video again and pay closer attention. Most people let out a sigh the second he started patronizing Kerry, and were relieved when someone came and finally shut him up.

My apathy towards the man has little to do with his opinion or his message. It’s not that I don’t think he has a right to say what he had to say, or that I’m against anything he was saying. It was the way he was saying it which hit a nerve, avoiding the point with his long winded “build up”. At least if he had gotten to the point we’d have all heard Kerry reply. But instead we hear this Nancy boy screaming at the top of his lungs because the police were there wanting to escort him out for having caused a disturbance prior to having even gone before the mic.

Then again at least he helped give me something to post about, so digg, link and post it.

I realize, I’ve been out of commission for sometime now, and I wasn’t able to follow through with a so called comeback as I wanted, but eh, that’s just how things rolled out. I figure the biggest drawback was a change in scenery which left me without some of my blogging apps ie (Life Writer), and the thought of having to use wysiswyg editor provided by wordpress well its enough to keep me from posting.

Anyways hopefully this new app that I’m testing out (KBlogger) works and if so, to many of your dismays(?) will have me back to ranting like the grumpy old man that I’m going to grow into being.

But for now lets just hope this post gets posted…