CFN – This morning, symbolically standing in solidarity with non-Francophones in the neighbouring province of Quebec, some members of the area’s Language Fairness for All and the Ottawa-based Canadians for Language Fairness groups brought their latest Act of Activism to Cornwall’s Federal building on Water Street, across from the Civic Complex and Marina 200. They are calling for an end to language discrimination as embodied in Quebec’s Bill 101, which they see as being an illegal and immoral piece of legislation and contrary to Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees freedom of expression for all Canadians.
Joining today’s Act of Activism was an articulate woman by the name of Colleen McIntosh. Colleen is employed in an officially bilingual, French-dominated workplace and has rallied the courage to speak out against what she perceives as some serious injustices. In our exclusive video footage below, Colleen and CLF’s Beth Trudeau address their concerns about forced unilingual French in Quebec and forced bilingualism in the Rest of Canada (ROC) as pertaining to the squelching of free speech. Beth Tudeau addressed the fact that there are such things as inalienable rights granted by God and that no one has the right to legislate against those rights. The gathering witnessed one outburst, but it wasn’t the group’s doing. In our video clip, a very irate man muttered something about the Natives being here first (he didn’t reply when asked how much Mohawk he speaks). The incensed fellow bellowed:
“look at the disturbance you’re causing because you’re too lazy to learn a second language” and further insisted: “If you can’t speak French, you shouldn’t be nurses.”
Much larger protests against Bill 101 are being organized by the Quebec Office of the English Language and will take place outside of the Montreal Office Quebecois de la Langue Francaise (NW corner of Sherbrooke and St. Urban) this Friday and Labour Day Monday, beginning at 11 a.m. each day. As if Bill 101 doesn’t already go too far, outrageous statements made by Parti Québécois leader Pauline Marois have added much fuel to the tinderbox. Jonathan Kay covered the story in this National Post news article. Kay reports: “Surely, it is worth rousing ourselves to pay attention to the fact that this woman is proposing policies that are unconstitutional and even bigoted.”
Increasingly, the LFA group’s efforts are drawing attention from across the land. Reader comments posted here on Cornwall Free News are coming in from coast to coast. Tyler McLean of New Brunswick radio’s popular news/talk program McLean in the Morning recently contacted LFA president Chris Cameron to be an on-air guest. The program, which aired on stations in Saint John, Halifax and Moncton has been recorded and overlayed with video footage from the group’s various Acts of Activism and appears below. As a direct result of the broadcast, Cameron now finds himself entertaining travel requests to address Maritimers in person.
Excellent! Time to bring a little bit of equality back here folks!
Great coverage thank you…we are being heard!!!
Would like to take a moment to thank Language Fairness for All, Canadians for Language Fairness and my fellow supporters for “standing up” for us, ALL!.
It was also wonderful to meet Don Smith, (Reporter for Cornwall Free News) in person. Would like to extend my gratitude for his excellent and professional coverage of the day’s events!
Together WE stand but divided WE will fall!
1. Quebec has the highest dropout rate in the country, 2. Francophones have lower literacy rates then english speakers in Canada across the board, (64% in new brunswick) so maybe they should learn the language themselves before they demand others do. What they can’t seem to grasp, is that unless you have a job as a talking head, one needs to be able to read and write in their jobs. This would all be a non- issue , if said bilinguals were held to any type of testing.
just to clarify the percentage, new brunswick francophones have an illiteracy rate of 64% in new brunswick. So much to be proud of
Good work guys. Keep it up. Just like a newly planted seedling, IT WILL GROW. It may take a bit of time and some more effort but it’s catching on. Well done… Don’t give up.
Excellent! Awesome!! Fantastic!!! You guys make us all proud!!!!
Late in the morning on Wednesday 29 August 2012, nothing actually happened, really, in front of this government building in Cornwall, Ontario.
Je bâille.
Estoy bostezando.
I am yawning.
Had it not been for language, don wouldn’t have anything to talk about. I’m just wondering if don is a member of languagefairyness ? Is he good buddies with LFA guru beth trudeau and howard garganov. I wouldn’t be surprised.
Congrats and thanks to LFA, Chris & Debbie Cameron, Beth Trudeau, Colleen McIntosh and all those who are participating in the support of “freedom of speech” et al, for working so hard on our behalves.
Boucher, the language issue is more than enough for Howard Galganov to write a best-selling book (or two?) and have a radio show. Same with Tommy Schnurmacher.
I forget—was it you who “demanded” respect from us? Because terms like “languagefairyness” and misspelling our names will certainly win you friends on our side. (Then again, there does not appear to be a French word for “fairness” or “equality” anyway, so you can be forgiven.)
Great! The blue fox is yawning! QUICK, pass some anti-French legislation before he wakes up, just like the Ontario Parliament did their anti-English law! IT CAN BE DONE!
(Great courage using a nom de plume. Afraid we will bomb your mailboxes? Or Molotov cocktail your house? Or set fire to your car? Oh, that ‘s right, only francophones do that.)
Beth, Colleen, Cory, we are all beaming with Canadian pride at you. Here’s hoping you become local celebrities (it has started!) and bring the message of anti-Frenchification to the rest of Canada. Since we bore francophones, they will never know about it! Keep up the great work!!!
You know what, Mr. Patrick Boucher? I was just going to say that, to me, especially when he covers this kind of action or topic, Mr. Don Smith sounds about as objective as… a cheerleader.
Writing things like ‘‘As if Bill 101 doesn’t already go too far, outrageous statements made by Parti Québécois leader Pauline Marois have added much fuel to the tinderbox’’… Wow! Now, talk about professional and ethical journalism…
Oh, and, by the way, as far as I know, there is no such thing as a St. Urban Street in Montréal. He must have meant ‘‘rue Saint-Urbain’’ or ‘‘rue St-Urbain’’. 😀 😀 😀
Hello critics of LFA:
Please listen carefully to what the LFA members and their supporters are saying about Bill 101 and what they believe. I think you will find no basis in accusations of racism, ethnocentrism or otherwise. What they are clearly demonstrating is a dislike for an unfair law, Bill 101. Further, I do believe that these issues do fall under Charter 2b outlining Freedom of Expression. The Quebec Government using the Notwithstanding Clause simply overrides any laws that that government deems unworthy of following along it’s mandate.
Where are the democratic Francais Quebecois who should be standing alongside their English brothers in Quebec in protesting this unfair law?
Is one to assume that as long as they (Francophone) have an unfair advantage = then everything is okay?
An advantage should be something an individual decides to pursue on their own accord; such as attending college or university – not something that is legislated or something that is forced or coerced on a population. That is exactly what is happening with FLSA, OLA and legislation such as Bill 101. Would critics of LFA still be arguing here if all LFA members decided to take French courses in order to be able to seek out full-time nursing jobs or careers in the civil service? Because if they didn’t, then that would prove that they support linguistic discrimination.
In order to have a better life in a totalitarian regime, one must follow the rules of the powerbrokers. Doing things such as joining political parties in essence has been beneficial to those in the past who lived in totalitarian states in order to garner special privileges. This goes beyond the ‘who you know’ aspect when looking for a job. This policy would be akin to carrying an invisible card that permits you to have the best of everything in life. This is clearly wrong and not necessarily a product of individual merit. But alas, this is exactly what is currently happening in our Canada.
I leave you tonight with the following thoughts…
Just the sheer existence of a French Language Services Act, Official Languages Act and Bill 101 PROVES the existence of providing a playing field for preferential treatment of a segment of our population. The majority of the jobs listed as ‘bilingual’ is but another, part of this portion of an unequal equation.
Linguistically yours,
Cory
Whatever, Lou…
Furthermore, for all I know, the name that you indicate here could be a pen name too. Oh, and what about Highlander, Edudyorlik, enoughcrap, etc.? Last time I checked, those were not to be found in any telephone directory either…
@patrick, I shouldn’t even bother with you but……….. if there’s one thing I’ve noticed about the French extremists such as yourself, you don’t understand the concept of democracy /freedom of expression and it pisses you off when people fight back, defending Freedom of expression, a concept obviously unknown to you. DID YOU NOT UNDERSTAND when Beth Trudeau defended Mr.Brisson’s RIGHT to put up FRENCH ONLY at his place of business? What’s your fricken problem?
Thank you: Edudyorlik, Barry Renouf, enoughcrap and Lou:)
Your expressions of encouragement and support, is greatly appreciated.
Elizabeth, your post is right on the money…the radical fringe minority element (aka French extremists) are against exposing their hypocrisy, for all the World to see.
They are not interested in democracy, fairness or equality because they prefer to have preferential treatment over all others. Afterall, they are “distinct”, right?
That’s why they are afraid of a National Referendum in Canada about Official Bilingualism! Afraid to lose their “entitlements”, is my guess!
Hi Lou,
Quote: “Beth, Colleen, Cory, we are all beaming with Canadian pride at you. Here’s hoping you become local celebrities (it has started!) and bring the message of anti-Frenchification to the rest of Canada. Since we bore francophones, they will never know about it! Keep up the great work!!!”
Thanks for the praise and the laughs…will let you know how it all turns out…lolol. As to the Francophones/Anglophobes…whether they are awake or asleep, the work will NOT stop!
🙂
Hello Cory,
As usual your post is excellent. You bring real common sense to the argument and I thank you for taking the time to share it with us!
Keep up the good work, it is appreciated:)
Fox? Some English Canadians are fearful of retribution on the part of racist francophones. Not that YOU would ever think of making death threats, setting bombs in mailboxes, torching cars, etc. And yet, francophones have done that to anglophones or those who defend them. Gee, I wonder why some anglophones fear retribution. And why some (not me, of course) are preparing for a “military option”.
I guess it’s because you cannot defend your argument with logic, reason and facts that you resort to intimidation, threats and violence. I know. I have seen it firsthand, have witnessed it firsthand, and have heard about it secondhand.
Of course, if you believed in fairness and equality you would support Cory and LFA and the CfLF as well. But as I have stated on my blogs many times, TRUE equality/fairness/bilingualism are the LAST things francophones want.
Go ahead. Prove me wrong. I’ll wait.
Thank you, all those who went to the demonstration today. Your persistence is to be congratulated – don’t let all the nay-sayers discourage you. They’re only acting out of self-interest to protect their unearned and undeserved privilege. Colleen, thank you for reminding me about the referendum on the OLA – all those who have not signed on, please do so at this link: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/petition-for-a-referendum-on-official-bilingualism-in-c.html
It is time the government is forced to acknowledge that this policy is NOT working. A minority language should NOT ever be used in place of MERIT or EXPERIENCE; it should only be considered an asset when all other qualifications are equal.
Congrats to LFA! It’s time to see the MAJORITY of Canada fighting back!
I wouldn’t exactly declare a 8-6 person demonstration a success!
Heck, I had more people over for supper last night…..I guess my ribs are or more interest….lol!
8 people from Ottawa and Cornwall combined to add to that! Such a cause clearly could generate more than 10 people………….or is there reallya cause?
Thanks everyone for your support over these past 6 months. And thanks for reading my posts and LTE’s too! I try my best to see things from a neutral perspective…
Special thanks in this comment section to Lou and Colleen for your personal kudos.
All the best to you and yours,
Cory
Mike, providing a free meal after work hours can easily fill all the spots at a buffet.
I agree though, for policies, Acts and regulations that affect so many, more people should come out. But, the message is out there just the same, and without any public funding so these volunteers deserve credit.
64% francophone-English literacy in New Brunswick???
Bud, I am 100% sure that this figure is 100% incorrect.
In 2009 I placed an advertisement in Moncton for a French speaking person with proficient English writing skills. 95% of the applicants failed. As I asked for their resumes in MS Word format to make my spelling and grammar checking easier, these francophone applicants didn’t even know that they could right click the mouse to obtain proper spelling and grammar choices. They were all high school graduated francophones and some university educated francophones.
The failure percentage was so high that I could not trust the remaining applicants and I could also not trust a francophone translator because chances are, they are also English language illiterate.
I made the mistake of informing one of them that they didn’t pass the grammar test and 6 months later I was bombarded with abusive but conveniently blocked, phone calls from illiterate francophones.
In Northern N.B., English children receive as little as 3-1/2 hour of English classes per week (yes, this is genocide according to the UN) and their francophone English teachers have to be corrected as they are also English language illiterate. The 64% figure has most likely been doctored by a francophone before its release.
Patrick, I’ll bet you are Roger Boucher? The guy who has threatened several English people on a New Brunswick face book site two years ago.
Hello Eric, thank you for your support and encouragement.
While, it’s true that we were a small group, it bears mentioning that it is extremely difficult to have supporters attend, during normal business hours…at the best of times.
Many are afraid to publicity “stand up and be counted”, for fear of reprisals and discriminatory backlash. Not to mention the very real possibility, that speaking out against linguistic discrimination will result in loss of job and/or penalties from your employer (even if done on your own time).
Will say to all the naysayers, at least WE have the strength of our convictions.
Cesare Pavese Quote: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing”.
Hello Kim, Thank you for your words of encouragement.
Glad that you posted the petition, on line for our supporters! Please do take the time to sign the online petition on the referendum on the OLA – (Kim’s post above has the online link).
To those who would take the time to ridicule our efforts to rescind such linguistic discrimination policies (Bill 101)…you have shown YOUR true colours and they aren’t very pretty, indeed.
Clearly, the radical fringe minority IS against language fairness for all! Thanks for demonstrating, so aptly, exactly: Who, what and why…WE need to fight:)
Hello Barry Renouf, Thank you for sharing this with us…had no idea just how bad it really was, in New Brunswick.
Can absolutely confirm, from my experience with my own children, the same findings. They were not receiving proper English grammar instruction, while in French Immersion Schooling.
Thankfully, my kid’s are both book-a-holic’s (yes, a word of my own invention lol)…and hence were able to utilize proper English sentence structure and grammar, solely as a result of their love of reading books…not schooling received!
In hindsight, definitively regret that I had them immersed in French language schooling. Firmly believe, they would have been better served in Spanish language immersion.
🙂
Wow ! – So many good and encouraging comments on here !! – Congratulations to the LFA group and all the supporters that were out for this demostration for Language for Fairness process.
@Colleen Mcintosh — and others…
Re: “How bad it is in New Brunswick.”
Check out this video… Typical bully calling this older man (M. Glen) who is standing up for English rights in New Brunswick a bigot, and taunting him.
Granted, it is an older video but, it just shows what people who stand up for English rights have to deal with.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_ybLp_B9Fs&feature=plcp
And, this is the site the older man (M. Glen) s connected with.
There is plenty of interesting material.
http://www.asnb.ca/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=48:48
A Synopsis of Bilingual Today, French Tomorrow
Subject: Chap. 4 – J.V. Andrew’s “Enough”
Is an interesting and informative read…
Bill 101 violates freedom of expression so does the new sign bylaw enforced in Russell Ontario.
Since when does a government tell private citizens what to put on their business signs .
Yes now its official Ontario has their own fascist government dictating what a business can put on their signs – its now a law!
Now as a business owner they can not advertise in their own ethnic language without government approval? Really why not a choice?
Oh Colleen great interview -you are “fair minded” and made well stated and convincing points,thanks for being another voice of reasoning in a very muddied forum.
Barry thanks for keeping us informed of the situation in your end of the country -New Brunswick .
Thanks for all ,even the naysayers ,for these issues to improve communication is key.
United Nations article 19.2 :
“A state may choose one ore more official languages ,but it may NOT exclude ,outside the spheres of public life ,the freedom to express oneself in a language of ones choice.”
The UN committee also ruled that not only did the sign law contravene this section ,the Quebec government could not invoke the “not withstanding clause “,to opt out because it would breach Canada’s international commitment.
Now will Canadian Government stand up for its minority in Quebec?
Would that be too politically sensitive?
What of those million people,does anyone care about how they are treated?
Did they care in 1940 Germany?
All people are treated equal under God ,but not by the government !
Our inalienable rights of which the government should not have CONTROL over!
On the topic of teachers, how many of you know French Immersion school graduates who are now teachers of French in Immersion schools? So many qualified teachers out there who do not speak French are without a teaching job, yet all these French Immersion teachers, find placements solely because they can teach a little French to English kids. Sad situation. This would kind of be like the Francophone English teachers in New Brunswick Barry mentions. I read a report once where in Alberta, teachers of the French language are the adult students in the French night courses. Again sad situation. Have to wonder what the level of French will be for those students..
Highlander, you are wrong on both counts. Bill 101 in Quebec does not violate the spirit of freedom of expression and neither does the by-law on commercial signage in the Township of Russell. As I have already said, this freedom is not for businesses or corporations, of which the main or sole purpose is to make a profit.
And, again, you call ‘‘fascist’’ a government that is actually democratic. It may be far from being perfect, but it is still a democratic government. Come now! You really have not the faintest idea as to what fascism really was, do you? Go read a book entitled ‘‘Il Duce’’ or something like that and, then, come back to me.
This message is also directed to you, Colleen McIntosh. Yes, I have seen you on the video, but I cannot say that you make any sense other than the fact that the way that you and the rest of the demonstrators there talk only reminds me of the reflex that old colonial powers typically have when they see their cultural domination slipping away from them.
Whether you like it or not, the Charter of the French language in Quebec, the Official Languages Act of the federal government, the Official Languages Act in New Brunswick and the French Language Services Act in this province have been around for at least a few decades and they are here to stay. And that is for a perfectly legitimate reason.
My goodness! I cannot believe how merrily certain people throw around such words on this forum… and in public while doing a protest.
Oh yeah! I have also seen that other video, edudyorlik. Only a handful of members of the Anglo Society of New Brunswick and generally, I should think judging by their look, at least in their late seventies; now, that is very convincing… 😀 😀 While we are at it, you should check out the one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQKHw6M0KOk&feature=related) in which a group of much younger (English-speaking) people mock those old blokes by displaying equally ridiculous signs, such as the one that reads ‘‘Kittens ‘R’ cute’’ and the one that reads ‘‘Puppies ‘R’ cuter’’. Unless you like the message ‘‘Give peas a chance’’ better… 😀 😀 😀 😀
Hi Le Renard bleu…that’s perfectly fine with me…I don’t think you make sense either!
At least, I have the strength of my convictions! Why ARE you posting under blue fox, anyway?
See, we are communicating:)
Hello Highlander…thanks for your kind words, they are appreciated! Completely agree with you on improving our communication skills, it will only benefit us in the end.
Btw, did you see edudyolik’s post…checked out the video…unbelievable ignorance and arrogance demonstrated there against M. Glen…hard to even watch. Was amazing that he didn’t rise to the bait or even flinch…he is my newest hero of the day!!!
Thank you for sharing that, edudyolik…it is also greatly appreciated.
Lastly, to Rosie…valid points and rather scary all at the same time, don’t you think? No small wonder, the children are losing out on the education system. Not to mention, future job prospects!
🙂
Okay, Colleen, I will say that to you as well: Whatever…
You have the strength of your convictions? Big deal! My impression is that you could not wait to appear in front of a camera, which, to me, makes you look more than ever like an attention seeker too. Otherwise, how could one explain that you never miss an opportunity and tend to go out of your way to do some publicity for the Language Fairness for All group?
Sometimes, especially when commenting on the Internet, it is better not to reveal one’s identity. Just because I am saying that does not mean that I do not also have the strength of my convictions; it might rather mean that I make sure that my on-line life does not have too much of an impact on my real life. I do not suppose that it has ever occurred to you that, even if one does nothing illegal or does not act against any set of rules, one does not necessarily want to have one’s name give too many results when a possible or prospective employer types it in the research field on Google.
That means me, that may mean virtually anyone and that means you too. That is the way that things are in this technological era. Naturally, I do not need to know exactly how old you are. Do not worry: that is none of my business and I am not forgetting that. However, in any case, what you have done here might harm your chances of employment or promotion in the future if an employer ever ‘‘googles’’ your name and finds out that you have taken part in actions or activities to which she or he might personally object. If this happens, it will have nothing to do with the language or freedom of speech, but a lot to do with your behaviour and your attitude.
Oh yeah! And, obviously, you did not carefully read what I had said to Lou yesterday. In a word, again, what about commentators on your side, such as Highlander and edudyorlik, who do not use their real names either? Why would it be all right if they post comments anonymously, but not if I do it? If it is permitted here, I have the right to do so by all means. Yet, those people post quite long diatribes sometimes, do they not?
That’s it. I am done here for today. Good night.
@Blue Bird — RE: those “younger (English-speaking) people mocking those old blokes”
Yes well, even Hitler had many naive younger people who were blind to the “the real threat” of his message and who laughed at those who were pointing out how perilous both he and his policy’s were. I admit, I liked their creativity but, we must accept that kind of thing from some of the youth as they need to gain wisdom.
Perhaps that wisdom will come later on when those younger (English-speaking) people find they cannot get jobs in NB.
Those “old blokes” as you call them have more wisdom and some may have even fought for this country and for the Canadian flag.
PS, I have a feeling (being very in touch French side) that the ongoing seething anger against the English by that the French has much to do with the deceptive way that Wolfe defeated Montcalm in the first place. They don’t much like when the shoe is on the other foot and it is them that are on the loosing side of deceptive tactics.
PPS. Hey Blue Bird, remember to keep an eye out for my
“WAKE UP CALL for EVERYONE — Both sides of this issue”
reply post to you after the elections…
Oh and, here’s one for ya Blue Bird
http://youtu.be/iwwbUtIEvPI
Le renard, ne te laisse pas avoir par ces gens. Des gens qui ne se donnent l’impression qu’ils sont pour les droits de la personne ce qui me fait rappeler que dans certaine personne “Le nigaud n’est qu’un grand innocent, qui ne s’occupe que de niaiseries.¨
– Less then 1% of the national budget, and they still complain.
– we are called racist, trolls, bigots, assholes, dumbasses, and then they try and convince us we are doing the name calling.
– Some of them even go as far as handing out pamphlets saying how they can exterminate us.
-this kinda reminds me of someone that is always negative that is the reason why some aren’t bilingual because…Le pessimiste est un grand paresseux qui essaie de justifier sa paresse.
Blue said:
Bill 101 in Quebec does not violate the spirit of freedom of expression and neither does the by-law on commercial signage in the Township of Russell. As I have already said, this freedom is not for businesses or corporations, of which the main or sole purpose is to make a profit.
my answer as previous post:
“A state may choose one ore more official languages ,but it may NOT exclude ,outside the spheres of public life ,the freedom to express oneself in a language of ones choice.”
Fascism ( /ˈfæʃɪzəm/) is a radical authoritarian nationalist political ideology.[1][2] Fascists seek elevation of their nation based on commitment to an organic national community where its individuals are united together as one people in national identity. They are united by suprapersonal connections of ancestry and culture through a totalitarian state that seeks the mass mobilization of a nation through discipline, indoctrination, physical training, and eugenics.[3][4] Fascism seeks to eradicate perceived foreign influences that are deemed to be causing degeneration of the nation or of not fitting into the national culture.
Blue said
” but I cannot say that you make any sense other than the fact that the way that you and the rest of the demonstrators there talk only reminds me of the reflex that old colonial powers typically have when they see their cultural domination slipping away from them.”
That coming from daddy’s little separatist !
That cultural domination slipping away is the francophones superiority complex,as well as the cast system created by legislating a language.
Many such as that man who stated on cfn video that all nurses should be bilingual and continued to rant ,these are the individuals that perceive as loss when EQUALITY is brought up!
So yes blue cultural domination is slipping away,perhaps EQUALITY may prevail!
Remember when you look at the definition of fascism ,
Quebec is a Nation within a Nation,and the last part of that definition- bill 101 fits rather nicely doesn’t it?
what with this idea of trying to convince people to post under their real names ? Ed die or lick ( this name shouldn’t be permitted) anyways, highlander, enough crap, and then some aren’t posting under their real names.. At least le renard bleu is a postive name.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQKHw6M0KOk&feature=related
a must watch !!
@Highlander. Wow !! The definition of Fascism really fits that side to a T doesn’t it? I hadn’t really looked it up for the EXACT meaning but now that i see it there… Yikes… That’s spooky.
@Colleen. Not to worry what P. Boucher say’s. Those type have been threatening folk since back in the old FLQ days.
It’s part of their methodology and how they push their agenda.
Trying to make one fearful of standing up against them.
And @P. Boucher. My pseudonym It’s not quite like that. It’s more like edud-yorlik. Get it straight would ya. There is no die in there… And why shouldn’t it be permitted? Nothing wrong with my wonderful handle… If you want to know something that SHOULD NOT be permitted. That is Bill 101. wha ha ha ha ha… The elections are coming… Wooo hoooooo
@Blue Bird — (and P. Boucher too) Why don’t we focus on the actual “core of this problem”?
You do know what that “core of this problem” is, don’t you? You should after all since you, expend so much darn time and an awful lot of energy attempting to ignore it.
Maybe I should point it out to you.
The core of the problem Mr. Blue bird is this…
(pardon the brief, but necessary, trek down history lane)
The British won the war back on the plains of Abraham back in 1759 and for various reasons, they did NOT do what was customary for the winning side to do back in those days which, in case you are unaware, was to wipe out the leaders or send them back to whence they came and then “assimilate” the rest of the common folk. In this case they spared the French and allowed them to retain their language and culture. A highly noble thing to do, nes pas? Perhaps.
Except that (without going into great detail) this is why we find ourselves in the negative situation we find ourselves in today. A situation where by the French seem to have no problem remembering and wanting to hold onto anything historical where they come out on top but, they COMPLETELY and utterly wish to re-write history (and they have) in order to forget any historical parts where they were the losers. This is why there is little to no historical evidence of Wolfe’s victory over Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham, a historical site which, I take this opportunity to remind everyone is indeed a site WITHIN the COUNTRY OF CANADA and NOT within the nation of Quebec. No matter how much you wish it right now, — But we’re hoping — Go P.M…
Anyways, as a result of the “French fact” (let’s call it) parents for generations impressed this anger upon their children (a very French model) at every opportunity about how the French had been oppressed and hard done by at the hands of the English and how they must take up the “we have been oppressed anger torch.” Oh and, here is the proof for this that you so often demand. http://youtu.be/iwwbUtIEvPI
This brainwashing of the youth created animosity amongst many generations of French youth and a sense within their minds that “the English are the oppressive bad guys.”
The convenient part those parents left out when passing on this rhetoric to their young upcoming separatists was, had the British not been THE GOOD GUYS and actually did what was customary and had not spared the French in that historical moment “back in the day,” those budding little seps wouldn’t even around in order to have their heads filled with this “anti English” crap about how they have been oppressed and so hard done by.
So, what lessons do we learn from this? There could be several. Two that come to my mind are, never let your opponent up off the matt once you have conquered them. And two, a bully will rarely remember, appreciate or understand compassion.
Have a nice day, eh…
Hi Le Renard bleu…
Quote: “You have the strength of your convictions? Big deal! My impression is that you could not wait to appear in front of a camera, which, to me, makes you look more than ever like an attention seeker too. Otherwise, how could one explain that you never miss an opportunity and tend to go out of your way to do some publicity for the Language Fairness for All group?”
Kay, I get it…you think my convictions are not all that important…if that is true, then why rant about them??? Indeed, why would you even care? It is a big deal to you, apparently…based on your ridicule. The thing is, I don’t understand your motives…ARE you threatened by MY opinions/convictions? Do you think that you will gain more attention or credibility for YOUR opinions, if you rant against mine? As to the last half of this paragraph, it makes little sense as this is my first press interview:) Am not attacking you, by asking these questions…am simply trying to understand your mind set and motives.
As to your comments, regarding being careful about what you “put out there” in hyperspace, totally agree with you on that point. Did consider that but if an employer didn’t agree with my opinions on the subject…would probably be best I didn’t work for them, in any event:) It would be no loss worth worrying about…as far as I am concerned. Thanks for your input on that point, it IS valid and appreciated!
Last quote: “In a word, again, what about commentators on your side, such as Highlander and edudyorlik, who do not use their real names either? Why would it be all right if they post comments anonymously, but not if I do it? If it is permitted here, I have the right to do so by all means. Yet, those people post quite long diatribes sometimes, do they not?”
Do agree that tempers and posts can be quite heated and nasty in tone and word, from both sides of the fence! From my side of the fence, it is not always easy to be the subject of derision and spite. Am sure that you can relate to that, right? Especially from the detractors, when they spew from the relative safety of their aliases (anonymously) on the net. That’s why I brought up the subject of anonymous posters.
Would love to be able to debate, respectfully, different opinions and viewpoints on the subject. Ideally, with an eye to understanding and appreciation for all, involved! Do you think, that despite our different interpretations, we could actually talk to one another without restoring to attack mentality?
Am sending you an olive branch, in hopes of mutual benefit…is that something you could work with? Do you want to keep fighting each other or could we instead learn from each other?
Lastly, can you imagine, my surprise that I’m in agreement with you on not one but two points….lolol. Clearly, it IS a blue moon, today:)
Please do consider my ideas…would much prefer civil discourse and mutual sharing of respect, instead of hostility, anger and etc.
Thanks for your post, I did appreciate some of your points…:)
Ed, it was also Jesuit Priests who guided parents for decades. PE Trudeau’s Memories comment on that upbringing, and his awaking to the real world after leaving Quebec to study and travel.
We also have media skewing information or showing more to one side. Quebeckers, from what I understand, believe they pay more into Canada than get back, which is not true!
Yes, very true Eric Re: — post August 31, 2012 at 9:16 am.
You are right. The media and it’s lack of paying any real attention to this issue is indeed a large part as well as the other things you mentioned, for sure.
And yes, i have had debates with some who truly believe they pay more into Canada.
Total propaganda…
Quebec gets 15% of it’s operating income from the Rest of Canada – http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/to-quebec-canada-barely-exists/article4510793/