Photo by Canadian photographer Tara Miller, winner of a national photography contest. Miller is blind, yet still is able to have such beautiful talent. 
I am actually unsure why I am reblogging this, because it gave me much sadness in a short period of time. I was on Skype with a friend while I watched it and had to move my laptop away because I started to cry. I think that this shows the huge difference one soul — be it human or not — can make in a life. Be that soul. (Source: givemeedm, via afterninewithian-deactivated201) 
I saw this, and wrote The Calgary Sun; I have waited a few days, but apparently they do not like criticism. I figure that I might as well share it with someone since they did not care to hear it. Here is what I wrote: There is, in my mind, never an excuse for one to throw up words of hatred against another. While the circumstances and experiences one has do matter, constant harsh negativity will neither empower nor mobilize anybody. Upon viewing the front page of the Calgary Sun, proudly and boldly proclaiming that Osama Bin Laden could “Rot in Hell,” I was saddened and slightly confused as to why a seemingly progressive publication would resort to such a senseless phrase pushing blind arrogance forth during a time that should be used to better understand and appreciate peace. While undeniable that Bin Laden is not an individual known for such compassion or civility, it gives us no place to flaunt so publically a “victory” for the global community. I have never believed that the death of another is cause for celebration, much less a cause for animosity and perpetuating spite. While natural reaction may encourage us to do otherwise, I believe it is of essence that we react to the happenings around us from a place of love, not fear.
Choose your Canada.
Today, Canadians decided to choose their Canada. What did they choose, exactly? They chose to let the first Prime Minister ever to be found in contempt of Parliament to have a majority government with hidden socially conservative agendas. What does this mean for your average Canadian?
I am extremely disappointed in the results of this election. Once again, our first-past-the-post system has given us a false majority government; a government in which the majority of Canadians did not support the Conservative Party, yet they are given past the majority of power. Tonight, however, marks a beautiful night in Canadian history. Firstly, Jack Layton and the NDP have had a complete landslide victory in becoming the official Opposition. My sincere congratulations go out to those who supporte Canadians did choose their Canada, and while it is not the Canada that I know we could become, I insist on maintaining optimism throughout the coming years. Please, Prime Minister Harper: people’s livelihoods are on the line. Play nice. |
If you are a women, over the next four years you can say goodbye to your rights. Access to abortions and women’s centres/services will decrease significantly. Oh, you’re gay? No more marriage for you. And hey, if you’re Aboriginal, best of luck to you because this new government — this new Canada — does not care about our nation’s founders themselves. The individuals celebrating tonight are truly the corporations who will experience the extended tax breaks of the self-obsessed “Harper Government” and the few Canadian elites who will also enjoy the benefits of the rich and famous.
d a new, progressive way of politics. I am proud of that Canada. Additionally, Elizabeth May and the Green Party marked history as having the first ever elected Green Party representative in North America. I am honoured to have volunteered for her campaign and her election gives me pure hope for the future of the Canadian political landscape.
