Burrowing Owl by Robert Bateman
I have long been a student of Canada. My interest no doubt was spurred by the proximity of Canada to the North Coast, but in addition, there are so many things to admire about the country, not the least of which is its exquisite and dramatic beauty.
Ever been to Banff?
The 'Canadians are so polite' canard is tiresome, but true. I have often observed the cosmopolitan nature of Canadian society, an immigrant nation that seems to have a racial harmony, tolerance and celebration of ethnic diversity other nations could only hope to achieve.
Despite what Bush, Cheney, Rumsfield and Wolfowitz would have us believe Canadians are not cousins of cheese- eating surrender monkeys. In my view, they have an attitude about society and international relations more realistic, humane and wholesome than the regrettable neo-conservative vision we are saddled with today in the USA.
That I seem to share Canadian values helps me to say this. Who knew?
One of my very favorite Canadians is the naturalist / artist Robert Bateman. As an aspiring, untalented watercolorist, his skill at painting awes me while putting my sketches to shame.
But, we seem to have very similar ideas about what it means to be a conservative. I love his critique of the American tax cut for the rich economic policies which he dubs Salvation Through Shopping.
And now, news of a new Canadian magazine called the
Walrus which shows promise covering interesting international news and analysis with a typically Canadian perspective.
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