Stoddard Online

MERRY CHRISTMAS

.

JOYEUX NOEL.

.

.

Normally, this would be my most favourite time of the year. Sadly, I can no longer say that. Oh sure, we still live in the greatest country on earth, but in my opinion, we have done a terrible job of looking after it. As a matter of fact, it can be argued that we are victims of our own stupidity.

.

Canada is a special land. Let us project it as a giant book shelf of some eight thousand kilometres, claiming British Columbia and Newfoundland as the book-ends. We are so huge that it takes three oceans to wrap around three of our boundaries.

.

The make-up of the people of Canada are as diverse as the terrain itself. Canada is made up of big cities and little cities, big towns and little towns, with a generous sampling of every flavour of rural community imaginable. These are all elements that make us uniquely Canadian.

.

I have travelled to a few places in this old world and I can tell you, we may not be perfect, no place ever is, but the bottom line is simply that on our very worst day, we are still miles ahead of most other places on their best day. Why do you think that the United Nations have voted us the number one place to live on the planet? They have given us that distinction twice in the past few years. Little wonder that we are attractive when deciding a country to emigrate to. Before you jump to conclusions, no I am not against immigration. We need immigration, but we also need to respect our own traditions and fundamentals.

.

Canada is fast falling prey to special interest groups. You don't believe me? Then I suggest that you take a look around. Since the year is now winding down, let us focus on Christmas. Be careful though because we have allowed that to become a bad word at this time of year in many circles.

.

Let us look at a few examples. A couple of weeks back I entered a large store in Vancouver to purchase some greeting cards. Specifically, I wanted Christmas cards. I was emphatic, it is Christmas so I wanted my cards to say "Merry Christmas." The selection was deplorable. I spoke to the sales manager of the department. His statement was that "with the exception of a few, their cards reflect "Seasons Greetings." I asked him why. He stated "that was now the trend, something to do with political correctness" he said.

.

Purchasing a tree is another matter. You do not purchase a "Christmas Tree." You now purchase a "Gifting Tree." If you are in the mall at lunch time, you may want to listen to one of the choirs that travel around this time of year. Don't expect to hear any old time favourite Christmas Carols, because simply, you won't. I am told that many new comers to our shores could be offended, so the selections offered no longer reflect Christmas as we have known it for so many years.

.

The manger scenes have all but disappeared from public areas. Again, perish the thought, but we might get someones knickers in a knot. School concerts are totally watered down to rid us of traditional values. The agenda is obvious. All reference to Christianity is slowly being removed from this season of the year. I do not like that. I am within my rights to not like it, and I shall voice my opinion accordingly.

.

I suspect there may be many here who would be quick to jump up and down and tell me that I am biased in favour of Christianity. Well guess what, I am. Again, I am justified in my thoughts and opinions. I am entitled to them, and I have a right to express mine, just the same as you have yours. I do not though have the right to toss out your ideas and opinions, just because I may not approve of them. At the same time, you do not have the right to tamper with and force me to alter my thoughts and beliefs. We share the right to co-exist within our boundaries, as long as we are carrying on in a legalized fashion.

.

Occasionally over the years when I discuss this topic, I get branded a variety of things. I get asked often if I would admit to a belief in God. Quick answer, yes I do. Am I trying to ram my belief down your throat? Not at all. In simple terms, I couldn't care less if you choose to worship the south goal post in B C Place Stadium. Just don't try to shovel it in my direction. The bottom line here is simple. As my fundamental and traditional beliefs and customs are allowed to erode by special interest groups, it is being shoved down my throat and I do not approve of it, nor will I sit back on my butt and keep my mouth shut.

.

As a Canadian citizen, you should be aware of the date April 17, 1982. Not that many years ago huh? You see it was on this date in Canadian history that the rights and freedoms of Canadian citizens from coast to coast were enshrined into our "Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms." True, our confederation was formed in 1867, but it was this late date in April, 1982 that we truly gained our independence from Great Britain. It granted us, as an independent nation, the right to adopt and enact our own laws, and as well, preserve our fundemental and traditional customs and beliefs as we see fit.

.

If you have never had the opportunity to read the Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms, I would encourage you to do so. You can obtain a free copy by sending your federal member of parliament a note requesting it. You can find the members e-mail address by clicking on the link on the "Stoddard Online" web site.

.

With reference to what I say about Christianity, God, and our country, you may find the first line in the preamble of our Charter quite interesting. It says, and I quote "Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognizes the supremacy of God, and the rule of law."

.

In fairness to all concerned, the time has arrived when we must learn what is happening. I do not believe for a moment that the erosion of Christmas was created by the new immigrants on a personal basis. It goes much deeper. On a daily basis I am in contact with new Canadians, and I have yet to hear one utter words speaking out against Christmas. As a matter of fact, as recently as yesterday I had the opportunity to speak at length to a middle aged taxi driver as he transported me across the city. This gentleman was from Durban, South Africa. Within two minutes of entering his taxi, he was expressing to me his disappointment at the diminishing sights of Christmas in downtown Vancouver.

.

In summation, who are these special interest groups? Are they the politicians themselves? Are they our new immigrants? I suggest that our merchants, especially the large ones, are a chief factor in the equation. After all, the two weeks preceeding Christmas Day is the period that spells success or failure for the rest of the year. Perhaps we need to put some pressure on. Perhaps a boycott of shopping at these stores on the last shopping day before Christmas just might encourage some of these "Big Box" operations to get back to basics.

.

In closing, I want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very "Merry Christmas" and I encourage each and everyone to take a moment over the holiday time and pick up the telephone and call someone and tell them the same thing. It is also fitting at this time of year to let the members of our armed forces, police, and other emergency agencies know that we are behind them and thinking of them as they perform duties that most of us, thankfully will never get to see first hand.

.

As usual, feel free to leave your comments on the web site, and as well, feel free to send a short Christmas greeting to others who read the site. I will be back immediately after Christmas with a further update on the Wilbert Coffin case.

.

.

Lew Stoddard