As you know, a paragraph is all about unity encompassing a topic, an idea, an important point. Fellow Canadians will see the irony here, sigh. But what I'm contemplating is how a pilcrow signifies a new paragraph, and in our case, an historical one.
Writers and readers know there are several reasons to begin a new paragraph; today is about two of those reasons.
In this unfinished political story, will the outcome signify a transition toward the next chapter in Canadian unity? Or will the results be a signpost pivot into a fool's paradise? Stay tuned.
As an outsider, I hope that Canada stays strong and united. Just look at the mess south of your border!
ReplyDeleteThank you; a big yes to unity from me.
DeleteI hope the result is the one you favour.
ReplyDeleteOh I hope so too! Thank you.
DeleteDanielle Smith did this to herself, and to us. The amount of anger I have towards this government is unhealthy. They have divided this province for their own interests. They are the opposite of good governance.
ReplyDeleteThey opened a pandora's box and I'm angry too.
DeleteIt is amazing what bad leadership can do. I'm hoping for the best for you.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm amazed we're in this situation at all but it's everywhere in the world thanks to monetized social media mis/disinformation.
DeleteYou're right about the issue being worldwide!
DeleteI hope acts of resistance to it are growing worldwide too.
DeleteI hope that Canada will learn from the U.S.'s bad example. Populism is driven by fear and anger, but democracy runs on diverse groups learning to live peacefully and fairly together.
ReplyDeletePopulism is definitely at play here, sigh.
DeleteI'm not worried.
ReplyDeleteYour comment (and your post today) made my day. Thank you.
DeleteI am hoping that Canadian voters are smarter than ours.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I hope the overwhelming majority of Albertans voted for Canada too.
DeleteGo Canada! I'm so ready for a pilcrow down here.
ReplyDeleteI bet. Yikes. Hang in there.
DeleteI hope the vote is a resounding NO to separate from Canada. I have to admit though that if Texas voted to secede from the U.S., I wouldn't be completely opposed.
ReplyDeleteUpdate: the vote was a NOOOOOO to separate. All the applause emojis.
DeleteIt shouldn’t have come to this. Why do we let right-wing politicians do such awful things that no one wants done.
ReplyDeleteExactly. It never should have happened but at least those RW'ers have now been served the data with a side of poutine. Feeling great about the results today!
DeleteI want to echo thesycamoretree's sentiment: we need more real Democracy and less selfishness and ego. And by We, I mainly mean the US, but don't get me started.
ReplyDeleteYes to democracy and yes to reinforcing democratic principles, social collaboration and mutual support.
DeleteI was reading the NYTimes this morning, and it looks like Albertans gave a resounding "No" to holding a referendum. Your spelling of referendum was perfect!
ReplyDeleteYes it was! So happy about the results. Thank you for this comment as it's heartening to see people all over the world still care about unity and democracy.
DeleteUnfortunately there were too many Yes votes to the other questions on the ballot, which is regrettable. The prejudice against immigrants is deplorable, not to mention stupid. -Kate
ReplyDeleteAgreed, but breaking elections results down by riding (roughly same populations but quite different demographics) provides insight. For example a typical Edmonton riding (most of which voted no to many if not all of the 9 questions) may be populated by 25% immigrants and many rural by 5-10%. In this case unfamiliarity can breed othering and indeed prejudice. Sigh.
DeleteThat's exactly right. Rural communities are so often so "homogenized" and dont have many immigrants -- and boy are they struggling to find employees for all their businesses.
DeleteStruggling to find employees is the truth! In my community, I'm grateful for immigrants filling gaps in health care, senior care, child care, and agriculture especially.
DeleteAt least SOMEONE in North America is choosing unity! Whew.
ReplyDeleteWhew is right! And I'll take 75% unity these days.
DeleteI learned a new word today! Apart from that, however, I am wholeheartedly glad that the majority of Albertans chose to remain in Canada. The country is not perfect, but as someone who has travelled on every continent but Antarctica, it is truly a wonderful place to call home.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this comment; it's great to hear your perspective on this.
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