So, the Parliament Building in Canada (equivalent to the US Capitol) is topped by a huge clock tower. This is called THE PEACE TOWER!! Imagine if the US also made all governmental decisions and held all Senate and House Sessions underneath something called a Peace Tower! That blows my mind, how extremely different the Canadian mentality and basis for governing are from The American Way.

Every summer night the Canadian government holds a free light show on Parliament Hill. People are invited to sit on the front lawn or the temporary bleachers and watch the show projected onto The Parliament Building. Imagine the US Capitol inviting anyone and everyone to sit on the front lawn to watch a show ON the government buildings! What a security hazard, they would think. But since Canada has no enemies, on with the show.... Which was about the wind being an invisible force that ties together people from all times and across the globe. Video projection, colored lights and patterns, slides, music, narration. Cheesy, one would think, but then they include audio clips from interviews of residents and visitors who answer: "What is a government?" (various, funny answers), "what do you like about Canada?" (most say it's tolerant, welcoming towards difference, and a peaceful nation), "what do you think about the wind?" (it's cold and unpleasant, but sometimes it's nice in the summer).

Then the show includes negative criticism of Canada, like how the Native population has been and in some cases continues to be mistreated. Then it ends with some grand, uplifiting but earnest message that Canada is a wonderful and unique country, but has flaws, and continues to strive to be a better, more open country.

I'm a sucker for Canada,
Astria

P.S. The new Canadian $20 bill includes an image of a sculpture celebrating figures of Haida myth, including "Mouse Woman, the guide in the underworld". In God We Trust, heathens.

A. Suparak just became a Landed Immigrant in Canada. Similar to a beached whale but smaller, she will receive free health care courtesy of her new homeland (along with free French courses).

back