LesterDC

You don't think the Americans and the British had their share of atrocities? The Americans abhorred the British so much that they wanted to be free.. Think about it.

"Le ciel est bleu, l'enfer est rouge" - Wilfrid Laurier reflecting on how the priests influence their followers... not going to point out any names here... but we all know who still holds this mentality

By former trademarks, I meant the trademarks of old. How Canada was like when it was fully a British dominion. We still hold these institutions - we are still a parliamentary democracy and a monarchy. As for offensiveness, I am not sure what you are talking about... I believe most people favour the Monarchy.. At any rate, we are pretty late into the game.. It is only good that we are able to find our own "identity".

While the Monarchy, anthem...etc should not cause offense, the recent characteristics are distinctly CANADIAN. The former trademarks were borrowed from the British, as we were a dominion until fairly recently. French + British + "Modern Canadian" ( Inc. Multiculturalism) = Canadian

We do have a line , it's called the constitution and law. Everybody has guaranteed rights

I am especially proud of our multicultural policies.. If Lennon's song "Imagine" would take form in a country's philosophy, it would be Canada.

What is the matter with ethnic restaurants anyhow? Does that even imply ANYTHING? Damnnit , I love Japanese food and you ain't going to stop me

Between Canadian citizens? No... So what constitutes a "Canadian" to you?

The Government is not supposed to play favourites.. A citizen comes to this country, strips a few of their natural rights and accepts the government as the source of their security. This is what every citizen does, it is the social contract; therefore, there should be no distinction. Nationalism is not mandatory; however, if you lived in such a great country, you would inevitably feel nationalistic. Are you saying that a naturalized citizen could not love this country as much as somebody who was born here?

Yes, they aren't very brilliant pieces of music... But it is more about what the songs represent.

Canada is totally more than a strip of geography.. But yes, everyone from anywhere is welcome here, and everyone is equal. It doesn't matter where you came from. As long as you are willing to respect our country and our laws. Canadian pride is not merely based on the fact that you were just born here, but if you believe in our institutions, laws and are proud of our history and heritage. Do you have a problem with ethnic groups and their restaurants? How come people from around the world are not welcome in Canada? People are not comfortable anywhere else in the world , that is why they choose to move to the greatest country on Earth. If you think that only those who were born in Canada are able to appreciate Canada, then you could elicit the same joy out of any country; as long as you were born there.. Of course, we cannot choose where you were born, why would you be so proud of it? Instead, use your own conscientious thought and decide which country is the best for you. Yes... Everyone is equal.. How could you say otherwise ? I must've misunderstood you and I am sorry if I have.. Otherwise, I suppose philosophical thought has retrograded about 200 years...

If you read the R2P report, you could support the fundamental idea of removing Saddam from power.

It is refreshing to see the opposition party being the opposition and the leading party being the leading party; not all parties attempting to become Prime Minister at the same time.

You cannot take less than 2 minutes out of your mornings to honour those who worked, toiled and died for this country? I guess lunch plans are more important now; society is truly forgetting its past.

Iggy supported the Iraq War on the basis of the R2P doctrine. Anyhow, the opposition holding the leading party by a leash - how parliament is supposed to work. Sounds like "team work" to me; I like it.

Yes, we should not allow this kind of thing in Canada, but twisted people live by twisted texts. They interpret philosophies to their own desires - the blame is all upon the radicals. Do you take the crusades as a representative act in the name of Jesus Christ?

No, he probably doesn't. He also probably doesn't support legal incest and polygamy... However, I am sure that some people would like to see those things legalized.. Right now, we are in the middle of a war and an economic downturn - do you think that they would really bring up these insignificant "issues" every Q&A period?

Yes, I did tell you not to worry, I never said that I agreed with them. With so many people posting their predictable remarks, it does not seem very practical for me to spew the same kind of message. As a strong supporter of secularism, could you honestly say that I agree with what 44% of Muslim devotees desire?

It is unfair to criticize the "religion" as a whole based on the actions of a certain number of human beings. I do know that honour killings are apparent and I wholeheartedly abhor them. However, the fault is laid upon those who practise the atrocities, not the religion.

Please show me where I agreed with these laws... Codling the immigrant vote? Maybe.. Will you vote for me next election? I am hoping to topple the Conservative government.. Apparently, I am part of the Socialist Party of Canada.

This is anti-Islamic propaganda. Knowing that you abhor atheists and those who advertise against your own beliefs, how could you be posting this malarkey? Could you post some verses that would undoubtedly approve of honour killings?

First of all, just because they want it, it doesn't mean that they will get it. I am sure many people from other religious groups (Christian, Jewish) would like to see the Canadian government make more laws respecting their beliefs... Secondly, again.. it ain't happening. While 95% of Muslim Canadians were proud to be Canadian (and I am happy for them), only 44-53% of them believe that Canadians should adopt Sharia law.. If it were that easy to get things done, we would've lost Quebec a long time ago..

His charisma would drown out any opposition

In a secular universe, the state would not have the highest power. Human beings would have the highest authority on Earth - the state is supposed to work in the favour of the citizens, not the other way around. It is our responsibility to keep those politicians in check. Then it shouldn't be a threat to you... They are private affairs, let people believe whatever they want to believe..

As a sole credential, most degrees are not of much use without pursuing any form of post graduate degree. However, if you think that a political science degree would not educate you or provide anything useful, tell that to a very large amount of civil servants, MPs and politicians. Canadian Arts programs are generally at equal qualities amongst our universities. However, some universities do have their niches and strengths; you would probably have a better experience studying Political Science at Carleton, Mcgill or UofT - as opposed to The University of Waterloo.