So, I just want a Canada, including Alberta, that values everyone, regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, skin colour, religion, ability, and that recognizes everyone has something to contribute and has intrinsic worth. We are not human capital. We are people. 1/12
A popular saying is "he who dies with the most toys wins". But is that true? Another popular counter statement is that whatever you gain in life, our graves are all the same size. That's not strictly true either. 2/12
Some people who amassed wealth and power during their lives have mausoleums, and statues, and streets and public buildings named after them. Is this success? Analysis of history through a modern lens suggests many who were offered tribute in these ways were not worthy. 3/12
How do you want people to remember you? As a cold, rational player who did everything possible to garner great personal stature in the community? As a passionate advocate for discrimination? As an ideological zealot who pushed aside any shred of humanity to oppress others? 4/12
If half, or even a third, of the people who are led by greed and condemnation of others, changed their thinking and, instead, sought to make the lives of the disenfranchised and discounted people in this country better, it would make a huge difference. 5/12
We need people to recognize that people with disabilities deserve the same minimum standard of living as anyone else. That people who are addicted to substances didn't choose that life. They are fighting trauma and abuse and the addiction is only a symptom. 6/12
That people who are queer or black or Indigenous or have "funny-sounding" names have an equal place in the Canadian experience. Inclusivity means real inclusion. Without exceptions. 7/12
Take a moment to look at yourself. We all need to do this. What can we do to be better? How can we be better allies to people who are having a tough time? We need to change the conversation from "How can I profit from this?" to "How can I help people?" 8/12
We need to look at our belief structures. Are they inclusive? Who are we afraid of with no good reason? Ask yourself. "What community am I uncomfortable with and how can I learn more about them?" Because fear is mostly fear of the unknown. 9/12
The vast majority of people are kind and compassionate. That is actual human nature. If your experience is different, you are probably hanging out with the wrong people. Give yourself some time to really learn about people. 10/12
So many of our problems as a society, even as a planet, are based on a combination of callousness and lack of understanding. Let's make the world better, one person at a time. Reach out, find ways to educate yourself. 11/12
Ignore the dividers and fear-mongerers. Find out for yourself what you have been missing and shutting yourself off from. Be brave. Be bold. Take steps to be better. 12/12
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