Unity & Diversity

  I went to bed Saturday night sad. Once again Trump did something stupid, and I never use that word lightly, that had a rippling effect on the entire world. The arrogance of this man is rivaled only by his ignorance. Have no doubt that his messages of hate will unleash more hate. In fact they might have already.

  Last night about 60 Muslim men were praying at a Mosque in Quebec City when someone walked in and shot and killed 6 and injured another twelve. Six men. Saying their prayers. Hurting no one. Practicing their religion in their place of worship. Six men who were fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, friends. 

  I believe, and again only my opinion, that the evil in the world thinks it's okay to unleash their hate. The extremists of the world no longer feel they have to hold their hatred and venom in. That they have been granted implicit permission to give in to their most heinous desires. 

  On a smaller scale, I think that racists and bigots feel the same thing. That now the climate is more accepting of their bias and bigotry. And why wouldn't they? The self proclaimed "leader of the free world" has unleashed his venom, verbally, on anyone and everyone who disagrees with him. He does so with an anger and disregard that, to this moment in time, has had no negative consequences. Not a one. None.

  Do I blame Trump for this? Absolutely not. The person who shot the gun is to blame. But something in the world has changed. Is he a part of that? Absolutely. 

  The world needs to open their hearts and minds now more than ever. We need government leaders who speak about unity and diversity not walls and bans. We need religious leaders to stand together and preach acceptance and love. We need to talk to our children and explain that we are all equal and to hate no one based on religion, skin color, economics or politics. We need to lead by example.

  I live in the greatest country in the world. We will not be dragged into hatred by terrorists. We will not change who we are or how we live because a few disillusioned people hate unconditionally. And we will not lose faith in ourselves or the people of the world because that's not who we are. 

  We are Canadians. We will grieve together. This will make us stronger. 

  Ang