Category: Sackville’s Memorial park

On one hand, Lebanon has been increasingly aligned with Iran over the past years, via its Iran-funded Hezbollah. Saudi Arabia and the other Arab countries are obviously unhappy about it, especially that Iran keeps expanding in the region. Its classical modus operandi is to contribute to regional wars by proxy (e.g., in Yemen, Irak, Syria, and of course Lebanon).

On the other hand, there has been a war in Syria and all the players of the region got involved, directly or indirectly (via just funding or actual participation). Of course, we can think of Iran but also Saudi Arabia, of Hezbollah (in the back of its own government at the time, which was telling the world it had a policy or attitude of neutrality). Hezbollah likely did this to serve its allies’ interests before its own country (classical). Who knows? Perhaps also from its point of view, it played a glorious role in pushing back against ISIS (the other Islamist evil; likely even more extreme?). Tragically, by doing so, there has been many war victims, both those Lebanese young men (the fighters) and what to say of the innocent Syrian civilians (or fighters too)? What to say about the suffering, the destruction, and the refugee crisis? Anyhow, regardless of any so-called noble or just absurd, civil war, it is always the innocent people (on all sides!) who suffer while paying a heavy price.

To continue the list of those involved in the Syrian war now, we can think of Russia, Turkey, Israel, the USA and their allies, from the locals to the Europeans to the North Americans, etc. Perhaps Bambi is forgetting other forces.

Anyhow, to come back to Lebanon, it has been increasingly under the influence of Iran over the past decades, and especially lately. However, it has a diversity of political parties and forces that play a certain role of opposition to Hezbollah and their internal allies, from the best of their capacity (when they are not partners in corruption). As a reminder, Hezbollah, Iran, and the Syrian regime are part of the same axis. Lebanon is being increasingly dragged into this alignment when traditionally it has been closer to the European Union (e.g., France) and the Western world (e.g., the USA, etc.).

Saudi Arabia is desperate to the point of resorting to almost the same technique of intimidation as Iran, with tiny bankrupt and sadly increasingly “Persian” Lebanon. It has been even more desperate in its confrontation with Iran (losing against its expansion) to the point of making peace with the old enemy of the region, Israel! Of course, there is also a role of the Americans in all this (Mr. Trump’s team and the continuity of this policy in the Middle East by the new administration). Continuity maybe when it comes to Israel and the traditional support to the Lebanese army. However, perhaps a more rosy approach with Iran, than the one by the former team (of Mr. Trump, his son-in-law et al.). Hezbollah took advantage of the USA’s more (at least apparent) weakness. It dared to import illegal gas from Iran more than once and bring it into Lebanon via Syria. The USA did not say or do anything… neither Israel mind you. Who knows? Perhaps there was also a humanitarian concern, could it be (out of compassion for the population)?

When Bambi talked about the new honeymoon between Israel and Arab countries, Bambi seemed sarcastic. Yet she is someone who is sick and tired of wars and of the Middle East endless unresolved issues. Perhaps because of that, and especially because she has faith in humanity, she salutes peace, economic development, extended hands/bridges and even love between people (preferring it to death, destruction, and eternal hate among people and their respective nations). She wishes her own birth country peace and harmony within all its internal components. She wishes it external peace with all the countries of the world, including Syria, Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia et al., Europe, the USA, China, Africa, etc.

In her mind, clearly the best interest of Lebanon is to succeed in being/remaining impartial OR neutral with all nations, that is at an equal distance from all neighbours and players (in the region and beyond). How about some inspiration from Austria whose status of permanent neutrality post-war protected it during the Cold War? Indeed for perhaps 65 years, this country made a wise use of its neutral status. It allowed it to turn into a much trusted meeting point for West and East during the Cold War. In addition, it built a world reputation of an impartial hub for international diplomacy. Why can’t tiny Lebanon learn a historical lesson of wisdom from Austria (https://www.iipvienna.com/new-blog/2020/10/13/austria-and-its-neutralitya-tradition-with-potential)?

Of note, Syria has occupied Lebanon for many years and was not the kindest neighbour to it. Syria may have also always perceived it as being part of itself. Not as a sovereign nearby smaller country. Same for Iran and its Islamist ideology (or hate of Israel? Or is it just an pretext?). Same for Saudi Arabia, perhaps to a lesser extent (or an indirect extent via its Islamists not in direct power). Same for all the Arab countries (historically on good terms with them, being an Arab country too). Do the Islamic or hegemonic forces see Lebanon as a sovereign entity or just as a battle ground for their proxy wars?

And what about Turkey that maybe wants to influence it too, or at least parts of it (like old times)? Europe and China too, not just the USA and Iran. Israel has occupied it for many years, first to fight Palestinians (who also were fighting it from within Lebanon), then as a masters of a no-mans’ land with the excesses of the occupier (like Syria).

Now, perhaps the divided components of Syria wants to be at a different place too, despite the alignment of Mr. Assad with Iran and Hezbollah?

Bambi thinks that Israel is at a different place now too.

So must Lebanon be too now!

Lebanon is the weakest link. The smallest, weakest has to be the smartest to survive.

To survive, Lebanon must be diplomatically wise with ALL the parties mentioned in this post.

Sadly, there are some public figures, now Ministers, who perhaps expressed an opinion that may have angered Saudi Arabia. They say the TV show was recorded in August, but aired only lately. The man in question was not even a Minister back then. Yes, he may have a biased, distorted view of the war in Yemen (far from the facts and surely from the point of view of Saudi Arabia). Yet, it is a legitimate opinion and it is his (it may even be shared by MANY in the new government that is known to be now like an Iranian colony). So, please Saudi Arabia, give him and especially give Lebanon (that you say you care much for) a break. Bambi is the first to say the same to Iran too (and even before saying it to Saudi Arabia). She surely says it to Hezbollah, that also did not act in a wise way in this story. Both Saudi Arabia and the Hezbollah are escalating… Poor Lebanon, give it a break, especially that its new Prime Minister and its President (although historically aligned with Hezbollah and indirectly or directly with Iran) have been working hard to rise above this conflict of words, to ensure the financial rescue of their country.

Anyhow, Saudi Arabia seems to be too upset by the opinion expressed by the new minister in question (who was a TV show man before, it seems). His opinion belongs to him and he has always had it. Bambi is saying so, even if and especially that she does not have the same vision as him for her birth country.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Koweit, and the United Arab Emirates are upset. Saudi Arabia, along with Bahrain, expelled the Lebanese ambassador (48 hours notice to leave the country), recalled own ambassadors from Beirut, asked their own people not to go to Lebanon, banned imports from there (saying that sometimes drugs are smuggled by the Hezbollah; remember the latter needs funds and its country is bankrupt, in addition to a pandemic in the world limiting travels, etc.). At least, Saudi Arabia is saying the Lebanese expats are safe. Yes, but until when and what if the conflict degenerates into a regional war? Could it be? Or just war of words and influences (https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-expels-lebanese-ambassador-bans-all-imports-lebanon-2021-10-29/).

As far as Bahrain is concerned, the irony is that it will now have an Israeli Ambassador (good for them) AND not a Lebanese one (how sad for both them and Lebanon).

When it comes to Saudi Arabia, Lebanon historically used to have about 350,000 workers in this country (now down to about 180,000). Those politicians in Lebanon need to think of the safety of their citizens abroad, especially in the Gulf countries. Wisdom and calm should prevail. Not escalation. Not isolation…. and surely not violence in any form.

To conclude this post, regardless of the opinion expressed (or the next excuse when this conflict is solved), PLEASE hands off Lebanon all of you… Enough of crises and suffering for its people (once again all the innocent civilians who do not care about this or that party. They just want to live, without another crisis). Sadly, Lebanon is not an island in the middle of the Mediterranean sea. Thus, it must be clever in its diplomacy… perhaps today more than ever!

Many great journalists of our country, and some politicians, have been calling to raise our Canadian flag now after over 5 months.

The gesture of lowering the flag was MUCH needed (it was the least to do….).

However, after all this time, the symbolism of the gesture is being lost. Indeed, it is becoming absurd (and thus sad and frustrating).

Until when will it be low?

It is raised again, even in the Mohawk territory… Do you see the irony?

https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadas-flag-gesture-without-an-end-date-is-set-to-collide-with-a-fixed-date-remembrance-day

https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1819582/drapeaux-canada-decouverte-autochtones-erin-otoole

As journalists and veterans have wisely argued, Remembrance Day is ahead. This is a good opportunity to raise the flag, so we can lower it again (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/flag-raised-remembrance-day-half-mast-1.6228449).

Other tragedies or sudden death can occur in life (like one of Bambi’s dear friends in town). Why don’t we have our flags high, so we can express our sorrow again?  

This does not mean we are no longer sad/shocked by the discoveries of all the unmarked graves… We also know now that others will be uncovered soon.

This is part of our past, as a nation. This is its dark side. This is our collective shame. However, even shame (or self-anger or fear) must be confronted in life to grow and to learn, to repair and pay respect, to say to oneself: Never again!

Yes, never again, while being proud of whom we are and whom we want to still be, collectively as a nation.  

No country is perfect, Mr. Trudeau. If there is anyone who knows this, it is Canadians of Lebanese origins. They know that their birth country is a parody of a nation now. Yet, they love it, they forgive it, and they have a tenderness toward it (yes, despite any love-hate relationship they may entertain with it). Those old enough, like Bambi, to have grown up during civil war, know very well the tragedies of massacres. There have been so many of the latter. Some of Bambi’s friends lost their parents and siblings in some of these human tragedies. Yet, they put this past behind them, without ever forgetting it of course, to move on with their lives. They are busy raising kids and being productive Canadians.

They, along with Bambi and the rest of the silent majority of Canadians, want to see their flag risen again.

Please, Mr. Trudeau, raise our flag now.

Thank you.

Below, you can find the coverage of this story in the Lebanese media in French, English, and Arabic respectively:

https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/285309-u-s-sanctions-jamil-al-sayyed-jihad-al-arab-dany-khoury

https://www.annahar.com/arabic/%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%84%D9%87/28102021023751192

This is a start… or is it a continuation? Bambi lost track of the details in the middle of Lebanon’s multiple crises. Anyhow, thank you Washington for resorting to such a move. It seems to have been done across political affiliations, as per the clever slogan of the revolt of Lebanon’s people: “Kiloun Yaani Kiloun” (“All of them means all of them!”). The latter refers to Lebanon’s ruling mafia, which at times colludes with its powerful militia. Yes, corruption is prevalent in this tiny Mediterranean country. It exists across political parties as well as in high-profile partners from the private sector. Those resorting to corruption became billionaires while their population is literally starving :(, without access to life savings (withheld in banks) and without electricity, gas, medication, food, etc.

The cleanup was overdue, as per the song below!

Of course in the name of equity (most likely within the illogical logic of the dogma called “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion“), we learned from a Cambridge Today media article that the Waterloo Region District School Board banned books deemed “harmful to staff and students” (https://www.cambridgetoday.ca/local-news/books-deemed-harmful-to-staff-and-students-are-being-removed-from-regions-public-school-libraries-4551859).

Since when books are harmful?

Since when book censorship is enriching for staff and students’ creativity?

Since when book banning is good to teach critical thinking skills?

Since when erasing history or cultural heritage is beneficial for brains and civilizations?

When will we collectively stand up together to say enough of this modern form of intellectual terrorism in our societies?

Bambi would like to share a thoughtful article by Mr. Antoine Robitaille, published in the Journal de Montréal today about the appointment of Ms. Mélanie Jolie to the position of Foreign Minister (oups… her ministry is called “Global Affairs Canada“, Bambi forgot :)). This is one of the most prestigious government positions in our country.

First of all, of course, congratulations to Ms. Joly and best wishes. Second, her choice for this position speaks volumes, perhaps not only about her own vision, but also/rather about the vision of Mr. Trudeau (et al.?) for our country.

The article featured in this post describes Ms. Joly’s vision. Bambi will allow herself to add some comments before sharing it with you.

In addition to her (past or continuing?) globalist vision, Ms. Joly’s view of her/our country (described in Mr. Robitaille’s article) can be described in French as being “à l’eau de rose“, which means sappy or rosy in English. This makes Bambi remember a funny comment made by one her childhood friends about Mr. Trudeau during one of her earlier visits to Beirut. This friend came up with a cute name for him. She referred to him as Papa Noël (or Santa Claus). Without having anything against him (she even liked him), she was lucid enough to see that he did not seem to be grounded enough in reality. Perhaps this is the image we get of Mr. Trudeau. Perhaps deep inside, him and his government know more what they are doing (Bambi still wants to hope…).

Well, bearing her childhood friend’s comment in mind, Bambi is now wondering about the following: if Mr. Trudeau is truly Santa, would Ms. Joly be his Star Fairy (or la Fée des étoiles) :)? Maybe, even if she is smart (in addition to being as beautiful as her name). Thus, thankfully, she has the potential to learn and acquire the needed experience in her new prestigious position. At least, she does not call the Talibans her brothers (which is already a wise start :)).

Very seriously now, although Canada is not a significant player in the world, we cannot afford to be too naive or not to think of our OWN interests FIRST, as all “sovereign” states do/must do. Indeed, it is Bambi’s hope that Canada will not make Lebanon’s mistakes with this regard…

This being said, here is a quick translation of Mr. Robitaille’s article (https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2021/10/28/joly-ministre-du-gouvernement-mondial-1):

“What is the worldview of our Dominion’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly?

“Does she just have one?” All the bad tongues will scoff her (but, by mocking this politician with a sort of fierceness, paradoxically they will propel her ever higher). Yet we can say that there is something like a “vision of the world” in her book entitled Changer les règles du jeu (Québec Amérique) [Changing the rules of the game (Quebec America)] – an essay full of the obvious and poorly substantiated assertions – published in 2014.

Foundation

At the time, she had just left her position as the leader of the municipal party “Vrai changement pour Montréal” [Real change for Montreal], which she had founded for the 2013 election. In interviews, she said she was happy to have left politics in order to “say more” directly what she thought ”.

In the introduction, she unveiled the programmatic aspect of the book: “I deliver this essay, which is also the foundation of my future actions.”

During the 2019 election campaign, I interviewed her on QUB radio for 25 minutes, reminding her of certain passages from her book. Several of her “political actions” were at odds with what she wrote in Changing the Rules of the Game. Notably, the idea that multinationals should levy taxes on consumption. But also that “any company or person who benefits from accessibility to a state market pays accordingly for this access” (p.179).

As the Minister of Canadian Heritage, she had instead given up “applying the rules of the game”. Remember her complacent policy towards Netflix, among others, which was exempt from levying the tax. She has since admitted that she should have “done things differently.”

Let us hope that as Minister of Foreign Affairs, she will work on international agreements which will force the GAFAM (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft) to pay their due to states.

Sovereignty

Moreover, the new liberal foreign minister seemed hostile, in her 2014 book, to the idea of ​​state sovereignty, one of the foundations of international relations.

“The states of today must agree to relinquish some of their powers,” she insisted. In particular “in environmental matters”, where they should “absolutely agree to […] subordinate themselves to planetary principles of carbon management” (p.144). She believed that it was necessary for states to accept “binding global agreements” so that states in breach could be “punished”.

In certain passages of the essay, the idea of ​​a world government emerges: “It is therefore absolutely necessary that a planetary power of influence is put in place so that the environmental consciousness in the citizen can develop”. (p.138)

This “global centralization” that she calls for should, however, be accompanied by a shedding of nation-states towards “local communities” (p.145). In Canada, to the provinces? No, these are missing from Ms. Joly’s vision in 2014. In her view, cities should inherit more power and money.

Here we are swimming in post-nationalism, according to which “the individual is a political institution in himself that must be respected” (p.140). In short, “in the 21st century, belonging to a country is no longer an end in itself” (p.131).”

But what kind of international politics can we really build from such a position?“

According to L’Orient Le Jour and 961, Lebanon lost Mr. Abbas Mazloum. He was 38 years old at the time of the surrealistic Beirut port explosion. For fifteen long months, he suffered a painful spinal cord injury that has paralyzed him ever since.

Mr Mazloum was a Chef at a restaurant in the Mar Mikhaël neighbourhood, one of the most devastated areas of the Lebanese capital. Who knows? Perhaps he was even the cook at the same restaurant where Bambi’s niece was injured, she could not help not to wonder. Or was it maybe another nearby restaurant in this beautiful area of Beirut. Regardless, Bambi’s heart is aching now for Mr. Mazloum’ family and friends.

https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/1279445/une-nouvelle-victime-succombe-a-ses-blessures.html

The Beirut Blast Just Claimed Another Victim Over A Year Later

Will they, along with the other 218 grieving families, ever know the truth behind this unacceptable home-made tragedy (whether by mere negligence or otherwise)? Will justice be finally served?

More broadly, will Lebanon manage to stop its speedy descent toward hell? It has literally become a parody of country where citizens do not have access to their bank savings, do not have their basic needs met (gas, medication, affordable food etc.), and are not safe even in neither their homes nor workplaces. In addition, the ruling mafia of their country keeps paralyzing their political institutions and attacking their judiciary system to avoid accountability. Most alarmingly, the ghost of civil war seems to be still vivid not just in some spirits, but also in Beirut streets where a regular day recently turned into a fatal flashback of the civil war (may all those killed and injured then also rest in peace).

To conclude this post, may Mr. Mazloum’s memory be eternal. If she may, without knowing them, Bambi would like to send his family members and friends her wishes of internal peace, along with a prayer (thanks to Mr. Marc Reaidy Baz)… May external peace know how to keep prevailing in their/our beloved Beirut.

As slow as a turtle, Mr. Trudeau finally formed his “new” government.

We learned from his move that could have been perhaps made, without resorting to a very expensive election (when we are headed for inflation), the following:

Ottawa is creating a federal ministry of mental heath, called the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions:

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2021/10/26/prime-minister-welcomes-new-cabinet).

https://globalnews.ca/news/8325724/cabinet-trudeau-minister-mental-health-bennett/

For those who may have forgotten Canada’s federal system, this is CLEARLY not under Ottawa’s jurisdiction. Indeed, Mr. Blanchet, Leader of the clever Bloc Québécois, is absolutely right in “denouncing the unacceptable interference in a field of exclusive jurisdiction of the provinces“, as per L‘Actualité (https://lactualite.com/actualites/blanchet-denonce-la-creation-dun-ministere-federal-de-la-sante-mentale/).

Here is a Google translate of the L‘Actualité article above:

https://lactualite-com.translate.goog/actualites/blanchet-denonce-la-creation-dun-ministere-federal-de-la-sante-mentale/?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB&_x_tr_pto=nui

To conclude this brief post, first, thank you Mr. Blanchet. Second, and most importantly, until when will Ottawa keep invading provincial jurisdictions?

Many months ago when the story about this unknown neurological disease was first reported in the media, it was Bambi’s sister who attracted her attention it… all the way from Beirut, Lebanon. Since then, Bambi started following any update with great interest (and even concern), like her fellow New Brunswickers.

It is indeed heart-breaking to see what all these patients have gone through. Of note, some of them are so young, including Ms. Gabrielle Cormier who is just 20 years old. It is very sad to read about the distress of their hopeless families. Plus, who knows? This may also be a potentially worrisome development in our province, with 48 patients (six of whom have even died… May their memory be eternal).

This being said, bravo to the families who are asking our government for more transparency. Thanks to our politicians, namely our own Green Party MLA Ms. Megan Mitton and others from the opposition, for supporting these families in their call for more transparency, as per the CTV News-Atlantic below:

https://globalnews.ca/news/8327861/mystery-brain-disease-deaths-new-brunswick-dr-gerard-jansen/

https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/it-s-a-ticking-clock-mysterious-neurological-disease-patients-are-calling-on-the-government-for-transparency-1.5639727

To conclude this post on a sarcastic note, had our governments wanted citizens to be as afraid as of the coronavirus, the media narrative would have likely been more abundant and alarming. Who knows? Perhaps the public opinion would have been even as concerned as with the Covid-19 pandemic (whether with or without a reason). Anyhow, regardless of any speculation, Bambi’s heart goes to all the patients and their families. She thanks all the journalists who gave a voice to these otherwise voiceless patients and their loved ones. Last but not least, she joins her own voice to all those urging our government to be as transparent as realistically possible (even without clear answers)!

Bravo to the Lebanese Higher Judicial Council for not intending to disccuss Judge Tarek Bitar removal (https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/285057-report-higher-judicial-council-doesn-t-intend-to-discuss-bitar-removal).

Bambi is saying so because the intimidation by the most powerful group in Lebanon (mafia ruling it) has reached exponential, and even dangerous, levels lately.

According to France24, “the man handling the biggest case since former prime minister Rafik Hariri’s 2005 assassination is a little known figure who never talks to the press or even appears in public... “His determination will be tested more than ever after a [demonstration] for his removal Thursday by supporters of the Shiite Muslim Amal and Hezbollah movements degenerated into deadly violence and scenes resminiscent of the 1975-1990 civil war” (https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20211014-tarek-bitar-lebanon-s-judge-with-a-grudge).

As a reminder, at these heavily armed yet so-called “peaceful” demonstrations mentioned above, we have seen images of demonstrators burning posters of this Judge. Same for the US Ambassador in Beirut, Ms. Dorothy Shea (without hearing the classical mantra of “death to America” though…).

Anyhow, to come back specifically to Judge Bitar, just check the words used by the two journalists, Ms. Sarah El Deeb and Mr. Bassam Mroue from the Associated Press, to describe Judge Tarek Bitar’s decency in an article entitled “The judge leading Beirut blast probe: Discreet and defiant” (https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-religion-explosions-lebanon-beirut-2c813a38a3ab2789f07fa48799aac82a):

“Relatives of victims of the port blast described Bitar as deeply sympathetic to their quest for justice. One man said the judge told him he approached the case as if his own daughter had been killed.”

“Bezdjian said Bitar told the families that he feels a responsibility because of those killed, wounded and displaced and because “half of my capital was destroyed.”

If you were one of the families who lost your loved one in the blast, wouldn’t you also want to know that your case is in the caring hands of Judge Bitar?

In a CBC article, a journalist called Ms. Zeahaa Rahman wrote the following (title): “On election day, I greeted people who voted for parties that hate people like me”. The CBC even uses the following graphic picture:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/first-person-elections-right-wing-politics-1.6220540

As soon as Bambi started reading this article, she immediately stopped to search for “Bernier” in the text, as she guessed that it would be a piece of disinformation about one of our federal political parties called, the PPC :). Indeed, she found the name of Mr. Maxime Bernier along with the following misleading sentences:

“Some of the people I had interacted with had voted for the far right People’s Party of Canada, whose leader, Maxime Bernier, has proposed to end multiculturalism, reduce the number of immigrants and refugees Canada receives, and fosters hate-speech under the guise of free speech as part of his party’s platform. The PPC received more than 840,000 votes in the 2021 federal election. That’s more than double the number of votes they received in the 2019 federal election, and it’s because these policies resonate with at least some Canadians.”

First, the word “far right” does not mean anything is a country that has become almost communist. Indeed, look at the level of governmental intrusiveness in our lives and the widespread empty slogans or ideologies. At the governance level, all the federal parties are almost all to the left of the political spectrum, or leaning to the left, or pretending to be left. Even the official opposition does not seem to be strong or efficient enough, despite the excellent performance of some of its great elements holding our government accountable (like for instance Mr. Pierre Poilievre).

Second, Mr. Maxime Bernier did not propose to end multiculturalism. He denounced “extreme multiculturalism“, which becomes destructive like sectarianism or tribalism (especially when it is exploited for political purposes). For this, he should be commended for having been the first Canadian politician to advocate for badly needed unity among Canadians.

He talked about his ideas in the same year he left his Conservative Party and eventually created his own political party. Bambi recalls this very well. Back then, she was shocked to see the level of political correctness in our country (from the reaction he got from the media and from his peers… in addition to the milk producers of his region, one must not forget. The latter were largely responsible for his defeat in his former party. Had he won, we may have perhaps had Mr. Bernier instead of Mr. Trudeau, as Prime Minister. Who knows?). The whole woke movement, which pretends to speak in the name of minorities, was starting at the time.

Today, wokeism is widespread in so many brains and in many censorship actions (from books to people cancelled, from books and churches burned in the name of justice to stores destroyed, of course in the name of justice too). Some politicians pretend to be woke to survive. Others may be true believers (in NB, we seem to have at least two of them (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-brunswick-land-acknowledgment-racist-1.6224063). Which one of the two have the potential to be more radical in a society? Think about it. Bambi does not have an answer, but she always wonders about it.

Mind you, it is not only Mr. Bernier who denounces extreme multiculturalism. Most Québeckers do (even those who are federalist, but not into wokeism). Just read or listen to intellectuals like Dr. Mathieu Bock-Côté, as an example. He is the author of a book entitled in French “Multiculturalism as a political religion”.

It is this extreme multiculturalism, in a “postnational” country (as per Mr. Trudeau’s own terms) that Mr. Bernier denounced in the past. Not the pluralistic nature and beauty of Canada. You may agree with him or not, but why vilify him for his ideas, Ms. Rahman?

Third, where is the problem in reducing a massive number of immigrants and refugees in order to ensure their better integration in our county, welcoming them from the best of our capacity and being fair to them? Again, you may agree or not with this point, but why are you vilifying this political party?

Fourth, when you wrote “… fosters hate-speech under the guise of free speech as part of his party’s platform“, can you give us specific examples to illustrate your statement, please? Bambi searched this platform and did not find anything that looks like hate. She found the word hate only when it was in the name of a proposed bill (Bill C-36) by our government about online censorship. This party was the only stating clearly in its platform that it is against this bill. Just like Bambi, mind you.

Fifth, you seem to insinuate that the “far-right“, hateful, and racist platform of this party has resonated with some Canadians (at least, you are accurate in showing the increasing popularity of this party in our country): “… that’s more than double the number of votes they received in the 2019 federal election, and it’s because these policies resonate with at least some Canadians”. So, are you telling us that some Canadians are racist and this is why this party appealed to them? If so, you are insulting many Canadians, some of whom wear a hijab like you. Actually, Bambi knows several Muslims and Jews who voted for this party. You are also insulting others who may have perhaps also voted for this party.

Finally and most importantly, why can’t you respect your fellow Canadians, Ms. Rahman, regardless of their political vote at a particular point in time? It is called democracy, in case you forgot it.

Thank you.