This country is in desperate need of some more Patriotism.
One of the reasons it is important to avoid the political extremes is that the backlash to something negative can – if not reined in – become just as negative.
A ‘counterreaction’ can easily become an overreaction.
And that’s what the Trudeau government has done with their attempt to turn Canada into a ‘post-national-state.’
When the Liberals talk about nationalism, they clearly have in mind the exclusionary, divisive, and often racist form of it that has been witnessed throughout history.
Nationalism has often been twisted by authoritarian leaders to cast blame on minority groups or to drum up support for wars of territorial expansion.
But that is only one side of nationalism.
Nationalism can also be something positive, for example the nationalism of the nations held in bondage by the Soviet Union. The desire for a nation free from Soviet oppression, and the desire to move embrace democracy and capitalism as an independent state helped to bring down the Soviet Union.
Likewise, civic nationalism can be a powerful force for good in countries like Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, where people of all backgrounds can be welcomed into a national family that embraces individual freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
And so, by overreacting in their opposition to nationalism, the Liberals have made this country a more divided place.
Yet, even as we see the negative consequences of this – increased tribalism, division between cultural groups, a declining sense of Canadian identity, an assault on Western values of individual freedom, and rising anti-Semitism, the Liberals still don’t get it.
They still appear focused on turning Canada into a ‘post-national-state,’ rather than promoting the kind of patriotic civic nationalism this country needs.
And they’re even trying to censor positive, pro-Canadian messages.
Conservative MP Garnett Genuis recently gave a speech at a Canadian Citizenship ceremony where he welcomed new Canadians to the Canadian family and issued an inspiring defence of what it means to be Canadian. Amazingly, it was a message the Liberals had sought to censor:
“SHOCKING
Officials in this NDP-Liberal Government wanted to be able to vet and censor my remarks at a Citizenship Ceremony for my own riding.
This was not the speech they expected…”
SHOCKING
Officials in this NDP-Liberal Government wanted to be able to vet and censor my remarks at a Citizenship Ceremony for my own riding.
This was not the speech they expected… pic.twitter.com/OIf142vjiC
— Garnett Genuis (@GarnettGenuis) July 20, 2024
At a time when our nation is divided, military recruitment is far below where it should be, and external threats are rising, Canada needs more patriotic remarks like those given by MP Genuis.
Unfortunately, the Trudeau government still seems unable or unwilling to accept this.
Spencer Fernando
Photo – Twitter
