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Friday 3 February 2017

A dark place

Last Sunday was a dark day for our country. A young Canadian from Quebec went into a mosque where men were praying and opened fire on them, killing six and wounding five. How could someone have such anger and hatred in his heart to commit such an act?

This man was a right-wing troll who espoused anti-foreigner and anti-feminist ideas. A loner, he decided in his demented mind that innocent people had to die. He attacked good, innocent people in their place of worship. Prison should be his home for the remainder of his life. 

Canada has a history of immigration. The aboriginal people were the first inhabitants of this land. The rest of us or our ancestors arrived on boats or in aircraft, some more recently than others. Our diversity gives richness and strength to our society, as we each contribute in our own unique way.

Every society has people who have extreme views and we are no exception. We must stand against these people and speak up when we see or hear their hate speech. Silence is complicity. If we stand by and allow people to spew hatred without speaking up, then we are part of the problem.

It's been a difficult week. Canadian Muslims don't feel safe and many of us do not know how to help. It is hard to see a way through this tragedy and how to prevent more of them. However, each can do her part to be open to everyone in our country, to embrace our differences because they make this wonderful kaleidoscope of faith, colour, and culture which is Canada. This way, we create a light through the darkness.

 

Je me souviens.

32 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

Well written.

DJan said...

Well said, Marie. This is a difficult time in the history of the world, but I believe we will come out of this period stronger and more united. I can only do my part and thank those who keep their hearts open. Thank you for this thoughtful post.

The Happy Whisk said...

That was soooo well-written. You are a natural at this writing thing.

Silver in AZ said...

extremely well communicated, Marie. Thank you!

Tabor said...

I read that the Jewish community has opened their house of worship. This is the correct response. Those of us who are tolerant will win. I am so sorry for all that were impacted.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

This was a tragedy, we must learn to live in harmony.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, AC.

Marie Smith said...

I've felt terrible all week, Jan. I had to write about it.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, HW. I love writing!

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, SW.

Marie Smith said...

Me too, Tabor. There are seventeen children who lost their fathers in such a senseless act.

Marie Smith said...

And be vigilant, Judith.

The Happy Whisk said...

It shows :-)

Mage said...

I am so very sorry. What Horror.

Shammickite said...

I was part of a community walk with our Muslim brothers and sisters in our small town on Wednesday night. Over 200 people walked with candles and lanterns to show support for community. Tears of sadness and yet joy that we support each other in times of crisis.

Marie Smith said...

How wonderful, Shammickite. That's gone on all over the country! Such a great show of support.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

We also need to speak out against and stop politicians who are trying to poison Canada with Trump's values, like Kelly Leitch and Kevin O'Leary.

Marie Smith said...

It was Mage! Horrific!

Marie Smith said...

I totally agree, Debra! There is no place for exclusion here. We want a society where everyone can express who they are without fear and are welcome.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you again, HW.

Shammickite said...

I agree, I can't imagine having either of those two in a position of power. But it seems to be happening all over the world, and it's very frightening.

Anonymous said...

This is so tragic. Sorrow here for Canada's loss of innocence. Speaking of trolls.......

Ginnie said...

There is a pall across our country and I fear it is leaking out to you ... our good neighbor Canada. Please know that so many of us down here feel your sorrow and pray that we who believe in love of ALL people will one day see it happen. Sending a hug to you Marie.

Marie Smith said...

It sure is, Shammickite. We have to work against it!

Marie Smith said...

We have lost our innocence, SS. Sad beyond belief.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Ginnie. There was a great article in Newsweek which described how the rise of the current president parallels the rise of Herbert Hoover in 1928. It explains a lot! The end of the article is ominous but ...

Hilary said...

Well said, Marie. It was a heartbreaking situation right on the heels of Trudeau stating our views of acceptance after Trump put that hideous ban in place. I want so much better for our world.

Your photo is beautiful.

Marie Smith said...

I know, Hilary. Our world deserves so much better!

The Furry Gnome said...

Well said. Silence is no longer ok.

Marie Smith said...

I agree, FG.

Down by the sea said...

It was dreadful to hear this had happened in your country. It was even more poignant after Trudeau had given such a different message the day before. Sarah x

Marie Smith said...

We, too, have home grown white, nationalist extremists, Sarah.