Proud

One of the things that bothered me the most about the extreme-right occupiers in Ottawa, last February, is how they spread their misinformation, disinformation, and hatred under the banner of being proud Canadians.

That's not pride. It's not even being Canadian.

From the moment they set their disruptive convoy in progress, waving our maple leaf—often, upside-down—it made me feel bad at seeing the symbol of our country used in such a disrespectful way, waving side-by-side with American flags, Confederate flags, and Nazi flags.

That's not pride: that's a disgrace.

(Note: waving the American flag in of itself is not disgraceful but it showed that the so-called issue with these protesters was akin to what happened on January 6, 2021, in Washington DC. I'm sure many decent Americans cringe to see their flag used in such a disrespectful, misguided way.)

I am a proud Canadian. I like to see our flag fly high. I think our country can be a shining beacon, where people are accepted, regardless of culture, colour, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Is Canada perfect? No. Is our government perfect? Again, no. Do we have areas of growth? Plenty.

But I'm going to fly my flag today and show the pride that those who wish to visit Ottawa have sorrowfully twisted.

Happy Canada Day!