Dear Steve,
I’ve finally got the picture from the last time you visited us onto my computer and thought I’d send it your way. That sure was a great supper, and the Jell-O dessert your wife sent with you was absolutely delicious. I hope she and your kids are doing well. Last time I saw Rachel she was going into the second grade. Anyway, it’s been awhile since you’ve called me and I feel it’s time we had a little talk. I’d call you, but it’s almost impossible to find the right extension. I’ve been wondering lately if you remember your responsibility to Canada first, as you are her first citizen. I know that you love those little Canadian flag pins, but aren’t those a little… overdone? Unnecessary? I’ll admit, they are neat to have, and I love promoting Canada. I just think that there are better ways to do it. Everybody knows what a Canadian flag looks like, and it doesn’t actually show anything about Canada or her citizens at all. Now, before you go into trying to figure out a better way to showcase Canada, I’m going to tell you that a way has already been found. It is called art. What better way to show the world what Canada is like then by giving visual images that need no translation, are made by Canadians themselves, and contain the very soul and perspective of Canada? If we also turn our heads slightly and include music and film in our view, we can also see a way to unite Canada by showing Canadians from different provinces and territories how their fellow citizens are faring. I’ve never been to Nunavut, so I have no idea what it’s like, or what the people are like… I’ve even recently heard that they might not live in igloos! We are becoming as ignorant about our own country as we regard Americans about the world. At least almost every American can list off every state and it’s capital. Most Canadians don’t know if Calgary or Edmonton is Alberta’s capital, much less what the maritime capitals are. Oh dear, I seemed to have gone on a rant. I’m sorry, I really only meant to send you the picture and remind you that you’re invited to our New Year’s party.
Hope to hear from you soon,
RB
