ONE PISSED OFF SENIOR – I AM GIDDY WITH EXCITEMENT

I can’t help it…. My government is doing everything it can to help 25,000 refugees. How exciting is that?

I cannot even begin to imagine the gamut of emotions that these men, women and children will be experiencing, from the depths of despair to euphoria to anticipation of what is to come to wonderment of what the future will bring. They must have hundreds of questions, will I like Canada? Will Canadians like me? Where will I live? Where will my children go to school? How will I communicate with Canadians? Can I work in Canada?

As a father, grandfather and great grandfather I can sympathize and understand a parents worry, these people are no different than you or I, family matters and getting your children to a safe haven is paramount.

Just a few short years ago the people of Syria lived a somewhat normal life, albeit under a tyrant, but life in the major centers had a modicum of normality to it. Granted they had to watch what they said about their government or the secret police would pay them a visit. Then drought hit the area and farms were lost, people moved into the major centers, there were very few job opportunities and much discontent in the governments inaction. An uprising was in the making and powerful countries such as America and Great Britain were prepared to assist in the overthrow even the Harper government assisted. Russia supported the tyrant Assad and supplied armaments in the confusion the door was left open to a newly formed group of warriors and terrorists, the Islamic State.

Let’s not forget that the CIA used Syria as a base for rendition and torture of suspected al-Qaida members.

Imagine living life not knowing who to trust, the government, the rebels or the Islamic State. Imagine not knowing who was going to kill you, rape your wife or your daughter.

Now imagine fleeing to a country that was not your own, being housed in a tent city with millions of others in the same predicament, relying on the kindness of charitable organizations and well meaning people with foreign accents speaking other languages.

Suddenly you have won the lottery. You are one of the chosen few out of some 1 million refugees to be going to Canada.

 How bloody exciting is that? 

Be a part of the solution rather than the source of the problem. Help end the bigotry, lies and prejudices, open your arms and your hearts and welcome these new immigrants.