As we begin a New Year and with it the hopes of a better time, and as we look back to the year just ended, what thoughts pass through our minds? Do we dwell unnecessarily on past events that cannot be changed but that might have changed our lives in some real or imagined manner? Do we recall times that brought pleasure or sadness to our lives? Or, do we dismiss the past and look forward to a sunnier 2003?
If we look forward, what shows on our radar screen? Do we see improved health for both our country and ourselves? Do we see a brighter world with less turmoil and fewer killings? Do we seek sanctuary in religion? Do we envision war either in and/or with Iraq or North Korea? At this juncture, either or both loom large, unfortunately. If war, should Canada be involved? If yes, to what degree? It is a sad commentary on the world that countries cannot live in peace while respecting the differences in language, culture, religion, economy, and history. The United Nations, hailed so highly in 1945, today is more of a problem than a solution. Will it become the League of Nations of 2003?
Can we Canadians become more tolerant of our neighbours, both those who live in our community and those to the south? Can the United States begin to view the world more through the telescope of understanding than through misunderstanding? At some juncture, the U.S. has to accept that the Wild West's 'Shoot first and ask questions later" mentality is blasé. That said, however, it is recognised that the U.S. sees itself as the policeman of the world and views its role as being one of intervention rather than one of conciliation. To many, the U.S. is seen as a bully that tries to coerce other nations into accepting its view of things and when they do not, it strikes. The U.S. view seems to be that what is good in Hoboken, New York must be just as good in [here, insert the name of a country or city]. In the mindset of the U.S., a country is a friend only as long as that country toes the U.S. view of the world. That makes for a difficult world.
Will 2003 be an improvement over 2002? At this point, as the sun rises ever so slowly on the newly minted New Year, who can tell? [Excuse the metaphors.] One thing is certain, though, if we, Canadians and others of the world, stop for a moment and reflect then give serious thought to bettering things - both at home and abroad - perhaps 2003 will be an improvement over the year just ended. Sometimes, doing nothing is better than doing something. Often, things have a way of sorting themselves out to the satisfaction of most. As with all differences of opinion, there are two sides. The means [discussion] used by the two sides to resolve their differences ought to be the issue and not so much the manner [force]. Perhaps that is one of the most telling differences between the United States and Canada; the U.S. shoots first while Canada attempts to achieve resolution by means of conciliation. Canada recognises the differences whereas the U.S. attempts to mould two into one. What is fine for Hoboken is not necessarily fine for Ottawa or London or Sydney or Moscow or Seoul or Mexico City or Jakarta or any one of a hundred other cities of the world. To each his own and to each respect.
While this might be seen by some as 'U.S. bashing,' it is not. As an individual, I have respect for the United States and admire the country's entrepreneurial spirit, something I wish Canada had more of. However, the U.S. sees itself in the role of policeman and in that role is often criticised for how, not so much what, it carries out its perceived policeman's role. The U.S. must become more of a father figure and less of a rambunctious youth hell-bent to change the world.
Bob Orrick is a private tutor of English grammar, literature, poetry and Canadian history to off-shore youngsters. His pupils hail from such places as Taiwan, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea and Venezuela. He was previously in international marketing, was a ministerial assistant to a provincial cabinet minister, spent a few years as a reporter then editor of a community newspaper and enjoyed a career in the Royal Canadian Navy.
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