Erasing History, Why so Selective?

erasing history

I find it extremely annoying and disconcerting that people want to eradicate historic people and events. History is based on facts, some good and some not so good, but none that should be erased to make us feel better about ourselves. Hopefully, we have evolved enough to avoid repeating the same politically incorrect transgressions. Selectively erasing history should not be an option.

Canadians (some) Demanding all Traces of Sir John A MacDonald be Removed

Sir John A MacDonald has been on the literal hit list in Canada lately. Schools, buildings, streets, statues, bridges, and the like are being renamed because of the belief that his federal policies were suspect when he was our Prime Minister. As our very first Prime Minister, he was instrumental in our country’s development and deserves a place in our history.

I find this obsession to erase history frustrating and ridiculous. Where do we draw the line? Who decides who was bad, really bad, bad enough to wipe them out?

Erasing history
Sir John A. MacDonald, Wikipedia

What About O.J?

These feelings of disgust were re-awakened yesterday afternoon when I was watching football and O.J. Simpson’s name came up. Inducted into the football hall of fame for his prowess on the field, he is still idolized and celebrated often by commentators and fans.

I don’t know about you, but I was totally dismayed that O.J. literally got away with murder. Twice. Talk about a travesty of justice. Yes, he was convicted in a civil suit, awarding money to the families of his victims, and spent some time in the clinker, but still got away with murder in the criminal courts.

O.J. Simpson, Wikipedia

What’s the Difference?

The point of this rant? Why is there a difference between the way we are willing to acknowledge the historic actions or behaviour of Sir John A and O.J? Why does O.J. Simpson continue to be idolized and revered when Sir John A. MacDonald and other historic figures are getting toppled from our graces, shunned, with all traces of them discarded from our lives?

Life Lessons Instead of Erasing History

Learning from our mistakes should be considered valuable life lessons. We should be taught to move on and refrain (hopefully) from repeating the same mistakes. That doesn’t mean the lessons or mistakes didn’t happen and shouldn’t be acknowledged. Life lessons get chronicled in our brains, or, in some cases, our journals or diaries.

In Conclusion

It seems to me that we are offended by everything and everyone these days. If our ideologies are threatened (??) we demand all traces of the offender removed from society. If we can accept the accomplishments and talents of one man without judging him on his lifestyle, ethics, or morals, why can we not accept the valuable contributions of others?

I believe that history is in the past; we learn about people, places, and things and decide how to incorporate the good from the past into our futures. Every country in the world can dredge up unsavory actions of their leaders and heroes. It’s how the indiscretions are dealt with that should decide the success and health of the country moving forward.

Well, I feel (somewhat) better after this rant, but I would like to hear from others. Am I wrong? Or just easily offended.

Endy Mattress, Chiropractor Approved!

endy mattress

We just purchased a new Endy mattress for our cottage. Now that we are spending more time there and less time at home, it was time for an upgraded mattress at the lake. After researching our options online, we ordered the mattress and it was delivered to our door (at no extra charge) two days later. We transported it to our cottage easily in the back of our minivan, took it out of the box, and voila, the mattress developed right in front of our eyes.

Who is Endy?

If you have not yet heard of Endy, let me educate you by leading you to their blog. Learn why buying an Endy mattress online might be the way to go for you too. These are just a few of the reasons I was convinced. The fact that they are endorsed by chiropractors helped too.

Endy Mattress

The comfort level is incredible too. I also love the fact that I get a good night’s sleep regardless of how restless my husband sleeps. I used to complain that when he flipped over, I flopped too; I’m hoping the new mattress will lessen the flips and flops. After all, a good night’s sleep is important for overall health and wellness.

Made in Canada

Of course, I love the fact that these incredibly comfortable, supportive, and convenient mattresses are made right here in Canada. Shopping local has become increasingly important to many within the past few years, including me.

Endy mattress

Accessories to Endy Mattress

On the Endy website, there are many accessories to choose from as well. From bed frames to pillows and sheets, everything you need to complete your new sleeping quarters is at your fingertips.

Referral Link

If you decide to order your own Endy, use my referral link to earn us both money!

photos from Endy.com

Russian Invasion of Ukraine Sparks Anger

Russian Invasion

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has angered democratic countries around the world. As a result, will this brutal Russian evasion wake us up? By us, I mean our Canadian federal government. For example, will the promised sanctions include refusing to import Russian oil? What else will these sanctions include?

Is Self-Sufficiency not a Good Thing?

This Russian invasion is driving oil prices amongst other things. Why would we not want to be as self-sufficient as possible as a nation? The pipeline debate should resurface in spades. Hopefully, the debate will stop and the pipelines will prosper.

In short, Russia supplies a large portion of the world with oil, including Canada, even though we have our own oil. Our (self-inflicted) problem is that we don’t have pipelines to distribute the oil we have across our large country. We would rather accept oil from Russia than create pipelines to use our own oil efficiently and economically. Really?

The National Post described the dilemma well back in 2018. This opinion might be considered visionary today:

Opinion: The fact is that if we don’t provide it, someone else will — even if that someone is Vladimir Putin

Stewart Muir,  Special to Financial Post

photo credit: ANDREY RUDAKOV/BLOOMBERG

Is Crude Oil on Tankers Clean?

Russian crude oil comes into Canada and the USA on huge tankers along the St Lawrence River to the Great Lakes to the east as well as along the Pacific coast to the west. The tankers often sit around in our waters before they are loaded and unloaded too. How clean can that be? Why are eco-green fans not screaming about how potentially dirty this practice is? In summary, oil leaks polluting our waterways are acceptable, but pipelines are not?

Which Country is Next in Russian Invasion?

Will Putin stop at infiltrating Ukraine or will he push into other, former Soviet Bloc countries? Should Poland, Belarus, and Ukraine’s fellow non-NATO member Moldova be worried? NATO is an alliance of 30 North American and European countries created in 1949 after World War II. Unfortunately, Ukraine is not (yet) a member of NATO. Word is they did apply in 2008; reasons for the delay in their acceptance are controversial, to say the least.

Russian Invasion
photo credit

How to Help Ukraine

It will be interesting to see just how other countries respond to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Troops from around the world are deployed to protect neighbouring NATO members. Sanctions are a must to punish Putin and his communist/nationalist regime and their economy.

Above all, the people of Ukraine need help from across the pond. Our country has a huge contingency of Ukrainian immigrants that now call Canada home. Legitimate fundraising options to help Ukrainians stuck in Europe are popping up as the world reacts. Just be sure to check them out first. The Globe and Mail has compiled a recent list here in Canada.