Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior.
Until the colour of a man's skin is no more significant than the
colour of his eyes. Until there's no more First Class or Second Class
citizen of any nation. Until that day... 'The Words of Bob Marley'
War, by Bob Marley with lyrics
As
a two-time Liberal candidate who has always been very active in the
West End, and a strong advocate for the environment, child care and
other issues, I am proposing that we see Maclean's article as an
opportunity to look at ourselves on the issue of racism. My experience
living in Toronto for 5 yrs, Vancouver one yr, and now in Winnipeg since
1999 is my reason for being very optimistic of us dealing with this
issue successfully.
We all know what we need to do within
ourselves to be more tolerable to our neighbours, friends and
associates. I am sure we have been on the receiving end of the kindness
and compassion that is shown by others.
So, what's missing one
could ask? Music, events, the city needs to have more entertainment
throughout the year. Folklorama and the various summer festivities are
clear examples of how different we all are but can come together in
harmony and a community togetherness. I guarantee you that if Maclean's
author, Nancy Macdonald, was to focus more on how Winnipeggers interact
with one another during the summer the story line would have been
different.
So I say 'Actions speak louder than words. Talk is
cheap. For those of us who are interested in uniting our community and
the Greater Winnipeg area - take a look what I am doing in the West End
neighbourhood.
Block parties on Lipton Street every Canada Day.
This will be our 3rd year doing this. Organizing the complete street
from Portage to Notre Dame for 'The Longest Street Yard Sale in
Winnipeg'. A perfect way to meet'n greet your neighbours. Dancin' in
the street. Kids playing freely with other neighbours' kids some for
the first time in 5 years. Barbequing and eating always brings many
smiles.
Established the CRIG's list (Community Residential
Improvement Guide) - neighbours helping neighbours. The list consists
of folks who have a skill, live in the neighbourhood, and want to help
folks complete projects around the home. It works!
Travelling to
close proximity farms and get fresh produce to distribute it to local
senior homes in the West End. Every Christmas I provide a very special
treat, to use the one thing that God has blessed me with, my voice and
sharing with the Seniors in a Christmas Sing-a-long in the West End.
So
here's the question that needs to be asked, 'From my actions, do you
think that I am discriminated against in any way, shape or form?
Here's
something to ponder - after 8 months of lobbying City Hall on numerous
occasions, bugging or making a nuisance of myself to all media houses
for the official name change from 'Garbage Day' to 'Recycle Day',
producing a recycling documentary, it was not until Matt Cundill of
Power97 agreed with the idea before others began to embrace the name
change. Today, everyone is into recycling. Thanks Matt!
My
sincere wish is that one day when ideas are presented, that the idea is
examined first on its merit and not one's political persuasion or colour
of skin, eyes or hair.
The ultimate measure of a man is not
where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he
stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Yes We Can - Barack Obama
Ask
Not what Winnipeg can do for You on the issue of Racism, but what You
can do for Winnipeg. - Quote taken from President John F. Kennedy
Capital city for Racism news article in Maclean's
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