Letters to Canada

Day 2,332, 11:12 • Published in Canada Canada • by Alias Vision

Hello Canada,

Feels like it's been a while since we talked. It's not your fault, it's life, it's time... it's four anklebitters that demand the best of me and leave very little space for idleness and pretend ego stroking.

Has the wipe gotten you down Canada? Yeah, me too. But not as much as some would think. It is surprisingly easy to adapt around here, likely a side effect of having to do so for years on a regular basis. Probably helps as well that the community is a deeply cynical one. It makes for harsh words and reactions sometimes but by and large it inures us against the hopelessness of the situation. Imagine how much fun it could be if we were given a framework that works and makes sense? Ah but why go there, futility is a poison.

Which makes me wonder what you think of our occupiers Canada? Yeah, me too. We were friends once you know, as close as you could be. I don't think we'll be friends again any time soon. How did it come to pass you wonder? Agendas... egos... doing unto others as have been done unto them? Wait, that would require a measure of self-awareness on the part of the leadership that I can scarce believe they are capable of. Have you seen their propaganda Canada? Of course you have, silly question.

It worries me. There is no end-game, no thought beyond the immediate now and punishing phantom insults and fabricated casus belli. Do you know Canada what happens to communities engaged in conflit like these for reasons like those stated States side? The more numerous, stronger, richer side wins of course. But not because the opponent capitulates or accepts terms. The side that wins does so because it buries the other... literally into the grave of time. Because they make it so there can be no terms and no end-game. Because there is no mutual respect.

They forget that without the one side, the other is doomed to irrelevance. They forget it because they can't see far enough into the future where this comes to pass. Or they believe that old communities never truly die down or disappear. Wait no... again that would require a level of self-awareness that they are incapable of.

But let's not be too melancholy or melodramatic, this isn't a theater play after all. In any case, things are shades of grey rather than black and white.

We have been better allies than we've had the occasion to be in the recent past. That's a process and I think we'll continue to improve there. We've become more efficient, more connected. We've seen new voices ask questions. Each question is a new tie to the community.

There are friends that I miss but I like the alliances we've made, both the hard links created through MPPs and the softer ones created by common causes and enemies.

I'll confess to being somewhat frustrated though Canada. Frustrated as much with myself as with all of us. You see, I can formulate a plan and I can see ways in which we can be better. But I don't have the time to pursue those ideas.

Here is the truth... I don't want to TAKE the time to pursue those ideas.

That's what our opponents are banking on. You know Canada, we've always punched above our weight class. The cost of oppressing us is not proportional to our size but rather a drain that will only go on increasing. That's also in part why there is no effort at dialogue beyond insults and posturing, they need our community to shrink to a state where everything can be dictated to us.

I wouldn't invite anyone new here Canada, would you? And yet, and yet, that is what we most fervently need. So where should we look for those people? How about we look for them among us first. Then we can start looking abroad. Each person that stays is a valuable gain, never lose perspective on that. Similarly we can't afford a loss... and yes, that includes most trolls.

A nation is defined and recognized by its greatest triumphs and its most abject failures. Canada, our flaws are pretty ugly but they are out there for everyone to see. We also have a strong narrative of redemption. Contrast that with our neighbours and you will see the same arrogance of the oppressor as well as when they were the oppressed. They've played this scenario before and learnt nothing of it.

Before, they had us by their side.

What do you think would happen to the big and strong among us if they were all forced to spend considerable time being humble and small? I hope they would come to see the strength needed of our smaller communities to stand up and oppose. Not the strength measured in our profiles but the strength residing in our minds and in our dedication.

Could they make the choice between Congress and irrelevance every month?

Could they be patient?

Would they still, after months and countless verbal sparing sessions, extend their hands across the imaginary divide and say... well played!

I don't know.

Feels like it's been a while since we talked Canada but this has been nice. It's our so called life, it is six minutes increments of time. It is most definitely idleness and pretend ego stroking. We are the anklebitters and we won't forget.

Stay strong.

Respectfully yours,
AV