This is what the Calgary, Alberta, Canada mayor said after a public meeting:
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi:
"I had a meeting this morning where we had a community forum on refugees. And I was a little bit nervous walking in because it was an open invitation, anybody could come, and I thought there might be some angry people or people with a lot of very difficult questions. And who was there were churches and synagogues and temples and mosques and grandmothers and volunteers and people from across the community, who were just asking the same question, which is by the way still by far the most common question I get, how can I help? And at one point a First Nations woman stood up. I only knew that because she said, I am a First Nations woman. I thought she was going to say, why are we having all this focus on these refugees when we have so many problems closer to home? And what she actually said was, I need some help. Because I need to understand how and when they’re coming because I want to make sure, and many of my First Nations colleagues, want to make sure that when these people come, we have an opportunity to have the elders there to drum them in and to do a smudge ceremony so we can welcome them to this land... I might have lost it at that point."
This is served to you as an antidote to all the hate, prejudice and racism out there.
I've heard many opposite sentiments here in the southeastern U.S., but even here there are a few experiences like this one. So encouraging. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI know Diane even here there's "what about the homeless?"as if they'd ever thought about them before.
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I agree that the South shows more racism but there are many more people who want to go beyond fear and nasty rhetoric and actually help, and I think we all would like to know how we can help in our own communities to keep things calm and actually go forward.
ReplyDeleteYes E direction is needed from leaders in communities. I've always believed in the goodness of people. Particularly when it comes to the suffering of fellow humans. The haters are waaaay outnumbered.
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Thank you WWW. I needed to hear that.....so refreshing.
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You're welcome, P - the other side have louder voices but I would bet there are more of us.
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ReplyDeleteI think there are many people who just want to welcome refugees and help them settle into a new country, but they're reluctant to say so when the headlines are dominated by anti-refugee hatred and ignorance. Good to know there's so much warm-heartedness in Calgary.
ReplyDeleteAnd out here on the Edge too, Nick, I hope Demz Wot Rulez are listening to us.
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Bless our Nenshi, we love him. And today on the CBC there was a story of the lady who has organized a sort of Air B&B for Refugees, where Canadians can offer space in their homes to a refugee while they are looking for a permanent place to live. They are working with the Federal Government so everyone is vetted, weeding out anyone who might be trying to take advantage etc. I can't find the story now, I was going to put a link up. But hundreds of people have volunteered apparently. :D
ReplyDeleteIf you find it Deb, let me know, I'd also like to volunteer. :)
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This is very encouraging! I love that guy. I'm also proud of my ole stomping grounds - Chester, NS, where they have a great committee and plan in place for welcoming, housing, feeding and helping refugees. Probably won't get so many coming to Labrador but man oh man - why not have them stay in the lovely empty base houses at Goose Bay? Jeesh.
ReplyDeleteI know Jan same here on the island when we're desperately in need of immigration. Sleeping at the switch as usual. I'm trying not to get too frustrated.
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Elephant Thoughts [very good at keeping us informed] in Collingwood is collecting for 2 families and I believe Barrie City Hall also has a fund. www.elephantthoughts.com
ReplyDeleteExcellent Betty.
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There is no need to comment. I wish that you had a "Like" button for a post like this.
ReplyDeleteI've often thought the same thing Ramana. The first refugees arrived today. YAY.
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Michael Moore has offered to share his condo, and, following his example, others have agreed to host refugees. This is somewhat tongue in cheek, of course. More seriously, our governor has said that Hawaii will welcome refugees.
ReplyDeleteWe who live in immigrant countries have little excuse for trying to keep people out.
Several millionaires here too Hattie have opened up their rental buildings free of rent for a year. So very heartening when the hatred from lunatics tales my breath away.
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I put up a paragraph on the refugees today too, as part of a different kind of post. I am so proud of my native country, there are too few nations in Europe willing to share the burden.
ReplyDeleteThe UK is one of the meaner countries, vox pop is definitely anti-immigrants and UKIP and similar trash is profiting.
And Sweden are setting a huge example 10,000 a week and they're running out of housing. For shame countries who are closing their doors.
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How wonderful to read this!
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