To the editor,
The occasion was my son’s 13th birthday It is at the end of November, so I arranged for a limo tour of Vancouver of the Christmas lights and decorations for him and 10 of his friends. The kids were white, black, brown, yellow and everything in between – a mini–United Nations. Now, in his 40’s, he lives in Ottawa (as do I now) and works near Parliament Hill. I asked him what his thoughts were with regard to the non-stop series of protests on the Parliament grounds and at Ottawa City Hall. He said, “You taught me people are equal”.
How does this relate to the topic? As parents, we make dumb mistakes and - we do some really good stuff. I am proud of my influence on his past and present perspective. Several months ago, I was invited some months ago to the inaugural meeting of the Barrhead Pride group. Not sure why – I am not gay - but I have to say I was honored that local people thought my input was useful. By way of background, I was raised on a local farm, (Lori Pudar), attended Sangudo School, spent most of my working years based in British Columbia and lived in Barrhead the past three years to be with my mother on her final journey.
So, in regard to the upcoming Neutrality Bylaw Vote, a question rises: what is the different between equality and neutrality? More importantly, what are the impacts?
Equality Definition: a situation in which men and women, people of different races, religions, etc. are all treated fairly and have the same opportunities. So accepted now around the world is the idea of the implicit equality and liberty of all people that it is hard to grasp what a profound change in human society it represented.1491 by Charles C. Mann
Neutrality Definition: the state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict or disagreement; the absence of decided views, expression, or strong feeling - disinterest
The Reality: According to the bylaw application: Only national, provincial, and municipal flags should be flown. There should be no decorations on Town crosswalks or displaying of flags supporting "political, social, or religious movements or commercial entities". No grandfathering of any existing crosswalks or flags, in order to restore “equality and neutrality to our public places"
It bothers me that the focus of this proposed bylaw is the two rainbow crosswalks downtown. The Neutrality Group is not using logic but is playing on the emotions of those that are opposed to homosexuality…and you know what, people are allowed to feel that way…that is called freedom of choice. Does the legion understand that they will no longer be able to fly their flag? Do the members of Treaty 6 know that as well? Sports teams may also have to remove their flags. Are schools public or private land?
I am troubled. My mother was in three of the social/medical facilities mentioned as places in which workers will go room to room to get their vote. I can tell you from first-hand experience that the majority of these residents will not understand what they are voting for or against.
So back to the definition of “neutrality”: Disinterest basically means “I don’t care”. Really? While I was in Barrhead, I came across some very caring people who got me through a very difficult time in a town where I knew few people.
So people of Barrhead, you may have different views, opinions and beliefs – but have you really reached the point where you just don’t care. I do not believe that.
Former Barrhead resident, now in Ottawa,
Lori Xavier