Canada 150: Happy Dominion Day

 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

Someone who actually cares about this country has something to say about it:

While it may be tempting to congratulate ourselves for this blessed state of affairs, our gratitude should instead go to those who came before us and built so much of what we have. It starts with acknowledging the leadership and wisdom of Sir John A. Macdonald, Sir George-Étienne Cartier and their colleagues. Coming together in a time of great danger, they constructed a system that would allow British, French, Aboriginal and Immigrant to unite, while preserving their unique institutions, languages, cultures and faiths. That achievement is, despite the youthfulness of our country, one of the most enduring models of democratic governance in the world today.

Generations of men and women have since added their own stories to the annals of our history. Through wise decisions, hard work and sacrifice, they built our economy, developed our society and enhanced our liberty. Consecrating those triumphs are the tens of thousands of Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in distant lands, fighting to ensure that the great evils of the past 150 years did not come to our shores.

A full appreciation of all we have been given should also lead us to embrace our own responsibilities to those who follow. Are we also ready to take the hard decisions rather than the easy paths? Are we prepared to dedicate ourselves to great causes in the face of grave challenges? Are we willing to make sacrifices in our own time so that our descendants will continue to enjoy our freedoms in theirs?

If our answers to these questions are yes, and our actions bear out those convictions, then we can be assured that, in another 150 years, Canada will be even stronger and better than it is today.

In any other country, aboriginals would find that being ignored would be the best thing that could happen to them:

The author admits people killed deer, albeit respectfully. But nowhere does his piece mention war, torture, sex slavery or any of the other all-too-human things ordinary Canadians know happened in this non-Eden despite the exquisite PC grovelling that is instinctive among our political and cultural elites. ...

Most Canadians are heartbroken at the difficulties that afflict so many aboriginals today and bitterly regret the history that brought this misery. But most of us had nothing to do with it, have sad stories of our own ancestors, and will tire of every open hand being met with open insult like a “reoccupation” of Parliament Hill to spoil the Canada Day mood, of every concession bringing new demands.

Peddling false history from within the mantle of victimhood is perilously arrogant for those who claim special treatment based on history. So beware.

Hubris does not only bring nemesis to white politicians.

Need a snack to celebrate Canada Day (not for the kids)?

One of Japan’s oldest distillers shares a delicious dessert idea.

Whiskey, being a versatile spirit, can be enjoyed in a number of ways. While strict purists may insist on having theirs neat, you can also find whiskey aficionados who prefer it on the rocks or with water or soda.

But though those are all fine options, equally compelling is a recent suggestion from Nikka, one of Japan’s oldest whiskey producers. In a recent tweet from the distiller’s official account, Nikka recommended that you skip any form of H2O or other conventional cocktail mixers and instead combine whiskey and pudding.

Happy Canada Day and safe driving.