Kudos to the City of Duncan and the Municipality of North Cowichan for taking a stand against intolerance by declaring their support for the Olympic athletes - albeit in slightly different ways.
Nobody is suggesting we're not entitled to our own beliefs and opinions.
Nobody is suggesting we all change our lifestyles to conform to a way of life we're uncomfortable with - but a little tolerance can really go a long way, whether it's race, religion, political affliliation, or otherwise.
Among the things that are integral to the fabric of this country are freedom of speech and expression.
We're free to be ourselves. Another is the reputation we Canadians have built for being friendly and polite no matter where we go.
This kindness and compassoin should really extend to our own friends and neighbours within our own borders, as well as beyond.
There is really much, much more to a "rainbow" philosophy, too, as there are so many, many other forms of discrimination.
The recent actions taken by
the Russian government against their own people only stand as a signpost, urging us all to re-examine many of our own attitudes.
And, as expected, Valley people are doing so.
Posts of support on Facebook, urging local governments to give some visible voice to our concerns, have shown yet again that Cowichan folks want to support diversity.
Duncan City Council has not only made a statement at City Hall, it also wrote a letter to the International Olympic Committee to voice its opposition to
discrimination.
Speaking of marginalized groups, seniors at Sunridge Place are also being treated unfairly with the potential for massive layoffs to their staff. Whether the layoffs happen or not is apparently yet to be determined, but the uncertainty still has an impact on the residents.
The staff at Sunridge are not just concerned for their jobs; they are also worried about the residents they care for.
There are few things more Canadian than stepping up and speaking out for those whose voices have been taken away.
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