Dear editor:

What is civilization? From the dictionary, “a civilization is a complex human society, usually made up of different cities, with certain characteristics of cultural and technological development.”

In many parts of the world, early civilizations formed when people began coming together in urban settlements.

History has shown us the mistakes made through the eons and some with horrific consequences for the different cultures we attempted to erase. All of that we point to as disgraceful, sad and despicable. We made vows to change and be better societies.

This begs the question. Would we today install young, racially different children into schools and force them to forget their culture and adopt ours? Of course not.

Would we legally enslave another race to suit our ends? Again, of course not. Should we treat the less fortunate fairly and provide care? We should but we are flawed and either by ineptitude or carelessness, the goal reached falls far short of 100 per cent.

What prompted this letter is our inability to see the good that has been accomplished, even though we at times failed. Canada is a wonderful country envied by many throughout the world.

What right has a local council to suggest we shouldn’t celebrate who we are? We are human, flawed, exciting, knowledgeable. Let us have that, at least.

To all Canadians, be proud that you have come so far from the ignorance of earlier societies. Remind all of the politicians in your life that you will not hang your head in shame for past circumstances but will accept that we can do better and we will. Happy birthday, Canada.

Lorraine Horton
NOTL