Canada's Shame

By Brendan Baker

On 1 May 2008

Favorited 9 Times

Canada's Shame

I have issues with my country's lack of responsibility on the world stage. I'm not sure how this leaf represents this, but that was what I was trying for.

7 Responses

  • William Foley (Kreddible Trout)

    On 1 May 2008 William Foley (Kreddible Trout) said:

    yeah, the leaf seems appropriately despondent. You don't think sending Canadian troops to Afghanistan to support the Bush Agenda is responsible? mmm... Me neither. I've been ashamed since Harper was voted in.

  • Brendan Baker

    On 1 May 2008 Brendan Baker said:

    KT - I was happy when I saw your name. And I'm just as happy that this might turn a photo into a political discussion.
    I'm unsure (but nervous) about Afghanistan. Iraq would have been a disaster. But my frustrations are deeper. They target all main political parties, who I feel have let us down. And I think we, as the Canadian public, are responsible for not caring enough to hold our politicians to account.
    I feel our country had a beautiful reputation for strong, principled actions on the world stage. About 15 years ago. Since, I think we've declined, replacing a sense of duty with hypocritical bickering and self-righteous moralistic actions. I feel our actions in Bali were a low point. But I also have hope.
    Whew. In the interests of not overflowing my profile with this, I'll stop now, but certainly invite anyone else to contribute...
    Cheers,
    B

  • seanie blue

    On 1 May 2008 seanie blue said:

    Don't worry, Brendan, every nation acts shamefully -- it's what nations do. We can still count on every individual person to act honestly and decently IF they aren't malnourished or under-educated or under pressure. Angola or Spain or Bolivia or Bhutan or the Solomon Islands or any other geopolitical animal hasn't got much to brag about! I think it's cool you called out your flag like that.

  • Nidia

    On 2 May 2008 Nidia said:

    Love this and your article about taking photos of leaves was great. I wonder why they JPGMag does work around placing comments about the articles.

  • Chris Whitney

    On 2 May 2008 Chris Whitney said:

    I like this series: bright colors,simple compositions, and negative space are all fine elements.

  • Brendan Baker

    On 3 May 2008 Brendan Baker said:

    Thanks guys.
    Seanie,
    I agree, with the possible exception about Bhutan. I thought (and may be wrong) that their monarchy was pushing them towards democracy, which the population was adopting hesitantly. I also thought they have had quite remarkable development over the past few years. If these are true, then the tiny kingdom is actually kind of a refreshing example.
    For the record, I'm not naive enough to think that other nations don't have their own problems. I just feel that my own ranks up there in terms of wasted potential to be a force for good in the world.
    If anyone wants to read more about this, the second post at the following link is how I feel:
    http://cashewman.livejournal.com/
    Cheers,
    B

  • On 25 June 2008 Robin Binaoro gave props:

    simple and beautiful..nice article

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