Andrew

First off - there should be a bilingual option on this thing. Secondly, hello! I've been totally politcally ignorant my whole life, i think the school system raises kids to be unaware and unempowered. After completeing Katimavik, a government based youth volunteer program, i sort of reaffirmed my Canadian and Quebecois identity. The reason i stress my Quebecois-ness, is because i wasen't raised by people in BC or people in the maritimes... I was raised by Montrealers; open minded, artistic, eccentric, mostly french speaking, fine dining, Montrealers. I've travelled Canada, and can tell you that people of this city *are* different, we're cultured differently. From the hard-core LGBT presence, the the rootsy/folk-ish music, to the fine french restaurants, to the lingering hippine-ness evidenced by tam-tam's on Sundays, Quebecers are true bon vivantes and honestly eccentric, with a unique sense of humour (tetes a claques, anyone?). I love this beautiful country and feel that preserving it should be our first priority. From the mountains of the west coast to the quaint beauty of the east coast. There are so many hidden treasures. I came to love native culture the instant i was exposed to it, i was really touched by the first powwow i attended, and i mean - i was *deeply* moved. THis rich history should be taught in all schools. Living in small towns, i found the natives to be the nicest and most receptive people around me. We could learn a lot about their enlightened views on humanity, gender, the environment, and religion. Compared to the Puritan's, they were the truly humane ones, accepting others regardless of religion or physical difference. I lived for a short while amongst Northern BC's Algonkian nations. I don't care about investing in the army, i think Canada should stick to peace-keeping. Money should be funelled into education (i'm a struggling student, it's hard), the environment, and health care. I seriously think Canada has the best social system out there. Personally, i love art, music, literature and solo sports. I'm studying to become an english teacher at the high school level. I study at Concordia downtown. If anyone wants to talk about politics, chat me up - i'm open about how much i don't know, and would love to learn more. I'd rather learn by osmosis, talking to people who are fired up and proactive than read books and websites about political parties and events. I'm all about respect, and i'm not claiming to have the most learned and informed views on politics... So don't bash my head in. I'd rather you engage me in some dialogue and attempt to expand my horizons... It's much more effective and enriching to me. PS: Is there a message board on here? Cuz that'd be pretty damn useful.