I don’t have a scale in the house. The only thing I ever put on a scale is a letter at the post office. But while I was in Canada this week, I stood on a scale at the home where I stayed and discovered that I’ve lost twenty pounds since my last visit.
I learned a few more things while I was in Canada this week.
I saw a Toronto police officer wearing a turban. The Toronto Police allow Sikhs to wear turbans with their uniform. It matches the uniform and is marked accordingly. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police also permit turbans with their uniform. And I wondered if Canada might have a better relationship with its immigrant population because it seeks commitment rather than compliance.
I heard the story of a Canadian who came to the US to open a factory but chose against it. Though he was born and raised in Canada, his parents were from Jordan and each time he crossed the boarder he was questioned to such a degree that he decided that it wasn’t worth the hassle. A small US town lost didn’t get the opportunity for an additional 140 jobs. Another friend of Jordanian descent refuses to visit the US because of issues at the boarder. An acquaintance from Iran moved to Miami and has decided to return to Canada because of the hassles.
I cross the boarder into Canada and I’m asked about where I’m going and how long I’ll stay. When I returned to the US, my bags were searched, I was questioned about where I was, who I know, where I work and what I purchased.
I learned that some US opera companies decided against performing Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale over fears of anti-Americanism and how the performance may hinder future funding.
I learned how an effective waste management system and recycling program diverted 42% of Toronto’s residential waste away from landfills last year.
I saw public advertisements for condoms and wondered if that might be why Canada has a teen pregnancy rate that is 50% less than the US.
I weigh myself in Canada and it feels as if I have lost more than just twenty pounds.
Your anti-American sentiment is disgusting!!!
I’m just kidding.
Seriously, when I saw the film Sicko, when I hear people talking about ways to deal with illegal immigrants, when I hear news stories about those of Arab descent being detained or unfairly questioned, I feel enraged. I want to change my country from within, but sometimes I just want to leave.
Thank you for a well-written post.