vive la difference

Why is it that those who yearn to differ from the norm end by being the most conformist? You will not see a more same-y looking crowd than a herd of teenagers, each simultaneously pining to be special and to blend in with the in-crowd. Pierced belly buttons and tattoos abound, all symbols of a desperate desire to "be different". The need to rebel is expressed as the most monotonous conformity. At the same time, the kid who really *is* different is the one who practices piano five hours a day and becomes a concert musicians or the one who excells in math or any other specific field of endeavour; the point being - it's not the rebeliousness that creates the unique individual but rather hard work which actually follows accepted norms.

Later in life, the herd instinct is expressed through fashion - be it platform shoes or skinny ties, mutton chop sideburns or bell bottom pants. Many people desire to be "in", then express the opinion that they are *special*, therefore "out".

Forget about the politically correct, nauseating mantra about everyone being special. The only thing that will make you special is talent and hard work. I don't think Einstein worried too much about the brand of his shoes.

tears

Sixty years ago this week, Canadian troops liberated the Netherlands. The country was at the point of utter starvation and despair. As punishment for the actions of Dutch resistance, the Germans had withheld food supplies and people were literally dying in the streets. Canadian soldiers put an end to the nightmare. They liberated the country and fed its citizens. Till this day, Canada and its soldiers are celebrated throughout Holland. Dutch kids know more - a lot more! - about the war and about their hard won freedom than almost any Canadian alive, except for the veterans.

It's the veterans that I want to celebrate and give thanks to. As I watchted the coverage of the ceremonies in Holland this morning and saw the faces of the dignified old gentlemen, all in their eighties now, I choked up. And when the band struck up "Oh, Canada", and the old guys stood and put their right hand on their hearts, I stood up with them, right there in my living room, and cried. These men were 18, 19, 20-year old kids when they roared into Holland with the Canadian army. They had come from prairie towns like Red Deer, Alberta and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, as well as from Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax. Places very far away from the killing fields of Europe and untouched by German attrocities and free of deprivation. Yet they boarded ships in their hundred of thousands to come to the rescue of people on another continent and to lay down their lives for their freedom.

This is something that all of us should bear in our minds every single day. This is something we should teach our kids and grandkids. This is a memory that should never be allowed to wane. This is about fighting and dying for the supreme value of freedom. It's very apropos that this year, the ceremonies almost coincide with Passover - a holiday that is a joyous celebration of freedom from slavery.

Liberty is something that must never be taken for granted. I knew that as I shed a tear and watched the old soldiers mouth the words of our anthem:

God, keep our land
Glorious and free
Oh, Canada
We stand on guard for thee!