Last weekend we went to Canada to do a show at a church in Hartland, NB. We have had several opportunities to visit Canada over the years, sometimes for a few hours, sometimes for a weekend, occasionally longer. When Jona-Lynn, now 20, was a baby, we brought my father to Nova Scotia for a week; He had always dreamed of visiting there. A few Aprils ago, Sue and I spent several days on a second honeymoon to Prince Edward Island. I realize that I haven’t spent a lot of time north of the border, I’ve only visited four provinces, and I’ve never been west of Quebec, but I’ve always enjoyed my time in Canada. So, for what it’s worth, here’s my list of things-that-are-cool-about-Canada:
Moose
Geese that understand aerodynamics so well they migrate in a “V” formation.
Anne of Green Gables
The world’s longest covered bridge (which is in Hartland, and we have crossed in previous visits.)
Cirque de Soliel
All the different colored money
The flag. Fall is my favorite season, so any flag that rocks a red maple leaf is the ultimate of cool (no disrespect to Old Glory intended).
Dudley Do-right
Gordon Lightfoot, Buffy Ste. Marie and Justin Bieber. OK, I’m not a big fan of the Bieb’s music, but he sincerely seems like a decent kid.
Poutine
My in-laws
Peggy’s Cove, NS
Federal health care
Wait a minute… health care?
Yeah. I’m no expert on the topic, but I ask Canadians every chance I get about their opinion. Well, maybe not every chance. I didn’t ask the 16 year old who served me coffee at the Tim Horton’s drive through, but when the conversation allows, I ask. Here’s what I’ve learned: Every Canadian I’ve spoken to loves their health care system. Even the Bible believing Christians – and let’s face it, they’re a high percentage of the Canadians I interact with - support federal health care, calling it both efficient and moral.
Is it possible, then, that a nation’s stance on health care is not a biblical absolute either way? Is it possible that the American religious right don’t have a full understanding of the issue? Is it possible that when Rush says Canadians hate their health care system, he’s never actually spoken to a Canadian about it? Is it possible that health care IS pro-life? Is it possible that too many people pushing their views have a limited worldview, and therefore shouldn’t be given the audience they often receive?
I think so.