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| Subject: Canada has good brand value - Part II |
I think it was the Economist that had another "best places to live" list where Vancouver was on the top. Does your previous discussion means that we should be disregarding that evaluation too, of course with a grain of salt.
[15-08-2006,12:03]
[***.242.242.2]
Raj |
(in reply to: Canada has good brand value - Part II)
No, everyone can use whatever criteria they like. I´m just pointing out that I wouldn´t use The Economist´s corporate view of the world as my criteria for best places to live.
As referenced earlier, ther UN´s criteria fits my view much closer and is quite different than The Economist´s.
[15-08-2006,12:25]
[***.130.12.0]
Richard |
(in reply to: Canada has good brand value - Part II)
To Sharon- no intention here to get personal. We´ve had such discussions about this in the past and we´ll not agree.
Also, I don´t think I´m paranoid. But I have lived in the "capital of the Confederacy" and know first-hand how religion and super patriotism can easily get mixed into public policy and attitudes. I don´t fault religion at all, I just don´t see what the point is of church attendance as a best places to live criteria.
Lastly, your premise that society lacks moral influence without religion is astounding (if I´m understanding this correctly). Non-believers are just as moral and ethical and belief-based people. So I don´t know where you´re getting that opinion. Afterall, we´ve seen the affects and threats of religious-based moral superiority from other parts of the world.
[15-08-2006,12:43]
[***.130.12.0]
Richard |
(in reply to: Canada has good brand value - Part II)
freedom of religion is something people immigrate for.
You did not read my comments correctly. All societies have moral influence - and you are right - there are moral citizens of no faith just like there are citizens of faith who make valid and useful contributions to society.
THAT IS MY POINT. People of faith (any faith) should not be categorically dismissed as lawmakers, judges, politicians etc. simply because they happen to believe in a higher power.
Moral superiority can swing both ways - as you have well demonstrated.
[15-08-2006,13:17]
[***.121.220.199]
sharon |
(in reply to: Canada has good brand value - Part II)
Accept it or not but religion will be extensively used in politics. When it comes to Canada (just like the US), Christian activism, especially evangelical Christian activism, provokes strong feelings, and that is in spite of its relatively benign role in Canadian political life.
I´d like to point out also that almost all Christians have surprisingly varying levels of belief in their church´s key doctrines. Church members vary from those who are interested in the institution for spiritual reasons, to those who are interested in it for philosophical, educational, literary or ethical reasons, to those who are interested in it for social/contact reasons.
The Bible has many interpretations and its seems that you can interpret it according to your needs, or only refer to it when you need to, as an example you can see how the US media invoking terms such as "evil-doers" read the bible, as anyone does, selectively. They choose the parts they like and they leave out the parts they don´t. In this case the parts they like are the parts about an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, that is—and a life for a life. If someone´s taken a life, then their life is required. And that´s certainly a biblical tenet. Of course, it´s from the Old Testament. You don´t hear much about forgiveness and turning the other cheek from say Prez Bush and his administration. The Old Testament is what they choose for this occasion because it suits their purpose.
[15-08-2006,15:54]
[***.242.242.2]
Raj |
(in reply to: Canada has good brand value - Part II)
Raj, I´m in complete agreement with your asessment of religion´s role in society - very insightful. Especially how the Christian right in the U.S. tends toward the vindictive portions of the Bible. I think this is what got this neo-con U.S. govt in trouble in its foreign policy along with the associated unease felt by its traditional allies.
And I understand Sharon´s comments, though not as much in agreement with. But the point of view I try to see.
Always agree or not, good to have such valuable exchanges of ideas here. I´ll be quiet for a while, as I don´t want to give the impression of righteous speech-making or be ganged up on.
[15-08-2006,16:10]
[***.130.12.0]
Richard |
(in reply to: Canada has good brand value - Part II)
I wish I could remember the book - arrgggg. I remember now... it was my Law and Business text! It talked about the origins of natural law, common law etc. I don´t think it matters what country - politicians wave whatever flag gets them the most support. Look at Mahmoud Ahmadinejad - he is a great example of twisting religious teaching and using it as a method of forced loyalty from his citizens. Talk about accusing others of being ´evil-doers´ - his list is endless! Christianity does not have the corner on the market for revenge. In fact...some of the most rightwinged, revengeful people I know have never darkened the door of a church in their life.
Whatever motivates people to create a civil and just society matters very little to me. What our Canadian definition of just and civil looks like will likely change and evolve until the end of time. As long as we can navigate those changes in a democratic way - I figure we rank up there as one of the best places on earth.
[15-08-2006,17:32]
[***.181.198.246]
sharon |
(in reply to: Canada has good brand value - Part II)
Vancouver may be rated a great place to live -- but that is if you are Canadian, or if you are breaking all the rules so to speak.
But if you come to Vancouver as a new immigrant, and even if English is your FIRST language, you are likely to have a tough time finding work.
I´ve heard this in several real life experiences. I´ve read this in several newspaper articles. Those that follow real studies about immigrants in Canada prove this.
Just because FOR CANADIANS Vancouver may be a nice place to live, it doesn´t mean that immigrants get good positions.
[16-08-2006,13:10]
[**.181.201.35]
dontbeafool |
(in reply to: Canada has good brand value - Part II)
Part of the problem is that BC has a huge illegal economy. So when newcomers come to that province, and are looking only for legitimate work, they have trouble.
Looks are very deceiving in BC, Canada especially. Remember, the 2nd largest industry in that province is illegal drugs.
[16-08-2006,13:12]
[**.181.201.35]
dontbeafool |
(in reply to: Canada has good brand value - Part II)
check your information. marijuna is unofficially one of BC´s biggest cash crops after cranberries, blueberries and tomatoes!
you might wish to read those newspapers more carefully. Better yet - spend your time reading the hundreds of employment ads in the same newspaper. You might actually find a job!
[17-08-2006,03:10]
[***.121.220.199]
sharon |
(in reply to: Canada has good brand value - Part II)
Sharon,
So testy. We´ve already left Canada and already one of us has employment in the USA.
The reason you are always nasty is because you hate the fact that anyone comes onto this site and tells the truth about how hard it is for HONEST LAW ABIDING PEOPLE who come to Canada....because Canadians are very discriminatory and don´t want newcomers to be hired for jobs that they feel should only go to people born in Canada.
This is well documented.
The problem is Canada, and Canadian attitudes. Nothing more.
Anyone who has been in British Columbia knows that the whole place is so corrupted by illegal substances, that it is amazing anything ever gets done. It´s also well known that most of the rural areas, the economy is supported in a big way by this activity.
Personally, I think it should certainly be legalized and TAXED so the government gets the tax money, etc.
There is a new book called BUD, INC. which explains it all. It´s also been covered by the CBC extensively over the years.
However, my point was that this skews the economy in parts of Canada....and without it, the lack of real jobs would be more obvious to outsiders.
But whatever the case, as for legitimate people, whom I´ve spoken to, whom want legal jobs, and are new to Canada, most have a horrible time of it.
I´ve also spoken to medical professionals in Canada whom themselves say that it´s always extremely difficult to find a new job, even as a Canadian who has been in Canada all their lives!
So Sharon, stop the hostility, and learn something. Learn how hard it is for most people and have a little common courtesy and sympathy...and when you go online and give advice, you should also include a dislclaimer to let people know that finding employment as a newcomer is a huge challenge.
[17-08-2006,12:18]
[**.193.204.2]
Ridiculous |
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