Again a phrase came unbidden to my mind. Again it is ABSOLUTELY perfect for these times, and for my life. In many ways the climax to it all came on November 20, 2023.
Something that is topsy-turvy is in a confused or disorganized state. Used in an entirely factual statement: The world has turned topsy-turvy in my lifetime.
The focus of this blog shall be Canada, more specifically Edmonton. I shall begin with good news; but there is a caveat Bad news shall follow.
Caveat is a warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations.
In the days prier to the ceasefire the Edmonton Al Rashid Mosque sent an email urging all to send an email to the Edmonton mayor, requiring him, on behalf of Edmontonians, to request a ceasefire. At the time thought it was a brilliant move – the Alberta Legislature was stone deaf, utterly unreachable and unconcerned but, perhaps, the mayor could be stirred to action. I sent an email as I am still leasing an apartment in Edmonton. It was with great joy that I received an email from an Eastern Canada Mosque announcing that the campaign in Edmonton, Hamilton and Mississauga had asked for a ceasefire in the last 24 hours. I was so proud of the mayor of Edmonton, the Edmonton Al Rashid Mosque and myself (for my small contribution to the effort.)
I needed that because I am totally completely and thoroughly appalled at other news received from AB Today, a subscription newsletter reporting on the Alberta Legislature, which provided a link to my alma mater, the University of Alberta. Appalled is the perfect word: greatly dismayed or horrified: Its synonyms will alarm you: dismay, distress greatly, outrage, scandalize, alarm; make someone’s blood run cold, make someone’s hair stand on end; disgust, repel, revolt, sicken, nauseate, offend. This should make your blood run cold, make your hair stand on end.
Premier backs firing of U of A sexual assault centre director over Gaza letter.
“The University of Alberta fired the executive director of the institute’s sexual assault center, Samantha Pearson, after she signed a controversial open letter on behalf of the organization. The open letter calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and says Canadian leaders are complicit in the genocide of the Palestinian people. One line in the letter states that federal NDP Leader James Singh “repeated the unverified accusation that Palestinians were guilty of sexual violence. Pearson’s removal was applauded by Premier Danielle Smith. “I unequivocally agree with The University of Alberta’s decision to dismiss the director, Smith said on social media. “All spaces including university campuses need to be safe for all. Antisemitism of any kind is not to be tolerated.”
So speaking the truth is antisemitism????? I shall say no more. The ridiculous, the absurdity of that is enough. Absolutely and entirely evil.
The AB Today article linked a statement made by the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Alberta.
The recent improper and unauthorized use of the name of the University of Alberta’s Sexual Assault Centre in endorsing an open letter has raised understandable concerns from members of our community and the public. Effective immediately, the director of the centre is no longer employed by the university. The university has appointed a new interim director of the Sexual Assault Centre. I want to be clear that the former employee’s personal views and opinions do not in any way represent those of the University of Alberta. The University of Alberta stands firmly and unequivocally against discrimination and hatred on the basis of religion, race, ethnicity, national origin, and other protected categories. We recognize the historical and ongoing harms of antisemitism and commit to doing all we can as a university to advance a world free of prejudice and discrimination. The services provided by the university, particularly those supporting the well-being and health of community members, must be open and welcoming to all individuals in our diverse community. The new leadership at the Sexual Assault Centre is committed to swiftly implementing the changes required to ensure this university commitment is upheld.I understand that this event has been profoundly hurtful and may have compromised the trust of individuals in our community. I also recognize the significant potential negative impact given the critical nature of the centre’s work. On behalf of the university, I apologize for the hurt and distress this issue has caused members of our community and beyond. As a university, we commit to continued action to restore your trust.
Bill Flanagan
President and Vice-Chancellor
What world does that man live in? Restoring trust in a University who fires a woman for speaking out against genocide, the Islamic Faith is not a protected religion? ? The fate of Palestinians is far worse than those of Holocaust victims. Flanagan is preforming the functional equivalent of cheering on the SS during the days of the Final Solution.
The University of Alberta was once a stellar University. Apparently, during my absence government funding dried up and universities were forced to privatize in order to fund their expansionistic tendencies. Money making programs were expanded and foraging students bringing big bucks were welcomed with open arms. It is the funding sources that Flanagan is beholden to – not the ideals of knowledge and humanity. His actions downgrade the most hallowed of ideals and efforts of conscientious people. My university degree is worth nothing, the one I strived so hard to obtain in 1984. It might as well be inscribed on a piece of toilet paper.
Part and parcel of the whole problem is that in Canada there is a total lack of freedom of information. Information containing truth, not misinformation. There are many reasons for this dire situation, made worse by recent ridiculous actions made by Prime Minister Trudeau.
I end this diatribe with good news. First the definition of a diatribe. It is a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something My very favorite synonyms are: harangue, , denunciation, fulmination, condemnation, reproof, reprimand, rebuke, admonishment, vituperation, castigation.
This blog has been a denunciation, a fulmination, a condemnation a reproof and an admonishment against Premier Danielle Smith, Bill Flanagan and all those who serve obediently under their tutelage (authority over someone or something)
Alter Ego: What could possibly be good news at a time like this Alexis?
Me: My statistics! The most recent ones show that I am still being read by Canadians. So that somebody there will be reading the truth, not misinformation.
Alter Ego: Anything else Alexis? We need more good news.
Me: I suddenly remembered something which provides total and complete irony. I was the University of Alberta correspondent to the Edmonton Journal in 1983-84. You are going to have to take my word for it as I no longer have any of my former possessions but it is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. It was prior to my first marriage when my last name was Dryburgh.
Take my word for it is phrase. If you say to someone ‘ take my word for it’, you mean that they should believe you because you are telling the truth.
There is so much irony, there are many synonyms of irony: sharpness, satire, sarkicness. Incongruity and peculiarity are the ones that best capture my meaning.
The photographs attached to this blog have great meaning. One my recent statistics. Another the example of what has become another desecration. The Alberta Legislative Building has become a desecration with the presence of Premier Danielle Smith. My great uncle, Willian Dryburgh, came from Scotland in 1910 working as a decorative plasterer during the construction of the building. I have taken several photographs of his work and will, someday if I live long enough, write an illustrated book showing his immense hard work and efforts. Look at the photographs with awe, working outside with no safety nets. What courage! What tenacity!
Contrast that with the woman in charge of that beautiful building. What has become of us?? Not us! I have repudiated Canada, I see no hope for its future, the shame of it all, it really did not have a past despite its massive resources. I have no idea what went so dreadfully, so tragically, wrong. I guess part of the problem was living next door to the United States of America. Come to think of it, Mexico has had its share of problems as well. Hmmmm. I escaped!!!! Saudi Arabia has better neighbours. More about that in an upcoming blog.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cz8lfwgspMX/
