The deep importance of appreciating our elders

This guest post is written by Kate Harveston, a writer and political activist from Pennsylvania. She blogs about culture and politics, and the various ways that those elements act upon each other. For more of her work, you can follow her on Twitter or subscribe to her blog, Only Slightly Biased.

It’s always important to remember where you came from: your hometown, your humble beginnings, maybe your parents who saw you through it all. In today’s world, though, appreciation for the past seems to be lost in the fray, cast aside in favour of fast-paced jobs, modern technology and eyes focused intently on what’s to come.

I think it’s important that we start to change that, both for the current generation of elders, as well as for future generations who will eventually take on the same role. We have so much to learn from those who have walked through life before us, but we often forget to ask. Continue reading “The deep importance of appreciating our elders”

Art

Is it appropriate to enjoy the art without condemning the artist?

If evolution is a theoretical end-goal of successful art — a.k.a. “it makes you think” — then what about the evolution of the artist behind the art? Do you excuse the artist their personal failings, especially crimes, for contributions of great art to society? Continue reading “Is it appropriate to enjoy the art without condemning the artist?”

Church

Immigrant pastors give their views on American Christianity

To know God, and through that relationship live the best life one can lead, is at the centre of many religions. As one of the prominent religions on the planet, Christianity has evolved into different expressions of faith across all points of the globe. Continue reading “Immigrant pastors give their views on American Christianity “

LGBTQ

The exclusion policy and the will of God: two years later

A little over two years ago, Russell M. Nelson was speaking to a group of young single adults during a broadcasted fireside. During part of his remarks, he discussed the “will and mind of the Lord” and used the 2015 policy of exclusion as an example of the “will and mind of the Lord” in action.

I’ve been contemplating his remarks on this second anniversary, and I have a few thoughts, some of which I’ve expressed elsewhere over the last couple of years.

First, here are his remarks. I have left them intact, but have added bold for emphasis. Continue reading “The exclusion policy and the will of God: two years later”

Drugs

2018 to be the year Canada legalizes cannabis?

Medical cannabis was first legalized in Canada in 2001, which allowed citizens to partake as long as they had a prescription. The medical cannabis business expanded over the past 16 years, reaching a point today in which Canada is on the verge of full-scale legalization. With the continued support of Trudeau, 2018 could be a big year for Canadian cannabis.

Though the momentum behind legalization seems insurmountable, there are a ton of factors that will inevitably be considered before Canada jumps headlong into legalization. Continue reading “2018 to be the year Canada legalizes cannabis?”

Baptism

The keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel

During my scripture study earlier this week, I was reading Luke 13:24

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

One of the footnotes sent me over to 2 Ne. 9:41

The way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate.

Continue reading “The keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel”

Health

American doctors on Canadian healthcare and the future for America

As lawmakers put on an extended match of political football with the American healthcare system, many have pointed to Canada as a shining example of how things should be done.

Canada uses a socialized healthcare system based around a single-payer, an idea that has recently gained momentum with left-leaning Americans. However, that doesn’t make Canada’s system perfect.

It takes someone with an intricate knowledge of healthcare, in general, to break down the real similarities and differences in the two current systems. So, what are American doctors who’ve been to Canada saying? Continue reading “American doctors on Canadian healthcare and the future for America”

Politics

The affordable housing issue in Canada

Goldman Sachs gives Canada’s housing market a one in three chance of crashing soon. At the same time, more Canadians than ever are migrating to urban areas, driving up the need for affordable housing.

It’s a trend that isn’t sustainable. The average price of a home in Canada is increasing at nearly twice the rate of the United States, but wages for Canadians are not increasing. More people and lower income in a market with rising prices is a recipe for disaster, and if Canada can’t find a solution to the problem, that’s exactly what this crisis will become. Continue reading “The affordable housing issue in Canada”

Environmentalism

Climate change’s increased impact on women

Climate change is something that affects everyone, but as with many things in this world, it actually doesn’t affect everyone equally. New evidence has suggested that the changing climate can have unique adverse effects on women specifically. Continue reading “Climate change’s increased impact on women”

Nationalism, Politics

On confusing the enemy

Alt-right groups are growing in the US and Canada, and social media outlets help to act as a platform for promoting ideologies. These people claim their movement is based on liberty and the right to free speech. However, in today’s apparently civilized society, what they’re promoting should be called what it rightfully is: racism, misogyny and anti-Semitism. The KKK, Neo-Nazi groups, and others are experiencing a revival or resurgence in sympathizers, and it would be shortsighted to exclude the Rise of Trump as partly responsible for this.

Far-right groups and individuals are associated with hate speech as they preach something that encourages divide, exclusion, and blame based on gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. The alt-right is gaining power in both America and Canada, and media presences are giving more credence to these harmful beliefs.

Recently, I read about a far-right political activist from Canada named Lauren Southern. She’s a blonde 22-year-old who made news in my country when the Southern Poverty Law Center condemned her for hate speech and blatant white nationalism.

In the aftermath, I’ve seen people calling her the “Canadian Tomi Lahren.” Lahren is a 25-year-old conservative political commentator and TV host who is quickly becoming one of the most recognized faces in American right-wing media. While humorous to note that they resemble each other in looks, age, and political leanings, to me, it seems dangerous to muddle the two. Continue reading “On confusing the enemy”