A season of sharing

Many of our fellow citizens are unable to celebrate this holiday season because they do not have the attention of government at any level or political inclination. Across this majestic country that is Canada, we can bear witness to those far less-fortunate, who live rough, or are homeless in a land of plenty.

Reflect on the abhorrent conditions in which many of our First Nations people live. Would you accept endless boil-water advisories, or yearly flooding, or substandard housing? Would there be an outcry if any members of your community went missing? If you were Cree from Northern Quebec, would you not wonder why environmentalists have said nothing about the decimation of the caribou? All Canadians, not just the privileged, should be protected to the greatest measure of the law. It is the responsibility of all levels of government to ensure that all citizens are protected, before funding pet programs that benefit the few.

Our elected representatives promise much, but deliver little on the most fundamental promises to care for the most vulnerable. For example, not all of our senior citizens enjoy the luxury of indexed pensions. It is criminal that some of us must choose to sacrifice food, rent, hydro, water, heating or other basic life requirements in order to make ends meet. We should demand better from our politicians.

Fortunately, concerned citizens pick up the slack, offering grassroots help to those in need. The various volunteer organizations are, to a great degree, the sinew that holds communities together—not government assistance.

Remember, in this season of sharing, any small help that you offer will be greatly welcomed.

You should enjoy your Christmas feast, all the same.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
A traditional turkey dinner can be accompanied with a local riesling or pinot noir. When making the gravy, deglaze the roasting pan with the wine you are going to serve with the meal, to give your sauce zest. If you are going for a glazed ham, I suggest a baco noir. And, if you are going to make a mustard from dry powder, add a little wine. I recommend pairing a local cabernet franc with roast beef. And a seafood or fish dinner can always be complemented by a perky local chardonnay.

A very merry Christmas to all!