What makes me

I see so many people talk about a home land, returning to the "home" of their fathers, family - or whatever.  I think it sad that these folks believe that they aren't whole for these and so many other reasons that really have nothing to do with who they really are. I truly believe that these people are missing the big picture.  We are all sailing on a ship in as vast and immeasurable ocean and all most of us want is to have a nice voyage without storms and sea sickness.  So we really have to drop our identity issues and just be people for fuck's sake.

I was born in city of Winnipeg in the province of Manitoba in the Country of Canada which happens to be on the Northern part of the continent of North America.  I happened to be the son of two European parents who, like many, immigrated to Canada - the reasons are irrelevant.  As I was "growing up" my parents taught me many things, introduced me to foods common to their part of the world and stories and customs of their little part of home.  Now that I've grown up (still growing up in fact) I realize that all those things - city of birth - nationality - generational heritage and taste for seafood are only small parts of what I am - almost irrelevant.  To me, the things that make me, what I feel are relevant in what I am - to partially quote a singer - are the steps I take, the moves I make, the cakes I bake, the hand that I give, the empathy that I feel, the words that I speak and the love I give.

Peace and respect

When in Rome...

It would seem that global conflict is something we humans just can't get away from.  I'm not going to get into reasons for conflict, but I would like to address one aspect of the fallout.  In times of conflict, we pretty much have two choices - fight of flight.  I would like to address the flight aspect of the conflict issue.

War/conflict/suffrage sucks.  There are people/countries who recognize this and feel that it is the right thing to do and help out those who are dealing with war/conflict/suffrage.  One of the main reasons that countries around the world are able to help out is mainly because those countries aren't experiencing war/conflict/suffrage. 

The term "si fueris Rōmae, Rōmānō vīvitō mōre; si fueris alibī, vīvitō sicut ibi "  was attributed to a fella from around 300 c.e. (common era) and is Latin for “if you should be in Rome, live in the Roman manner; if you should be elsewhere, live as they do there”.  What I would like to purpose is that folks/refugees that are welcomed by host countries could respect the host people/country by heeding these words spoken about 1600 years ago.  

One of the reasons that countries can help out other folks in regions of conflict is because there is order.  Order is achieved with laws, rules and regulations that everybody must abide.  This includes those are are fortunate enough to be hosted by a generous country.  We are all expected to behave and conform to social system within that country.

I would ask that any newcomer to a country consider this.

Thank you