Who Is Allowed In

I heard a very passionate person, today, on a radio broadcast, arguing that certain kinds of people should not be able to become Canadians because of what their country's beliefs are and that those beliefs don't fit with ours. She outlined what a Canadian is, according to her views, to our laws and the nature of our character, here. It gave me great cause for thought. I know that when I visit another country and enter it, I adhere to the laws of that land, and sometimes, while I may not agree entirely with what its concepts are, in respect of my being there, I know that I should at least try to understand the customs and behave appropriately as far as I am able. It tells them that I appreciate the differences between our mores and theirs. It becomes a form of global  friendship and understanding. In Canada we have laws, and they do not allow abuse of man or beast and no matter what one's tome of faith is, the law here stands before all else. Those who enter this country, when they come here to settle and stay and become Canadians, understand that. If they didn't, they wouldn't attempt to become citizens. They evidently want to make a change. And while the vast majority of us, came here, also, as immigrants, we should welcome others who want to be with us to form this country's grand plan.  I think we can, for the most part, trust that idea. The person arguing to disallow certain kinds of people with beliefs that are not legal here, forget the process for becoming a Canadian. We have freedom of religion and a whole lot of other constitutional freedoms and responsibilities in Canada and if you wish to be Canadian, you have to embrace them. Immigrants study these requirements and are tested, and are willing fully to adopt Canadian ways even though situations aren't the same as in their original countries. Where certain of their beliefs don't fit with the legalities of this country, they know it, and decide, regardless, to embrace true Canadianism. If we have concerns in that direction we should look carefully at our own beliefs. Few of us adhere strictly to our tenets, and if we did so perfectly, we might come pretty close to sainthood, no matter what our faiths are. But we know that the law is law and it rises above all else for everyone, no matter what one's personal beliefs are. We have to render unto Caesar as the saying goes. Welcoming other world citizens to our country is part of what makes us Canadian.