Seven Syrians and a Ukrainian

That's the make up of the "Multi-Language Learner" class at the local high school. Seven Syrian teens, all refugees from the Syrian civil war. Six are Muslim. One is Christian. All are Arabic speakers. Plus, the solitary Ukrainian kid, who arrived just after that war began. On the last day before Christmas break, they held their class Christmas party, orchestrated by the Christian teacher and the Jewish Ed Assistant. They snacked on sweets sent in by parents, over a soundtrack of prerecorded Arabic music and Christmas carols. Everybody had a good time. These kids have experienced many indignities, and much worse, in their lives. Being able to share and make friends across what could be sectarian divides in their home countries is a beautiful thing, and I don't begrudge a single tax dollar that helps facilitate it. Along with helping refugees fleeing foreign wars, we Canadians should take a step back and ask ourselves how our own policies and political alliances contribute to creating the very refugees we are helping. Both Syrian and Ukrainian refugees are victims of a deluded Western perspective committed to preserving US hegemony. It's time Canada stopped marching to Uncle Sam's tune. The Western Bandwagon isn't going anywhere good. Let's de-couple before it's too late. Let's invest in peace, not F-35s and warships. Canada can do better! Wishing you a peaceful winter solstice, no matter who or where you are, or what you call it. Merry Christmas!