Beating The Orange - An All-Round Success

Last night I attended an exciting event. I previewed it here.

In the summer of 2006, I watched all 7 seasons of The West Wing, never having watched it when it originally aired. It grabbed me for the behind-the-scenes look at the White House, but also at political life and all it entails. Since then, I have rewatched the series at least 4 times. The writing is excellent, the storylines gripping and the acting bolsters the compelling characters created for the show.

I wasn't even interested in politics when I first watched that show, but when I revisited it, I had already begun my journey into understanding that world, and was further educated as to the inner workings of political life.

It isn't that I hadn't believed I could be personally involved in a political world; it's that I didn't know I would.

I have already discussed my heretofore limited experience with political events. Before last night, I'd had the pleasure of attended Valérie's launch party in November, and an energizing meeting just a few weeks ago. Both events inspired me beyond anything I'd imagined when thinking about politics.

But Tuesday, February 10, was an event of a different sort. And I must say it was a smashing success.

I arrived early, and, already tasked with live-tweeting the event, I set to getting a feel for the area. It took place at a brasserie in the neighborhood, and a section at the back had been dedicated space for our evening.

As attendees began to arrive, I felt very much like a hostess, and had been embraced by the campaign as part of the team. I've learned that when you are devoted to something, that energy becomes contagious. In this case, it has been mutual; I have been energized by the campaign, and have given that back. In turn, I have been welcomed as a team member and continue to cycle that enthusiasm back.

Last night, I met with others who have been inspired to support Valérie's campaign. I also met with people who had heard about her, or had been recruited to come, and who all began to exhibit the same facial expression I know I've worn: deep interest, a growing excitement and that sense of empowerment you feel when you know that something you're doing can - and will - make a difference.

I was able to speak with many different people, and what was even more heartening was that there were guests who didn't even live in the district Valérie represents, but who were there because they believe in the values she stands for, the voice she has, and the quickly snowballing effects she is having on the electorate.

It's at this time I should tell you all a little about Valérie and why I admire her; I'd outlined, in my last entry, the roles she plays in her life and how strong she is. But one thing I failed to mention, something that shows how one voice can make a difference, is how she became the candidate for our riding (for my non-Canadian friends, a "riding" is a district).

The last time there was a Conservative MP in our riding was the popular Gerry Weiner, who left office in 1993. That's 21 years ago. Along came Valérie, who saw a hole in the district and made the decision to become the candidate and run for office. She's taken the district by storm. And to me, someone who sees a need and takes it upon herself to fulfill that need is definitely someone I want speaking for my district in Ottawa.

That's the kind of go-getter Valérie is. When she spoke yesterday evening, it was a quick speech - it wasn't an official campaign event, so she spoke to her game plan instead of to the issues. That's okay, though, because I was looking around the room. I saw people who were with her, on every level. I saw people who were listening and nodding and erupting in applause when she promised to be a strong voice (her campaign slogan) and to listen to us.

Even more heartening was the response to the deserving praise she heaped upon our Prime Minister; Stephen Harper is doing a fantastic job for Canada, and the rousing cheers when she talked about him renewed my pride in my country and our leader.

Tuesday evening was my first foray into political events as an active, committed member of the team. And like I told a couple of conversants tonight: I truly did hit the jackpot for my first time out. The team "behind the scenes" is so dynamic, so goal-oriented and so focused, it's hard not to pick up on that electricity. But from the candidate herself, to her family, and her team, everyone is so likeable and so easy to work with, it inspires me to do more.

Which - as they know - I will. They can count on me to do what I can in order to continue to appeal to supporters and get the message out. I truly understand what it's like to be a member of a campaign now, and I have to say - The West Wing made it look fun. Valérie 2015 is the real thing and it is fun.

What I'd like from my readers is this: consider your life, and consider your view on politics. I welcome a dialogue with any of you who feel it isn't your "thing", or has let you down in the past. This time, it's different. We live in a world filled with complexities. We aren't going to solve every problem all at once, but from what I have seen, and what I know now, Valérie is committed to helping DDO-Pierrefonds on this level, and in the future, contributing to our government's effective running of our country. I believe she's headed for big things in the very near future, and I don't say that lightly. For those of you who know me, I don't trust easily, and I don't support every person who knocks on my door. I do trust Valérie and I trust in her.

I'd love to talk with my friends in the area, because you're the ones who can cast your vote in October and you're the ones who can say you got on board from the beginning. Give me the chance to introduce you to a woman who will stand up and fight for the things we all value. And in the end, isn't that what we're all looking to achieve?

Postscript: Following the event, the Habs beat the Flyers; being the superstitious soul I am, I would say that's a very good sign for the campaign.

Beat The Orange - A Must-Attend Evening

**While only those in our riding can vote for Valérie, this event, open to all, can help open anyone's eyes about the values of the CPC; we in DDO-Pierrefonds are the lucky ones to be able to vote Valérie Assouline in (and proud to do so).

What comes to mind when a Canadian, in an election year, hears "Beat the Orange"? For most of us, that would mean beating the NDP, whose signature color is orange.

Well, on February 10th, it will mean that; in part, anyway. Because on February 10th, Valérie Assouline, Conservative Party candidate for the DDO-Pierrefonds riding, hosts a 5-7pm evening to casually meet with voters in a get-to-know-the-candidate event (at Les 3 Brasseurs on Brunswick Blvd).

However, the second part of that evening, at 7pm, will unfold as the Montreal Canadiens take on the Philadelphia Flyers - whose signature color (yes, that's right) is orange.

The slogan is just one of the campaign's brilliant marketing strategies to engage voters who might otherwise avoid anything political. Pulling in the political atmosphere with our beloved Habs in a double-entendre is sure to catch the attention of smart, informed voters who enjoy the play on words that clever campaigns employ. I'm one of those.

I'm also a staunch supporter of Valérie and the Conservatives. My political views have been honed over the past 2 or 3 years, and as I've become more informed, more committed and more aware than ever that my vote counts (as EVERY vote counts), I have seen a pronounced converging of my personal values with those of the CPC.

So, what is it that Valérie can offer?

First, a strong female presence in office, a woman who not only practices law, and follows a rigorous campaign schedule, but who is the dedicated mother of four young (and gorgeous, I might add) children, a devoted wife, and a proud Canadian.

DDO has not had a Conservative MP in many years. Gerry Weiner was our last one, and he is a mentor Valérie has drawn from; his speech at her launch party was inspirational. That evening was my first true political event, and my first time hearing Valérie speak publically; I was swept up in the excitement, and fired up to get involved. She's that powerful a voice.

Having only 3 real choices in my riding in past elections, I've had to go with Liberal, to preserve Quebec's presence in Canada. But as I've embraced my conservative side more and more, I've lamented the lack of a CPC presence in the province and in my riding. Valérie is changing that.

Valérie offers what the Tories do: less government. More economic growth. Family values that speak to every family's needs of raising kids, maintaining income, and living well.

But you know what? I'm not going to speak for Valérie. She's more than capable of speaking for herself, and she is offering you the opportunity to listen on the 10th of February.

So, why not join us? Coming to the evening, even if it's for 30 minutes, or an hour, is your chance to listen. Are you a Liberal Party supporter? NDP loyal? I urge you to give Valérie a chance. Listen to her. The 10th is NOT about campaigning. It's not about party. It's about the woman who can represent DDO in Ottawa come this fall, the woman who just wants to help her constituents, her province, her country. And trust me, when she speaks, she'll get, and hold your attention.

I've learned something, in my political awakening. I've learned to listen to the issues, not be swayed or turned off by Party. I see too many people instantly tune out when they hear the word "Conservative". I candidly admit, the old me used to do the same. But the reason so many people stay away from "politics" is because the word is so vague and - to some - intimidating or off-putting. As I stated here, politics embody the down-to-earth, personal issues that affect us all.

But when you dig deep, you find issues that speak to you. And in politics, you don't have to dig too deep - you just have to listen. Try and find something that matters to you, and do a comparison between what each party is offering. Time and time again, the Tories will offer you more autonomy and isn't that what we all want? Do we WANT to live in the Liberal world of Big Government, where they think they know what's best for our money? Do you enjoy being controlled by your government?

I don't.

But I want more. I want to be involved in helping to change this province, and keep our country strong. That's why I volunteered to be on Valérie's team, and am not only deeply honored to help play a role, but am profoundly, personally invested in making her election a reality.

So here's my proposition: follow the information here, and come by on Tuesday night. You don't have to stay for the game, if you don't want to (but what better way to celebrate our amazing Habs than to cheer along with dozens of other fans at the top of our lungs?).

But give Valérie this opportunity to allow you to get acquainted; with her, with her commitment. When she says "A Strong Voice" she means it. She is dynamic, articulate, and when she speaks, you can feel her integrity. It's a casual evening, you'll get a free drink, and snacks, and the chance to mingle with people who might just help you decide what role you'd like to play from this point forward. People who - led by Valérie Assouline - might just energize you to follow a new path.

Come get to know her. Coming to this evening isn't a huge commitment on your part, and who knows? You might just start to get as excited about the political climate as I am. No one is going to sit you down for 2 hours and make long speeches. It's a meet-and-greet. And then, when she's making waves in Ottawa to help us improve our way of life, you can say, "I knew her when..."

Future blog entries will deal with the choices we have, as Canadians, this October. And yes, I will strongly state my position as to why Stephen Harper is the best choice for our country (don't take my word for it - Canadians feel the same way). For now, I'm inviting you to join us on Tuesday.

Be the change you want to see in the world: Gandhi got it right. It starts with us. We have the ability to hire Valérie to do the job she wants to do for us in Ottawa, as our representative. Come by on Tuesday night - I'd love to see you there.

An Evening Of Energy

I just returned from an evening out, something that doesn't happen often. The meeting I was attending was to have lasted roughly an hour; it stretched to over 2-1/2, and left me more energized than before.

Those of you who have followed me, here or on social media, know that I've had a political awakening, something that came later to me but that has motivated me in many different ways. Till recently, I have expressed my views in these pages, on Facebook, Twitter, and in conversations with those who care to engage.

But this past autumn, I was introduced, on Facebook, to a woman who was about to launch her political career here in my suburb, as the first Conservative Party member in a long time to run in this area. I was invited to an informal meeting at a café, and was instantly focused on helping her campaign. I pledged my help, and the next thing I knew, I was at her campaign launch evening, where I was surrounded by those just as energized as I.

Tonight, I was back at that same café with her campaign manager, and two other members of what is to be the core social media team for the campaign. Valérie - our candidate - joined us and we began to brainstorm all the ways in which we can help get people engaged. The other two members of the team will be our youth leaders; young, dynamic, interested and connected, they were inspirational in our conversation.

I would have volunteered to do anything that was needed: stuff envelopes, fax, file, call, knock on doors. I'll still, more than likely, do those things. But to be included on the social media team, to be valued for not only my technological savvy but for the skill that makes me the proudest - my writing - makes me feel truly productive as a citizen for the first time in a long time.

I've been a productive member of society. I have worked, raised two sons (and continue to be an active part of their lives as they continue to grow and learn), volunteered at their schools and hockey teams, and other ways in which I have contributed. Especially in casting my vote in every election, whether it is local, provincial or federal.

But now, I have the honor of contributing to an important, dynamic campaign which - if all goes the way it is planned, and the way it is heading - will give my area of the world an elected official who truly knows the meaning of working with, and for her constituents.

I continue to learn about my own political ideologies as I go along. I absorb it - "like a sponge", I've been told. And I am reminded of a wise saying, found in Richard Bach's Illusions: "We teach best that which we most need to learn."

In being hands-on, in learning about Valérie, the Conservative Party to which I am firmly committed, and the ways in which both will work for my community, I am also learning about myself, honing the things I already know, and learning new aspects of political life every day.

Politics - it's a word that gets many people cringing. I believe that's because so many do not recognize that the word only symbolizes the umbrella under which is found every single thing that affects us and our daily lives. Our politicians affect our finances, our way of life, our educational system, our security, and even - in municipal politics - the flow of traffic on that busy street that doesn't have the stop sign it should.

Getting involved in politics doesn't mean one has to run for office. There are so many ways in which an ordinary citizen can pitch in.

Tonight's meeting rendered some exciting new ideas for getting Valérie more recognition, and for getting those who don't understand - or eschew the idea of politics - to realize that they are affected and that they, too, can influence those factors to make their own lives that much better.

You'll be hearing a lot more from me, about our candidate. Her name is Valérie Assouline, she is a mom (four young kids!), a lawyer, and now the Conservative Party candidate for the riding of Dollard-des-Ormeaux/Pierrefonds.

I hope my friends here in my community will hear her message, spend some time getting to know her. She will impress you, as she has impressed me.

And I look forward to the next 266 days of helping her with this campaign, as well as beyond, where - G-d willing - she will be our MP in Ottawa, speaking up for our community and following up on the things for which she stands.

I've felt energized about many things in my life. Tonight, I am re-energized by something I truly believe in, and someone who can make the difference.

A Dangerous Game Of Semantics

I have not weighed in on the Charlie Hebdo, Hyper-Cacher attacks, or on subsequent topics that have arisen as a result.

I have stayed silent - and part of that is because I have learned, through experience, that those who speak up - those who do not agree with the populist (aka leftist) view - get vilified.

Well, I've been vilified before. Many times. I've been accused, blocked, unfriended, and cyberbullied. I'm still being cyberbullied (from what I've been told) in groups I've left because my views didn't mesh with theirs and toeing the line was necessary in order to be part of them.

Sure it's easier not to speak out. It's tiresome to be the conservative voice among so many liberal friends. It's tiresome to be attacked for my views and just as easy to simply discuss them with those of like mind.

But if I don't speak out, I'm just as bad as the cowards who claim "Je Suis Charlie" but don't dare publish one cartoon from Charlie Hebdo. I'm just as bad as those who claim "Je Suis Juif" but won't dare speak out for Israel's right to stand up for herself. I'm just as bad as those who share hashtag slacktivist photos because all it takes is a click of the "share" button but no further effort needed.

If I don't speak out, I am complicit. And that isn't who I am. I've learned that speaking out will not always win me friends or influence people, but that's not why I speak out. I do so because with the writing skills I possess, with the opinionated pieces I can produce, and with my feet squarely on the ground, I can have the voice I was given and which is my right to use, freely and without persecution. Well, without formal persecution. There are those who have persecuted me in social media venues. They were, and remain, inconsequential.

The people at Charlie Hebdo who died for their fearlessness knew the stakes. Those who blame them for any perceived line they might have crossed are just as bad as the government officials who coddle their assassins.  I salute their courage and their commitment to their opinions. There are many who stay silent out of fear the same will happen to them. That's their choice.

But I have a voice, and much to say. And have decided to break my silence in honor of those who died for being cartoonists, or Jews, or soldiers or Westerners. And besides, when has any of you ever known me to stay silent?

Recently, after the State of the Union, a focus group on (hold your nose, liberals!) Fox News was given the microphone to state their impressions. One topic that arose was the administration's abject refusal to call it "Islamic Extremism" or "Radicalized Islam".

Those who identified as conservative were very vocal in their condemnation of the administration. The new, verbose term, uttered almost verbatim by every single staffer, is "individuals who commit violence based on their warped view of Islam." Because of course, there are other extremists (though I've yet to see Jewish extremists yelling  "Baruch Hashem" {"thank G-d"} as they assassinate those who utter anti-Semitic rhetoric - and Charlie Hebdo has its fair share of Jewish caricatures).

One woman in the focus group, an Obama voter, steadfast in her support, stated, "There's so much going on in the world, why are we so worried about the semantics? That's all it is, semantics."

That's the moment at which I decided to get up and work on this piece.

It may seem like semantics but it is a very real representative of the bigger problem with this administration and those who follow its ideology. And the problem is threefold:

Fear of offending Muslims/Political Correctness Run Amok

Barack Obama has stated, time and time again, how he will not allow for the denigration of the Muslim world. His words, in 2012: "The future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam." Those words have been heard by those who take offense at satire, offhand remarks or perceived slights.

I use the term "take offense" in italics because it is, indeed, a choice to take offense. And when the president of the United States makes a statement that the future does not belong to those who have been perceived to have slandered Islam, you can be sure the result will be an immediate death plot afoot.

Why are people living in fear? Because Islam is the only religion which punishes apostasy by death. Catholics, Jews, Protestants, Mormons, Buddhists - they choose to convert to other religions or to simply stop practicing altogether, without consequence.  And with such a violent reaction against Muslims who choose another faith, imagine the backlash against anyone who dares speak against Islam?

We live in times where words can be troublesome. Being in the field I am, I know that as strongly as anyone. But we also live in times where political correctness run amok has overtaken any freedom of speech rights. One absurd example is the use of peanut butter sandwiches as a racist slur. I kid you not. Here's the story.

So, the semantics problem speaks to the fear of offending those who would act violently in response. Living in fear is what the government would prefer to do instead of standing up against intimidation.

Refusal to name the reality

The Obama government refuses to face reality. Radical Islam is NOT on the run as he stated over and over in order to win the 2012 election. They've grown out of control in the Middle East. They've hit Paris, Australia, and my home here in Canada. They're going to hit again. They've got every "infidel" country in their sights and they won't stop.

But if you listened to the State of the Union, you would think extremism is contained. Because this president believes that if you don't talk about it, it doesn't exist. Those of us living in the real world know that it is not only a very real problem, it is quickly turning catastrophic.

Sticking to talking points

This is what the Obama administration does best. Whether it's to create them, change them à la Benghazi, or obstinately stick to them, reality has no basis as long as the words come out right.

Right back to semantics. Saying something - or not saying it - does not make it true. Using the words that accurately depict any situation not only gives it credence, it shows strength.

But avoiding reality, avoiding words out of some misguided sense of loyalty to terrorists doesn't sit well with me.

First, it weakens the United States of America. It makes the USA look afraid, cowed, intimidated. The superpower is subdued. And that leaves the USA vulnerable. It is dangerous.

Second, it is dishonest. It's the equivalent of sitting in the middle of a crowded room with one's hands over one's eyes, chanting, "You can't see me!"

Third, it insults the intelligence of every single person who knows the facts. That includes Americans, Canadians, Israelis, Europeans, anyone who knows that changing the words doesn't change the reality.

It does, however, change the narrative. That's the danger of this: if the administration can so easily change the narrative by tweaking the wording, what else are they doing to hide the truth from you?

Dancing around the truth for political purposes is not leadership. It is deception. (Don't get me started on that - totally different blog piece brewing)
 
Playing with semantics for political purposes or out of fear is a feeble attempt to solve a problem without a resolution. This situation will be raging out of control long after Barack Hussein Obama leaves office (726 days!). All he is doing, with his word games and hidey-hands is kicking the can down the road for the next person to deal with when s/he takes office.

Let us pray that the next president is strong enough to stand up against radical Islam, look it square in the face and state, unequivocally, "You can't scare us off. We know your name.

"And we will say it."

Jean Béliveau: A Farewell Tribute

It’s been six days since the passing of Montreal Canadiens' great Jean Béliveau, and he remains in the forefront of everyone’s minds. It was announced that the family would open visitation to all who wished to pay respects and that Mr. Béliveau’s casket would lie in state at the Bell Centre. This was, already, an incredible showing of recognition for the man he was and remains in the hearts of the city and hockey fans worldwide. But the Canadiens organization — renowned for how beautifully they pay tribute to their own — outdid itself.

For two days, the Bell Centre became a makeshift chapel. I chose to go downtown and be a part of this historic event because of my love for the game, the Habs, the city and my deepest respect for a man I’d never even seen play, but whose enduring larger-than-life reputation transcends hockey.

After a half-hour in line, we began to move. People filed in from two sections of the lower bowl. The arena was draped with black cloth, floor to ceiling. All around the stands, on every level where there is an LED display panel, his beautiful, famous signature was lit in white on a black background. The ice was covered with black flooring, and a floodlit red carpet, leading from both sections and converging in the center, up to the makeshift alter where the casket lay.

In the darkened stands to our left, lit by white spotlight, was Mr. Béliveau’s regular seat, draped with Habs colors and his number. The sight of that empty seat was what started my emotions.

Photo courtesy of Canada.com (my camera wouldn't take the photo with any justification of the beautiful lighting)

 Hanging from the ceiling were two banners with Mr. Béliveau’s photos: one recent, wearing his Habs jersey, holding the iconic torch in hand, and the other from his playing days, where he is hoisting the Stanley Cup. In the center was his No. 4 banner, lowered from its usual place in the rafters. The casket stood in front of two flower arrangements, both of which depicted the Canadiens’ logo. Also present was his bronze statue which normally graces the outside square of the Bell Centre. And in a row, four trophies which bear his name (numerous times): the Conn Smythe, Hart Memorial, Art Ross and the Stanley Cup.

But it was the presence of the Béliveau family which shone brighter than the trophies. Mrs. Béliveau, her daughter and granddaughters stood in a receiving line, greeting each visitor personally, tirelessly shaking hands, thanking us and taking the time to receive our own words of condolences and gratitude. This was the second day of visitation, and they were present on the first as well, from 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m; this speaks loudly for them, their humanity and their generosity of spirit.

The Bell Centre seats 21,273 usually-screaming, cheering, chattering fans. To see it that somber, hear it that hushed was startlingly surreal. But it illustrates the respect this man commanded that the room was absent its usual noise and instead filled with the reverence and emotions of thousands who came to say goodbye to a hero.

When it was my turn, I stood in front of the casket and said a few silent words of thanks. I walked toward the family, shook Mrs. Béliveau’s hand and offered my sympathies. I thanked her for allowing us the opportunity to honor him and to be a part of his farewell. She was incredibly gracious and I was humbled in her presence, able to express my gratitude to her. I went down the line, was thanked by each member of the family even as I thanked them, then made my way up the steps, unabashedly choked with emotion.

A few rows up, I stopped and turned; I had the need to take it all in. I stood in one of the lower rows, and just took some time to watch the hushed crowd — people of all ages — and faces of those who were feeling the same awe that I was.

This was more than a visitation; it was a moment in history. In the history of Montreal and of hockey, but in the history of humanity. Because Jean Béliveau was of an era gone by. His class and his dignity, his humility and generosity of spirit is known to everyone who knew of him, whether they had seen him play or not. Everyone has a story about him. Everyone has a memory.

And now, even in death, he is providing memories for those who have filed past his casket and felt what I did: a sense of having paid respects to a man whose very nature embodied the word.

The Emotional Tidal Wave

I created this last night when I needed to express my love for Canada

*Note: I won't get political here; that is for another time. But I will also not stand idly by and allow Prime Minister Harper to be denigrated by those who hate him merely for their own reasons and refuse to see all the good he stands for, and has brought about in Canada.

On September 14, 2001, I stood in my kitchen on crutches, having fractured my fibula 2 weeks earlier, watching the television on the counter, in tears of the deepest emotions, and watched a worldwide prayer service unfold on the screen. It was 3 days after the worst terrorist attack on United States soil, and I remember when the services in Canada were shown.

There was a beautiful blue sky, and the majestic clock tower of our Parliament building stretching up into the sunlight. Still picturing those planes flying into the World Trade Centers, I remember thinking, "We're not immune. We are so vulnerable."

I never lost that - I never fooled myself into thinking Canada would never be attacked. In fact, I think I was just waiting for that shoe to drop.

Yesterday, it did. In events that shocked the world, and shattered mine, we were attacked.

It wasn't a massive attack in terms of lives lost. It wasn't loud or smoke-filled or broadly chaotic or (for want of a better word) grandiose.

But it was a very profound statement to our country, by someone who stood for much more than the lone-wolf stereotype being put forth in analyses.

It came 2 days after another attack - one that took place just 45 minutes away from my sleepy suburb. One that killed a soldier, and one that was classified "terror" just hours after it happened. That was shocking enough.

But there was something so surreal about seeing the capital of Canada, an iconic building in that capital, and the symbol of our very democracy, under attack; chaotic in its own right as a citywide lockdown remained in place into the nighttime hours.

There was something so bizarrely shocking about seeing our country's capital city portrayed on U.S. news networks in a terrorist attack framework, broadcasts that lasted through the entire day, many without even taking a commercial break.

And there was something so profoundly moving about the tweets and Facebook messages I got from American, British, and Aussie friends offering love and support to my country. By the early evening, there was a flood of red and white across social media as scores of people - of all nationalities - changed their display photos to our flag.

I cried too easily yesterday. I didn't even try to stop or explain it.

I broke down inconsolably when the Pittsburgh Penguins organization announced, prior to a game against Philadelphia, that in solidarity with Canada, they would sing the National Anthem, and the voices from the stands rang out in the familiar strains of "O Canada". I watched the video twice. And broke down both times.

And I just saw that Boston did the same. And I reacted the same way. Again.

I am sad that our military personnel across this gorgeous land are being told not to wear their uniforms in public. The pride they feel in their stature, their place in the fabric of our guard, the joy they get from donning those garments must now be closeted because they may be in mortal danger for merely showing their roles in our lives. When I read the announcement that this should become the current norm, I broke down yet again.

I've tried to analyze my feelings. I've heard many people diminish the incident as "one mentally ill man". Well, yes. Anyone who does something this heinous is mentally ill.

I've heard it relegated to a "just one guy died, and while that's tragic, it wasn't like 9/11."

One is too many, first of all. And two soldiers died, when Patrice Vincent was mowed down by another Jihadist terrorist two days earlier. And I know those who say that kind of thing don't mean to downplay Corporal Cirillo's death. But they are looking at what did not happen.

I don't see it that way.

In two short days, we have had two men take the lives of military heroes, in the name of Jihad.

We can't diminish this to numbers of dead vs. other terrorist attacks. Anytime we see terrorists take lives, threaten lives, harm others, it is bigger than the act itself; it is what that act symbolizes. And it stands for hatred. Hatred born of an ideological way of thinking. Extremism that goes beyond simple disagreement.

I want to ask those people who downplay the death toll, where does the line start, for this kind of emotion? Must it be 10 people who die? 20? 50? 100?

The families of Nathan Cirillo and Patrice Vincent don't think 1 is manageable.

And nor do I.

This was an attack on me, personally. I love my country. I have come to feel more patriotic, more proud and more protective of her than ever before, as I've grown more politically and ideologically aware.

And this was an attack on my home. Ottawa was the place it happened, but Canada was the target.

If you want to talk numbers, think of what was averted. Were it not for the overwhelmingly heroic actions of Sargent-at-Arms Kevin Vickers, wholesale slaughter would have been the headlines, including perhaps our incredible Prime Minister and the leaders of the opposition, along with all the other elected officials who were in active meetings on either side of the hall the terrorist took on his last run.

I don't believe there is - or should be - a mandatory minimum dead before we react emotionally.

I make no apologies for my tears, my hair-trigger emotions, or my deep sadness at what has transpired, and what it means for my country.

I embrace those things; because their presence in my life this week reminds me of how much I love Canada, and how desperately I want to see her - and us - thrive in the freedom our soldiers have died to protect. That now includes Corporal Cirillo and Warrant Officer Vincent.

Honoring those men means we do not allow their deaths to become murder statistics or stars on a wall. It means we stick to our resolve not to allow the terrorists to win. It means we support the strength our government is showing and the mission Canada has undertaken to play a major part in helping to rid the world of these monsters.

Downplaying the meaning of this week's attacks dishonors their memory.

And I won't do that - nor will I stand idly by while others attempt to boil it down to "mental health issues" or "lone wolf acting alone in an isolated incident" theories.

Not facing the reality just leaves us open to more attacks. We may yet see more, in short order, or in the long run. But playing ostrich is foolish and ignorant.

And while I continue to struggle in trying to find the balance between vigilance and paranoia, I stand more proudly alongside our military, our citizens, and our government, as a Canadian through and through, who loves and honors her country and all it has to offer.

I'll get a handle on my emotions. But like Canada, I have changed forever. I plan to take that change and make it work in my favor.

For now - I just need to allow the easy tears to flow. 

G-d keep our land glorious and free.

Cyberbullying Hollywood

So, we've all heard about (and weighed in on) the celebrity photo hacking scandal that hit the news a couple of days ago. We've heard about three beautiful actors/models who had their iCloud photos hacked into, and nude photos of them were distributed online. There are many more than three. But that isn't the point of this entry.

I have seen every reaction from the lascivious to the mocking, and what tends to emerge more often than not is the victim blaming.

"If you don't want nude photos of yourself accessed, why do you leave them online?"

"If they thought anything they did was private, they were ignorant."

"It's their own fault for having raunchy photos of themselves in the first place."

And so on and so forth.

There's one problem with that: it blames the victim. 

Let me preface this by saying that celebrities in all walks of fame realize that their lives are lived in a fishbowl. But they are entitled to privacy, and they do get that in many other aspects. It is not for anyone to breach their chosen privacy. Nor is the public entitled to every single element of their lives beyond that which they distribute consensually.

Let's look at it from the above perspective:

Yes, anything you put online is out there. Nothing is private, everything is permanent. These are warnings I give people all the time, as an educator well versed in all elements of the digital world.

But if it is private - i.e. your iCloud (which is not a public place) - does that make it fair game if it's digital?

Let's look at it from the lowest common denominator: let's remove "nude" from the equation. Let's just call them "photos". And let's remove "cloud" from the equation, let's just call it "digital storage".

There are digital storage services everywhere, from Dropbox to Carbonite. These are "cloud-based" services that are private. They are like storage lockers for the digital world. The user is assigned space in the ether, a password (which is purposely required to be strong in nature) and pays, per month or per gigabyte, for the storage privileges which keeps their digital "stuff" off their physical drives. 

Cloud-based storage services act like physical drives in every way but physical. They are accessible to the user, they store anything digital, from documents to photos to music, and they are private. 

If someone came into your house and took your portable hard drive, jump drive or laptop, took the photos you had stored there, and distributed them, you would be crying bloody murder and you would probably accuse them of a crime. 

Would you blame yourself for having your photos (nude or otherwise) stored on that drive in the first place? I'm thinking you wouldn't.

So why is it the fault of these celebrities to have had their photos stolen? And why on earth is it their fault to have had those photos at all? It doesn't matter what the nature of the photos were. It doesn't matter what the nature of the storage was. 

It matters that someone took something that belonged to someone else and publicly distributed that material without the knowledge or permission of the owners.

As simple as that.

Blaming these women for having nude photos, or nude photos in the cloud is like blaming the holder of a credit card for the security breaches we've seen at Target, and Home Depot.

Blaming these women for having nude photos in a place that is accessible is like blaming the person who has valuable jewelry in a safety deposit box that gets blown open and robbed during a bank robbery. 

Blaming these women for having photographs stored in the cloud is like blaming anyone for having anything in their homes after they are victims of a home invasion.

Blaming these women for having nude photos at all is a dangerous practice. For me, it goes beyond just victim blaming in Hollywood.

As a cyberbullying educator, I am alarmed by the trends I am seeing against those celebrities. See, I am always asked "what can a parent do when their child comes home and says they are being cyberbullied?"

Fact: cyberbullying largely goes unreported for fear of being told one has done something to provoke one's bully.

The first thing you do is assure that child that they have done nothing wrong, nothing to bring about the bullying. Because they haven't.

Fact: another major reason kids don't report cyberbullying is out of fear that their parents will take away their device.

So, what you must remember is not to take away the device(s) from your child. It is not the device that provoked the bullying; bullying is entirely because of the perpetrator of the behavior. We don't blame the device. We don't blame the victim. We address the behavior by reporting the child who is bullying another, either to his/her parents, the school, or both.


Back to Hollywood.

Factor the above into this situation: those of you questioning the women for having nude photos in the cloud or on their devices are responding in the two biggest undesirable ways we advise against when in a cyberbullying situation. Don't ever suggest the bullying was provoked, don't blame the device.

That's why this situation is a red flag to me. Because I see people blaming grown women for a crime of invasion against them and their property instead of blaming the criminals for invading privacy and stealing property.

Moreover, you are judging them for those photos. And while your judgment will probably never reach or matter to them, it is not your business to sit on the high horse and tell others what they should or should not be doing with their cameras. Or the products of those cameras.

And you are adding to the victimization by pointing a finger at them with a "shame on you" written along its length.

Think about it. What if it were your child? Would you ask them why they took those photos in the first place? I really hope you wouldn't, because that would instantly trigger feelings of shame, humiliation, regret, self-deprecation, and guilt. No matter how loving you might be in addressing this situation, the message of "why did you...?" is loud and clear, and though they might not show you, they will already be blaming themselves.

Let's face it - the nature of the photos is irrelevant. I would be just as pissed off if my photo stream were hacked and a photo of my dog were stolen without my permission. Why? Because it is an invasion of my privacy, and a theft of my property.

Let me add that theft of digital or intellectual property posted online is a form of cyberbullying. One of the biggest factors of educating people about cyberbullying is to help them see how it manifests, and it isn't always in the most obvious ways.

By scoffing at those who took the photos and stored them in the cloud, you are not only condoning cyberbullying behavior (the theft/hacking) but you are joining in.

Think about that.

And please, let's have a dialogue. If you have comments, questions, critiques - I am here to listen, to help and to educate. The more people who can see how cyberbullying manifests and recognize it when it does, the fewer victim-blamers we will have.

The Hollywood scandal goes way beyond the celebrity magazines. This incident has a much larger message for every parent, every grandparent, every sibling, every aunt, uncle, coach, friend, teacher, principal, guidance counselor.

Let's talk.