This indicates an ugly form of prejudice that one wouldn’t expect from a highly educated politician like Ms Leitch
TORONTO: I was troubled to read the initiative by Canadian Conservative member of parliament Kellie Leitch who, as reported by a media outlet, wants to know what her supporters think about vetting would-be immigrants and refugees for “anti-Canadian values”.
This indicates an ugly form of prejudice that one wouldn’t expect from a highly educated politician like Ms Leitch. When her ancestors immigrated to Canada, they were not questioned about “Canadian values” before they were allowed to enter the country. I don’t think their values were similar to the values of the native Indians then, as they violated the sanctity of the natives, destroyed their livelihoods and killed many. Ms Leitch wouldn’t have had the opportunity to live in this country if her ancestors were put to the same test that she wants to impose on would-be-immigrants.
Before lecturing others on values, the Conservatives themselves need to learn about human values, which they have abandoned. They have been dehumanising people who happen to look different from them.
Their divisive values have led to animosity and hate, with citizens looking at one another with contempt and suspicion.
Abubakar N Kasim
Published in The Express Tribune, September 7th, 2016.
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