| I am writing to convey the disgust and overwhelming disappointment I felt in watching the war-mongering and American kowtowing on the stage at this year’s Grandstand show at the Calgary Stampede.
What was supposed to be a tribute to the great mosaic of a country we all share appeared as an embarrassing Barney the Dinosaur’s tribute to Star Wars. Not to mention the hugely-tacky segment on Canada’s contribution in war: "And no matter where you were you didn’t forget swing!"
And what of the portrayal of Americans as our best friends? Michaëlle Jean did this in the throne speech but why must we at the Stampede? Given BSE and softwood lumber disputes, why isn’t Iceland our best friend?
I want to voice to any visitor to our city that watched this show that this is not how we all are. Many of us love our country because it is a refuge for many fleeing their unsafe or unstable homelands, a place where jobs are available and fair wages are offered.
I also want to thank Susan Aglukark for being the only truly Canadian aspect of the show.
Janine E. Trotta, Calgary
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