God, politicians and values

Re: “PQ’s Lisée open to ‘improvements’ (Gazette, Sept. 18)

Jean-François Lisée, in defence of the proposed Charter of Quebec Values, likens religious convictions to social convictions, environmental convictions and even vegetarianism.

He is then quoted as saying “thank God” that René Lévesque and Camille Laurin stood tall in defending Bill 101.

One notes that he did not give thanks to environmentalism or vegetarianism for these fortuitous deeds.

Some people have no sense of shame or embarrassment. Sam Mitnick Côte-St-Luc

I have noticed that Bernard Drainville, Quebec’s Minister of Democratic Institutions, has an unfortunate tendency to say, “Oh my God” when faced with a question to which he does not have an immediate, pre-rehearsed, sound bite response. This is an unfortunate choice of words for a minister who is determined to create a religiously neutered — oops, I mean neutral — state.

It appears this virus of invoking the name of God is spreading. For example, Jean-François Lisée, minister for Montreal, was quoted as saying “Thank God” when referring to the victorious imposition of Bill 101 all those years ago.

Surely, they will agree that we must protect innocent Quebecers, especially our children, from hearing such offensive remarks. As a serene Quebec citizen, I have a practical, cost-effective solution that will rid both Mr. Drainville and Mr. Lisée of this nasty habit. I suggest that they both purchase a large box of rubber bands at their local dollar store. They should place a rubber band around each wrist and, whenever they say “Oh, God,” or any other religious-based expression or curse, they should simply snap the rubber bands attached to both wrists as hard as they can. They should do this for a period of, say, five years. After that, the situation can be evaluated — by state appointed bureaucrats, of course.

Come to think of it, it would be a great idea if every member of the current PQ government were to wear elastic bands around their wrists too.

That way, they all will feel just a fraction of the pain they are inflicting on the rest of us. Hena Kon

Montreal

I have lived in Quebec since 1974, and I used to watch Guy Lafleur and the Montreal Canadiens beating the Boston Bruins.

I’m Sikh and I wear the golden turban. Living and working in Park Extension, every day I can see Muslims from the Pakistani community, Hindus from the Indian community and Christians from the Greek community. More of my friends come from outside of my community, including French-speaking Quebecers. Like many neighbourhoods in Montreal, mine is a mosaic made of many cultures where you can smell different spices, where you can see multicoloured clothing on the streets. The same streets are welcoming various temples, mosques and churches — you can see half a dozen religions sharing the environment.

Families have their children growing and playing together in schoolyards, where they learn French. What is important about these people living here is this: For them, there is no separation between religion, culture and values. Each and every one is complete, thanks to all of them.

And the resulting values are Quebec values, are Canadian values. Because these values are open to difference and diversity, they are international values. These values are mankind’s only hope for peace. Mondiales et modernes, mes valeurs sont québécoises! Sat Sri Akal. Jatinder Singh Bhandari Park Extension

Jean-François Lisée has emphasized that everyone needs to remain calm when discussing the Quebec values charter. I couldn’t agree more.

In the spirit of the calm, reasonable discussion that he wishes to have, I will rationally evaluate this proposal by recalling my various encounters with religious people while living in Montreal. (For the record, I’m speaking as an agnostic.)

While studying at McGill, I had a Jewish professor who wore a kippah. After each lecture, I felt informed and educated. I don’t remember worrying about him pulling me aside and asking me if Moses was better than Jesus.

I went to school with a Sikh man who would work really hard and went on to become a doctor. He once lent me some class notes, but there was nothing in there about the creator, so I’m pretty sure he was just being courteous.

I also remember a grocery store I used to shop at where the whole staff was Muslim. They had the best spiced meats. I don’t remember any “pray to Allah and get 50 per cent off ” specials.

There is one religion that I found a little pushy. Their influence was everywhere. I couldn’t even go to a strip club without being reminded of Sainte Catherine. Also, that cross is everywhere: the flag, the National Assembly, the mountain.

I don’t really mind if we keep those things. Nobody forces me to wear a cross and I once met a Ste-Catherine St. stripper who, for a few brief moments, made me believe in Jesus, God, Moses and the creator, all at the same time.

In any case (and I write this calmly, with no capitals), I think the PQ government began this “dialogue” by suggesting that it’s fine to restrict religious expression because of unreasonable fears. It’s a terrible conversation starter. It’s insulting and divisive and a low point in Quebec history.

I think Montreal is a vibrant multicultural city with a bilingual history that wants nothing to do with it. Vive le Montréal libre. Scott Faulconbridge Burlington, Ont.

I would like to know whether there are any statistics out there on the number of people who converted to the religion of a government employee wearing a religious symbol, after they saw one being worn.

Conversely, how do we know whether any decision or interaction with any government employee is rooted in religion, whether they are wearing a religious symbol or not? We don’t.

If neutrality is really the goal, then we should drop all human interaction and rely on the logic of computers to provide a truly objective interaction! Hugh Campbell Montreal