-- SURREY, B.C. -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologized Sunday for the 1914 Komogata Maru incident in which hundreds of Indians seeking a better life in Canada were turned away.See, Jas... I think you're a little confused. If you've got any sort of a beef here... you should take it up with Prime Minister Robert Borden.
Now admittedly, that won't be easy... as he died 71 years ago, in 1937... but that, my friend, is precisely the point.
Truth be told, I'm still a little pissed at Sir Robert myself over that "temporary" Wartime Business Profits Tax he introduced in 1917... but then, I'm thinkin' we're all probably a little hacked off at that.
The thing is... in 1914... Stephen Harper's grandfather was probably running around in short pants and even he had no idea any of this was happening. But even that doesn't dent this stupid rock of contention, does it?
But as soon as he left the stage members of the Sikh community rushed to the podium immediately denouncing the apology. They said they wanted it delivered on the floor of the House of Commons.Well, guess what, my incredibly discourteous friend... you aren't in a position to tell the Prime Minister to floss more often... never mind how to apologise for a policy that was implemented before his father was born.
"The apology was unacceptable," said Jaswinder Singh Toor, president of "The Descendents of Komagatamaru Society."
Now I know all this politically correct "apologies from the past" malarkey is in vogue nowadays... but you might just wanna stow your 92 year-old outrage and get on with your life.
'Cos like the wise man once said... "You can't always get what you want."
Even with Jack and Steffi on your side.
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FROM THE COMMENTS:
Dear Jaswinder,And from a slightly different perspective...
If I may as the grandson of a "orphan immigrant" from Glasgow offer you some hard won advice.
My Grandfather was sent overseas from Scotland at the tender age of 9 with a tag on his coat button giving his particulars. He ended up on a farm at Portage La Prairie as cheap labour for a well-off farmer with 7 daughters and no sons. He was never to break bread with the family, he took his meals in the kitchen with the dog. The day he had enough, I think he was 12, he walked down to the dirt road in front of the farm and never looked back.
He never told us the name of those people, he eventually married had 10 children, 6 survived childhood, his 4 sons served overseas. He never complained, he just "got on with it."
There are incredible opportunities here Jaswinder, but in order to enjoy them you have to stop whining and do as my grandfather did, just get on with it sir, self respect and recognition and respect in the community will follow as it has for the majority of your community.
Cheers from a little orphans descendant.
"I am a Sikh in Alberta and never have even heard of this person. I was surprised to even hear of this apology but I do gratefully accept it."**********
"I am sure the vast majority of Sikhs in Canada do as well, irrespective of this so-called 'community leader's' comments."
UPDATE: Oh crap... here we go again
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