Almost done, Folks
I’m excited but I am also sorry to leave you people.
I’ll save the weepy goodbye for next week and stay strong this week. Well, actually this Thursday’s show is all me talking about how I feel and then Monday we air the final episode so I’ll leave it at that. You can listen. I don’t want to spoil it by writing everything I say.
I’m in Vancouver for a couple of days with the documentary. As many of you know, I lived up here for a few months while shooting the first season of Stick. I’ve talked about Canada before. I know Canada has it’s own problems but every time I’m here I’m stunned by the seeming diverse and down to earth vibe of the people. That’s in the city. There’s a real peace up here. It’s always a true relief to be here given what America feels like currently and maybe forever.
I was talking to someone up here about the changes that occurred here after our administration tried to bully Canada into submission through trade policy. This country was very close to heading down a similar path of cultural right wing politics but after ridiculous tariffs were put on them the country came together and chose another path. Even if many of the people didn’t agree with the cultural vision they made a compromise out of national pride and independent economic survival. At the core was a belief in what their country really stood for.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could come together like that. It’s probably the only positive thing that Trump has accomplished—unifying Canada around what they believe their country should be. Tolerant, democratic, smart, proud, for the correct reasons.
The person I was talking to was horrified, shocked and sad about what is happening here.
She also told me something amazing and tragic about immigration policy here now. Tragic in how it reflects on our country. Pathetic in how it reflects on our country.
The way refugee status works in Canada is if the person seeking refuge are in Canada or at a port of entry and can prove they have a well-founded fear of persecution or a risk of torture, cruel, or unusual treatment or punishment if returned to their home country. Apparently, many American Trans individuals are seeking and eligible for refugee status. It’s happening. American Trans people are coming to Canada as refugees.
An American abomination. American citizens who just seek to live with the freedom of being who the want to be, a whole person, as they see fit to be, are fleeing out of fear of persecution and violence towards them. A vulnerable, non threatening, extreme minority of Americans are fleeing to another country out real fear.
Obviously, there are many other horrible problems in America but this struck me, moved me, that Canada accepts people, is tolerant and decent, and despite whatever any individual judges as something they don’t agree with or tolerate, as a country they are open armed and willing to help out of a basic respect for humanity.
I’m sure I’m being starry eyed about this but whatever.
This is the home stretch.
Today I talk to Simpsons creator Matt Groening and on Thursday I talk to you by myself.
Enjoy!
Boomer, Monkey and LaFonda live!
Love,
Maron
