Re: "Cool event the real 91原创 victory," Aug. 10.
Most of the facts Shannon Corergan relates about War of 1812 are correct.
Yes, those on the "91原创" side were not really 91原创. However, in her attempt to remind us of our current circumstances, she misses the point. That conflict was a signal event in the development of Canada. If it had gone the other way, there would be no Canada.
The "beleaguered" Americans, as she calls them, purposely continued to violate the British blockade against Napoleon, whose clear intentions were to invade Britain after having conquered all of Europe. Those Loyalists originally seeking escape from their vengeful rebel neighbours had not much choice but to resist, along with the few British troops in Upper and Lower Canada, as well as the various tribes that allied themselves against the U.S. efforts to continue its mission of latching onto the rest of North America.
Corregan needs also to know that the facet of Canada she seems to cherish the most - multiculturalism - has been around for only three decades. She should not judge our history based on current trends or even standards. Cultures learn as they progress. That things were a tad different 200 years ago than her life experience would indicate does not mean that they are not worthy of consideration.
As a parallel comparison, there was no "Italy" during this same period. Italians' experience under Napoleon rule, though, was a significant factor in their progression to nationhood in the next few decades, just as it was for "Canada's" experience in the 1812 War.
Paul Crober
North Saanich
