The Governor General announced the new inductees on Canada Day, and the awards will be presented at a later date.  News coverage of the controversy has been quite extensive so you've likely heard of it.  My understanding is that once the presentation has been made, it is possible, but much harder to rescind.  This gives me a faint hope that with enough public protest, the decision may be reconsidered.  Anyway, I had to try. 

If you have like feelings on this issue and would like to do something, please copy and paste this letter  and mail it to the Governor General to show you (according to my research, anyway) the proper way to address her and her mailing address.  No postage is required either!

Your Name Goes Here

Your Address

Calgary, Alberta T3G 5Z4

July 3, 2008

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.

Governor General of Canada

Rideau Hall

1 Sussex Drive

Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A1

Your Excellency:

I was appalled to learn some time ago of the consideration being given to appoint Dr. Henry Morgentaler as a member of the Order of Canada, and my shock to learn on Canada Day, of all days, that the appointment was announced and is proceeding. 

My understanding of the Order of Canada, the crowning jewel of Canada’s honors system, is, it was created to recognize outstanding service to the nation which enriches the lives of others – meant only to be awarded to those citizens who “desire a better country”.  I can think of no greater contradiction of terms than to associate this criterion with Dr. Henry Morgentaler.  I will grant that he has dedicated his life to this work, suffering much for a cause he believes in.  I respect him as my elder, and as a survivor of one of the holocaust – one of the greatest horrors the world has ever seen. 

However, my admiration for Dr. Morgentaler is far overshadowed by my revulsion of how he chose to use his training as a doctor – ending lives rather than saving them.  With the exception of cases of rape or incest, or when the mother or child’s life would be endangered by the birth, I am opposed to abortion.  I do believe that in these rare cases, carefully considered and controlled legal abortions should have a place in society for the health and welfare of its citizens.  However, as a form of birth control, abortion is akin to murder.  I have always found it ironic that supporters of abortion consider themselves “Pro-Choice”.  Pregnant women (and expectant fathers) HAD a choice.  Abortion is simply “Anti-Consequence”. 

Though the abortion debate has largely been silent for a time, it is far from over.  I am not an activist – I have never joined a protest rally or written letters on the topic before.  I represent millions of Canadians who are opposed to abortion as a form of birth control, but who have (to our shame) largely remained silent on the issue.  Abortion remains an issue that divides the country, and to raise it again by honouring someone who is a villain to many Canadians is a slap in the face to our convictions and moral code.  Are our opinions not valued and respected?  Does a country that guarantees each citizen the right to “thought, belief, opinion and expression” stop short at heeding those voices, in our supposed democracy?

Every Canada Day I gratefully sing all four verses of our national anthem with all my heart.  This year the third verse hit me particularly hard in light of your announcement:

“O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies
May stalwart sons and gentle maidens rise,
To keep thee steadfast through the years
From East to Western Sea,
Our own beloved native land!
Our True North, strong and free!”

Please reconsider the decision to appoint Dr. Henry Morgentaler to the Order of Canada, that the value of our Canadian “stalwart sons and gentle maidens” lives not be further mocked. 

Sincerely,

Your Name

So I am still waiting to hear back from the Dr.Phil show. My stomach has been in knots for two weeks now. I can’t take the suspense. I just need to know either way. I hope with all my heart they pick me, I would be so crushed if they didn’t. It is all I can think about. Really what are the chances?!?

Personally I am on a new medication that seems to be doing wonders. I think I finally have a hold on what’s going on. I just need to say in this forward momentum for a while to get the ball rolling. I have a lot that I have left undone and neglected for the last few years so I have some work to do for sure!