As a Canadian, I was moved by the kind and supportive messages many Americans tweeted for our national holiday, Canada Day, July 1st. Thank you, dear folks, for giving me the nudge I needed to write this tribute to our long Canadian-American friendship; it’s something I’ve been wanting to do for quite some time. What [...]
Part I, by Ramona McKean Oh, how the arena of power politics has developed as of late, with men in authoritative and/or prestigious positions being brought down by allegations of sexual misconduct. The power of victims is growing, and for the most part I'm glad. A world dominated by patriarchy has been, and continues to be, [...]
How Much Do We Owe the Early Chinese in Canada? Maybe a lot. Mr. Doug Hum, from the Ontario Coalition of Chinese Head Tax Families, recently spoke in Victoria about the issues the movie Iron Road raises. It’s about the Chinese who helped build the Canadian Pacific Railway in British Columbia. He asked a thought-provoking question: “Without [...]
By Ramona McKean Part II Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China If ever a Western foreigner could provide a "bridge" of appreciation and understanding between China and Canada, it is Dr. Norman Bethune. Though he’s been gone for 75 years now, the mention of his name in China can still cause many to stop [...]
Part I: Pre-China Endeavors and Accomplishments Dr. Norman Bethune went to China in 1938 to offer support to a peasant army combatting Japanese aggression then died less than two years later. This year marks the 75th anniversary of his death in China. To this day Bethune, Báiqiú’ēn (白求恩), is still viewed a hero in China. Sadly, [...]
Including an Introduction to Dr. Norman Bethune On February 10, 2005, during Spring Festival (aka Chinese New Year) in a rural area of China, I almost left this earthly plane. I can’t say I had a “near death experience” as I did not see lights, a tunnel, angels, etc. In fact, I did not even [...]
