"No great man lives in vain. The history of the world is but the biography of great men."

                                                      

            Although I was born on January 13, 1994 in Lethbridge, Alberta, I wouldn’t say that was when and where my life began. My life began with my first breath of country air, on the farm I’ve lived on my entire life thus far. My residence, four miles south of Coaldale, Alberta, is an enormous part of who I am today and this, as well as my family, influences my lifestyle to a large extent. A love and respect for the outdoors and the environment, as well as the importance of hard work and perseverance, has been impressed upon me throughout my upbringing. I am the youngest child in my family, including my extended family. I have two brothers, Kevin and Mark, who have crafted me into the competitive person I am today; however, their excellence in everything they attempt can be intimidating and pressuring at times. I am very involved in sports, playing volleyball, basketball, and soccer; I also ski during the winter months. I seem to be busy all year round! I also play the flute in the school band, and volunteer in my community. Currently, I am a soccer coach for Under-6 players in Coaldale. Being an active member of St. Ambrose Parish, I am vigorously involved in my Catholic faith, and place God as a top priority in my life. In my spare time (which I never seem to have a lot of), I enjoy running, dirtbiking, and reading. During the summer months, I work at the Coaldale Pool as a lifeguard, and enjoy swimming.

                                          

"A passive and ignorant citizenry will never create a sustainable world."

            In today’s society, it can be difficult to witness a worthy example of the ideal citizen. A good citizen appreciates the history of his nation; he respects the benefits of the society that has been built around him, yet strives for change toward the betterment of his country.  Many Canadians do not appreciate the benefits of their citizenship as much as they should; the rights and freedoms guaranteed to us are irreplaceable. Those who fought for these rights should be respected in highest regard. Citizenship to Canada means a home to belong to; everyone of any race or culture is welcome, and our positive freedoms give us a life free from fear and injustices.

 “No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts off from its youth severs its lifeline.”—Kofi Annan

            An ideal Canadian citizen appreciates his rights and freedoms, respects others’ rights and freedoms, and assumes accountability for the responsibilities that follow these rights. For example, exercising the right to vote is as important as the protection of our precious democracy. Having Canadian citizenship has global implications; we have a phenomenal reputation—as being welcoming, accepting, and multicultural—that I am proud of.

“Citizens are made, not born. Civic education is the process by which we teach young people to be effective and responsible members of democratic communities. Nothing is more important to the future health of our democracies.”—Peter Levine

"Canada is the homeland of equality, justice, and tolerance."

          Far too many people do not take their Canadian citizenship seriously enough. I have a great deal of respect for Canada and its history, and am extremely proud and nationalistic about being Canadian. Although there are formidable events in Canada’s past—for example, residential schools for First Nations—there are also events that make my heart pound in admiration for Canada’s founders, as well as those who inspired change to existing systems. The Famous Five (Emily Murphy, Irene Parlby, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, and Henrietta Edwards) are a few of my favourite heroines, because they paved the way for women to be recognized as ‘persons’. The introduction of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982 was a pivotal event in creating the Canada we know today, with rights and freedoms for all people equally. The construction of the transnational railway was momentous in connecting the Canadian people and bringing unity to our great nation. I am proud of the vast and variable landscapes of Canada, as well as our system of governance. Democracy and the right to vote are irreplaceable concepts, and policies such as public healthcare and education improve our society significantly for all people. In addition, Canada’s reputation as peacekeepers, as well as a culturally diverse mosaic, is an admirable one.

            On the other hand, it is known that First Nations peoples have been treated abysmally by Canadians, even though they were the first people of the land. They were exploited and stolen from by European settlers; their culture and way of life were destroyed. Although there are actions taken by the government today to make up for past injustices, the damage is irreversible. As well, Canada’s multicultural policy is inadequately practiced and many refrain from accepting different cultures and traditions. Violation of guaranteed freedoms occurs when stereotyping and racism takes a place in society. In practice, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms is not followed acceptably, either. It is true that certain freedoms are adhered to; however, people who claim they are citizens do not follow through with their expected responsibilities. Neglected responsibilities include the exercising of suffrage rights and participating in the valuable democratic process. 

             All in all, I believe Canada to be the best country in which to live, namely for the guaranteed rights and freedoms for all individuals. Our reputation as being multicultural makes us accepting of all people, however culturally or religiously different they may be.

“As a people, we know what we can do, we know how to do it, and we just want to get on with it. How? By ensuring that Canada's place in the world is one of influence and pride.”—Paul Martin

             
         

"Politics is not a game. It is an earnest business."



    

    

"Democracy is the only system that persists in asking the powers that be whether they are the powers that ought to be."—Sydney J. Harris

            All people are reasonable, responsible, and respectful of others, and have the capacity to make decisions by themselves, through voices of representatives. In an ideal political system, a modern liberal democracy is

"Democracy is the government
of the people, by the people,
for the people."
—Abraham Lincoln

utilized with guaranteed rights and freedoms to all people. Fundamental individual liberties override authoritarian rule. All humans are equal, no matter what race, culture, religion, gender, or status, and should be treated as such. Equality of opportunity is maintained, particularly in the democratic process of voting for representatives into legislative organization, which includes multiple parties and viewpoints. As Montesquieu advocated, power is divided into three branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—in order to prevent the accumulation of power in one hand. Also, power is checked and branches are held accountable for their actions through this checks and balances system.

          In an ideal political system, decisions are made via a proportional representative democracy, so that all citizens have a voice and every vote counts. Unlike Hitler or Stalin’s authoritarian regimes with absolute power accumulated in one leader, power is spread throughout the representatives of the people. In an ideal political system, party solidarity is eliminated; representatives are not forced to vote along party lines. This way, the people’s voices are not silenced by the automatic vote by their representatives’ party. Having representatives speak for the people they are representing, not the party they are a member of, ensures that the will of the people is not silenced by the governing party’s wishes.

“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.”—Thomas Jefferson

This is a compromise between direct democracy and a representative government with party solidarity; it is not as inefficient as direct democracy, yet the views of the people are still voiced loudly. In the event of a minority government, an opposition party keeps the party in power in check. Ideally, elections of representatives take place every four years to ensure majority governments do not get overzealous in their roles.

“To govern according to the sense and agreement of the interests of the people is a great and glorious object of governance. This object cannot be obtained but through the medium of popular election.”—Edmund Burke



"Everyone is always in favour of general economy and particular expenditure."

          An ideal ideological perspective regarding economic system, including individualism and collectivism, involves group efforts but focuses primarily on the individuals' gains. Contrary to classical liberal economists such as Adam Smith and Friedrich Hayek, I believe an ideal economic system involves government intervention in order to protect workers’ rights and create regulations such as minimum wage and safety codes. Government involvement in businesses’ affairs is also integral in the name of environmental preservation; in order to protect the environment we depend on, regulations must be made to prevent producers from doing whatever they wish. Although a mixture of both individualism and collectivism is necessary, the precise combination of these elements is crucial. The principle of collectivism is beneficial in that it promotes unity and nationalism while working for the common good. Citizens who are unable to contribute are provided for, and

poverty becomes less of an issue than in free-market economies. However, because extreme collectivism equalizes everyone and decreases the successful citizens’ incentive to work hard, individualism is an effective value that overcomes the disadvantages of collectivization. The profit motive, as well as the individuals’ will to work hard and earn the lifestyle they desire, drives the economy and society prospers. A system in which individualism plays a larger role than collectivism is necessary in order to promote prosperous economics and notable development of society. If collectivism overpowers individualism, work ethic and the desire to advance in society will deteriorate. However, intervention in the economy is essential in small doses so that the government steps in and publicly collectivizes goods and services that are deemed necessary to live.

   

“The wise and correct course to follow in taxation and all other economic legislation is not to destroy those who have already secured success but to create conditions under which everyone will have a better chance to be successful.”—Calvin Coolidge



the poverty of capitalism

  

          In the model economy, citizens are equalized in terms of basic needs. People who earn more financially contribute more money toward taxes, for example, in order to provide for those who cannot provide for themselves. My ideal economy is similar to Canada’s: there are varying levels of wealth in Canadian society and everyone works toward the lifestyle they prefer, yet no one is “rock bottom”. The government directs that all citizens pay fluctuating amounts of taxes and our standard of living is maintained. However, Canada’s economy thrives because the profit motive plays a central role in businesses’ minds. Emphasis on individual gain is integral to a prosperous society, yet collective effort that supports those 



a collectivized farm in USSR

that cannot provide for themselves is crucial. The USSR shows today’s leaders the shortcomings of a completely collective society—a drastic decline in incentive to work, as well as public distress with authoritarian rule. The United States portrays the negative effects of a completely individualistic society—many citizens are not cared for to a satisfactory degree (for example, with privatized health care, many do not receive the health attention they need to survive).

            Although all citizens must be cared for via government support and regulation of businesses, society can only advance, thrive, and flourish if its individuals do so first.

“Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it's just the opposite.”—John Kenneth Galbraith

           On the traditional political-economic spectrum, my ideal system of a nation involves nearly complete political freedom, with equality of all people and freedoms including free speech, peaceful assembly, religion, suffrage, and more. However, citizens are not free to impede on other citizens’ rights and freedoms or the environment’s sanctity.

            Economically, right-of-center values are adhered to. Individualism plays a central role in the economy, but small government involvement is necessary in order to provide basic necessities for everyone. Government also works to introduce regulations, such as safety codes in the workplace and environmental standards. In addition, goods and services deemed necessary for survival and advancement of society, such as healthcare and education, are publicly owned to ensure universal accessibility.

“The only society that works today is also one founded on mutual respect, on a recognition that we have a responsibility collectively and individually, to help each other on the basis of each other's equal worth. A selfish society is a contradiction in terms.”—Tony Blair

"Every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty."

            In a modern democratic society, citizens have many more rights and responsibilities than in other systems; citizens are given more freedom, and thus must be accountable for more responsibilities as contributing citizens. Most citizens accept their rights, but many do not follow their responsibilities. Ideal citizens carry out their responsibilities as they practice their multiple rights and freedoms.

            In regards to respect for law and order, citizens have legal rights that protect them from unreasonable search or seizure and arbitrary detainment or imprisonment. In return, citizens have the responsibility to understand and obey the laws of the nation. For example, a citizen must respect the law; however, if a citizen breaks the law, they can only be arrested under reasonable warrant.

            In a democracy, dissent is accepted. Citizens have freedom of speech and right to peaceful assembly, and are permitted to vocalize their opinions through petitions, lobbying, protests, rallies, and attaining media attention.  On the other hand, these citizens also have the responsibility to ensure their assembly is peaceful, and that they are expressing opinions freely while respecting the rights and freedoms of others. For instance, if a collective was in opposition to a new piece of government legislation, they have the right to protest and lobby against it. However, they must do this in a peaceful manner.

            Civility is encouraged in democratic systems; all citizens have a responsibility to not infringe upon others’ fundamental freedoms and rights such as equality rights. Although citizens have the right to freedom of speech in democracies, the responsibility to eliminate discrimination and injustice also exists.

            Political participation is a major element of democracy that sets it apart from other systems of the world. Democracies pride themselves in being a government of the people, by the people, for the people. Citizens have the valuable right to vote, either directly or for representatives. In accordance with this right, it is an extremely important responsibility to practice these suffrage rights. Many citizens take suffrage as a right, but it is also a responsibility to input one’s opinions into the system.

            Regarding citizen advocacy, people of a democratic nation have equality rights that state everyone receives the same treatment. It is the citizen himself’s responsibility to ensure that these rights are respected, as well as other citizens’ responsibility to respect these rights. Citizen advocacy supports those who are ‘devalued’ and stands up for the rights and interests of those people. It is the citizens’ responsibilities to stand up for others that cannot stand up for their own rights. Acting as a supportive unit and protecting disadvantaged citizens is a responsibility all citizens carry, though many do not adhere to it.

            Rights and responsibilities characterize a democracy, and these elements should be respected and practiced diligently.

“The highest measure of democracy is neither the “extent of freedom” nor the “extent of equality”, but rather the highest measure of participation.”—Alain de Benoist

“The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy.”—Charles de Montesquieu

"'I must do something' always solves more problems than 'Something must be done.'"

            In times of national or global crisis, the rights and responsibilities of citizens grow in relation to the crisis situation. Because my ideal political/economic system involves a touch of collectivism, citizens would react to crises with interdependence and cooperation in mind. 

devastation of the 2010 Haiti earthquake

            In terms of humanitarian crises, citizens have the responsibility to speak up for those affected, and to contribute to efforts that act to prevent harm to people, whether local or global, and their possessions. An excellent example of effective humanitarian aid was the Indian Ocean earthquake in 2004, which created a tsunami that devastated the coasts of landmasses bordering the Indian Ocean and killed over 230,000 people. There was damage to infrastructure and the economy, as well as food and water shortages and danger of epidemics. The humanitarian response was overwhelmingly supportive; numerous countries’ governments, as well as non-governmental organizations, contributed aid funding to the cause. Various corporations such as Pfizer, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and Exxon Mobil also contributed to those struck by the tsunami. In addition, there were numerous large-scale fundraising events with hundreds of participants around the world. This is how humanitarian efforts should be; citizens individually, as well as government, should be inclined to give generously to others in need. Some say a nation should look after its own people before other nations’ people; however, if the opportunity presents itself in which aid is needed in order to save lives, it should be given. We should not discriminate between people and where they live. In the instance of the tsunami, tens of thousands of people were injured, and ten million were left homeless. Their positions were much more dangerous and detrimental to their health than those homeless in a democratic nation. It is the citizen’s responsibility to contribute to humanitarian efforts that benefit other humans, wherever they may be.

            In civil rights movements, citizens have the right to make their voices heard; they also have a responsibility to pressure their government to take action in either their nation or another nation, where civil rights are being violated or do not even exist. Taking part in the movement for equality and proper treatment of humans is crucial; being involved in helping others attain fair circumstances is vital to the appreciation of one’s own civil rights and freedoms.



            Regarding antiwar movements, pressuring a government to put an end to a particular war or conflict is admirable. However, not everyone is a pacifist, and not everyone believes in accomplishing things and agreeing on decisions peacefully. Sometimes, military might is necessary (for example, the American fight against USSR communism during the Cold War). Not everyone has the same beliefs about war, and it would wrong to call antiwar movements a responsibility of the citizen to undertake. However, it is definitely a right that can be practiced, sometimes successfully. 

            In the days of the Cold War, McCarthyist politics brought about a “Red Scare” in which citizens of America feared the presence of communism on their own soil. During this mistrust for fellow citizens and politicians, it was the right of the citizens to defend their own ideologies and protect their beliefs and values; however, it was their responsibility to act fairly and justly when accusing others of being communist. Needless to say, Joseph McCarthy did not follow this responsibility; he accused others, unfairly, of being communist in the name of self-advancement goals.



Aung San Suu Kyi and her 'National League for Democracy',
 along with pressure from United States, United Kingdom,
and United Nations, brought democracy and civil rights to
Myanmar (formerly Burma). The country was
under military junta rule since 1962.



            Prodemocracy movements are not necessarily the responsibility of democratic governments or its citizens. There are many different circumstances that must be considered before actions are taken to spread democracy throughout the world. The imposition of democracy in nations can be detrimental in some situations, and very beneficial in others. If liberal nations intervene in other nations for their own self-advancement purposes—for example, trading purposes for economic advancement—imposition of liberalism is not justified and should not be sought. If the nation’s people are suffering under the current ideology and liberal nations attempt intervention for humanitarian purposes, involvement is a viable option that benefits the nation being imposed upon. However, if nations seek to impose liberal ideologies upon nations merely for the sake of spreading their sphere of influence, it is not a worthy project. For example, if a liberal democracy wants to assimilate a culture of people with a very different ideology, it is not a commendable cause if this culture is satisfied with their beliefs and wants to protect them. This has occurred in Canada with the First Nations people, as well as the Francophones. It is questionable today whether the imposition of liberal democracy in the Middle East is a viable course of action. Many believe the cultural differences in the Middle East do not allow for democracy. It is wrong to believe that democracy works everywhere, for all the different people around the world.

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

Thich Quang-Duc



     Defending one’s principles and beliefs is an honourable act, and should be considered a worthy cause. However, to go to the point of dying for that cause is simply worthless. If you perish fighting for your cause, you can no longer speak out for your principles. Defending one’s values and beliefs is a noble act and signifies strong character. But once you kill yourself in the name of your beliefs, you can no longer defend your voice, because you don’t have one. You are silenced, which is exactly what people of opposing opinions seek. For example, Thich Quang-Duc was a Buddhist monk who set himself on fire protesting against religious oppression. He was no longer able to argue against the corruption of the South Vietnam president and the religious oppression that was taking place. 

"Tank Man"

Standing firmly, rooted in place by your beliefs, is a commendable cause. Father Damien, who devoted himself to spread the word of God among a leprosy community, is a person I look up to as a noble, strong person. The Chinese man that stood in front of a line of tanks in Tiananmen Square is revered in terms of courage and honour for what he did to defend his beliefs. He put his life in danger to publicize his opposition to the government’s actions. There was a chance he would live and a chance he would die; when it comes to lighting oneself on fire, or going on a suicide bomb mission as Japan’s kamikaze pilots did, there is no chance of surviving.




            Furthermore, ultranationalist acts and defending your ideology haphazardly can turn into a detrimental 

Atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima

 act for not just the party defending, but also the one in opposition. For some nations, defending a belief means attacking others whose values contrast their own. For example, the atomic bombs dropped on Japan in 1945 were not about defending the United States’ values; the injurious act was about annihilating the opposition—in this case, Japan. Another instance that led to harm of opposers was the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001. Defending an ideology becomes unprincipled and dishonourable when the consequences harm many more of the opposers than those defending their opinion. It is a personal choice; one should be able to go to any length to defend their own ideology if the consequences of their actions affect only him (for example, setting yourself on fire for your cause). But it is not right to defend your ideology by attacking those with dissimilar values; harming others is not acceptable when protecting one’s own beliefs.

"A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking."

            An ideology does not define the individual, but rather the individual defines his own ideology. Only he can determine what he holds as values. However, many things influence the way people shape the ideologies of their world, including countries and their systems of governance, family, religion, laws, and freedoms. I value liberal democracy, with rights and associated responsibilities being practiced. The main concept of a democracy is citizen participation; I place a high value on the involvement of citizens in society, as well as political actions. Principles of equality regarding rights and freedoms are a value of mine as well. Although liberal democracies call for limited government involvement, I believe this involvement is necessary in order to maintain these rights and freedoms. I strongly favour citizen involvement in the face of crises, whether in their own nation or another country in need. As a future Canadian citizen, I aim to contribute to Canadian society by participating in the democratic political processes, respecting laws, voicing my opinion and defending my personal ideology peacefully, and advocating others who do not have a voice. Globally, I hope to contribute to causes such as humanitarian ambitions and civil rights movements, as well as environmental movements. It is my goal to maintain participation nationally and globally, and to preserve the goals to democracy—of the people, by the people, for the people.

Bibliography

http://www.blackgold.ab.ca/ict/Division4/Social/Political%20Spectrum/index.htm

http://www.friesian.com/quiz.htm

http://www.efc.ca/pages/law/charter/charter.text.html

http://www.quangduc.com/BoTatQuangDuc/25photo.html

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/article1131777.ece

http://learningtogive.org/papers/paper12.html

http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/key-issues/responsibility-to-protect.aspx