Oct. 24, 2014 – “We are afraid…

At the end of this tragic day in Canada,

we are deeply AFRAID;

We are afraid for our sisters and brothers in the Muslim community,

who may become, in the coming days,

victims of retaliation and backlash

they in no way deserve;

We are afraid of how our government will use this event

as a reason to further tighten security against all citizens,

further erode privacy and freedom,

and further an agenda of militarism;

We are afraid that more Canadian soldiers will die as victims of violence;

We are afraid that this country that we love will descend

into mistrust,

fear of neighbour,

and expressions of racism and hatred;

We are afraid that the peace and freedom and respect

for civilian rights

will be replaced by a state that does not resemble

the country we know and love.

We would call on all neighbours to send thoughts and prayers

for the families who have lost their sons today,

to refuse to allow our grief to be interpreted as a call to war,

and to stand fast for the pillars of respect, tolerance, welcome, and civil liberty that are the hallmarks of our nation.

“We are afraid…”