Rumours of Armageddon

If you love Canada because it is a gentler, more tolerant neighbour to the United States, a new book released this week should raise alarm bells. The Armageddon Factor by Marci McDonald investigates the rise of right-wing Christian nationalism in this country, and its growing influence in Stephen Harper's Conservative government. I haven't read the book yet, but the Toronto Star ran a review, Timing of book's release downright divine, and CBC's The Current ran an interview with McDonald on Tuesday.

It's hardly surprising considering the recent thrust of government policy: canceling funding for overseas aid agencies that provide abortions, and for feminist agencies, scientific research and Pride events across Canada, also an increasingly pro-Israeli stance regarding the Middle East.

Apparently Harper is a born-again Christian, but has never discussed this with mainstream media. As McDonald says, he is "a very, very canny strategist," using fiscal conservatism to obscure a social conservative agenda. He is connected to a movement opposed to the legalization of same-sex marriage and increasing secularization of Canadian society.

The title relates to the evangelical belief in the Armageddon prophecy: a sense of urgency to make Canada a Christian nation in preparation for end times. McDonald argues this minority view has had a growing influence over current policies. She does not wish to demonize Christians or members of any religion, however she says principles of faith should not be imposed on the rest of us.

She asks Canadians to wake up to the risk of this country becoming more like the United States in the wake of George W. Bush's regime. Maybe it's time to evaluate our complacency. I was dismayed to see that despite recent controversy and allegations of corruption and secrecy, Harper's government is enjoying increased support in the latest poll.

Maintenance

I took the day off work for a doctor's appointment and to take the car for a day at the spa, a $500 treatment as it turns out, but I hold no grudge. I owe the Sunfire big time. It has run well for the past two years with practically no maintenance except new tires. Now it gets brake work and a transmission flush in preparation for the 4,000 km trip to Winnipeg and back. That's my auto repair budget for six months, but at least now I know where it's coming from.

A day alone at home during the week—what a luxury!

It's a chilly, wet day but there's no frost in the forecast for the next two weeks, and I needed to plant tomatoes before the trip, so today was the last good opportunity. Saturday at farmers' market I picked up four heirloom plants: Brandywine, Mennonite, Black Prince and—the fourth escapes my memory, an early variety, but now the name is on the tag in the garden. I also seeded Golden Detroit beets and some more Bloomsdale spinach. There is no more room in the garden for now. Nothing has grown much the past few dreary days, except rhubarb, so I picked a few slender stalks to stew for lunch today.

Most necessary preparations have been made, but there is still a whack of stuff I want to do before the trip (and it mostly has to be done today or Monday evening):

• clean the car
• put together a trip binder with maps and things to do
• clear space on hard drive
• transfer old images from camera memory to hard drive
• put away laundry and tidy bedroom
• do laundry this weekend
• buy groceries for the trip (to avoiding dining out all the time)
• pack (don't forget registration for the festival, camera, binoculars, trip binder, wine, try to find raincoat and bird book)
• give mailbox key to Marion on Tuesday
• Sunday afternoon maintenance on the Toronto garden
• what am I forgetting?
• get new prescription filled
• vacuum
• take out garbage
• water plants and put them in the shower

For some months with my doctor I've discussed tapering down my dose of mirtazapine (for depression and anxiety) from 60 mg (which is very high) to 45 mg a day. I've made significant life changes and my mood has been fairly stable for the past six months. I'm going to switch starting tonight.

I haven't discussed any goals for daily exercise (Change 3) yet, have I? Well, here is the first one: I'm going to walk for 30 minutes each day of vacation. Doctor says that's a good time to start an exercise routine.