Historicist: Life in Wartime
Elsewhere in the Ist-a-Verse
SCULPTURE: Almost two hundred years ago, American ships sailed into the Toronto harbour at Fort York and released an army of soldiers who then set fire to the city. A battle ensued and by the time the War of 1812 had ended, Canada had the confidence to develop as a nation and the Americans found themselves rebuilding their White House. Douglas Coupland—writer, artist, and lover of all things Canadian—commemorates the event with his new sculpture Memorial to the War of 1812, to be unveiled today near the site of Fort York. 600 Fleet Street, 12:30 p.m., FREE.
MUSIC: Those of us not lucky enough to be treated to Feist's two intimate shows last week will have to make do with seeing her, and special guest Hayden, at her big show at the Air Canada Centre. Air Canada Centre (40 Bay Street), 8 p.m., $29.50–$49.50.
READING: This Ain’t the Rosedale Library is celebrating the Toronto launch of Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore’s new San Fransisco hard-times chronicle So Many Ways to Sleep Badly with a reading at The Boat tonight, near the bookstore’s new Kensington Market home. Hosting the event is Sandra Alland, with introductions and readings by (Torontoist contributor) Stacey May Fowles, Hal Niedzviecki, and Tara-Michelle Ziniuk. The Boat (158 Augusta Avenue) 7 p.m., $5.
READING: Former CBC radio host Bill Richardson will be reading from his new book Old Father William’s Well-Ordered Universe at Innis Town Hall tonight as part of the UofT Reading Series. The book weaves together many, many snippets of humorous trivia that may, or may not, actually have anything to do with each other. Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex Avenue), 7:30 p.m., $5.
REMEMBRANCE: Speaking of wars and remembrance, the Royal Canadian Legion has launched its 2008 poppy campaign. Veterans and children everywhere will be offering them in return for your donation, which goes toward the care of elderly or disabled Canadian veterans.
Photo by Vicky Peters
add to stumble upon
add to reddit
tweet this
post to facebook
i'll start off by saying that i am not ungrateful to veterans whatsoever. i think we have a huge debt to them for the sacrifice they made (esp those who fought in WWII).
but...were you aware that poppy money goes towards funding the Legions? i feel kind of strange that the money goes towards a place where veterans and their kids can drink and hang out. i'd rather the money go to charity or a soldier's pension or something...
You make it sound like the money is going to subsidize a bar, which is not the case at all.
I suggest you educate yourself on exactly what kind of positive impact they have on the community.
^you didn't answer my question.
the money also goes to fund the Legion Halls, which are community centres with bars.
that part makes me feel uncomfortable
Atomeyes,
Lets assume that what you are implying is correct and the money at least partially subsidizes liquor sales at Legions across Canada. What exactly are you uncomfortable with? Veterans have put it all on the line without question, and if an organization of veterans wants to drink a cheap beer, who are we to tell them they can't? It's ok if we ask them to go through the hell of war, but it's not ok for them to use public donations for whatever purpose they want?
If it really bothers you then I'd suggest you start appealing to Legions across Canada to start spending donations the way you see fit. I doubt you'll get much support from veterans or anyone else, but who knows.
Atomeyes - I'm confused as to what exactly about the Legion Halls bothers you. Is it because it is a place where veterans can get together and hang out and share life experiences/memories? Or is it because they happen to serve alcohol? If it is the former, then I am at a loss over your lack of compassion. If it is the latter, the sale of alcohol is actually a revenue generator for the Legions. Also, did you even read the link I posted that outlined how many millions of dollars and over a million volunteer hours they donate to various charities/seniors/veterans' services annually?
And before you ask, no, I am not a Legion member. I do, however, go to one once a year for my friend's memorial. Have you ever been to one?
Minou: yes, i have been to a Legion before and i live a block away from a Legion.
i've also noticed the large number of (what appears to be) non-veterans hanging out at the Legion.
I am also assuming - correctly or incorrectly - that the majority of Legions were set up for WWI and WWII veterans. I am making an assumption that its not the kind of place an Afghanistan or Iraq vet wants to hang out at. Looks like its a memorial from days long ago.
so, if my poppy money is going partially or fully towards hang-outs that sell alcohol, and hang-outs that rent themselves out for various events, then why not donate my money to CirCa?
Atomeyes,
I gave you the benefit of accepting your assumption last time, but your most recent assumption that Legions are set up for the exclusive use of WWI and WWII veterans is patently false. It's set up for Canadian veterans of all wars: Korea and Afghanistan count too. Also, relatives of veterans pay fees to become Legion members, so that would explain the non-veteran types you see in there.
That you put more priority on the fact that Legions serve alcohol than you do on the charity/community contributions from Legions as outlined by Minou is troubling. However, if you really are that bothered by what poppy money goes toward, then don't buy one. Just please don't highlight irrelevant criticisms of the Legion here.