In this time of turbulent uncertainty, where we once again see a military behemoth threatening a much smaller, peaceful country, we sometimes need to remember what we have and what we can give.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahead_by_a_Century

I think this iconic Canadian song from The Tragically Hip encapsulates that idea. It’s a song with a broad sweep as it weaves together past, present and future. It is about time, memory, loss, disappointment and desire, but it’s also about Canada’s identity and the politics of hope. Generally, it’s song in which we’re asked to drop what holds us back, and to imagine a future unharnessed by personal drawbacks.

Most of all, we’re urged to rethink the present, and to imagine a more generous and accepting future that should not be ahead of us by a century.

It’s very sad that we lost Gord Downie so early, but he and his band mates gifted us with an incredible body of heartfelt, lyrically beautiful music; this song in particular. It’s a huge reminder of all our advantages and why it’s necessary to help a friend who’s fighting a massive, vicious bully.

Glory to Ukraine. 🇺🇦