Here's another book from the shelf that I had started years ago and never finished until recently. I have been an admirer of John Godfrey for some time because of his outlook on politics, his concern for youth issues and his general demeanour towards all things possible. In this book he teamed with Rob McLean and, although slightly dated (The Canada We Want, Stoddart, 1999), it provides a realistic outline of the kinds of national projects our country needs. And still needs.

We've come a long way since 1999: the twin towers attack in 2001 that continues to traumatize the US to this day; the US invasion of Iraq for world oil domination; the rise of US despotism in the form of torture, private mercenary teams above the law, concentration camps with no recourse to legal support, and so on. The Americans appear to have no serious political opposition in Washington and Canada has been coasting along with a sycophantic pseudo-conservative government since the demise of the Liberal party a couple of years ago.

The challenge from Godfrey and McLean is an arresting one: don't let Canada be like any other country that emulates the US; get some national projects going that will rejuvenate, stimulate, invigorate the people of Canada; don't count on governments to come up with the ideas for these projects -- get involved as citizens.

If your bookstore doesn't have (it may have been remaindered years ago!) your library might. If you can't find hard copy, go to http://www.canada.matrixlinks.ca where you will find bio info on the authors and the book contents. Check it out and tell me what you think. ****