Patriotism as considered by Legislators:
“To him that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance.”
“But from Him that hath not, Shall be taken away even that which he hath.”
This political cartoon from 1876 contrasts the financial compensation given to members of parliament versus the support given to veterans of the War of 1812* and the Rebellion of 1837.**
Notes in the cartoon: “Salary Grab: Members sessional allowance increased to $1000.” “Government Allowance to the Veterans of 1812 $20 and Veterans of the Rebellion 1837 nothing. Payment refused – services not proven. Bailiffs sale of household effects and arrears of rent.”
How are we treating our veterans in 2015? How are we treating our members of parliament? Two different stories.
Every vote counts. Get out and vote. Someone died for the freedom you enjoy today.
*The War of 1812 was a military conflict, lasting for two and a half years, fought by the United States of America against the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Ireland and Upper Canada.
**The Rebellions of 1837 were two armed uprisings that took place in Lower and Upper Canada in 1837 and 1838. Both rebellions were motivated by frustrations with political reform.
The rebels believed that the right of citizens to participate in the political process through the election of representatives was the most important right, and they sought to make the legislative council elective rather than appointed. Rebellion in Upper Canada (and Lower Canada also) broke out after the 1836 Legislative Assembly elections were corrupted. It seemed then that the reformers’ struggles could only be settled outside the framework of existing colonial institutions. The British military crushed the rebellions, ending any possibility the two Canadas would become republic .
The British North America Act, 1840 which partially reformed the British provinces into a unitary system and eventually led to the British North America Act 1867 which created Canada and its government.
