July 2002 - Nr. 7
Canadian and German interests
Canadians
of all descriptions were more than just interested in the World Soccer
Tournament. Each ethnic group watched with utmost sincerity what was
happening to their teams and even tears were shed when they had to leave the
playing field for good. The unusual outcome, contrary to the predictions and
what could reasonably be expected, gave rise to all sorts of speculations.
Right up to the end I heard that the game was fixed so the Brazilian’s could
win over the Germans.
Personally I do not believe this. I believe that this team did not have much more to give, that it was not as cohesive as we might have wished for, that it lacked a superb virtuoso, or two, the likes we knew way back when. It was a surprise that they made it to the endgame and for that they deserve to be applauded. Of course, it is too bad that they did not even get one goal, especially since there were many opportunities. But I am inclined to bet that in the next tournament we can count on some interesting player development, which will have taken place in the meantime.
German-Canadians watched the game in many different venues. The downtown crowd met at the Delta Chelsea Inn, and all clubs and restaurants of any size had deals going on to do a little extra business.
We
got up at dawn to share the experience with our friends at the Danube
Swabian Club. A breakfast buffet was just the right thing to get everyone
going. People came truly prepared with flags and t-shirts. And those who did
not have any yet could buy a t-shirt for only 5 bucks and the seller made
money! Elsewhere they were 15 dollars.
Enthusiastically
and full of anticipation everyone hoped for the best. Most were hoping for a
0:0 in the first half and then a 1:0 for Germany in the second half. But at
halftime the opinions and hopes had changed a bit. We knew it did not look
that good for our boys from Germany. Yet faithfully we kept hoping, despite
mounting disappointment.
At
the end a polite round of applause was heard and people left unceremoniously
and very quietly, their spirits dampened. No one really watched the victory
celebrations of Brazil on the field, and from what I could tell the winning
team did not have much help from the German team. This was in stark contrast
to the game between Turkey and Korea, were mutual respect and friendship
were expressed at the end of the game.
I find that anyone who takes any game that seriously does
not fulfill the hopes of aspirations of fair sportsmanship. I know that I am
not alone in asking for a change in attitude towards sports. But perhaps it
is too late for it? Business has won out here too, it appears.
Immigration
For
decades immigrants have bemoaned the fact that there is a lot wrong with the
immigration policies. And now we have a Minister in Ottawa who says he wants
to change all that. Mr. Codere met with members of the Ethnic Press Council
to explain some of the finer points of the new policies. Unfortunately no
one really knew what he was talking about because full packages had not gone
out to anyone yet, at least not in this crowd. But not to worry, he knows
how to hobnob with everybody. A few words in various languages appeared to
go a long way among the members of the press. I had no idea that this was
still an important criterion for politicians.
Echo Germanica asked why his offices has so far not responded to efforts of the German Canadian Congress to meet with him. He could not say, was not aware and takes nevertheless full responsibility for that outpoint. His recommendation is to try again.
There is a lot to be discussed and especially in the arena of training German Canadians can offer great ideas. They have traditionally excellent training models to draw from, as we pointed out to the minister. Since he is eager to respond and consult we can only hope that the meeting will come off soon. In the meantime we know that president of the German Canadian Congress Ernst Friedel was invited to a state dinner in honour of German Chancellor Schröder.
If someone is interested in the critics voice we recommend
to study the website of The Federation for Better Immigration Policy at
www.savecanada.com. The minister
alluded to this by saying: "There will always be a lawyer to object". By
chance we found out what he meant by this statement.
Toronto Symphony
The fundraiser for a million Dollars to be matched from public coffers has been successful and the symphony can look forward to ongoing efforts to rebuild a fine world-class orchestra for our pleasure. A Canadian tradition has been the "Last night of the Proms" concert series. This is somewhat reminiscent of the promenade concerts we are used to at the spa in Europe. While you drink the waters and enjoy the fresh air there is a "Kur Konzert" in the "Kur Garten". Much like the finery we show off at a walk in a "Kur Park" that night too the people turned out in their best. Some of the children were dressed especially nice. Little girls in ruffled dresses, small boys in their first long pants suit with a white shirt and bowtie, and their moms and dads in evening wear.
Well, these concerts are also held at Albert Hall in London and draw a large variety of people to it. While the first half of the program is always different, sometimes offering French composer pieces, this year introducing Russian composers, the second half is somewhat similar and in some place identical. There really is only one version of "Hail Britannia". But all the Members of the British Isles were represented; and so it was no full surprise that the encore was dedicated to those magnificent Scotsmen and their music machines, namely the Dudelsack and the drums. They marched in as group in their bright red tartans and full regalia and got everyone off their seats and onto their feet. The just previously purchased Canadian or British flags were enthusiastically waved about one more time. Before the last applause subsided and smiling people left the building. In the upper lobby there was a memorial book for the Queen Mom to be signed and we were only too happy to add our condolences to it for our Anglo Saxon cousins.
The concert was a glorious cooperation between the Toronto Symphony and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, conducted by Michael Lankaster of British fame, and Joanne Kolomyjec, soprano.
And guess whom we met before the concert in their finest
black tie uniform? None other then Michael Schade’s parents Elisabeth Schade
and Johannes Schade. They were on their way to "work". Singing in the
Toronto Mendelssohn Choir has been their pleasure for a long time.
Ontario’s Farmlands
The
black earth was glistening where the ground was wet from a rain shower,
while in sheltered places the rich soil was just beginning to crack. Dressed
in fresh new plants the vast expanse of the Ontario fields was a magnificent
sight.
Alongside
the huge and cultivated grounds wild flowers bloomed in abundance, exuding
better fragrants than any perfume.
A
little further to the north near Lake Simcoe we discovered virginal forests
and swamps on the Canadian Shield, where frogs make guttural music and big
birds of prey sail the scented air.
This
is what we came to Canada for, I thought, this and the multitude of people
representing the entirety of mankind.
Despite our problems this is worth celebrating and sharing and admiring.
Happy Birthday Canada
Sybille Forster-Rentmeister
Comments to: sfr@echoworld.com
