Freedom of Thought

Get Outlook for Android From: John Ames Birch Sent: Sunday, November 8, 2020 6:55:47 PM To: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca <justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca>; Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca <Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca>; dujarric@un.org <dujarric@un.org>; jedmiston@nationalpost.com <jedmiston@nationalpost.com>; Jagmeet.Singh@parl.gc.ca <Jagmeet.Singh@parl.gc.ca>; actso@naacpnet.org <actso@naacpnet.org>; accredit@gov.ru <accredit@gov.ru>; contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com <contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com>; correspondence@council.nyc.gov <correspondence@council.nyc.gov>; ctvottawa@ctv.ca <ctvottawa@ctv.ca>; contactus@newfoundlandlabrador.com <contactus@newfoundlandlabrador.com>; info@bnn.ca <info@bnn.ca>; Info@PMOindia.gov.in <Info@PMOindia.gov.in>; Info@hc-sc.gc.ca <Info@hc-sc.gc.ca>; doug.fordco@pc.ola.org <doug.fordco@pc.ola.org>; david.penberthy@news.com.au <david.penberthy@news.com.au>; dan@jpost.com <dan@jpost.com>; education@nasa.gov <education@nasa.gov>; edpubs@edpubs.ed.gov <edpubs@edpubs.ed.gov>; media@gatesfoundation.org <media@gatesfoundation.org>; media@sputniknews.com <media@sputniknews.com>; news@thelocal.se <news@thelocal.se>; news@skynews.com <news@skynews.com>; nytnews@nytimes.com <nytnews@nytimes.com>; newsonline@ctv.ca <newsonline@ctv.ca>; letters@jpost.com <letters@jpost.com>; letters@theaustralian.com.au <letters@theaustralian.com.au>; letters@lasvegassun.com <letters@lasvegassun.com>; Secretary@HHS.gov <Secretary@HHS.gov>; Sky.Today <Sky.Today@sky.uk>; submit@calgaryherald.com <submit@calgaryherald.com>; study@leeds.ac.uk <study@leeds.ac.uk>; college@fas.harvard.edu <college@fas.harvard.edu> Cc: enquiries@devoff.ox.ac.uk <enquiries@devoff.ox.ac.uk> Subject: Freedom of Thought (Opinion)

Hey everyone, I was reading about a nation that recently passed new laws that are affecting students security of education. The story talked about how some students are worried about returning home and being persecuted for things they said in the classroom or in their host nations. I mean no disrespect to that nation but education is the cornerstone of our future and its potential cannot be constrained. Each student needs to have the freedom to explore their mind and heart dispassionately without fear of reprisal as long as its not hateful. Perhaps we can work with the host nations and originating nations for new citizenship paths or even educational asylum possibilities to ensure each student is safe. In turn we can reach out to the home nations and work with them on approved methods and guidelines to help both the university and students to find footing with any new laws. If we can work together no matter our side or politic then we can create a better future for all of us. I know there are many factors to consider and perhaps many I am naive to, but I know that together we can find a solution. Within each of us lies a gift, this gift is meant not only for us but for the world as a whole. The potential within each of us must be cultivated so that we can discover this gift within us. It's not just our responsibility to discover this gift but we are also meant to teach it. This gift can only be discovered with unbound potential not limited by fear or unknowns. If we are not able to live this potential in it's truest form, we may never learn our gift and in turn the whole of humanity is diminished for it. To think is to delve within the deepest corners of our minds and hearts and that is where the potential of our possibility lives. Stay safe, stay sanitized and stay supportive, John Ames Birch @johneames2