View as Webpage

Canada is our neighbor and this on again/off again policy

regarding tariff's and Canada is so misguided

Living in Plymouth at the time, I often marveled at the opportunity to chat with visitors from Canada while dining at local restaurants. This delightful experience came about shortly after Scott Lorenz and the Plymouth community introduced the innovative "$ at Par" promotion, where businesses accepted Canadian dollars at par in retail shops across the community.

This initiative was a perfect example of two friendly, neighboring allies working together on a tourism program. It was both creative and groundbreaking, opening doors between the two countries. However, this past weekend, during two NHL games, the crowd booed when the American National Anthem was played.

As the opioid epidemic devastated the United States, killing thousands, Congress established a commission in 2020 to explore ways to reduce the influx of drugs into the country. The commission's February 2022 report stated, "Canada is not known to be a major source of fentanyl, other synthetic opioids, or precursor chemicals to the United States."

Despite this, our President claimed, "The fentanyl coming through Canada is massive," shortly after his inauguration. But the fact is that in 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents intercepted about 19 kilograms of fentanyl at the northern border, compared to nearly 9,600 kilograms at the border with Mexico, where cartels mass-produce the drug.

The border between the United States and Canada spans 5,525 miles, with 3,987 miles against the contiguous 48 states and 1,538 miles against Alaska. Eight out of thirteen Canadian provinces and territories, along with thirteen out of fifty U.S. states, are located along this international boundary.

Our household may have limited influence over Washington's misguided policies, but we can control the plot of grass where our home stands. In a small yet meaningful act of protest, we are flying a Canadian flag to show that this family disagrees with the policy of imposing tariffs on Canada.

We love America but this family at the Musings Estate is not going to turn our back on the long history of friendships between The Dominion of Canada and the United States of America. We are taking one step. What step will you take?

With Musings sharing Livonia's history during the

month of February--Gotta Love Livonia, the Present is

the Past--let's take a look at some of the history of

our nation that has been in the news lately.

Setting the record straight and why we should honor history without rewriting it. Just because a new person walks into the White House does not mean he/she can ignore and rewrite history.

The name "Gulf of Mexico" traces its origins back to the era of European colonization, specifically through the explorations of Spanish navigators. In the 16th century, as Europeans began to explore and map the coasts of the Americas, they identified the Gulf as a vast body of water bordered by present-day North and Central America, as well as the Caribbean.

The term "Mexico" is derived from the Mexicas, an indigenous civilization that inhabited the central region of what is now modern-day Mexico. During the period of Spanish exploration and colonization, the name "Mexico" became associated not only with the Valley of Mexico but with the extensive territory of the Mexican Empire, which included areas adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico.

Thus, the Gulf was christened the "Gulf of Mexico" to reflect the region and territory under the influence of the Mexican Empire, particularly following the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. The name has endured through the centuries, linking the expansive marine basin with the nation of Mexico and its rich cultural heritage.

Given the prevalence of revisionist history surrounding us every day, let's set this rewrite of the Gulf of Mexico aside and focus on addressing the real issues at hand.

Livonia is made from a fabric woven of diverse leadership voices

and open minds – as a hometown, we need to Invite Everyone to Engage

in Our Collective Community. One way that our neighbors come together to enjoy this tapestry of community is through Livonia Arts and Culture.

Our Livonia Arts/Cultural Community continues to give back, making a difference, and has for most of the 75 years Livonia has been a city

Here are eleven organizations plus one not-so-important historical factoid that form the foundation of our artistic excellence and contribute to Livonia's status as the cornerstone of art and culture in Southeast Michigan.

Apologies if any have been inadvertently left out; our cultural landscape

continues to grow and improve each year.

69 Years of supporting our Livonia Library--founded in 1956

The Friends of the Livonia Library was founded in 1956. This dedicated group has been supporting the Livonia Public Library through various initiatives, including book sales, cultural events, and fundraising efforts.

67 Years of Youth Symphony Music--founded in 1958

The Livonia Youth Symphony of Michigan was founded in 1958. It is one of the earliest youth symphony orchestras in the state and has been providing young musicians with valuable performance opportunities and musical training for over 60 years

63 Years of Providing Love for Dancing--founded in 1962

Miss Jean's Dance Arts was founded in 1962. It is the longest-running dance studio in Livonia,

and has been bringing the love of dance and movement to boys and girls for over 63 years

60 Years of Vocal Music--founded in 1965

The Livonia Civic Chorus was founded in 1965 by the City of Livonia Department of Parks and Recreation. It started when the choir of St. Maurice Church of Livonia disbanded, and its members continued singing together, eventually forming the chorus with the support of the city's Parks and Recreation department.

57 Years since the only opportunity at theatre fame--1968

R. William Joyner as a Sophomore at Central Michigan came home during the Summer to serve as Technical Director/Set Designer for Anything Goes, a Livonia Public Schools Annual Summer Stock Production. His last venture on stage or behind the curtain. A promise he made to himself, and kept.

54 Years of Educational and Cultural Excellence--founded in 1971

The Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) program at Churchill High School in Livonia was established in 1971 as part of the school's curriculum. The program offers students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to pursue their interests in acting, vocal performance, and dance.

52 Years of Symphonic Music--founded in 1973

The Livonia Symphony Orchestra (LSO) was founded on June 4, 1973, originally known as the Oakway Symphony. It was later reincorporated under its current name in 1988 to better serve the residents of Livonia and surrounding communities

42 Years of Handbell Ringing--founded in 1983

Classical Bells in Livonia started in 1983. They have been promoting the artistry of handbell ringing through educational programs, workshops, and performances for over 40 years

36 Years of Civic Ballet--founded in 1989

The Livonia Civic Ballet Company was founded on February 15, 1989. It has since been an integral part of the local arts community, offering ballet performances and dance education to the residents of Livonia and surrounding areas.

35 Years of Youth Theatre--founded in 1990

The Motor City Youth Theatre (MCYT) was founded in 1990 by Fred and Nancy Florkowski. Initially established as the Redford Youth Theatre, it has since become a well-known educational youth theatre in Livonia.

25 Years of musical opportunities for young singers--founded in 2000

The Livonia Youth Choir provides children in grades two through eight with the opportunity to participate in a children’s choir of high standard, to further their musical education through the study and performance of fine music

14 Years of Homegrown Theatre--founded in 2011

The Livonia Community Theatre was founded in 2011 by Patricia Hutchison, a retired music and drama teacher. Initially known as Paul's Players, the group changed its name to Livonia Community Theatre in 2017 to better reflect its commitment to the city of Livonia

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com

Cell address

734-674-5871

Archive--Bill Joyner's FridayMusings