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Letters to the editor Asking God's blessings is a part of our history Dear editor, Re: Dear PM, Leave God out of your speeches (letter to the editor from William Pomeroy Nov. 10). It is most imprudent-- even impudent-- to suggest that the Prime Minister should drop the phrase, "God bless Canada," from his speeches. Perhaps Mr. Pomeroy, you are not aware of the Christian heritage that birthed this nation? Let me enlighten you with a few examples. Like the United States, and Great Britain before us, Canada was formed through the vision and courage of men and women who believed God was moving in their time and circumstances to create a new nation for His own ends. Did you know that five of the eight leading Fathers of Confederation openly declared their conviction of this during the creation of the Dominion of Canada? Did you know that the name, Dominion of Canada, was suggested by Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley due to his personal Bible reading during the Confederation Conference in 1864? The term comes from Psalm 72 vs. 8, `He (that's God) shall have Dominion also from sea to sea." Moving into the 20th century, we see more modern day political decision-making also acknowledging the supremacy of God in both the national anthem and the Constitution. Every time you sing the anthem you pray, "God keep our land glorious and free." The Constitution declares that Canada is a nation under God. I think it is sad that you feel many Canadians don't know what it means to be blessed. I would beg to differ. Anyone with a TV or who reads a national paper can clearly see how the rest of the world lives and can know with certainty that, for some reason, Canada (and the U.S. and Europe) are indeed blessed by God. Do you suppose this could be because the governments of our countries are founded on biblical principles, or is this a huge fluke? The rest of the world knows we are blessed, too. Why else do you suppose so many people immigrate to the west and why others, when fleeing oppression, come here? Could it be, Mr. Pomeroy, that you are a little indifferent to most Canadian residents who do believe that there is a God? I applaud and encourage the Prime Minister, or any Canadian, to ask for God's blessing and help for this country. I'm sorry that you don't think God "worked" for you. All I know is that the first prayer He will listen to from anyone of us is, "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner." Did you try that one yet? Of course, you do have to mean it. M.E. Beardall, Acton Santa parade was great Dear editor, Congratulations to the Lions Club of Georgetown and everyone who participated in this year's tribute to Santa. As a result of my long time involvement with London's Jaycee Santa Claus parade I can appreciate the community time, effort and dedication required to produce an entertaining parade. It was my first visit to the parade and seeing one of my granddaughters participating added to my enjoyment. Given the high quality of this event it is obvious why Santa Claus has arranged to visit Georgetown's parade for the past 76 years! George T. Brunton, London Reader happy we have the right to believe Dear editor, (Re: Wm. Pomeroy's letter to PM entitled "Dear PM: Leave God out of your speeches) Thanks for your letter because it made me think and really made me question why you would object to our PM asking God to bless our nation. Of course, you are free to express your opinion, as is Mr. Stephen Harper. Our prime minister chooses to use the words "God bless Canada" and personally, I celebrate the fact that we live in a country where he can speak and believe freely and also model and emulate whom he chooses. You refer to "Canadian citizens who are mostly secular". As a Canadian Christian, I am hopeful that thousands of citizens are rejoicing in the fact that our prime minister is seeking God's blessings for our great country. Diane Leferink, Acton