It's definitely a fine and even treacherous line. But the line has to exist in some capacity for Canada to fit the definition of a nation. There has to be some shared cultural boundaries.

You bring up some very interesting points.

Thanks for your input, you put some things better than I could.

Well I'm speaking more of culture in practice than a truly defined culture. This isn't about "mosaic" versus "melting pot", I'm not arguing that folks need to be assimilated. I am saying that there are certain things that Canadians do, and that Canadians expect other Canadians to do. Talking to people without being…

I didn't say that your opinion on the policy is invalid. I said that you shouldn't base your opinion on assumptions that have no actual bearing on fact.

Well, the purpose of the Oath is to declare your fealty to Queen and Country publicly, in witness of your peers and of government officials.

How about instead of making assumptions, you actually learn something about the subject you're discussing before discussing it further?

Canadian culture is part of the public interest. It's in the public interest to preserve the culture and practices of Canada.

You were lecturing me on the history of my country and the values it historically has held. You were completely wrong in your assumptions.

And see, there it is. Who gives a damn about Canadian culture anyhow? Let's just abandon it altogether why don't we, starting with the Oath. Clearly even swearing fealty to the country is just too much of a faux pas when political correctedness is concerned.

Like I said, that's another debate entirely.

Just because something isn't law, doesn't mean it isn't a practice. People in general feel that face-to-face communication is important. That's why things like, say, court proceedings, or citizenship oaths, aren't generally conducted via telephone. Even something as mundane as job interviews have face-to-face…

Even if what you're saying is entirely 100% true... so?

An explanation of importance is irrelevant. It's part of Canadian culture.

Since you're an American, please stop lecturing me on my country in the future.

Er... the USA was founded on liberalism. Canada was founded by British Loyalists and French Conservatives. Are you American?

This makes me wonder...

Every country has a culture. Multiculturalism itself is a cultural ideal.

Well, the practical reasons are self-evident. Identification, mainly. The whole idea of showing your face being equal to honesty is a cultural thing.

Because it's something that's important to Canadian culture. That argument hinges on the participant's cultural practice being more important than the cultural practices of the country the participant is willingly swearing loyalty to and joining. Nobody is forcing them to accept the values and practices of Canada —…