Jesus Christ Intensive Care Unit? Mohammed Trauma Services? Xenu Psychiatric Care?
Yes, bask in the hyperbole. But really, how is it any different than naming the new emergency services at Surrey Memorial Hospital after Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism?
That’s great that the South Asian community of Surrey is raising money for this much needed expansion. So are many other people, inside and out of the city. Why should the South Asians be singled out, first off, and if they are going to be, why was a religious name chosen? Whatever happened to freedom of religion? Why is the government naming a hospital unit after a religious leader?
I’m not against it because it’s the Sikhism founder. I’m against it because it’s religion in, and on, a public facility. Not in my day and age, no sir. Canada is a secular country, and such a stupid act in naming this facility completely overrides that ethic.
I know it’s just a name. But it represents so much more.
Your thoughts?
3 Responses to “Jesus Christ Intensive Care Unit? Mohammed Trauma Services? Xenu Psychiatric Care?”
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Laila Yuile on November 16th, 2007
Well said, and your post mirrors my sentiments exactly. To see polititcians pandering to a voter demographic is disgusting to me. As a resident of Surrey, I see it daily. Why is no one speaking up ? Fear.
This is a public facility, a governement hospital, not a private institution- let it reflect all residents of the region, not any religion.
I still have issues with the fact the expansion is being done on a donation basis. Tulips for Tomorrow? give me a break.
David on November 16th, 2007
This is a tough one. What about St. Paul’s Hospital? Where is the line drawn? So many of the place names we take for granted come from Christian heritage, do we need to rename them? Are we balancing things out by naming this hospital after Guru Narak? I’m not saying we are, those are just questions. I am all for the seperation of church and state, but this doesn’t ruffle my feathers as much as other things. Perhaps naming something after the founder of a religion is a strong statement, but the important thing to me is that its a name and not policy.
Miss604’s Canuck Life :: A Vancouver Blog » Blog Archive » Thursday Morning Link Fest: Iowan Thanksgiving Edition on November 22nd, 2007
[...] … “Jesus Christ Intensive Care Unit? Mohammed Trauma Services? Xenu Psychiatric Care?”… “Why should the South Asians be singled out, first off, and if they are going to be, why was a religious name chosen? Whatever happened to freedom of religion? Why is the government naming a hospital unit after a religious leader? “[Paul Hillsdon] [...]