A long simmering culture war is back in full effect across the United States -- and has spilled over into other parts of the world, including Canada. It's a culture war that has been long festering, known well to those who perceive themselves to be on the losing end of this culture war -- cultural conservatives -- as well as their victims -- largely, anyone who wasn't a straight, white Christian (and sometimes male). And surprisingly, most lower and middle class white people are at the losing end of this war, but continue to support the movement.

Before shutting down my computer after a long Sunday, I read the news -- news I did not imagine I would ever read, although, looking back, it was years in the making and clear signs were there. Yet we, individuals and society tend to deny danger till we become its victim or see blood flowing in our backyard.

Despite the hate graffiti on the walls of mosques and Muslim schools in Quebec; despite the insults hurled against Muslims on the streets of Canadian cities and the pulling of hijabs off the heads of Muslim girls, which started decades ago; despite Hérouxville and Pauline Marois' charter -- despite all this, I never seriously considered the possibility of a murderous attack against Muslims in Canada or Quebec. In the United States, maybe, but not here. And here it is.