I became a US citizen last week.

It is an interesting time to study for the civics test. I read the study guide, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and comments, and several of the Federalist Papers too. I aced the test--which most Americans born in the States would not do, else they would be aghast at what is currently happening in their country. Er, our country. The experience was a near-real-time masterclass in the catastrophic illegality of this administration's activities.

I also now hold a US passport, thanks to same-day service in central Philadelphia. While waiting I wandered around Independence Hall and the Constitution Center a few blocks away to round off my education. I learned a lot more about the histories of slavery and emancipation, of suffrage, and of the governance particulars of getting a bunch of Protestant Western European descended men debated carefully whether, when, and how to grant rights to others they considered various degrees of unworthy. It was expertly, brilliantly presented, especially fascinating and rich for someone who studies the complexities of group consensus processes. Apparently I got in under the wire as I hear the current administration wants to change these displays.

I have lived in the United States for over 20 years, a fiercely proud Canadian weaving my way among a people I gradually came to realize are dramatically different from my own, despite the many similarities on the surface. It's like glancing at a lake and an ocean from a distance and assuming that because they look the same from the top, that they are made of the same stuff beneath--they're not, at all. The threat of separation from my family without recourse made taking the plunge an obvious and necessary choice. I wonder how many others who took the oath to uphold the Constitution with me nurtured the same fears.

I have many feelings about becoming a citizen, and about doing so now. I am at least grateful that I have this privilege, recognizing that others do not. As for the rest, I'm focusing on the important things. I have kept quiet for many years, for fear of reprisal. Now, I have rights. I also have a lot of ideas. And I am no longer afraid to express them.