"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel," as Samuel Johnson aptly noted over two hundred years ago. American writer Ambrose Bierce later added, "... I beg to submit that it is the first." H. L. Mencken had the final word: "But there is something even worse: it is the first, last, and middle range of fools."

Indeed. The patriotism on parade is that allegedly of Canadians, particularly Vancouverites, in regard to last year's Olympic Games, in which the impulse for flag waving came before, during, and now after the Games have departed.

On Sunday, February 28th Sidney Crosby scored an overtime goal that lifted a nation. From coast to coast to coast, Canadians spilled into the streets to wave our flag, to sing our anthem, and to revel in our national spirit. We were unapologetically proud of what we had just accomplished.

In the wake of the Vancouver Winter Olympics many social and political commentators have asked a poignant question: how have these 17 days changed Canada?

Those more cynical believe that this single moment was akin to a teenage New Years Eve party, in which things seem magical until the next morning when the unsuspecting neophyte wakes up in a stupor, no more enlightened than the day before.

It's been almost two weeks since Whistler co-hosted the 17-day sporting extravaganza. Immediately after the closing ceremonies, the Five Ring Circus and its security entourage left town.

While our Olympic hangover slowly subsides, the stage is being set for the 2010 Paralympics -- a more relaxed and less intrusive event than its over-bearing cousin, the Olympics.

While the Olympics had over 5,500 athletes and officials from 80+ countries, the Paralympics will only have 1,350 athletes and officials from 40+ countries. The games will run from March 12 to 21, and events will include biathlon, sledge ice hockey, wheelchair curling, and cross-country and alpine skiing, for a total of 64 medal events.

The end of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics has marked two successes in Canada's pro-social housing movement.

Less than two weeks after opening the Olympic Tent Village, organizers announced that housing was found for 35 homeless persons staying at the Village. Village residents had previously stated that the action would continue indefinitely until housing was found for those in need. Activists also participated in a "tent-in" at BC Housing just hours before accommodation was announced.

While BC Housing claims that these persons would be housed regardless of the Tent Village, organizers are confident that it was instrumental in expediting the process.

Hundreds gathered outside the Vancouver Art Gallery today to call upon all levels of government to implement and support a national housing strategy.

Signs that said "The People Say: Build Homes Now!," "Homes Not Games," and "End Poverty. It's Not a Game" lined the steps of the Gallery as advocates spoke of the need for greater federal involvement in ensuring increased access to safe and affordable housing nationwide.

The "Right to the City: Rally for a national housing program" action was organized by the Impact on Communities Coalition (IOCC) and supported by politicians, faith-based organizations, Downtown Eastside (DTES) groups, and other activists and advocates.

For the last three nights, I've been camping at the Olympic Tent Village in the Downtown Eastside. The Village, supported by dozens of groups, is located on a lot owned by Concord Pacific but rented by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (VANOC) for use as a parking lot during the 2010 Vancouver Games. The action is meant to raise awareness about the lack of safe and affordable low-income housing; the high number of homeless persons across Canada; gentrification; and the criminalization of poverty.

Two pro-social housing campaigns have joined together to create awareness about homelessness and the need for a national housing strategy. Emilio Rojas, a performance multimedia artist and participant with the 2010 Homelessness Hunger Strike Relay, is using one of Pivot Legal Society's red tents as part of his action. Sleeping in the front window of Vivarium Gallery until Sunday as part of a Performance/Installation entitled "Of Hunger, Homelessness and Spectacle," Rojas has created a mock street scene complete with books on homelessness, a cardboard sign, a shopping cart, a sleeping bag; and a prominently placed red tent.

Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES) neighbourhood is not known as one of the city's most beautiful. Notoriously referred to as Canada's poorest postal code, the DTES has high rates of poverty, drug use, and sex work. Next to glossy Gastown, it can seem dark and ominous, viewed by many as offering little else than prowling police and a strong homeless presence.

But the community of the DTES thrives in a way that few others in the city do. Vancouver is referred to by residents and visitors alike as "No Fun City," touting strict liquor laws, few community events, and dispersed neighborhoods. The Olympic Tent Village, located at 58 W. Hastings, embodies a liveliness, spirit and sense of compassion that demonstrates the neighbourhood's resilience, dedication and innovation.