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Friday, July 01, 2005
But what does it mean?
Paul Martin gave a typically vacant speech today in honour of Canada Day, saying that we rally around the flag because, uh, the flag is all around us, including a tattoo on his son (we're left to guess where on his body).
Martin said the flag is forty years old, and he spoke as if that was when Canada was born. I'm sure, in his mind, that's true -- the dawn of Trudeaupian socialism, and the systematic denuding of our pre-socialist history, including redesigning the flag itself -- and renaming our national day. Canada Day replaced Dominion Day the way the Liberal-red Pearson Pennant replaced the Red Ensign: there was a planned evacuation of real meaning, supplanted by a mushy, politically correct Liberal identity.
Did it not strike anyone sitting in a government-funded, government-orchestrated, government stage-managed, government-themed celebration of government -- flying a Liberal flag -- that they were merely participants in the latest and biggest and annualized sponsorship program?
Me, I'll take a holiday with meaning -- Remembrance Day, for example -- over what has become a thinly-veiled Government Day anytime.
Posted by Ezra Levant on July 1, 2005 | Permalink
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» The Canadian Flag is NOT the Liberal flag from Bound by Gravity
Scott Tribe does an excellent job debunking the oft-cited myth that the Canadian flag is red and white because the Liberals created it that way to match their party colours.
Too often hard-core CPC supporters spout off drivel like this:
[insert E... [Read More]
Tracked on 2005-07-06 6:43:22 AM
Comments
The flag might be a source of pride to the Easterners and their corporate masters, but it is also their greatest weakness. I argue Alberta and other disgruntled elements should use this to our advantage.
Newfoundland, which is the least Canadian of all the states (Alberta is second), proved that the Easterners are senstitive to the way the flag is treated. When it was removed from government offices during the dispute over energy revenues, Martin and others flew off the handle. They were so incensed that they caved in to Newfoundland's demands.
The method, then, is clear: show discourtesy to the flag and the feds will be unhappy. This could be a great way to seek redress (or get revenge) on the federals and their corporate masters in Ontario. Oppose gay marriage? Then take down the flag for a while to show it. Medicare cutbacks getting to you? Take down the flag. What a brilliant idea!
This could be the thing we've been looking for. It gets them angry and belligerent, but they can't do anything. I'm sure they'd love to invade and put the flag back up, but they don't have the resources. Be advised to use this tactic sparingly or they will get wise to our manipulation of their precious flag for our benefit. The easterners may have more money than brains, but that doesn't mean they're completely stupid.
Posted by: Scott | 2005-07-01 3:32:18 PM
At this point in our history even the word "Canada" is practically a Liberal brand-name. They have government journalists (CBC) doing their bidding, and they even use the Canadian flag as their logo. They have promoted the idea that their values are the values of all Canadians, while they behave indecently just to stay in power.
Considering what has happened in the last year,in parliament and behind closed doors, it just doesn't seem proper to celebrate Canada day today. Hopefully next year will be different.
Posted by: EBD | 2005-07-01 3:54:51 PM
Historic Maple Leaf flag returns home
OTTAWA (CP) - The original Maple Leaf flag that fluttered atop the Peace Tower in 1965 returned home on Canada Day to the waiting arms of Prime Minister Paul Martin
aka, Librano$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
The corrupt AdScam Martin wrapping himself in the rag; will it be his winding sheet?
The CP, aka Communist Press, wrapping itself in the grasping arms of AdScam Martin; adulation dripping from CP's word processors; vile propaganda piece from a rotten borough of the MSM.
CP is a tool of the Librano$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Posted by: maz2 | 2005-07-01 5:16:09 PM
I'm sorry, but I am no longer able to participate in the celebration of this country. Canada Day has been so consciously identified with the Liberal government, that to celebrage the day is to accept the recent activities of this government.
Instead, I sought out and purchased small Alberta flags for my children to wave, and a larger provincial flag to attach to my car. I haven't been able to find a source for Alberta lapel pins, but I will keep searching.
I encourage others in this country to do the same. Surely, enough is enough.
Posted by: mpp | 2005-07-01 5:21:18 PM
Thank you Ezra for your observations. I feel almost the same. You are nicer than I.
Seeing the Liberal Flag flying anywhere, in a public space, in Alberta makes me imagine how people felt in the 13 American colonies in 1775 when they saw the Union Jack.
No Taxation Without Representation.
Don't Tread on Me.
Posted by: Speller | 2005-07-01 5:24:25 PM
Anybody who is fundamentally upset with the way Canada is, in terms of the classic "liberal means liberty" sense, is wrong. We got lots o' that.
Anybody who is not concerned that Canadians could lose this relative nirvana, in terms of the classic "conserve what you have worth conserving" sense, is wrong. Aye, there's the rub.
The danger of pride is that it increases the risk of hubris. As Steven Den Beste wrote, "pious aphorisms and intensive introspection are not a plan."
Posted by: Tony | 2005-07-01 5:55:00 PM
Pardon my ignorance. I don't mean to be flippant, but what is the difference between a Canadian Liberal and a Canadian Conservative?
Posted by: Troy Worman | 2005-07-01 11:02:55 PM
Hi Troy
This is an approximate comparison to American politics:
Canadian Conservative=Moderate Democrat
Canadian Liberal=Liberal Democrat
Canadian New Democratic Party=Michael Moore
Hope that helps.
Posted by: timmyz | 2005-07-01 11:40:39 PM
Canadian Conservative = Bob Dole
Canadian Liberal = Joycelyn Elders
Canadian NDP = Karl Marx
Posted by: EBD | 2005-07-02 12:31:48 AM
A Canadian liberal is a composite of hypocrises.
While they are rich and white, they claim sympathy with poor immigrants.
While they say they love nature, promote veganism and oppose pollution, they drive around in SUVs and limos.
While they speak to support Canadian unity, they wouldn't be caught dead outside the Greater Toronto Area, or New York or Florida.
While they claim to speak for all Canadians, they hate all those who don't vote for their party: the Liberal Party.
They claim to support veterans, yet elect Tom Wappell.
They claim to support close relations with our American friends but elect bigots like Carolyn Parrish.
In short, a Canadian Liberal is a liar, a thief, a bigot, and narcissist, but accuse others of the same.
A Canadian conservative is an honest, hardworking person who just wants to make a living and provide for their family. Unfortunately, since they aren't liberals, they will never realize their simple desire. This is why Alberta has to be the beacon of sanity in this wasteland of hypocrisy.
Posted by: Scott | 2005-07-02 12:39:57 AM
Well said, Scott.
Posted by: cjg | 2005-07-02 2:21:47 AM
"Well said, Scott"?
You obviously have a capacious taste for drool-soaked bile.
Posted by: rick mcginnis | 2005-07-02 5:16:56 AM
hey Rick,
speak to the issues - to which of Scott's statements do you take exception and why?
Posted by: timmyz | 2005-07-02 6:37:02 AM
I will be watching for an article in the Toronto Star next week reporting that right-wing bloggers all hate Canada.
That being said, Paul Martin's use of the Canadian flag to push the Liberal agenda makes my skin shuddder. The PM's insipid speech on Parliament Hill on Canada Day reeked of AdScam redux.
I can no longer tell the difference between support for my country and support for the Liberal Party. It's truly Creepy!
Posted by: Two Cents | 2005-07-02 8:43:14 AM
"I will be watching for an article in the Toronto Star next week reporting that right-wing bloggers all hate Canada."
I hope that my name features prominently in that article. No one can detest Canada more than I. It's racism, fascism and apartheid are all too obvious. The sooner Alberta leaves this putrid dictatorship, the better off our people will be.
All I want to do is keep my job and lifestyle - nothing more, nothing less. I have it good and want to keep it that way.
It is unfair and illogical for the Ontario people to use federal power to prop up Ontario's standard of living by sacrificing that of non-Ontarians. If Albertans (and others) are to remain a part of Canada, then we must be treated as equals to Ontario.
Full equality or we leave, it's as simple as that.
Posted by: Scott | 2005-07-02 10:44:29 AM
So where can one buy one of these pre-1965 Canadian flags? Just how extreme was this makeover?
Dave O'Connell
York, PA, USA
Posted by: Dave O'Connell | 2005-07-02 11:47:55 AM
The Red Ensign, as it was called, can still be purchased from flag stores.
This site has both flags for comparison. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Canada
The change was substantial.
I visited York in 1999 and would love to return some day.
Posted by: Scott | 2005-07-02 11:59:27 AM
But Mr Martin has billions of neurons and billions of dollars to give. What better combination?
Speller: "Live Free or Die".
To rework a 19th century ditty:
"We don't want to fight,
By Jingo we surely won't,
We've got no ships,
We've got no men,
Have guts the PM don't."
Mark
Ottawa
Posted by: Mark Collins | 2005-07-02 2:01:20 PM
Dunno what it was like in Cowtown, but Dominion Day was an obnoxious, car-honkin' party central in downtown Edmonton. The busiest downtown event this side of HRH visiting, flags out of many car windows, and enough post-fireworks horn-beeping to make my ears ring and head ache.
Redmontonians enjoying their pablum, or just happy to be part of something that produces hockey, Barenaked Ladies and that folksy sense of multiculturalism.
"Free us or perish" separatism it wasn't.
Posted by: May Strimeedya | 2005-07-02 2:23:25 PM
"Canada" is a nation arranged for Upper Canada and Quebexico. Addressing the inequities within Canada "destroys" the country, coz the country is a CONfederation. The CON is surely destroyed when the conned see the scam. Scam after Scam™.
For as smart as Albertans claim to be, for as entrepreneurial as Albertans take credit for, they sure act like its the dumb luck of oil that has made this place great.
I haven't waved a Canadian flag for a few years, but don't see a point where enough Albertans will ever wake up and realize how truly fantastic Alberta would be if we let Canada be free of us.
Wild Rose Country.
Posted by: wharold | 2005-07-02 3:35:21 PM
Well said Scott. Couldn't be bothered to think about celebrating a unified Canda. Instead, thought about how soon I can move to Alberta and get on the separation bandwagon!
Posted by: Old Mother | 2005-07-02 8:14:51 PM
Timmyz:
There were no "issues" in Scott's post - it was just his usual lot of bitter drivel geared to flatter western conservatives labouring under a hypertrophied chip on their shoulder. Please tell me just what Scott was doing in that post besides spewing his usual hateful, childish invective?
And anyone who eggs him one with "Well said, Scott" is simply enabling a madman, and one who firmly believes that a major newspaper would mention him by name - talk about delusions of grandeur. He doesn't even post here using a legitimate e-mail address.
So you believe that Canada is a state whose "racism, fascism and apartheid are all too obvious"? It's frankly amazing to see a conservative forum become so devoted to the worst sort of victim fantasies.
Posted by: rick mcginnis | 2005-07-04 8:54:52 AM
Rick, don't waste your energy. Expecting any serious standard of discourse on the Shotgun is like expecting honesty from a Liberal politician. Occasionally you'll find an intelligent conversation but mostly it's all the same subliterate, historically-challenged persecution nonsense from the same 4 or 5 charter members of the Tinfoil Hat Brigade.
Oh, and "Scott" is clearly a satirical troll and not meant to be taken seriously; when you look at him in that light, he's actually fu... scratch that, he's too repetitive and boring to be funny. That people seem to seriously cheer him on is evidence of a lack of good sense on their part but not much else.
This place is a mildly amusing and guilty diversion, like poking a particularly dumb bear with a particularly sharp stick. Canada is still waiting for a serious, intelligent conservative voice, but the Popgun and the Redneck Standard aren't it.
Posted by: Jim in Toronto | 2005-07-04 11:20:49 AM
Do Ezra and Scott speak for Alberta these days?
That breaks me. Me: Alberta since 1945, daughter of a son of Lacombe, born there in 1907, and a Tory, a real Tory, who covered Aberhart's election in 1935 for the Herald (and guess who the Herald was supporting then? not Aberhart, for sure), who fought for Canada in the Second War, having lost his elder brother in the First, who married another Albertan who had gone to war with him.
And people here can speak of hating Canada? How ignorant are you of the Albertans who went before, who built the province you lucked out on? You seem not even to know what it means to be a real Alberta Tory, much less Canadians.
Neither Canada nor Alberta depends now or ever has depended on political wonks and propagandists. Learn about your people, the people who gave you what you have, the people you live with now.
And do something about the bile. It is so ... un-Albertan.
Posted by: skdadl | 2005-07-04 11:21:20 AM
Rick, don't waste your energy. Expecting any serious standard of discourse on the Shotgun is like expecting honesty from a Liberal politician. Occasionally you'll find an intelligent conversation but mostly it's all the same subliterate, historically-challenged persecution nonsense from the same 4 or 5 charter members of the Tinfoil Hat Brigade.
Oh, and "Scott" is clearly a satirical troll and not meant to be taken seriously; when you look at him in that light, he's actually fu... scratch that, he's too repetitive and boring to be funny. That people seem to seriously cheer him on is evidence of a lack of good sense on their part but not much else.
This place is a mildly amusing and guilty diversion, like poking a particularly dumb bear with a particularly sharp stick. Canada is still waiting for a serious, intelligent conservative voice, but the Popgun and the Redneck Standard aren't it.
Posted by: Jim in Toronto | 2005-07-04 11:24:08 AM
You guys are a bunch of downers. We have a beautiful flag and a beautiful country. If you don't like it try to make it better and quite winging.
Posted by: Gamblog | 2005-07-04 8:13:48 PM
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