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Some American “pundit” thinks Canada is a republic
by Scott Gilbreath ~ December 5th, 2008
One Bernie Quigley, who is billed as a “pundit” at the The Hill’s Pundit Blog, seems to have the crazy idea that Canada is a republic.
The queen of England has shut down the Canadian Parliament. It should be her last official act on Canada’s behalf. That she has the right to do so gives clear indication that Canada is not really a democracy or a self-governing republic. It is only a republic when the queen of England allows it to be a republic.
That is just ignorant. Canada is a democracy, but Canada is not––and has never claimed to be––a republic.
And, on the off chance that Canada is not a republic, well, it should be.
I have no objection to a queen per se and think Michaëlle Jean, the governor general, born on side our waters, would make a great Canadian queen. So long as her power cannot and does not supersede that of elected officials and constitutional law. Canada is a North American country and its soul is torn between Europe and North America. Its fate is North American. It is time to let go Mother’s hand.
We can have a queen as long as she doesn’t do anything except smile and wave at the people. Thanks a lot. Anyway, the governor-general’s role is defined within Canadian constitutional law.
“Let go Mother’s hand” so we can cling to Uncle Sam’s hand, perhaps? Some would view the belief that, because “Canada is a North American country”, we must therefore be a republic, as a product of the mindset of American imperialism.
British parliamentary democracy was in place in North America long before the success of the American Revolution enabled the United States to adopt a different democratic system. The American system is newer, but that doesn’t make it better.
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December 5th, 2008 at 05:06 PM
As an American, I have absolutely no desire for Canada to merge with the US. I still hold out hope that one day, when the Republicans win and the unhinged portion of the Left threaten to move to Canada, they will actually follow through. If the countries merge, my hopes would be dashed.
Besides the whole monarchy thing is quaint and great for tourism!
December 7th, 2008 at 03:40 PM
It seems to be particularly appealing to American tourists.
December 7th, 2008 at 05:11 PM
[...] SOME AMERICAN “pundit” thinks Canada is a republic; A left-wing coalition threatens to topple Canada’s [...]
December 8th, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Of course! Any time you can watch the pomp, enjoy the gossip columns and thrill to the pageantry and then go home knowing you don’t have to pay for it all, you are ahead of the game. And to be perfectly honest, I’d much rather pay for the changing of the guard than bail out GM, Ford and Chrysler.
Maybe we ought to insist that auto workers wear bearskin hats?