Happy Independence Day, America
Finally, Canada has an ambassador representing its neighbour the United States, that it can relate to. His predecessor, Paul Cellucci, the former governor of Massachusetts was another kind of political animal altogether. The current ambassador, former South Carolina speaker of the house David Wilkins is a refreshing change, one that Canadians truly do appreciate.
Each of these men were/are personal friends of the president, George W. Bush, but they're polar opposites in diplomatic attributes.
Former Ambassador Cellucci entirely lacking in diplomacy; when he spoke to Canadians it was as though nails scratched on a chalkboard. A nationalistic demagogue, an arrogant bully. His forte was to taunt, criticize, demean, and represent his station in an insultingly interfering manner, badgering the government of Canada to do the bidding of its great friend to the south.
The other brimming with warmth and humanity, a quiet-spoken, humble man, willing to lend himself to becoming a valued friend to the country. The contrast couldn't be greater; finally, we lucked in. Ambassador Wilkins is self-effacing, yet extremely effective, since the job of an ambassador is to represent the interests of his country to the host country, and this he most certainly succeeds in doing.
This exemplary politician-cum-diplomat with a sweet temper makes it oh so much easier to enjoy relations, however edgy at times, with our neighbouring state. Ever the optimist, when yesterday turned out a day of drizzle, he wouldn't let it rain on his parade. The three thousand invited guests at the party he and his estimable wife planned proceeded regardless. "It wouldn't be a summer party without a little shower" he offered.
Canada has just celebrated its 140th anniversary of Confederation. Making us the much younger North American sibling in the family of nations, with the U.S. celebrating its 231st anniversary of Independence. Both originating from the same stock; one rebelled, the other persisted in remaining part of the Commonwealth.
We're different in many subtle ways, the people of the United States and those of Canada. Yet we share much in common, aside from our geography; far more, for example, than our geographically-at-a-remove social, cultural, historical relationship with Mexico.
Our current, albeit transitory gift from the U.S. in the person of Ambassador Wilkins, whose skill in repartee, good humour and gentle mannerisms are a credit to his nation and his station, gives us pause to recall our common roots, despite our often profound differences.
It's what diplomatic relations between countries can achieve at the best of times, helping to salve over the wounds left by those whose prickly, quick-to-umbrage, abrasive and combative tendencies leave in their wake.
Each of these men were/are personal friends of the president, George W. Bush, but they're polar opposites in diplomatic attributes.
Former Ambassador Cellucci entirely lacking in diplomacy; when he spoke to Canadians it was as though nails scratched on a chalkboard. A nationalistic demagogue, an arrogant bully. His forte was to taunt, criticize, demean, and represent his station in an insultingly interfering manner, badgering the government of Canada to do the bidding of its great friend to the south.
The other brimming with warmth and humanity, a quiet-spoken, humble man, willing to lend himself to becoming a valued friend to the country. The contrast couldn't be greater; finally, we lucked in. Ambassador Wilkins is self-effacing, yet extremely effective, since the job of an ambassador is to represent the interests of his country to the host country, and this he most certainly succeeds in doing.
This exemplary politician-cum-diplomat with a sweet temper makes it oh so much easier to enjoy relations, however edgy at times, with our neighbouring state. Ever the optimist, when yesterday turned out a day of drizzle, he wouldn't let it rain on his parade. The three thousand invited guests at the party he and his estimable wife planned proceeded regardless. "It wouldn't be a summer party without a little shower" he offered.
Canada has just celebrated its 140th anniversary of Confederation. Making us the much younger North American sibling in the family of nations, with the U.S. celebrating its 231st anniversary of Independence. Both originating from the same stock; one rebelled, the other persisted in remaining part of the Commonwealth.
We're different in many subtle ways, the people of the United States and those of Canada. Yet we share much in common, aside from our geography; far more, for example, than our geographically-at-a-remove social, cultural, historical relationship with Mexico.
Our current, albeit transitory gift from the U.S. in the person of Ambassador Wilkins, whose skill in repartee, good humour and gentle mannerisms are a credit to his nation and his station, gives us pause to recall our common roots, despite our often profound differences.
It's what diplomatic relations between countries can achieve at the best of times, helping to salve over the wounds left by those whose prickly, quick-to-umbrage, abrasive and combative tendencies leave in their wake.
Labels: Canada/US Relations
posted by Pieface | 5:49 PM
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