Gag-Inducing

Chrétien 'thrilled' by rare honour from Queen

Well, I'll just bet he is. Some Canadians, however, hearing this news might be somewhat less than thrilled. It's not only wretchingly unbelievable, it's retchingly incredible that Queen Elizabeth II regards former Prime Minister Jean Chretien as praiseworthy in his 'commitment to Canada' to the extent that she is prepared to personally award him the distinction of being appointed a member of the Order of Merit.

This is one busy woman, is Queen Bess. Highly motivated, intelligent and herself dedicated beyond belief to her country and her exalted place in its political and social spheres. She maintains a rigorous and high-profile, energetic schedule, one that would floor the capacities and dedication of far younger women, and she does it with distinction and elegance, a credit to her upbringing as a British royal, and to the traditions she exemplifies.

But boy, did she get this one wrong. Who on earth advises her on matters like this? And just think, Iggy is now inspired that he may too aspire to achieve such a high distinction. Arghh!