The death of a queen, and the end of an era — Jen and Matt on the passing of Elizabeth II, some of the bad hot takes, and what it means for Canada. Plus: the RCMP and Russia both got problems!
Canadian republicans need to articulate a case for the benefit of abolishing the monarchy. What concrete, definable problems will be resolved, and how will a republic address them? From my perspective, history suggests we’ve got a system that works pretty well, particularly compared to the drama in republics like France, Israel, Germany, the United States, and much of central and South America. Republicanism seems mainly focused on an aesthetic objection to a monarchy rather than practical issues. A common complaint is that Canada is a grown-up nation and needs to shed vestiges of a colonial past. It’s an odd complaint, as there’s no more adolescent attitude than trying to pretend you’re not related to your parents…
I just listened to parts of this podcast and I have a problem with the Line now. I am a member of the Boomers who worked with many members of the Greatest Generation for almost 30 years before they started retiring. My problem is, you are talking to each other on the basis of agreeing with each other most of the time. Well I don't agree with you most of the time. You telegraph nothing but weakness. You don't really have anything you believe in that you would stand up for. You aren't Liberals or Conservative and see that as a strength?
The fact is you don't stand for anything, especially not this country. I placed my life on the line for what I believe in, which is why you have freedom of expression, a good but deteriorating standard of living, and the ability to declare that you are all for diversity and other such nonsense. The only thing diversity has brought to us in Canada is a greater choice in what restaurant we can go to when you really think about it. Some people from other countries have good intentions as they want to contribute to the countries betterment but many do not. They don't belong here and it is time to realize that...
I could go on here but I want to address the Queen. She has been out Head of State for 70 years. I wouldn't have joined the Military back in the 70s and worked for the RCMP for 27 years if she hadn't been. Really, I couldn't give a crap about what happens to you folks any more as I am in the twilight of my life because you folks just don't get it. Your lives are on the line in the near future and you are little more than Nero who fiddled while Rome burned. Think about that and I look forward to responding when you question my response here...
Sorry, Bob, it's you who doesn't get it. And so many handy labels. There is nothing special about the Boomers or the Greatest Generation. Most people are not just Liberal or Conservatives or any of the others. I'd call it more of a rainbow of choices but I don't think you'd care for that either. Some common ground on policy would be nice.
I would call you an Old Fart with all the associated connotations. And does the Greatest Generation deserves our undying veneration? Plenty of them were Old Farts too. Don't get upset, it's just a label.
I would think people agreeing with one another is a good thing. That is not a weakness. We need more of it in any case. And there is plenty of disagreement in the comments. Just think of Matt and Jen as facilitators of topical discussions rather than your own personal WWF. Those are the right initials? Who can keep up?
No one really cares that you think you laid your life on the line. You either did it by choice or under orders. Well, good on you. It does not mean that anyone has to agree with what you think is the way things could be. And the RCMP's reputation isn't so stellar is it? Thank you for your service is simply people being polite as they move on.
Diversity is not nonsense. How can you gather up all immigrants into one large bag of take-out? What would you like done about it?
Nero is dead and gone for about 2000 years so he's not exactly pertinent, is he? Each generation grows into whatever is laid on their path, for good or ill. All our lives are on the line (I will not make a pun). You don't have a line on the inside track.
You don't give a crap about anyone Bob, so why should anyone give a crap about you. You still don't get it. I can tell you, I'm pretty sure QE2 would be tremendously disappointed in you and your attitude. Nice of you to dedicate 2 sentences. I can see you're choked up.
Bob, I write to say a couple of things. First, I am highly amused by your post. Okay, that is my opening and, I guess, faint praise.
Next, I am also an old fart - I am 71 - so I can understand crankiness; it certainly works for me just as it appears to work for you.
In defense of Jen and Matt one of your commenters noted that he thought them to personally be somewhat right of center. From watching their videos and reading both of them over a number of years in various places [full disclosure: I am a fan - and, yes, I know the root of that word - of the writing of both of them] it seems to me that Matt is somewhat conservative (note: small "c") and Jen is, perhaps, somewhat mildly libertarian. What they both are, however, is two people who question and try to understand and they accept fully that to properly understand they must put aside pre-conceived notions and allow facts to show themselves before they offer conclusions.
You see that as weakness, do you? By contrast, I see it as strength that they question to ensure understanding BEFORE they make a statement that something is good or something is bad or needs improvement, etc. To illustrate, they allowed the "explanation" - really excuses - offered up by the government and by Brenda Lucki to stand for a period of time but noted the very glaring discrepancies and then reviewed the counter information; I hope you noticed, they subsequently asserted their conclusions about the pitiful behavior of the horsemen and, in particular, their political and bureaucratic masters.
As for Her Majesty, I accept and agree with your comments. In fact, last weekend, I wrote a (politely) snotty letter to the Alberta Lieutenant Governor about her overstepping the boundaries of her office and making political comments, to which I concluded by stating, "I remain a loyal subject of Her Majesty." I can make that statement no longer.
Hi Ken: Just turning 70 in a few days and yes I am also an "Old Fart" but not a curmudgeon...lol. As I mentioned to Norm I am not all that familiar with Jen and Matt as I don't have a lot of time to watch full pod-cams as I still work so that was the first one on the Line that I have watched. Hardly ever read the Line all the time but will be now. When I refer to projecting weakness, everywhere we look, it is there. It is in those who have closed their minds and believe that just repeating the same talking points over and over again wins over people. It doesn't. It just proves them to be fools and I don't suffer fools well. I generally try to ignore them.
My background was as a Military Policeman in the early to late 70s both in Canada and in Egypt just after the Yom Kippur war. It was still a hot war at that time and the Suez was still closed. Working conditions were 50 degrees Celsius during the day. Have a bullet fragment to this day from one I took in the back and it is working it's way into my chest to this day. Also have a scar from having been stabbed, so I think that enables me to say my piece now and I don't care if anybody doesn't like it.
The RCMP have some very good personnel and I worked primarily with them on a contractual basis dealing with Organized Crime for almost 27 years much of which had to do with Classified stuff. I not only think Brenda Lucki is not suitable for the job, I know it, as she was a political appointee thus the reputation of the Mounties is taking a beating. That is something they will have to deal with as somebody made a decision to embrace the politicians and this is the end result. Don't blame the rank and file, although the Mounties may not survive this if their upper echelon keeps screwing up.
I was incensed that the Queen was being vilified in the Legacy and Social Media and a so called professor in the US pretty much wished her ill for stupid shit that she has probably never endured. It is probably unknown to you but I live in New Westminster, BC aka the "Royal" city and as soon as she died a bunch of communists tried to have the Royal designation removed with the expressed consent of members of the City Council. They had already removed the statue of Judge Begbie from in front of the courthouse in the dead of night. So in summation I am pissed off right now...
I do understand the idea of still working; I would still be doing that but my hearing got increasingly worse about three years ago so I concluded that it was time to quit fooling myself and stop.
I do enjoy the videos of Jen and Matt more than the podcasts simply because, with my hearing [the doctor says that the next word to describe my hearing is "profound." Ho hum; so many people have it much worse.] - and even with my hearing aids - I have trouble with podcasts; with videos I can see expressions, etc. Better yet, I read the columns. I sometimes get interrupted and come back later.
Now, as to not being a curmudgeon - well, I hope not! Being cranky from time to time is, I think, simply good sense when you see and (occasionally!) hear some of the stuff that is out there today. By contrast, to me, being a curmudgeon is an habitual thing.
I agree that so many folks don't seem to want to ask questions of their own beliefs when questioning oneself is absolutely the most important thing you can do. I know that sometimes I have to admit (hopefully - but not always - admit only to myself) that not only am I wrong but that I am foolishly and spectacularly wrong, Yup. Happens more than I like but it is important to know that and deal with it.
Now, having said that, I agree that many folks have a closed mind and are simply repetitious but that doesn't automatically mean that their points are totally wrong. Sad to say, sometimes they have an element of truth that those folks don't even understand themselves. Again, question yourself first then question others.
My background is that I was an accountant for a million years (seems like that long sometimes) and in that time I met a lot of very smart people. Included in that lot were some friends who were former Mounties (now gone unfortunately) who were absolutely fine people and they introduced me to other Members, serving and former. Again, fine people. I just cannot think what my long gone friends would have thought of the "leadership" of the Force now; clearly, clearly, clearly the Members are not being supported by what used to be called their "betters" but are now very properly described as their "worsers."
Having said that about the Mounties, I have to say that the Saskatchewan stabbings last weekend appear to have been very definitely better handled than the Nova Scotia shootings in 2020 but the problem is that that "better" handling last weekend appears to have occurred at the Saskatchewan level and not as a result of anything that Ottawa has started for improvements.
As for Her Majesty being vilified, Forrest Gump had it right: "Stupid is as stupid does." In other words, stupid people do stupid things. I really don't need to say any more about those people.
And, finally, the idea that people today are so much more sensitive and knowledgeable that people a few hundred years ago is simply nonsense. Those people a few hundred years ago were people of their time. They may have done things that were, in today's light, not acceptable but they did some really tremendous things and these idiots today only want to remember one side. My answer: ignore them when possible but get out and counter-protest when the idiots get out of hand.
And, well, finally, finally, yup, I get pissed off. It might be interesting for someone to try to figure out who removed that statue and then swear out an information against them for theft. As a concerned citizen, of course.
No worries Ken. I am sorry to hear that you are having health problems particularly considering your hearing. That said, I think I can pass on something we have all forgotten about the young. They don't like being called pip-squeaks. They think they are being relegated to being inconsequential, at least that has been my experience. They may be right on a few rare occasions but so what! They just have to learn that when they accuse others of some total bullshit, it just may be turned back on them. That is what it is all about. There are times for misinformation if it is applied as a learning experience.
Looking forward to hearing from you again and I am finding many of the people on this "Line" are interesting even when I disagree with them. It might be the time to communicate with others again in a respectful way, as much as that is possible my friend. I think I understand you much better now and you are a man who can concentrate on issues you are dealing with much better than I can, and with greater patience...
Yes, Bob, you will find that there are some folks on The Line threads with whom you may disagree. Now, having said that, it is my experience that the folks who comment (I cannot include myself here as that is for others to consider) are usually pretty sensible and bring up good points even where I might disagree with a part of their overall point. In other words, they do think carefully and their approach improves my own thought process.
As for myself, so many people have it much worse than I so I am not worried whatsoever; thank you for your thoughts, though.
I also think this is a good observation. But I think it is more relevant when you look at the wider landscape of public institutions in our country, and their overall decline. I use public institution in a broad way - I include public service groups, churches, universities, the media of course, and so forth.
And it seems like nobody believes in anything, these days. For example - now this is hearsay, but I heard that the CBC used to be really radical and challenging back in the day. But nowadays it seems like they don't believe in anything. Here is the rub. How can you disagree with someone who doesn't believe in anything? It makes it very tough to have any dialogue. Disagreeing with someone is a great form of dialogue; it's a place to start, the possibility of persuasion exists.
But I wouldn't lay all these problems on our favoured editors. They do a great job. I get the sense that they are true patriots. As Matt and Jenn say, this is a our first new monarch in 70 years, all of us are going to have to learn the ropes on how to mourn and celebrate.
P.S. I wish I could have thought of a better example than the CBC... lol it's too easy a target, we all pick on it. Overall it is has great journalists, reporters, and provides an essential service to rural and under served areas. It needs more defenders than critics.
I reread what you wrote and started thinking about the old CBC. At least old for me which would put it in the 70s. (Check out their archives some time, there is amazing stuff in there.) I'm a defender. I wouldn't have called it radical although challenging on occasion would fit. Before the slow negative roll of "cancel" or "defund" the CBC, or "I don't want my tax dollars spent on that crap" which I don't remember much prior to the Harper regime. CBC was just always there. Like Hockey Night in Canada. But today it does seem much more milk-toast than prior years. I don't see that it's the Liberal mouth piece that so many Cons claim. Dozens and dozens of journalists are not all lockstep with the Libs. The CBC needs not to be all things to all people, there are plenty of other choices available. But reliable, factual, timely, interesting, they still can do that. The Cons are still mad that Fox North was cancelled due to lack of interest. I don't need to believe in the CBC or any news outlet. I simply want the 5Ws wrapped up in good writing.
I'm going to miss our QE2. I'm not a royalist by any stretch but I love the history of it all and the Queen gave us so much of that our entire lives.
Interesting response. Reminds me of the saying "Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times." I wonder if our new King will be able to fill the shoes his mother left behind.
I think you're being a bit tough on Jen and Matt. They're mostly centre right, from what I can tell, and non partisan for the sake of their audience. I'm ok with that.
I do think he's incorrect on Ukraine. Being ex military I wonder what your take is.
Btw thanks for your work for our country. My family has current and past RCMP members.
I have read the Line on a number of occasions Norm but this was the first podcast I have watched due to time constraints, so I am not that familiar with Jen and Matt. I do appreciate your thoughtful and respectful response and as I am slightly right of centre also, I will take that into account. I did not hear Matt's opinion on the Ukraine as I couldn't listen to that part of the conversation and had to end the podcast during the RCMP part.
Somebody else on this thread called me an old fart. He is entitled to his opinion and it probably indicates he is a young guy. The trouble with his opinion is that he will be an old fart himself someday. Young people are often rash and easily manipulated, especially these days. It would seem that when I was young I had better role models than he does now...
I'm 60. I don't know if that makes me an old fart, or a junior old fart. My back tells me I'm old. I would suggest that the lids you so happily slander are dealing with challenges you can I can't imagine. Information is instant and unfiltered. Misinformation is the same. And with cutbacks to funding of legacy media, where do they turn for actual facts? We never had that challenge. Then add in that your generation and mine have saddled theirs with a trillion and a half dollars of debt so that we could have everything we wanted...and screwed their futures royally in the process. The majority have no hope of home ownership since our generations also allowed governments to be bought by business so the wealth has moved up to just a few, while salaries and benefits; especially at the start have become unlivable. Then there's what we've done to the planet that they'll also have to pay tp clean up. So while I thank you for your service, and the doing of things that I couldn't have coped with, I suggest you walk a mile in a kids shoes before throwing them under the bus. Their future isn't near as bright as yours was at that age.
Sadly you are right with what we have left our kids. But somehow I'm not terribly worried about them. When we look at what's happening through the lens of our bifocals it does seem a mess and an immense burden. If not our kids then our grandkids are not going to be as comfortable? wealthy? have more toys? than we have had. But as we die off and they take control they'll make their own rules, set their own goals, decide what is important to them and those they love. What gramps or great great gramma used to do will seem both nostalgic and distant. Paper books? Say what? Cars that ran on gas? Gasp!
We must never throw them under the bus. They are unlimited potential.
I made my own future. They have to do the same. They aren't going to get it by sitting on their duffs hoping that some entitlements come their way. I agree with you that with social media come a whole lot of crap misinformation that we all have to verify before we share it but the mainstream media are not a good source of information. They have been bought and paid for with corporate and government dollars.
The environment was a mess then but I don't buy the carbon baloney. I lived in Port Moody, BC as a child and it was the most polluted city in North America in the 1950s to 1960s because of all the gasoline refineries up Burrard inlet. They used lead and sulphur additives in those days but that had nothing to do with us. They just didn't know any better but when that was discovered there was an all out war on smog and the end result was that our air is much cleaner.
Next, I seem to remember that we had our milk delivered in glass bottles which were recycled, groceries and other goods came in paper, cardboard, and everything was recycled to save money. There was very little plastic packaging but it is all over the place now. I could go on and on to poke holes in your post but I don't have all day. These kids are doing this to themselves through stupid politics, poor judgment, and a lack of understanding of how the world works. They often don't think for themselves so innovation just isn't happening to generate wealth...
I can't remember who said it but it feels like "the world has lost it's grandmother. It's not a shock, but it leaves a huge hole". Charles will have a tremendously difficult time filling it.
Otherwise, another fun listen as the world merrily sails toward the iceberg.
The pageantry is is going to to be fun - just because we don't see much pageantry in this country.
One of those arguments is that the monarchy is outdated. But, I think it is more true that it is future oriented - we know who our next two sovereigns will be. I think Micheal Valpy has had the best take so far. He points to the biggest threat the monarchy: an increasing irrelevance. The coronation will defeat all the little arguments, but if King Charles can't connect with his realms, the monarchy will become less and less meaningful and representative of the people. So King Charles' position as "head of state" is secure. But the King will have to work hard for his leadership to be more than a constitutional technicality.
On another note, I push against this idea of a "red tory" - I don't think they exist. But I give up when my favoured line editors speak about red tories. I guess everybody uses the term... and I probably am one, at the end of the day... I do think "centrist" as you put it is a good way to go.
Isabella II and Carlos III. That's how Infoba reports on them. Took me by surprise for a second but of course, it would be that bit different. King Charles and I share a birthdate though he is several years older than I am. Many several years. I don't think he'll stay on for very long. Maybe 5 years or so. Let the g'kids grow up a little bit. If the monarchy is to remain relevant, and I do think a lot of people want them to be, it should be handed over to younger, stronger people. William and Kate are immensely popular, it would be a sweet handover.
Canadian republicans need to articulate a case for the benefit of abolishing the monarchy. What concrete, definable problems will be resolved, and how will a republic address them? From my perspective, history suggests we’ve got a system that works pretty well, particularly compared to the drama in republics like France, Israel, Germany, the United States, and much of central and South America. Republicanism seems mainly focused on an aesthetic objection to a monarchy rather than practical issues. A common complaint is that Canada is a grown-up nation and needs to shed vestiges of a colonial past. It’s an odd complaint, as there’s no more adolescent attitude than trying to pretend you’re not related to your parents…
I can't think of a better situation than having a hereditary nominal head of state, out of reach of the agenda of the government of the day.
Nailed it!
Can we get Jen a better mic?
She has one, but she didn't bring it with her to her conference.
Ahh got it.
I just listened to parts of this podcast and I have a problem with the Line now. I am a member of the Boomers who worked with many members of the Greatest Generation for almost 30 years before they started retiring. My problem is, you are talking to each other on the basis of agreeing with each other most of the time. Well I don't agree with you most of the time. You telegraph nothing but weakness. You don't really have anything you believe in that you would stand up for. You aren't Liberals or Conservative and see that as a strength?
The fact is you don't stand for anything, especially not this country. I placed my life on the line for what I believe in, which is why you have freedom of expression, a good but deteriorating standard of living, and the ability to declare that you are all for diversity and other such nonsense. The only thing diversity has brought to us in Canada is a greater choice in what restaurant we can go to when you really think about it. Some people from other countries have good intentions as they want to contribute to the countries betterment but many do not. They don't belong here and it is time to realize that...
I could go on here but I want to address the Queen. She has been out Head of State for 70 years. I wouldn't have joined the Military back in the 70s and worked for the RCMP for 27 years if she hadn't been. Really, I couldn't give a crap about what happens to you folks any more as I am in the twilight of my life because you folks just don't get it. Your lives are on the line in the near future and you are little more than Nero who fiddled while Rome burned. Think about that and I look forward to responding when you question my response here...
Sorry, Bob, it's you who doesn't get it. And so many handy labels. There is nothing special about the Boomers or the Greatest Generation. Most people are not just Liberal or Conservatives or any of the others. I'd call it more of a rainbow of choices but I don't think you'd care for that either. Some common ground on policy would be nice.
I would call you an Old Fart with all the associated connotations. And does the Greatest Generation deserves our undying veneration? Plenty of them were Old Farts too. Don't get upset, it's just a label.
I would think people agreeing with one another is a good thing. That is not a weakness. We need more of it in any case. And there is plenty of disagreement in the comments. Just think of Matt and Jen as facilitators of topical discussions rather than your own personal WWF. Those are the right initials? Who can keep up?
No one really cares that you think you laid your life on the line. You either did it by choice or under orders. Well, good on you. It does not mean that anyone has to agree with what you think is the way things could be. And the RCMP's reputation isn't so stellar is it? Thank you for your service is simply people being polite as they move on.
Diversity is not nonsense. How can you gather up all immigrants into one large bag of take-out? What would you like done about it?
Nero is dead and gone for about 2000 years so he's not exactly pertinent, is he? Each generation grows into whatever is laid on their path, for good or ill. All our lives are on the line (I will not make a pun). You don't have a line on the inside track.
You don't give a crap about anyone Bob, so why should anyone give a crap about you. You still don't get it. I can tell you, I'm pretty sure QE2 would be tremendously disappointed in you and your attitude. Nice of you to dedicate 2 sentences. I can see you're choked up.
Bob, I write to say a couple of things. First, I am highly amused by your post. Okay, that is my opening and, I guess, faint praise.
Next, I am also an old fart - I am 71 - so I can understand crankiness; it certainly works for me just as it appears to work for you.
In defense of Jen and Matt one of your commenters noted that he thought them to personally be somewhat right of center. From watching their videos and reading both of them over a number of years in various places [full disclosure: I am a fan - and, yes, I know the root of that word - of the writing of both of them] it seems to me that Matt is somewhat conservative (note: small "c") and Jen is, perhaps, somewhat mildly libertarian. What they both are, however, is two people who question and try to understand and they accept fully that to properly understand they must put aside pre-conceived notions and allow facts to show themselves before they offer conclusions.
You see that as weakness, do you? By contrast, I see it as strength that they question to ensure understanding BEFORE they make a statement that something is good or something is bad or needs improvement, etc. To illustrate, they allowed the "explanation" - really excuses - offered up by the government and by Brenda Lucki to stand for a period of time but noted the very glaring discrepancies and then reviewed the counter information; I hope you noticed, they subsequently asserted their conclusions about the pitiful behavior of the horsemen and, in particular, their political and bureaucratic masters.
As for Her Majesty, I accept and agree with your comments. In fact, last weekend, I wrote a (politely) snotty letter to the Alberta Lieutenant Governor about her overstepping the boundaries of her office and making political comments, to which I concluded by stating, "I remain a loyal subject of Her Majesty." I can make that statement no longer.
Hi Ken: Just turning 70 in a few days and yes I am also an "Old Fart" but not a curmudgeon...lol. As I mentioned to Norm I am not all that familiar with Jen and Matt as I don't have a lot of time to watch full pod-cams as I still work so that was the first one on the Line that I have watched. Hardly ever read the Line all the time but will be now. When I refer to projecting weakness, everywhere we look, it is there. It is in those who have closed their minds and believe that just repeating the same talking points over and over again wins over people. It doesn't. It just proves them to be fools and I don't suffer fools well. I generally try to ignore them.
My background was as a Military Policeman in the early to late 70s both in Canada and in Egypt just after the Yom Kippur war. It was still a hot war at that time and the Suez was still closed. Working conditions were 50 degrees Celsius during the day. Have a bullet fragment to this day from one I took in the back and it is working it's way into my chest to this day. Also have a scar from having been stabbed, so I think that enables me to say my piece now and I don't care if anybody doesn't like it.
The RCMP have some very good personnel and I worked primarily with them on a contractual basis dealing with Organized Crime for almost 27 years much of which had to do with Classified stuff. I not only think Brenda Lucki is not suitable for the job, I know it, as she was a political appointee thus the reputation of the Mounties is taking a beating. That is something they will have to deal with as somebody made a decision to embrace the politicians and this is the end result. Don't blame the rank and file, although the Mounties may not survive this if their upper echelon keeps screwing up.
I was incensed that the Queen was being vilified in the Legacy and Social Media and a so called professor in the US pretty much wished her ill for stupid shit that she has probably never endured. It is probably unknown to you but I live in New Westminster, BC aka the "Royal" city and as soon as she died a bunch of communists tried to have the Royal designation removed with the expressed consent of members of the City Council. They had already removed the statue of Judge Begbie from in front of the courthouse in the dead of night. So in summation I am pissed off right now...
Bob, thank you for your delightful response.
I do understand the idea of still working; I would still be doing that but my hearing got increasingly worse about three years ago so I concluded that it was time to quit fooling myself and stop.
I do enjoy the videos of Jen and Matt more than the podcasts simply because, with my hearing [the doctor says that the next word to describe my hearing is "profound." Ho hum; so many people have it much worse.] - and even with my hearing aids - I have trouble with podcasts; with videos I can see expressions, etc. Better yet, I read the columns. I sometimes get interrupted and come back later.
Now, as to not being a curmudgeon - well, I hope not! Being cranky from time to time is, I think, simply good sense when you see and (occasionally!) hear some of the stuff that is out there today. By contrast, to me, being a curmudgeon is an habitual thing.
I agree that so many folks don't seem to want to ask questions of their own beliefs when questioning oneself is absolutely the most important thing you can do. I know that sometimes I have to admit (hopefully - but not always - admit only to myself) that not only am I wrong but that I am foolishly and spectacularly wrong, Yup. Happens more than I like but it is important to know that and deal with it.
Now, having said that, I agree that many folks have a closed mind and are simply repetitious but that doesn't automatically mean that their points are totally wrong. Sad to say, sometimes they have an element of truth that those folks don't even understand themselves. Again, question yourself first then question others.
My background is that I was an accountant for a million years (seems like that long sometimes) and in that time I met a lot of very smart people. Included in that lot were some friends who were former Mounties (now gone unfortunately) who were absolutely fine people and they introduced me to other Members, serving and former. Again, fine people. I just cannot think what my long gone friends would have thought of the "leadership" of the Force now; clearly, clearly, clearly the Members are not being supported by what used to be called their "betters" but are now very properly described as their "worsers."
Having said that about the Mounties, I have to say that the Saskatchewan stabbings last weekend appear to have been very definitely better handled than the Nova Scotia shootings in 2020 but the problem is that that "better" handling last weekend appears to have occurred at the Saskatchewan level and not as a result of anything that Ottawa has started for improvements.
As for Her Majesty being vilified, Forrest Gump had it right: "Stupid is as stupid does." In other words, stupid people do stupid things. I really don't need to say any more about those people.
And, finally, the idea that people today are so much more sensitive and knowledgeable that people a few hundred years ago is simply nonsense. Those people a few hundred years ago were people of their time. They may have done things that were, in today's light, not acceptable but they did some really tremendous things and these idiots today only want to remember one side. My answer: ignore them when possible but get out and counter-protest when the idiots get out of hand.
And, well, finally, finally, yup, I get pissed off. It might be interesting for someone to try to figure out who removed that statue and then swear out an information against them for theft. As a concerned citizen, of course.
No worries Ken. I am sorry to hear that you are having health problems particularly considering your hearing. That said, I think I can pass on something we have all forgotten about the young. They don't like being called pip-squeaks. They think they are being relegated to being inconsequential, at least that has been my experience. They may be right on a few rare occasions but so what! They just have to learn that when they accuse others of some total bullshit, it just may be turned back on them. That is what it is all about. There are times for misinformation if it is applied as a learning experience.
Looking forward to hearing from you again and I am finding many of the people on this "Line" are interesting even when I disagree with them. It might be the time to communicate with others again in a respectful way, as much as that is possible my friend. I think I understand you much better now and you are a man who can concentrate on issues you are dealing with much better than I can, and with greater patience...
Yes, Bob, you will find that there are some folks on The Line threads with whom you may disagree. Now, having said that, it is my experience that the folks who comment (I cannot include myself here as that is for others to consider) are usually pretty sensible and bring up good points even where I might disagree with a part of their overall point. In other words, they do think carefully and their approach improves my own thought process.
As for myself, so many people have it much worse than I so I am not worried whatsoever; thank you for your thoughts, though.
I also think this is a good observation. But I think it is more relevant when you look at the wider landscape of public institutions in our country, and their overall decline. I use public institution in a broad way - I include public service groups, churches, universities, the media of course, and so forth.
And it seems like nobody believes in anything, these days. For example - now this is hearsay, but I heard that the CBC used to be really radical and challenging back in the day. But nowadays it seems like they don't believe in anything. Here is the rub. How can you disagree with someone who doesn't believe in anything? It makes it very tough to have any dialogue. Disagreeing with someone is a great form of dialogue; it's a place to start, the possibility of persuasion exists.
But I wouldn't lay all these problems on our favoured editors. They do a great job. I get the sense that they are true patriots. As Matt and Jenn say, this is a our first new monarch in 70 years, all of us are going to have to learn the ropes on how to mourn and celebrate.
P.S. I wish I could have thought of a better example than the CBC... lol it's too easy a target, we all pick on it. Overall it is has great journalists, reporters, and provides an essential service to rural and under served areas. It needs more defenders than critics.
I reread what you wrote and started thinking about the old CBC. At least old for me which would put it in the 70s. (Check out their archives some time, there is amazing stuff in there.) I'm a defender. I wouldn't have called it radical although challenging on occasion would fit. Before the slow negative roll of "cancel" or "defund" the CBC, or "I don't want my tax dollars spent on that crap" which I don't remember much prior to the Harper regime. CBC was just always there. Like Hockey Night in Canada. But today it does seem much more milk-toast than prior years. I don't see that it's the Liberal mouth piece that so many Cons claim. Dozens and dozens of journalists are not all lockstep with the Libs. The CBC needs not to be all things to all people, there are plenty of other choices available. But reliable, factual, timely, interesting, they still can do that. The Cons are still mad that Fox North was cancelled due to lack of interest. I don't need to believe in the CBC or any news outlet. I simply want the 5Ws wrapped up in good writing.
I'm going to miss our QE2. I'm not a royalist by any stretch but I love the history of it all and the Queen gave us so much of that our entire lives.
Thanks for those thoughts on the old CBC, I appreciate them.
Interesting response. Reminds me of the saying "Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times." I wonder if our new King will be able to fill the shoes his mother left behind.
I think you're being a bit tough on Jen and Matt. They're mostly centre right, from what I can tell, and non partisan for the sake of their audience. I'm ok with that.
I do think he's incorrect on Ukraine. Being ex military I wonder what your take is.
Btw thanks for your work for our country. My family has current and past RCMP members.
I have read the Line on a number of occasions Norm but this was the first podcast I have watched due to time constraints, so I am not that familiar with Jen and Matt. I do appreciate your thoughtful and respectful response and as I am slightly right of centre also, I will take that into account. I did not hear Matt's opinion on the Ukraine as I couldn't listen to that part of the conversation and had to end the podcast during the RCMP part.
Somebody else on this thread called me an old fart. He is entitled to his opinion and it probably indicates he is a young guy. The trouble with his opinion is that he will be an old fart himself someday. Young people are often rash and easily manipulated, especially these days. It would seem that when I was young I had better role models than he does now...
I'm 60. I don't know if that makes me an old fart, or a junior old fart. My back tells me I'm old. I would suggest that the lids you so happily slander are dealing with challenges you can I can't imagine. Information is instant and unfiltered. Misinformation is the same. And with cutbacks to funding of legacy media, where do they turn for actual facts? We never had that challenge. Then add in that your generation and mine have saddled theirs with a trillion and a half dollars of debt so that we could have everything we wanted...and screwed their futures royally in the process. The majority have no hope of home ownership since our generations also allowed governments to be bought by business so the wealth has moved up to just a few, while salaries and benefits; especially at the start have become unlivable. Then there's what we've done to the planet that they'll also have to pay tp clean up. So while I thank you for your service, and the doing of things that I couldn't have coped with, I suggest you walk a mile in a kids shoes before throwing them under the bus. Their future isn't near as bright as yours was at that age.
You are definitely a junior old fart:)
Sadly you are right with what we have left our kids. But somehow I'm not terribly worried about them. When we look at what's happening through the lens of our bifocals it does seem a mess and an immense burden. If not our kids then our grandkids are not going to be as comfortable? wealthy? have more toys? than we have had. But as we die off and they take control they'll make their own rules, set their own goals, decide what is important to them and those they love. What gramps or great great gramma used to do will seem both nostalgic and distant. Paper books? Say what? Cars that ran on gas? Gasp!
We must never throw them under the bus. They are unlimited potential.
Wow! I agree with you on this one. They are going to have to shape their own future...
Oh, and better to be old farts instead of curmudgeons...
LOL
I made my own future. They have to do the same. They aren't going to get it by sitting on their duffs hoping that some entitlements come their way. I agree with you that with social media come a whole lot of crap misinformation that we all have to verify before we share it but the mainstream media are not a good source of information. They have been bought and paid for with corporate and government dollars.
The environment was a mess then but I don't buy the carbon baloney. I lived in Port Moody, BC as a child and it was the most polluted city in North America in the 1950s to 1960s because of all the gasoline refineries up Burrard inlet. They used lead and sulphur additives in those days but that had nothing to do with us. They just didn't know any better but when that was discovered there was an all out war on smog and the end result was that our air is much cleaner.
Next, I seem to remember that we had our milk delivered in glass bottles which were recycled, groceries and other goods came in paper, cardboard, and everything was recycled to save money. There was very little plastic packaging but it is all over the place now. I could go on and on to poke holes in your post but I don't have all day. These kids are doing this to themselves through stupid politics, poor judgment, and a lack of understanding of how the world works. They often don't think for themselves so innovation just isn't happening to generate wealth...
Pompous old fart. I cannot believe we are of the same era.
I lived in Port Moody 10 years ago. Horrible place. And the kids (under 50) didn't make it so.
Is generating wealth the goal?
Sorry to disappoint Bob, but I may be older than you.
Great podcast. I was going into withdrawal. Thanks 🙏
I can't remember who said it but it feels like "the world has lost it's grandmother. It's not a shock, but it leaves a huge hole". Charles will have a tremendously difficult time filling it.
Otherwise, another fun listen as the world merrily sails toward the iceberg.
The Queen is dead. God Save the King.
The pageantry is is going to to be fun - just because we don't see much pageantry in this country.
One of those arguments is that the monarchy is outdated. But, I think it is more true that it is future oriented - we know who our next two sovereigns will be. I think Micheal Valpy has had the best take so far. He points to the biggest threat the monarchy: an increasing irrelevance. The coronation will defeat all the little arguments, but if King Charles can't connect with his realms, the monarchy will become less and less meaningful and representative of the people. So King Charles' position as "head of state" is secure. But the King will have to work hard for his leadership to be more than a constitutional technicality.
On another note, I push against this idea of a "red tory" - I don't think they exist. But I give up when my favoured line editors speak about red tories. I guess everybody uses the term... and I probably am one, at the end of the day... I do think "centrist" as you put it is a good way to go.
Isabella II and Carlos III. That's how Infoba reports on them. Took me by surprise for a second but of course, it would be that bit different. King Charles and I share a birthdate though he is several years older than I am. Many several years. I don't think he'll stay on for very long. Maybe 5 years or so. Let the g'kids grow up a little bit. If the monarchy is to remain relevant, and I do think a lot of people want them to be, it should be handed over to younger, stronger people. William and Kate are immensely popular, it would be a sweet handover.
I do enjoy a bit of pageantry.
What happened to the YouTube version of the Weekly Dispatch Meeting?
Uploading now. Much bigger file.