January 11, 2007
Happy Sir John A. Day!
Today (or maybe yesterday) is the birthday (and non-holiday) of Sir John A. Macdonald! So put some gin in work's water cooler, and spread the Canadian patriotism!
Aah, they don't make them like this anymore: During the election of 1863, Macdonald reportedly felt nauseous and became sick during a campaign speech. His opponent quickly pointed this out and said: "Is this Macdonald you want running your country? A drunk." To which Macdonald replied: "I get sick ... not because of drink [but because] I am forced to listen to the ranting of my honourable opponent." Thanks, Sir! Rest easy.
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George Washington's grave. Simon Bolivar's grave. Sir John Macdonold's grave. However, I hear there was an open bar after the funeral.
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OOO interesting post Capt. R. They do still make them like that - it's just that they don't seem to get so far in politics anymore. Many countries have an expectation that their leaders have crystal clear records of conduct in their personal lives (even if they do not hold themselves to the same standards).
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Also turns out to be Jean Chretien's birthday, if you'd rather celebrate that. (But who would, really?)
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More accurately, Sir John A.'s Grave. However, still rather sad. There used to be a better website, showing just how sad the various Prime Ministers' gravesites are (e.g., Noble Prize Winner Lester B. Pearson), but I can't find it anymore.
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However, at the gravesite itself, a plaque says that the simple stone cross is what Sir John A. wanted. And, personally, I find such modesty entirely appropriate for the father of Canada. Doesn't mean that it was easy to find...
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And fimbulvetr, was that gravesite-improvement thingy not for Prime Ministers, but Fathers of Confederation?
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Could be, but I can't find that either
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Newtonian apology