Go to article index for other editions of Bob Orrick's IN RE (In the Matter of).
Confidence Versus Confusion
By
Bob Orrick
Often, Canadians and Americans are compared to each other, sometimes favourably, sometimes not. In many instances the differences between the two North American cousins is slight, almost imperceptible. At other times, the comparison reveals a wide gap between the Western Hemisphere neighbours.
Recently, Canadians and Americans were able to view their respective political leaders under same microscope. For one, the comparison was flattering, for the other it was embarrassing. One leader showed resolve, determination, confidence, and clarity of thought that revealed compassion. The other revealed weaknesses such as indecision, hesitation, muddled thought, and no confidence. Both leaders gave short, television speeches on the same topic. One was a declaration whereas the other was a waffling. One was forthright and addressed his audience with aplomb. The other appeared to be less at ease and on the verge of confusion. One showed leadership while the other showed a clear lack of leadership. One caused me to shout "Bravo!" whereas the other caused me to cringe.
One was George W. Bush, president of the United States of America, while the other was Jean Chretien, prime minister of Canada.
The difference - the comparison - was so clear, so unmistakable that this audience will know immediately - instinctively - which label to attach to which politician.
After watching the two political leaders address their respective audiences - President Bush's audience was his countrymen and the world whereas Prime Minister Chretien's was much smaller [who in the world now cares about Canada's prime minister and what he has to say?] - it became evident that Canada has been short-changed in the distribution of political leadership.
Bob Orrick is a private tutor of English grammar, literature, poetry and Canadian history to off-shore youngsters. His pupils hail from such places as Taiwan, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea and Venezuela. He was previously in international marketing, was a ministerial assistant to a provincial cabinet minister, spent a few years as a reporter then editor of a community newspaper and enjoyed a career in the Royal Canadian Navy.
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