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“Maîtres chez Newf”, ala National Post

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This week the National Post again proved itself to be nothing more than the equivalent of a roll of cheap toilet paper. Not the soft and pleasant kind either and not nearly as relative, readable or insightful as a square or two of that famous kitten brand.

In an opinion piece entitled, “Maîtres chez Newf”, writer Jonathan Kay verbally assaulted Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams, the people of the province and even the province itself.

During the attack Kay recounted (in reference to Williams) “…his juvenile decision to lower the Canadian flag during a 2004 spat with Paul Martin’s Liberals about — what else? — the size of the handouts Newfoundland was getting from the rest of Canada.”

In reference to this week’s throne speech and the issue of becoming more autonomous Kay said, “That’s all very nice. But if Mr. Williams is so keen on becoming master of his house, why does he spend most of his time playing the surly teenager, endlessly haranguing his parents over the size of his allowance? A “proud nationalist” would be embarrassed by the fact that his province survives only because it receive transfers from Ottawa of $1.67-billion…”

His final hit (these guys always use the 3 strikes your out rule) was aimed directly at the province and people and it was by far the most interesting and telling.

“Mr. Williams”, Kay observed, “and the voters who support him — have got to decide what their political schtick is. Either they’re rugged individualists, proud of their identity and self-reliance. Or they’re professional welfare cases, endlessly harassing the rest of us for more handouts. You can’t have it both ways.”

Good one. Where did you ever come up with such original material? Have you been reading your own paper or was it the Globe and Mail? Never mind, it’s clear such a witty observation could only be gleaned by sticking your head firmly up your posterior (or that of someone else) and rotating it a full 360 degrees. Not very enlightening but a nice trick none the less.

Well folks all joking aside, I’m going take the high road here. That’s a place where I know I won’t run into anyone else of Mr. Kay’s ilk who might make some nasty remark about me, like I care.

I’ll put aside the rhetoric, forget the stereotypical and racist comments made in the article and even forget for a moment that this guy writes for a so called National paper, so respected in Atlantic Canada, that they couldn’t even sell enough copies here to warrant distributing it.

Instead I’ll focus on the underlying message in the article. No, not the clear evidence of Mr Kay’s narrow minded bigotry or his afore mentioned ability to twist his body in freakishly unnatural positions, but the political and social statements he put forth.

What you are saying Mr. Kay, if I might respond to directly, is that any political leader, province or people who claim to want autonomy and a stronger role in their own destiny should not fight with Ottawa for improved funding arrangements and transfers. If they do they are nothing more than, “professional welfare cases” and should be embarrassed to call themselves “proud nationalists”.

Thanks for that and may I just say, I appreciate the stand you’ve taken. I also know that since nobody reads your paper here you likely feel free to take those sorts of shots with impunity. Though you may want to reflect on how your comments will play out with your readers in that other autonomy seeking, equalization receiving province, Quebec.

The so called “professional welfare cases” there might not be as easy going and charming as I am.

Johnathan Kay, “National” Post writer and part time contortionist, can be reached at jkay@nationalpost.com

By Myles Higgins

@ April 26, 2007