A few years ago while writing columns for another newspaper I received a letter from a reader who called this scribbler an “unabashed Liberal” in Canada's Tory heartland.
He was correct. I am a proud Liberal. However, I can also swing easily to the right, and by George, I did it unabashedly last week.
The Duchess of Cambridge, the former Kate Middleton, gave birth to Canada's future king, and she and Prince William – a fine fellow – named the little guy George.
I salute all of this, for this ole Liberal is a monarchy lover through and through.
I have many friends who are just as unabashedly republican and who have no use for the Crown in Canada. Methinks they have lost their way.
But I, contrary to true Liberal ideology - which has steadily eroded the role of the monarchy in Canada for the past half century - believe unreservedly that the Crown will always have an essential role to play in this country.
Republicans rant that it is sinful and archaic for Canadians to bow to an unelected privileged head of state who comes from across the great pond. They mock Prince Charles as a boring sourpuss who would only make Canada appear more banal to the rest of the world if he were to become king. I don't have much of an argument against that. Charles is boring.
But I have great hope for the future in seeing what lies ahead for the Crown in Canada, where it plays a critically important role in defining ourselves, especially in comparison to our great Crownless neighbours to the south.
The point is that the Crown, which the republicans refuse to seize, has no legislative power left to influence any political, economic and social issue in Canada. Its role today is at worst harmless, and at best, moving and inspirational – like a big grand fairy tale for a nation that for more than 136 years had dared to dream.
Republicans conveniently forget that the Crown is a world leader in its influence on the values Canadians hold close to their hearts – always democratic, and always reflecting what Canadians have stood for since the great Battle of Vimy Ridge – freedom, liberty and equality.
As for baby George, I don't care much for the name, but we can't really fault Kate and William for following the Windsor family's own traditions. Every family has their own. Besides, Queen Elizabeth, a marvelous lady in her own right, still has the right to win a battle or two with the younger generation.
Nevertheless, in years to come baby George will be raised with the same great values that are now being projected by his elders. As he grows into manhood, they will be refined to reflect the ongoing advances made by the United Kingdom and the realms, including of course those in Canada, a global leader for progressive social change.
And when he comes to visit I will proudly wish him the best, unabashedly of course.
