Rex Murphy
National Post, Aug. 31, 2022
“… has Chrystia Freeland denounced Laith Marouf and the grants he was given? Talked to the ministers who gave them?”
Since we seem to be amidst something of a — wonderful phrase this — “teachable moment” about nasty and vulgar terms tossed at political figures, and we have had the obligatory lecture from the impresario of what is correct to say and what is not, “personkind” Justin Trudeau, let’s have a go at it.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was the object of a rude and crude tirade during an appearance in Grande Prairie, Alta., on Friday. I believe the F-word was tossed her way at least twice.
There is never any need, less any justification, for such language. Forget the imperatives of law; the majestic custom of courtesy, of honourable and respectable human interaction, which is what courtesy is, was violated. Courtesy is more important than law — it is how good people have exchanges with people with whom they disagree while maintaining civility. Law has nothing to do with it. Decency of exchange is deeper than any law.
What was shouted at Freeland was despicable, and that is, without qualification, my judgment on it. It was not, however, in any way symbolic or indicative of the Canadian sensibility. Quite the opposite.
Prime Minister Trudeau, as usual, responded with his automatic “this is not what Canada is about” speech. But we didn’t need the reminder.
Of course it isn’t what Canada is about. Trudeau wished to inflate a stupid moment by an oddball protester into an indictment of Canadians.
Well, “Canada” didn’t shout at Ms. Freeland. One guy did. The guy who did is not “Canada.” Not any taste of what most Canadians are like.
Regardless, Trudeau leaped on this singular incident to preach his always-ready sermon about hate and language. Source
