I have been following the debate about the restoration of the "Royal" title to Canada's Navy for some time now. Recently, I became aware that Liberal Senator William Rompkey made a comment in reference to the Canadian Crown. His comment was this:
"It just doesn't reflect the reality of Canada in 2010... we are a unique and independent country"
Being a monarchist, I took issue with this statement. However, being a Canadian, I will allow the Senator a chance to explain himself. To that end, I have written a letter to the Honourable William Rompkey. Here it is, in its entirety:
"Hello sir,
You do not know me, I am merely another subject of the Canadian Crown. I would like to ask you about your recent comments about the proposed restoration of the "Royal" title to our Navy. If I recall, you said something along these lines:
"It just doesn't recognize the reality of Canada in 2010 ... We are an independent and unique country"
Now, you are right, we ARE an independent and unique country. However, with all due respect, sir, I must say the the Crown is PART of that uniqueness, it does not detract from it. Here is a little historical information for you: The Monarchy of Canada is our oldest government institution. From the French kings that first ruled our land, to Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, the Crown of Canada has existed for nearly three and a half centuries. It is a pillar of Canada's culture! Perhaps the Crown changed hands during the Seven Years' War, but the Crown has still been a constant of Canadian life for as long as there has been a nation called Canada, and even before that!
The Monarchy is the lynchpin of our form of government, it is the basis for our constitution, and it includes us in a noble and righteous group of nations; the Commonwealth Realms. Would you deny our fellowship with the British, Australians, New Zealanders and others, simply because the Crown, according to you, "doesn't recognize the reality of Canada in 2010"?
So, sir, I ask you: Could you please explain your statement? How can you possibly claim that the Crown is irrelevant, given the overwhelming historical evidence and honoured traditions that say otherwise? Before you say anything, I am not a Conservative supporter, I am wholly of a Liberal bent, but I understand that whole saying that says "Don't try to fix what isn't broken". And, sir, the Crown isn't broken.
Respectfully yours,
A proud Canadian citizen and subject of Her Majesty the Queen of Canada"
"It just doesn't reflect the reality of Canada in 2010... we are a unique and independent country"
Being a monarchist, I took issue with this statement. However, being a Canadian, I will allow the Senator a chance to explain himself. To that end, I have written a letter to the Honourable William Rompkey. Here it is, in its entirety:
"Hello sir,
You do not know me, I am merely another subject of the Canadian Crown. I would like to ask you about your recent comments about the proposed restoration of the "Royal" title to our Navy. If I recall, you said something along these lines:
"It just doesn't recognize the reality of Canada in 2010 ... We are an independent and unique country"
Now, you are right, we ARE an independent and unique country. However, with all due respect, sir, I must say the the Crown is PART of that uniqueness, it does not detract from it. Here is a little historical information for you: The Monarchy of Canada is our oldest government institution. From the French kings that first ruled our land, to Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, the Crown of Canada has existed for nearly three and a half centuries. It is a pillar of Canada's culture! Perhaps the Crown changed hands during the Seven Years' War, but the Crown has still been a constant of Canadian life for as long as there has been a nation called Canada, and even before that!
The Monarchy is the lynchpin of our form of government, it is the basis for our constitution, and it includes us in a noble and righteous group of nations; the Commonwealth Realms. Would you deny our fellowship with the British, Australians, New Zealanders and others, simply because the Crown, according to you, "doesn't recognize the reality of Canada in 2010"?
So, sir, I ask you: Could you please explain your statement? How can you possibly claim that the Crown is irrelevant, given the overwhelming historical evidence and honoured traditions that say otherwise? Before you say anything, I am not a Conservative supporter, I am wholly of a Liberal bent, but I understand that whole saying that says "Don't try to fix what isn't broken". And, sir, the Crown isn't broken.
Respectfully yours,
A proud Canadian citizen and subject of Her Majesty the Queen of Canada"
When I receive a reply from The Hon. Mr. Rompkey, I shall share it with you all. I eagerly await to see how he shall defend his statements.
God save our Queen and Heaven bless the Maple Leaf Forever
Gladstone,
I'm Australian and have been reading this blog for a few months now. It would be interesting to see the response I might get if I sent a similar letter to Ms Gillard. Some of her policies are as red as her hair. I look forward to reading the reply to your letter.
ReplyDeleteLong Live the Commonwealth!