Rex Murphy, God, wrapping paper and a very stupid judge
There is, perhaps, no more talented writer in Canada today than Rex Murphy. I say “perhaps” because, apart from the nothingness of most local journalism, or at least, that’s what we call it here, the East is populated with some greats: George Jonas, David Frum, Margaret Wente…and the occasional, but elegant, if not magnificent, scribble from Lord Black of Crossharbour (currently of a Florida zip and terry cloth slippers).
And then there’s Rex, who I had to privilege of speaking with during his last visit to Vancouver (we compared notes of how the global warming fantasists had such shrill responses to columns we had both written exposing their shamelessness and trickery–we are heretics, deserving of a wrath worse than that from the plague because we want YOU to know the truth) . Incidentally, I am currently reading, for the second time, his book, ‘Canada and Other Matters’ . It’s a repeat reading because I loved reading it so much the first time. I highly recommend it. A wonderful read indeed.
Rex’s writing is entertaining, informative, powerful and thought provoking. He’s an editor’s dream. Nobody does it better in this land. In my opinion, he’s easily on par with Christopher Hitchens incredible prose. Every Saturday, you will know what the first post will be on this blog: Rex’s column. It’s the first thing I read every Saturday; the contents of which, I will ponder for the rest of the weekend. It makes for a break from the track meets, birthday parties and outings of a Dad to three lovely young children (whom, I must say, define me the more we grow older together).
In this week’s offering Rex deconstructs an obscene decision of a mindless court, that the Cross in an Italian classroom was offensive to the atheists who brought the (frivolous) suit forward.
Why do we do this to ourselves? Why? We are so busy killing off all that has ever held us together, to accommodate the opinion of some smarmy placard waver, that we have recanted our humanity. What next? Synagogues must have no symbols and markings that they are places of worship for my friends, the gallant Jews? The Cross must be banished from churches because atheists might have to look at them as they drive past? Christmas must truly be abolished in favour of some secular, amorphous day of wrapper and tape reckoning?
I have often been a disaffected Christian, as much for my church’s social intolerance (and hypocrisy); it’s insufferable rigidity, as much for my own shame for a few of the things I have done in my life.
But through it all, I survived because I found my faith sustained me, often carrying me. I will expand upon this as time passes. It was a fascinating, if not life-altering journey…which continues, and not without some turbulence (often self-induced), but it continues just the same, thankfully…
Where do I go when I feel that maybe there isn’t enough recognition of God’s grace in this land? To a court? How utterly, embarrassingly, ridiculously absurd!
Think about it. I often do.
Enjoy Rex’s piece in today’s Globe and Mail and the rest of the weekend. I’m off to Commercial Drive for tonight’s ingredients…
Hi Alex, complete agreement about Rex. About GW, did you read the rehashing of “mantras” by a Greg Robinson/Vancouver on the last Georgia Straight, while there are “hoaxers” on both sides, the question is WHO STARTED IT and who has FACTS instead of Computer Projections.
[Translate]
Yes, I certainly did Pedro. I was sitting in a coffee shop on the Downtown Eastside waiting for breakfast and all they had was The Straight. Pretty lame, through and through, I agree. But the eggs were great!
[Translate]
Hi Alex,
I too liked Rex Murphy’s writings and commentary over the years but became very troubled when watching CBC one day; Rex was asked this past year, which politician is the most under- rated politician in the county?
Rex picked Gordon Campbell.
I wrote to Rex and asked him to come and visit are fine province and make it a fact-finding visit.
Either Rex is hard right wing or simply not informed.
Parzone
[Translate]
Ah, yes Paisano, the infamous Premier Grotto comment.
Frankly, I didn’t see it as problematic. Gordon Campbell was, certainly, at the time, the most underrated politician in the country. Carole James had located her political compass and it was looking like el Gordo might have a fly in his Margarita. Enter the economy and the easy faux messaging, that the Liberals do soooo well, and there you have it.
I thought it quite innocuous, to be honest. I think that Campbell was indeed underrated.
It was not meant as a compliment to his policies, but his ability to survive the onslaught of a potentially messy campaign.
Thx for stopping by. Always a a pleasure.
[Translate]
It does not surprise me that you like Rex Murphy so much since you are great writers. You are the best writer we’ve read in Vancouver. My husband and I are so thrilled that we can read you daily. Good luck Alex. Please don’t stop bringing common sense to our world.
[Translate]
You are adorning me with praise I do not deserve and have not earned. I would be blessed beyond words to be in the same class as Rex. He is truly one of a kind. Thanks very much for the huge compliment.
[Translate]
I can see why you’re upset about that crucifix being removed from the public school, who knows what might happen next; they might even end the daily prayer in class-rooms!
All snark aside, I would like to ask you an important question. Would you enjoy paying taxes supporting a public school that decorated its class-rooms with the banner of mohammed and Koranic inscriptions, or small shrines to the Hindu gods? Would you prefer to send your children there? Put yourself in the shoes of a non-believer and tell me if this case is so different.
[Translate]
Look, do you have some sort of imbalance issue? You’ve hung off my website for almost nine hours! That’s better than City Hall who typically lean up against this site for eight hours a day. Get some help. I’m not approving anymore of your rants. You don’t even make sense for Christ’s sake.
Get a life. It’s just a blog. Stalking twerp.
[Translate]
This country was born in the letter and spirit of Judeo-Christian principles. Don’t like it, move to Syria or Lebanon.
You need to have your head examined. Go away.
[Translate]
I’m fine right here, and quite happy with my country’s “unofficial” secularism.
[Translate]
Well good luck to you. That’s what people said in Paris ten years ago. And now….
[Translate]
And now they’ve expanded their secularism to the point where they’ve nearly managed to ban the Burqa.
Ne t’inquiete pas pour la France, mon ami.
(Pardonnez-moi, j’suis trop paresseux pour faire les accents.)
[Translate]
The burqa should be banned. It’s misogynistic and problematic. Women are the most beautiful of God’s creations, they should be seen, and have the freedom to feel that way. Not be shamed under the specious guise of religious adherence. And in these days of Islamofascist ascendancy, the covering of one’s identity is totally unacceptable.
Il n’ y a pas du tout…
[Translate]
If you agree that France’s secular policies are effective for checking “Islamofascist” ambitions, the meaning of your “That’s what people said in Paris ten years ago. And now….” statement is somewhat unclear. Initially, it imparted the impression of a Mohammedan insurection on the Seine, but that doesn’t quite seem consistent with your latest comment; care to clarify?
Personally, I’m still undecided on the burqa issue. There are security risks, but people who believe that they are helping women by banning it are mistaken. Any tyrannical husband or father who forces his family members to cover themselves from head to toe will be just as likely to keep them indoors, twenty-four hours a day, once that option is no longer available.
[Translate]
I was abundantly clear. France welded the flood gates open and look what happened.
The burqa is nonsense and totally unnecessary. Why does a woman need to hide herself from the very God who created her? I understand that it’s to show respect, but there is a line which is crossed when you cover up completely and are told that that’s the only way. It’s misogyny masked as sound religious practice.
[Translate]
My most recently submitted comment isn’t visible, and there’s no sign that it has been moderated. It is quite possible that it disappeared due to a technical malfunction. However, I am aware that you have the capacity to delete comments completely. You removed a comment from http://alexgtsakumis.com/2010/09/26/she-wanted-it-how-the-victim-blaming-process-started-long-ago/ that covered the same material as another one on that same page . I did not mind then, as you responded to the general concerns found in both, but if you have deleted this comment I would like an explanation. There was nothing offensive in the French (you have a translation feature on your blog), and the tone was no less civil than that of previous responses in the discussion. If this discussion is boring you then simply say so. I would like to reiterate that I am not accusing you of having done anything; however, if you did, I would like to know about it.
P.S. It just occurred to me that the other vanished comment could have disappeared due to a computer error as well; after all, a blogger who has the software to moderate posts has no need to delete them. It could simply be an unfortunately suggestive coincidence.
[Translate]
Hi Wallaby:
I have no idea why you’re having a tough time with comments. I do not delete ANY comments unless they are legally challenging, tasteless or moronic. I can’t remember any of your comments fitting into any of those categories. Although, I must tell you, perhaps it’s the way you submit. I often get multiples of your comments. That doesn’t happen with anyone else.
Try again. You’re always welcome.
[Translate]