Black Governor General for Canada?

[mountaingal]

Re: Black Governor General for Canada?

Originally posted by K i a:
[qb]

Originally posted by ReggaePlus:
[qb] She's fluent in 5 languages...and young. A GREAT choice. I'm looking forward to her tenure. It'll be LARGE for Canada. Those hailing from different geographical origins will feel a stronger sense of inclusion/representation. That is GOOD. But...perhaps the concept of a governor-general has become dated. Moving forward...maybe we can begin to talk about leaving this colonial symbolism behind. In reality we need a representative of the queen here like we need an earthquake. [/qb]

but what mi want fi know is y it mention a 6 yr old adopted daughter? if the daughter was c-section or vaginal would it say '6 year old vaginal daughter' [img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] [/qb]

it's common for personal details of Governors General to be publicized. it was widely reported about the last Governor General that when she heard she was going to be appointed, she hurried up and married the man she had been living with for years.

i suspect that the emphasis on the daughter being adopted forestalls any questions about why the daugher so dark and the husband so not dark.

i aint so sure though that the purelaines will welcome the idea of a lickle negro girl running around in one of Canada's most esteemed residences. if ar modda did white and adopted her as a symbol of Canadian liberalism - dat woulda bi one ting...but black ooman and adopted black pickni getting first in line when the Queen come a Canada...

[mountaingal]

Re: Black Governor General for Canada?

Originally posted by nYC/N:
[qb] Who is di fadda hoff dat likkle chile? [img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

A how comes di man hand dem suh pink? Dem match di chile frack. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] [/qb]

hope you realize seh di man weh a hole awn pon di lickle girl is Paul Martin, Prime Minister of Canada. Michaelle Jean husband is the fuzzy long-haired casually dressed beatnik in the background. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/704555_dwl.gif[/img]

[dahjah]

Re: Black Governor General for Canada?

bwoy mi neh ebin notice cah de hand dem jus loss nex tuh de dress [img]/forums/images/graemlins/704555_dwl.gif[/img]

[kia027]

Re: Black Governor General for Canada?

but is it really Canada's business how the child came into the family? If both parents and the child were of the same race, it would have been mentioned same way- is something mi see all de while.. so in fairness when dem a chat people and dem pickney dem need fi bi equally fair and put vaginal and c-section where appropriate

[mountaingal]

Re: Black Governor General for Canada?

Originally posted by K i a:
[qb] but is it really Canada's business how the child came into the family? If both parents and the child were of the same race, it would have been mentioned same way- is something mi see all de while.. so in fairness when dem a chat people and dem pickney dem need fi bi equally fair and put vaginal and c-section where appropriate [/qb]

well, kia, you kinna stretching a point... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/704555_dwl.gif[/img] it's canada's business inasmuch as canadians are interested in knowing the family details of their GGs. just like how the queen's business is everybody's business, among her subjects anyway.

[Guest]

Re: Black Governor General for Canada?

Originally posted by Emperah dahJah:
[qb]

Originally posted by Jedi l:
[qb]

Originally posted by Emperah dahJah:
[qb] de man nah nuttin fe duh wid de chile

But de PM is so screwd up him could a seh chu like how shi a yt man shi is no chret to us. [/qb]

Oh I see...daz why mi love Condi she is free to be herself. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] [/qb]

BOGUS you love har ONLY CAH SHI BLACK an dat nuh righted atall.

She is one a de less free ppl in all a merica suh guhweh wid dat [/qb]

And wah mek yuh love disyah one, noh ongle seh she a Kanuck and she black too. Caw she is definitely not free to do a darn ting but "represent".

FIGUREHEAD mi seh

[halfwaytree]

Re: Black Governor General for Canada?

Jedi:
"And wah mek yuh love disyah one, noh ongle seh she a Kanuck and she black too. Caw she is definitely not free to do a darn ting but "represent".

FIGUREHEAD mi seh"


I AGREE!!!!

This is just window dressing by the Liberals. I have to admit they are good at it bwoy!

More smoke & mirrors! In one appointment Mr. Martin has shored up his vote among minorities and Quebecois. The Liberals have survived many a scandal to cling to power and this is why they will win the next election.

She has no real power. She is a figurehead who will spend her term cutting ceremonial ribbons to open shopping malls and greeting foreign dignitaries when they land at the airport etc... .

He could have went even farther and appointed Jean Augustine as Deputy Prime Minister but this is as far as the party brass wanted to venture.

[Bawnayaad]

Re: Black Governor General for Canada?

Originally posted by K i a:
[qb] but is it really Canada's business how the child came into the family? If both parents and the child were of the same race, it would have been mentioned same way- is something mi see all de while.. so in fairness when dem a chat people and dem pickney dem need fi bi equally fair and put vaginal and c-section where appropriate [/qb]

I suppose they wanted to show her as unselfish? Many 'stuffy' canadians might make assumptions and then question her lack of responsibility that led to an out-of-wedlock child, unless it is explained that the child was indeed adopted. Not that it is any of their business, but welcome to the world.

[Suesumba]

Re: Black Governor General for Canada?

Originally posted by K i a:
[qb] but is it really Canada's business how the child came into the family? If both parents and the child were of the same race, it would have been mentioned same way- is something mi see all de while.. so in fairness when dem a chat people and dem pickney dem need fi bi equally fair and put vaginal and c-section where appropriate [/qb]

mike harris' adopted children
jean cretien's adopted son (the criminal)

yes it's been mentioned of others before.

anyway, i'm not one to cry racism but this morning i think i encountered a good dosing of it.

i'm listening to the radio and the man is harping on about how inappropriate she is to be g-g [img]/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] and that tie domi should have been a better choice and that she's just a token appointment because she's black and from quebec and it's the liberal government's attempt to mollify the people dem from quebec, and who ever heard of her before?

who the hell ever heard of ray Nytishin (can't spell di name) before?

yep am 640

[dahjah]

Re: Black Governor General for Canada?

Originally posted by Jedi l:
[qb]

Originally posted by Emperah dahJah:
[qb]

Originally posted by Jedi l:
[qb]

Originally posted by Emperah dahJah:
[qb] de man nah nuttin fe duh wid de chile

But de PM is so screwd up him could a seh chu like how shi a yt man shi is no chret to us. [/qb]

Oh I see...daz why mi love Condi she is free to be herself. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] [/qb]

BOGUS you love har ONLY CAH SHI BLACK an dat nuh righted atall.

She is one a de less free ppl in all a merica suh guhweh wid dat [/qb]

And wah mek yuh love disyah one, noh ongle seh she a Kanuck and she black too. Caw she is definitely not free to do a darn ting but "represent".

FIGUREHEAD mi seh [/qb]

mi neh seh mi love but mi nah nuttin against har, aftah shi neh duh nuttin, fe mi fe be against har.

[dahjah]

Re: Black Governor General for Canada?

Originally posted by SueSumba:
[qb]

Originally posted by K i a:
[qb] but is it really Canada's business how the child came into the family? If both parents and the child were of the same race, it would have been mentioned same way- is something mi see all de while.. so in fairness when dem a chat people and dem pickney dem need fi bi equally fair and put vaginal and c-section where appropriate [/qb]

mike harris' adopted children
jean cretien's adopted son (the criminal)

yes it's been mentioned of others before.

anyway, i'm not one to cry racism but this morning i think i encountered a good dosing of it.

i'm listening to the radio and the man is harping on about how inappropriate she is to be g-g [img]/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] and that tie domi should have been a better choice and that she's just a token appointment because she's black and from quebec and it's the liberal government's attempt to mollify the people dem from quebec, and who ever heard of her before?

who the hell ever heard of ray Nytishin (can't spell di name) before?

yep am 640 [/qb]

WOW another surprise

[mountaingal]

Re: Black Governor General for Canada?

Originally posted by SueSumba:
[qb]

Originally posted by K i a:
[qb] but is it really Canada's business how the child came into the family? If both parents and the child were of the same race, it would have been mentioned same way- is something mi see all de while.. so in fairness when dem a chat people and dem pickney dem need fi bi equally fair and put vaginal and c-section where appropriate [/qb]

mike harris' adopted children
jean cretien's adopted son (the criminal)

yes it's been mentioned of others before.

anyway, i'm not one to cry racism but this morning i think i encountered a good dosing of it.

i'm listening to the radio and the man is harping on about how inappropriate she is to be g-g [img]/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] and that tie domi should have been a better choice and that she's just a token appointment because she's black and from quebec and it's the liberal government's attempt to mollify the people dem from quebec, and who ever heard of her before?

who the hell ever heard of ray Nytishin (can't spell di name) before?

yep am 640 [/qb]

the surprise would have been if dem NEVA said dat on am640.

[mountaingal]

Re: Black Governor General for Canada?

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL
Jean debuts with combative, witty style
Former CBC broadcaster tells assembled media she is no token

By MICHAEL DEN TANDT

Friday, August 5, 2005 Page A4

With a report from John Ibbitson

OTTAWA -- Governor-general-designate Michaëlle Jean lived up to her reputation for both charm and combativeness yesterday, brushing aside questions about her fitness for the post while striking the same tones of soaring idealism and inclusiveness that characterized the tenure of her predecessor, Adrienne Clarkson.

In an adroit performance before a horde of her media colleagues, Ms. Jean laughed aside questions about whether she'd been picked more because of who she is -- a black woman of Haitian origin from Quebec -- than because of her acumen or ability.

"I think all of this goes together," she said. "Who I am and what I've done, how can I separate the two?"

Ms. Jean, a 48-year-old former university literature professor, social activist and veteran CBC broadcaster, was formally named by Prime Minister Paul Martin at a press conference in the Senate foyer yesterday.

Mr. Martin appeared at her side and delivered a brief speech in which he said that her inspiring personal story, as well as a "unique perspective and an uncommon experience" make her ideal for the post.

"Hers is a story that reminds us what is best about ourselves and about Canada," Mr. Martin said, "a nation where equality of opportunity is our most defining characteristic, giving testament to our longest-held values." Ms. Jean, the daughter of Haitian immigrants who fled the Duvalier regime in 1968, will be installed as governor-general on Sept. 27.

After a prepared speech delivered mostly in impeccable Radio-Canada French and partly in impeccable French-accented English, Ms. Jean said she intends to use the bully pulpit of Rideau Hall to focus attention on the plight of disadvantaged young people.

"I can tell you already that one of my concerns in my new job will be to consider the situation of children and youth in this country," Ms. Jean said. "As a journalist, even though this was not part of my work, I have always set time aside to meet with children in the schools, often in disadvantaged neighbourhoods and I've always taken the time to listen to those young people."

Both in her speech and in the question-and-answer session, Ms. Jean repeatedly noted that she is the descendant of Haitian slaves. She indicated that because of this, she believes her appointment will be inspirational to many, in particular Haitian Canadians and other minorities.

"I think this battle has to continue," she said. "I want every child everywhere to know that it is possible, to live a dream and to pursue that dream."

The appointment has already been termed a political slam-dunk for the Liberals, as Ms. Jean has virtually all of the attributes that made Ms. Clarkson one of Canada's most popular governors-general in recent memory.

Like Ms. Clarkson, Ms. Jean is telegenic, likable and possessed of, as one observer yesterday noted, "a sharp mind and a generous heart."

Parallels between the two women are striking.

Both honed their public personas during many years before CBC cameras; both have an activist bent and a warm personal style; both have an aura of refinement, but no trace of potentially off-putting haughtiness; both are visible minorities and a stark contrast to the succession of dour former politicians who held the post in previous eras.

Both are married to intellectuals with slightly raffish, counter-culture demeanors -- Ms. Clarkson to philosopher, social critic and writer John Ralston Saul, Ms. Jean to philosophy professor, documentary filmmaker and writer Jean-Daniel Lafond.

Ms. Jean deviates from the Clarkson mould in just two significant respects, both of which could be considered political boons.

She has a young daughter, six-year-old Marie-Eden, who stood beside her mother at the podium yesterday.

Reaction to the appointment was positive. "I think it's a very creative, very innovative in some ways, appointment to the office of governor-general," Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert said. He added that Ms. Jean's fluency in five languages, and her excellent communication skills, make her ideally suited to the role.

Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe struck a rare critical tone, but even he tempered his remarks with personal praise. "It is always disappointing when someone known for her unconditional respect for democracy accepts an appointment to a job that's strictly honorary," Mr. Duceppe said in a statement.

Ms. Jean faced several potentially tricky questions from reporters yesterday.

On the issue of her constitutional duties, she acknowledged that she is "not a constitutional expert." She said she would have access to advisers who are experts, however, and wouldn't hesitate to call on them. "I will rely upon history," she said. "I will exercise sound judgment."

With respect to Haiti she was quietly diplomatic, expressing empathy with the plight of the Haitian people and support for Canada's intervention there, without saying anything that might be construed as interference in government matters.

Asked about Ms. Clarkson's controversial spending, Ms. Jean said only that she believes her predecessor will be remembered as "one of the greatest governors-general we've had in Canada."

In response to a final question, flung by a reporter as she walked away from the podium, Ms. Jean said this, "I have never been a token, sir, and never will be."

[mountaingal]

Re: Black Governor General for Canada?

A new dog sealed the deal for next G-G as daughter's wish had to be granted

By BRIAN LAGHI

Friday, August 5, 2005 Page A4

OTTAWA BUREAU CHIEF

A short time before Michaëlle Jean agreed to become Canada's next governor-general, her six-year-old daughter, Marie-Eden, served up a request before consenting to pull up stakes.

And like many parents preparing their children for a move, Ms. Jean couldn't refuse.

"The little girl's condition for the move was that she get a dog," a government official said yesterday, just before Ms. Jean was introduced to the public.

"And a new dog she will be getting. Now she just needs to figure out what kind."

As stumbling blocks go, a demand for a puppy was easily overcome, given the size of the yard at Rideau Hall, which Ms. Jean and her family will move into next month. The rest of the process went pretty smoothly, as well.

"Mme. Jean was our first and only choice," the federal official said. "No one else was contacted and no one else was even seriously considered."

The selection of Ms. Jean, which surprised just about everyone in official Ottawa, was put in motion some time in May when Prime Minister Paul Martin began to turn his mind to the matter of replacing the outgoing and popular Adrienne Clarkson. Although officials working for the Prime Minister's bureaucratic office had begun the process several months before, it wasn't until prime ministerial aide Veronique de Passaile and principal secretary Hélèene Scherrer came up with Ms. Jean's name that Mr. Martin leaped. Intensely interested in Haiti -- he visited the island country late last year -- Mr. Martin is said to have been taken with the idea from the start.

"He was a fan and he was very attracted to her personal story," the source said. "Remember, he's invested a fair bit in Haiti -- it's a part of the world that interests him."

After three weeks of background research, Ms. Scherrer met with Ms. Jean to broach the subject. The broadcast journalist's reaction was one of disbelief.

"She actually thought she'd been contacted to propose names for a new CBC/Radio-Canada head, but after a while she was persuaded that it was for real."

A flurry of officials met with Ms. Jean, including Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs Lucienne Robillard, a key Quebec minister.

Ms. Jean was eager to take on the post. However, she had some conditions and they had nothing to do with powers or politics. First, she wanted to have enough free time to visit her mother, Luce, who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Second, she wanted to know whether she could find a good public school in Ottawa, rather than a private one, for Marie-Eden. A public school was considered critical so the child "wouldn't grow up isolated from the real world," the official said. For its part, the PMO expressed little concern about the fact that Ms. Jean is so little-known outside of Quebec. The key factors to her appointment are her accomplishments and whether she has the potential to become successful. The job would, by necessity, put her in the spotlight.

Three weeks ago, Mr. Martin invited Ms. Jean to his farm in Quebec's Eastern Townships for a 45-minute discussion, where he formally offered her the job. The chat turned into a five-hour meeting, which convinced Mr. Martin that he had made the right choice.

Last weekend, Mr. Martin and his wife Sheila invited Ms. Jean and her husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, to the farm for dinner. The chatter, sources say, ranged from journalism to family to history, but nothing about politics. Ms. Jean teased Mr. Martin's son, David, and his wife, Laurence, about when they will give Mr. Martin grandchildren.

Formal approval from the Queen for the appointment came last week.

Yesterday, moments before Ms. Jean was to be introduced to reporters, Mr. Martin had another 10 minutes with the family, during which he talked to Marie-Eden about the arrival of her new dog.

Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan has a dog, too, Mr. Martin told the little girl, and wants to bestow upon it the title of Canada's "first dog." He promised Marie-Eden that her new pet would get equal consideration.

[mangoskin]

Re: Black Governor General for Canada?

Originally posted by Emperah dahJah:
[qb] bwoy mi neh ebin notice cah de hand dem jus loss nex tuh de dress [img]/forums/images/graemlins/704555_dwl.gif[/img] [/qb]

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] the likkle girl is a beauty..she needs a sister and brother now! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]