My Political Friends

Although we have now lived on Prince Edward Island for a decade, the closest I fear we will come to being Islanders is through wee Oliver, who was actually born here, and thus presumably gets some sort of free pass (a pass that even David Weale doesn’t have). Once Oliver can say words other than “toast,” “Pooh,” and “Province House,” we will have to have him translate for us.

One of my friends phoned this afternoon to check up on me in advance of having my gallbladder wrenched from me on Tuesday. When I asked him what he was up to, he mentioned casually that he and his entire extended family had been at the Liberal convention on the weekend.

Other than New Liberal Kevin O’Brien, my lawyer [note: special “trick link”], and people I’ve come to know who’ve actually been in government, I’d been operating under the assumption that my Islander friends were of the same apolitical, dispassionate bent that I am. How naive of me.

It appears that not only these particular friends Liberals, but they are Liberals with strong opinions about Liberal Things. Apparently one half of the extended family bent one way on the leadership, and the other half the other way. Sunday dinner was cancelled. Relations are strained.

I’m now fairly confident that, lurking in the reeds of my other Island friends and acquaintances must be some New Democrats and some Tories. Perhaps even some communists? Do we have communists here on the Island?

Comments

Rusty's picture
Rusty on April 7, 2003 - 13:35 Permalink

I thought all the Island New Democrats were Communists? ;)

Johnny's picture
Johnny on April 7, 2003 - 17:46 Permalink

I don’t understand the “trick link”? Also, I’m generally apolitical as it relates to organized political parties.

Peter Rukavina's picture
Peter Rukavina on April 7, 2003 - 18:17 Permalink

The “trick link” leads to the law offices of Carr, Stevenson and MacKay. Like many law firms on Prince Edward Island, the firm includes principals affiliated with both political parties. In the case of CSM, the affiliations are public and well-known. Perhaps not all that tricky after all.

Anita Rowland's picture
Anita Rowland on April 7, 2003 - 19:20 Permalink

Did I miss the gall bladder-ectomy annnouncement?

My now-husband had his out a few years ago. (wishing for comment preview)
http://www.anitarowland.com/jo…

the toughest part was having to wait about a month between the bad attack and the surgery, feeling crappy all the time.

He was disappointed that they wouldn’t let him take the gall bladder home in a jar of alcohol, but they did take a polaroid picture just for him. A few weeks later some friends held a little gall bladder wake with a GB made from jello in a little coffin. The refreshments were all the things he couldn’t have while sick: single malt, beer, extra spicy chili, etc.

Good luck!

Justin's picture
Justin on April 12, 2003 - 02:10 Permalink

Not only have we communists in P.E.I., but once had a candidate running for the Communist Party in the Hillsborough riding. “Make the Rich Pay” was the campaign slogan and platform. Tom McMillan won the riding for the PC party and figured prominently in the government for years to follow.

L.Nicholson's picture
L.Nicholson on April 12, 2003 - 22:36 Permalink

Does anyone remember a candidate for the marijuana party..back in the early`70s in Kings county..Moon Gardens..Neil Harpham..ah the 1970s..still hazy.