Good Ambassador Wilkins
The first time I heard the then, would-be US Ambassador to Canada, David Wilkins, interviewed, I wasn't too impressed with him. CBC's evening program, As It Happens, phoned this southern gentleman up just before it was official that he would be the Ambassador to Canada. I can't remember if it was Barbara Budd or Mary-Lou Finlay, but whoever it was started testing his general knowledge of Canada. (Some may argue that such tests could have merit given his supposed new role, I thought it to be a bit condescending.) Mr. Wilkins's response to any question regarding Canada or his new [probable] role was given with a very formal, but cold, "Ma'am, I respectively decline to comment." At any rate, I'm getting a bit off-track here. Long story short, my thought on the man was meh...But, when [now] Ambassador David Wilkins made a public statement, warning that the anti-American rhetoric spewing out of our campaigning politicians (referring directly to Paul Martin) could harm Canada/US relations, he scored big points with me. Whether or not I agree with what he said, and regardless of his political beliefs, the guy has wit. His speech was funny, well-spoken, and well-delivered. And again today, he was interviewed today to respond to all of the hulla-bu-loo resulting from his speech yesterday. He handled the journalist cleverly and with ease, and again his wit and charm shone through. For once, I think President Bush made a wise move, appointing David Wilkins to this role. I certainly look forward to hearing future dealings with the good Ambassador.
And it just occurred to me: I was recently exposed to Canadian Abassador to the US, Frank McKenna. I thought he was also a charming, witty guy. Funny what a difference it makes when ambassadors are appointed who are actually good communicating and working with people...
Comments
Were you exposed to Mr McKenna the same way I was? That is, through the Rick Mercer Report. That was a very good interview. "I'm eating and drinking my way across the US." - Jurgen, Thursday, December 15, 2005 |  |
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