I guess I’ll wade in a bit...
I know that Don represents a popular opinion, like it or not, but I also think that people often agreed with some things he said, and head scratched or glossed over other things. He basically ranted on screen, without much consideration to the consequences of his opinions. He often contradicted himself in his opinions on European players, French players, women, etc... often this contradiction came when he was discussing individual people, vs topics that had ‘national’ implications (he could have lots of respect for euro player, but want fewer euros in CHL so that more “good Canadian kids” could have opportunities).
His fierce nationalism stems from a bygone generation, and definitely colours his opinions on virtually all issues he talks about.
He should have been moved from a centrepiece of Public TV years ago, if only to create a level of distance from some of his more outrageous opinions. Had the show been created with an eye for a more balanced discussion between two hosts, things could have been far more interesting, but that ship has long since sailed, and done was left to run roughshod over Ron. He became more outspoken over the years, or times changed, or both, and this should have been nipped in the bud years ago, but I digress. Don was in overtime, and had been for years; it was high time.
As for his current comments, I think we have a mix of two issues. I think our treatment of veterans as a social system has been terrible. Public donations through buying poppies has taken away from the purpose I believe. Wearing a poppy is supposed to be about remembrance, not money. Our less than reasonable (my opinion) treatment of vets has lead to donations becoming important, and thus the sale of poppies has become monetized more than it should be.
As a massive troops supporter I think Don has mixed two important issues. We need more support for our vets, but poppies is. It the answer. In my opinion wearing a poppy isn’t the only way to show respect. Some folks have them in their cars, at their desk at work, show up for the parade, observe a moment of silence, talk about our troops, enjoy going to military day games, etc... wearing a poppy isn’t the only way to show support. Ideally a strong social network for our veterans would be the greatest way that we could all show support and remembrance.
I think Don has misplaced blame for our shortcomings on the veterans support front, choosing to blame people not wearing a poppy. To make things worse he took an easy way to seemingly blame new Canadians, which I think is completely misplaced. His frustrations and the way he played them out are an issue in itself that should be discussed, but the underlying issue of veteran support is an issue all on its own.
It’s complicated because I think his miss placed blame has missed the waters of what should be an important discussion on veteran support and remembrance. I personally am not interested in discussing what Don is an isn’t; I don’t know the man, and his public statements speak for themselves. I am in the root cause of his frustrations, and the possible solutions. It’s also a meaningful discussion to see what remembrance means, and what it looks like.
