"I'm sorry Sir, with respect, but no!"

[The Wizard of BC]

My wife had an elderly client today that just had to tell about her Grandson.

Some background for those not familiar with the local Political scene.

The Premier (Govenor) of British Columbia is named Gordon Campbell. He and Larry Campbell (the former Mayor of Vancouver and basis for DaVinci's Inquest) have both been known to appear at the local Kilt Nights in full kilt of course.

Now back to the story:

It seems a 13 year old lad by the name of Johnathan MacDonald is a piper in one of the local bands and was doing a gig outside the Legislature buildings. Not sure what the event was, but every politician and every news camera seemed to be there.
After the music, the Premier looked over the crowd and spots young master MacDonald respendant in his kilt and full band regalia. The Premier strides down the steps and approaches the lad and holds out his hand hoping for a front page photo op.
Now according to the Grandmother, the lad, when spoken to, looks up to see the Premier beaming and holding his hand out, replies....."I'm sorry Sir, with respect, but a MacDonald would never shake the hand of a Campbell." And promptly turns with a swish of pleats and strides away.
It seems that among all the red faces, the boy's mother was heard to remark, "There goes a future life sentence prisoner or the future Premier."

I just couldn't resist sharing that. Those from BC will probably be the only ones to get the full impact.

[Graham]

Since I am Down Under then I'll not appreciate the politics, and I'm all in favour of forgiveness (heck, the Japs now fight on the side of USA and Australia!), however, you cannot help admire the pluckiness of the lad.

I respect those who stand on personal principle and conviction, especially at such a young age!

[Robin]

I think it's rather funny

[highlander_Daz]

I think its sad that this young man has refused to shake someones hand because of his name, If he refused to do so because of the colour of his skin people would rightly condem him. There was issues between the McDonalds and cambells -My grandmother wont eat cambells soup!!

It was a long time ago. and I hate to think that this young man has had his head filled full of nonsense. We all know what went on a Glencoe, but you cant be held responsible for the sins of the fathers. not all Campbells are Traitors. lets move on.

[bikercelt1]

I hate to think that this young man has had his head filled full of nonsense...you cant be held responsible for the sins of the fathers.

I sure see a lot of people eagerly adopting the sins (hatreds and grudges) of their fathers though.

It would be interesting to hear from this young man whether he intended perpetuating this McDonald/Campbell strife or whether he was using it to put a disliked politico in his place.

Jamie

[MacConnachie]

I think its sad that this young man has refused to shake someones hand because of his name, If he refused to do so because of the colour of his skin people would rightly condem him. There was issues between the McDonalds and cambells -My grandmother wont eat cambells soup!!

It was a long time ago. and I hate to think that this young man has had his head filled full of nonsense. We all know what went on a Glencoe, but you cant be held responsible for the sins of the fathers. not all Campbells are Traitors. lets move on.

I've known some right fine folk who proudly bear the surname of Campbell. Known a couple of downright villains by that name, as well. Who cannot say the same about their own family tree, if they've done a bit of worthwhile genealogical research?

Glencoe was a dreadful tragedy, and the ones who rightly bear the burden for the original decision are rarely blamed -- the "monarch" at the time not being the least of those. A Duncanson signed the bloody order -- are all the rest of Clan Donnachaidh to be condemned for that? It would be interesting to do some research into the surnames of those who actually were in the regiment at the time. It is my understanding that about 30 of their number were of Clan Campbell and its septs (but I could be mistaken by that figure); no one should be greatly surprised if names of their kinsmen would also be found numbered amongst them.

Forget that Glencoe happened? Never!

Forgiveness? That is up to the souls of those so egregiously deprived of life, hearth or home by the dishonorable action.

The rest of us need to get the *bleep* over it . . .

[Mike n NC]

Shades of the Hatfields and McCoys.

Mike

[Alan H]

I "get" it.

...and I rather enjoy it, too.

[Cawdorian]

This Campbell descendant married a lassie from Clan Donald, after 27 years we are still getting along just fine. :grin:

[bubba]

This Campbell descendant married a lassie from Clan Donald, after 27 years we are still getting along just fine. :grin:

I guess you went one better than a handshake.