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

**The Wizard of BC** · 2nd December 05, 02:22 AM

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** · 2nd December 05, 02:37 AM

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** · 2nd December 05, 02:45 AM

I think it's rather funny

**highlander_Daz** · 2nd December 05, 03:35 AM

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.

**Alan H** · 2nd December 05, 03:35 AM

I "get" it.

...and I rather enjoy it, too.

**Cawdorian** · 2nd December 05, 05:46 AM

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

**bubba** · 2nd December 05, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by Cawdorian

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.

**Cawdorian** · 2nd December 05, 08:34 AM

You got that right! ;-)

**cavscout** · 2nd December 05, 08:44 AM

I appreciate that the young man was confident and respectfull enough to keep a bottom dwelling politician from manipulating the event to his political gain.

**minimalistix** · 2nd December 05, 08:45 AM

Well stupid, funny, and sad at the same time.

Stupid because its literally almost ancient history.
Funny because there are a lot of jokes that can be out of this.
Sad because obviously the kid is picking up old prejudices that have been handed down for generations.

Then again I don't know anything about that politician so it might have been fitting.

He'll probably end up marrying a Campbell descendant.