Ghost of a flea

Poppycock

Every year as the Hallowe'en decorations come down the lapels of Canadians everywhere are decorated with a plastic badge shaped like a poppy. The Royal Canadian Legion makes these available as a means for people to demonstrate their honour and respect in remembrance of Canada's veterans, their sacrifice and in thanks for the liberties they have bequeathed to us. Even more thoughtful, the Legion sends out members in person to accept donations in exchange for these small tokens. An excellent cause and a worthy old gent both tug at the heartstrings and most people remember a donation is a sensible idea.

The trouble is the vexed things keep falling out. As a consequence many Canadians find themselves donating again and again as they encounter each veteran only to find their previous small gesture of sacrifice no longer memoralized by a poppy in the lapel. I am not certain there is a diagnostic description of the specific feeling of guilt and irritation and guilt at feeling irritated that emerges from poppy pin failure. Let alone the psychology of those who speculate poppy pin failure is not so much a bug as a feature as each new poppy draws a new donation (ok, I confess).

Which brings me to a chance remark by Canada's ersatz Conservative party leader, Stephen Harper as his aides suggested he remove the maple leaf pin he was using to secure his poppy pin. The Legion does not like it, he was told. This drew the somewhat testy reply that his poppies kept falling out and an exasperated observation that the Legion "only had 80 years to perfect the technology."

While Flea-readers know I am quick to find fault with Stephen Harper all I can only say the man has a point. Perhaps Mr. Harper can take comfort from the fact that in this country we can still enjoy the privilege of making our feelings known again and again. Repeated poppy donations entail a few extra dollars a year. A smiling veteran pinning the badge to your lapel is priceless.

Posted by Ghost of a flea at November 11, 2005 08:04 AM

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Posted by: Dr_Funk at November 13, 2005 03:27 PM