Noah Richler on Sports and war (and other things)

[daleo]

After the death of John Babcock, the last known surviving Canadian veteran of the First World War, there was a revived call for a state funeral for the man who was described as the country's “last living link” to the conflict.
...
“Canadians,” the Historica-Dominion Institute said last week, “should respect the wishes of Mr. Babcock's family during this sad time, but the government of Canada should extend the offer.” Although Mr. Babcock's family declined, the Prime Minister's Office promised that the government still “has plans to respectfully mark this moment in our history” ensuring that “Canadians will have the opportunity to pay their respect and honour all those who served our country in the First World War.” This paper called for a “large public event” very soon. Mr. Griffiths even suggested that “it would be a fitting tribute if the next gold medal that was won by our athletes was given to his family.”

Anyone who doubted that sports can be an extension of politics need no longer be uncertain. Anyone wondering how Mr. Babcock's family coped with the “offer” that the late soldier did not want, or who is uncomfortable at the prospect of international spectators at a peaceful and (at least intentionally) apolitical sporting contest being subjected to an inherently Canadian moment of mourning can step to the back.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/how-inconvenient-the-veterans-wishes-are-to-our-mythology/article1478845/
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I thought this was an interesting column and quite germane to some debate on this site recently.

[HeresyLives]

1. Perfect. Sports and war, Harp's unholy team

meant to give him a majority and failing him badly.