Gary BANNERMAN ® open lines © THERE WAS this day not long ago when a frustrated Premier Vander Zalm exclaimed that he had never heard of the Knight Street Pub before it had become a cause celebre. Like just about everyone else, he had become desperately bored with the ceaseless media and political hype. There ought to be a boredom barometer attached to political discussion. A point always arrives when the public absorption capaci- ty performs like a Teflon pan. This mind-numbing sense of overkill bears no relation to the gravity of an issue. Mecch Lake has entered the realm of this never-never land. If you eavesdrop on social discourse these days, what do you suppose you will hear? There’l! be some vague mutterings about GST, more in apprehension than in com- prehension. There’ll be the usual bantering about Vander Zalm, teachers and real estate prices. The Vancouver Canucks and their con- sistent managerial genius are always good for a few contemptu- ous guffaws. But most of the talk will be the usual stuff: kids, vacations, skiing, golf and modern technological conveniences. Times are good. Many conscientious Canadians are probably inviting their friends over for dinner and a discussion of Meech Lake. It’s just that I don’t know any of them. Unfortunately, I do know a few people who have a keen idea where Quebec ought to place its ‘‘distinct society.’’ eke Politicians, despite their best ef- forts to display the contrary, are not unaware of public attitudes. They, too, are bored by repetitive issues. Do you think reporters en- joy asking the same lame questions day after day, and receiving the Special Introduction (reg. $139.95) same stock answers? if a nuclear missile was headed our way, the questions and an- swers would change. Since it isn’t, we are stuck with GST and Meech. That’s why a good scandal — and sometimes a heinous crime — can be a welcome diversion in the affairs of man (and woman). There was nothing boring about Jack the Ripper. Or Christine Keeler, for that matter. Why can’t we be like the Brits? Even Sinc Stevens’ non-business chats with his wife about multi- million dollar government largesse, or the dsunk minister who pranged his motorbike in New Brunswick, don’t exactly titillate the masses. Even our scandals are boring. The Americans, at least, have the randy Gary Hart, the crooked evangelists and a sleazy boxing promoter who looks as if his fingers are in an electrical socket. What have we got? The pathetic Ben Johnson, perhaps? Beachcombers? Svend Robinson? Harold Ballard? kik The mean-spirited and insulting campaign in various Ontario cen- tres to noisily assert the dominance of English, indicates a mentality befitting a baboon. The mood in Quebec is fuelled by a near religious fervor: a deeply-rooted sense of historic in- justice. The flagrant reminder of discrimination will only inflate paranoia. Some of the federal moves in search of bilingualism, and blatant reverse discrimination, have been disgraceful. Just as surely as the politicians must moderate un- — \ 11929. Lon dale 2 70\Marin Experience the Most Innovative Cleansing Program of the 90’s Available at the leading retailers fairness in both directions, French and English Canada must tangibly demonstrate a harmonious intent. Quebec has done nothing through this affair to encourage friendship. Its complete negotiating position has been: **do this or else.” All of the other premiers have at least indicated an interest in negotiating the terms. It would appear certain that Mecch Lake, as it is currently drafted, will fail. Aside from the rhetoric and threats, little of substance will change. With or without Meech, the foundation of Quebec life will be the same. There may be a flutter of separatist sentiment, but likely no more than that. Even if Quebec were to separate, crucial human relations would likely be much the same as they are today. The failure of Meech, or a rea- sonable facsimile, would have a morse profound residue. A sense of deep hurt would exist in Quebec. For the rest of Canada, we will confirm once again that we are a collection of self-centred precocious children who dishonest- ly pretend to be a federation. This is not confined to the cul- tural bastion of Quebec, the welfare state of Newfoundland, the self-righteous Ontario, the oafish Alberta or even the maver- ick on the west coast, it is the af- fliction of all comfortable Cana- dians. Since 1971, prime ministers and premiers have been trying to forge an accord. The only achievement has been the patriation of the Brit- ish North America Act. 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Peace KAREN RIDD, one of four members of Peace Brigades {nter- national who were captured and detained by El Salvador’s National Guard in November, will be speak- ing at West Vancouver’s Sain. Francis in the Wood Anglican Church, 4769 South Piccadilly, on Wednesday, April 4. Ridd endured five hours of in- terrogation and death threats at the hands of the guard before be- ing told that she was free to leave. But knowing that her Colombian co-worker and fellow Peace A Place To Go When You're Pregnant And Need Support: GIRTHRIGHT | Cai 987-7315 » Free Pregnancy Fest > § 229 Lonsdale im Vancouver Call Worth Vancouver 687-7723 9 - Sunday, March 25, worker to speak 1990 - North Shore News Brigades International volunteers were sull being held and beaten, Ridd refused to leave until her companions were released. The April 4 talk by Ridd begins at 7:30 p.m. Entrance fee is by donation. 926-6242 1852 MARINE DR. 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