The Jellystone Pipeline and the Sundance Kid

I hate being patronized by Americans, especially in our own Canadian media.

There's an op-ed piece in the Globe and Mail today by the actor and director Robert Redford who emplores us, as Canadians, to reject the Jellystone pipeline.

Now, I don't know about you, but I don't think there's much I can do about the pipeline. I suppose I could write a letter to my MP, but he's a Liberal and I doubt that the Harper government will listen to him.

I suppose I could rail in this blog against the pipeline and its impact on the environment but I don't think it will do any good.

So I'll probably lay on the couch this afternoon and try to figure out how to make enough money to pay my Hydro bill.

What I can do is stop buying the Globe and Mail, until it stops running drivel written by actors who are supposed to be experts on the environment. Really, Bob, the whole Jellystone thing is more about ruining your backyard than mine, isn't it?

I doubt Bob Redford would fire up his laptop if the pipeline was ravaging the Canadian Shield instead of parts of America. We have lots of polluters who've ruined Canada over the past decades, and I haven't heard a peep from the Sundance Kid on that subject.

What really irritates me is that he so incredibly condescending in his pitch. He writes:

"Oh Canada, our home and native land," Canadians sing in the national anthem. "The True North strong and free!" Like so many Americans, I've looked northward much of my life and found inspiration here."


Sure you did, Bob.

He then points to the significance of the Toronto International Film Festival.

WTF?

I think Bob can do better than this.

It seems the only knowledge he has about Canada is a tune he learned at a hockey game. That and keen knowledge about a competing film festival.

Movie stars should stick to starring in movies.

His op-ed piece sound likes something written by a democratic political flak.

"We need Canadians everywhere to join us in this fight.(Yes we can.) We need to call on the history and values we share and stand up. (Yes, we can.) Canadians and Americans as one. (Yes, we can.) We need to draw the line at tar sands. (Yes, we can.) We need to reject the Keystone XL." Booya.

Boy, that's rousing stuff. Makes me want to get off the couch and help Bob out.

What a call to action.

What an inspiring pitch.

Like I said, Bob, when you give me something concrete I can do, give me a call. Otherwise, get ready for your closeup.