Only in Canada could Rita MacNeil have become a big star. If she'd been in the U.S., she might have gotten a shot on PBS, but mostly only people in her own region would have known her. But here, we treated Rita -- who died today -- as a national treasure. Her Christmas specials were made years ago, but they are replayed every year. Apparently, they still get big numbers. Rita MacNeil became a star -- and stayed a star -- in Canada because we're a bit old fashioned. We look beyond what's on the surface and see the radiance below. And we also have a national broadcaster that reflects our Canadian values. I haven't watched the CBC for many years -- it hasn't been on my radar, what with 57 other channels of nothingness to enjoy -- but it must be credited with being in tune with the psyche of the "ordinary" Canadian who lives in Kamloops or Sydney Mines. The CBC still reflects the decency of this great land and showcases people and places that would nev...
More than a million served!