Leonard Cohen for Governor General

[sturgess66]

I need to add a "thank you" here to Sue7 for her help - at the drop of a hat (fedora) - in looking for mp3s!!

One of the things I love about Esther's video is all the smiles - Leonard Cohen's beautiful smile.
There are tears too - but they are good tears.
But mainly smiles, smiles and more smiles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx15bSZKxtU

Apparently the new Governor General of Canada will be named next week.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/pol ... le1614061/

As a point of interest, here is information about the role of the Governor General of Canada -
http://canadaonline.about.com/cs/gg/a/ggrole.htm

Representative of the Crown in Canada

The Queen or sovereign is the head of state in Canada. The Governor General of Canada represents the sovereign, and most of the powers and authority of the sovereign have been delegated to the Governor General. The role of the Canadian Governor General is mostly symbolic and ceremonial.

The head of government in Canada is the Prime Minister, an elected political leader.

Appointment of the Governor General

The Canadian Governor General is selected by the Prime Minister of Canada, although the formal appointment is made by the Queen. The term of office of the Governor General is usually five years, but it is sometimes extended up to seven years. There is a tradition of alternating between anglophone and francophone Governors General in Canada.

Official Duties of the Governor General of Canada

The official duties of the Governor General of Canada include:

* giving Royal Assent to bills passed in the Canadian House of Commons and Senate

* reading the Speech from the Throne which outlines the Canadian federal government agenda for a new session of Parliament

* executing orders-in-council or cabinet decisions

* appointing superior court judges, on the advice of cabinet

* summoning, closing and dissolving Parliament, on the advice of the Prime Minister

* inviting the leader of the party with the most support in the House of Commons to form the government. That party leader becomes Prime Minister.

* in times of emergency or special circumstances, exercising the special personal authority of the Governor General to appoint or dismiss a prime minister or dissolve Parliament. This authority is rarely used.

* receiving and sending ambassadors.

The Canadian Governor General plays a strong role in encouraging excellence in Canada through a system of honours and awards such as the Order of Canada and promotes national identity and national unity.

The Governor General of Canada is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces.

More here -
http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=13288

"The Governor General is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces." I can't help but think of Leonard's experience as "Field Commander Cohen."

[sturgess66]

DrHGuy has featured Esther's video at his blog today -

http://1heckofaguy.com/2010/06/24/leona ... ign-video/

[sturgess66]

Here are recent comment by people on the FaceBook page – I guess a lot are from Canadians - but also a lot from fans of Leonard Cohen everywhere. An outpouring of warm and affection for Leonard Cohen -

Hallelujah! What a brilliant thought

I'm not Canadian... but what a beautiful, beautiful thought!

Just imagine he was asked and he said, yes.

What a great idea.

We are supposed to be a slightly intellectual nation, an introspective nation, an empathetic nation. Let's, just for the fun of it, prove it.

Love to support someone who is coming from a basic honesty, not to mention incredible talent!. This the world can use in mega doses!!!

I have the dvd of Cohen's concert in London. He was so humble and soooo great. I would support this Jewish Buddist for Pope!!!! Like good wine he improves with age.

would love to see it... but would he be willing? doesn't quite fit.

This would just add to my already large list of Reasons I Need To Move To Canada: having a smart, articulate man win over the guy who looks shiniest.

Curses upon this cursar....take two......Carnegie Hall, New York 1989....have been a worshipper ever since and am a proud possessor of the book of longing. He's got my vote.

Saw this human giant perform in Carnegie

A bemused G.G. Suave. Gracious. Elegant. Very Cool.

I just wanna hear that gravelly voice delivering the Speech from the Throne.

not sure if he would accept that position...he is an artist not a politician...but a nice thought....

Great idea--at public ocasions Leonard Cohen could recite poems and sing. I'm serious!

I like this idea.

He's the obvious choice.

i think leonard cohen would be a great ambassador for canada so much talent and a mature person.he has been around .let get a movement going
Marcel

Leonard Cohen is Canada, I can't think of a better recipient for Governor General. Extremely well regarded for his accomplishments.
"Here I stand I'm your Man"

He's our man.

It would be fun to hear the speeches.

Now THIS is a brilliant idea. Wouldn't give you odds on its future, though.

Quelle bonne idée! Il est parfait!

[imaginary friend]

Great video Mnkyface!

No doubt the Queen would be most impressed with her gallant new GG. Now if we could just lock our Prime Minister away in a castle somewhere, and lose the key...

[lizzytysh]

The Canadian Governor General plays a strong role in encouraging excellence in Canada through a system of honours and awards such as the Order of Canada and promotes national identity and national unity.

Actually, with these goals, the prior ones seem to have been doing a fine job so far.

The Governor General of Canada is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces.

" . . . for trying to change the system from within," they made him Governor General ~ there IS a bit of cognitive dissonance imagining Leonard in that role... but if anyone could adapt in all the most positive ways to it, it could only be Leonard.

His tasks would seem to be a bit at odds with a World Tour, but if he gets offered and accepts, Leonard will find a way.

Such a beautiful honour that he has gained such whole-hearted support for his being in this position... from worldwide, including me. If Leonard weren't already such a busy man being the true poet he is...

WONDERFUL video, Esther !! And for whatever assistance you gave, Sue !!


~ Lizzy

[Cate]

Esther I loved the video! excellent - What a cut little boy he was.

Actually, with these goals, the prior ones seem to have been doing a fine job so far.

She has Lizzy - I think that Michaelle Jean has done a fantastic job and it’ s to bad that she wasn’t able to stay on. She is graceful and compassionate and seems to be truly respectful of all people. I became a fan of hers the day she ate seal meat during a festival in Nunavut.
Warning video shows food in it’s raw form – as in not chopped into pieces and wrapped in cellophane – actually it is a bit intense, I think because we truly are not used to seeing food/seal this way.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/video/je ... le1153443/
I also appreciated how she made Prime Minister Harper wait for her to decide whether or not she would allow him to prorogue parliament when he wasn’t getting his way … I didn’t agree with her decision but I did think she did a good job.
I think she’ll do very well as the U.N. special envoy to Haiti (her new job).

[imaginary friend]

I agree Cate, Michaelle Jean has done an excellent job, and I wish she was staying on too... she has this extraordinary ability to smoothly navigate (and resolve) the most tricky situations; simultaneously serene yet thoroughly involved. Classy.

For those who aren't Canadian, her predecessor was Adrienne Clarkson, very competent, yet not nearly as popular as Michaelle Jean. Adrienne was the TV journalist (with the fab beehive 'do) who interviewed LC several times for CBC in the 70's...

Hey – two female GGs in a row – yay Canada!

[lizzytysh]

Hey – two female GGs in a row – yay Canada!

And Leonard has no doubt been in support... the women [hurrying up and ] taking over the world .