Mrs. Naggy where are you?

I have always held a certain reverence for the British and their glorious tenure on the world stage. Having gone through Elementary school in the early 60’s I was part of the last generation in Canada to feel a bond with the Empire. I remember listening to radio programs and watching NFB films that discussed the benefits and the civilizing effect of British Imperialism on undeveloped parts of the world.

I was also greatly inspired by a little old woman who was a frequent supply teacher throughout my years before High School. Mrs. Naggy would hold me spellbound with her stories of travel and adventure across the Empire. Having worked in Africa, India and China, she instilled a feeling that the world was in good hands and that we should all be proud of our righteous cause. We would discuss weighty questions such as; does the sun ever set on the British Empire or what makes a Dervish whirl. Strangely it never occurred to me that none of my fellow students were as enthralled as I was and that most of them thought Mrs. Naggy was a boring old fool.

Today I can’t help but feel sadness that most have lost a romantic view of the world (if they ever had one) and with it the confidence to make the world a better place. Surely the benign values that motivated our forefathers still hold true.
- A free market of ideas where one could argue any religious or secular philosophy.
- A free market of commerce without barriers guaranteed by the ‘Rule of Law’.
– A heroic view of Man struggling against nature and ignorance.
God, Gold and Glory!

There is a strange type of human being that distains any form of greatness or success. These people will always present a greyish alternative argument that lacks clarity in every aspect except what they are against. It is a form of localism where a banal existence is to be preferred over competence and vision. Freedom with its endless alternatives is a grave threat to the provincial mind with its desire for order and control. From the “Little Englanders” of the 19th century to the Liberal Party of Canada this view of the world is accepted by an embarrassingly large constituency.

Fear of competing on a level playing field without constraints empowers this group to openly propose such abominations as; outlawing private healthcare, aboriginal “self-government” (paid for with other peoples money) or asymmetrical federalism. This is unearned elitism at its very worst. Their plan is simple: purport to speak for any group that is perceived to be disadvantaged and use the power of Government to redistribute wealth to maintain control.

The world is full of ‘localists’ who seek special dispensation for their charished supplicants. The United Nations - a gathering of localists - has become one gigantic lobbying effort for the redistribution of power and wealth. Short-term advantage is sought by most nations at the expense of any semblence of moral principles and long-term benefits.

I have to believe that most of us do not want to loose our freedom. We are ready to defend our Ideals because we will die in slavery without them. The motivation that drove Mrs. Naggy’s generation can be ours again if we can only comprehend our true self-interest.