JEERS: To the apology that wasn’t. In a recent CBC interview, newly-elected P.E.I. PC Party leader Dennis King was asked about comments he made years ago on Twitter. In one comment he referred to those who go to Walmart as “#whackos” and “#inbreeders.” In another, he talks of getting “laid at Myrons” saying “#uglyonescounttoo.” As if his comments weren’t bad enough, in a non-apology he added insult to injury by saying “If you’re offended, I am sorry” and defended his remarks by saying that before entering politics, he was a storyteller and comedian and was “trying to be funny.”
How can someone who finds judgmental and misogynistic remarks funny have compassion and empathy for his constituency? He’s barely fit to use his Twitter account, let alone run a province. Sorry if you’re offended by that, Mr. King.
CHEERS: To entertainment writer Doug Gallant, who was recently nominated as 2019 ECMA media person of the year. It’s fitting recognition for the P.E.I. musicologist who has written a column, “On Track,” for The Guardian almost continuously since 1976. We’re lucky to have someone like him who is able to steer us to new and important music that we might be missing. Gallant is also a much sought-after writer. Besides the Guardian, he has penned feature articles, music reviews and web content for publications like Canadian Musician, Penguin Eggs, Eye Weekly and The Buzz.
JEERS: To the garbage on Kent Street. Garbage, debris and hundreds of cigarette butts have been lining the Kent Street sidewalk between Great George and Prince streets in Charlottetown for the past couple of weeks. It’s hard to take pride in your city when it looks like we’ve completely given up on ourselves. At least the recent snowfall has hidden most of the trash.
Come on, Charlottetown. We can do better.
CHEERS: To the Harbourfront Players for mounting “Rumors” to keep us out of the late winter doldrums at the Harbourfront Theatre on selected dates next month. This merry band of thespians has been working hard to bring the Neil Simon farce to the stage. Kuddos to their director, Marlen O’Brien, known for her numerous roles at the Charlottetown Festival.
CHEERS: To the 153 athletes, 54 team officials and 15 staff members from the Island participating in the Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alta. The games began on Friday and wrap up on March 2-3. Good luck!
