Like A Teapot

Today is a big day in Canadian politics. The first televised pre-election leaders debate is scheduled tonight. It will be in French with English traslantion provided. A second debate, in English, will be held tomorrow night. Both cannot be missed; as, among the five political party leaders, only two are natural French speakers and they will have their advantages and disadvantages in the two debates.

It is a bit weird that French would go first in almost all offcial ceremonies. It was certainly true in my Canadian Citizenship Ceremony. I was asked to swear loyalty to a certain Queen first in French and then in English. Of course I kept my mouth shut until the English version came. Needless to say, I also had my lips sealed during the French version of the national anthem. When I stood there and listened to those standing next to me speaking and singing in French without inhibition, I was really amazed. Then I realized that they had brought with them the lyrics and oath sheets, which I had left at home.