The War Room

LIVE FROM BRITAIN: WAR ROOM IN THE WAR ROOM

We have completed our first week in Britain and while I will write a larger Dossier on it when I return, I must share some initial thoughts. Those of you who have been here will understand…My God…the majesty…the history…the respect for things of the past and understanding of how they affect our present and future. This is the main reason why Toronto is not and will not be, in our lifetime, a world class city. It cares nothing for its history…even denigrates it…and only embraces the modern, the fads, and the trends.

We have seen Warwick Castle, Coventry Cathedral, Kenilworth Castle and had a pint of beer in The Lamb and Flag (The Blood and Buckets) which is one of the oldest pubs in London. Charles Dickens used to work nearby and perhaps even drank there amid other literary figures.

Today we toured Parliament (Westminster Palace) and Westminster Abbey. Westminster Palace must be seen to be believed-and I almost did not get in because I was carrying a metal cross of nails that I bought from Coventry Cathedral. I was searched for about ten minutes because security thought it was a dagger and could not find it in my carrying bag. My wife and relatives began to get worried. Security were very kind however and once the search was through we all had a laugh.

Westminster Palace is a testament to the origins of Western Democracy. Decorated in classic Gothic Catholic art, it is truly a place designed to feel important. It is one of the most recgonized places on earth. Its architecture informs you that this is a place of true reverence. Everyone of every political stripe would benefit by experiencing it.

We stood in the same steps where William Wallace was convicted of treason and where one of my personal heroes, Sir Thomas Moore, was tried and convicted to death because he would not agree to the King’s redefinition of marriage. It felt very relevent and indeed very humbling. During a break in the commisary, we sat down and were joined by a high ranking offical. He was a wonderful man who took us on a private tour of the new offices of the members of parliament and we were able to see where all of the members have private meetings, discussions etc. Their own versions of ‘The War Room(s)’ if you will.

We also visited Shakespeare’s childhood home and I was amazed at learning of the amount of persecution Catholics faced in Britain during the reign of Elizabeth I and on.

It is amazing that the West is so quick to throw away all of this history, religion and art for the sake of the shallow, the crass and the base. I could be proven wrong but I seriously doubt that in 400 years anyone will care to stand in the footsteps of the dingy room in City Hall at Toronto where Bourassa and Varnell were ‘married’.

In Westminster Abbey we saw the tomb of Henry V, Elizabeth I, Mary I, Richard II, Lord Byron, Sir Lawrence Olivier, Robert Browning, The Chapel of St. Paul and countless others figures of history. It is humbling. That my generation cares not for it…saddens me. Yet it does exist, and those who come do appreciate and learn. That gives me hope, joy and inspiration that I will draw on for the rest of my life.

Next week, France, Abbey Road and ‘Guys and Dolls’ with Ewan MacGregor (one of my favourite actors). Getting the tickets to this show will be a Dossier in and of itself.

Until next time…

posted by Nicol DuMoulin @ 2:49 PM