Comments on: God Guard Thee, Newfoundland

By: William Anderson

William Anderson — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 17:02:21 +0000

Hello Andrew: I am interested in knowing the source of the painting about John Cabot holding the flag of St. George as he arrived in the new world 1497. Could you possibly tell me who painted the picture.

Thanks.

By: Casey Butt

Casey Butt — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:20:19 +0000

I’m a Newfoundlander and a strong supporter of Premier Danny Williams. I think it’s high time someone had the gumption to defy Ottawa, who’ve raped Newfoundland’s resources since 1949. Certain parts of Canada, by carrying the most electoral votes, have lived as parasites off the resources of the less populated areas for years. It’s Canada’s very structure and an inevitable result of its flawed political system.

Of course, many in the formerly “wealthy” provinces don’t feel this way because they, in a combination of bitterness and arrogance, could never accept any “unfavourable” re-balancing of the status-quo.

Other than being “children” of England, Canada and Newfoundland, both as people and cultures, have nothing in common. The sooner the divorce of this failed alignment happens the better.

God guard thee, Newfoundland!

By: Andrew Cusack

Andrew Cusack — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:17:36 +0000

I knew someone was going to point that out! I actually thought it would be the first comment made, but it turns out to be one of the last instead.

The reason is because I thought it would be too verbally cumbersome to point out that the monarch pictured above is not Edward VII but George V while I was in the midst of listing Edward’s title.

By: L Gaylord Clark

L Gaylord Clark — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 16:38:49 +0000

A delightful and informative post, Cusack: I particularly like the (two!) photos of charming Taffy.
But one question: why top an article beginning with the name of Edward VII with a picture of George V?

By: M.J. Ernst-Sandoval

M.J. Ernst-Sandoval — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 01:59:59 +0000

No mention of the Calverts and the first English Catholic colony in the Americas? The Avalon Colony in Newfoundland predates Maryland by eight years.

By: The Monarchist

The Monarchist — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 19:20:34 +0000

A wonderful tribute to “the colony of unrequitted dreams”. It is worth noting that all notable politicians from Newfoundland are of the populist and stubborn, firebrand type: Joey Smallwood, John Crosby, Clyde Wells, Brian Tobin as well as the current Danny Williams. Danny Williams and Stephen Harper are not on talking terms these days, given the bully, demogoguic antics of the former. There is perpetually a perception of injustice among the poor, yet proud people of Newfoundland and Labrador, a nationalist perception that is easy to tap into and use to one’s advantage. Premier Williams doesn’t disappoint: he is a masterful performer.

Unfortunately, Danny Boy, as we call him, thinks he should have 100% of the offshore oil revenues, while not losing a cent of equalization payments from the rest of the country, even if it means that on per capita terms, his Province gets more than the rest of us. I would encourage him to get all he can, and we would certainly wish for a self-sufficient Newfoundland, but if he thinks he’s entitled to get more than the rest of us he’s dreaming with some cheek. Happily, he has more than met his match with Prime Minister Harper. For the sake of good intergovernmental relations, Danny Boy should pipe down!

By: MCNS

MCNS — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:13:24 +0000

Fascinating — great post, Andrew.

From a look at the great seal, I’d say Mercury appears rather scantily clad for the Newfoundland winters. Perhaps the mariner with the net could lend him a fishing sweater.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 04:49:07 +0000

A lovely post, sir, and may God indeed guard Newfoundland.

By: ScurvyOaks

ScurvyOaks — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:26:55 +0000

Bravo, Cusack, and thanks! I always learn so much here.