July 1st and July 4th are Rapidly Approaching!!  I Offer these Remarks as My Contribution to both Very Special Days!!

To-day, 2016 06 29, President Barack Obama gave an address to the Parliament of Canada.   To say that he was greeted warmly is a gross understatement!!  He was greeted with endearing enthusiasm!!  Although you might find someone who (repeat, might) take issue with content, NO ONE COULD TAKE ISSUE WITH THE EFFECTIVENESS of his DELIVERY!!   The House spent as much time on their feet clapping as they did in their seats!!! 

He reminded “Justin” (our PM > Prime Minister) that he too had black hair when he took office almost 8 years ago!!  He paid tribute to Gordie Howe!!  He reminded us that Canada was the first country he had visited on taking office and referenced his visit to the By Town Market in Ottawa almost 8 years ago.    (This is a pic which continues to hang in the Market.)

His speech to-day centered on the common values we share with each other. Seven US Presidents have addressed our Parliament. The last U.S. President to speak to Canada’s Parliament was Bill Clinton, over two decades ago.

I believe I speak for all Canadian Shufflers when I express the view that we could not have a better neighbour (or even neighbor).  President Obama brought that point home in spades to-day!!!  If we needed an example of the harmony and shared values, one need look no further than the relationship which exists among shufflers.  No differentiation is made on the basis of our national status!!

Stan McCormack.  Do have a Great July 1st; Do have a Great July 4th!! 

Good Shuffling!!!

For the 1% who may not know, that is Justin Trudeau’s wife Sophie sitting between Justin and Barack.