A column in the National Post entitled "Canada's Biggest Mistake: Newfoundland" --- surely that'll provoke a Wentean epidemic of terminal apoplexy from our fair isle (not sure what the reaction from the colony's colony, Labrador, would be . . . .)? You can almost hear the Newfoundland Rage Machine priming its pumps and revving its engines.

And here it is, this most dangerous of articles, for you to peruse and ponder. I was almost fearful of clicking the link, lest the delicate balance of my four humours be overwhelmed by a sudden gushing forth of black bile.

But click it I did, and upon reading it I've an astonishing conclusion, d'ya know?

I agree with him. Well, in general, I do (we probably aren't on the same page when it comes to economic policy, but that is only one aspect of his argument).

I think his article is well-presented, informed, and actually largely unbiased. As someone who has very complex and sometimes contradictory feelings about Canada and Newfoundland, I think he captures aspects of the duality that ring true to me.

Read it for yourselves, and let me know. Both Newfoundland-Canadians and Canadians in general.

I think it's refreshing for someone to take on this issue without resorting to ardent if unexamined nationalism, be it Canadian nationalism (stupid welfare bums looking for handouts!) or Newfoundland nationalism (long-suffering noble-hearted victims!).

Balanced. The National Post. If you'll excuse me, I think I'll spend the remainder of the weekend in the bomb shelter. Surely the end must be nigh.