Rex Murphy: No, Don Cherry can’t be governor general. He likes people

He suffers from a terrible affliction, which would be vigorously out of place in Rideau Hall. He loves Canada. And the people who built Canada.

Were that enough, and in these “woke” times it is more than enough, he also — brace yourself again — loves the Canadian military, every man and woman who wears the uniform, every man and woman who has worn the uniform.

The post of governor general of Canada is open following the resignation of Julie Payette. Photo by Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press/File

Most people of highest character, especially in journalism, admired Christie Blatchford, who in my view, and I knew her, possessed the “highest character in journalism.”

Christie Blatchford admired and loved Don Cherry.

This may be one of the strongest reasons why Don Cherry will never ascend to the purple cushions. Being one of the very few people the sternly independent Christie Blatchford admired might very well not go over at all in the curious upper echelons of Canadian politics, where the choice of GG is made.

He is a man. Speaks for itself.

He would take the role with infinite seriousness. No one would take the position with more feeling for what it should represent — belief in and respect for Canada and Canadians.

Christie Blatchford admired and loved Don Cherry

I have listed some of his minor disqualifications. There are more serious ones.

He is incapable of tantrums towards those “lower” than he is. He will tackle equals with the fury of a wolverine, but would never harass or humiliate those in a “serving” category. For all his fame, he does not think he is better than those who do not have “fame.” He has skipped all the books that say because you are a “name” you can be rude and cruel to the “anonymous” person trying his or her best to please you.