CTV News Montreal

Updated: Fri Nov. 13 2009 10:20:46 AM

What an embarrassment. Even if you don't like the monarchy, it's always nice to be polite and welcome your guests.

This is what we showed the world. Marginal separatist misfits and their protest against this week's royal visit.

I'm not sure why the Montreal police let them get so close to the Black Watch Armory before moving them back.

In a perfect world, the Black Watch soldiers would have come out and taken care of this gang in no time.

But the thing is the Royal Visit was mostly by a big yawn

Years ago during the glory days of Quebec nationalism it would have been different. With separatists running to the barricades like the students in Les Miserables.

But it just goes to show how much we have matured. And how groups like the Jeunes Patriotes are an anachronism. Political Luddites Lost in time.

Even our main stream nationalist groups weren't particularly moved by the visit.

And more and more Canadians are seeing the monarchy in the same way. A relic from the past.

Some argue the monarchy brings tradition and political stability to Canada.

On the other hand, maybe soon, after Elizabeth, it will be time to move on, for Canada to fully grow up.

Having our head of state in a foreign land seems to be archaic and a little silly.

And the best line of the week came from Gilles Duceppe. Royalty he said is like a genetic lottery.

People who say they have blue blood should see a doctor as soon as they can.

Vaccination vexation

The swine flu vaccination program seems to getting on track.

Although its been frustrating for so many.

Rolling out this thing has been like a dog's breakfast. Each region doing its own thing. Yes you can get it today in Laval but not Montreal. Does that make any sense?

And there were more reports of queue jumpers .From hospital donors to celebrity singers. And I suspect a good number of people suddenly came down with Asthma for the first time this week.

And shortages of the vaccine are still worrisome.

Canada was late in producing enough vaccine.

In Quebec, almost two thirds of the swine flu hospitalizations are under 19.

So, the decision not to vaccinate in the schools seems to be ill advised.

Now they are looking at busing thousands of students to the vaccination centres. Wouldn't it be easier to bring the vaccine to them? Seems obvious, but so much in this pandemic and our response to it, is anything but.

Please Add Comments