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blamebrampton ([personal profile] blamebrampton) wrote2010-09-17 08:09 pm
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You know ...

I can say without hesitation, that I am very proud to have Quentin Bryce as my Governor General. She is splendid.
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[identity profile] i-autumnheart.livejournal.com 2010-09-17 12:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Not that I disagree with the sentiment, but I'm curious about the trigger for that statement!

[identity profile] blamebrampton.livejournal.com 2010-09-17 12:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Many things, but tonight's was her being at a ceremony handing out bravery awards, and when the citation was being read out for one chap, he burst into tears.

He had dived into the sea to save a toddler and a baby and their father, and while he had managed to grab the push chair the baby was in, he could not save any of them because the sea was too cold and violent.

Hearing the story retold was clearly very hard for him, and the tears leaked out at first, then came freely.

Quentin stepped forward and took his hands in hers and said something private and comforting. A minute later when it came time for her to speak as she gave him his award, she made a speech that was compassionate and gentle, and designed to honour the fact of his grief as well as his courage. It was really, really lovely and I cannot imagine another public figure who can do so well in this country, with the possible exceptions of Justice Michael Kirby, Lowitja O'Donoghue and Tim Costello.

[identity profile] i-autumnheart.livejournal.com 2010-09-17 12:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah - I remember that incident from the news - poor guy. I'm with you on the accolade of splendid; I wish more public figures could manage 'gracious' in difficult situations.

[identity profile] auntpurl.livejournal.com 2010-09-17 12:15 pm (UTC)(link)
She's got a great name. She sounds like the heroine of a detective novel!

[identity profile] blamebrampton.livejournal.com 2010-09-17 12:24 pm (UTC)(link)
She was an excellent lawyer before she moved into policy and public service, so in another life! It's so unusual to have public figures you can be proud of these days, and such a nice feeling :-)

[identity profile] ecosopher.livejournal.com 2010-09-17 12:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Isn't she just?!
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[identity profile] meredyth-13.livejournal.com 2010-09-17 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm so glad you explained what prompted this outpouring of admiration - although I agree, regardless. There are few examples of public figures with genuine dignity (not just a stick up their arse) and compassion in this country. Frankly, we're sadly lacking in quality role models. :(

[identity profile] wivern.livejournal.com 2010-09-18 03:03 am (UTC)(link)
Yes. It's nice to have a public figure one can admire.
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