Dear Mr. Clooney,
Perhaps this should be addressed to Ben Affleck, but I think I might be wasting my time.
First of all I should make it clear that I have not seen your movie, Argo. I will be there when it comes to the local drive-in in the summer. I do know the plot line.
Years ago, I followed the real story, as it unfolded on the national news in both Canada and the United States. It is clear the truth of a piece of real history was grandly manipulated to produce an American heroic thriller.
This may seem a little deal to the immense American ego, but to Canadians it is a much bigger deal.
You see Canadians do not grow up with sense of homemade hero worship. This to my mind is a good thing.
According to a large cross country poll, the most admired man in Canadian history is a Saskatchewan baptist preacher, Tommy Douglas, who as a member of parliament brought the reality of universal healthcare to our country.
Incidentally, this man was father to Shirley Douglas, father-in-law to Donald Sutherland and grandfather to Kieffer Sutherland. These may still be familiar Hollywood names, however, his name will remain strong in Canadian history as the names of his relatives fade. Such is life.
Unfortunately, Tommy Douglas's story, is not the kind of story of which thrillers are made.
Here is the problem. When Canadians have a story of epic proportions, it is disheartening to see the story claimed and presented to the world as just another American escapade. The story is a story of brave men and women from both countries.
For the most part we are a good people, who recognize our weaknesses and who willingly offer our help where it is needed . We are a people with heroes, we acknowledge in our own way. Please understand why we are upset when you lessen the heroism of our citizens to aggrandize the myths of yours.
I live in a small fishing village on the Bay of Fundy, and see men and women and children of courage living their everyday lives. I am also witness to everyday drama. Everyday stories are more powerful than fiction. It is not always wise to mix the two.
It is not appreciated that you took one of the grand acts of heroism of our land, to embellish the myths of your own. Leave some of the leading roles where they belong.
