Laying in my sick bed today, surrounded by old New Yorkers and empty asprin bottles, I rise to turn on the computer to find I am one of the Red Ensign Brigade importalized in the first issue of the Red Ensign Standard at a blog called the Raging Kraut. Thought up by the goodly Flea, the underlying theory of the group appears to be taking pride in the values that Canada used to have, which may actually be a sore spot to some. Most of the writers, however, seem to be immigrants or, like me, immigrants' kids and proudly have some interest in decency and non-defeatism, being valiant (a wonderful word that includes the Latin for hearty honourable greeting) where one can rather than fearful. For my money that includes the good socialist, commonwealth and pro-immigration values which have made us strong as a nation so it might be a bit of a barney from time to time with others less inclined towards that other great red banner.

Actually, I just like flags a lot. But go read and see what you think. You might want a bottle of Pimms soon thereafter or maybe some Molson's Stock Ale with a shooter of Corby's rye.