Author's note: This article covers a subject on Canadian current events, and consequently uses terminology that American readers may not be familiar with. Footnotes have been added where appropriate.
William Shatner, star of the 1982 hit
T.J. Hooker, made headlines in Canada last week when
he announced he would like to run the country one day. The announcement came when Shatner was responding to a letter from a fan requesting that he put himself forward for the position of Governor General
1 of Canada. The actor, also known for playing the role of William Shatner in a variety of different films, replied to the fan stating that if he was to serve any role in Canadian government, it would be that of the Prime Minister.
2 As far as Bill Shatner is concerned, ceremonial roles are bullshit.
1. The Governor General is a made up job, with zero authority. Its equivalent in the American Government would be the Secretary of Education.
2. The prime minister is the Canadian head of government. Like the president, but without all the cool limos or helicopters or personal plane. Your president is kind of like a G.I. Joe figure now that I think about it.
A Canadian Walk of Fame
3 honoree, Shatner has never served in any sort of political role before, nor expressed any interest in public policy, nor possesses any leadership experience outside of that gained on a cheaply made television show that was canceled 40 years ago. Yet, despite these setbacks, his "fresh" face might be an asset in Canadian politics, where the existing leadership of all the parties are