As a point of interest surveyor and map-maker David Thompson ranked 73rd out of 100 "top" Canadians of all time. Notables such as Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Jim Carrey, Avril Lavigne, John Candy, Pamela Anderson and Rick Mercer ranked ahead of him. Even separatist Rene Levesque clocks in at a cool 69th! No offense to some on this list but this is patently absurd. The list also had Tommy Douglas and David Suzuki in the top 10.
In my opinion, Thompson's accomplishment is more impressive than any of the aforementioned. Yes, even Douglas who shouldn't even be first. But that's for another debate.
Besides, why are we ranking historical figures anyway?
For Thompson, as is the case with many great and interesting figures, he died penniless and bankrupt. Thompson mapped out 3.9 sq km (20% of North America) of wilderness and that's the thanks he got. At least he got a stamp.
Interesting*
ReplyDeleteThat was Tough Slogging back then too!
I visited the Lewis + Clark Museum in Sioux City, Iowa last Summer + what a Story of those 2 Explorers!! Unbelievable*
;)) Peace*
Makes you wonder. And we worry about the silliest of things it seems.
ReplyDeleteFor readers of this blog, head over to Billy Warhol's blog - there you will see, um, unique stuff and photographs.