A reader up there in the tundra beyond Buffalo e-mails in: “Derb—My

sorrow at yet another Liberal victory here in Canada was tempered by a

’likes and dislikes’ piece on Paul Martin in today’s National Post. His

favourite book? Flashman and the Dragon. I have to think that anyone who can

enjoy a Flashman novel has to have some reservations about our country’s

multiculti mindset.”

It’s heartening on a first read. However, I am deeply suspicious of these

stated literary/poetic/musical prefences of politicians. I always think the

answers have been tailored by some handler after running a few focus groups,

and have nothing whatever to do with the actual candidate’s actual tastes.

If I were given the chance to interview Mr. Martin, I would quiz him closely

on the book, and not be the least bit surprised to find that he had never

read it.