WHEN someone smoothly drops the word "trifurcate" into a sentence and it just rolls smoothly off her tongue, it's a clue that this is an extraordinary someone. Ms. P.M. visits Hawaii
Kim Campbell's flat, Western Canadian accent doesn't prepare a listener for the crisp and fluent stream of ideas, facts and well-considered opinions she delivers, all at top speed.
The only female prime minister in Canadian history, Campbell is consul general for the Western U.S., including Hawaii and Guam. Based since last year in Los Angeles, she visited last week to get to know her territory.
Living in L.A. has enhanced Campbell's appreciation of the differences between Canadians and Americans.
Our neighbors north of the border are more respectful and trustful of authority, she says, yet less deferential to it. They are jealous of their rights but don't see them as absolute -- no First Amendment has kept Canada from outlawing pornography, for example. Criminal law is national and doesn't change from province to province, jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Canada's national health system has outlived its funding woes, she says, and is now a point of national pride.
When she hears Canadians argue the country might as well become part of the United States, "I ask them, what about the health-care system and the gun control laws?" she says.
I bet that trifurcates them.