John Robson: Rex Murphy Was a National Institution

John Robson Deems Rex Murphy a National Icon

May 10, 2024 TruthUSA

Commentary

The passing of Rex Murphy at the age of 77 has left a void in Canadian public life, making us all poorer for it.

Rex, commonly known by his first name, was recognized for his unruly hair and sharp sense of humor. He was a prominent figure for those involved in politics and our societal interactions, particularly for older generations. Younger individuals may view him as a grumpy National Post commentator critical of wokeness. However, he was once a revered national figure who spent a significant portion of his career at the CBC, where he hosted “Cross Country Checkup” on CBC Radio One for 21 years, during a time when the CBC itself held a central place in Canadian media.

Murphy’s presence was unconventional in many settings, characterized by his disheveled appearance, unique fashion choices, down-to-earth Newfoundland background, and distinctive accent. He stood against political correctness long before it became mainstream, defending common sense and ridiculing nonsense with his sharp, often humorous clarity. Surprisingly, it was revealed in his obituaries that Murphy was a Rhodes Scholar, showcasing his blend of intellectual prowess and relatable charm.

He embodied a blend of intellectualism and relatability, traits that are rare among today’s commentators and politicians. Many public figures lack historical and literary knowledge and freely express vulgar language in public settings. In his later years, Murphy found it challenging to appear in mainstream platforms apart from the “conservative” National Post, amidst the ongoing culture wars.

Reflecting on Murphy and his legacy brings to mind a quote from Martin Amis about another sharp “conservative” commentator, Mark Steyn, highlighting the balance between sanity in thoughts and writing fervor. The question arises, was Murphy truly a conservative?

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At times, he ventured into politics, though without much success for obvious reasons. Murphy ran once for the Tories and twice for the Liberals. In the CBC’s Greatest Canadian competition, he supported Pierre Trudeau. In many ways, Murphy embodied the essence of a classical liberal with a common touch, valuing knowledge, understanding, robust debate, and civil discourse, even with those whose ideas he vehemently critiqued. Where will we find someone like him again?

It is inevitable that all men are mortal, and Murphy’s passing at 77 due to cancer signifies the loss of a significant figure in our national narrative. A healthy culture constantly sees the departure of influential figures, but it also nurtures new voices to take their place. Despite Murphy’s efforts, our current culture seems too broken to produce such figures.

If someone like Rex Murphy were to seek a position at the CBC today, diversity, equity, and inclusion protocols would likely prevent his entrance, and if admitted, swiftly remove him. The “public” broadcaster no longer represents diverse perspectives but rather the intolerant sensibilities of postmodern urban ideologies. In their obituary of Murphy, there was a subtle criticism of his work, including his associations with the oil industry.

Such critiques are trivial. A commentator who never faces criticism in their work would be ineffectual, and receiving income from speaking engagements is commonplace for public figures. Criticisms against “the oil industry” reveal a bias against a vital sector of Canada’s economy, showing a lack of tolerance for differing opinions in contemporary Canadian discourse.

The National Post’s headline on his obituary, “Rex Murphy, the sharp-witted intellectual who loved Canada, dies at 77,” encapsulates the issue. Murphy’s love for Canada was profound, driving him to criticize its shortcomings. However, modern leaders often dismiss patriotism, deny our core values, and disregard our heritage, including the tradition of engaging in vigorous, intelligent debates.

Murphy remained a staunch advocate for Canada until his final days. His last published piece, a scathing critique of Trudeau Jr. for his response to the Hamas attack on Israel, exemplifies the legacy of this Canadian icon. It is disheartening to lose such a personality, especially when his place in our national narrative fades, creating a void that may not easily be filled.

Rest in peace, Rex. You will be dearly missed.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

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