Lest we forget they're politicians

The first poppy sighting of the year at Queen's Park happened today -- exactly one month from Remembrance Day.

Sporting the poppy on his lapel was Liberal MPP John Wilkinson (Perth-Middlesex) as he sat in Legislative committee hearings this morning.

It is not clear whether this is a new record for early poppy-sporting at the Park.

Traditionally, politicians -- like the rest of the public -- waited until after Halloween to begin wearing poppies as a show of respect for veterans.

Alas, in this more showy and demonstrative age, our elected officials tend to wear their hearts on their sleeves and their sympathies on their lapels for all to see.

Expect the poppies to spread like wildfire. By next week, the Legislative Assembly will resemble Flanders Fields.

The rest of us can wear our poppies with respect on Nov. 11.