Rick Mercer, Lindy and Noah (Michel Botman Photography, Toronto, November 2011)

It has become a bit of a tradition of the Botman-Amato clan: around Noah’s birthday we try to make it to an RMR taping and shake hands with Rick Mercer.

It is great fun.  We feel like we are “in the know”.  At the end of the show, we spend a few minutes chatting with “our friend”, Rick.  Noah, as usual relax, confident and slightly oblivious, talks to Rick Mercer as he would address any of his school pals.  In fact, Rick Mercer has been very much part of his life since he was a very little boy – Noah being a lot more interested in political satire than in cartoons or hockey.  Rick has always been part of his extended “cultural family”.

Lindy said: “All of his political education has been from RMR and “This hour has 22 minutes.”

“As it should be!” responded Rick Mercer, with both a hint of irony and some visible satisfaction.

To which Noah added: “Ta-daaaa!” opening his arms wide and jumping forward, as would a circus host, followed by Rick Mercer, performing another “Ta-daaa!” with Noah and Lindy laughing hysterically in his arms, as I quickly snapped a shot of this bunch of lefties having fun like kids in a candy store, Noah standing slightly to the left of Rick, physically and politically – I think.