Here is something interesting. An article in the Globe and Mail (can you tell who I get much of my news from?) reports that a Radio-Canada (Canadian French language public broadcaster in Quebec) show has sparked the ire of many people over what many consider to be satire "bordering on bad taste".
Topics of the popular and "iconic" Quebec comedy show Bye Bye included the "assassination of U.S. president-elect Barack Obama, prison rape, a battered wife, black criminality and anglo inbreeding" (source). According to the Globe, one actor on the show was so offended by this year's content that he's refusing to appear on the show again.
Quebec tends to be rather tolerant of those types of humour but Quebec has certainly spoken out hard on some of the content on the show.
Here is what was in the paper today:
“It will be practical. Black on white, it will make it easier to shoot him,” Mr. Mercier said.
The laughs didn't stop there. During the pretend interview, another actor playing TV host Denis Lévesque mistook Mr. Obama for Quebec singer Gregory Charles. He apologizes, saying “all blacks look alike.”
He then suggested the viewing audience might want to hide their purses.
“It's a joke, he can't rob you at home, he's in your television,” the host said. “Of course, he might walk away with it.”
Other choice comments were “Don't give up, my inbred gang from English Canada, continue to re-elect your lobotomy on two feet, Stephen Harper,” Mr. Mercier said. “In a couple years, when your frigid wife no longer has the right to vote and it's legal to beat your children for smoking pot, you'll be knocking on Quebec's door saying, ‘Harper has passed a law to cook all of our immigrants and now we have no convenience stores. Can we come to Quebec?'”
Okay, so yes it is all a bit funny but this is on Radio Canada, the French language version of the CBC. It's paid for by the tax payer and is a Crown Corporation (owned by the Dominion government). Is calling the 25% of Canadians who voted for Harper "inbred" really appropriate? Oh wait, maybe the number was closer to 30%, but that's not my point. Is it appropriate to be making racist jokes on the public broadcaster? Is it the point of the public broadcaster to be as close to the edge as possible?
You know, I used to always watch the CBC, always read cbc.ca for the news and always trusted their views but in the last few years I find CTV and the Globe and Mail to be far more balanced. Now, this is not about Heather Mallick...I really only check the CBC to read her comments, but it's an overall thing. They try to be edgy and cool but at the same time only represent the views of those of us on the left. I only like propaganda when I know that it is coming from someone who is supposed to be biased. The public broadcaster shouldn't be biased and they shouldn't be racist...in my opinion.
I'd personally like to see the CBC become more like the American PBS. Taxpayer funding is fine but there has to be some sort of purpose for it. The CBC right now just competes with the commercial networks and I have trouble seeing that it is worth as much as we pay for it. I like it, I don't wanted it privatized but I would like to see it commercial free and full of family friendly open-minded, positive values kinds of stuff rather than regionalism, racism and xenophobia.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Regulator sets 2010 deadline to upgrade 911 system
Today's Globe and Mail reports that the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has ordered Canada's mobile phone providers to upgrade their 911 systems by 2010. The reports states that Canada has fallen behind other nations such as the United States.
So, as I stated before there really weren't all that many people who died but as the problem is likely to get worse and people should be able to trust 911 I'm happy to see this action. I especially like when regulators and government force private companies to do things.
So, as I stated before there really weren't all that many people who died but as the problem is likely to get worse and people should be able to trust 911 I'm happy to see this action. I especially like when regulators and government force private companies to do things.
Monday, January 5, 2009
911, Weber and Utopia
I was just reading about the death of Matt Armstrong, an 18 year old who was found dead ten hours after placing a call to 911.
The Globe and Mail reports that last year there were four fatal or near fatal incidents where the callers had some trouble getting through to 911 on cell phone or internet phones. That number really isn't very high at all but it will likely only get worse unless the 911 systems are updated.
This gets me thinking about how we are governed. One of the first things a student of Public Administration would hear about is the idea that there are always demands in excess of resources regardless of how many resources are had. Can we, as a country afford to keep 911 technology up to date when technology is changing so quickly?
When the 911 emergency system was first brought in, cell-phones were rather rare. People used them in their cars and that was about it. I think we actually called them car phones in those days. One little aside, if I may: recently I was digging through some old boxes and found several roles of film. I don't know about you, dear Roger...umm reader but I haven't seen a roll of film in at least a few years. I certainly haven't though about how to develop one. Do they even develop film these days?
So, getting back to my original point, can we ever keep up with all of need that exists? Can we ever make a Utopian paradise? I think of mine own self when I ask that question. At times I feel completely at peace with everything and can picture everyone being able to get along. But, then I get angry and do something that causes another person harm (not physically usually, but some sort of harm) I think we harm each other all the time, even when we think we aren't. We all do something that is a little greedy for our own benefit that doesn't help those around us and often hurts those around us. To reach paradise wouldn't we need to evolve past these tendencies?
What interests me in the old Soviet Union was that it purported to be paradise. It tried to be paradise. Karl Marx predicted that the state itself would "whither away" in a truly Communist state. Rather than whither, it grew into nearly exactly what Max Weber (writing in 1922, I think) had predicted when he said that the bureaucracy of the Soviet Union would eventually expand to the point where it would remove all real humanity and leave only a legal-rational society that would trap people in an "iron cage" or rule based and rational control. Weber believed the Soviet Union would create a "Polar night of icy darkness". This is very far from what Marx and others thought would happen.
I often wonder if the Soviet Union could have worked if it occurred in the right stages, under Marx and Engel's theories. The rise of the Soviet Union did not happen in an advanced capitalist state, as Marx said it should, rather Russia was one of the least developed countries in Europe at the time. So, perhaps if Russia had have been further along in industrialization (perhaps where the U.S and friends are now) it might have worked. Also, perhaps there is the possibility that a state run economy can be efficient. I tend to think though that it would only be possible in very small states with little diversity of opinion.
Anyway, I have these thoughts because when I read stuff like the calls for improvements to the 911 system, I think about what could have been done to prevent it from getting out of date. What could have been done to prevent Canada's health care crisis? What could have been done to ensure that our military had never gotten so embarrassingly out of date? What can be done to get rid of murder and crime?
We can always have ideas. I think getting rid of poverty is do-able and doing so would remove a great deal of our social problems. I think we can get most of the homeless off the street, and that would prevent deaths (like that woman who accidental burned herself trying to stay warm). I also think more intelligent government could get these things done. I think, actually I know that the health care crisis was caused in the early Chretien years. The Canadian Medical Association tried to tell Chretien that if he cuts medical school funding now it will lead to a great shortage by the late 1990's. Chretien's response was simply that we shouldn't listen to the CMA because the CMA only looks after the CMA. Well, it turns out that the CMA was right and that cutting back on funding in the 93, 94 and maybe 95 budgets would exacerbate a problem that was already looming. At the time there was a small national surplus of nurses and the right amount of doctors. So, that is a clear case of just bad governing. Also, Chretien's decision to cancel Mulroney's helicopters was also a stupid election gimmick that has been costing us ever since.
Alright, so that's why I'm a political liberal. I do think that we can't imagine just how good a state can run yet, but we'll not reach perfection for a while. Well, what would be perfection anyway. Will there ever be a day when there is no crime? Will there ever be a day when there is no poverty? Well, looking throughout history, few societies have ever been as peaceful as what much of the developed world is today.
The Globe and Mail reports that last year there were four fatal or near fatal incidents where the callers had some trouble getting through to 911 on cell phone or internet phones. That number really isn't very high at all but it will likely only get worse unless the 911 systems are updated.
This gets me thinking about how we are governed. One of the first things a student of Public Administration would hear about is the idea that there are always demands in excess of resources regardless of how many resources are had. Can we, as a country afford to keep 911 technology up to date when technology is changing so quickly?
When the 911 emergency system was first brought in, cell-phones were rather rare. People used them in their cars and that was about it. I think we actually called them car phones in those days. One little aside, if I may: recently I was digging through some old boxes and found several roles of film. I don't know about you, dear Roger...umm reader but I haven't seen a roll of film in at least a few years. I certainly haven't though about how to develop one. Do they even develop film these days?
So, getting back to my original point, can we ever keep up with all of need that exists? Can we ever make a Utopian paradise? I think of mine own self when I ask that question. At times I feel completely at peace with everything and can picture everyone being able to get along. But, then I get angry and do something that causes another person harm (not physically usually, but some sort of harm) I think we harm each other all the time, even when we think we aren't. We all do something that is a little greedy for our own benefit that doesn't help those around us and often hurts those around us. To reach paradise wouldn't we need to evolve past these tendencies?
What interests me in the old Soviet Union was that it purported to be paradise. It tried to be paradise. Karl Marx predicted that the state itself would "whither away" in a truly Communist state. Rather than whither, it grew into nearly exactly what Max Weber (writing in 1922, I think) had predicted when he said that the bureaucracy of the Soviet Union would eventually expand to the point where it would remove all real humanity and leave only a legal-rational society that would trap people in an "iron cage" or rule based and rational control. Weber believed the Soviet Union would create a "Polar night of icy darkness". This is very far from what Marx and others thought would happen.
I often wonder if the Soviet Union could have worked if it occurred in the right stages, under Marx and Engel's theories. The rise of the Soviet Union did not happen in an advanced capitalist state, as Marx said it should, rather Russia was one of the least developed countries in Europe at the time. So, perhaps if Russia had have been further along in industrialization (perhaps where the U.S and friends are now) it might have worked. Also, perhaps there is the possibility that a state run economy can be efficient. I tend to think though that it would only be possible in very small states with little diversity of opinion.
Anyway, I have these thoughts because when I read stuff like the calls for improvements to the 911 system, I think about what could have been done to prevent it from getting out of date. What could have been done to prevent Canada's health care crisis? What could have been done to ensure that our military had never gotten so embarrassingly out of date? What can be done to get rid of murder and crime?
We can always have ideas. I think getting rid of poverty is do-able and doing so would remove a great deal of our social problems. I think we can get most of the homeless off the street, and that would prevent deaths (like that woman who accidental burned herself trying to stay warm). I also think more intelligent government could get these things done. I think, actually I know that the health care crisis was caused in the early Chretien years. The Canadian Medical Association tried to tell Chretien that if he cuts medical school funding now it will lead to a great shortage by the late 1990's. Chretien's response was simply that we shouldn't listen to the CMA because the CMA only looks after the CMA. Well, it turns out that the CMA was right and that cutting back on funding in the 93, 94 and maybe 95 budgets would exacerbate a problem that was already looming. At the time there was a small national surplus of nurses and the right amount of doctors. So, that is a clear case of just bad governing. Also, Chretien's decision to cancel Mulroney's helicopters was also a stupid election gimmick that has been costing us ever since.
Alright, so that's why I'm a political liberal. I do think that we can't imagine just how good a state can run yet, but we'll not reach perfection for a while. Well, what would be perfection anyway. Will there ever be a day when there is no crime? Will there ever be a day when there is no poverty? Well, looking throughout history, few societies have ever been as peaceful as what much of the developed world is today.
Friday, January 2, 2009
The soft side of Chinese power: moves to assist burn victims
I in no way wish to view any sort of humanitarian relief with skepticism, and I don't view this with skepticism at all. So, this little piece of analysis should be taken with that in mind.
I would like to point out that China's offer to send skin-graft specialists to Bangkok to help those who were burned in the fire at Santika night club on New Year's Eve is another example of how China is remaking its image around the world.
After the Asian financial crisis in 1997, it was China who was on the ground first with offers of assistance. The effect upon public perceptions of China was strong. Again, in 1990 when an LP-G gasoline truck overturned and exploded, it was China who came to help first.
Now, again China is one of the first on the ground and making firm offers of assistance for those who were disfigured in the fire. This is exactly what China needs to do to win over the hearts and minds of South-East Asia. The Chinese clearly know that they can act much more quickly than most other large nations. The United States simply cannot move as quickly as China can, and China is very talented at getting maximum exposure for her actions. Again, really sorry for trying to analyze humanitarian assistance from any source. My heart truly does go out to the victims, some of whom have been burned beyond recognition.
Thai building safety issues to be brought before Cabinet
Thai Public Health Minister, Manit Nop-amornbodi was quoted in the Bangkok Post as saying that the Thai government will cover the full medical expenses of the burn victims.
Though the investigation is ongoing, Mr. Manit also stated that the reason why so many people died was due to "changing of building structure by the owner of the venue." He further stated that the issue of building safety will be brought before Cabinet.
In a way, that's something for people to hold on to. This horrific tragedy might force the government to really take action to get serious on building safety. This is just so ridiculous that a high end nightclub like that would not have any sort of fire escapes or suppression systems. It is simply disgusting and unacceptable. If we were talking about some old mom and pop club (is there really such a thing?) catching fire, I might have a bit more sympathy for the owners. Actually, the owner must be going through a lot. How could he not be.
I'd also like to point out that the death toll is now up to 61. I hope that's all. Not everyone has been accounted for yet.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Fire in Bangkok Nightclub, 59 dead
A fire in a nightclub here in Bangkok killed 59 and injured many more. I didn't realize this had happened until just a moment ago when I noticed a post on it: Nightclub in Bangkok on fire on New Years Eve from a blog that I follow. The bar is called Santika Club in the Thong Lor area. I don't normally go to that area so it never crossed my mind to to their for the New Year's Eve celebrations. I was in some very overcrowded venues around Central World and Khao Sarn road last night and I was thinking about the possibility of a bombing or something but not of a random fire.
I hate to say it but fire safety in Thailand really sucks...pyrotechnic shows are done by obvious amateurs with absolutely no fire suppression system available...not even a fire extinguisher in many places. I don't know if that is what caused this, but the media reports seem to suggest that it might have. The article in that link mentions people fleeing for their lives and trampling some others to death in the process. If you've ever been to nightclubs, or even buses in Bangkok, you'll know that they stuff in as many people as can fit. There might be legal limits but they are pretty much non-enforced. I've gone into (or attempted to go into) clubs here where there wasn't even enough space to get past the ID check point.
I think the new Thai government should start to get tough on this stuff. Order the police to get tough on it. I like the wild side of life also, and I don't want Thailand to turn into a nanny state but untrained people should not be working on electrical lines in their bare feet and filling gasoline in a car while smoking a cigarette. Really, could a bit of fire-prevention safety and some safety standards really be that bad?
Just looked up another news report on it, this one from Al Jazeera that reports that police say it might have been caused by firecrackers that people brought in.
The Al Jazeera report quotes a survivor, Oh Benjamas as telling Reuters:
"We were all dancing and suddenly there was a big flame that came out of the front of the stage and everybody was running away...It was chaotic, too many people were stuck behind the door. Some of them tried to break through the glass window. I think a lot of those who died are people on the second floor who got stuck behind the crowd inside."
The article also states that "Watcharapong Sri-saard, a firefighter at the scene, told the Associated Press that another door at the rear of the building was known only to the staff" and that the number of staircases made it difficult for people to escape.
How horrible this is. I've been in bars when it's taken a really, really long time to make my way to the bathroom do to just about ever bit of space being filled with a person...was in one of those last night. I've been in a crowd of people all pushing hard to get through and had to really fight to not get knocked over...was in one of those last night also. And that was not a crowd who was trying to get out of a burning bar. I can't imagine...well I can imagine but I'd rather not.
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