Am I Missing Something Here?

Posted on March 29, 2008

Todd Bertuzzi skates up behind Steve Moore. He hits him with a cheap shot, from behind, knocking him to the ice. He falls on top of him, pumelling him all the way down. And breaks his neck. Bertuzzi is back playing hockey making millions. Moore is still in recovery and will likely never play hockey again. And it’s Marc Crawfords fault, because he allegedly told Bertuzzi, someone had to pay. Todd Berrtuzzi, million dollar hockey player, nine year old brain. Must be, because he can’t think for himself. Doesn’t know the difference between right and wrong. Doesn’t know the difference between attacking someone from behind and meeting him face to face. Yeah its Marc Crawforeds fault. What am I missing here?

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China/Tibet

Posted on March 22, 2008

I have been reading a lot of material written by the Dalai Lama lately. I can truly relate to his non violent and simple approach to life. It pains me to see what is happening in Tibet. The Chinese government has been brutal in trying to supress to freedon movement that has been ongoing in the far eastern country.

   And that brings us to the Olympic games scheduled for Beijing this summer. There seems to be a growing chorus, from around the world, advocating a boycott. I, for one, do not feel a boycott of the Olympics is the answer. There are numerous reasons for the way I feel.

   First of all, the athletes. They have spent their lives getting ready for an event like the games. They have sacrificed everything from education, to relationships, to making a decent wage at their chosen profession, to compete for a medal. Would it be fair to them to boycott the games, for political reasons? I don’t think so.

The Australians have the right idea. Their athletes will not be allowed to criticize their teamates or other athletes in Beijing, but there will be no restrictions on them when it comes to criticizing the Chinese Government and its terrible human rights record. The athletes, in their own way, can bring these violations to the forefront and possibly, though not likely, force changes.

There will also be over 20,000 media in China to cover the games. The majority will be in Beijing. The rest scattered around the country covering various events. Do you think the government can muzzle 20,000 journalists? I don’t think they can. Once again, you will more than likely see any number of stories coming from those “in country”, talking and writing about the abuses the Chinese population put up with on a daily basis.

China is fast becoming a world super power, if it hasn’t already. The exposure the country gets in Agust, and its human rights violations will become more pronounced because of the games. It is encumbant on those heading to the games, including your humble servant to make sure the word gets out.

I will be there with CBC. I will also be blogging daily from Beijing. I will be telling stories, not only about the games, but about life in China as well. The doors of the worlds largest communist state are slowly opening, let’s make sure they stay open.

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Finally

Posted on March 19, 2008

Barrack Obama hit the nail on the head last night. His speech about race in America, was the most intelligent piece I have heard on the subject in a generation. So far, the respopnse has been mostly favourable. Only the rednecks and crackers, afraid of what they have to lose, will have anything to say about the speech. Obama is an intelligent man, that goes without saying. It surpsies me, that when a man talks to people, like they are adults, it makes such headlines. Maybe a few more politicians should try telling the truth, instead of pandering to their best interests. But then again, they are politicians, aren’t they.

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Just Makes You Wanna Shake Your Head

Posted on March 12, 2008

Let’s see, Liberals, Conservatives, NDP, Democrats, Republicans, Comminists, Socialists…They all have one thing in common. They’re politicians, and as politicians, they are in charge of the public trust. And as much as they say they’re in it because they have a need to serve the public interest, one has to wonder. It’s the same old story, and has been for generations. When it comes to sex and money, all is fair in love and war. It reminds me of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”. Some animals are more equal than others, and are entitled to take advantage of their position in society. When it comes to hubris, politicians take the cake, next to the clergy of course. They feel they are above the law, of man and society. Afterall, they make the laws, and can change them at any time to suit their own purpose.  it would be nice to see a politician who truly cares about making an effort to improve the life of his constiuents, instead of making sure his or her own selfish interests came first.