More than anything else, the situation in Japan is a harsh, stark reminder that our civilization lies upon a knife's edge. Nature is a harsh, fickle mistress, and we are never far from utter destruction.
I say this not to gloat, but to remind everyone -- myself included -- not to take the conveniences and amenities of modern living for granted lest we become complacent. Our privilege can be revoked in the most brutal ways possible, to put it mildly.
My heart goes out to those who've lost loved ones in this tragedy.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
"Liberal fascism?"
Y'know, I'm not a spectacularly bright guy. I'm not an idiot, don't get me wrong, but I like to think I'm reasonable and level-headed and that when I voice an opinion it's reasoned, concise, and cogent. I don't always succeed, but I do try.
The other day I wrote a letter to the editor of our local newspaper -- it's a hobby, really -- urging my fellow Canadians to voice their concern over the CRTC's impending decision on whether or not to allow "false or misleading news" to be broadcast; in other words, whether Sun TV News, AKA "Fox News North" would be like its American counterpart. I'm happy to say that the CRTC did the right thing and decided not to piss away our broadcasting standards.
Anyway, I thought the letter was well-written and pretty clear: we do not need propaganda in our political discourse. It's poisonous and dangerous (and as an aside, it says a lot about right-wing ideology that it can only be supported when its proponents are allowed to lie their fucking faces off). However, the response was anything but supportive; cries of my being pro-censorship abounded, though the highlight was most definitely the man accusing my views as being indicative of "liberal fascism."
"Liberal fascism?" Yes, I demand that you marry your dog, have gay sex with your daughter and then pay 4 cents so that your neighbour's child can attend a public school. Also you must swear your allegiance to On the Origin of Species.
I mean, seriously, what the fuck is wrong with us? How do people like him actually live long enough to reproduce? I would've thought he'd have failed the "do not eat" test when he bought his first stereo and came across the delicious silica package. Fuck's sake.
The other day I wrote a letter to the editor of our local newspaper -- it's a hobby, really -- urging my fellow Canadians to voice their concern over the CRTC's impending decision on whether or not to allow "false or misleading news" to be broadcast; in other words, whether Sun TV News, AKA "Fox News North" would be like its American counterpart. I'm happy to say that the CRTC did the right thing and decided not to piss away our broadcasting standards.
Anyway, I thought the letter was well-written and pretty clear: we do not need propaganda in our political discourse. It's poisonous and dangerous (and as an aside, it says a lot about right-wing ideology that it can only be supported when its proponents are allowed to lie their fucking faces off). However, the response was anything but supportive; cries of my being pro-censorship abounded, though the highlight was most definitely the man accusing my views as being indicative of "liberal fascism."
"Liberal fascism?" Yes, I demand that you marry your dog, have gay sex with your daughter and then pay 4 cents so that your neighbour's child can attend a public school. Also you must swear your allegiance to On the Origin of Species.
I mean, seriously, what the fuck is wrong with us? How do people like him actually live long enough to reproduce? I would've thought he'd have failed the "do not eat" test when he bought his first stereo and came across the delicious silica package. Fuck's sake.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)