Did somebody say JDI? Apparently Premier Graham has taken to heart Mr. Irving's suggestions for New Brunswick's "wood supply issues."
This is really just a fancy way of saying that one of our country's richest men (whose family is technically not headquartered in Saint John, but in Bermuda, where they pay no corporate tax), has just told us how to run our Crown Lands. The amount of protected areas is down, and the amount of tree plantations is up.
Be outraged, in this place.
The last report on Crown Lands included a survey saying over 90% of New Brunswickers want more input into forestry policy and management. Then the government cancelled the public consultations to follow-up on those recommendations. There was never any explanation for that cancellation - it appears now that some recommendations are more equal than others.
Does the government really think this is going to be good for New Brunswickers? The reality is we already have the most mechanized forestry industry in the country. We have a lot of people working in forestry, but in terms of the volume of wood processed, we employ the least people per unit produced. More tree farms aren't good for small woodlot owners, or small mills.
Guess whose bottom line they might actually improve?
Winner of today's quiz gets a free copy of the Telegraph Journal.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Compassionate Heart of Literature
What does the literary background/orientation of a political leader tell us? And why, in times of crisis, do writers emerge to lead troubled nations?
These questions preoccupy me after watching Barack Obama's transformation from first-term senator to president of the world's most powerful nation - an ascension that would have been impossible without his muscular rhetoric.
His lofty speeches repudiate empty corporate-speak and his elegant elocution is a welcome contrast to George W. Bush's habitual mangling of the English language. Obama is a voracious reader, and has devoured the writings of Shakespeare,Ellison, Nietzsche, Abe Lincoln and hundreds more. It’s no wonder he sounds so sophisticated.
Language is power, and Obama's political campaign was successful despite all odds because of he could envision a 'more perfect union' and convince people that that union was not only achievable, but imminent. As a writer and reader, he expressed the outrage of many marginalized Americans but tempered it with a sense of 'hope' that their country could change for the better.
Subsequently, Obama's two books returned to the best-seller lists, and his astonishing fundraising success relied in large part on his silver tongue. He recruited the support of countless Americans - people who work but can't get ahead, people who are sick of corruption and patronage in government, people who can't improve their lives because of financial hardship, people who are angry at predatory corporations.
Similarly, after the Czech people decided to be rid of their Soviet overlords, they elected Vaclav Havel, poet, playwright and essayist. He, too, properly understood the power of words, and his inaugural address paralleled (and pre-dated) Obama's depiction of a troubled nation, largely run by liars. He began:
My dear fellow citizens,
For forty years you heard from my predecessors on this day different variations on the same theme: how our country was flourishing, how many million tons of steel we produced, how happy we all were, how we trusted our government, and what bright perspectives were unfolding in front of us.
I assume you did not propose me for this office so that I, too, would lie to you.
Our country is not flourishing. The enormous creative and spiritual potential of our nations is not being used sensibly. Entire branches of industry are producing goods that are of no interest to anyone, while we are lacking the things we need. A state which calls itself a workers' state humiliates and exploits workers. Our obsolete economy is wasting the little energy we have available. A country that once could be proud of the educational level of its citizens spends so little on education that it ranks today as seventy-second in the world. We have polluted the soil, rivers and forests bequeathed to us by our ancestors, and we have today the most contaminated environment in Europe. Adults in our country die earlier than in most other European countries.
No amount of winking and 'you-betchas' is going to counter the cold reality that people feel when they are being misused.
Although politicians often bully language to meet their ends, rarely does a man or woman with a literary heart seize our attention while maintaining political power. And we might assume that writers are immune from the crassness of politics, but transformative politicians understand that "robust language" is indispensable in rallying people to their side.
So, why do 'literary' leaders appear at the fore during crises? I suspect it's the act of reading, coupled with the critical thinking skills that writing requires.
I'm not normally one of those 'reading, writing and arithmetic' types, but to read fiction is to enter a wrestling match with other people's thoughts, feelings and experiences. Writing calls us to organize our thoughts and justify our opinions. Literature is not merely a pleasant way to idle away an afternoon. It is a method of engendering compassion, which, as Karen Armstrong reminds us, means 'the act of feeling with the other.' Com-passion.
This unity with others is precisely what Obama proposed, and exactly what he needed in order to win in a divided electorate. Contrast his approach with George Bush's divisive and ignorant goverment. Bush lacked compassion, and his non-plussed response to Hurricane Katrina is only the first example that comes to mind. Someone who spends long periods of time training his or her mind to experience the thoughts, feelings, tragedies and celebrations of other people would be more likely to respond quickly to such an immense disaster.
Which brings me to Canada. Stephen Harper is known neither for his love of literature nor for his compassion. His initial reaction to the global economic crisis was not to empathize with people about to lose their homes or retirements or live savings, it was to portray the disaster as a good time to buy stocks. Harper continues to antagonize Canadian artists, and has even provoked the ire of Booker-prize winning author Yann Martel. Martel sends Harper a book every two weeks, and publishes the list on his website.
On the horizon, watching all of this is Michael Ignatieff, author of numerous books and descendent of grandfather and great-grandfather who worked under Russian czars Alexander II and Alexander III. Ignatieff's writings have been called everything from dazzling to arrogant. Whether he is successful in taking a page from Obama's book remains to be seen.
In the meantime, Obama has repudiated the petty cronyism of the Bush years, demonstrating that after eight years of organized cruelty, it is once again cool to be kind. Let's hope he continues to read with ferocity, and to use language to uplift those who need it most.
These questions preoccupy me after watching Barack Obama's transformation from first-term senator to president of the world's most powerful nation - an ascension that would have been impossible without his muscular rhetoric.
His lofty speeches repudiate empty corporate-speak and his elegant elocution is a welcome contrast to George W. Bush's habitual mangling of the English language. Obama is a voracious reader, and has devoured the writings of Shakespeare,Ellison, Nietzsche, Abe Lincoln and hundreds more. It’s no wonder he sounds so sophisticated.
Language is power, and Obama's political campaign was successful despite all odds because of he could envision a 'more perfect union' and convince people that that union was not only achievable, but imminent. As a writer and reader, he expressed the outrage of many marginalized Americans but tempered it with a sense of 'hope' that their country could change for the better.
Subsequently, Obama's two books returned to the best-seller lists, and his astonishing fundraising success relied in large part on his silver tongue. He recruited the support of countless Americans - people who work but can't get ahead, people who are sick of corruption and patronage in government, people who can't improve their lives because of financial hardship, people who are angry at predatory corporations.
Similarly, after the Czech people decided to be rid of their Soviet overlords, they elected Vaclav Havel, poet, playwright and essayist. He, too, properly understood the power of words, and his inaugural address paralleled (and pre-dated) Obama's depiction of a troubled nation, largely run by liars. He began:
My dear fellow citizens,
For forty years you heard from my predecessors on this day different variations on the same theme: how our country was flourishing, how many million tons of steel we produced, how happy we all were, how we trusted our government, and what bright perspectives were unfolding in front of us.
I assume you did not propose me for this office so that I, too, would lie to you.
Our country is not flourishing. The enormous creative and spiritual potential of our nations is not being used sensibly. Entire branches of industry are producing goods that are of no interest to anyone, while we are lacking the things we need. A state which calls itself a workers' state humiliates and exploits workers. Our obsolete economy is wasting the little energy we have available. A country that once could be proud of the educational level of its citizens spends so little on education that it ranks today as seventy-second in the world. We have polluted the soil, rivers and forests bequeathed to us by our ancestors, and we have today the most contaminated environment in Europe. Adults in our country die earlier than in most other European countries.
No amount of winking and 'you-betchas' is going to counter the cold reality that people feel when they are being misused.
Although politicians often bully language to meet their ends, rarely does a man or woman with a literary heart seize our attention while maintaining political power. And we might assume that writers are immune from the crassness of politics, but transformative politicians understand that "robust language" is indispensable in rallying people to their side.
So, why do 'literary' leaders appear at the fore during crises? I suspect it's the act of reading, coupled with the critical thinking skills that writing requires.
I'm not normally one of those 'reading, writing and arithmetic' types, but to read fiction is to enter a wrestling match with other people's thoughts, feelings and experiences. Writing calls us to organize our thoughts and justify our opinions. Literature is not merely a pleasant way to idle away an afternoon. It is a method of engendering compassion, which, as Karen Armstrong reminds us, means 'the act of feeling with the other.' Com-passion.
This unity with others is precisely what Obama proposed, and exactly what he needed in order to win in a divided electorate. Contrast his approach with George Bush's divisive and ignorant goverment. Bush lacked compassion, and his non-plussed response to Hurricane Katrina is only the first example that comes to mind. Someone who spends long periods of time training his or her mind to experience the thoughts, feelings, tragedies and celebrations of other people would be more likely to respond quickly to such an immense disaster.
Which brings me to Canada. Stephen Harper is known neither for his love of literature nor for his compassion. His initial reaction to the global economic crisis was not to empathize with people about to lose their homes or retirements or live savings, it was to portray the disaster as a good time to buy stocks. Harper continues to antagonize Canadian artists, and has even provoked the ire of Booker-prize winning author Yann Martel. Martel sends Harper a book every two weeks, and publishes the list on his website.
On the horizon, watching all of this is Michael Ignatieff, author of numerous books and descendent of grandfather and great-grandfather who worked under Russian czars Alexander II and Alexander III. Ignatieff's writings have been called everything from dazzling to arrogant. Whether he is successful in taking a page from Obama's book remains to be seen.
In the meantime, Obama has repudiated the petty cronyism of the Bush years, demonstrating that after eight years of organized cruelty, it is once again cool to be kind. Let's hope he continues to read with ferocity, and to use language to uplift those who need it most.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
more on this later...
A study of ten Chicago neighbourhoods using network analysis revealed several key supports that helped artists connect with audiences and other artists. One of these supports was “space resources – which included varied access to live/work space for making art aswell as varied access to public, private and commercial space for art presentations, exhibitions,festivals, parades, murals and facilities” (Grams, 2004, p. 14).
Other assets that were identified as partof some “circuits” were historic sites and public art that helped communities codify their identities,community-based art service activities for local children and families, and employment opportunities provided to local residents by non-profit cultural organizations (pp. 16-19).
This study also showedthat there were three mechanisms through which arts organizations leveraged assets for neighbourhood improvement: 1) by connecting people to local and non-local resources, 2) by enabling local problem-solving, and 3) by building social relationships among the different sectors of the community (Stern & Seifert, 2007, p. 45).
Other assets that were identified as partof some “circuits” were historic sites and public art that helped communities codify their identities,community-based art service activities for local children and families, and employment opportunities provided to local residents by non-profit cultural organizations (pp. 16-19).
This study also showedthat there were three mechanisms through which arts organizations leveraged assets for neighbourhood improvement: 1) by connecting people to local and non-local resources, 2) by enabling local problem-solving, and 3) by building social relationships among the different sectors of the community (Stern & Seifert, 2007, p. 45).
Monday, January 05, 2009
Dealing With Chinese Crowds: A Primer for Canadians
As promised, here's a look at boarding a plane (or waiting in any kind of line), Chinese style.
When a crowd assembles - and it's always a crowd in China - people jockey continuously for position, mostly maintained by elbowing and crowding together in the most advantageous place. Looking at the others in the crowd is likely to be interpreted as a sign of weakness, and while you are busy looking at the other person, they will steal your spot. Lesson learned.
Furthermore, the concept of "personal space" does not exist in a nation of over a billion people. If you are waiting for a subway, bus or train, people will push entirely up against you, especially if you don't look forceful. The only way to move at all is by pushing back. Standing still is impossible because you will be accosted from all sides by people pushing you out of the way. Did I mention there's a lot of pushing? It's a Canadian elementary teacher's nightmare.
People have been asking me - how was China? Strangely, the adjective that comes to mind is Darwinian. Picture this: 240 Chinese people (and about 10 white people, and 1 black person) are waiting for a flight. Fifteen minutes before the plane even calls for boarding, people line up near the door. Rather, they make a large mass near the door because "lining up" doesn't normally occur.
When the doors to the tarmac are opened, people literally run as quickly as possible to board the plane. Why? So they can sit as close as possible to the front. Why? So they can exit the plane as quickly as possible. Why? So they can wait in the next line as quickly as possible. Why? You get the picture. Imagine a group of sugar-starved seven-year-olds at a gigantic Easter egg hunt. Now you get the sense of urgency and lack of social constraint that Chinese crowds exhibit.
They are like those flocks of birds that appear in the fall, weaving and dancing in perfect synchronization, yet seemingly without a leader. I am not saying this to imply the Chinese are uncivilized or to criticize - it goes without saying that we have vast cultural differences from China and experiencing it firsthand was jarring. After a while, however, it becomes just another norm and before you know it, you are pushing onto the bus before the next guy can get in ahead of you.
When a crowd assembles - and it's always a crowd in China - people jockey continuously for position, mostly maintained by elbowing and crowding together in the most advantageous place. Looking at the others in the crowd is likely to be interpreted as a sign of weakness, and while you are busy looking at the other person, they will steal your spot. Lesson learned.
Furthermore, the concept of "personal space" does not exist in a nation of over a billion people. If you are waiting for a subway, bus or train, people will push entirely up against you, especially if you don't look forceful. The only way to move at all is by pushing back. Standing still is impossible because you will be accosted from all sides by people pushing you out of the way. Did I mention there's a lot of pushing? It's a Canadian elementary teacher's nightmare.
People have been asking me - how was China? Strangely, the adjective that comes to mind is Darwinian. Picture this: 240 Chinese people (and about 10 white people, and 1 black person) are waiting for a flight. Fifteen minutes before the plane even calls for boarding, people line up near the door. Rather, they make a large mass near the door because "lining up" doesn't normally occur.
When the doors to the tarmac are opened, people literally run as quickly as possible to board the plane. Why? So they can sit as close as possible to the front. Why? So they can exit the plane as quickly as possible. Why? So they can wait in the next line as quickly as possible. Why? You get the picture. Imagine a group of sugar-starved seven-year-olds at a gigantic Easter egg hunt. Now you get the sense of urgency and lack of social constraint that Chinese crowds exhibit.
They are like those flocks of birds that appear in the fall, weaving and dancing in perfect synchronization, yet seemingly without a leader. I am not saying this to imply the Chinese are uncivilized or to criticize - it goes without saying that we have vast cultural differences from China and experiencing it firsthand was jarring. After a while, however, it becomes just another norm and before you know it, you are pushing onto the bus before the next guy can get in ahead of you.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
So. I took a 'real' vacation . . .
As you can tell, the quality of internet access in Thailand as China was not great. That, and I decided to switch off the urge to be productive or efficient. Scary, I know - apparently that's what a vacation is supposed to be . . .
In any case, it's going to take me a few entries to digest my trip; for today I will share some of the immediate reflections with you, in the form of a list.
1. Travelling ain't easy. I did three consecutive days of airports to get to the beautiful tropical island of Koh Samui, Thailand. It turns out the best cure for jetlag is to clear customs repeatedly, get shoved on to a plane with 240 pushy Chinese people (more on that later) and haul your suitcase from here to Kingdom Come. Which was worth it, by the way.
2. Canadians are incredibly fortunate people. In China I saw a number of elderly or disabled people (some missing limbs) begging in public places. It was absolutely heartbreaking to see the lack of care given to these people. I have always felt fortunate but having seen people in the world living in shacks with no running water, I realize how much I have taken for granted. Not that everyone in Asia is poor, but the majority of people are struggling to make it.
3. The Thai people are as friendly as New Brunswickers, and I wish I could speak their language. Everywhere we went on Koh Samui, people smiled, said hello and waved to us. The island is half rural, half tourist, with visitors outnumbering locals 3:1. The people there are so laid back, they laughed when I asked what time the sun sets. Apparently that's a non-starter for them - a fact which was confirmed to me when the European man behind me at Bangkok airport lamented "The Thai people move at a snail's pace." Good on ya, I say. If I lived on a tropical island I wouldn't hurry, either!!
4. There is a difference between mainland China and Hong Kong. My one regret on this trip was not seeing more of mainland China. We were only there for a day or two between stops to Thailand and Hong Kong. Fortunately, I did get to see the Lohuo Market, which is full of dvd hawkers (an endless patter of "missy, you buy dvd movie") and knock offs of western brands. We took the Canadian approach to bartering - laugh when the price is outrageously high. It worked pretty well - I got some good presents.
5. Don't ever fly Continental via Newark. They will screw up and then deny any wrongdoing.
6. Most people in the world have the same basic concerns. Caring for their families, surviving economically, have a good laugh, eating a nice meal with family and friends, enjoying the sunshine - the best things in life are free.
7. I'm glad I went, but I'm glad to be home. See #1 and #5.
In any case, it's going to take me a few entries to digest my trip; for today I will share some of the immediate reflections with you, in the form of a list.
1. Travelling ain't easy. I did three consecutive days of airports to get to the beautiful tropical island of Koh Samui, Thailand. It turns out the best cure for jetlag is to clear customs repeatedly, get shoved on to a plane with 240 pushy Chinese people (more on that later) and haul your suitcase from here to Kingdom Come. Which was worth it, by the way.
2. Canadians are incredibly fortunate people. In China I saw a number of elderly or disabled people (some missing limbs) begging in public places. It was absolutely heartbreaking to see the lack of care given to these people. I have always felt fortunate but having seen people in the world living in shacks with no running water, I realize how much I have taken for granted. Not that everyone in Asia is poor, but the majority of people are struggling to make it.
3. The Thai people are as friendly as New Brunswickers, and I wish I could speak their language. Everywhere we went on Koh Samui, people smiled, said hello and waved to us. The island is half rural, half tourist, with visitors outnumbering locals 3:1. The people there are so laid back, they laughed when I asked what time the sun sets. Apparently that's a non-starter for them - a fact which was confirmed to me when the European man behind me at Bangkok airport lamented "The Thai people move at a snail's pace." Good on ya, I say. If I lived on a tropical island I wouldn't hurry, either!!
4. There is a difference between mainland China and Hong Kong. My one regret on this trip was not seeing more of mainland China. We were only there for a day or two between stops to Thailand and Hong Kong. Fortunately, I did get to see the Lohuo Market, which is full of dvd hawkers (an endless patter of "missy, you buy dvd movie") and knock offs of western brands. We took the Canadian approach to bartering - laugh when the price is outrageously high. It worked pretty well - I got some good presents.
5. Don't ever fly Continental via Newark. They will screw up and then deny any wrongdoing.
6. Most people in the world have the same basic concerns. Caring for their families, surviving economically, have a good laugh, eating a nice meal with family and friends, enjoying the sunshine - the best things in life are free.
7. I'm glad I went, but I'm glad to be home. See #1 and #5.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Heads up
I am leaving for China and Thailand soon - I'll be gone for two weeks. I am going to attempt to blog parts of the trip. How successful I am depends on the quality of internet access - in the meantime, take time to check out my links. There's a lot of good stuff going on locally, and I'm trying to tie it together. If you know of someone/something I've overlooked, please leave a comment so I can add it.
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays!
Friday, December 12, 2008
All hail, the living
It's been an up-and-down week. This dark time of year can be difficult - you probably already know that. On Wednesday I played for the choir and congregation at the celebration of the life of a young woman who recently passed on from cancer. It was a beautiful expression of gratitude, especially considering how easily the tsunami of grief can overcome us.
So I've been giving thanks for the small things - children and their zest for life, chocolate, and quiet, restful time at home. And I've been thinking about how these small things create our lives, make them meaningful, and sustain us when jobs, status and money are strikingly irrelevant.
Then I came across this beautiful slideshow of medieval art. The Met Museum in New York City has recently renovated the gallery containing works of art from the years 1050-1300. Rarely do we rarely study or discuss these "Dark Ages," but the works are so beautiful, using painting, sculpture and every day objects to communicate Biblical stories.
I am deeply moved by things and people that express the mysterious joy of being alive. Such as Elliott Carter's premiering a brand new work at age 100. As the article says, "when Mozart was his age, he had been dead for 65 years." Regardless of how long I live, I hope I'm able to cultivate the qualities that make me most human - curiosity, passion, laughter and compassion for other living beings. To quote the Bard:
What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason,
how infinite in faculties,
in form and moving how express and admirable,
in action how like an angel,
in apprehension how like a god!
the beauty of the world, the paragon of animals.
~Hamlet, Act II, Scene ii
So I've been giving thanks for the small things - children and their zest for life, chocolate, and quiet, restful time at home. And I've been thinking about how these small things create our lives, make them meaningful, and sustain us when jobs, status and money are strikingly irrelevant.
Then I came across this beautiful slideshow of medieval art. The Met Museum in New York City has recently renovated the gallery containing works of art from the years 1050-1300. Rarely do we rarely study or discuss these "Dark Ages," but the works are so beautiful, using painting, sculpture and every day objects to communicate Biblical stories.
I am deeply moved by things and people that express the mysterious joy of being alive. Such as Elliott Carter's premiering a brand new work at age 100. As the article says, "when Mozart was his age, he had been dead for 65 years." Regardless of how long I live, I hope I'm able to cultivate the qualities that make me most human - curiosity, passion, laughter and compassion for other living beings. To quote the Bard:
What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason,
how infinite in faculties,
in form and moving how express and admirable,
in action how like an angel,
in apprehension how like a god!
the beauty of the world, the paragon of animals.
~Hamlet, Act II, Scene ii
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
The Devil in the Details
Warning: I am about to attempt a nuanced discussion. If you're not the kind of person who likes that, skip directly to the link at the end, and reflect.
Economic stimulus is being hailed as a kind of 'magic bullet' that will save us from the unknown horrors of recession. To be frank, I'm not convinced that a recession in our society would be such a 'bad' event. We are already living well beyond our means and having less might force us to re-evaluate our priorities and live smarter. But that's a digression.
Everyone in the media is talking about infrastructure spending; today the NB government announced its plans. Mostly it consists of building roads with money we don't have. In other words, we are going to pave stuff with money my generation will have to find later. Take a look at this chart from James K Galbraith, grandson of the eminent John Kenneth Galbraith:
It's hard to read, but the chart shows the return for each dollar spent on 'economic stimulus.' The government is the most powerful actor in the economy - they have money and they make the rules, not to mention the power of the central banks they control. So, now they have a choice. They can spend it on food stamps - which would nearly double their $1 investment, or they could issue a corporate tax cut, which would actually take money out of the economy.
You can see that infrastructure spending (such as building roads) is one of the better values, but actually it would be more efficient to extend unemployment benefits. It is highly likely that corporate big-wigs know that this money is about to be shelled out and are lining up to collect their chunk of our tax dollars. The list of projects announced by the NB government will almost certainly be controlled by large corporations - such as those guys at Brun-way, who can't seem to keep the roads around here passable in the winter. The only say regular people will have is whether to apply for and accept a job at a given pay rate. They will have no control over how it is spent.
My question is: wouldn't that money be better spent on addressing poverty issues, such as food, or investing in education? Knowledge is infrastructure, and hiring more teachers, specialists and investing in early childhood education would pay important dividends such as a healthier, better educated citizenry.
It seems bizarre to me - this economic crisis seems to come with the recognition that the government should intervene to help people, but only help people get a job, not help them get a leg up on the things that matter most - education, empowerment and quality of life. The fact that 1 in 6 Canadian children still lives in poverty has been totally lost in the shuffle here, but that's a fact that will be reckoned with as a generation ill-equipped to lead takes the helm. So we've got roads, so what?
And finally, the project list only deals with major cities, in a province that is still almost 50% rural. And in a province where rural industries have taken a pounding in the last few years. What we need is to build rural infrastructure - like a windpower and agricultural co-generation powergrid. Like they've done in Germany, with smashing success. The solution is not to truck all the resources - people and trees and minerals - out of the traditionally rural parts, and send people to work in call centres. We need to find ways to make rural life viable again. And that's going to take creativity and brainpower and dedication.
So, as promised, here's the link for people who skipped the details. Quality of life matters, and in selling out resources and people, we're really selling off our heritage, oftentimes to the lowest bidder. I think we can do better, and we should be trying harder.
Economic stimulus is being hailed as a kind of 'magic bullet' that will save us from the unknown horrors of recession. To be frank, I'm not convinced that a recession in our society would be such a 'bad' event. We are already living well beyond our means and having less might force us to re-evaluate our priorities and live smarter. But that's a digression.
Everyone in the media is talking about infrastructure spending; today the NB government announced its plans. Mostly it consists of building roads with money we don't have. In other words, we are going to pave stuff with money my generation will have to find later. Take a look at this chart from James K Galbraith, grandson of the eminent John Kenneth Galbraith:
It's hard to read, but the chart shows the return for each dollar spent on 'economic stimulus.' The government is the most powerful actor in the economy - they have money and they make the rules, not to mention the power of the central banks they control. So, now they have a choice. They can spend it on food stamps - which would nearly double their $1 investment, or they could issue a corporate tax cut, which would actually take money out of the economy.
You can see that infrastructure spending (such as building roads) is one of the better values, but actually it would be more efficient to extend unemployment benefits. It is highly likely that corporate big-wigs know that this money is about to be shelled out and are lining up to collect their chunk of our tax dollars. The list of projects announced by the NB government will almost certainly be controlled by large corporations - such as those guys at Brun-way, who can't seem to keep the roads around here passable in the winter. The only say regular people will have is whether to apply for and accept a job at a given pay rate. They will have no control over how it is spent.
My question is: wouldn't that money be better spent on addressing poverty issues, such as food, or investing in education? Knowledge is infrastructure, and hiring more teachers, specialists and investing in early childhood education would pay important dividends such as a healthier, better educated citizenry.
It seems bizarre to me - this economic crisis seems to come with the recognition that the government should intervene to help people, but only help people get a job, not help them get a leg up on the things that matter most - education, empowerment and quality of life. The fact that 1 in 6 Canadian children still lives in poverty has been totally lost in the shuffle here, but that's a fact that will be reckoned with as a generation ill-equipped to lead takes the helm. So we've got roads, so what?
And finally, the project list only deals with major cities, in a province that is still almost 50% rural. And in a province where rural industries have taken a pounding in the last few years. What we need is to build rural infrastructure - like a windpower and agricultural co-generation powergrid. Like they've done in Germany, with smashing success. The solution is not to truck all the resources - people and trees and minerals - out of the traditionally rural parts, and send people to work in call centres. We need to find ways to make rural life viable again. And that's going to take creativity and brainpower and dedication.
So, as promised, here's the link for people who skipped the details. Quality of life matters, and in selling out resources and people, we're really selling off our heritage, oftentimes to the lowest bidder. I think we can do better, and we should be trying harder.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Schools: why not creativity?
Sir Ken Robinson gives a great and funny lecture about how we are only educating people in the head, and "slightly to one side." Thanks to Tracy for telling me about ted.com, home of interesting ideas. I tried posting the video to no avail, so here's the link.
Similarly, Malcolm Gladwell discusses the need for "meaningful work," and the fact that we are not maximizing the talent potential in our society.
Similarly, Malcolm Gladwell discusses the need for "meaningful work," and the fact that we are not maximizing the talent potential in our society.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Once again, the fool speaks the truth
Not that anybody really believes Rick Mercer is a fool. But the funnyman sees the whole picture, that's right b'y.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Peace, Order and . . . Good Government ?
What a firestorm!
In case you were too wrapped up in ho-ho-ho this weekend, you should be aware that Canada appears to be headed for its first coalition government in 91 years. The Liberals and NDP are attempting to form a government with the support of the Bloc. The Conservatives have been asleep at the wheel since the election (or drunk with imagined power, depending on your perspective).
So, my two cents on the whole situation: It has occurred to me many times watching the Harper government that they are very interested in power but way less interested in governing. Their version of government seems to be to eliminate programs and then blame opposition on "partisanship" - witness the arts cuts and the elimination of subsidies to political parties based on vote share.
They have refused to meet with the press, used RCMP officers to keep people away from the PM at political events and ignored their own new "fixed election" law, ostensibly introduced to ensure stability to the governing process. Lots of reports tell of political-type firings where the Harperites are eliminating civil servants not because of incompetence, but because of ideology. Shades of Newt Gingrich, I think.
For some mysterious reason, Stephen Harper can't seem to deal with anything positive. He can say "no" and advertise moral outrage about a lot of things, but when it comes to building a country and cooperating with other people for the good of the country, he's at a total loss. The reality is that Canada is a huge, unwieldy, regionally and linguistically divided country, and running it requires getting along with most of the people, most of the time.
The question is how long Canadians want to put up with a government that cares more about eliminating political opposition than strengthening the country. Harper's tactics border on the delusional and it's time to get back to reality.
In case you were too wrapped up in ho-ho-ho this weekend, you should be aware that Canada appears to be headed for its first coalition government in 91 years. The Liberals and NDP are attempting to form a government with the support of the Bloc. The Conservatives have been asleep at the wheel since the election (or drunk with imagined power, depending on your perspective).
So, my two cents on the whole situation: It has occurred to me many times watching the Harper government that they are very interested in power but way less interested in governing. Their version of government seems to be to eliminate programs and then blame opposition on "partisanship" - witness the arts cuts and the elimination of subsidies to political parties based on vote share.
They have refused to meet with the press, used RCMP officers to keep people away from the PM at political events and ignored their own new "fixed election" law, ostensibly introduced to ensure stability to the governing process. Lots of reports tell of political-type firings where the Harperites are eliminating civil servants not because of incompetence, but because of ideology. Shades of Newt Gingrich, I think.
For some mysterious reason, Stephen Harper can't seem to deal with anything positive. He can say "no" and advertise moral outrage about a lot of things, but when it comes to building a country and cooperating with other people for the good of the country, he's at a total loss. The reality is that Canada is a huge, unwieldy, regionally and linguistically divided country, and running it requires getting along with most of the people, most of the time.
The question is how long Canadians want to put up with a government that cares more about eliminating political opposition than strengthening the country. Harper's tactics border on the delusional and it's time to get back to reality.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
View from the balcony: teachers needed
The old Carleton County Courthouse is 175 years old this year, and looking fabulous despite its age. It's amazing to think this stately building was being used as a barn barely 30 years ago.
Perched in the balcony, last night I had the pleasure of listening to three young choirs, conducted by Jen Muir and Will Davidson. Less than ten years ago I was a student of Will's and you probably couldn't have paid people to sing in a high school choir. Now, they line up by the dozens to be in musical productions, join the band, and sing in extra-curricular choirs like Jennifer's. It's very exciting not only to see the numbers but to hear the results.
Luckily, these teachers, along with Sam Arnold and Peter McLaughlin, have been around long enough to see the second generation of their students move into conducting and performing. It's not often we go to events where the generations mingle - church being one of the only exceptions. Now that social institutions are fragmented, we send children to school, young adults to teach English overseas, adults to work, the sick and the elderly out of sight. What a tragedy.
Thankfully, last night this wasn't the case. People of all ages gave and enjoyed performances, and I saw the abundance of talent - perhaps more readily evident here because we lack distracting shopping malls and megaplexes. But, as has always been the case in New Brunswick, we don't have enough teachers to develop the gifts of our young people. Every music teacher I know is maxed to the hilt, running six ways from Sunday.
We need to do a better job convincing skilled teachers in every discipline that they are needed here, and that our students are worth the work. We should retain our capable young adults before they get the impression we're not interested and find opportunities elsewhere.
Looking back on a decade as a community musician, I know mentors influenced my decision to stay here and contribute - because of the training and encouragement they provided, and because of the community's willingness to let me try my hand. If we are serious about keeping young people we must put them to work - frequently and as soon as they are able. Allowing them to lead shows that we value their skills and that there is a place here where they can 'make their mark.'
Young people have an incredible amount of energy and motivation - witness the success of the Valley Young Company and the perpetual motion at Fusion cafe. The question is whether we are content to pass that energy on to other people's benefit, or whether we are creative enough to find outlets here, strengthening our own community in the process.
Perched in the balcony, last night I had the pleasure of listening to three young choirs, conducted by Jen Muir and Will Davidson. Less than ten years ago I was a student of Will's and you probably couldn't have paid people to sing in a high school choir. Now, they line up by the dozens to be in musical productions, join the band, and sing in extra-curricular choirs like Jennifer's. It's very exciting not only to see the numbers but to hear the results.
Luckily, these teachers, along with Sam Arnold and Peter McLaughlin, have been around long enough to see the second generation of their students move into conducting and performing. It's not often we go to events where the generations mingle - church being one of the only exceptions. Now that social institutions are fragmented, we send children to school, young adults to teach English overseas, adults to work, the sick and the elderly out of sight. What a tragedy.
Thankfully, last night this wasn't the case. People of all ages gave and enjoyed performances, and I saw the abundance of talent - perhaps more readily evident here because we lack distracting shopping malls and megaplexes. But, as has always been the case in New Brunswick, we don't have enough teachers to develop the gifts of our young people. Every music teacher I know is maxed to the hilt, running six ways from Sunday.
We need to do a better job convincing skilled teachers in every discipline that they are needed here, and that our students are worth the work. We should retain our capable young adults before they get the impression we're not interested and find opportunities elsewhere.
Looking back on a decade as a community musician, I know mentors influenced my decision to stay here and contribute - because of the training and encouragement they provided, and because of the community's willingness to let me try my hand. If we are serious about keeping young people we must put them to work - frequently and as soon as they are able. Allowing them to lead shows that we value their skills and that there is a place here where they can 'make their mark.'
Young people have an incredible amount of energy and motivation - witness the success of the Valley Young Company and the perpetual motion at Fusion cafe. The question is whether we are content to pass that energy on to other people's benefit, or whether we are creative enough to find outlets here, strengthening our own community in the process.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
U.S Trails Cuba in Gender Equality
In a recent United Nations survey comparing gender equality in countries around the world, the United States ranked 27th, above Russia (42nd), China (57th), Brazil (73rd) and India (113th).
But the United States was ranked below Germany (11th), Britain (13th), France (15th), Lesotho (16th), Trinidad and Tobago (19th), South Africa (22nd), Argentina (24th) and Cuba (25th).
----
Some surprising numbers, from the supposedly 'freest' country in the world. Looking at the top three countries (Norway, Finland and Sweden) and the bottom three (Saudi Arabia, Chad and Yemen), one can't help but wonder what role religion plays in all of this. The USA is far more religious than most people care to admit - mega churches make mega decisions there, and have a hold over a large part of public opinion.
The Nordic social democracies are among the least religious countries on the planet, whereas in all of the three bottom countries, Islam is the law. Of course, by that standard China should have done better, so it's more likely a measure of how women are viewed in each country - as a threat to be 'contained' at home, or as humans with potential to contribute socially and economically.
On an unrelated note, I read a great essay by Malcolm Gladwell (author of "The Tipping Point"), arguing that it takes, at minimum, 10 000 hours to be good at anything. Which really makes my 90 hour music-semester classes look ridiculous. But considering the hours a young video gamer puts into his art or how many times a baby falls down before it learns to walk, it seems like a good benchmark.
But the United States was ranked below Germany (11th), Britain (13th), France (15th), Lesotho (16th), Trinidad and Tobago (19th), South Africa (22nd), Argentina (24th) and Cuba (25th).
----
Some surprising numbers, from the supposedly 'freest' country in the world. Looking at the top three countries (Norway, Finland and Sweden) and the bottom three (Saudi Arabia, Chad and Yemen), one can't help but wonder what role religion plays in all of this. The USA is far more religious than most people care to admit - mega churches make mega decisions there, and have a hold over a large part of public opinion.
The Nordic social democracies are among the least religious countries on the planet, whereas in all of the three bottom countries, Islam is the law. Of course, by that standard China should have done better, so it's more likely a measure of how women are viewed in each country - as a threat to be 'contained' at home, or as humans with potential to contribute socially and economically.
On an unrelated note, I read a great essay by Malcolm Gladwell (author of "The Tipping Point"), arguing that it takes, at minimum, 10 000 hours to be good at anything. Which really makes my 90 hour music-semester classes look ridiculous. But considering the hours a young video gamer puts into his art or how many times a baby falls down before it learns to walk, it seems like a good benchmark.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
And now, more thoughts on the 'local'
If you were around last weekend, you might have attended the aRiVA launch at Kerry O'Toole's gallery in Gradton. It was a ton of fun, and the turnout surpassed our expectations. The River Valley Arts Alliance (RiVA) was formed with the belief that local people have real artistic contributions to make, and that people will recognize talent when they see it, regardless of whether it comes from cities or small towns. A major part of the evening was dedicated to redressing the idea that New Brunwsickers are an 'artless' people.
Looking at the more-than-twenty local artists on display, and hearing a fabulous band of happy amateurs, aRiVA celebrated to the joy of being "local" - specific to one place (this place) with concerns that outsiders couldn't quite grasp. To wit, here's James Howard Kuntlser's take on "localism" and the role it will play after peak oil. For Carleton County, a place where people have traditionally been self-reliant crafstmen and women, I think it is an encouraging forecast:
What remains for now is a terrible grandiose inertia among people who really ought to know better: our culture leaders. The cutting edge has become a blunt instrument unsuited to fashioning the patterns of the future. Everything we do from now on will have to be finer in scale, quality, and character. Exercises in irony will no longer be appreciated because there will no longer be a premium paid for declaring ourselves to be ridiculous. The localism of the future will not be a matter of fashion. It will be in the food we eat and the air we breathe, and we’d better start paying attention.
Looking at the more-than-twenty local artists on display, and hearing a fabulous band of happy amateurs, aRiVA celebrated to the joy of being "local" - specific to one place (this place) with concerns that outsiders couldn't quite grasp. To wit, here's James Howard Kuntlser's take on "localism" and the role it will play after peak oil. For Carleton County, a place where people have traditionally been self-reliant crafstmen and women, I think it is an encouraging forecast:
What remains for now is a terrible grandiose inertia among people who really ought to know better: our culture leaders. The cutting edge has become a blunt instrument unsuited to fashioning the patterns of the future. Everything we do from now on will have to be finer in scale, quality, and character. Exercises in irony will no longer be appreciated because there will no longer be a premium paid for declaring ourselves to be ridiculous. The localism of the future will not be a matter of fashion. It will be in the food we eat and the air we breathe, and we’d better start paying attention.
The feminist president?
Bill Clinton was widely touted as 'the first black president,' because he owed his election to the large numbers of African-Americans who voted for him. Now the USA has a real 'black president,' and much has been made of this historic victory. It has been an amazing week to watch. But that being said, the gender undercurrent in this election interests me much more.
The primary battle between Hillary Clinton and Obama was a race to convince women that each candidate understood their issues. Then Sarah Palin entered the picture, and the McCain campaign attempted to convince disgruntled Hillary voters that Barack Obama couldn't be trusted. The issue of who women would vote for was raised repeatedly, largely because the Democrats can't win elections without them.
In his victory speech, Obama thanks his male campaign staff (and running mate) but acknowledges the debts he owes to women in his life. In his victory address, he thanked his wife, grandmother, aunts , mentions his daughters and tells the story of a 106-year old black women as an illustration of how far the USA has come as a country.
In the past, wifes are thanked perfunctorily and daughters look cute and smile for the camera. But I can sense that Obama truly respects women for their contributions and that he sees them as people. This is what feminism set out to achieve - political and economic equality of women.
Michelle Obama was Barack's mentor at the Chicago law firm where he interned after Harvard. He repeatedly asked her out and she repeatedly said "no," on the grounds that it was inappropriate. Now they are moving into the White House, with their two daughters, as partners.
The primary battle between Hillary Clinton and Obama was a race to convince women that each candidate understood their issues. Then Sarah Palin entered the picture, and the McCain campaign attempted to convince disgruntled Hillary voters that Barack Obama couldn't be trusted. The issue of who women would vote for was raised repeatedly, largely because the Democrats can't win elections without them.
In his victory speech, Obama thanks his male campaign staff (and running mate) but acknowledges the debts he owes to women in his life. In his victory address, he thanked his wife, grandmother, aunts , mentions his daughters and tells the story of a 106-year old black women as an illustration of how far the USA has come as a country.
In the past, wifes are thanked perfunctorily and daughters look cute and smile for the camera. But I can sense that Obama truly respects women for their contributions and that he sees them as people. This is what feminism set out to achieve - political and economic equality of women.
Michelle Obama was Barack's mentor at the Chicago law firm where he interned after Harvard. He repeatedly asked her out and she repeatedly said "no," on the grounds that it was inappropriate. Now they are moving into the White House, with their two daughters, as partners.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
MLK, 1967
This segment of a speech by Dr. Martin Luther is from the documentary series "Century of the Self." The connections between psycholanalysis, war, consumer culture, propaganda and public relations are all there. Check it out free online. Bonus points for anyone who can tie the content of this documentary to the recent Wall Street bailout. But I digress. Here's the quote:
Modern psychology has a word that is probably used more than any other word: it is the word 'maladjusted.' It is the ring and cry of modern child psychology: 'maladjusted.' Of course, we all want to live the well-adjusted life in order to avoide neurotic and schizophrenic personalities.
But as I move towards my conclusion, I would like to say to you today, in a very honest manner, that there are some things in our society and some things in her world, for which I am proud to be maladjusted. And I call upon all men of goodwill to be maladjusted to these things until the good society is realized.
I must honestly say to you that I never intend to to adjust myself to racial segregation and discrimination. I never intend to adjust myself to religious bigotry. I never intend to adjust myself to economic conditions that will take necessities from the many to give luxuries to the few, and leave millions of God's children suffocating in an air-tight cage of poverty in the midst of an affluent society.
Modern psychology has a word that is probably used more than any other word: it is the word 'maladjusted.' It is the ring and cry of modern child psychology: 'maladjusted.' Of course, we all want to live the well-adjusted life in order to avoide neurotic and schizophrenic personalities.
But as I move towards my conclusion, I would like to say to you today, in a very honest manner, that there are some things in our society and some things in her world, for which I am proud to be maladjusted. And I call upon all men of goodwill to be maladjusted to these things until the good society is realized.
I must honestly say to you that I never intend to to adjust myself to racial segregation and discrimination. I never intend to adjust myself to religious bigotry. I never intend to adjust myself to economic conditions that will take necessities from the many to give luxuries to the few, and leave millions of God's children suffocating in an air-tight cage of poverty in the midst of an affluent society.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Hello, October
The MacArthur foundation announced its latest round of geniues - or is that geniui? {Little nerd joke there, for people who enjoy the Latin plurals. Sorry. } On a serious note, these people are engaged in amazing projects, and are now being funded to the tune of 100k per year, for 5 years. I think they should have a MacArthur genius grant for public school teachers. Excellent teachers could be funded by someone other than the government, on the basis of their innovative teaching ideas. Wouldn't that be fun!!
Secondly, read this article in the NewYork Times. Apparently a growing number of French Muslims are sending their children to Catholic schools. It's partially because of the headscarf issue (they're banned in public schools) but also because many Muslim parents want their children to have a quality education away from Muslim extremists.
This is fascinating from a couple of perspectives - consider the bloody hatred inspired by the Crusades, and the ongoing tension between secular western states and Muslims who believe that shari'a ought to be the law of every land. The fact that Muslims are now most free to practice their religion in Catholic schools is pretty mind-bending.
Finally, the scenery in Carleton County is so breathtaking right now that I haven't driven over the speed limit in weeks. Take the 105 between Woodstock and Hartland. It's like watching a lustrous painting come to life, in slow motion. Yes, sir.
Secondly, read this article in the NewYork Times. Apparently a growing number of French Muslims are sending their children to Catholic schools. It's partially because of the headscarf issue (they're banned in public schools) but also because many Muslim parents want their children to have a quality education away from Muslim extremists.
This is fascinating from a couple of perspectives - consider the bloody hatred inspired by the Crusades, and the ongoing tension between secular western states and Muslims who believe that shari'a ought to be the law of every land. The fact that Muslims are now most free to practice their religion in Catholic schools is pretty mind-bending.
Finally, the scenery in Carleton County is so breathtaking right now that I haven't driven over the speed limit in weeks. Take the 105 between Woodstock and Hartland. It's like watching a lustrous painting come to life, in slow motion. Yes, sir.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Margaret Atwood hits the nail on the head
The post below is not my work (unfortunately!) but expresses thoughts I think she's right about our current government's distaste for arts and culture. The arts are not elitist. They're what keep us from eating grey cardboard cereal and living in grey cardboard houses and painting grey cardboard pictures and worst of all, thinking grey cardboard thoughts.
But enough outta me....
What sort of country do we want to live in? What sort of country do we already live in? What do we like? Who are we? At present, we are a very creative country. For decades, we've been punching above our weight on the world stage - in writing, in popular music and in many other fields. Canada was once a cultural void on the world map, now it's a force. In addition, the arts are a large segment of our economy: The Conference Board estimates Canada's cultural sector generated $46-billion, or 3.8 per cent of Canada's GDP, in 2007. And, according to the Canada Council, in 2003-2004, the sector accounted for an “estimated 600,000 jobs (roughly the same as agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, oil & gas and utilities combined).”
But we've just been sent a signal by Prime Minister Stephen Harper that he gives not a toss for these facts. Tuesday, he told us that some group called “ordinary people” didn't care about something called “the arts.” His idea of “the arts” is a bunch of rich people gathering at galas whining about their grants. Well, I can count the number of moderately rich writers who live in Canada on the fingers of one hand: I'm one of them, and I'm no Warren Buffett. I don't whine about my grants because I don't get any grants. I whine about other grants - grants for young people, that may help them to turn into me, and thus pay to the federal and provincial governments the kinds of taxes I pay, and cover off the salaries of such as Mr. Harper. In fact, less than 10 per cent of writers actually make a living by their writing, however modest that living may be. They have other jobs. But people write, and want to write, and pack into creative writing classes, because they love this activity – not because they think they'll be millionaires.
Every single one of those people is an “ordinary person.” Mr. Harper's idea of an ordinary person is that of an envious hater without a scrap of artistic talent or creativity or curiosity, and no appreciation for anything that's attractive or beautiful. My idea of an ordinary person is quite different. Human beings are creative by nature. For millenniums we have been putting our creativity into our cultures - cultures with unique languages, architecture, religious ceremonies, dances, music, furnishings, textiles, clothing and special cuisines. “Ordinary people” pack into the cheap seats at concerts and fill theatres where operas are brought to them live. The total attendance for “the arts” in Canada in fact exceeds that for sports events. “The arts” are not a “niche interest.” They are part of being human.
Moreover, “ordinary people” are participants. They form book clubs and join classes of all
kinds - painting, dancing, drawing, pottery, photography - for the sheer joy of it. They sing in choirs, church and other, and play in marching bands. Kids start garage bands and make their own videos and web art, and put their music on the Net, and draw their own graphic novels.
“Ordinary people” have other outlets for their creativity, as well: Knitting and quilting have made comebacks; gardening is taken very seriously; the home woodworking shop is active. Add origami, costume design, egg decorating, flower arranging, and on and on ... Canadians, it seems, like making things, and they like appreciating things that are made.
They show their appreciation by contributing. Canadians of all ages volunteer in vast numbers for local and city museums, for their art galleries and for countless cultural festivals - I think immediately of the Chinese New Year and the Caribana festival in Toronto, but there are so many others. Literary festivals have sprung up all over the country - volunteers set them up and provide the food, and “ordinary people” will drag their lawn chairs into a field - as in Nova Scotia's Read by the Sea - in order to listen to writers both local and national read and discuss their work. Mr. Harper has signalled that as far as he is concerned, those millions of hours of volunteer activity are a waste of time. He holds them in contempt.
I suggest that considering the huge amount of energy we spend on creative activity, to be creative is “ordinary.” It is an age-long and normal human characteristic: All children are born creative. It's the lack of any appreciation of these activities that is not ordinary. Mr. Harper has demonstrated that he has no knowledge of, or respect for, the capacities and interests of “ordinary people.” He's the “niche interest.” Not us.
It's been suggested that Mr. Harper's disdain for the arts is not merely a result of ignorance or a tin ear - that it is “ideologically motivated.” Now, I wonder what could be meant by that? Mr. Harper has said quite rightly that people understand we ought to keep within a budget. But his own contribution to that budget has been to heave the Liberal-generated surplus overboard so we have nothing left for a rainy day, and now, in addition, he wants to jeopardize those 600,000 arts jobs and those billions of dollars they generate for Canadians. What's the idea here? That arts jobs should not exist because artists are naughty and might not vote for Mr. Harper? That Canadians ought not to make money from the wicked arts, but only from virtuous oil? That artists don't all live in one constituency, so who cares? Or is it that the majority of those arts jobs are located in Ontario and Quebec, and Mr. Harper is peeved at those provinces, and wants to increase his ongoing gutting of Ontario - $20-billion a year of Ontario taxpayers' money going out, a dribble grudgingly allowed back in - and spank Quebec for being so disobedient as not to appreciate his magnificence? He likes punishing, so maybe the arts-squashing is part of that: Whack the Heartland.
Or is it even worse? Every budding dictatorship begins by muzzling the artists, because they're a mouthy lot and they don't line up and salute very easily. Of course, you can always get some tame artists to design the uniforms and flags and the documentary about you, and so forth - the only kind of art you might need - but individual voices must be silenced, because there shall be only One Voice: Our Master's Voice. Maybe that's why Mr. Harper began by shutting down funding for our artists abroad. He didn't like the competition for media space.
The Conservative caucus has already learned that lesson. Rumour has it that Mr. Harper's idea of what sort of art you should hang on your wall was signalled by his removal of all pictures of previous Conservative prime ministers from their lobby room - including John A. and Dief the Chief - and their replacement by pictures of none other than Mr. Harper himself. History, it seems, is to begin with him. In communist countries, this used to be called the Cult of Personality. Mr. Harper is a guy who - rumour has it, again - tried to disband the student union in high school and then tried the same thing in college. Destiny is calling him, the way it called Qin Shi Huang, the Chinese emperor who burnt all records of the rulers before himself. It's an impulse that's been repeated many times since, the list is very long. Tear it down and level it flat, is the common motto. Then build a big statue of yourself. Now that would be Art!
Adapted from the 2008 Hurtig Lecture, to be delivered in Edmonton on Oct. 1
But enough outta me....
What sort of country do we want to live in? What sort of country do we already live in? What do we like? Who are we? At present, we are a very creative country. For decades, we've been punching above our weight on the world stage - in writing, in popular music and in many other fields. Canada was once a cultural void on the world map, now it's a force. In addition, the arts are a large segment of our economy: The Conference Board estimates Canada's cultural sector generated $46-billion, or 3.8 per cent of Canada's GDP, in 2007. And, according to the Canada Council, in 2003-2004, the sector accounted for an “estimated 600,000 jobs (roughly the same as agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, oil & gas and utilities combined).”
But we've just been sent a signal by Prime Minister Stephen Harper that he gives not a toss for these facts. Tuesday, he told us that some group called “ordinary people” didn't care about something called “the arts.” His idea of “the arts” is a bunch of rich people gathering at galas whining about their grants. Well, I can count the number of moderately rich writers who live in Canada on the fingers of one hand: I'm one of them, and I'm no Warren Buffett. I don't whine about my grants because I don't get any grants. I whine about other grants - grants for young people, that may help them to turn into me, and thus pay to the federal and provincial governments the kinds of taxes I pay, and cover off the salaries of such as Mr. Harper. In fact, less than 10 per cent of writers actually make a living by their writing, however modest that living may be. They have other jobs. But people write, and want to write, and pack into creative writing classes, because they love this activity – not because they think they'll be millionaires.
Every single one of those people is an “ordinary person.” Mr. Harper's idea of an ordinary person is that of an envious hater without a scrap of artistic talent or creativity or curiosity, and no appreciation for anything that's attractive or beautiful. My idea of an ordinary person is quite different. Human beings are creative by nature. For millenniums we have been putting our creativity into our cultures - cultures with unique languages, architecture, religious ceremonies, dances, music, furnishings, textiles, clothing and special cuisines. “Ordinary people” pack into the cheap seats at concerts and fill theatres where operas are brought to them live. The total attendance for “the arts” in Canada in fact exceeds that for sports events. “The arts” are not a “niche interest.” They are part of being human.
Moreover, “ordinary people” are participants. They form book clubs and join classes of all
kinds - painting, dancing, drawing, pottery, photography - for the sheer joy of it. They sing in choirs, church and other, and play in marching bands. Kids start garage bands and make their own videos and web art, and put their music on the Net, and draw their own graphic novels.
“Ordinary people” have other outlets for their creativity, as well: Knitting and quilting have made comebacks; gardening is taken very seriously; the home woodworking shop is active. Add origami, costume design, egg decorating, flower arranging, and on and on ... Canadians, it seems, like making things, and they like appreciating things that are made.
They show their appreciation by contributing. Canadians of all ages volunteer in vast numbers for local and city museums, for their art galleries and for countless cultural festivals - I think immediately of the Chinese New Year and the Caribana festival in Toronto, but there are so many others. Literary festivals have sprung up all over the country - volunteers set them up and provide the food, and “ordinary people” will drag their lawn chairs into a field - as in Nova Scotia's Read by the Sea - in order to listen to writers both local and national read and discuss their work. Mr. Harper has signalled that as far as he is concerned, those millions of hours of volunteer activity are a waste of time. He holds them in contempt.
I suggest that considering the huge amount of energy we spend on creative activity, to be creative is “ordinary.” It is an age-long and normal human characteristic: All children are born creative. It's the lack of any appreciation of these activities that is not ordinary. Mr. Harper has demonstrated that he has no knowledge of, or respect for, the capacities and interests of “ordinary people.” He's the “niche interest.” Not us.
It's been suggested that Mr. Harper's disdain for the arts is not merely a result of ignorance or a tin ear - that it is “ideologically motivated.” Now, I wonder what could be meant by that? Mr. Harper has said quite rightly that people understand we ought to keep within a budget. But his own contribution to that budget has been to heave the Liberal-generated surplus overboard so we have nothing left for a rainy day, and now, in addition, he wants to jeopardize those 600,000 arts jobs and those billions of dollars they generate for Canadians. What's the idea here? That arts jobs should not exist because artists are naughty and might not vote for Mr. Harper? That Canadians ought not to make money from the wicked arts, but only from virtuous oil? That artists don't all live in one constituency, so who cares? Or is it that the majority of those arts jobs are located in Ontario and Quebec, and Mr. Harper is peeved at those provinces, and wants to increase his ongoing gutting of Ontario - $20-billion a year of Ontario taxpayers' money going out, a dribble grudgingly allowed back in - and spank Quebec for being so disobedient as not to appreciate his magnificence? He likes punishing, so maybe the arts-squashing is part of that: Whack the Heartland.
Or is it even worse? Every budding dictatorship begins by muzzling the artists, because they're a mouthy lot and they don't line up and salute very easily. Of course, you can always get some tame artists to design the uniforms and flags and the documentary about you, and so forth - the only kind of art you might need - but individual voices must be silenced, because there shall be only One Voice: Our Master's Voice. Maybe that's why Mr. Harper began by shutting down funding for our artists abroad. He didn't like the competition for media space.
The Conservative caucus has already learned that lesson. Rumour has it that Mr. Harper's idea of what sort of art you should hang on your wall was signalled by his removal of all pictures of previous Conservative prime ministers from their lobby room - including John A. and Dief the Chief - and their replacement by pictures of none other than Mr. Harper himself. History, it seems, is to begin with him. In communist countries, this used to be called the Cult of Personality. Mr. Harper is a guy who - rumour has it, again - tried to disband the student union in high school and then tried the same thing in college. Destiny is calling him, the way it called Qin Shi Huang, the Chinese emperor who burnt all records of the rulers before himself. It's an impulse that's been repeated many times since, the list is very long. Tear it down and level it flat, is the common motto. Then build a big statue of yourself. Now that would be Art!
Adapted from the 2008 Hurtig Lecture, to be delivered in Edmonton on Oct. 1
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