Archive for the ‘News Stories’ Category
I have always been a person without borders; whether in my coaching, writing or blogging I believe that we are citizens of the world. So, from Canada I congratulate Barack Obama on becoming the 44th President of the United States.
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Martin Luther King, Jr
On November 4th, 2008 this dream came to be
It has been a fascinating year for politics, especially for women. From the coverage of the hands on presence of candidate’s wives, to the political expertise & pantsuits of Palin and Clinton; no matter what her role the American female puts herself out there even if it means becoming a source of ratings for Saturday Night Live.
Through the years the First Ladies have often been marginalized by the press and that includes their causes until history & time validates their efforts. After 9/11 Laura Bush turned the tables and used the media to increase her presence in order to help heal a wounded nation. She has become a voice on the international stage speaking out for Afghanistan to bring focus to the challenges facing the people, particularly the women and children. This year she surprised many by supporting Burma as it struggles to be free of a regime’s tyranny. It will be interesting to witness the historical imprint that Michelle Obama will make on the White House and the multi-dimensional position of first lady.
Here in Canada headlines are reading very differently. As illustrated with Julie Smyth’s article in the October 15th edition of the National Post, entitled “Leaders spouses stay out of the spotlight”. Chatelaine’s December edition offers “Why Politics is Still a Man’s Job” by Rebecca Caldwell and the Editor, Maryam Sanati writes in her monthly letter “On the world list of female representation in politics Canada is 50 spots behind Rwanda”.
Candidate’s wives in Canada need to do more. They can speak to and meet with the people in smaller venues and in particular listen to the women. Instead of merely being a prop for the smile and wave photo ops, they can be a functioning presence on the campaign trail; gaining insight into the grassroots issues through discussions that their husbands are unable to have. If she chooses, the Prime Minister’s wife, Laureen Harper is in a truly enviable position to make a difference. She seems like an empathic and intelligent woman but we only get glimpses of her emerging from 24 Sussex Drive to attend some obligatory charity event. While giving one’s name & presence to a cause is important it is only touches on what she could accomplish.
No matter how we chose to participate it is time for Canadian women on all levels to not only bring home the bacon and fry it up in the pan but also have a say in how it should be raised, slaughtered, delivered to the store and priced. It is time to stop being on the sidelines.
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We have all met a version of Sarah Palin, those people who get through life on the ‘I’m attractive, charming and smart enough to absorb just as much as I need to impress’ plan.
They play each hand carefully like a high stakes poker game but when you actually need an all out team effort their lack of substance and depth of knowledge becomes apparent.
Her verbal pandering to a specific demographic smacks of reverse elitism and last time I checked America was made up of an eclectic population of which the Wall Mart mom and Joe Six pack is only a portion. Also, your guile just won’t cut it in the international arena and that my dear Ms. Palin as your handlers are probably trying to tell you is an integral part of a vice-president’s role.
Using the right people to forward one’s agenda was well illustrated when she asked Elisabeth Hasselbeck to introduce her at several events this past weekend. While Elisabeth was “honored” all I could think was how better to have a positive if somewhat gushing presence on The View without actually sitting down at the table.
Sarah Palin may even believe that she has a chance at a future presidency. I for one would pay to see her debate Hillary Clinton. As with most people who are ultimately sef-serving Palin will do very little for the greater good and that includes issues like the environment & the rights of women. It is unfortunate that the spotlight is no longer on the woman who is by far the more qualified.
The true test of an actors life is where in the newspaper they are featured after their death. Most get an article with their career highlights on the entertainment pages but a rare few get their life reviewed in the news section. Paul Newman’s passing and his accomplishments are in just that prominent place.
He is portrayed as a man who kept his private life private. He appeared in some memorable movies and some not so memorable. However, it is probably his philanthropic legacy that propels him to the front pages. Newmans Own is an outstanding foundation and as the person behind over $250 million in donations Paul Newman’s legacy is remarkable . As is fifty years of marriage. In these days of self-absorbed, snivelling actors it is good to remember that for one man acting was only part of who he was.
A few days later another outstanding person lost their life but the events couldn’t be more different. Her name was Malalai Kakar, actually she was Lieutenant-Colonel Malalai Kakar. And she did not pass quietly into the night surrounded by family, she was murdered.
As a senior police officer Malalai Kakar was the head of the city of Kandahar’s department for spousal abuse and crimes against women. This woman who represented & defended women’s rights in Afghanistan was struck down by a single bullet to the head.
The best way that I can honour her is by not linking you to the news stories about her death instead here is the link to Maire Claire’s article on her life.
Overall I throughly enjoyed the book. It was a little offputting sometimes as she goes back and forth in order to cover a multitude of people and events. While not as well written in as one might have expected, the pages do pull you into their singularly quirky flow especially when you realize that she writes in the same style as she speaks. The reader is taken behnd the scenes of her life and a litany of events that are fascinating and relevant. Then, suddenly on page 391 (hardcover edition) she writes ‘I think that is enough about my personal life’ and firmly shuts the door. It’s not as though we are voyeurs as it was Ms. Walters herself who invited us in. Up to that point her words had been candid and sincere as she interwove her complicated personal and professional life with the headlines that made up the fabric of her remarkable career.
What is written after that statement reads more like a series of essays, albeit interesting essays but very structured never the less. Even the chapter titles become terse. I finished the book but was less enthusiastic; I felt perplexed as though the most interesting guest had abruptly left my dinner party just as we were about to have dessert and coffee.
For readers who have an interest in the stories behind ‘the story’ this is the memoir for you. And for any female who wants to know more about this media icon “Audition” is well worth your time.
Here is an overview of an article that I read this morning in the Calgary Herald: The town of Strathmore has 300 sheep in the rodeo grounds to keep the grass manageable . Two weeks ago a lamb was found dead and teenagers were chased from the grounds. Just recently hockey sticks have used to beat some of the sheep and one had to be euthanized. I am at a loss for words. Here is the Full article
On a happier note in the aniaml kingdom I came upon these follow-ups regarding the Michael Vick dogs. By the way they are now being called Vicktory Dogs! Now those are empowering words.
Bad Rap - Grab a tissue and watch the See Them Now video
The 2008 US presidential election is the first one of the 21st century. As such it seems to have one foot in the same old rhetoric while the other one is in a social networking site where you too can be a friend of the candidate along with some 529,324 other people. Even the media seems to be just as unsure of it’s position; this probably comes from trying to cater to one generation via the internet, another through print, then there are those TV viewers. But I digress, one minute someone is commenting that ‘we have heard this before’, next a speech is condemned as being overly new age and therefore out of touch with the working people.
Seemingly stuck in the middle of all this redefining of politics for the new century is the 44 year old, Michelle Obama. She is an attractive, well educated and self-confident woman. As a mother she is trying to give her two young daughters some semblance of normalcy in the midst of the political mayhem. The ‘problem’ appears to be that Michelle is also very articulate with a mind of her own. Instead of criticizing her maybe it is time for the realization that the ‘First Spouse’ of this new century needs to have just those qualities.
” We who see ourselves as citizens of the world live a life fully conscious of Darfur and of Tibet, of human slavery and the violations of human rights. Recent natural disasters complicate the picture because no matter how we feel about those who are ruling a country, when disaster strikes the most basic of human rights must prevail. The immediate right to shelter, food, clean water and medicine. Then we must follow through with the resources that allow homes, villages and a sustainable life to be re-built.”
For the people of China & Burma: Red Cross
‘Only after disaster can we be resurrected”
- Chuck Palahniuk, Freelance Journalist, Satirist and Novelist
Today’s post is neither witty or light hearted in view of the current situation in Tibet. I will just be a lone voice expressing great sadness for what is happening to a gentle people, a noble country and an ancient religion.
Visit International Campaign for Tibet for up to date news, information and resources.
