I don’t know if The Fog of War is the best documentary ever made but it is definitely one of the most intriguing.

It works on so many levels. As an historical document of the cold war it is a fascinating look behind the curtain. As a philosophical discussion  it poses many difficult ethical questions.  And as a portrait of a conflicted individual it is an engrossing look at Robert McNamara.

Overall, The Fog of War is a highly recommended documentary that leaves you feeling a little smarter for having seen it.

Categories: Movies, Politics
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Heather Mallick’s September 5th column (now removed) caused quite the backlash against her and the CBC.  Initially the CBC stood behind the hatchet job article.  On September 25th, the CBC Ombudsman, Vince Carlin, issued his review of the matter. He agrees that the article offers little facts to back up the “opinions” (my air quotes) presented in the article.  He also notes that CBCNews.ca does not present a diverse range of opinions.

Four days later, publisher John Cruickshank offers up…well not quite an apology.  I’m not actually sure what you would call it.  I guess the best would be an admission of judgment error.  On the plus side, Mr. Cruickshank indicates that the CBC will attempt to expand it’s diversity of opinions.

I think that is a good step.  By all means let the CBC present opinions but let’s focus on the ideas, reasoning and thoughts behind those opinions and not on how people look, what gender they are or what their family is like. And if opinions are presented, then please present a wide range of opinions from all sides.

It seems like the least we could ask from Canada’s public broadcaster.

Categories: Politics
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Misandronist: A person who hates men.

Perhaps I do not read enough left wing feminists because I’ve never had a need for a word that expressed a hatred of men.

Well, that changed today when I read Heather Mallick’s column on cbc.ca.

I can’t recall reading an article on a mainstream news site that was so full of ad hominem attacks, insults, and what I can only describe as hate.  All that was missing was some cursing.  Oh wait — it also had that too.  A small sampling:

It’s possible that Republican men, sexual inadequates that they are, really believe that women will vote for a woman…I know men have their secret meetings at which they pledge to do manly things, like being irresponsible with their semen…

In my opinion, this is insulting to not only Republicans but to every person with any kind of intellectual integrity.  The hatchet job article also goes on to say:

• Palin isn’t even a female
• Implies Palin is an Alaskan Hillbilly and white trash
• Palin looks like  a toned down porn actress
• The Palin’s are terrible at parenting

There is more, but I won’t repeat it here.

Even worse than the content of the article itself is that fact that since this is published by the CBC that these sentiments are, in effect, being paid for by the citizens of Canada.  It is truly disgraceful that the CBC would allow this to be published on their site.  I am all for free speech but this article would be more at home on someone’s left wing personal blog and is not the type of reporting that a serious news agency like the CBC should be supporting with Canadian’s tax dollars.

Categories: Politics
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