The Frivolous Preoccupations of the Toronto Bourgeoisie
by Transmontanus, 2 February 2008
A Catechism Question:
To what event of immense contemporary and historical consequence in Afghanistan does the venerable Toronto Globe and Mail assign three of its top reporters to investigate, analyse, and hector various politicians and experts and key officials about, resulting in a forensic reconstruction of all-that-is-known about the event, under a huge headline preceded by the kicker, The Afghanistan Mission: Detainee Abuse, in today’s editions?
Correct Response:
Even the International Committee of the Red Cross told the newspaper to piss off. And the most sensible remark - as is so often the case with sensible remarks that somehow find their way into the Canadian media’s “coverage” of Afghanistan - comes from a Newfoundlander.
In this case it comes from an outport lad from Notre Dame Bay, General Rick Hiller, Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff. Only it’s at the very bottom of the story, where it might be missed. In response to having been upbraided for his forthrightness about the news media’s fixation with the tales Afghan jailbirds tell, Hillier explains: “I was on my third rum and Coke, and I really didn’t give a damn.”
The general should be given posting rights here. He’s one of ours.
Here is a newspaper report on a far less frivolous matter:
The St. John’s Fog Devils got their revenge on the Halifax Mooseheads last night, 3-1.
That Timo Pielmeier is a hell of a goalie.
Go Fog Devils.
