Tune In...Drop Out

As regular readers of this blog have noticed, I haven’t posted anything of substance in the past few weeks. And there are several reasons for this. The primary one is that I’m swamped with more important things - specifically work and family. This time of year is especially busy as exams are in full swing and marking – the only part of my job that I don’t enjoy – is taking up an inordinate amount of time. And truth be told, I’m tiring of blogs in general – mine included. Don’t get me wrong, there are many good blogs – both local and national that I follow – but I’m finding myself less interested and some blogs have become just plain tiresome. Same message day in and day out - I’m right, you’re wrong and here's why. So I just tune out. Much like the federal election campaign, which just reinforces this point in spades. Perhaps this is affecting the lack of effort and enthusiasm with my blog, as I don’t see them as being mutually exclusive.

I didn’t start my blog to change the world, nor do I view it as important – something that has to be part of my daily routine. It’s just a blog – no more, no less. I’m not sure where many people can fine the time for quality posts with so much going on in their lives. I really can’t do it. Well, maybe I could if my interest hadn’t waned.

And speaking of the federal election, I’m as much of a political junkie as anyone. But seriously, the overkill from the mainstream media has reached a saturation point. The partisan talking heads on the tube, in social media and on the web, are the main reasons people don’t give a shit about politics in general. And many wonder why people don’t vote. Sometimes less is more - particularly if the daily and incessant bombardment from all political parties and news media continues as is. And it’s only going to increase worsen as the election draws closer. When the attack ads, news coverage and political panels cause you to automatically shake your head, roll your eyes and reach for the remote or mouse, you know something is wrong.

Perhaps, I’m being a little too cynical, but it’s difficult to become engaged in the process and become easily disenfranchised – whether it’s a blog post or following a federal election - when both leave you uninspired.

Ralph, The Media and Me: Who Wants a Fire Hall?

One year ago today on September 29th, municipal elections took place across the province. And it was one year ago today, that the town of Paradise had a tie in it's vote for mayor. Initially, young upstart Kurtis Coombs won by three votes, but incumbent Ralph Wiseman asked for a recount, which resulted in a tie. Names were drawn from a hat, er, recycling bin and Wiseman was declared the “winner.” Hence, the moniker Recycling Bin Ralph.

That’s the law and that's how it stands - after months of costly court challenges mind you. Costly challenges that could have been avoided if there was another election. But Wiseman would have none of that. He saw the writing on the wall - another vote and he was out. Wiseman knows it. We all know it. Except Ralph wouldn’t go down without a fight. I pity him in some ways.

Recently, after months of relative calm, (we thought Ralph had learned to keep quiet and out of trouble) the issue of 24/7 fire protection reared it’s ugly head. We presently pay $550,000 to the city of St.John’s for fire protection, but response times are less than adequate, particularly in the St. Thomas Line, Topsail Pond areas. One house burned to the ground in June. The response was slow since the house was located a long ways in Topsail Road and, oh yes, there were no fire hydrants. Wiseman blamed the residents. Good call.

I send off a hastily written letter to the Tely voicing my concern. That was on August 4th. After the council meeting on August 17th,  residents were informed we would have a plebiscite on fire protection. If we wanted a fire hall, we would have to decide. And we were told by the mayor that we would be on the hook for $2.1 million dollars a year, our taxes (mill rate) would increase substantially and we could see a cut in some town services. Great selling points Mr. Mayor. How do you really want the vote to turn out? It’s strange how his tune changed after his campaign when he promised a fire hall but didn’t mention a mill rate increase.

But I digress. I wondered about the timing on the plebiscite announcement. I have it on good authority that Wiseman feels the only people who want increased fire protection in Paradise are the media and that “fucking Chris Callahan” or words to that effect. I feel honoured and humbled.

The plebiscite is now on hold pending another study. My argument against it was that essentally, it is an attempt to turn the issue back on the voters so some councillors and the mayor could avoid any responsibility, god forbid anything bad should happen. I referred to it as passing the buck. But if we vote on a fire hall, why not vote on the arena? Or the pool? None of which we have, or apparently can afford, by the way.

We should not have to vote again. We vote people into office to make these decisions. Besides, everyone knows the only time we should have to vote again if there’s, I dunno, a tie.

Please Fix The Tely

I am an avid watcher and reader of news and, to a lesser degree, sports. Okay, I’ll admit it; I’m a news junkie. I get much of my fix online and usually watch the local CBC suppertime newscast and national evening broadcasts from CTV and CBC. I get much of my early morning stuff from the web – primarily CBC/NL. I sometimes click the VOCM site, but it’s not my cup of tea. Same for NTV. I’m not saying the layout is poor (okay VOCM’s is a trigger for an epileptic seizure it has that much going on) or the reportage is bad (okay sometimes it is), but I don’t want to read the same story three or four times.

I usually wait to read The Telegram until I have a mid-morning cup of joe, but alas, that routine is changing. What in God’s name has happened to their site? I know it has been a while since their “soft” launch, but you’d think they would have the bugs worked out by now. It’s like stumbling through a maze. Parts of the page are updated at different times so it’s not uncommon to see today’s headline with yesterday’s editorial. The comment section seems dysfunctional compared to the old site – not that this is a bad thing mind you. Some of the comments by anonymous and gutless yahoos make me cringe. But still, the comment section is not what it once was. Some people do make great points and articulate them quite well.

And I do like reading the columns (well most of 'em) and the editorials in the Tely. But having to do back flips to find them, particularly older columns, is a pain in the ass. I hate to rag on the local paper or the person in charge of the website in particular, but I wish the site was a little more user friendly.

Williams v. Wakeham and the Mother Corp

I’m taking my ball and I’m going home.

That seems to be Premier Williams’ reaction to reporters, private citizens and now the Mother Corp, if he doesn’t like what you say about him.

Danny is pissed at Bob Wakeham and the CBC – well Wakeham’s comments on the Premier’s martial status to be precise. To be honest, I could give a rat’s ass about Danny Williams’ martial situation. In small town Newfoundland, it’s common knowledge anyway and most people don’t give it a second thought.

The same can’t be said on his decision to have his heart surgery south of the border. I wish him well and as he said, “It’s my heart, my choice and my health”. I would have done the same - if I had the means to do so. However, I am not a millionaire. But I am not the Premier of the province either.

If Williams was a private citizen, no one would care where he went and what procedure he had done. But he isn’t a private citizen of course and isn’t afforded that luxury. Then questions seem to be: should he be given a pass – on this and other personal issues. What, if anything, is off limits? What, if anything, is sacrosanct? And, more importantly, who decides where that line is drawn? The media? The public? The eighth floor? That is a semingly endless and passionate debate.

Personally, I don't care about the personal life of Danny Williams or anyone else for that matter. Many feel the Premier's surgery, while a private matter, is open for debate and discussion since he is a public figure and his decision to go to the US is a reflection on healthcare in the provice. That's seems like a fair statement. But the debate will continue.

But after so many years in the spotlight, you’d think Williams would be used to such scrutiny by now and his skin would have grown a little thicker. But it seems it hasn’t. He admitted that the decision to go south would cause an uproar. (Now that’s the early contender for understatement of the year). He had to expect the firestorm and all its implications. But if an innocuous comment from Bob Wakeham causes a hissyfit, maybe it’s time for Williams to re-evaluate his priorities when it comes to dealing with the media. By now, he should realize it's never good to bite the hand the kneads you.