Cheers: to getting the best possible information on a $6.2-billion hydro project before we go ahead. The Public Utilities Board will start its hearings on the Muskrat Falls project next week, and “if you want to make a presentation to the board you must register in writing no later than Wednesday, Feb. 15. … Please note that all presentations must be within the scope of the review…” That’s according to the PUB’s notice of review. And what is that scope of that review, as set by the provincial government? Well, earlier in the PUB’s notice about the hearing, the board points out “the review will not address alternatives such as wind power, natural gas, the role of energy conservation and demand side management, or environmental concerns, or the impact on electricity rates to end users.” Gotta love those full, unhindered reviews to get to the bottom of the best way to do things before we ante up the cash. Frame the right reference question and you can always get the answer you wanted in the first place. To put that another way? Full speed ahead.
Jeers: To revoking literary licence. In the wake of the Shafia trial in Kingston, Ont., some observers are complaining about the term “honour killing,” pointing out, quite accurately, that there’s nothing honourable about murder. Yes, it’s true. There is nothing honourable about murder, just like there’s nothing hygienic about ethnic cleansing, or there’s nothing amicable about friendly fire. These terms are what you might call ironic euphemisms. It is the juxtaposition, or the understated implications, that gives them such power. Friendly fire, in fact, comes from the fact that allied soldiers are commonly referred to as “friendlies.” So please, let’s not whitewash the language. It is the irony that makes these terms work.
Cheers: to common sense from a straightforward man. Sealer Jack Troke, commenting on Seal Day, a pre-House of Commons photo-op for politicians to pose with seal products and pin on seal lapel pins: “It’s so damn stupid, it makes no sense. Where were all these people before?” And more to the point: where will they be tomorrow? Everyone knows the term “lip service.” Maybe this kind of support should be described as “lapel service.” The politics that have swirled around this flag-waving debate have bordered on the obscene. Here’s federal cabinet member Peter Penashue, trying to use questions about the hunt to blatantly score political points: “MP Ryan Cleary’s hypocritical comments know no bounds. Today, MP Cleary stood up questioning the commitment of the Harper government to the sealing industry. He even gave mention to the IFAW, the very organization that stands against Newfoundlanders’ and Labradorians’ way of life, and the very organization that uses Mr. Cleary’s remarks as ammunition against our seal industry. … MP Cleary only knows how to criticize, only knows how to offer unhelpful comments and only knows how to stand against Newfoundland and Labrador.” Can Penashue really get those words out without stopping to giggle?
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Perhaps you can point us to the studies that analyzed the alternatives - other than MF.