...and the hits just keep on coming...

Today the Associated Press reported that the East Valley Tribune, a paper I regularly work with, is becoming a shadow of its former self - withdrawing from Scottsdale and Tempe, becoming a four-day, no-subscription publication. The East Valley Tribune will still offer service seven days a week through its Website.

Worst of all...the East Valley Tribune has cut 40 percent of it's staff.

These times call for more quality reporting to inform the public about what is going on in this nutty world!

But the fact that the publication will be devoting coverage to the Web says something important: the life of public relations is on-line. Both by innovation and by necessity, many many media outlets are taking their emphasis on-line.

~R

Another Fund Heavily Used by Schools Is Frozen

A second investment fund offered by investment adviser Commonfund froze most withdrawals this week, posing possible financial strains for the 200 colleges and schools invested in the fund.

The Commonfund Intermediate Term Fund held $1 billion in assets for the schools. Commonfund, a Wilton, Conn., investment adviser for colleges and schools, told clients they could withdraw only 30% of their money now, and said it will make the rest available "as quickly as possible," depending on market conditions. The fund would normally give investors any part of their money the day after a withdrawal request.

Keith Luke, managing director of Commonfund, says about half of the fund was invested in mortgage- and other asset-backed securities from which investors have been fleeing. The rest was in government-agency and corporate debt that has held up better in the financial crisis. Mr. Luke said Commonfund instituted the freeze because redemption requests would have forced the fund to sell securities at "distressed prices." He said the portfolio's securities haven't had defaults.

The fund returned less than 1% in the year ended June 30 and 2.7% annualized over the past five years, underperforming its benchmark Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year Treasury Index, according to Commonfund. Mr. Luke says the fund has had outflows but they "haven't been huge." He said he didn't know when restrictions would be lifted but it would depend on improvements in the credit markets. More...

Financial Crisis: Rush for gold as savers queue for bullion
Savers have been queuing in the street to buy gold bars and coins, as they search for a safe place to invest their money.

London's two leading bullion dealers, ATS Bullion and Baird & Co, have reported a rush of interest from savers, many of whom have hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of savings they want to convert into the precious metal.

At least two customers have invested the entire proceeds from selling their houses into gold, each buying up more than £500,000-worth of gold bars, according to one dealer.  Savers have been queuing in the street at ATS Bullion, whose offices are just off the Strand in London's west end.

Sandra Conway, the company's managing director, said: "We've had to turn people away. The queues have been right out of the door and it's been really hectic at times.  More...

US Strikes in Pakistan Tribal Areas Fuelling "Backlash" – Paper

Text of editorial headlined "Fighting the militants" published by Pakistani newspaper Dawn website on October 4^th

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the foreign minister of Pakistan, has been a largely anonymous figure in the weeks since the US stepped up attacks inside FATA [Federally Administered Tribal Areas] in September. However, Mr Qureshi hit all the right notes in a speech at Princeton University this week. "I'm afraid that a relatively recent element in this already difficult war threatens to undo what we have already achieved," the foreign minister said in a reference to US strikes inside Pakistan. When American Special Operation forces landed in a village near Angoor Adda in South Waziristan in early September, observers pointed out the disastrous potential such attacks had to alienate Pakistani public opinion -- and especially the tribes whose support Pakistan requires to defeat the militants in Fata and northern Pakistan. Since that attack, the Americans have stated their respect for Pakistan's territorial sovereignty, and launched numerous missile strikes inside Fata. US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates has even claimed that the UN charter permits America to act in "self-defence" against militants operating from Pakistani soil, if the Pakistani government is unable or unwilling to do anything about those militants.

The problem is that the Bush administration is desperate for a quick success along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, whereas an effective anti-militancy strategy must necessarily be long-term. And an effective strategy can only be led by Pakistan itself, with some combination of tribal and state action. What Mr Qureshi was highlighting is that at present Pakistan is advancing against the militants, with clear help from local tribes. Lashkars [forces] have been organised by tribes in Bajaur, Peshawar, Khyber, Swat, Dir, Buner and Lakki Marwat, and they have had some success against the militants. Engaging the tribes in such a positive manner is a delicate affair for each tribe has its own dynamics and strategic position. Earlier this week Gen Kayani visited Bajaur Agency and met with tribal leaders; later, Salarzai tribesmen announced a full- fledged operation to clear their tehsil and neighbouring areas in Bajaur of militants.  More...

 If you build a National Security System, they will come. The despots. The monarchy. The oligarchs. The families that wish to run America for their own benefit. All of them are the ones that think you should be more like them. They are afraid that you may not be like them at all and that you must be controlled, or observed, or reviewed regularly.

Today we learn that the government is creating a system to expectorate propaganda. Even when there is no good news, it will be created and distributed thru the media as news or images designed to mislead you, to give you evidence of what is not necessarily true.

You can read it here.  Eric Martin has nailed the situation and the likely problems of creating propaganda even if you do it overseas.

What is the difference between government lies and government propaganda? We all know that the government normally lies about 'events'. It's excuses for failure are almost always lies. Propaganda, on the other hand, is an attempt to shape 'events' into a plausible narrative for you to absorb before you are aware of the event. It is half-truths, misdirection, and sowing seeds of misinformation. It is like telling you that a person is a liar before you hear what they have to say. It's like telling you that this thing is good when it is, in fact, bad. It is a special type of organized lie: it is created, it has a target audience, it is supported by 'officials'and 'authorities' and it is designed to misdirect you. The better the propaganda,  the worse the lie, and the more residual effects there will be. Blowback is the right word.

     The Defense Department will pay private U.S. contractors in Iraq up to $300 million over the next three years to produce news stories, entertainment programs and public service advertisements for the Iraqi media in an effort to "engage and inspire" the local population to support U.S. objectives and the Iraqi government.

...a lengthy list of "deliverables" under the new contract proposal includes "print columns, press statements, press releases, response-to-query, speeches and . . . opinion editorials"; radio broadcasts "in excess of 300 news stories" monthly and 150 each on sports and economic themes; and 30- and 60-minute broadcast documentary and entertainment series.

Who will stop America from becoming the worst government the world has ever known? You can. You can vote for people with integrity. You can vote for people who respect people. You can vote for people who wish to be let alone in the world. You can vote for the good guys. Vote responsibly and save America.

This photo came from newfaces.com. Thanks Thalia, for the great links to the upcoming Angels & Demons movie. So what do you guys think: is this a good representation of Vittoria and Langdon? Demmarie: how similar is your version of Vittoria to this one? (I actually think you picked a more accurate representation, based upon the book!)

May 2009! I can't wait to go see the movie when it comes out!

Tomorrow is the 50th anniversary of Disney's film "Sleeping Beauty." To commemorate this event, Disney is re-issuing the film on Platinum DVD and Blu-Ray. The DVD is packed with extras whose quality might be up for debate, such as a re-do of "Once Upon a Dream" with Emily Osment (of Hannah Montana). The DVD also includes a never-before-seen alternate opening and a "making of" featurette. The Blu-Ray has a lot of interactive features (explore Maleficent's dungeon!), and includes the platinum DVD as well.

Disney has launched a super cute website to promote the film.

We here at Lit.Scribbles are doing something a bit different to commemorate this landmark occasion. We are offering our very own review of "Sleeping Beauty." It isn't your conventional review, so go over and take a peek!

You may also want to take a look at the e-text of Charles Perrault's version of Sleeping Beauty, which differs greatly from both the Brothers Grimm version and the Disney version that travels under his name.

The Boston Herald has a dinky review of the DVD. I agree with the assertion that Princess Aurora (why does te review call her Beauty??!) is boring, and that the three fairies are the heart of the film. But I mean, seriously: that dinky battle between Philip and Maleficent seems unfinished. But hey, everyone s entitled to their own opinion.

So, Happy Birthday, Sleeping Beauty! I'll send you a...a...oh, heck with it. I don't like you anyways.

Scary how it's not so far off! :)

Vikki

I do apologize for the turn to Serioustown last week.  It’s a rare occurrence here at The Daily Elephant that I will engage in such serious talk, however, when I feel that the country is standing on the brink of a rather detrimental decision – I have to step in.   But lets get back to what’s really important.

Important lessons learned from the life of OJ:

1. You may slice and dice your wife in a fit of vicious rage, leave bloody evidence all over, and the judicial system will turn a blind eye.  Because hey, jealously happens.
2.  You may also kill your wife’s lover during said vicious rage.  Again, because why wouldn’t you?
3. Time to get in touch with your artsy side!  After the frenzy regarding these murders has finally passed, and the spotlight of interrogation is no longer over you, be sure to rub it in everyone’s face that you feel no remorse about what you’ve done.  I suggest perhaps writing a book describing in gruesome detail how you would have "actually killed them."  That'll fool em.
4. When the attention dies down from the book release – which might just infuriate people as opposed to prove your innocence- it will be time to commit another crime! 
5. Commit several scattered crimes of armed robbery, theft, and aggravated battery – just to change it up a bit- altering styles, locations, and alibis.  There’s nothing worse than being a predictable criminal.
6. After getting away with all of this, I suggest spending the majority of your golden years in this same manner, because hey, you only live once.

Please note: It is very important during all of this, that you don’t get discouraged!!!  Just because you really want to go to prison and things aren’t quite working out the way you planned, it doesn’t mean that your dreams won’t come true someday. 

In the words of Churchill:  “Never, ever, give up.” 

And look where he is now.

Because by now you should realize that privatized retirement savings plans are basically gambling with your future. Social Security, flawed as it may be, is at least a steady source of income. Bush's ill-fated plan, which was basically to put some of your tax dollars into a 401k would probably mean that by now you've lost everything. All your tax dollars, poof, gone!

401k's are great for some things. It's a way to get some more cash out of your employer, and I'm all for that, but they're not a substitute for a pension. In about 20 years when the generation that has settled into careers since pensions went the way of the dodo we're all going to find out how inadequate these forms of retirement savings accounts are. I'm predicting that in the not-so-distant future people are going to be working until they drop dead from old age on the shop floor, or setting into their golden years in a lifestyle of abject poverty. Just look at your 401k statement and tell me how you plan to live on that for 15, 20, 25 or more years after you retire.

That's why I'm suggesting a new idea for retirement savings. Spend all your extra money on cans of beer. Drink until you forget we're in an economic crisis. Take the cans to the recycling plant and cash them in. Then take all your change and bury it in a jar in your back yard.

You will probably make more money that way than you will with your 401k, and either way you'll be too drunk to care!

You have until Wednesday to enrol to vote - DO IT NOW. And if you have done it, double check your enrolment details to make sure some numpty at Royal Mail (for instance) hasn't lost it ...

That is all.

Ok, one more thing. He may be talking about the upcoming US elections, but Craig Ferguson's "if you don't vote, you're a moron" spiel is relevant to any democracy.

The "small town" that is Lone Star College-North Harris, comprises 200 acres, much of it heavily wooded, and as Hurricane Ike barreled through North Houston in mid-September, many of the tall pines and old oaks that had stood sentry over the campus were twisted, broken and uprooted. The result, along with the loss of electric power, was debris scattered across the usually neatly manicured acreage.

"Because of the hard driving rain and winds that accompanied ‘Ike,' we had a few miscellaneous leaks and water that had come through louvered vents and under doors, but nothing major in the way of damage," said Bobby Rivers director of facilities for the north Houston campus."

Altogether, 50 trees were lost, but the major work to be done after the storm-aside from the restoration of power-was clearing debris. With everyone working together, the campus was clear of Ike's chaotic calling card within a week.

But, it was the power that kept professors away from lectures and students out of class for two weeks.

"Like everyone else in Houston," we had to wait our turn," Rivers explained. "We had one downed power pole, which had to be replaced, along with transmission lines. We also had to wait until everyone around us on the power grid was up and running."

Now, here's the serendipity of this story:

Back in 1995, Alan Heuston graduated from what was then North Harris College. Heuston returned to earn an associate of arts degree at the community college after his first attempt at completing his bachelor's degree was interrupted when Hurricane Alicia hit the Gulf Coast.

How can a storm cause that type of interruption?

Because Heuston was employed by what is now CenterPoint Energy and any time electrical service is interrupted, he's called out, along with legions of others to restore power.

"During my 37 years with the light company," explained Heuston, now a head network tester, there have been numerous storms where we've had to step up for restoration efforts. After Alicia, there was Allison and now this storm. After a storm, my life gets put on hold until everybody else has power."

Heuston said he chose LSC-North Harris for his education because it is one of the top-rated community colleges in the area. "It was convenient because I was able to work during the day and take care of my studies at night...and it was a great experience. I felt good about my educational experience, I graduated with honors and what I gained with my degree has definitely helped me in the long run."

As soon as Ike's lagging winds and rain had slacked off, Heuston and crews from CenterPoint were out at 10 a.m. Saturday, beginning the mammoth restoration effort to power more than 2.2 million homes and businesses Ike had left without electricity.

"It was probably the largest power loss in our history," he added.

"We lost our electrical when the storm hit, early in the afternoon on Friday, Sept. 12," Rivers said, "and we were without power until Sept. 25.

Heuston said when he was called and asked to go to the college to get the power on; he said it felt like helping family. "I felt a certain amount of loyalty...just helping them get back online. You want to do whatever you can to help...and I felt like this was my family."

In his 37 years with the power company, Heuston said he had become accustomed to 16-hour days, seven days a week. "We're currently on day 19," he said during his Oct. 1 interview. "We may shorten shifts a little, but we'll still be working overtime for the foreseeable future.

"We're still in process of restoring people. They may have power in Galveston in a day or two, but we still don't know when we'll have a day to clean up our own damage."

The LSC-North Harris grad said it was too early to estimate the cost, but every CenterPoint employee -from meter readers on up are in the field. "Plus we have crews that have come in from other states, and as far away as Canada. That's part of our mutual assistance agreement-whenever there's storm damage, we pick up and go restore power in other locales."

"The positive aspect of all of this," Rivers said," is that it really instilled a team spirit across the campus. The facilities team, along the campus police and information technology departments pulled together to make things happen and correct problems so students could return. We had everyone working-mechanics, technicians, facilities administrators-to clear debris with a determination to get our students back on campus as soon as possible."

Heuston has experienced, first hand, the old saying, "What goes around comes around."

It was a storm that interrupted his studies more than a decade ago...and it was Hurricane Ike that brought him back to his campus roots. "I've given some thought to coming back to LSC-North Harris and taking more courses. I don't think you ever stop learning," the CenterPoint veteran said.

When George W. Bush announced the bailout plan, it put members of his party between a rock and a hard place. Laid naked were the differing ideologies within the GOP: the old-time libertarian, laissez-faire capitalists on one hand and the monopoly capital, give-Wall-Street-a-handout-wherever-we-can crowd on the other. Traditionally these ideologies don't stand in direct contradiction because deregulation, privatization, and other forms of economic liberalism are handouts to monopoly capital. Wall Street generally likes less government because it lets the wealthy use their economic power without having to fear a political power capable of countering it. But every once in a while the stars come into alignment and there comes a time when conservatives are faced with a dilemma: how do we feed the pigs without compromising our high and mighty ideals?

There is no better example of the Republicans' problems than the flip-flopping of John McCain himself. He continued to regurgitate his hands-off approach to economics (which he admits is not his strong point) up until mere hours before Bush announced the plan. "The economy is fundamentally sound." "We don't do bail-outs". Then Bush drops the bomb and all of a sudden he's the first one on board. "Well, we were forced into it." Sure, Johnny.

Oh, by the way, did you hear that he's a Maverick? And are you sick of that word yet? I guess a lie repeated often enough becomes truth.

The silver lining for those of us on the political left is that a party split has emerged between the trends within the Republican Party. This bailout has put Republicans in a "damned if we do, damned if we don't" position: either sign the bailout and lose support of the libertarian side of the conservative electorate, or reject it and lose support of the monopoly capital "Reaganomists". I sadly say that we on the Left know a thing or two about splits, and our movements have been marked from birth by sectarian infighting. It brings a kind of sadistic smile to my face to see the ultra-right drawn into this self-destructive trap, and I'm happy to know that it might cause a significant reduction in the power of Republicans to organize a united conservative movement.

I'm not hoping that this is going to cause a bunch of Republican voters to jump ship to the Democratic side. That wouldn't be very logical. But at least I can hope that some of them will be suddenly exposed to the truth about where the loyalties of the ultra-right lie. Once the seed of doubt is planted, maybe some of them will eventually come around.

One can hope.

Historically, when the economy has struggled, my husband and I have been lucky to not feel it immediately. We're employed in sales and finance, and generally are not the first jobs to face layoffs in tough times. So, I know that when I start to fear losing my job, the economy is officially in the toilet.

The question is, when is the National Bureau of Economic Research going to declare this puppy a recession? Even rapper Young Jeezy has beat the NBER to it, releasing an album in September titled "The Recession" and offering these Buffett-esque words of wisdom, "Now that money slowed up, I'ma be the one telling you to save it like they ain't gon' make it no more."

Steed's 7th birthday party was a blast! Here he is posing with all his moolah!  ha ha. Lots of kids came and the slide was the best part until suddenly....we had a bleeder!! One of our little guests got a knee to the nose. It was an accident, but I still felt so bad for her. Yes, her.... a little girl. She was such a trooper — adorbale, but tough. She has an older brother so you know she's gotta be tough to hang with him.  

I couldn't have asked for better weather...it was perfect!  All and all the party was a hit!  Steed had a great time. Thanks to all of you that came and for all the great gifts. Here are a few pics from the day.  Enjoy.

Many thanks to Trent for staying the weekend with me and helping me with all the b-day details and crises.  Thanks Trent!!!  I'm glad you made it home in enough time to go to the movies.  I wouldn't want Dinky mad at me... ha ha.  Now you know the Tchula way!!!!  Yeah!!  I also had some help from some of the girls on the face painting... thank goodness!

I love the pics of Selby eating the ice cream. Shortly after this picture was taken, she took off her shirt.  I can't seem to keep clothes on that girl... ha ha.  I hope this doesn't last too much longer or the cops might be involved....  ha ha.  Crazy!!!

And for all you college football fans....  notice in the background of this pic, LSU painted on the face of a kid.  Steed had Ole Miss on his cheek and Dillon had MSU on his cheek.  It's funny how the kids are into football just as much as the adults.... ha ha.  

Oh....  about the christmas names.  Trent and I drew names Saturday night after the party and I'll post who you drew tomorrow or either tonight.  AND NO!!!  WE DID NOT CHEAT!  So don't even think it!!!!!

“The third thing we have to do is we've got to make sure that we're competing in education. We've got to invest in science and technology. China had a space launch and a space walk. We've got to make sure that our children are keeping pace in math and in science.”

Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council points out in an Op Ed that

“That was the end of the discussion. Because it was imbedded in Obama's answer to another question, Republican John McCain never got around to explaining how he feels about federal investment in research and development.”

Happily, this is a start. During a time of economic uncertainty, there are many questions about where the future of small business could lead. It is exactly for times like this that SBIR funding is more critical than ever. The benefits to sparking development in small businesses will be felt in traditional science corridors like the Research Triangle in North Carolina, Silicon Valley in California, and in research-heavy Boston. Additionally, growing small biotech businesses can be of great benefit to former manufacturing cities in the rust belt, like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Detroit. In addition to the public health benefits created by the projects funded by SBIR, small businesses are key to revitalizing a slumping economy thanks to the fact that they create jobs and opportunities.

And while we are waiting for the results of the upcoming Presidential election, we are also waiting for the Senate to pass a favorable SBIR Reauthorization Act. Stay tuned!

It’s the first time in six years that the number of affluent households has fallen.

Why is this news to online marketers? For starters, the wealthy are generally ahead of the curve when it comes to trends in technology and were among the first demographic to embrace the Internet. In addition, they’ve historically spent more time online than those with lower net worths. Which is perplexing, isn’t it? You’d think that those with higher net worths would spend their time more productively – like making more money. And perhaps they are, but we doubted it. That’s why we decided to dig a little deeper. What did we discover about how the affluent are using the Internet? They use it the way we all do: spendingto buy more stuff.

According to the 2008 Mendelsohn Affluent Survey, which measures the online behaviors of the wealthy, the majority of spending (54%) is in the area of home, apparel and travel. Conversely, the lower affluent segments – those with annual incomes less than $250K – are more likely to spend time with online or console gaming and home repairs.

In the same study, conducted from March through July 2008, researcher Ipsos Mendelsohn found that among the affluent, households with annual incomes of a quarter-million dollars or more spent the most time online. In fact, the average number of hours logged increased with income, and users in the top tier spent nearly 6 hours more online per week than those whose income ranged from $100,000 to $150,000.

So how will this decline in affluent households affect the online marketing landscape?

Not at all.

eMarketer says that “even with the dip in the number of wealthy households, it is unlikely that the formerly affluent will decrease their time online.”

Because, let’s face it, when you’re broke, there’s no better time to jet away to Barbados. (Or at least read about it online!)

As I flick through the news (I just happen to be off sick today, when I phoned work the world was fine, when I turned the news on two hours later it was down the toilet) all I see is a sea of red. Everything is down pretty much. People are pulling out of nearly every share, every soft, every currency.

This is not the normal pull out.

Previously, when America was in control and the world awaited the bail out decision, banking shares fell, oil fell, but not everything. This is carnage, this is an all out bloodbath. No longer can anyone be stupid enough to say the system should be allowed to fail. Right now that would be equal to standing up in 1914 and saying trench warfare is a wonderful idea.

The Great Depression. Ah, that old chestnut, the crafty old thing. It is held up and looked at in light of the current situation more often then anything else, and for good reason. However, up until now we haven't seen the real comparison.

What caused the Great Depression to happen after the Wall Street Crash was rampant protectionism. There are slight differences in that in 1930 the Bank of the United States was simply allowed to fall, which is why the bail out now is so important. But after that, it all went wrong big time, the walls went up.

Then, people cut back spending, because even though the market rallied and the government spent, they were, bluntly, skint. When people don't buy, companies go bust, consumer confidence and ability to spend are everything. That is why the unnecessary panic and money moving (seriously, why have you got more than £50k in one account, just sitting there?) are so dangerous and the media hyping so painful to witness.

Then the protectionists got there way and it all went poo. By the way, that was the Republicans....

Now, we haven't got morons like Smoot, Hawley and Hoover around at the moment (he says whilst looking over his shoulder), but we do have the argument between Keynesism and monetarism. This is the same argument for the causes of the Depression and is as valid now as it was then.

This is where the great, the one and only Milton Friedman steps to the fore, the great libertarian was of the view that simply letting the the banks fall was on a par with playing the violin whilst Rome burnt. Yes, there is the moral hazard argument, but it creates panic, bank runs and total meltdown (I hope Ian at Question That is reading this) and, most importantly, a crises in the money supply.

Now, in America this has been avoided and this is why the bail out is so important, in Europe states have stepped in to save most institutions. The machine requires oil, where that oil comes from in a time of chaos is not really open for debate, the central bank is the only shop open.

So, why are we facing a meltdown? Europe. Iceland, Ireland, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, they have all decided to raise the barriers. The response to secure would be understandable if it were necessary. It is not.

The only security needed is consumer confidence, that can be done by explaining the situation, explaining that anything up to, now, £50,000 is safe and then introducing a simple measure to secure the temporary transaction of large sums of money, such as house purchases. If you are dumb enough to keep more than £50,000 in one account after that then that is your problem.

The politicians are trying to blame the banks and the people are falling for it, the banks can't do anything because there is no liquidity and so the people panic. The politicians then don' do the above to calm them, they make stupid comments like Merkel yesterday, confusion reigns.

The politicians of course don't want everyone to realise that hey have been complicit in running the economies of the world on debt. Howver, it is this debt that has been allowed to happen that is causing the deflationary effect of fewer loans, less credit.

America, unlike 1930, has done its part in buying up the bad debt at great cost. The EU has fractured and go it alone, causing the chaos we now see. They haven't put up tariffs in a traditional sense, but in effect they have created a money security crises. Money is now 'safe' in some countries, 'not' in others. It is of course safe in every country, but a unified response was required in Europe, a firm hand and political intelligence. We have ended up with none of this and the Anglo-Saxon economies, so attacked by Germany and France, are the ones pulling their hair out.

The box is now open. The markets are falling, fear is king. Interest rate slashing didnt work for Japan in 1990 and it won't work now. The market needs to release funds, the central banks need to drop interest rates by a sensible measure (the BoE should be loking at .5%) and politicians need to grow some balls and stand firm.

Otherwise we're all fucked.

The story goes that when he was running for re-election to the Senate in 1954, Lyndon Johnson was opposed by a couple of non-profits that urged voters to reject him and his radical communist ideas. (And you thought things were crazy today.) In response, Johnson had new language inserted into the section of the IRS code, which defines a tax exempt entity. His addendum declared that an exempt organization “does not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.”

Read it all for an interesting and thoughtful discussion of how we got here.

For those that missed it, Stephan Harper made a statement last week about ordinary Canadians not caring about the arts. After my evening at Nuit Blanche, I found myself thinking about his statement more and more. I've concluded that Stephan Harper embodies what I believe many high school students to be (at least in Barrie).

• Uncritical
• Unexposed
• Cliquey

The most obvious failure in Harper's comment was his concept of the "ordinary Canadian." There is no such thing. The product of multiculturalism is diversity; thus, nothing is normal and no one is ordinary.

Harper has taken hold of the Canadiana that is Tim Hortons and beavers and Kraft Dinner and hockey, and has applied it to everyone; a logical fallacy and proof of village idiocy. Just because he and his white buddies take their kids to hockey every Saturday morning and watch the game on CBC at night does not mean that they are the standard.

What's sad is that the leader of our country has pigeonholed the majority of us as homogenous, low-culture, sports-watching meatheads with no concern for critical thought and new ideas. In a single statement, Harper completely undervalued our creativity, diversity and intelligence. He told the world that Canadians are as simple as the Mackenzie brothers.

What's even sadder is that he chose to sustain his views by cutting arts funding. If he really thought that "ordinary Canadians" didn't appreciate art, shouldn't he be rectifying the problem? After all, cultures that pour into their arts are the richest and the ones we know the most about.

I feel like Harper and his cronies are the jocks in high school. Even though there is nothing inherently better (or worse) about sports than art, the jocks win out because a prewritten social script has already determined that they are cool. Sports = popular. Arts = nerdy. Nonsensical, but often the case. It's time for Harper to grow up and realize that those definitions are shallow, inaccurate and harmful.

I should say that I'm not heavily involved in the arts community. But I still recognize that we have one and I know that the people in that community are some of our smartest. It's a mistake to alienate them.