CONTINUED IN PART 16 B, which goes over the history of how we got here, and maybe even offers some solutions.
@dgardner @kady A new twist on a classic sign http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MD2kTsplr6c/TzQOji0d4vI/AAAAAAAABVg/tkLvoHYQnUs/s1600/Poster1.jpg”
I don’t think I’ve ever love scientists this much, and I’ve had my fair share of proto-geologists.I happen to have an intimate relationship with the world of research and government planning and priority setting.
There is a serious shaming of scientists going on in this nation, and it’s pretty gruesome. Denying the existence of evidence in policy and practice decision-making is the norm— I thought being a public servant was about delivering the best results for Canadians, not defending an ideology. Today’s public servants are shadows of their former glory in Canada- starting with the demonization of public servants in the Mulroney era, the scene has gotten even more sour.
Where public servants used to be charged with compiling evidence worldwide and proving valid evidence bases to ministers, informing them of the different actions that could be taken, ministers are now ordering public servants to find the evidence that backs up their actions predetermined by their ideology.
When Texan officials are telling you that, based on their own evidence, your crime bill will only exacerbate your “identified problem” (term used loosely- any one can read that Canada has no crime problem), maybe you should take a fucking clue.
Reblogging for the commentary.
It’s not just the politicians, really. There’s an increasingly large segment of the population that’s brainless when it comes to policy. They support anything that tickles their schadenfreude bone.
(via governmentofcanada)
“When a woman of the Ubuntu African tribe knows she is pregnant, she goes to the jungle with other women, and together they pray and meditate until you get to “The song of the child. “When a child is born, the community gets together and they sing the child’s song. When the child begins his education, people get together and he sings his song. When they become an adult, they get together again and sing it. When it comes to your wedding, the person hears his song. Finally, when their soul is going from this world, family and friends are approaching and, like his birth, sing their song to accompany it in the “journey”.
“In the Ubuntu tribe, there is another occasion when men sing the song. If at some point the person commits a crime or aberrant social act, they take him to the center of town and the people of the community form a circle around her. Then they sing “your song.” The tribe recognizes that the correction for antisocial behavior is not punishment, but is the love and memory of his true identity. When we recognize our own song, we have no desire or need to hurt anyone.
“Your friends know “your song”. And sing when you forget it. Those who love you can not be fooled by mistakes you have committed, or dark images you show to others. They remember your beauty as you feel ugly, your total when you’re broke, your innocence when you feel guilty and your purpose when you’re confused.”
Tolba Phanem
African poetThat is the most poignant ritual I have ever heard of.
Maybe Norway should do this with Breivik.
(via hollyhandro)
