Private sector dynamism versus public sector inefficiency has been the dominant political narrative of the last few decades. It has supplied the excuse for repeated, one-directional upheaval in many of the services that we rely on, and which are essential to our quality of life. At best, evidence of private sector superiority is missing. At worst, such lazy assumptions can cost lives as well as money. The public sphere in its broadest sense can be more efficient, more effective and better for human dignity.
(h/t Sabina Becker)
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Source: Guardian
Beating the #teabaggers and their paymasters at their own game.
This is fucking priceless. I know I go on (no, really — I do) about changing the conversation and public discourse and controlling the narrative, but this is a wonderful illustration of why. At its essence, it isn’t just about memes and shallow catchphrases and the manipulation of simple-minded disengaged dullards — it’s about engagement, citizenship, and literacy. And the Public Good.
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We’ve backed down from fighting the big fights or trying to right the big wrongs. There is no grand enterprise. We simply content ourselves with bitching about small potatoes like how many TTC fare collectors make a six figure salary as if putting a stop to that is going to miraculously feed our hungry and house our homeless. It’s like some demented rationalization that goes to prove governments can’t do anything right so we should stop expecting them to. If the 1st-century C.E. population was anything like it is today, so petty, resentful, small-minded, I’m thinking Jesus got himself crucified in order to escape them not save them.
And A Good Friday To You | All Fired Up In The Big Smoke
@Cityslikr is back, and kicking ass.
Source: afuitbs.com
It’s the exact Neverland City transit plan that gave us one of the worst commute times in North America: You just think of a happy thought, sprinkle it with private-sector pixie dust, and before you know it, you’re sitting in traffic for another generation.
Fortunately for us, the private sector has joined others to decisively call out this fairy tale for what it is. It’s time to grow up about funding in this growing city.
Aaargh! Teh stupid — it burns!
I’d suspect that another Sun “reader” got lost on the internetz, but for the correct spelling.
A more unifying political discourse. The dismantling of an austerity agenda that does nothing but pull us apart. A renewed focus on the positive role government should be playing in our lives. Income inequality solutions. That’s the kind of truly groundbreaking transformation an equality Premier could achieve, post-austerity.
It’s Time for an Equality Premier
More from the indispensible Trish Hennessy.
Source: behindthenumbers.ca
When women get harassed on the street, or at a bar, or on their walk home from work, do you know what we think? We wonder, am I going to get out of this safely? Am I going to walk away from this? Where are my keys if I need to stab someone in the eye? Are there people on the street? Will they hear me? Which way will I run? Solar Plexus, Instep, Nose, Groin. I’m exaggerating, but only so slightly. Does it disturb you that we think like this? That we have to think like this?
Our transit system was never designed for the needs of anyone with a wheelchair or a stroller. But for a vast number of people, mostly women, it is not a choice. It is the only option available, and it has just become a little more unwelcoming.
Why the stroller debate on Toronto public transit is a gendered fight | canada.com
From my awesome, smart and funny friend @neville_park.
Source: o.canada.com
Via US Uncut. H/t Justin Beach.
Incidentally, another illustration of why the language, values and discursive assumptions of the business school have no place in the formulation of social policy. The public good is not the same thing as the bottom line.
(I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess that the Finns design their school system to cultivate engaged citizens, rather than good little producers and consumers for the corporations. Just spitballing.)
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“I am apologizing. If I’ve offended the medical officer of health, Doug Ford apologizes to him,” Ford said.
“Who is going to apologize to the taxpayers when they go out and spend $60,000 on a transportation study?”
Doug Ford won’t be sanctioned for radio comments | Toronto & GTA | News | Toronto Sun
Help me out here, Dougie. Why should anyone, least of all David McKeown, apologize for a traffic study?
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Source: torontosun.com
Citizen, cyclist, father, diver, cheap-laugh aficionado, sanctimonious wanker, #BadJew. Thoughts are my own.
