Wednesday, June 02, 2010

John Baird, buffoonery, and journalism

John Baird made a fool of himself and threw a temper-tantrum in a House of Commons committee today. CBC has the audio, you should give it a listen.


This evening, Maclean's honoured Baird as Parliamentarian of the Year. I hope their journalists at least wept a little.

Speaking of journalism, here's how Don Newman -- he was a journalist -- dealt with buffoons like John Baird:



Balanced journalism isn't letting one side spout its bullshit, and then letting the other side spout its bullshit, and patting yourself on the back for being so balanced. Journalism means when someone spouts bullshit, you say no, that's bullshit, so please don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining.

We seem to have forgotten that.

Instead of our media calling bullshit, they're now giving awards to the worst offenders.

But hey, Maclean's dead-tree redesign does look pretty though.

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7 comments:

Oxford County Liberals said...

Apparently, the MP's voted on this.. not the Macleans staff.

Jeff said...

Oh I'm aware of that Scott. And it raises the question why is a supposedly reputable news magazine attaching itself to parliamentary popularity contest, why they designed such flawed methodology, and just what the point is.

MLM said...

I'm with you the journalism sentiments Jeff. The 4th estate is as important to democracy as free elections, and it's failing in its duties.

Why do you suppose that is?

Broken or flawed journalism industry model? Too many airheads more interested in celeb gossip than real news?

Why are we being failed so miserably?

Saskboy said...

I remember that video, and it's the sort of thing that should be able to bring down a government, not promote some manipulating pit-bull to an award.

Gayle said...

I'm still waiting for the media to refer to the unelected unaccountable conservative dominated senate...

Owen Gray said...

It's remarkable, as Keith Bogg says, that so many untruths are allowed to float out in the ether.

Someone should point out that the Conservatives are following their own handbook -- which they distributed to their caucus upon assuming power -- on how to disrupt Parliament. This is a carefully orchestrated strategy.

Anonymous said...

On the upside - the pattern is clear enough that it shows Mr. Baird for the (screeching and frothing) one trick pony that he is. The strategy? Go over their heads.Go over their heads. Go over their heads. Go over their heads. It's retardely never any different. Creative hockey players know what to do with opponents such as he. Siobhán Coady did great yesterday - needs more ice time.