Does Language Betray Thought?

Whispering in the Wind (December 2, 2013) WITW8 - 

Does language betray thought?

Nelson Mandela – A Man with Vision and Hope

The death of Nelson Mandela last week has over-taken all other news stories in Canada and around the world.  Mr. Mandela was South Africa’s anti-apartheid icon and President of South Africa from 1994 – 1999.  After spending 27 years in prison for his revolutionary leadership, Mr. Mandela guided South Africa away from the 1948 apartheid policies (i.e. legislated discrimination and segregation) to a more democratic system of governance.  With the passing of Mr. Mandela there is concern that there will be a backlash from those who have not benefited from the reforms introduced by the “father of modern South Africa”.  Important to note, South Africa continues to be labeled by a number of international organizations as one of the most corrupt nations in Africa – so Mr. Mandela’s vision of hope, equality and fraternity has yet to be fully achieved.  In the years to come, one can expect turmoil, chaos and there is even a possibility of violence involving the minorities in South Africa – including the white minority.  In the meantime Prime Minister Harper is attending the State Funeral for Mr. Mandela along with four former Prime Ministers (Brian Mulroney, Kim Campbell, Jean Chretien, Joe Clark), the Governor General of Canada, including  Michaelle Jean and Alberta Premier Allison Redford.

The Signal Loses Town Support

I was all prepared to write about developments in the Senate Expenses Scandal and a couple of other items that I think are emerging political trouble spots – The Rogers takeover of hockey in Canada and the threat to the very existence of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC); the major change in Canada’s foreign policy which places business, rather than diplomacy, as the country’s top foreign relations priority.  These subjects have taken a back seat to some shocking information I received last Thursday – The Town of Smoky Lake will no longer be supporting The Signal newspaper with a subsidy on the subscriptions to each property owner in town.  I’m still trying to sort out some of the facts and what it will means to residents of Smoky Lake.  In the weeks to come I hope to get a handle on the issues and will be reporting my views in future Whispering in the Wind columns.  It is a little early in this political debacle, but let me offer two observations.  The four town councillors made a mistake (apparently the Mayor was not at the meeting to give his guidance).  Second, I think Smoky Lake County should get involved and offer support to the region’s businesses.