Haiti, forgive us our sins
Does our recent generosity make amends for centuries of neglect?
by Charlotte Hunter, Opinions Editor
Ever since the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan 12, killing hundreds of thousands of people and destroying much of the country's vital infrastructure, hundreds of millions of dollars in emergency aid have been flowing into the beleaguered nation. While the generosity of millions of individuals and governments around the world cannot be questioned, we must not congratulate ourselves for our magnanimous behaviour towards what was already one of the most dispossessed nations in the world before the earthquake.
Post the First Commentby Sammy Halabi, Staff Writer
The funny thing about history is how often it hinges on decisive moments. Looking back, there exist turning points and decisions that define our present; things in the past that dictate our future. And as these moments pass, and their legacies are carried forward, they become normalized and internalized. We take for granted what the world is because to us it has always been that way.
Mo money supply, mo problems
A license to print money doesn't buy any easy answers on central bank independence
by Stephen Bank, Staff Writer
On Jan 28, the United States Senate confirmed Ben Bernanke as Chairman of the Federal Reserve. In doing so, America's elected representatives exerted more control over monetary policy than they will be able to for the rest of Obama's term. The Federal Reserve is an "independent entity within government." Congress and the President can't tell the Fed what to do, and no one can fire the Board of Governors over policy disagreements.
Colourless Green Ideas
Food Inc.
by Muna Mire, Associate Editor
Recently, I came across an article in the Globe and Mail that reported substantial growth in Ontario's organic food market. The Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada approximated a 20% increase in the national market for organic produce over the past year. The environmentally sensitive reader may be overjoyed that the rest of the country is finally coming to their senses and buying organic. Unfortunately, I'm here to burst your bubble. The organic food question, like any environmental question, isn't easily answered and I have a number of reservations.
by Devon Allaby
The Olympic Games remind us of the qualities our society values: dedication, perseverance, exceptionalism - and the desire to win. They represent the epitome of athletic prowess, fair competition, and global unity through our athletes, rather than political tension through our leaders. As I'm sure you will agree, the excitement is even greater when the Games are close to home.
