Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Naomi Klein's 'The Rise of Disaster Capitalism'




Out of sheer prejudice and a certain reluctance to purchase books at full whack, I had resisted buying a copy of Naomi Klein's new book The Rise of Disaster Capitalism until this week.

When I saw it for 30% off at Indigo, and remembered that I had my Indigo card on me, which gave myself a further 10% off, I took the hardback plunge.

I am now about a 1/3rd of the way through and am annoyed at myself for both not buying the book sooner and for, at least to myself, pre-judging it.

It is really -- and those who know me may be surprised at what I am about to write -- a very, very good and important work that will have much staying power. Not only is it a good story well told. It is also a story both horrifying and horrifyingly believable.

In a way it reminds me of Alasdair MacIntyre in that it shows what the effects of misguided Chicago policies are on the ground and does not simply build a case up in the clouds against the boys from Chicago. It is also why I am an Oakeshottian.

I will write more after I finish the book. But this is one book that is, for me at least, a must read.

Hats off Ms. Klein!!!

Who Says Toronto Doesn't Lead the Way; Halifax Will Also Lock Up Unlicensed Pussy Cats!





Seniors will get a discount!


Halifax approves bylaw to stop cats from roaming

Updated Wed. Oct. 24 2007 12:15 PM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

Halifax regional councillors have approved a controversial animal bylaw aimed at preventing cats from roaming in public.

The bylaw, narrowly approved in an 11-9 vote on Tuesday night, means cat owners must register their pets by April.

If a cat is found outside its owner's property, it may be trapped and sent to a municipal shelter -- which is to be built and operated at an estimated cost of $3.3 million.

"The thing is we don't know what the total cost is going to be and nobody can tell us right yet," Spryfield-Herring Cove Coun. Steve Adams told CTV.ca.

...

Snow did say she received one nasty email from a constituent who said they'll never vote for her again because of the decision.

Owners will have to pay $10 for an altered and inoculated pet and up to $30 for an unaltered one.

Seniors will be given a discount.


Hat Tip: Comrade Schroeder