The McGill Tribune Vol. 27 Issue 7

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Secretariat assesses use of'McGill' in student-run organizations L ena G a y r a u d McGill clubs may soon be undergo­ ing name changes due to administra­ tive concerns over the use of the 'McGill' name, and in order to eliminate confusion between student-run and administrationrun organizations.

Students'Society Vice-President Clubs and Services Marcelle Kosman asserted that this could be part of a larger plan to clear up the university's image among media and potential investors.

"Because of the capital campaign, Mc­ Gill is hypersensitive about their image in the media,"she said.

Kosman believes that the university is especially concerned about services such as Walksafe, which are provided by student organizations and not by the university.

Deputy Provost Student Life and Learning Morton Mendelson asserted

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that it is in the university's best interests to protect what they own, namely, the crest, name, wordmark and insignia.

"It is very important to the university and to students that the value of that name and of the visual are protected," Mendelson said. "There have to be constraints put on the kinds of groups that would be able to present themselves with the McGill name."

In order for this change to take place, the administration and SSMU would have to renegotiate the Memorandum of Agree­ ment, a written contract concerning every­ thing from building regulations to current policies regarding clubs.

"This isn't something McGill can do without SSMU's participation," Kosman said. "It's going to be a process, and I think a long process, but I refuse to be the VP Clubs and Services that loses the right of See CLUBS on page 5

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Private health care flourishes under the radar E lizabeth P erle Public health care has long been con­ sidered politically sacrosanct in Canada.

Recently, however, a surge of private clin­ ics have opened up across the country, throwing the private-public debate— characteristic of our neighbours south of the border— into the political and social limelight. Last year, private health care became a legal alternative to the public system for certain treatments in Quebec.

In the other provinces, while private health sectors are not yet public realities, private clinics (that tiptoe around privatization laws) still exist in large numbers.The causes and implications of this movement to­ wards privatization in Canadian health care remains contentious.

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Quebec's private life In 1997, a patient named George Zeliotis, along with his physician, Dr. Jacques Chaoulli sued the province of Quebec over a year-long wait for hip replacement surgery. In 2005, the case was brought to the Supreme Court of Canada, and in 2006, the Court majority found that "waiting lists for health care services have resulted in deaths, have increased the length of time patients have to be in pain and have im­ paired patients' ability to enjoy any real quality of life." This decision implied that provincial governments could not ban pri­ vate health care without first guaranteeing the public system would meet the patients' See PASSING on page

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Injecting some "cents" into two-tier health care.

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McGill holds conference aimed at making genocides a relic of the past M

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The McGill Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism held a historic conference this weekend at the Hotel OMNI, featuring some of the most influential people in human rights. Entitled the "Global Conference on the Prevention of Genocide," the event gave voice to a number of genocide survivors, aca­ demics, non-governmental organi­

zations and politicians who hope to change the way humanity responds to genocide.

The conference presented fourteen panels over three days discussing these lessons, including for example: the role of the media during genocide, triggering the UN into action as well as the role of civil society.

Retired lieutenant general and current Canadian senator Roméo

Dallaire addressed the conference several times throughout the week­ end, drawing from his experience leading a stripped-down UN force during the Rwandan Genocide.

"The developed world has rec­ ognized Rwanda and used it as a reference," Dallaire said. "That's great; what we had before was the Holo­ caust and that started to get dated.

Now we have this new [reference] at a terrible price. The question now is,

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Roméo Dallaire speaks to a packed audience while law professor Payam Akhavan basks in the limelight.

'what are the lessons being learned out of that?"'

Embodying the spirit of the conference, Dallaire has been on a mission of his own, sharing les­ sons learned where genocide has taken place.

"Some of the things you hear about genocide really get rein­ forced," said conference organizer and McGill law professor René Pro­ vost. “The anger of survivors is not just at the perpetrators, but at you and me.They blame everybody."

Provost was impressed with the turnout, calling it one of the most successful conferences he has attended.

"It tackled an issue which has had insufficient reflection," he said.

"There has been enormous reflec­ tion on why genocides take place and how we can react, and this has absorbed a lot of the ener­ gies. But now, people really ac­ knowledge the critical importance of prevention."

McGill political science profes­ sor Catherine Lu agreed.

"It was a stimulating, provoca­ tive and hard conference," she said, referring to some of the "hard so­ lutions" proposed by French re­ searcher and author Dr. Gérard Prunier, a research fellow from the National Centre for Science Research in Paris.

Lu was part of a panel on Friday discussing the role of criminal justice in preventing genocide.

Former Director of the Carr Center for Human Rights at Harvard University and current Liberal dep­

uty leader Michael Ignatieff was on hand to speak to attendees about the responsibility to protect against genocide and inducing the will to act.

"Genocide is a kind of politics of state formation through exter­ mination, and for some groups [the idea of a community without en­ emies] can be very appealing politi­ cally," ignatieff said. "But we need to make tolerance work and maintain a community of political equals who do not share a community of origins or blood."

Ignatieff stressed the impor­ tance of early warnings and paying attention to certain forms of hate speech which act as triggers.

"Journalists are critical to this," he said, "because if we suc­ cumb to provincialization, we'll be blind and dumb when the next genocide happens."

This panel, chaired by former Australian cabinet minister and president of the International Cri­ sis Group Gareth Evans, also an­ nounced the creation . of a new Global Centre for the Responsibil­ ity to Protect, scheduled to launch in January 2008. Evans described the centre as a network of research stations across the world, monitor­ ing the situation in states of risk, so that action can be taken before conflicts explode.

"States have a responsibility to protect its people and when they fail, responsibility shifts to the inter­ national community," he said. "The question shouldn't be whether or not to act, but how." ■

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW— ROMÉO DALLAIRE

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Ex-U.N. peacekeeper speaks on how to prevent another Rwanda Retired Lieutenant-General, Quebec Senator, author and humanitarian Romeo Dallaire was in town for the Global Conference on the Prevention o f Genocide and took time to speak to the Tribune about the horrors o f Rwanda and what we can do to stop genocide.

Given our history of failing to prevent genocide, what structural changes could be made to the world order, perhaps even to the United Nations, in order to efficiently stop them?

That is the essence of what we're working on. We have barely been able to handle the cri­ ses that we have faced. Either we didn't address them going in and let them kill each other or we mishandled it or we got in late, so we are a whole world apart yet from preventing these things from happening. [But] do we have any­ body working on prevention?

In sovereign states, not just international agencies, we could always turn to [the North American Trade Organization] and say, "NATO, you go beat these guys up so they don't shoot each other. "Those are the lowest rung respons­ es. It's all the other responses— the diplomatic, the economic, the cultural, the religious— that you need to meet at early stages to prevent them from creating friction which ultimately goes to conflict and genocide. It's in that area that we've got to do a lot more work by invest­ ing political capital, informing people— even 60

years after the Holocaust that's nearly new.

To what extent should Western arms deal­ ers be held accountable for the scale of the violence in the region? For example, in your book, Shake Hands with the Devil, you recalled a Belgian soldier saying "business is business, and the business of Belgium is arms." How do you respond to this?

If you look at the arms industry in the de­ veloped world, first of all, the bulk of them are produced by the five permanent members of the Security Council. Ironic? Secondly, they all produce them through companies that are li­ censed, so these companies operate within the legal frameworks of their countries. By excep­ tion, you'll have a rogue outlet but the vast ma­ jority of the weapons are produced legally.

However, it's where they go after that: What is the follow through? For example an AK-47 is good for 100 years. However, when the military doesn't need them anymore after 20-25 years they ask, "What do we do with them? Do we de­ stroy them or do we sell them to a country that doesn't have money for new weapons?"

Now there's a lot of effort that has been done for the reduction of the proliferation of small arms with the UN and other countries.

However, we have not seen from the big coun­ tries the same desire that non-weapon pro­ ducing countries— and Canada is a very small player in regards to producing weapons— but

In your book, you often mention the Unit­ ed Nations. At one point, you referred to it as "swamped and sinking under the dead weight of useless political sinecures, indifference and procrastination." How has your opinion of the UN changed from before and after the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda?

Being seconded to it for a year, that gave me enormous insight to the organization and, watching it evolve since then, I would contend that the arguments I present in the book are far more focussed on the member states that make up the U.N. They actually use so much "double talk"— as an example, they'll give me a mandate with some tight milestones to go out and do my job, but the same countries are in the fi­ nancial committee and they're saying we don't care, there's no money. So there are disconnects within the structure but the disconnects are not purely the internal workings of the UN created by the UN bureaucracy. It is created by the na­ tion states, who fiddle and use it often to the UN's detriment— meaning they'll use it as a whipping horse or show that they are goodwill, but really, behind the scenes they don't really give a damn or they don't want to do it.

they do to convince parliament that action is needed in Darfur and future conflicts?

I don't think that the youth of the nation really realize the power they have. You can say, "I've got 40 per cent of the electoral possible votes which are not tapped into and I can move it towards you if you do this, this and that."lfyou don't get that sort of response, nothing pre­ cludes you from creating a party of your own.

And with that amount of vote power, you could get that damn party in!

The political dimension of the democratic process is a critical component of it and there is an enormous amount of power in your hands to influence that and to influence your future five years down the road. If anybody wants to do anything in the areas I think about, look at nuclear disarmament, look at sexual exploita­ tion of Aboriginal children and people, look at the Arctic. Pick a bunch of these things and say "Hey— that's achievable and we can do it." Sec­ ondly, one of the best instruments to harass the political structure is public opinion, yes, but also the NGO community. Help coalesce the NGO community into something that is more cohe­ sive than all of the rest. So join it— with cash, brain power, boot power and mouth power and get out there. So ultimately what I'm saying is become activists. I mean, get out there.

How can young Canadians help you in your post-Rwanda mission? And what can

—Compiled by Matt Campbell and Alii Madsaac

we are not seeing the will to bring in far more demanding regulations.

16.10.07-The McGNITribune • 3 CAMPUS

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Potential leasers vie for approval from the administration K en S un The currently vacant room 108 in the Shatner Building, formerly the site of computer store University Bytes, has remained empty since last April as no tenant suitable to both the Students' Society and the McGill administration has been found to fill the space. The former tenant was forced out for, according to SSMU Vice-President Finance and Operations Imad Barake,"not paying rent."

Room 108, which would otherwise be earn­ ing over $30,000 in lease revenue, has seen two potential leasers, including a clothing retailer in September and, more recently, a United Parcel Service store, but both have been rejected by the McGill administration for being in direct competi­ tion with university-provided services or for con­ flicting with the lease conditions for the Shatner building. The UPS store was intended to be a lo­ cation for students to copy and print documents, *and ship and receive parcels but the adminis­ tration, which has signed contracts with certain courier services, last week responded to SSMU, asserting that the UPS store would be in direct conflict with these contracts.

"When asked about this kind of an issue by a student organization, we turn to the [Memoran­ dum of Agreement], and in this particular case, the lease," said Deputy Provost Student Life and Learning Morton Mendelson. "[Potential leasers] are specifically prohibited from being in competi­ tion with the university. McGill has contracts with Messenger Service, for example. This undermines that contract."

While students do not reap the benefits of these contracts, Mendelson asserted that leasing UPS the space in room 108 would conflict with the purpose of leasing a building to SSMU: four

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II ___ J il/û room -inQ iH p n t Q narP TThe hP posai to ro make 108 aa ctl student space. requirements that had been previously laid out in plan, which would presumably give the Mature the lease part of the MoA. Returning Students' Association or a student-run "[SSMU is] to manage and operate the build­ bicycle repair shop a space for operation, would ing for administrative, educational, recreational raise the SSMU base fee by $1.00 per semester. and academically related purposes compatible Kosman urged SSMU Council to put this question with the mission of the association, and although to students, but the motion failed by a tie-vote of the copy centre may meet some of these crite­ 11-11 and the shop will most likely find a home in ria, the other services of the UPS store do not fall into this domain," Mendelson said. While SSMU is the Shatner basement.

While Barake does support the bike shop, obligated to follow the guidelines for commer­ he feels the empty cial space set by Shatner space the administration, must be used to Barake found the provide income definitions ambig­ for SSMU. uous and a double "I'm 100 per standard. cent opposed to "The argu­ using separate ments [used to re­ student fees to fi­ ject the UPS store] nance SSMU's op­ can be used to re­ erations,” he said. ject any tenant in "The SSMU base the Shatner build­ fee is used to fund ing, because they operations but the are very vague," he definition of the said. "You can sit operations is to down and argue generate revenue for hours whether for the society so CaféRama or Tiki the society can Ming meet these sustain itself and criteria; they don't provide services have educational to students." purposes for stu­ This scho­ dents; they provide lastic year, SSMU food to students." has incurred more Vice-President costs than normal, Clubs and Services stemming in part Marcelle Kosman MATTPARK from over $40,000 has presented an spent on improv­ alternative pro- An em pty room! W hy are the lights on?

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updating technology. While Barake as­ sured that the current budget is solid, there are clear gains to having the $30,000 as income.

"We can manage to sustain ourselves with the budget we have, but losing that $30,000 will cause problems in the future," Barake said. "My goal is not to take that money from students.

How will we provide these services if we do not have the money to do so?"

Barake hopes to continue discussions with the administration on the possibility of a UPS store in room 108; if that fails, Barake will push for the next potential tenant, Liquid Nutrition, the health supplement company that helped spon­ sor CultureShock last week.

"We will try to address the university's con­ cerns to see if we can reach some sort of common ground," Barake said. “The administration may be worried that [students] may bring course packs to the copy service; that is not an option. We can write it in the lease with UPS that [students] can not bring course packs [for copying]."

Kosman, however, felt that attempts at try­ ing to negotiate a commercial tenant with the administration will be in vain.

"It's become very clear to [the executive] that no matter what we bring to Morton [Mendelson] to be approved, we're going to be stonewalled, just because they can [do it]," she said. "We have suspicions that it has a lot to do with the fact that they're extremely unhappy with our bookstore, and in an effort to strangle us financially, they're going to do everything they can to make finding a tenant for that space as difficult as possible."

While Kosman was aware of the potential for Liquid Nutrition to lease the space with adminis­ tration approval, she remained skeptical, and will be continuing to push for room 108 to become a space for a club or service. ■

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Executives deny guilt, assert walkout a democratic right for students

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Referendum dates pushed

dents] just exercised their democratic right to get up and ix r* K a te S pirgen leave [the GA].

Itzkowitz, who came under attack by former SSMU When a walkout of nine management students and The fall referendum has been President Aaron Donny-Clark, who argued that he had approximately 20 science students at last Tuesday's Gen­ pushed back two weeks due to the been trying to undermine the GA indirectly, argued that eral Assembly resulted in a loss of quorum, fingers pointed failure of the Sexual Assault Cen­ neither he nor the rest of the executive were at fault. to members of the Students' Society executive for "ruining tre of McGill Students' Society to "It's always part of the GA process that groups can the GA". In response to what some students saw as at­ put forth the necessary question in tempts at "sabotaging student democracy to protect the and have removed people to try to break quorum. There's order to renew their fee of 75 cents McGill Capital Campaign", students at large have begun a nothing in any of the rules that-we have or in the constitu­ per semester. campaign for the impeachment of three executives of the tion that we follow that has anything to say about that, The motion to move the refer­ Itzkowitz said. "They're understandably upset about the endum passed at a special Council Students' Society: President Jake Itzkowitz, Vice-President meeting last night 14- 2, with some University Affairs Adrian Angus and Vice-President Finance GA, and Aaron [Donny-Clark] has never wanted me to be President. I think it's a huge waste of time.” abstentions, moving the polling dates and Operations Imad Barake.

While Itzkowitz continued to defend the capital cam­ from Oct. 26 through Nov. 1 to Nov. 9 Despite allegations that the Grassroots Association paign, he maintained that his own personal convictions through Nov. 14. for Student Empowerment was behind these calls for im­ The question was not submitted have no place in SSMU policy. peachment, GRASPé member Fred Burrill, who presented "The responsibility of the SSMU is to do that which is within the period of acceptance, "be­ the impeachment posters for approval to the SSMU office, of benefit to students," he said. "It's well-known that I have cause we were the only club renewing denied any unified GRASPé involvement.

"It's not GRASPé at all," Burrill said. "It was a group of personal positions and oppositions to those of SSMU, but our fees and we were operating under the assumption that SSMU was going students who were angry about what happened [at the that doesn't make me unfit for the presidency." to contact us," according to SACOMSS In protest of his role in the GA walkout, Angus' role on GA]."

External Coordinator Halley Crissman. the CKUT Board is under review.

Angus has since resigned "As a member of GRASPé, I'm interested in making SACOMSS had believed that sustainable changes that will last over the long term, rather from his.position on the board.

SSMU Vice-President Clubs and Ser­ "I felt that I couldn't adequately fulfill the responsi­ than replacing an exec with another exec," he added. vices Marcelle Kosman would con­ bilities of the CKUT Board,”Angus said. “The goals that I had While the three SSMU executives all argue that they tact them before the deadline for are not at fault, those behind the calls for impeachment weren't any longer a responsibility." question submissions.

“If he was responsible for the walk-out, that goes assert that the personal convictions of the SSMU execu­ "That was a mixture of SACOMSS's against CKUT's interests because the motion wasn't dis­ fault, as well as my fault, as well as the tive undermined the GA. Immediately prior to the walkout, Angus and Arts Senator Daniel King, who had been sitting cussed," Vijayakumar said. "He also opted out [of the CKUT President's fault," Kosman said. levy], so we wanted to know his reasoning behind opting with the group of management students, were seen ges­ There was concern that moving out of the student fee." the referendum dates back two weeks turing and telling students to leave.

To reinitiate discussion on the motions that were left would show favouritism to McGill's Barake, however, asserted that he was not involved, unresolved at the GA, a special General Assembly will be sexual assault support centre, set a and maintained that his association with the group of stu­ held on Nov. 15, which was supported by nine councillors, dangerous precedent of changing ref­ dents that left had nothing to do with their decision to do including Angus and King. In an e-mail sent to theTribune, erendum dates, as well as detrimen­ so.

"I went in; I sat down with my friends. And then, I Carmon specified that while the past unresolved motions tally affect the First Year Committee of Council elections. will be discussed, new submissions will also be entertained watched them get up and leave, but they think that I had "This is noina aaainst everv elec­ before Nov. 1. ■ something to do with the walkout," Barake said. "[The stu­ K en S u n

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n i guideline lirlp lin p I kIn know," o w ” <t^iH F lPElections ft i toral said McGill Chief Electoral Officer Corey Shefman, claiming that moving the referendum for one service would be "implying that I have a bias toward that issue."

Shefman also argued that mov­ ing the dates of the referendum would create undue strain on Elections Mc­ Gill resources as well as undermine his authority, and suggested that the question be put on the spring refer­ endum ballot, "the same as any other group with a fee.”

However, because SACOMSS stands to lose between $13,000 and $14,000, most felt .that pushing the question was not an option.

Kosman stated that SACOMSS does not run much of a surplus, and therefore needs these funds to con­ tinue operations.

Because FYCC elections occur so late in the year, it was a matter of some concern that first year students would be without representation likely until second semester. However, current FYCC Representative to Council Alex Brown pointed out that there would only really be the loss of one Council meeting, and Arts Councillor Jimmy Craig argued that this push would in fact be beneficial as it would give them more time to publicize.

Motions for referendum ques­ tions will be accepted until Friday, Oct. 19.

— nHrlitinnnl rpnnrtinn hv Kpn Sun

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The McGill Tribune

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CKU T to host Ind ep end en t M edia C onference Next weekend, McGill campus and Montreal community radio sta­ tion CKUT will be hosting the Independent Media Conference from Oct. 19 to Oct. 21.

Kicking off the conference on Friday evening is keynote speaker Am y Goodman, a member of the independent news service Democracy Now!.

The rest of the weekend's events will involve panels discussing dem ­ ocratic media and representation, as well as radio production workshops with titles like "How to put on a kick-ass music show," and "Sound editing 101."

"We hope this will be the first of many annual independent media conferences in Montreal," said Juliet Lammers, promotions and funding coordinator at CKUT. "With the focus on media democracy and represen­ tation in the media, the goal of the conference is to take a critical look at the media and offer information and hands-on skills to people which will allow them to effectively participate in the media."

McGill professors and students, as well as CKUT staff and volunteers, will be featured speakers, but the conference will also host several in­ dependent media researchers and practitioners from Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and New York.

Following a long day's work, there will be a dance party hosted at Cagibi on Saturday night, and quieting down on Sunday, a documentary screening of Un poquito de tanta verdad, or 'A little bit of so much truth,' a film about Mexican Oaxaca state's residents who took over 14 radio sta­ tions and a television station in 2006.

Lammers said she believes the conference will allow participants "the opportunity to learn to think about the media more critically, to learn about issues they had perhaps not previously considered, to consider their own lives vis-a-vis the media, to meet and speak with people di­ rectly implicated in the media and to gain some practical skills that could give them a voice in the media."

Advance tickets to the conference m ay be purchased at CKUT from Oct.

75 onwards in. their office on 3647 University. Log on to http://www.ckut.ca/ redefiningmedia.php, or tune into 90.3 FM for m ore information. ______________________________ __________

—Kristin Maich

Th e Tribune is currently accepting applications for News Editor. Please subm it a cover letter, CV and three relevant w riting sam ples to editor@ m cgilltribune.com .

Deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 30.

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Periodical receives award and cash grant T h o m a s Q uail Created ten years ago by McGill medical students with the mandate to promote the development and advancement of international student-based medical research, the McGill Journal of Medicine is now reap­ ing the benefits of their hard work. It was recently lauded with a victory in the health category of the an­ nual Forces Avenir awards, which was accompanied by a $4,000 grant.

Following a rigorous application and screening process, the journal, along with two sexual-health awareness groups from UQAM and McGill, were nominated as finalists where the McGill Journal of Medicine "stood out as the strongest candidate in the category," according to Forces Avenir representative Isabel LaMontagne.

Forces Avenir is a group whose mission statement is to "recognize, honour, and promote the commit­ ment of young people in projects which enrich knowl­ edge, and arouse the desire for success."

Every year, 33 projects and 12 outstanding individ­ uals are presented with grants totalling over $100,000 and a variety of international internships.

This was the second year that the McGill Journal of Medicine had won the award. Third-year medical stu­ dent and MJM editor-in-chief at application time Pat­ rick Lawler, said he believed that there was a change of focus in the journal.

"There's now a real sense of empowerment for young people," Lawler said. "[The Journal] is a chance for them to communicate their work throughout the world."

In addition to focusing on publishing quality science and medical research content, the MJM also aims to encourage medical and graduate students to be published.

"Our role is to give support to medical students and biomedical graduate students interested in pub­ lishing research and receiving feedback," he said.

The MJM has a strict policy that all original re­ search published must have a student as the first au­ thor, which is a rare standard not followed by other journals of the MJM's calibre.

"While we encourage medical students to lead the article, we usually publish articles with medical res­ idents, or physicians as first authors,"said Jonathan So, an editor of the University of Toronto Medical Journal* With an editing staff of 126 from just under 20 coun­ tries, the MJM has a particularly international flavour.

"Globally, we publish papers from people all over the world. In many cases, these papers are not some­ thing that would typically reach the North American and European research communities,"Lawler said."The key is for us to take the problems and the observations that they are presenting, and try and use our tools to conceivably help them solve these problems."

The MJM also contains a focus section with each issue that invites a prominent medical researcher to write about a specific aspect of health care. Interven­ tional medicine and personalized health care have been two recent examples.

"The idea is to pick topics that are contentious and developing, to give students the chance to form some opinions with relevant information from leaders in the field," Lawler said. ■

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Des équipements et des laboratoires de pointe

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16.10.07 • News • 5

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University to tighten naming regulations Continued from COVER McGill clubs to use their names."

The university plans to establish a three year re-negotiable agreement with each club or service with the Mc­ Gill name, giving them official recognition and approval to use'McGill,'though any new student club or service that wants to include the school name in their own would also be required to include "students at" or "chapter," in order to separate them from the school itself. Kosman illustrated this new practice with the example "Students Walksafe at McGill," as a sample of a potential future club name. Men­ delson insisted that this policy is still in its review stages, and that there has yet to be a "clamp-down” on clubs to force a name change.

"The secretariat is undergoing a review and trying to come up with guidelines that would help students un­ derstand when they can or can not use the name'McGill' in a particular club," Mendelson said. "The university has been quite liberal; it's in our interests to have a variety of student activities and it's in the interests of students to have these activities."

The aim of changing student clubs' or services' names is to clarify that services organized by students are not provided by McGill University itself. For example, Walksafe is not a university-run service but a studentvolunteer service.

"They don't want to see the services that SSMU runs to be called 'McGill'," Kosman said. "They would rather it would be called SSMU.Things like McGill First Aid and Mc­ Gill Drivesafe make the university uncomfortable.The [Mc­ Gill administration] thinks that [by changing clubs'names] they will make clear to people what is McGill and what is not."

Kosman expressed several concerns with this pro­ posal, the first being that if student organizations try to in­ teract with the community outside McGill, "SSMU" would be an unrecognizable name.

"Most members of the outside McGill community

don't know what SSMU is, so if these services are trying to get themselves out there, they are going to have a hard time doing so," she said. "People aren't stupid; when a group of students comes up and says 'Hi, we're 'McGill Drivesafe,'I'm sure they don't look at this group and say'Oh wow, these must be administrators.'"

Kosman also has concerns about the administration’s attitude toward the matter. "[The administration has] a philosophy [that] the students are not McGill,” she said. "I think it shows a tre­ mendous amount of bad faith of McGill towards its own students."

Clubs and Services Representative to Council Dave Schecter reflected similar feelings to those of Kosman.

"McGill is not a brand; it's a community. Students, just like professors, just like administration, make McGill, and for them to decide when we can use the name just doesn't make any sense,” he said. "If we were to reverse roles and tell McGill that SSMU owns the right to reserve the word 'students! at any time, they would look at us like we're ridiculous, but that's exactly what they're doing."

One concession Kosman made was about using "chapter" in club names. Many clubs at McGill are in fact part of larger organizations. "[With] something like UNICEF McGill Chapter, or Cancer Society McGill Chapter, I don't really see as much of a problem, seeing as they literally are chapters of larger organizations,"she said.

Samantha Cook, U2 English literature and sexual di­ versity studies and Queer McGill member, stated, "It is just a name, but at the same time we're obviously part of the university. We live our lives at McGill.The fact that they get to pick and choose who uses the name is kind of discrimi­ natory, maybe not in theory but [it] could be in practice."

Mendelson, however, argued that the administration will try to be as liberal as possible when concerned about clubs'use of the McGill name.

"We want to have a system or a set of guidelines that will seem reasonable; that is the goal," he said. ■

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CBC is offering young Canadians between the ages of 18 and 25 the op­ portunity to contest for the title of "Canada's Next Great Prime Minister" through a televised contest hosted by Rick Mercer and judged by a panel of former prime ministers.The show, now in its second season and successor to a program estab­ lished by Magna International Inc. in 1995, aimed to create a space for youth to put forward their one great innovative idea for a more prosperous Canada. The next season will air in Mar. 2008 “We had a whole bunch of submissions last year with a three-stage platform, but we're really just looking for that one great idea: how you would do it and why you're the one,”said Sarah Kapoor, a senior producer of the show.

With a revolving agenda of hotly debated current issues in Canada, the ap­ plicants have a wide range of policy issues to choose from.

"It's very important to address issues and bring them to attention," said former University of Windsor student Balinder Ahluwalia, a finalist on last year's show, "but it's more important to have solutions to these issues."

The free application process lets applicants pitch their ideas to the selec­ tion committee and the entire internet community by posting their three to five minute video submission on YouTube, creating an accessible space for a forum between contestants and viewers.

"You have a voice all the way through the process," Ahluwalia said.

While Kapoor has been encouraging young women to apply, the applicants last year were largely male, with a gender ration of about 20 to one.

"It sort of mimics Parliament,”Kapoor joked.

From the thousands of submissions the show expects to receive annually, 25 semi-finalists are selected to go through a rigorous interview process. Four final­ ists are chosen to compete on television in front of an audience of over a million viewers and a panel of former prime ministers.

"What [the panel Of judges] forced me to do was to take my issues seriously and defend them,”Ahluwalia said.

Ahluwalia was in the Shatner building last Thursday to pass out flyers and talk to students. The McGill Institute for the Study of Canada is also helping in promotion the contest on campus.

Kapoor believed that the exposure contestants gain on the show could jumpstart a future political career.

"You could spend the next 20 years shaking hands and climbing the ladder, or you could be on stage and in one night reach a million people," Kapoor said.»

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6 -News - 16.10.07

The McGill Tribune NATIONAL

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Last Wednesday was a historic moment for Ontario as Premier Dalton McGuinty was re-elected in a sweep­ ing victory for the Ontario Liberal party, marking the first time in 70 years that the provincial party has had a backto-back majority win.

The Liberal victory was won with 42.2 per cent of the vote, a three per cent drop in support since the last election in 2003, which was mirrored by a correspond­ ing loss in numbers for the Progressive Conservatives.

PC leader John Tory lost his own Toronto riding, and the party claimed only 26 seats to the Liberals'71, while the New Democratic Party trailed with only 10. The election also saw record-low voter turnouts: 52.8 per cent of those eligible voted, down from 54.7 per cent.

The losses in PC and Liberal support resulted in gains for the New Democratic Party and the Green Party, which each acquired substantial percentage increases in voter support. The Green Party had an unprecedented eight per cent gain which tripled their popular vote from the last election, though they have yet to win their first seat in the legislature.

The referendum on electoral reform was a huge fail­ ure as a result of a weak publicity campaign, apathetic voters and media and the incredibly high percentage threshold required for passage. The proposed reform for a mixed-member proportional representation electoral system was intended to mirror the proportion of votes received in the elected body, and aimed to have mem­ bers elected by geographic constituency deducted from party totals in order to maintain this proportionality.

University of Victoria Assistant Professor of political .science Dennis Pilon was concerned about the inadequacy-of the public education campaign.

"If you're going to make a decision about some­ thing, it should bean informed decision... I think that any public debate should be conducted with an interest in fairness," he said. "When the polling shows that very few people actually understand what the issue is about, that says to me that there's something wrong."

Professors of Canadian politics at McGill did not respond to messages, with the exception of three pro­ fessors who all felt they were insufficiently informed to comment on the elections.

Barbara Dourley, U 1 general management and VP campus relations for Liberal McGill, said that the pam­ phlets that were distributed to explain the referendum question were "ridiculous."

"A reasonable person, who does understand both [the first-past-the-post and the MMP] systems, could probably not have figured out what the pamphlet was," she said. "Most people had no idea that there was a ref­ erendum, and had no idea what the question was. The amount of money they spent proposing and promoting the question was not reflected in the question's visibility and peoples'understanding of it."

Had the MMP system been in place for Wednesday's

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election, the Green Party would likely have acquired seats in legislature and the NDP's seat number would have been much larger.

"A lot of [Liberal] supporters thought, 'Why are we opening up this can of worms,'since [the Liberal party] probably wouldn't have gotten the majority government win [had the MMP system been in place]," Pilon said. "The Liberals have historically been shut out of power for most of the 20th century— maybe their lack of interest in making the referendum work reflects their new position, maybe they're more confident after [having had] a term as a majority government.

Gordon Nelson, U3 political science and Ottawa resident, was a supporter of the MMP system.

"I think that we need proportional representation in our system, and if a province adopted it, hopefully that would lead to it being adopted on a federal level," he said. "With the Green party, 8 per cent of the population voted for it but they got no seats."

Pilon added that he believed the MMP system to be a more democratic system.

"I think that if we believe in democratic values, the arguments for the first-past-the-post system are not re­ ally democratic," he said.

For the electoral reform motion to pass, a majority approval in a minimum of 64 ridings and 60 per cent of voter support— a supermajority— was required. Instead, the rejection of the MMP system means that the old firstpast-the-post election system will remain in place.

"People were really poorly informed about [the referendum]," Nelson said. "If people had really known what MMP was about— what electoral reform means— it would have been better supported. I think it's time for first-past-the-post to be reformed. It's just an archaic sys­ tem."

Last Thursday, Tory said that though he would like to continue to lead the PC party, he would leave if the party so wishes.

"You can't stay where you're not wanted to stay," he told CFRB, a Toronto radio station, the morning following the election.

Proponents of Tory claimed that he would have won the election had there not been controversy sur­ rounding the faith-based schools as voters.

Premier McGuinty's policy regarding healthcare and education reform cast him as the easy favourite in the wake of popular anxiety regarding Conservative at­ tempts to fund religious schools. The Liberal party fo­ cused its campaign against the suggested PC tax reforms to pay various faith-based schools the taxes collected from those families with children in attendance.

Dourley, an Ontario ’resident, voted by proxy, and found the procedure "quite complicated."

"I am happy with the results of the election— it was definitely unexpected. The polling for several weeks had in no way predicted it was going to be that close, but when the education issue came up the polls started closing,"she said. ■

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Daily Publications Society to push for fee referendum V in c c i T sui Students at Macdonald campus are going to the polls this Thursday, Oct. 18 to decide whether or not they would like to pay $3-75 per semester to join the Daily Publication Society and receive The McGill Daily and Le Délit on campus, which are currently available on a free trial basis. Presently, students downtown pay $5.00 per semester for the newspapers.

The referendum announcement was made during an open Macdonald Campus Students' Society meeting last week held in conjunction with Happy Belly, a club that pro­

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vides a free weekly vegetarian buffet. Many students heard of the meeting through the Mouthpiece, the Macdonald campus news­ letter, and though attendance was high, a good number of attendees were only there for the food.

"I don't think [the meeting] was very ef­ fective," said Carol Frost, M.Sc. 2 entomology. "I knew about the meeting through the Mouth­ piece, but that's not what motivated me to come."

Even after the meeting, which ended abruptly after no one responded to the refer­ endum announcement, people were still con­

t i c e

fused as to the issue on which they were going to be voting.

"It didn't feel like a meeting," said Rosie Gao, Uo applied zoology. "People were eat­ ing, so it detracted from the issue.They.should have put up bulletins and maybe held a sepa­ rate meeting so that the people who attended would actually be interested."

MCSS President Lise Cobitz said that the meeting time took place with Happy Belly at the same venue because the executives want­ ed to reach as many students as possible, add­ ing that a separate meeting would have been more sparsely attended. Despite the apathetic

feedback, however, she is not concerned about voter turnout. Only io per cent of the campus population, or about 140 students, are needed to reach quorum and there have been no prob­ lems with voter turnout in referendums and elections in the past on Macdonald campus.

"I think we might actually get a better turnout than for our elections, as the [MCSS] executive is usually [comprised of] all under­ graduate students," she said. "This issue will have a greater impact on graduate students, so they will be more inclined to vote."

A two-thirds majority of quorum is need­ ed for the motions to pass. ■

: Extension of Referendum Period!

Due to extenuating circumstances, the SSMU Council has voted to push back the dates of the fall referendum period, from the previous dates of October 22nd - November 1st to new dates of November 5th to November 14th.

Due to this change: - Deadline for submission of referenda questions shall be Friday, October 19th - Nomination period for candidates for F Y C C shall be October 19th - November 1st - Campaign Period: Monday November 5th - Sunday November 11th - Debate: Thursday November 8 th - Advance Polls: Friday November 9th - Sunday November 11th - Regular Polls: Monday November 12th - W ednesday November 14th

S p e c ia l G e n e r a l A s s e m b ly C a ll f o r S u b m i s s i o n s

Students have called a Special General Assembly, to be held on November 15th, 2007 (time & location TBA). The agenda of this Special GA will include all motions not considered at the regular GA of October 9th.

As there are currently no rules governing Special GAs, SSMU has decided to apply the submission rules governing regular GAs: - Motions require 200 student signatures, or those of 8 SSM U councilors, to be put on the agenda Motions are due two (2) weeks in advance, o November 1st at Midnight to the Speaker, ■ or can submitted at the SSMU Office Front Desk.

Quorum is 100 students from at least 4 faculties, o No more than 50 from any one Faculty or School Any questions should be directed to the Speaker of the SSMU: speaker@ ssm u.m cgill.ca

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YOU HAD AN OPTION, SIR

Fear and loathing on Parliament Hill

A dra-modest proposal

T im o th y M ak T im o th y .m a k @ m a il .m c g il l .c a

JFKO STUC K@ G M AIL.C O M

year during the federal election, the Lib­ L ast erals put out a now-infamous campaign ad.

Behind a backdrop of thundering drums, a soothing female voice intoned that Stephen Harper wants to put soldiers in our cities. The ad caused a national uproar and even spurred a few Liberals to come forward and declare that the negative ad had gone too far.The video was soon pulled, but it illustrates one of the most effective tactics that the Left has used against the Conser­ vative Party. Leftist fear-mongers from coast to coast denounced the party and Stephen Harper for having a frightening and secret social agen­ da. Nearly 20 months later, can anyone claim that these accusations still carry any weight?

The reputation that Conservatives have concerning social policy is driven largely by the state of conservatism south of the 49th paral­ lel. Indeed, Republicans in the United States are largely associated with social conservatism due to the support they receive from powerful Chris­ tian fundamentalist groups. What many Canadi­ ans don't understand is that the political climate in Canada is completely different from that in the U.S. In fact, the current state of political discourse in Canada indicates that traditional social con­ servatism is, for the most part, dead.

Now, I've heard some crazy accusations about Prime Minister Harper in my time, includ­ ing a rant asserting as fact that Mr. Harper was a priest before entering politics (he was not).

But anyone who thinks that Mr. Harper is a so­ cial-conservative has fallen prey to partisan spin.

Stephen Harper biographer William Johnson indicates in his book that it is clear Harper was always much more of an economic conserva­ tive than a social conservative. Further, Harper has long held the position that moral issues are issues of individual choice and conscience, and should not be prescribed by a party line. That doesn't seem very frightening to me.

In fact, the argument could be made that Stephen Harper has actually neutralized social conservatism in our country. Over the last two years or so, Harper has diluted the strength of

J. F. K o s tu c k

social conservatism in his party by addressing two of the most fundamental issues for social conservatives: abortion and same-sex marriage.

In 2005, the first policy convention of the Con­ servative Party of Canada resulted in a decision to set official party policy against any type of legislation regulating abortion. Last summer, in-line with his idea that'the moral is personal’, Harper held a free-vote on whether the issue of same-sex marriage should be re-opened in the House of Commons. The fact that this vote was defeated by a margin of over 50 MPs is less im­ portant than the fact that Harper knew it would be defeated in advance and held the vote de­ spite this knowledge.

The incremental dilution of social con­ servative influence in the Conservative Party is noticeable. While there are still annual protests condemning abortion on Parliament Hill, legisla­ tion regulating or criminalizing abortion is now seen almost as a fringe idea, particularly among younger conservatives. The issue of same-sex marriage, once a hotbed of contention in con­ servative circles, has been quelled in a demo­ cratic manner by the House of Commons vote, and is no longer subject to frequent debate.The recent lack of a socially conservative voice in Ot­ tawa led Rick Mercer to quip recently that Harp­ er had managed to "successfully spay and neu­ ter" every last social conservative in the party, comparing them to an endangered species that David Suzuki would have to create a roundtable to protect.

During their time in power, Harper and his team have shown a willingness to adopt mod­ erate social polices that Canadians can agree with. The Left will continue to use scare tactics in order to extort votes from citizens, but it is clear that this strategy is quickly losing both its attractiveness and efficacy. A sober look at the facts indicates that the Conservatives have taken a temperate approach to social issues and shown an unwillingness to infringe on the views of an MP's conscience, an attitude that no one should fear. ■

is a sad .sight to those who walk Itthrough this great campus when they see the streets, the roads, and building entrances crowded with students of Eng­ lish followed by three, four or six drama students, all in black, and importuning every passerby for directions to the phys­ ics building. These students, instead of being able to hone their skills in the sanc­ tity of their own Arts building, are forced to use all their time in strolling to locate their next classroom, navigating the depths of the Burnside basement and the labyrinth of McConnell Engineering's halls.

I think it is agreed by all parties that these students, rendered homeless by the arts space reallocation have a grievance; and, therefore, whoever could find out a fair, cheap and easy method of once again centralizing the English Department, and granting the drama department adequate performance space, would deserve so well of the public as to have a statue set up as a saviour of the student body.

But my intention is not only to pro­ vide for the students of English; it is of a much greater extent, and shall relieve the burden of students of science, engineer­ ing and agriculture as well, who must, on a daily basis, deal with claustrophobia and frustration as a result of overcrowd­ ed buildings filled with lost and hapless students reciting Spencer, Shakespeare and Shaw.

I shall now therefore humbly offer my own modest proposal, which I hope will not be liable to the least objection.

I have been assured by a very know­ ing member of the Arts Undergraduate Society Council that the arts faculty's gain of 90 square feet during the reallocation was actually to our advantage.

Nevermind the schism of the English de­ partment, the loss of the second floor of

the Arts building, or the insertion of the French language department offices into formerly useful and conveniently located classroom space.

If this gain of 90 square feet has, in fact, brought opulence and luxury to the English department, surely 90 feet more would assure long-term happiness and prosperity. I therefore do therefore hum­ bly suggest it to public consideration that the triangle of land currently occupied by one James McGill's grave be torn down, paved over and converted into class­ room space exclusively for English and drama students.

First, it is in a prime location, mere steps from the Arts building, allowing for easy access to Moyse Hall, the English Stu­ dents Lounge, and other amenities. Sec­ ondly, the space is just the right size for conferences, leaving the lecture halls free for large classes. Drama students would have a field day playing with the dimen­ sions of the triangular performance space, and professors would not have far to trek from their offices in the dead of winter.

I can think of not one objection that will possibly be raised against this pro­ posal, unless it should be argued that James McGill himself would be opposed to his final resting place being covered in a classroom. To this I must state that I do not encourage paving over hallowed ground for the purpose of convenience, and would only suggest it in the unique case of the one University of McGill.

I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have notthe least personal interest in promoting this necessary work, and have no other motive than the public good of my school, by centralizing the English department, providing for the drama stu­ dents and giving some retribution to the Faculty of Arts.*

VOX POPULI

Impeaches are in season again B en L em ieux a n d N a ta s h a L u ttr ell BEN LEM IEU X@ G M AIL.C O M A N D N A T A S H A R Y A N @ G M A IL .C O M

T

he impeachment fever is spreading. Last week's walkout at General Assembly (in tacit support of McGill's Capital Campaign) was a heinous violation of student democ­ racy, and the bread crumbs of guilt lead back to the Students' Society offices and McGill's diabolical triad of anti-democratic terror: Angus, Barake and Itzkowitz.The recent campus hype about impeaching this guileless Axis of Evil begs the ques­ tion: Is there a constitutional basis to expunge these ill-doers from office?

Section 34.1 of the SSMU constitution contains a rather interpretive turn of phrase about the possibility of impeach­ ing an executive on the basis of"impropriety."Jackpot. Even if efforts to nail these three to the cross for their part in bringing our GA to a cataclysmic halt falters, there is still a wellspring of impropriety at our disposal, enough to put their dastardly shenanigans to rest once and for all.

Imad Barake's mere presence in the SSMU office is in and of itself an act sabotaging student democracy. Acclaimed, Barake was put into power without having received a single vote from the student body. You can see the brazen con­ tempt for representative democracy in his eyes as he struts down the Shatner halls with that unjustifiable swagger of his. Barake holds both uncontested power and control of the SSMU purse strings. He is the Saddam Hussein of McGill. In fact, isn't his middle name Hussein? If that isn't reason enough to impeach him (before he starts gassing us), we have it on

strong authority that he once bribed a Lebanese army offi­ cial for his driver's license. Imad Barake is the reason why jails are built.

Adrian Angus hates immigrants. In the past he has said, publicly and unabashedly, "Every time I eat ethnic food a part of me dies." Need we remind Mr. Angus that 20 per cent of the undergraduate body is made up offoreign students, a statistic which does not even include second-generation immigrants?

Since Angus feels that over one-fifth of his constituency has contributed to the death of his soul, how much can we count upon him to be a democratic leader or to represent the rights of minorities at McGill? Angus has also been known to drink to the point of absurd excess and become exceptionally bois­ terous. You'd be hard-pressed to find a feudal warlord with less respect for propriety and democracy.

The most infractions, however, rest on the conscience of Jacob Itzkowitz.This purveyor of autocracy was recently spot­ ted at a fundraising event for blood cancers that involved a "Kilometre of Silence" in memory of those who have lost their battle, quietly reminding other chatty participants that the walk was done in silence. Speaking during the "Kilometre of Silence,"for any reason at all, is blasphemous; McGill's hema­ tology and oncology patients are outraged and encourage you to sign the petition to have him ousted for such morally reprehensible behaviour. Itzkowitz has also committed crimes of fashion, as demonstrated by sporting his navy blue argyle

sweater with white socks and brown shoes. Are students prepared to entrust such important decisions to an individ­ ual who cannot be bothered to purchase a pair of matching socks and had his recently deceased, cremated cat delivered to his office because he is always at work? Workaholism is the first step to Satan's temple.

The democratic process must prevail in spite of the covert operations between Barake, Angus and Itzkowitz to quash freedom. Let's beat them at their own game. Gather up 200 of your closest friends, create a Facebook event entitled "Impeachment," and nobly represent all of those students whose free voices have been obliterated by this tyrannical tri­ umvirate. Their persistent refusal to play .our game on our field is tantamount to treason. The future of student democracy is at stake and as we all know, democracies do not tolerate dis­ senters or diverging viewpoints and behaviour. Democracies only recognize one single, normative absolute, an absolute to which these three have failed to adhere. And because our democratic constitution makes impeachment as easy as demonization, we might as well impeach these three just be­ cause we can. ■

This week, U2 religious studies student Natasha Luttrell joined regular Tribune columnist Ben Lemieux in his usual col­ umn space. The Devil's Advocate will return in its normal solo form in two weeks.

16.10.07 «The McGill Tribune • 9

T rtbune

EDITORIAL

www.mcgilltribune.com

Democracy and its discontents

E d it o r - in - C hief

Tiffany Choy e d ito r@ m cg illtrib u n e .co m M a n a g in g E d it o r s

Elizabeth Perle Kate Spirgen seniored @ m cgilltrib un e.com P r o d u c t io n M a n a g er

Andrew Darthan Frankel p ro d u ctio n @ m cg illtrib u n e .co m N e w s E d it o r s

Kristin Maich Ken Sun new s@ m cgilltribune.com O pin io n E d it o r

Byron Tau o p in io n @ m cg illtrib u n e .c o m F e a t u r e s E d it o r s

Meghna Marjadi Carolyn Yates featu res@ m cg illtrib une .co m A r t s & E n t e r t a in m e n t E d it o r s

Ezra Glinter John Semley arts@ m cgilltribu ne.com S p o r t s E d it o r s

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frenzy of debate over democracy on cam­ pus has been sparked once again and ru­ mours and accusations are flying about last week's General Assembly, with calls for the impeachment of Students'Society President Jake Itzkowitz, Vice-President University Affairs Adri­ an Angus and Vice-President Finance and O p ­ erations Imad Barake. Claiming that these three halted debate on SSMU's potential opposition to McGill's Capital Campaign for raising funds from private donors, members of the Grassroots Asso­ ciation for Student Empowerment, the Quebec Public Interest Group at McGill, Queer McGill and others campus groups are outraged. However, demands for impeachment of this triad are a hasty overreaction.

Spearheaded in large part by GRASPé mem­ bers disappointed that motions were left unheard by the loss of quorum, this call to oust SSMU ex­ ecutives is nothing more than a childish call to arms. Although it could be argued that the trio's actions are impeachable on the basis of "impro­ priety" according to the Constitution, which must be in a state of tatters after the number of times it has been'waved about this year, there is no rule specifically stating that encouraging a loss of quorum is a reprehensible offence, although it is clearly not one that should go unnoticed.

It could also be argued that the Manage­ ment Undergraduate Society leaders failed to act in the best interests of their constituency, but this is a fallacious claim. Perhaps they believed that

putting an end to the GA using parliamentary tactics was in the best interest of their elector­ ate, and so encouraged like-minded students to exercise their right to walk out.

While this move may have been somewhat improper, it is not grounds for impeachment.

QPIRG-McGill and Queer McGill have also sent out mass e-mails calling for students to demand explanations for the walkout, stating that if the answers are found "unsatisfactory," resignations are in order, but the basis for these demands is unclear.There is nothing in the Constitution out­ lining such actions as improper. The walkout is a procedural technique, like a filibuster, which is used quite frequently to avoid a vote. Though it was perhaps not the best form of protest against the motion, especially considering that those who left did not even attempt to express their views by taking the floor and addressing the forum, it is certainly no reason to demand that executives quit on the spot, nor is it solid grounds for their involuntarily dismissal from elected office.

And while those demanding impeachment claim the moral high ground for students, the question remains: Is impeaching three of SSMU's executives really in the undergraduates'best inter­ est? Itzkowitz has already been elected twice, and the removal of Barake, who was the only person who wanted his job in the first place, would likely result in the VP Finance & Operations post going empty. Even if the three are taken out of office, the matter will no doubt be appealed to the Judicial

Matt Chesser Aaron Sigal

Board, the final authority on SSMU legal matters and the decision would almost undoubtably be overturned as there is no legal basis for impeach­ ment, as well as scant evidence that the walkout was actually directly staged by these three.

The students who walked out were not forced to leave. Even if they were encouraged by the SSMU executives, they obviously thought little enough of the GA process to walk out without bothering to attempt participation in open de­ bate in order to stop it, which brings us back to the point that has been drilled over and over ever since the GA was first instigated: GAs at McGill, as they currently stand, are not representative of the general body and are generally useless. The fact that 30 people can end debate on serious issues may seem somewhat absurd because it's such a small percentage of the undergraduate popula­ tion, but it was almost one-third of the entire at­ tendance of the GA, which is a pretty large mar­ gin.

In the end, this is nothing more than an at­ tempt by SSMU insiders and campus politicos to quell their moral outrage at the fact that their interpretation of democracy has been flouted by procedural shenanigans. Even if the accusations against Itzkowtiz, Barake and Angus are true, they were not unconstitutional, and booting them out of office is simply not feasible, nor warranted. De­ mocracy involves working within the system, and procedural tactics are, perhaps unfortunately, part of that system. ■ J

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Iran amuck

A d v er t isin g M a n a g er

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Traci Johnson P u b l ish e r

Chad Ronalds C o n tr ibu to r s

Heather Anderson, Geoff Anstey, Matt Campbell, Kathryn Dingle, Lindsay Frank, Lena Gayraud,Traci Johnson, Jacoc Kauter, J.F. Kostuck, Mike Lake, Ben Lemieux, Natasha Luttrell, Timothy Mak, Clare Pidsley,Thomas Quail, Joanna Reznick.Tom Sardo, Adam Scotti, Matt Segal, Shruti Syal, Laura Tindal, Vincci Tsui, Mike Vallo, Ali Withers T ribune O ffices

Editorial Shatner University Centre Suite 110,3486 McTavish Montreal, QC H3A1X9 T: 514398.6789 E: info@mcgilltribune.com Advertising Brown Student Building Suite 1200,3600 McTavish Montreal, QC H3A 1Y2 T: 514.398.6806 F: 514-398.7490

ranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad graced IColumbia University with his presence a few weeks ago, verbally sparring with Columbia Pres­ ident Lee Bolinger. The remarks of both presidents sent all who watched the spate into a frenzy. Pun­ dits piled onto their ideological bandwagons and castigated all who did and didn't want to listen. Yet while the post-debate commentary centred pri­ marily on the merits of even allowing Ahmadinejad to have a pulpit at Columbia, or Bollinger's "petty and cruel dictator" comments towards an invited and prestigious guest, for me the real bombshell wasn't the Iranian leader's ridiculous comments.

Instead, the fact that some section of the audience applauded as he first tookthe stage and challenged Bollinger's remarks was the most irksome event of the lecture.

In retrospect, the display probably shouldn't have been so bothersome; after all, the signs showed that some support for Ahmadinejad should have been expected. Placards outside the event contrasted the high number of American and Israeli foreign adventures with the low Iranian tally, railed against Bushites and hawks for suppos­ edly contemplating war with Iran and drummed up old-fashioned anti-Israel rhetoric.

How does the global Left sleep at night when they have a big, framed picture of Mahmoud sitting next to them on their collective night table? AntiAmericanism is okay, especially when it's directed against the current president; and anti-Israeli criti­

cism is alright as well— the Jewish state is as flawed as any other. But the Left's vitriolic and obsessive ha­ tred of all things Bush or Israeli have led to an unholy alliance with the Iranian theocracy— a dictatorship that represents the antithesis of every tenet of the liberal credo.

Aren't these the same ideological groups that have nobly stood up for the rights of homosexual couples to marry? How can they savage the Ameri­ can religious Right and Bush's social conserva­ tive tendencies, and then, when the opportunity presents itself, give credibility to an Islamic theoc­ racy which disgustingly professes to not have any gays— maybe because they've hung them all. The anti-Republican activists in America deride Bush's governorship of Texas in which the hated death penalty saw a spike in usage; yet, here they were outside Columbia protecting the Iranian state— the state that Amnesty International reports to have executed the most people and most children under 18 in 2006— from "American and Israeli im­ perialism."

Clearly, no knowledgeable person— Left or Right— agrees with the poison that Ahmadinejad spews. Of course the Left doesn't support Iran in its persecution of gays or its dress codes for women or its repulsive denial of the Holocaust's existence.

But the Left has sold its soul in the name of politi­ cal potshots. On Sept. 24, a day before his lecture at Columbia but in the midst of hysteria over the Iranian president's arrival, Salon.com published an

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article by Juan Cole, a prominent professor of mod­ ern Middle Eastern and South Asian history at the University of Michigan, in which he states,"The real reason [Ahmadinejad's] visit is controversial is that the American Right has decided the United States needs to go to war against Iran." Similarly, celebrity comedian and political commentator Bill Maher, on his HBO show Real Time with Bill Maher three days after the Columbia event, railed against Bollinger's chiding of the president and repeated his claims that the evil Bush administration is inflaming ten­ sions in order to justify a new war on Iraq's neigh­ bour. Applause filled the sound stage.

The hawks may be beating the war drums for expanding the lraq offensive to Iran but they aren't pulling Ahmadinejad's strings. He truly believes in the abhorrent views that he expresses, and is only too ready to prick the American giant with them.

The Right probably does want war with Iran but the Iranian president's statements on gays, the Ho­ locaust, the US and Israel aren't American-manufac­ tured spin to justify that clash.

Those protestors and cheering audience mem­ bers at Columbia and the pundits and professors watching the scrum can't just white wash the theo­ cratic and persecutory nature of their anti-imperial­ ist Iranian ally. What has happened to our beloved liberalism, always defined by its anti-clericalism and mistrust of anything too religious, when self-styl­ ized Leftists are now defending the prerogatives of an Islamic theocracy run by mullahs? ■

The McGill Tribune is an editorially autonomous newspaper published by the Students'Society of McGill University in collaboration with the Tribune Publication Society. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the Students' Society or McGill University Letters to the editor may be sent to letters@mcgilltribune.com and must include the contributor's name, program and year and contact information. Letters should be kept under 300words and submitted only to the Tribune Submissions judged by the Tribune Publication Society to be libellous, sexist, racist, homophobic or solely promotional in nature will not be published. The Tribune reserves the right to edit all contributions.

Editorials are decided upon and written by the editorial board. All other opinions are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the McGill Tribune, its editors or its staff. Please recycle this newspaper.

10 - The McGill Tribune • 16.10.07 PARRY & THRUST

Private health care: what the doctor ordered?

B yron T a u a n d C aro lyn Y ates

Private health care is a contentious issue in Canada; some prov­ inces have put in place serious barriers to prevent the development of a system o f for-profit medicine. Tribune Editors Byron Tau and Carolyn Yates debate the legitimacy o f such restrictions.

Byron prescribes a pill and gets started: Liberalism is about lift­ ing people up, nottearing them down.Tommy Douglas's Medicare system was designed to ensure that all Canadians received a basic standard of care. However, insuring all citizens comes with certain costs— namely long waiting lines and understaffed, overworked hospitals. Citizens should not be prevented from using their per­ sonal discretionary income to supplement their tax funded public health care, nor should doctors be forbidden from opting out of the public health care system and going into private practice. So long as all Canadians are guaranteed a basic level of care, there's no reason why unnecessary restrictions should be placed on the de­ velopment of a market-based private health care system separate from the public one.

Carolyn brandishes a scalpel and fires back: Government institu­ tions are notoriously inefficient and incapable of change without immense public pressure. By allowing private clinics, some of the pressure for health care reform would be relieved, resulting in su­

perior private care for the rich and inadequate public care for ev­ eryone else. Introducing private health care would result in a tem­ porary flux of efficient service, followed by the degradation of the private system until it becomes no better than the public system we have now. Medical professionals switching to private practice would also magnify that difference in care. As it is, doctors already have the option of moving to the U.S., but many choose not to be­ cause of the distance and increased malpractice insurance. How­ ever, considering the fact that there is already a shortage of general practitioners, a switch to private health care could be disastrous.

Byron ups the dose, and replies: It's a common misconception that allowing private care would result in a lower standard of care in the public system. People who opt for private care would still be paying for the public system through their tax dollars; however, they would not be using the resources, thus helping to relieve some of the burden on the overworked public hospitals. Further­ more, Canadian health care is entirely socialized with both insur­ ance and hospitals falling under state control. Private insurance is inherently less efficient than government run-insurance consid­ ering the overhead that goes into advertising, but market-based mechanisms work better for hospitals and billing, helping drive down costs and improve service. A mixed public-private hospital

system would help bring badly needed market-driven efficiency to the overtaxed Canadian system. But the larger philosophical issue is really whether the state should be able to place undue restrictions on the ability of doctors to offer services for profit, and whether consumers' choices should be regulated to such a degree.

Carolyn sews this one up: Actually, health care is currently en­ tirely publicly funded and partially privately run. In some prov­ inces, doctors can collect bills directly from their patients. But ulti­ mately, hospital treatment should be about curing the underlying aliments, not just treating the symptoms. In a public system, the focus is on patients, and the opportunities for helping people is far greater than in a private system. In private medical systems, the focus is inevitably on the balance sheet bottom line.The real ques­ tion is not whether the state has any business operating hospitals, but whether hospitals have any business operating outside the purview of the state. If selling corporate sponsorship could bring more revenue into the public system, by all means, get the lino­ leum from Canadian Tire, the novelty cheques from Wal-Mart and Cheerier wallpaper from Zoom Media. But the introduction of cor­ porate business schemes wouldn't improve the system— it would actually destroy it. ■

VOX POPULI

L e t t e r s

t o

Tribune missed the boat on rowing article While the article “Rowers Sport Spandex to Raise Money for Nationals" (10.10.07) is great publicity for our otherwise low profile team, the article missed and misconstrued some important facts.

First, the Athletics Department does not fund teams based solely on the size of the team. The rowing team is one of the largest teams on campus with 80 athletes this year, not a small team as described in your article, but sits in the middle of the funding scheme as a Tier II, partially funded sport.

Second, while the new travel policy will substantially increase the rowing team's travel budget; it brings McGill in line with the travel policy of other universities. The purpose of the policy is to create a safer travel environ­ ment for the student athletes; to take the safety of students out of the hands of peers, and— rather— put the onus on professionals who are legally accountable for their actions.

Third, fundraising, like that done for the National Championships, is not new to the rowing team. Our current student executive is finding more and better ways to fundraise and to raise the on-campus profile of the Mc­ Gill University Rowing Club.

Lastly, six years ago the University in­ creased our status from club to the Tier II level.

Hard work on and off the water has gained us this status. As a Tier II team McGill now pays for some of our coaching staff and some trav­ el costs, and gives the varsity athletes meal stipends at regattas. Through events such as the fundraiser last week, we hope MURC will soon be recognized with full varsity status, putting us closer to the funding levels of rivals Queens, Brock, Western, UVIC and UBC.

t h e

e d i t o r

Primary colours

What we do hope to achieve with the T raci J o h n s o n Athletics Department in the future is creative \ tr a c i .jo h n s o n @ m a il . m c g ill .ca solutions to help teams such as ours negoti- ; ate the new travel policy without increasing • Saturday, 9 a.m. Four sleepy McGill students ar­ will shake up a government in desperate need of rive at Milton gates and pile into a four-door sedan. fees for student athletes. shaking-up.

— MarkWismer Jj Passengers include: one dual citizen via Myanmar, Sunday, 12:15a.m. Drinking and electioneering con­ a half Turk from Hyde Park, one native Montrealer verge at a bar in Lebanon (pronounced Leba-nen Head Coach, McGill University Rowing who can't vote for Barack but wishes he could, and without emphasis on the third vowel). The staffers me— a student journalist-turned-Obama supporter are watching college football and discussing a na­ Walkjout] This Way, Talk This Way from Chicago's suburbs. It's campaign season down tional poll that reports 49 per cent of respondents In the recently published article pertain­ south in New Hampshire, the site of the first 2008 would not vote for Hillary. Barack is trailing Hillary ing to the General walkout Assembly ("Gen­ Presidential primary. With pillows and political ideal­ in the New Hampshire polls, but the organizers are eral Assembly loses quorum; adjourns early," ism aplenty, a diverse crew departs for a weekend of not depressed and they're definitely not panicking.

10.10.07), the author quotes a Management campaigning for Barack Obama.

“Politics is unpredictable," Jake, a staffer from Con­ Undergraduate Society official as saying: 10:20 a.m. At the U.S. border, an abnormally friendly necticut tells me. "This would be the first time in his­ "The only way to exercise our opinion was to border guard notices our Obama stickers and in­ tory that a candidate runs 20points ahead from wire walk out and break quorum.”The article fails forms us that he's still undecided. He leans through to wire. It's not going to happen. No way." to mention that not one of the students who 10:30a.m. Breakfast at a truck stop. walked out ever rose to address the assembly. - the car window to tell us why, thinks better of it, and wishes us good luck instead.

4 p.m. We start canvassing in Littleton armed with There was no attempt to speak against the clipboards, voter logs and highlighted Google motions, nor any attempt to amend them to II 1 p.m. Welcome to New Hampshire, where people take their state motto— Live free or die— seriously maps. At each unanswered door, I leave an Obama make them more agreeable. It seems safe to and frown on paternalism. State law doesn't require flyer that the campaign tastefully calls literature. say that these students came with the sole 5:15 p.m. A man answers the door reluctantly, and intent of voting against certain motions and j j people to buckle up, and the tax on booze is nonex­ istent. I keep my seatbelt securely fastened. says he thinks it's time for a woman president. I had no intention of participating in open de­ 2:15 p.m. Drive into downtown Berlin (pronounced counter by saying it's time for someone without the bate. When they saw that they couldn't sim­ Bur-len without emphasis on the second vowel), a name Bush or Clinton to be president. He grins, but ply vote no and be done with the matter, they shrinking former mill town of about 10,000. Hillary declines to sign a supporter card. decided to sabotage the event rather than 6:30 p.m. The sun has set and we meet back at the attempt to sway those present with good 1 Clinton and John Edwards opened campaign of­ arguments. Maintaining that walking out was \ fices here on Main Street during the summer, but car. Littleton residents seem receptive to Barack's Obama's office isjust getting set up in a mom-andideas and the enthusiasm of four out-of-state uni­ the only way to make their voices heard is I pop ice cream shop that's closed for the season. versity kids. They're not quite ready to commit to a preposterous. Perhaps they should have tried J 6 p.m. After a crash-course in phone banking, we candidate though; none of us has any signed sup­ actually saying something first. porter cards.

— Devin Alfaro f start dialing registered voters in Berlin. Our mission: Monday, 10:30 a.m. We set out for one last round Arts Representative to the SSMU Council ' f ID voters and assign them a number value. The vast majority of the people we contact are 3's (unof canvassing before heading back to Montreal. A U3sociology & urban systems decideds) and proud of it. Only half the names on veteran answers his door and patiently listens to the call list are registered Democrats. The other half our pitch for Barack. He smiles and I hope that, just SEND MAIL TO LETTERS@ are Independents, who under state law can vote in maybe, showing up at a stranger's home on a crisp, either the Republican or the Democratic primary. I overcast October day will make a difference. ■ MCGILLTRIBUNE.COM log four 2's (Obama supporters) and three 4s (Hillary Traci Johnson is a member o f McGill Students supporters), and tell them all that electing Barack for Barack Obama, and a former Tribune editor.

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Volunteers embrace a borderless world C a rolyn Y ates Helping people, developing global leadership skills, and travelling around the world seem exotic, but for the Borderless World Volunteers, it's all part of the job descrip­ tion. From special events to long-term involvement on both local and international levels, the Bordeless World Volunteers are there to help.

As part of the club, students can develop their leader­ ship skills while contributing to community development projects. "We wanted to have a system whereby the stu­ dents could actively participate in all stages of product de­ velopment, fund raising, and ultimately implement proj­ ects," says John Liggins, U2 psychology, who, along with Farouk Meralli and Ryan Leo, founded the club three years ago. But the community development branch is a more recent development. Last year, the club worked at the Welcome Home mission to fix up rooms for their children's Christmas party. "This year we are actually undertaking an initiative with some local shelters to work with homeless people.Those are ongoing right now,”says Liggins."We are coming up with some ideas for projects in that area."

"The goal of the club is twofold: one is to develop leadership for global aid in the future and by giving the students first-hand opportunities to get involved in

various aspects of project development, like fundraising through out the year, actually coming up with the project ideas [...] and ultimately implementing them,"explains Lig­ gins. "The second one, and no less important, is the actual tangible benefit to these communities at the local and international level.”

Choosing a project involves all members. After re­ searching and attempting to make contact with NGOs, students prepare proposals, which are narrowed down by a committee.

One of the perks of BWV is the high degree of creativ­ ity problem-solving needed. Even better, the only thing members need pay for is airfare. “There's no administra­ tion fees, there's no bureaucracy involved with it. All the money we make goes directly to the projects and effect­ ing whatever type of programs our volunteers are trying to implement,"says Liggins.

For those who like varied levels of commitment, have no fear— general meetings are only once every few months, unless you're part of a committee. The Borderless World Volunteers are always open to new members. To get involved, visit www.borderlessworld.org. ■

NEW S: 1. STRAIGHT FROM SHATNER SEPT28- PRESIDENT JAKE 1TZK 2 . INTERVIEW WITH JOE CLARK-FORMER CANADIAN PRIMEMINISTER TELLS TVM CGIU “WHY THE WORLD NEEO Si CANADA” INTERVIEW WITH JACK LAYTON ANlJW CM AS MULC! 3 . STEP UP FOR THE CURE WITH JUSTIN TRUDEAU

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Continued from COVER patients' needs without excessive waits.

Since this ruling, the Quebec government has asserted that it will improve access to ter­ tiary cardiology and radiation oncology ser­ vices within the public system and will provide hip and knee replacements and cataract sur­ gery (after they are recommended by a spe­ cialist) within six months. If these operations are not carried out within a public hospital facility within that time, the province will pay for surgery at an affiliated private clinic in the province. If the wait continues beyond nine months, patients will be able to obtain publicly funded care at a private clinic outside Quebec or Canada. Further, Quebec residents can buy private health insurance for those specific ser­ vices should they want it.

Barely legal The Canadian Health Act of 1984 speci­ fies requirements that provinces must fulfill to qualify for the full federal contribution, includ­ ing the provision of all medically necessary services, public administration on a nonprofit basis, universal coverage, portability of cover­ age throughout the country, accessibility of in­ sured services, and a lack of additional patient charges. Financial penalties are imposed upon provinces that allow extra-billings. Therefore, the Health Act does not ban private delivery

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or private insurance for publicly insured servic­ es. Although there are laws curtailing private health care in some provinces, they can, and have been, changed.

"My reading of the Canada Health Act is that it does not prohibit the private provision of services and it does not prohibit private financing of services," says Lee Soderstrom, Professor of Health Economics and McGill.

"However, everyone in the province has to be covered by the provincial plan, whether or not they participate in the private."Soderstrom also acknowledges that, despite common assump­ tions, many provinces allow for more private financing than Quebec.

Private clinics in provinces other than Quebec, such as the MedCan clinic in Toron­ to, Ontario, are thriving despite the so-called ban on privatization in the provincial health care sector. While MedCan offers services that are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, the clinics charge a membership fee.

Essentially, patients are charged for any ser­ vices that are not covered under OHIP, such as extra blood tests. Doctors at such facilities earn a salary (making more money than the average doctor in the public system) and have fewer patients.

Mo'money, mo'problems?

Michael McBane, the national coordinator for the Canadian Health Coalition, a national organization that opposes health care priva­ tization, maintains that there are other more effective solutions to Canada's public health care crises.

"The system is only in place partly. It needs to be expanded and we need to change the way it works," he says.

In order to do so, the CHC proposes a shift in focus from solo practise to team-work among doctors, stressing disease prevention instead of simple treatment. According to Mc­ Bane, the option of private insurance is funda­ mentally problematic.

"It leads to higher cost. Private insurance automatically drives up spending and it intro­ duces serious inequalities. Private insurance caters to the rich and, more importantly, it caters to the healthy. If you're sick, especially with a serious condition, you're disqualified from getting private insurance," he asserts. "I

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y think Quebec is going down the wrong road. I think it will fail and I think they will go back the public system."

This year, the Canadian Medical Associa­ tion elected Brian Day, the founder of the larg­ est private surgical facility in British Columbia, as its president. The success of Day— an out­ spoken advocate of a two-tiered system— re­ flects the distinct change in Canadian attitudes towards private medicine.

Day maintains that the private-public debate is largely irrelevant and counterpro­ ductive, and that new privatization ideas are bound to face an amount of opposition and skepticism initially. Moreover, he insists that his prescription for health care is to complement, rather than replace, the public system. For ex­ ample, private clinics in Canada should take over all elective surgery, allowing larger hospi­ tals to focus on trauma and critical care.

"Canadians face difficult choices, but we must act. We and our patients re­ main frustrated by waiting periods that ex­ ceed all ethical standards," Day stated in his innaugural address.

that imaging in the public system," explains Todd Cherniak, President of the corporation.

"People can have private insurance that covers the costs, or they can pay out of their pockets."

Private surgical clinics deal with hospi­ tals or regional authorities that contract out surgical acts to private clinics through long term contracts. Therefore, the patient is sent through the hospital and the patient is not usually charged for the services. Fees are cov­ ered by the hospital or regional authorities.

"This is the way this privatization is mak­ ing the biggest lead," Prémont says. "It is not specific to Quebec. It is the model there, and now other provinces are coming along with it, such as Nova Scotia and Ontario."

Harper's hidden hand?

According to McBane, the growth of private health in Canada has been largely the result of the current con- i servative govern­ ment's national stratagem. As a free-market conservative, Stephen Harper is perceived to be a strong

Clinics on every corner According to Marie-Claude Prémont, a former law professor and health care’specialist at McGill and current professor at L'Université Administration Publique, there are two types of private clinics: diagnostic and surgical.

"The private diagnostic clinic falls into a grey zone, in my view," she says, pointing to the fact that in opening up these types of clin­ ics, Quebec has amended a regulation that is enacted through the Canadian Health Insur­ ance Act. "[The act] says that when some diag­ nosis are done outside of the hospital they are de-insured. Therefore it is legal, according to Quebec law, to ask a patient to pay for certain diagnostic acts... for example an MRI." Canadian Magnetic Imaging Limited is a private diagnostic imaging clinic located in Vancouver, British Columbia. Specifically, the clinic features one modality, an MRI ma­ chine with capabilities that are unique to Buc/( the public and private sectors. h "We offer something the public sec­ tor doesn't offer. For example, if you need high fueled imaging and you are over a cer­ tain number of pounds you cannot receive

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American health care reform might be a very long way a B yron T a u In the aftermath of World War II, much of the Western world abolished the ad hoc system of health insurance that then existed— central­ izing and collectivizing coverage under one universal, government-run umbrella.The United States, however, remains to be one of the only developed-world holdouts— offering govern­ ment-backed coverage only to the elderly and the very poor while relying on a miscellany of employer-run insurance pools to achieve cover­ age for working-age citizens.

In 1993 growing public anxiety over ris­ ing insurance premiums and shrinking cover­ age led Bill Clinton's administration to propose a health care package that supplemented private sector coverage with government mandates and regulation, which later failed in Congress.

However, in recent years, the pressures of

growing globalized competition and outsourc­ ing have only intensified cries for insurance re­ form in the United States and several presiden­ tial contenders— Republican and Democratic alike— have made systematic reform a cen­ terpiece of their campaigns. "There is a greater awareness of the scope of the problem," McGill American government professor Harold Waller observes."In addition the costs have escalated much faster than the cost of living during the intervening years." But despite greater public awareness, there are still significant obstacles to reform.

According to University of Mary Wash­ ington political scientist Stephen Farnsworth, one major barrier to health care reform in the United States is the fear amongst mid­ dle-class families that health care outcomes will adversely suffer under governmentrun health-care.

“The already-insured worry that the quality

of their personal health care will decline if the 45 million or so uninsured Americans suddenly ob­ tain insurance coverage.They hear horror stories about wait-times, rationing care, etc., in the UKespecially and worrythat whateverwould come ina new system would not be as good as what comes now," Farnsworth notes.

Further, there are entrenched interests that have a stake in the status quo. Insurance com­ panies and Health Maintenance Organizations would likely see their role under private health care curtailed or eliminated. According to Farn­ sworth, "insurance companies, drug companies, for-profit hospitals, and many doctors feel they will never get as much money under a govern­ ment run system."

These profit incentives, coupled with the unfettered lobbying culture of Washington D.C., and the slow nature of Congressional action, makes overcoming the opposition of powerful corporate interests very difficult. The progressive

think-tank Center For American Progress re­ ports that the Bush Medicare Part D reform was partially drafted by an insurance industry CEO, and insurance companies are among the big­ gest donors to campaigns in both parties. Big health care reforms that threaten the current system would likely meet with furious anti-re­ form lobbying on the part of HMOs and insur­ ance lobbies.

Even if reform measures could overcome the concerns of reluctant middle-class families, and the powerful insurance lobby, other press­ ing national matters may push health care re­ form to the back burner, at least until the situ­ ation in Iraq and the soaring national debt are brought under control.

"Given that the U.S. is likely to be still facing trouble in Iraq in 2008, I don't see [health care reform] getting much atten­ tion right away from a new president,” Farnsworth predicts.

16.10.07 - The McGill Tribune • 13

www.mcgilltribune.com

Doctors are hiding behind the supporter of the Supreme Court decision in Quebec.

"Harper has been a cheerleader on the sidelines," McBane says.

Prémont agrees that the conservative govern­ ment has had a heavy hand in the recent movement towards privatization.

"It is a political decision,"she asserts."It is an agenda that is being pushed by the Harper government. Prov­ inces are lining up and going that way."

However, Soderstrom insists that this shift to adopting private health in Canada has been more of an inevitable progression, rather than the direct re­ sult of a specific political agenda spearheaded by the Prime Minister.

"This stuff has been in a debate that started long before the Harper government. If you trace the debates that have gone on in Quebec...they go back to the late 8o's. By and large the difference is that the current gov­ ernment is more willing to think about private privilege, however it is not something that has not been thought of before," he says.

The American frontier Advocates of the public system, such as McBane, insist that universal health care is one of the strongest manifestations of Canadian values and identity.

"We don't think we can survive with rugged indi­ vidualism alone. We believe that we need community, especially to take care of sickness. The sick shouldn't be alone to take care of themselves," he says. "That's how we've organized a lot of social policy. Around collective approaches to problems, not survival of the fittest— which is very American."

Day, however, insists that even adament supporters of private care do not aspire to everntually "adopt an Americanstyle health system."

Despite prevailing anti-Ameri­ can sentiments, Professor Soder­ strom maintains that the best way to analyze the likely effects of a private provision on the performance of health care in Canada is to look at the American experience for guidance.

"There is a large amount of literature out there that looks at the likely effects of private provision on the performance of the health care services. Ifyou look at the preponderance of evidence, it suggests that the full profit provision does not improve quality of care, does not improve productivity and it's not at all clear that it improves ac- ; cess,"he says."There is even literature that looks at private clinics and says if you look at the quality of care, the private clinics have it much worse than public clinics. Unfortunately, [Canada] is not yet marked by this debate."*

Waller however, believes there will be some efI fort, especially if the Democrats fare well in 2008. "[It] depends on who controls Congress and a variety of | other factors. But if the Democrats control the Con­ gress and the White House, I think that there will be a big push for health care reform."

The barriers to health care reform in the United States are serious, but not insurmountable. Since the 1993 reform effort, public awareness has only grown, and films like Michael Moore's Sicko have put a human face on patients denied coverage by prof­ it-driven HMOs. A September 2007 CBS poll shows that 66 per cent of Americans are either somewhat unsatisfied or very dissatisfied with the quality of U.S. health care, while a June CNN poll shows that 64 per cent of Americans desire a national government-run health care system, even if it meant higher taxes.

And as more and more middle-class families expe­ rience the destabilizing, cost-cutting effects of out­ sourcing and globalization, cries for reform will only grow louder. ■

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Despite the rising loonie, Canada is losing doctors to the States J o a n n a R eznick If you're going into medicine for the money, you may want to switch faculties and go into business. No matter what country you're in, the pay for physicians isn't stellar. A recent study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal states that i in 9 physicians who train in Can­ ada leave our snowy white North to practice in the United States. The two main incen­ tives for relocation are remuneration and the availability of specialty positions. Al­ though there's a shortage in general prac­ titioners in Canada, the CMA reports that most jobs for sub-specialists in Canada are unavailable, which can lead to relocating • vVj O'9 ' to the US. Salary is also enticing— despite the ris­ ing loonie, American doctors make nearly twice as much as Canadian doctors in each particular field, which amounis to about $100,000 more each year in the pockets of American doctors.That seems to be a significant incentive to move. At least, one would think so.

The numbers don't add up According to a 2001 Canadian census, Canadian specialists make roughly $125,000 a year. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, specialists make about $228,000 a year. That $100,000 more isn't always worth it.

"Based on a discussion with at least ten different American colleagues, I've established the idea that there is greater income in the U.S. is fallacious," says Dr. Barry Rubin, chief of vascular sur­ gery with Toronto's University Health Network. "There is huge competition for patients, a large amount of medical malpractice insurance, and a huge cost in running a private clinic.”

The pros of running your own clinic do not necessarily match the cons, furthermore malpractice insurance can cost a practic­ ing surgeon over $100,000 a year. Running your own private clinic also makes it difficult to hold additional research and administra­

tive jobs, which greatly supplement a doctor's income. "I have three full time jobs: I'm an administrator, I run a research lab and I run my vascular clinic. It's therefore possible for me to make at least as much or more than an American doctor and in a much more stable environment,"says Dr. Rubin.

Canadian pride Nationalism is another factor that prevents Canadian phy­ sicians from moving to more lucrative, American clinics. Talking to medical students shows that many are interested in staying in Canada and public healthcare and occupational benefits are on the list of reasons.

Amanda Abate, U 3 honours Immunology, is currently apply­ ing to medical school.

"Canada has provided a lot for me and I want to give back to the country," she explains. "As long as I can afford to pay for furni­ ture that I don't have to put together myself, I'll be happy."

Canadians aren't the only ones planning on sticking around after school. Some Americans are also considering practicing in Canada. "The incentive to work here would be the opportunity of working in a universal healthcare system," says Caroline Skolnik, a second year medical student who insists that income has not influenced her future career choice.

Although Canada is losing doctors across the border, perhaps with the climbing dollar they may return. A recent article in the Globe and Mail by Richard Levin, dean of medicine at McGill, sug­ gests a reassessment of our facilities in order to prevent doctors from crossing the borders and entice travellers to head home. An increase in our technological facilities might help in that respect.

Please stay put!

"As long as we work on our waiting lists, the public system is a great system; we shouldn't try to seek out an alternative form of care,"asserts Youjia Shen, a second year medical student.

Hope for the future of Canadian medicine lies in the hands of its new students, maintains Abate.

"Helping to change the Canadian system for the better isjust more incentive for me to stay here." ■

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A cure for your Thanks-1Because everyone needs a few giving withdrawal 1 more chickens crossing the road S hr uti S ya l

L in d s a y F rank It's only been a week since Thanks­ giving, but in case you miss your turkey and pumpkin already, this recipe is a per­ fect combination of both. Don't be scared to put pumpkin in your chilli— it adds more to the texture than to the taste, so the end result is thick and hearty and not at all reminiscent of a sweet pumpkin pie (not that you can ever have enough pie).

This chilli is refreshingly different from tra­ ditional ground beef chitii and pairs well with cheddar cheese and sour cream on top and warm cornbread on the side.

Ingredients r tablespoon olive oil

’A teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or t/8 tea- .

"Because I was processing my first accident re­ spoon cinnamon) port at the transport company where I worked, I was 19 ozcan diced tomatoes, drained being particularly attentive. The driver had hit a deer 19 oz can white kidney beans, rinsed and | on the highway, and the result was a severely dam­ drained aged hood and fender. My serious m ood was broken, 2 16 cups pure pumpkin puree however, when I reached the section o f the report that ’A cup salsa asked, 'Speed o f other vehicle7 The driver had put 2 tablespoons diced green chiles . Tull gallop" 7 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar -^Douglas Wakeham, Reader's Digest Salt and pepper

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2 lbs ground turkey 2 cloves garlic, minced 7 ’/> cups chopped peppers (mixture o f red, yellow and green) 16 cup chopped carrots 16 cup corn 16 cup chopped celery or peas 2 tablespoons chilli powder 7teaspoon ground cumin l 'Ateaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

3.

Steps Sautée onions in olive oil in a 3L (at least) stockpot. Add turkey and cook over medium high heat, breaking up meat with a fork, until turkey is browned, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic, peppers, carrots, corn, celery, chilli powder, cumin, red pepper flakes and pumpkin pie spice. Cook for 3-5 minutes.

Stir in drained tomatoes, white kidney beans, pumpkin, salsa, chiles and vinegar. Mix well. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, adding a bit of water or chicken broth if too thick. Season with salt and pepper, and adjust other seasonings, adding more red pepper flakes or cin­ namon, if desired. ■

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The phrase, "no one can resist a good joke," would be better as "no one should resist a good joke." Science has done an autopsy on laughter, and it has revealed remarkable results.

Laughter as medicine is as old as it gets. From a 13th century surgeon who told jokes to his patients as they emerged from operations, to Obijway Indi­ an doctor-clowns, to present-day "humour rooms" in hospitals, there has never been any doubt about laughter's therapeutic prowess, and now there's sci­ ence to back it up.

Research conducted by Lee Berk, of California Loma Linda University Medical Center, supports the idea that laughter enhances the immune system by boosting the production of immune enhanc­ ers and suppressing the production of stress hor­ mones that weaken immunity. It also impacts the psyche, which is closely related to the immune and endocrine systems. Laughter may be simple, but benefits go far beyond the act itself. Laughter in­

creases breathing rate, breaks the pain-spasm cycle common to some muscle disorders and temporar­ ily increases heart rate and blood pressure, increas­ ing circulation and oxygen supply. The complicat­ ed combination of physiological reactions makes laughing what some researchers have called "inner jogging." Metabolism steps up, burning off calories.

Body temperature increases and the entire system is showered with adrenaline, making you feel good all over. Even better, these effects last for up to two hours after you stop laughing.

Psychological benefits of humour include in­ creases in self-esteem, creativity and negotiating and decision-making skills. By putting life in per­ spective, it helps to maintain a sense of balance and relieve stress. Even therapists sometimes use jokes as an interpretive device when more direct communications may be too threatening and anxiety-producing.

Laughter is the best form of preventive medi­ cine available. Flumour is part of a set of survival skills that relieves tension, keeping people fluid and flexible in the face of relentless change. Being able to laugh at yourself is a hallmark of self-satisfaction and great character because it shows willingness to accept criticism and advice.

People are taking the idea of laughter pretty seriously. While scientists have examined humor in good faith, they seem to have turned jokes into double-edged swords. But we shouldn't need rea­ sons or excuses to laugh. That'd take all the fun out of it. ■

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The past comes alive at sites all over the city 1

•' K a th r y n D ingle

As one of the oldest cities in North America, Montreal has a rich and colourful history dating back over 350 years. From the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal to the Victorian mansions of Outremont, it also has the historical landmarks to prove it. If you're in the mood for exploring, or just need something to oc­ cupy the interests of visiting relatives for a few hours, here's a guide to the city's best historical sights: Notre Dame Basilica Even before Celine Dion's wedding brought the Basilica headlines in 7994, it was always one of Montreal's most notable landmarks. Built in 1829, the neo-gothic Basilica is known for its spectacular stained glass windows, paintings, wood carvings and sculpture. Just behind the main hall is the famous Chapelle du Sacré Coeur, but if you're planning on tying the knot here, book ahead the usual waiting time is up to two years. From Janu­ ary to June the Basilica plays host to "And then there was light," a sound and light show depicting the history of the city and the church ($10 per person).

77 0 Notre-Dame O.; Metro: Place-d'Armes.

Hours: Mon-Sat 8-430, Sun 12:30-4:15■$4 admission.

Marché (Market) Bonsecours Located in the heart of Old Montreal, Bonsecours Market is recognizable for its magnificent silver dome and waterfront location. Originally opened in 1847 as a farmers market, Bon­ secours has been used since as a concert theatre, city hall and even as a host to United Canada's Parliament in 1849 when the nearby Parliament buildings were burned down by Tory rioters.

The building has recently returned to its roots and now serves as a bustling tourist marketplace of boutique shops, cafés and art galleries.

350 St-Paul

Metro: Champ-de-Mars.

Hours: seven days a week; exact times depend on time o f year.

Free admission.

Pointe-à-Callière European settlers first landed at Pointe-à-Callière in 1642 where they founded the city of Montreal. The site is now home to Montreal's Museum of Archaeology and FHistory, billed as "the

only North American museum rising atop an authentic archaeological site.'"The underground museum takes you deep into an archaeological crypt and is packed with interactive displays, vid­ eos, and voice projections that bring Montreal's history to life.

This winter, the museum will be hosting an exhibition on the 1837 and 1838 rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada to mark their 170th anniversary. Make sure to check out the lookout at the top of the museum's tower for a great view of the Old Port.

Sir George Etienne Cartier National Historic Site This former residence of George Etienne Cartier, one of Can­ ada's founding fathers, has been faithfully restored to look the way it did when he occupied the house in the Victorian era. At­ tached is another former Cartier home which is now a museum dedicated to his life's work.There's also a Museum Theatre group that frequently performs re-enactments of Cartier's life.

350 Place Royale; Metro: Place-d'Armes.

Hours: Summer, Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat-Sun n-6. Winter, Tues-Fri 10-5, Sat-Sun 11-5. $7 student admission.

458 Notre-Dame Est; Metro: Champ de Mars Hours vary. Check out www.pc.gc.ca/cartier for up-to-date times. $3-95 for admission.

City Hall With a history as tumultuous as Montreal's, City Hall is much more than an administrative centre. Its impressive building was completed in 1878 and witnessed a severe fire in 1922 which de­ stroyed everything but the outer walls. In 1967 it was from its bal­ cony that French President Charles de Gaulle famously declared "Vive le Québec libre!" Free guided tours are offered of the building dur­ ing the summer. Make sure to stop by at night and see it all lit up.

For more information on Montreal's history, check out the Centre d'histoire de Montreal at 335 Place D'Youville (student ad­ mission $3).The museum hosts two permanent exhibitions and a number of temporary ones. For more on historical places, make the most of Montreal's two tourist offices at 1255 Peel St., and 174 Notre-Dame St. East, or go to www.tourism-montreal.org. ■

275 Notre-Dame Est; Metro: Champde-Mars.

Hours: 8:30-4:30. Free admission.

Saint-Sulpice Seminary Located right beside NotreDame Basilica, Saint-Sulpice is the oldest building in Montreal, dating back to 1685. Built by the Catholic Order of the Sulpicians, the Seminary is the city's finest example of the insti­ tutional architecture of New France.

The clock above the front entrance was given as a gift to the Seminary

by French King Louis XIV in 1701 and is said to be the oldest in North America.

But don't count on going beyond the entrance— it's closed to the public.

776 Notre-Dame Ouest; Metro: Placed'Armes.

IUIVI Dt\ï\U\J The Notre Dame Basilica is both shiny and functional!

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Local bluegrass night celebrates tenth anniversary E zra G un te r Along a dark wooden bar adorned by a motley wall of snapshots and a shelved, eyepatched bust of Elvis, scruffy men in cracked leather jackets and pony tails crowd for a drink with ciean-cut university students and old tim­ ers in outsized belt buckles and stiff, buttondown shirts. Pool players at the back of the room polish their cues while impatient patrons at front tables play cards, whiling away the wait before the classic rock standards on the juke box give way to a different kind of music, presaged by the assortment of guitars, banjos and fiddles already lining the stage. The athmosphere is convivial. Even if it's your first visit to bluegrass night, you're already amongst friends.

It's a typical Sunday night at St-Laurent's Barfly, a watering hole known for its eclectic musical offerings, where for ten years bluegrass fans and musicians (and there is not always a strict distinction between the two) have gath­ ered to share age-old tunes and techniques.

Over the years the weekly gathering has seen a veritable who's who of the Montreal roots music scene pass through its ranks, includ­ ing songstresses Angela Desveaux and Katie Moore of bluegrass septet Yonder Hill and co­ organizer Mark Peetsma who plays double bass with Li'l Andy and Karaoke Cowboy, as well as with shock rocker Corpusse and klezmer quintet Kleztory.

Founded in 1994 by St. Thomas, Ontario natives Tom and Bill Small, the bluegrass night was originally located at the legendary Café Sarejevo before moving to the Smalls' loft next to St-Laurent's Euro Deli and then eventually to Barfly.

"I cut my teeth there," said current co-or­ ganizer and Notre Dame de Grass guitarist Mat­ thew Large, who started going to bluegrass night while still a student at McGill. "I was one of the new kids and I certainly looked up to Tom and Bill and learned a lot from those guys— most of all about the pioneers of bluegrass."

"In those days there were some older guys

EZRA GUNTER Mandolins and acoustic guitars and banjos, oh yeah! Keeping the "grass" in "bluegrass.

who were still able to make it out," Large added, "so it was a nice meeting place of some of the real young people and a good selection of older folks."

Pioneering roots musicians who attended bluegrass night during the first few years in­ cluded fiddler and multi-instrumentalist Gilles Losier and guitarist Bob Fuller, who is also the founder of the notorious Hillbilly Night at Notre Dame de Grace's Wheel Club.

While there has always been a core group that has sustained the event over the years, the transitory university population has also been a great help, according to Large.

David Gruber, U3 history, first started going to bluegrass night after meeting some fellow musicians in upper-rez during his first year at McGill.Though the guitar player andToronto na­ tive had previously played other acoustic music, such as Country, Delta Blues and Appalachian folk music, he was not specifically acquainted with bluegrass.

"I never really played any strictly-bluegrass music until I started playing with the people [at Barfly], so I had to learn it on the spot almost," said Gruber."But now I do it quite a bit."

Though bluegrass is often based on and is frequently confused with other genres of roots music, it is actually a specific style that devel­ oped after the Second World War. Defined on the basis of mandolin player Bill Munroe's foun­ dational band the Blue Grass Boys (named after a region of Munroe's home state of Kentucky), Bluegrass is a rhythmic, fast-paced acoustic style with extensive improvisatory solos rotated amongst the traditional instruments of guitar, mandolin, double bass, banjo and fiddle. While today's bluegrass, like most genres, has spawned a variety of progressive variants, Large tries to keep the Barfly night relatively traditional.

"The only rules are that there's no electric­ ity and no drum," he said. "Those are important things that I'm always going to keep. There's enough opportunity for people if they want to go play country-rock or if they want to play blues or gospel music, but for us on Sunday nights it's an attempt to create a performance space for old time country and bluegrass music to grow and blossom."

While the regular group at the Barfly is tight-knit, Large insists that the event is open to

EZRA GUNTER Keepin'the "blue" in "bluegrass." all comers.

"Over the years I've been worried that it feels like a closed environment and I don't want it to be like that, it's really open to anyone who's interested," he said.

"If you only know three chords and a cou­ ple Johnny Cash songs that's fine," he added.

"There's some guys who have been playing for a long time and know a lot of songs and a lot about bluegrass music but we need to keep our attitudes open to new people. It's not a clique."

"I just do it because it's fun, because it's what I like to do," said Gruber of his continued involvement. "It's not business— at least not the way we do it."

"I work a full-time job and Monday morn­ ings are a little bit hard after playing until two o'clock in the morning on Sundays," added Large, “but I still love going and I love to see the new people come in and feel their love for bluegrass music. So as long as it's fun I'll still be there.” ■

Bluegrass night will celebrate its tenth anni­ versary with a special concert at Barfly (4062a StLaurent) on Sun., Oct. 28 at 70:00p.m.

P O P R H E T O R IC

Obligatory Radiohead Piece (No. 1) J o h n S emley After a few weeks of cryptic website shenanigans, Ra­ diohead announced at the end of September that their seventh full-length album, bearing the fairly lame title In Rainbows, would be released as an online download (with listeners setting their own price, zero pence being an option) on Oct. 10, giving fans only ten days to process what exactly was going on. It seemed that a decade after having said "OK" to the computer, the band was ready to pony up.

Well, it's been a week since the download heard 'round the world and while there have been some snares (to the disappointment of audiophiles, the files were rather underhandedly released at 160 kpbs, only marginally better than the audio quality of an iTunes track), Radiohead's whole operation realized itself rather ingeniously and— though I'd hate to vest any already exceptionally popular musical group with any undue airs of consequence— historically. Of course, downloading music online has been prevalent, in varying degrees of legality, for about as long as the internet modem.

But what fascinates me and what I find to be so important about In Rainbows, is its business model.

Online downloading has been sticking in the craw of artists, producers and record store owners since its inception.

Even the legal alternatives to brick-and-mortar record stores, iTunes et. al, have come nowhere close to rectifying the problems posed by the rise of the internet and the industri­ ous computer-savvy music fan to both art and industry. Even though online music outlets provide fairly easily-navigable (and best of all, legal) options for acquisition, the ease of il­ legally obtaining the same music remains only slightly more complicated.

This year alone, albums by Dinosaur Jr., Animal Collec­ tive and Interpol (among others), were leaked online and distributed through peer-to-peer networks well in advance of their scheduled release dates. Radiohead, in their near-infi­ nite cleverness, merely repatriated this whole frustrating and fiscally detrimental process. Instead of passing the album to potential record labels (the step responsible for most of the interception and illegal circulation of music), the band leaked it themselves. And though some Luddite reactionar­ ies may go lambaste Radiohead for releasing In Rainbows as

an exclusive online download, the album will be available in stores in 2008: jewel case, liner notes and all.

What's more, the option to pay as much as you like for In Rainbows at least tacitly underscores a fundamental question often ignored in discussions of online distribution (which tend to gravitate around preserving the record company's bottom line): How much is music really worth to the listener in this digital climate? And though I would probably extol this distribution model no matter who the artist in question was, the whole situation seems perfectly suited to Radio­ head. While Thom Yorke and co. have moaned about techno­ logical alienation since the mid-9os, they now see fit to even the score: to reclaim virtual space from corporate technopoly and to introduce innovative, largely-untried models of sale and distribution which favour equally the autonomy of the artists and the audience. Sure it may be just a PR stunt (how­ ever inspired), but the whole ordeal suggests alternatives for the still malleable realm of digital sales, which presently seem inextricably bound to longstanding brick-and-mortar corporate practices. ■

16.10.07 • The McGill Tribune • 17

FESTIVAL DU NOUVEAU CINÉM A 2007

M asked an d sy n o n y m o u s Suppositions on a review of a film concerning Bob Dylan J o hn S e m le y It's hard to make a film about Bob Dylan without lapsing into euphuistic idolatry or dull biographical minutiae. Considering the bard's immensely devoted fanbase and his substan­ tial saturation in recent years— attributable to the fact that, yeah, the guy never stops touring, but also to documentaries, books, t-shirts, Star­ bucks-exclusive albums, cell phone ringtones and far, far, too many'Best Of'collections— any film which attempts to envelop the breadth of Dylan's life, works and lofty cultural import seems doomed to disappoint. To director and co-writer Todd Haynes' credit, I'm N ot There is not exactly a failure, but it's certainly a bit of a mess.

Instead of going the way of Oliver Stone's The D oors and trying to gloss over the major events of Dylan's life or focusing on a specific period in his career (as James Mangold did with Johnny Cash in Walk the Line), Haynes unravels Dylan metonymically rather than biographically.

I'm N ot There sees six actors playing Dylan. Each has a different name and serves as a stand-in for either a certain period in his career (Christian Bale as Jack Rollins, the folk ingénue turned froheaded born-again Christian and Cate Blanchett as Jude Quinn, the reclusive icon who deserted his fans) or as a fictional element of his persona (Richard Gere as Wild-West outlaw Billy the Kid and Ben Whishaw as someone who either is or

shares the name with French symbolist poet Ar­ thur Rimbaud). There's also Marcus Carl Frank­ lin as a prepubescent prophet named Woody and Heath Ledger, who somewhat resembles an early-70s Dylan, as an actor whose big break came playing Bale's character.

It may all sound terribly confounding, but in creating these imagined pseudo-Dylans, Haynes is dutifully recognizing the existence of the 'real' Bob Dylan as a sort-of contemporary myth, a fictionalized persona. It's not so much a film about Bob Dylan the singer/songwriter/ poet/messiah as it is about the concept of'Bob Dylan'— constructed as much by the man him­ self as by public perception.

Shot in the style of an E! True H ollyw ood Story on shoestring budget, the Jack Rollins bits are some of the most interesting, even if Bale looks and acts more like a Saturd ay Night Live caricature of Dylan. But then, considering the style, that's probably the point. Blanchett's Dylan is fairly engaging as well: we see the trou­ bled troubadour chase tail (Michelle Williams as a Nico/Edie Sedgwick composite), mock a cru­ cifix with Allen Ginsberg (David Cross) and ward off a hard-nosed journalist (Bruce Greenwood) who just doesn't get it, man.

Blanchett's performance is total Oscarbait, but if the narrative and stylistic panache of the Jude Quinn segment seems familiar, it's because you've probably already seen it twice: once in D.A. Pennebaker's excellent 1967 Dylan

documentary D on't Look Back which covers the same seminal period and again in Fellini's 8 7/2, the compelling thematic similarities of which are somewhat undermined by Haynes's exces­ sive visual referencing.

Haynes tactfully circumvented the strin­ gency of biographical accuracy in the interest of storytelling with his 1998 film Velvet G oldm ine, which told the tale of not-quite David Bowie glam rocker Brian Slade. But in I'm N ot There, the director's knack for bending the rules of the biopic is beset by his desire to abandon them entirely. The film is a bit too freewheelin'and at 135 minutes, feels overextended.

But what pulls the film together is Dylan's music, which (unsurprisingly) pervades the

soundtrack. The songs provide the film's real cogency, with tracks like “One More Cup of Coffee" or "Blind Willie McTell" coalescing oth­ erwise disparate stories and establishing links between the different. Dylans which are articu­ lated emotionally and thematically. And though the film stumbles, the relation between music and image stands as the real triumph of I'm Not There. In uniting the varied elements of his sub­ ject in ways more visceral than restrictively bio­ graphical, Haynes has created a film which can be convincingly called "Dylanesque." ■ I'm Not There plays Oct. 21 a t 9:00p .m .; ExCentris, Salle Cassavetes (3536 St.Laurent) and Sees w ide th eatrical release Nov. 28.

T h e r e lig io u s ra sh U n q u ie t on th e E a ste rn fro n t France finds a fresh face in an old story

Film gives a Bible belting

H ea t h e r A n d erso n

H ea t h e r A n d erso n The only thing worse than the current epidemic of so-called 'reality'televi­ sion is its accompanying rash of pseudo-documentaries masquerading as 20X20 •exposés. Unbuckling M y Bible Belt (directed by Patricia Tassinari and co-produced with narrator Laura Kathryn Mitchell) would have made a solid piece of biograph­ ical fiction: a gal who has been living in Quebec for 15 years returns home to the empire south of the border after the death of her mother, and struggles to assimi­ late the current political situation into her own personal politics, spiritual views and family relationships. But for a candid statement about American culture in the Deep South, this film misses the mark.

Forget random sampling— the handful people we meet across several states are all members of the same family who are grilled on two topics that Canadians are taught to avoid like the plague: religion and politics. Assuming Mitchell's rela­ tives actually feel comfortable enough to share their honest opinions on cam­ era after her 15 year absence (which, judging by some of their reactions, seems dubious), their religious and political views fall for the most part within the socalled conservative spectrum, but also expose the arbitrary nature of the divide between the left and right, a construction that is not addressed by the film.

This would have been an excellent opportunity to find a historical basis for the Democrat/Republican dichotomy, but instead, Mitchell's loaded questions to navigate through this bumpy family reunion, we are left to our own devices.The ironic similarities between Quebec and Texas—two nations within a nation— are never addressed either.

Filtered through the memory of Mitchell's religious but politically liberal mother, this film has a warm touch and shows that not all Christians hold the same political opinions, even in the U.S. A magnet she used to keep on her fridge sums up Laura's mother's position: Quit using Jesus as an excuse to be a narrow minded, bigoted asshole. Amen! But are all conservative Christians just that? What does it actually mean to be a fundamentalist for example? This film certainly won't tell you, but the short clip that shows the fundamentalist pastor explaining what he believes the end of the world will be like is offered as though it is evidence that he is helping to bring it about!

We feel a little embarrassed for Laura and her family at times. It's as though she's actually unbuckling her relatives' belts and exposing them to an audience who definitely aren't kinfolk. But Laura asks a worthwhile question:"ls it even pos­ sible to govern a country according to the teachings of Jesus?" Unfortunately, this question also lacks a frame of reference, applying Jesus'teaching on interpersonal relationships (turning the other cheek, going the extra mile) to state policy. Ac­ cording to Laura's logic (and with all due respect to the position of devoutly paci­ fist Christians) the disgusting lack of intervention in the genocide taking place in Sudan and Chad, as well as neglecting to defend one's own children from a criminal, could also be substantiated by a mandate of non-violence. Perhaps this, and not the war in Iraq, is what Laura's cousin had in mind when she said, "Jesus doesn't expect anyone to be a doormat". Context is everything. Too bad this film won't give you any. ■ Unbuckling My Bible Belt will be screened Oct. 21 a t 5:20 p.m .; Ex-Centris, Salle Paralèlle (3536 St-Laurent).

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Don't be fooled by the banal title, Serge Bozon (Amitié, Mods) stretches simplicity to the limits of fan­ tasy in La Fra n ce, his third full-length feature. La Fran ce dissects its eponymous nation through the mind's-eye of a woman in search of her war-weary husband in the autumn of 1917. At once biographical and allegori­ cal in its conflagration of femininity and violence, La Fra n ce offers a realistic depiction of despair and determination. Like the symbolist artists of the era of the First World War, Bozon has made a film that evokes a sense of mystery and poetry through the juxtaposition of seemingly unlikely objects: cross-dressing on the front lines and soldiers who sing 1960s sunshinepop ballads.

Camille (Sylvie Testud) has not heard from her husband, the soldier Francois Robin, for some time.

One day, a short letter arrives asking her not to write to him anymore and stating that she will never see him again. Disguised as a boy, Camille bands together with a group of mysterious soldiers bound for the front, or Belgium, or maybe Atlantis. Under the tender yet terse leadership of their Lieutenant (Pascal Greggory) the'infamous orphans'guide Camille through the beautiful, stark French countryside. As her destiny intertwines with that of her companions, Camille's role evolves from nuisance to nurturer and even heroine.

So where is France in this film? It is all around in the dark and haunting cinematography. It is absent in Camille's quest for Francois. It is fragmented, gleaned from the hearts of each character. And it is intermit­ tent, found in the lyrics of the soldiers'variations on a musical them e— a blind girl who shares her bed with men from neighbouring countries (sung to the tune of "Gospel Lane" a British psych-pop hit from 1967, as recorded by Robbie Curtice and Tom Payne).

Although occasionally associated with the French n o u velle va g u e ("new wave") cinema of the 1940s and 50s, Bozon, in his latest film, eschews the sometimes gratuitously self-indulgent tendencies of that movement. According to Bozon's rendering, France is neither condemned nor decried, though perhaps encouraged to be, in the words of Camille, "more gentle".

A result of his move away from new wave decadence, Buzon's film distinguishes itself from those of his contemporaries, such as the latest work by Chris­ tophe Honoré which also played at the Montreal Fes­ tival du Nouveau Cinema last vyeek and which seeks

LEDOUX.BE La France: m ore than ju st Sartre and salons. to pay homage to the French movie musical as con­ ceived by Jacques Demy in his 1967 classic Les P a ra p lu ­ ies d e C h erb o u rg . Time will tell whether Honré's stylized approach in that colourful feature ages well or not.

As for La France, while Buzon resists taking cues from his forerunners, this allegorical treatment of a historic event achieves the timelessness of Delacroix's famous painting,"Liberty Leading the People". Just be glad you don't have to go to the Louvre to see it! ■ La France w ill b e sc re e n e d O ct. 77 a t 9 :00 p .m .; Ci­ n e m a Im p é ria l (1430 Bleury) a n d O ct. 20 a t T.30 p .m .; ExC entris, S a lle C a ssa vetes (3536 St-La uren t).

18 • Arts & Entertainment • 16.10.07

The McGill Tribune TH EA TR E

P re v ie w s 1 \ / 1 usic. Queens of the Stone Age. Oct. 16 at 730 p m ; Metropolis (59 Ste-Catharine E.). Josh Homme and co. bring their brand of Palm Desert stoner rock to Montreal thisTuesday. Psychedelic Texan rockers Black Angels and melodic Scot­ tish trio Billy Clyro open the show. Tickets are $31 at the door or $29 in advance from w w w .adm ission.com

M

I usic. Ron Hynes. Oct. 19 at 830 p.m.; Sala Rossa (4848 St-Laurent). Award­ winning Newfoundland singer songwriter Ron "Man ofaThousand Songs" Hynes promotes his self-titled 2006 album as part of the Wintergreen Concert Series.

For ticket info call (514) 524-9225.

L e c tu r e . Michael Hardt. Oct. 18 at 6:00p.m.; UQÀM, Pavilion Judith Jasmin, Room 400. Literary theorist/politico and buddy of Antonio Negri speaks to the role of the metropolis as a site of social multicplicity and production.

F ilm. M etropolis. Oct. 19-24, Cinema du Parc (3575 Parc). Friz Lang's cult classic silent science fiction film has been given a state-of-the art restoration and can now be seen in its entirety for the first time since the 1927 premier. Accompanied

by Gottfried Huppertz’s original orchestral score and English sub-titles, the movie will be introduced by scholars of note prior to screenings. Call (514) 281-1900 for more info.

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Fance. B Movie Extravaganza. Oct. 23 at 8:00 p.m.; La Tulipe (4530 Papineau).

Local burlesque troupe Blue Light Burlesque draws inspiration from classic B movies in this titillating performance featuring Lys Blues Male Artist of the Year guitarist Kevin Mark and his band. Audience members are also encouraged to dress up. Tickets are $25 at the door or 520 in advance from w w w .adm ission.com

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Monday, October 2 9 th @ 8pm

SKETCH TOUR :

A hilarious tongue in cheek sketch comedy show featuring Megan McDowell the winner of The Second City's Next Comedy Legend on CBC

S a in t s S h o w b a r Advance $8, Door $10 A d v an ce tic k e t a v a ila b le a t

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Tony (Emmett Fraser) and Linda (Victoria Sherry) play a hot Italian couple unsatisfied with life, sex and each other. They seem out of place in the murky hovel of a bar, but the audience soon discovers they have problems and insecurities just like others in the play.

Fraser and Sherry are reminiscent of musical-comedy cou­ ples like Grease's Rizzo and Kenickie, though they fortunately refrain from bursting into song. The pair give a convincing performance and, most impressively, manage to maintain spot-on accents throughout.

The entire show flows well and maintains its en­ ergy through to the very end, which is remarkable considering the play's in­ tensity and dynamics. And although the title suggests a focus on Shum's char­ acter, there are no minor parts: each player is round­ ed and has at least one juicy monologue.

For first-time director MIKE LAKE Julie Moreau, the choice

Five 32 year olds walk into a bar; the ensuing punch line is Savage in Lim bo, the first show of the year by student-run Tuesday Night Café Theatre. Written in 1984, the play takes place in the Bronx, playwright John Patrick Shanley's old stomping grounds. Savage draws together five unlikely char­ acters and sees them exchanging stories, opinions and emo­ tions in one dusty room.This is a touching comedy about the nature of change, and what can happen to your life when you're not looking.

The lights go up on a bartender named Murk (Kevin Anderson), and pa­ tron April (Emilie Trudeau) who is asleep on a stool.

Anderson plays the part of a faux-cynic, and deliv­ ers his sharp witticisms in a perfectly wry monotone. His character is the 'mean guy' who, truth be told, possesses not a nasty bone in his body.

Trudeau is hilarious as the drunk yet harmless oddball Savage am usem ents: the cast o f TNC's S a v a g e in L im b o . ^ 's Particular sh °w was on the edge of insanity. Her based on her admiration improvised quirks are childish and endearing, yet her char­ for Shanley, whose more recent play D ou b t won the Pulitzer acter maintains the tragic aura of a woman whose potential Prize for Drama in 2005. Calling Savage in Lim bo "short, funny has been squandered. and poignant," Moreau was also particularly attracted by the The entrance of the eponymous Denise Savage (Steph­ play's dominant theme of change. anie Shum) introduces a feisty and restless woman going As the first show of the season, TNC Theatre had exactly through a pre-mid life crisis. She is frustrated by loneliness a month to cast and produce Savage in Lim bo. Despite this, and inspired by urgency to change, yet unable to do so while it is obvious that no corners have been cut and everything stuck in a spiral of boredom and defeat. Either that, or she's from the climatic fast paced argument scenes down to the on her period. random collection of props has been expertly rehearsed and Rather than turning the play into a bitter one-woman organized. If you haven't yet checked out any TNC produc­ rant, Shum fills the title role with a suitable sense of derelict tions, Savage in Lim bo is a good place to start. It provides a passion, seeming at times as if she is about to burst the quick-fix comedy warm-up and a sure-start for what prom­ seams of her own skin. But her speedy train of thought often ises to be a cracking year of performances. ■ perplexes both the audience and the characters; frequently her speeches end with an awkward pause before another Savage in Limbo runs from Oct. 17-20.; Morrice Hall (3485 character asks,"what the hell are you talking about?”

McTavish). For reservations call (514)398-6600.

F ro m r o y a lt y to r o o k e r y Chess as a theory of everything B yro n T au

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In his b o o kTheElegantU n iverse, Brian Greene expounds on the wonders of string theory, describing it as a "theory of everythingf'ln David Shenk's sweeping history The Im m ortal Gam e, chess too takes on this all-encompassing mantle. Ac­ cording to Shenk chess has played a crucial role in human history from the Islamic Renaissance to the European En­ lightenment to the birth of cognitive science and the com­ puter revolution, sometimes driving important milestones and other times acting as an important re­ flection of a certain historical Zeitgeist.

Shenk's book is built mostly on a series of powerful and enormously interesting an­ ecdotes that chart the progress of human civilization through the ages. Chess, he ar­ gues, was crucial to understanding increas­ ingly complex mathematics, especially the power of doubling and exponential growth.

It played an important role in the rise of Is­ lamic civilization, and was introduced to Europe via the Spanish Moors. Moreover, its introduction perfectly correlated with Eu­ rope's transformation from a feudal society characterized by violent struggle over re­ sources towards a modern state based on re­ strained, non-violent forms of economic and Checkm ate, political competition.

The author's anecdotes include the chess antics of Ben Franklin in Europe as a colonial ambassador on the eve of the American Revolution, who ignored a threatening check against his king, opting to make an illegal move with an­ other piece. “Your king is in check!" his French companion protested."If he was a good King, he would deserve the pro­ tection of his subjects; but he is a tyrant," Franklin impetu­ ously replied, "Take him, if you please. I can do without him, and will fight out the rest of the battle en républicain'.'

Shenk further posits that it is no coincidence that as American colonists threw off the shackles of monarchical power and as Europeans began to privately reevaluate au­ tocracy and oligarchy, the pawn took on a new central role in chess; en masse, and properly defended, pawns became part of elaborate defensive webs, showcasing the power of even the weakest piece and symbolizing the decline in elite power and the rise of the masses.

And as the world's contours and continents become mapped, and humans began to probe the depths of their own minds, chess was again at the forefront of discovery. Using chess, psychologists and cognitive scientists re-evaluated their no­ tions of intelligence and expertise, empha­ sizing practice over ingrained talent.

Interspersed through the lively narra­ tive, Shenk gives a play-by-play account of one of the most famous chess games ever played— the so-called "Immortal Game" played in 1851— all while examining his own personal family connection with the game, in the form of a famous chess master ancestor. It's a bold structure that doesn't quite fit a book so short, but Shenk handles it competently.

Ultimately, however, Shenk leaves us AMAZON.COM wanting more. The book is grand in scope, science! covering thousands of years of human his­ tory, but is short on thorough, thoughtful analysis. As Shenk himself points out, thousands of volumes have been penned about the game. While writing a book gives an author space to explore ideas though long-form narrative, Shenk often barely scratches the surface. In chess, every­ thing is quite literally black-and-white.This book however, is a shade of gray. Shenk has written a concise, lively account of chess peppered with fascinating facts— well worth read­ ing, but miles short of breaking any new ground. ■

16.10.07 «The McGilITribune • 19

www.mcgilltribune.com

R e v ie w s Castanets. In The Vines. Americana for psychedelic-folk fans, In The Vines is the third album from the New York based Castanets. The band is made up of Raymond Raposa and whoever else cares to join him, including label-mate Sufjan Stevens, who makes an appearance on this album. Often Raposa and his guitar are the only constants between songs, which create an eclectic mix of tracks. "This Is The Early Game" beautifully weaves Raposa's rattling, countrytinged voice with that of a haunting, smooth-voiced woman, whereas in "Three Months Paid" he's up against a backdrop of electronic beeps and waves of feedback. The three minutes of scraping distortion at the end of'Rain Will Come’ doesn't really seem necessary, but Raposa's melancholic Devendra Banhart act at the beginning of the song makes up for it. Overall, the album has the feel of a man and his guitar travelling through an ethereal, ever-changing landscape, with each song perfectly blending bare voice and acoustic guitar with more synthetic textures.This is the ideal album for road-tripping across America right after a nuclear holocaust— or just hanging out at home.

— Laura Tindal Intensive Care. 2805. Intensive Care is a rock band in your midst. Formed by students at Mc­ Gill, the four-piece met at a hot dog eating contest and decided to amalgamate their musical creativities soon after. Their first EP, 2805, was released last May and is comprised of five tracks.

The opener, "Distorted Love Song," begins with a haunting piano riff and builds into a frenzy of minor chords and tuneful wailing. "K" is the longest and most epic track of the album, with a grand guitar solo, atmospheric instrumentals and gothic lyrics.The album plays with a poppier stance in "Stray" and "Break Me Up, Machine," before concluding with the slow and spooky "So Tired." Bands members Derek Koziol (bass), Nadim Maghzal (guitar), Jonathan Parsons (drums) and Phillipe Manasseh (piano and vocals) have already enjoyed positive critical response in the local area even after a short hiatus due to Parson's broken wrist. Intensive Care are back in form, however, and about to start a series of gigs. Intensive Care plays w ith The Refined a t 3 M inots (3812 St-Laurent) on Oct. 19.

— Clare Pidsley Radiohead. In Rainbow s. Unlike much of 20 0 3 's Hail to the Thief, Radiohead's latest release saves itself from sounding rehashed by taking the tried elements of their sound to new places. Strik­ ingly, one of the most notoriously brooding bands out there have finally loosened up a bit.

Not to take away from their previous work (hell, everyone knows happy music is for pussies anyway), but it's a refreshing change to hear Thom Yorke's voice not so world-weary this time around. "Nude" for instance, shines because despite lyrics like “Now that you feel it/ its gone," it never for a moment feels bleak and is truly one of the band's most hauntingly beautiful songs.

"15 Step"is downright danceable, while"Reckoner"is the closest Radiohead will ever get to De­ troit soul with its soaring falsettos and pounding rhythm. And what is really impressive about In Ra in bow s is that even with its relaxed feel, the music doesn't lose any of the intricacies associated with Radiohead.

The delicately moody "Arpeggi" and the franticly rocky "Jigsaws Fall into Place" both have superb guitar interplay that bring the songs perfectly to their respective apexes. It may not reach the lofty heights of The Bends or O K C om puter, but it does obtain the brilliance of Kid A . That being said, this is best album Radiohead has put out in years, and unlike Kid A, the most accessible as well.

— Geoff Anstey

Elvis Costello. M y Aim is True. They say hindsight is 20/20, but listening to M y Aim is True restored to its original glory, there is simply no indication of the un­ even trajectory that Elvis Costello's career would fol­ low after the release of his 1977 debut. Sure, "Alison" hints at Costello's predilection for jazz crooners, but such a tender, bittersweet song is such a far cry from the vapid "jazz"and “classically'-influenced monstrosi­ ties that Costello would produce after marrying the insipid Diana Krall. And while "Less than Zero,""Mystery Dance"and "Welcome to the Working Week" may have presaged the brilliant This Year's M odel, and "Sneaky Feelings"may have foreshadowed "Veronica,"the album is mostly free of the bag­ gage of Costello's latter-day sins and triumphs. Instead, Costello delivers a carefree romp through the perils of youth and the trials of love, crafting a masterful rock performance that sounds as fresh in 2007 as it did 30 years ago. Costello's vocal style is always a delight and the tight guitar work and carefully sparse instrumen­ tation gives the album an undeniable crispness and focus. The deluxe version extras, however, are often hit-or-miss.This special edition includes the complete album, several demos and alternate takes, as well as a live show interspersed with songs that would become the backbone for Costello's magnum opus— the new wave, punk-influenced This Year’s M odel. Of special interest are two early versions of "No Action" and the concert versions of "Lipstick Vogue" and "Lip Ser­ vice" which provide illuminating glimpses into Costello's musical evolution. For the most part, however, while live versions of album favorites are all handled competently by Costello and his newly-formed Attractions, there's nothing really new here. Even casual Costello fans certainly already have well-worn copies of this album, and only the bona fide collectors will shell out for the alternate takes of"Alison"and "Sneaky Feelings." But for those unfamiliar with Costello's work, this reissue is a perfect introduction.

— Byron Tau

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The McGill Redmen started the 2007 football season with high hopes of improving on last year's 4-4 record. With all but four starters returning and a new coach with an impressive foot­ ball pedigree, they had every reason to be confident.

Think again.

With six games in the books, McGill is still looking for its first win after falling to ioth-ranked Concordia 13-8 in front of 1,536 cold and wet fans who turned out at Concordia Stadium for the 21st annual McGill-Concordia Shrine Bowl.

The loss was a typical one for this year's Redmen, who once again were unable both to stop the running game and to capital­ ize on ample scoring opportunities.

The Stingers gained 365 yards on the ground, led by their lightning quick QB Liam Mahoney who slithered and scrambled his way to 181 yards rushing on 19 attempts and RB Cedric Ferdi­ nand who chalked up 159 yards on 25 carries.

Like their run stopping efforts, McGill's vaunted offence also struggled in this grudge match, finding the end zone only once.

"It's the story of our season. We can't buy a win," a clearly frustrated captain and QB.Matt Connell said. "It's just us hurting ourselves. I really thought we had this one the whole way."

Failure to capitalize on turnovers

The first quarter opened slowly, with the teams trading seven punts in the first seven possessions. Late in the period, however, Concordia capped off a 55-yard drive with a field goal

by Rene Paredes from 20 yards out.

McGill was not short on oppor­ tunities to take control of the game in the second quarter as Mahoney, still learning the CIS ropes in his first year, SARA YOUSEFNEJAD fumbled the ball on two straight pos­ sessions, the first one forced by DE WR Cory Watson gets w rapped up by a rare M cGill tackle.

Luke Van Ruyven and the second by S from little to nothing as Connell temporarily switched roles and Anthony Lucka.

The Red 'n' White managed to fol­ punted fora single at the start of the third for what would be the Redmen's last score of the game. low up the second fumble recovery As the third quarter progressed, Concordia put together a with a four-play, 21-yard drive capped nine-play, 75-yard drive culminating in a seven-yard touchdown off by an eye-popping touchdown grab run by RB Curtis Cates to make it 10-8 for the Stingers with 8:51 left by standout SB Eric Galas who jumped in the stanza. Paredes then added another field goal midway in over a defender to make the catch with the fourth to cap the scoring and seal McGill's losing fate.

2:59 left in the half. Galas finished the The Redmen came up just short of a comeback victory by day with six receptions for 77 yards and plowing down to the Concordia seven yard line with just under one touchdown. three minutes to play. The drive, which was aided by pass inter­ Concordia RB Cory Watson then coughed up the ball yet again, immedi­ ference and roughing-the-quarterback penalties, fizzled as Con­ nell's third-down pass to WR Charles Antoine Sinotte fell incom­ ately after the Redmen touchdown, as plete and Concordia took over possession. the Stingers put the ball on the ground McGill had one final chance after taking over on downs at for the third straight possession. Still, their cross-town rival's 49 with 20 seconds left. They moved as far McGill failed to convert the turnover into more points and went into the half as the 34 before an interception by DB Sean Guevremont sealed the victory for the Stingers. with a 7-3 lead.

The Redmen are now assured of thèir worst record since "We're going to have to find a way 1966, and this season's lofty goals have been traded for the hope to score more points," said Head Coach of just one victory.

Sonny Wolfe. "Our defence came up "We had a chance late in the game and it's frustrating when with enough stops and turned over the you don't win the game. But this is a group of kids who play hard ball a few times, so we have to put more for 60 minutes and when that's the case, ultimately we'll find a points on the board." way to get some wins," Wolfe said. "They're fighters."

The quest for a W will continue next week with a Home­ cada vnnrrcMciAr, Offence stalls in the clutch SARAYOUSEFNEJAD , , , , . . r .,>, # coming week rematch against Concordia on home turf at Despite three giveaw ays, Concordia w as able to finish drives w h ile M cGill struggled n the second halr- Mcbills ottenMolson Stadium. ■ to punch in touchdow ns. sive production dried up further, going

THIRD MAN IN

Don't be em b arrassed by shrinkage * *

he National Hockey League is floundering in America.

Ratings are in the toilet, attendance is down— even in traditionally strong hockey markets such as Detroit and Colorado— and the mainstream press seems only to care about the league when there's violence and injury involved.The sport becomes less relevant with every passing day, surpassed in popularity by NASCAR and UFC, among others. And Gary Bettman wants to talk about expansion.

Pardon me, did I miss something?

According to the Boston Globe, at the latest NHL Board of Governors meeting expansion was briefly dis­ cussed, with the Globe commenting that "the next round [of expansion] will likely add two teams." Kansas City and Las Vegas are rumoured to be the front-runners at the mo­ ment, though if BeeBeetown, Iowa, or any other city for that matter, were to come up with the $250-million expan­ sion fee, I'm sure they would be considered as well.

I know $8 -million— each owner's share of a single expansion fee— is enticing, but the NHL needs to stop making short-sighted decisions that ultimately hurt the welfare of the sport. Expansion would further dilute the talent pool in the league, and bring hockey to two more markets that don't care about the game. It just

T

doesn't make sense.

The NHL' is big enough already. There's no need for two more teams. In fact, there's one easy solution to solve many of the league's woes: contraction. Shrinking the league by a minimum of two teams would go a long way to improving the quality of play and overall strength of the league. Would anyone in Phoenix really miss the Coyotes?

Would there be a public outcry in Nashville if the Preda­ tors disappeared? Taking away teams could be addition by subtraction at its best.

There would be many added intangibles to shrink­ ing the league. The NHL could re-align their conferences, hopefully finding room for the Detroit Red Wings in the East. Teams would benefit from extra games against qual­ ity opponents, increasing attendance league-wide. Wayne Gretzky would no longer have to suffer through coaching an AHL-quality team in the middle of a desert.

Best of all, a number of fringe players would find themselves without jobs. While ruined livelihoods aren't usually a cause for celebration, the sudden concentra­ tion of skilled players from the downsized teams would help reduce the number of knucklehead thugs in the league. If one peruses the recent history of ugly incidents

M

att

C

hesser

in the NHL, a disturbing trend rears its head: Most of the players are grinders— borderline players always on the verge of unemployment. Jesse Boulerice, Brad May, Chris Simon, Dale Hunter and Gordie Dwyer make up five of the seven longest suspensions in NHL history and all would have trouble making an NHL roster in a smaller, talentoriented league.

In order to survive in America, the NHL needs its bigmarket teams to thrive, so let's give them a better chance to do so. If the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers all have less competition, how is that a bad thing? The recent success of sunbelt teams— Ana­ heim, Tampa Bay and Carolina— has proved that certain hockey markets do not interest the mainstream media.

However, if the Rangers were to play the Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup Final, even the casual sports fan would have to take notice.

But alas, the league will probably pick the cash-grab scenario and expand yet again. Hockey will continue to get lower ratings than the Westminster Dog Show and Bettman will continue to insist the NHL is "grow­ ing the game". In this situation, however, bigger isn't necessarily better. ■

mmsm.

www.mcgilltribune.com

16.10.07. Sports-21

PROFILE— REDMEN FOOTBALL

Q u a r t e r b a c k in g c a t a ly s t

FROM THE CHEAP SEATS

Better known as the JFJ Plan

Record-holding Connell key to firepower M ike V a l l o Try these numbers on for size: 38 completions, five touchdowns and 536 passing yards— all McGill single­ game records— 173 completions and 2,146 yards— all McGill single-season records. These are just a few of the McGill football records held by Matt Connell.

The fourth-year pivot from St. Bruno, Quebec has been the showpiece of the Redmen offence since his first start in 2004 and it is no accident that Connell has become one of the most dynamic playmakers McGill University has ever produced. His is a life that has been consumed by football since the first time he hit the gridiron.

"My dad played football and my mom was a big foot­ ball fan. I think [the] first Chrismas ornament my parents bought me when I was a year old was a football ornament, so I guess it was in the family,"Connell said. "I played every sport, but football was my passion."

Connell started his pigskin career at age six in St. Bruno. He moved on to play the game at Kent School, a prep school in Connecticut, where he honed his skills as a quarterback.

"My coach let me throw a lot and I really liked it,"Con­ nell said. "I played with some real quality players [such as] Etienne Boulay who now plays with the Alouettes. My first year there we won all-New England so it was a good expe­ rience. Football there was a big thing."

Connell was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school and was presented with a variety of opportu­ nities to play football at the university level. Initially, McGill was nowhere near the top of Connell's list.

“To be honest I was going to stay in the States. I was looking at some Ivy Leagues, some Division 1 and some Division 1-AA schools," he said. “Most of the Cana­ dian schools were in contact with me but I wasn't paying big attention."

It was the persistence of former McGill coach Chuck McMann and the proximity to home that ultimately lead Connell to Molson Stadium.

"I was around McGill when I was younger, I was a ball boy for three years," he said. "I came up] [during] the ban­ quet weekend in March and in a matter of two days I knew when I went back I was going to commit right away.”

That decision has paid off in a big way, both for Con­ nell and the Redmen.

In 2003 Connell saw almost no action coming off the bench. However, in 2004 he exploded on the university football scene with an impressive season that earned him all-Quebec honors.

Ir, 1005, Connell continued to shine, leading the league with an average of 297.4 passing yards per game.

Last year, the veteran quarterback once again led the league in average yards a game (306.6) and matched his personal record of 13 touchdowns in a season. Connell's stats are particularly impressive for a quarterback who an­ chored an offence that was often one dimensional and

. ■,A..

JiiMis- - : «m m i •

_ P tim fi- m m m m m ÊÊÊÊaÊÊm

M a tt S egal

I f you've ever talked to a Maple Leafs fan— which, by virtue of being

ADAM SCOTTI M cGill's all-tim e touchdow n leader w arm s up. predictable under McMann.

"My first year was a learning year for a lot of us but we did pretty well and I had a good season personally,” he said. "Coach McMann did a great job with me, letting me throw the ball a lot and I think we have been pretty successful with it."

This season, under new coach Sonny Wolfe, Connell once again leads the league, passing for an average of 306 yards per game and throwing 12 interceptions to go with his 12 touchdowns. In one of the only bright moments of the year, the fourth-year pivot broke the McGill record for career touchdowns.

For Connell, who in addition to playing for the Red­ men also coaches football at various levels, the sport is his lifeblood. He plans to stay involved in the sport, in some capacity, permanently.

"Obviously I'd love to play on, it's something I've al­ ways wanted to do," he said. "But I'd really like to coach. I want to coach at a high level, college or pro. Football is what I live for. It's what I want to do for the rest of my life."

Whether he will continue to shine on the field as a player or on the.sidelines as a coach, one thing is cer­ tain: Connell will continue to be a major player on the Canadian football scene. ■

M o v e o v e r J o n n y M o x o n , S u n s h i n e a n d Paul C re w e . C onnell's g o t th e m o v ie po se d o w n pat.

at McGill, I suspect you have— the very mention of Toronto win­ ning the Stanley Cup is met by a sort of resigned messianism. It will come someday, no doubt, and when the pendulum finally swings back to the Leafs, hopefully the Nikolai Borschevsky nostalgia can cease.

How much longer until that day? The Red Sox and White Sox have proved that the wait can eventually end, while the Cubs are re­ affirming that it may not be in my lifetime. Until then, suffering Leafs fans wait.

But this is professional sports, and "Let's wait a few years" doesn't exactly inspire a swarm of fans waving wads of cash in the air outside the team's box office. While it may not be said explicitly, inside team headquarters the process is known as rebuilding: Bulldoze, draw up new blueprints and try to build it up again.

It may not be easy to win a championship, but rebuilding is easier than it looks. Rooting for some horrid, perpetually revamping teams has versed me well in how to do it without keeping the fans away. So, if you're ever in charge of resurrecting a waning franchise, just follow this handy guide: Step 1: Lose fo r less. If your team's going to lose, it's got to lose on the cheap. Fire longtime scouts and replace them with the sta­ dium's peanut vendors. Gut the roster. Slash the payroll. That means no more pricey veterans and certainly no more steak dinners on the corporate credit card. You won't be entertaining any free agents, any­ ways, and at least Kraft Dinner has some protein in it.

Step 2: Control th e spin. You've just traded away the fan fa­ vourite, a surefire future Hall of Famer, for a conditional sixth-round draft pick in the 2023 draft, a 28-year-old minor leaguer and a playerto-be-named-later (the player-to-be-named-later will hopefully be named "Sidney Crosby,"although I wouldn't count on it). On the sur­ face, the swap won't sit well with the press or the average devotee.

Again, control the message: Officially, waiting to see the results of a combination of new and worse personnel is known as "fielding a more competitive team,"or"giving our young guys a chance,"or some garbage like that.

Step 3: S ift through th e trash fo r recyclab les. Pick up some veteran free agents off the scrap heap. Remind the media of the days when these players might have been sought after by other teams, perhaps while they were perched on the cusp of mediocre. Aside from inexpensively filling out the roster, these additions will enable you to remind fans and sportswriters about the veteran savvy and leadership that a Garry Valk or Doug Mientkiewicz will provide for your team, and how he will fill the void left by the recently-traded franchise player. You can even say the new guy is "great in the locker room,"a comment which hopefully no one will take out of context.

Step 4: G ive false hope. It's the day before the season,-and the team you preside over hasn't got a chance. There's no reason a first-time coach, mediocre prospects, and waiver wire castoffs can't win, right? "Every team's 0-0 today," you say. "Right now, we're tied for first place." If that doesn’t work, placate the team's followers with distant, vague benchmarks; more importantly, make them rolling benchmarks. Declare that you expect to see "some progress" in a few months— once the team has had a chance to gel, of course. Upon having a .179 winning percentage after two months, redefine "prog­ ress" and take a few more months.

Step 5: D istract w h e n e ver po ssible. Unveil new alternate jer­ seys, throwbackjerseys, practice jerseys and warm-upjerseys. Sched­ ule several bobblehead nights so fans can gain some familiarity with the players, or at the very least, so the crowd won't look confused and shrug when your starting lineup is announced. When pressed about the team's lack of success, reference other bad teams. Nuggets like "At least we aren't the '62 Mets,” or "What's the rush? It took the Red Sox 86 years,"seem like good ways to deflect criticism.

Step 6: Polished m arketing cam paig ns. "Kitna's Eleven" or "Wade Dubielewicz Mania!" may not be the best way to appeal to potential customers, so stick to the positives. Eventually, your team will be able to boast having the last three number one overall draft picks; market them alongside your theme word, "potential."

Step 7: E xit stage left. It is (oddly) more dignified to resign from your disaster of a franchise than to keep working until you get the pink slip. Needless to say, you'll land on your feet. Fortunately for you, failed team executives seem to have an endless array of options in the sports broadcasting world, from in the studio (Mike Ditka), to the broadcast booth (Kevin Kennedy), to the soapbox (Don Cherry).

Yes, folks, it's just that easy. And when the next job offer comes along, simply return to Step 1. Lather, rinse, repeat. ■

The McGill Tribune

2 2 -Sports-16.10.07

BASKETBALL— REDMEN 101, WINDSOR 9 8

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

A R e d m e n c la s s ic W ill h e s t a y o r w ill h e g o ?

PF Anthony d o m in a t e s in win J a c o b K a nter Heading into the McGill Redbird Classic, history did not seem to favour the McGill Redmen. The Red 'n' White hadn't won the tournament in the past seven years and hadn't beaten a nation­ ally-ranked opponent since February of 2003. But thanks to forward Sean Antho­ ny, that's all changed.

Anthony tallied 76 points in three games, including a career-high 33 points in a 101-98 upset of the Windsor Lanc­ ers on Saturday, as McGill captured the men's bracket of the Classic. Windsor en­ tered the tournament as the third ranked team in Canada, while the Redmen were not nationally seeded.

"I've never seen players lay it out like that," Head Coach Craig Norman said of Saturday's victory. "We were taking it to the rim, we weren't settling for jump shots, we were taking the ball into the lane, and we got to the foul line a tre­ mendous amount."

Indeed, in a game whose pace was frenetic from the opening tip until the final buzzer, McGill's tenacity and energy never wavered. The Redmen were diving for loose balls, contesting the Lancers' shots, and running a high-tempo of­ fence that kept the Windsor players on their heels.

Anthony exemplified the effort and energy his coach spoke of, grabbing 14 rebounds, half of which came on the offensive glass, to go along with his 33 points. The senior forward also made his presence felt from outside the arc, going 3-4 from 3-point range.

It's not just me [who can play multiple places on the court]. We all in­ terchange positions," Anthony said. "We can post different people up and create mismatches."

While Anthony and his teammates are individually balanced, the team as a whole is balanced as well. On a night when one of their leading scorers, guard Matthew Thornhill, shot only i-for-8 from the floor, his teammates picked up the slack with third-year forward Yannick Chouinard and guard Moustafa El Zanaty each scoring 19 points.

McGill trailed when El Zanaty en­ tered the game midway through the first quarter but they soon went on a 16-0 run to close the quarter leading 27-20, and never trailed after that. Windsor was be­ hind 80-66 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, but cut it to 95-93 with 23 sec­ onds left. Anthony responded, overpow­ ering three Lancers for a three-point-play that brought the crowd to its feet and killed the Lancers'comeback chances.

"We have weapons all over— the scoring is going to come from some­ where," Anthony said. "We're competing.

We compete in practice and it shows on the floor. We fell short in the playoffs last year and we're looking to make some noise this time around."

McGill opened the tournament on Friday with a 99-89 victory over the York Lions. El Zanaty had a career-high 25 points and four Redmen reached double figures in points in the victory.The Red 'n' White went on to close out the weekend by defeating the Bishop's Gaiters 90-58 to claim the tournament title. ■

I know that George Steinbrenner isn't exactly allergic to boneheaded decisions—note the firing and rehiring of Billy Martin and signing busts like Carl Pavano, Kevin Brown and Randy Johnson to blockbuster contracts—but follow­ ing through on his ali-too-common threat and actually firing beloved Yankee manager Joe Torre would be sheer lunacy. The Boss had threatened to release Torre if the Yanks could not claw their way back from a 2-0 divisional series deficit against the Cleveland Indians, and when the come­ back proved futile, many thought that the skipper finally would be handed his pink slip.

The former All-Star catcher turned super manager was hired by the Pinstripers in 199s and has not only lasted, but thrived throughout the past 13 seasons at the helm of the Yankee ship. While every baseball fan knows that New York is the toughest market to crack as a player or a manager with the constant "championship or bust" mentality swirl­ ing around Yankee Stadium, Torre has proved remarkably successful and resilient, winning over the maniacal Bomber fans in the process.

While the knock from Torre-haters is that he has failed since 2000 to guide the Yankees to a World Series title even

with a bloated payroll, the manager, astoundingly, has led the club to the playoffs in every single one of his 13 cam­ paigns. Torre has won four World Series (including three in row from 1998-2000), two Manager of the Year awards (1996, 1998) and guided the Bronx Bombers to their first championship in 15 years— back in 1996. He has the most wins of any manager in the Yankees’ illustrious history and is currently eighth all-time—and third of those still activeon MLB's managerial wins list.

On a less technical level, he has shown the immense depth of character desirable in a leader operating under the heat of the perpetual New York limelight and has somehow, put up with Steinbrenrter's never-ending med­ dling. Torre has also developed a fantastic rapport with his Yankee players, amazingly never having lost his dressing room in 13 years.

Torre has found that unique zone between being regarded as a softer "player's manager" and the immense success often associated with task-masters. But, hey, if the Yanks don't want him, I’ll take Torre on the Jays bench in about a New York minute.

The New York Yankees are built to win championships, not just to make it to October. Their 2007 payroll topped out at just under $200-million, and yet that wasn't good enough to get them past the first round.They were beaten on home turf by a Cleveland Indians team with a mere $61million budget and now have a 25-31 record in postseason games since 2000. Someone has to shoulder the blame and it should be Yankees' head coach Joe Torre that feels the wrath of the Steinbrenners'heavy hand.

The Yankees are an enormous money-making enter­ prise, generating millions of dollars in profit every year, and the fickle New York fans that support the Yanks demand success from their favourite team. They need to be ap­ peased and the easiest way to do so would be to fire Torre.

It's unfortunate that coaches have so little job security, but when forced to choose between blaming players—whose contracts are difficult to unload—and coaches, owners understandably side with the players. Getting rid of the

long-tenured Torre would be the quickest way to shake-up! the team and inject some new life into a stagnant locker room.

Torre has also made some questionable decisions in the last couple of years, ranging from hanging Alex Ro­ driguez out to dry, to pitching Chien-Ming Wang on only three days rest in Game Four. Torre's squads have also re­ cently developed the bad habit of starting the season extremely poorly and then having to make an incredible late-season charge to claim a playoff spot. This lack of early season focus reflects badly on Torre and could be the im­ petus for a coaching change.

While he's good at dealing with the media scrutiny, Torre hasn't proven recently that he deserves to handle baseball's biggest payroll. Sports are. a “what have you done for me lately"business andTorre hasn't done enough to save his job. Joe has got to go.

— M att Chesser

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16.10.07-Sports-23

S p o r ts B rie fs

L a st C a ll

com p iled by M a t t C h es s er a n d A aro n S ig a l

STANDINGS Soccer(M)

w . L

T

p

GF

Soccer (W)

W

L

T

p

GF

Ottawa

Laval

4

1

4

16

19

Laval

6

0

4

22

30

Concordia

Montreal

4

1

4

16

11

Sherbrooke

7

3

0

21

27

Carleton

UQTR

4

3

1

13

8

Montreal

6

1

3

21

36

UQTR

UQAM

3

2

3

12

10

McGill

5

1

4

19

14

McGill

McGill

3

4

2

11

12

UQAM

2

5

2

8

6

Sherbrooke

3

5

0

9

7

UQTR

2

7

1

7

9

Concordia

1

6

2

5

7

Concordia

2

7

0

6

8

Hockey (M)

OTL

ON DECK Men's Soccer— Sherbrooke Vert et Or at M cGill Redm en; Frid ay, 8 p.m . at M olson Stadium The Redmen face an always plucky Sher-1 brooke side that never fails to play the I part of the thorn in McGill's side. The I Red 'n'White have looked solid this year, I building on preseason hopes and try­ ing to slip their way into a playoff posi­ tion in a very tightly contested Quebec j conference. With the Vert et Or only two points behind the Redmen, McGill needs to fend off a pestering attack to keep Sherbrooke from passing them in the standings. Expect a raucous and exciting affair, however, as Head Coach Eullafroy's McGill side have lived up to their scoring hype and are second in the division with 12 goals in only nine games.

We're still looking for a sports co lum nist. We're desperate... like Chicago Cubs desperate but w ith o u t th e losing for the last full century.

Em ail us at sports@ m cgilltribune or drop by th e Tribune office (Shatner 1 1 0 ) for m ore inform ation.

No. 9 Martlets upset No. 5 Carabins F Magalie Kolker and D Emanuela Narcisi scored in the 43rdand 65th minute, respectively, as ninth-ranked McGill came away with a key 2-1 home-field upset over the fifth-ranked Montreal Carabins at Molson Stadium, Sunday. Both McGill goals were set up by midfielder Hannah Simmons. It was the first loss of the season for the Carabins (6-1-3) who dropped to second place in the Quebec conference, one point behind Laval (6-0-4) and tied with Sherbrooke (7-3-0). The Martlets (51-4) extended their undefeated streak to eight games and are now in fourth place, two points back of Montreal.Three points separate the top four squads in the eight-team league.

Whyte leads the charge for the Martlets Lauren Whyte finished second of 41 women as McGill captured the Laval Open cross-country running meet on the Plains of Abraham, Saturday. It was the second consecutive meet title for the Martlets, who also won the Sherbrooke Open on Sept. 29. McGill placed runners in the second, fourth, fifth, eighth and 11th spots to score 30 total points. Sherbrooke was second with 40, followed by Laval (71) and Concordia (99). On the men's side, James Young was sixth as McGill finished fourth o f five teams in a race won by Sherbrooke.

T r ibu n e call

Fo o tball— Concordia Stin g ers at Mc­ G ill Redm en; Saturday, 1 p.m . at M ol­ son Stadium The sloppy Redmen are making it harder and harder for us to promote their 0-6 brand of football, but take in this clash for the atmosphere, not the on-field prod­ uct. The homecoming football game always carries a little more excitement and tension and with McGill and fellow Montrealers, Concordia, butting helmets again in the back-end of a home-andhome series in which the Stingers stole the first match 13-8, maybe the mutual dislike and a raucous Molson Stadium can propel the Redmen to their first win.

Nah, who are we kidding....

Men's H ockey— Concordia Stingers | vs. M cGill Redm en; Sunday, 3 p.m . at th e B ell Centre Hey it's not the Forum but it's still excit­ ing to hit the same ice as the vaunted Habitants— at least one solid Montreal hockey team should be winning there.

Cross-town rivals Concordia and McGill will face off at the cavernous Bell Cen­ tre— home of the Montreal Canadiens— in a match to determine this year's home for the 21st annual Corey Cup. The game, sure to be a fast paced and physical affair on the ice and a drunk-fest in the stands, will close out Homecoming Week and is hoped to be attended by over 10,000 fans, setting a new Quebec university hockey record.

NHL H ockey— P ittsburgh Penguins at W ashington C ap itals; S aturd ay, 7 p.m .. Centre Ice On a night when the Chicago Blackhawks make their long awaited return to To­ ronto and these Original Six rivals finally, in spite of the NHL's best abilities to stop it, get to renew ancient unpleasantries, it pains some of us to turn the hockey world's attention away from the game.

You just can't ignore a Crosby-Ovechkin clash though.The NHL's youngest superstars and potential saviours of hockey in the U.S. square off for the first time this season, and with both snipers finally off their respective scnheids, expect two brilliant performances as they both try to out-duel the other.

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raduation Photos

A T T E N T IO N GRADS 2008 Better get your photo taken to be included in O ld M c G ill 2008.

Thisis theonly campus-wideyearbook Take thegoodtimes along! $25.00 gets you a photo sitting

$48.00 txs. inc. gets you a campus yearbook

J o s t e n s is a n o f f i c i a l s u p p lie r o f g r a d u a t i o n r in g s to M c G i l l U n i v e r s i t y A v a i l a b l e a t H F P h o t o S t u d io

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LISTED BELOW ARE TH E DATES FOR THE FACULTY PHOTO SESSIONS Education........................ Nov. 1 to 1 0 at HF Photo Phys Ed & Kinesiology....Nov. 1 to 2 4 at HF Photo Biology................Month of December at HF Photo Management...........Now until Dec. 2 1 at HF Photo

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P H O T O A P P O IN T M E N T S (514) 499-9999 2057 Stanley Street