Better late than never?

In the past few minutes we’ve had confirmation from Barack Obama the January 2010 deadline he set for closing Guantanamo Bay will be missed. Is this significant? Or just evidence of what we already know – that deciding what to do with all those held there will take a long time.

Is TV a force for good?

TV improves women’s rights, health, education and reduces local corruption. It’s also increasingly sociable. This is the view from Charles Kenny, a Washington developmental economist. He says “soap operas and reality shows help solve real-world problems”.

Is public art worth the money?

It’s called African Renaissance, it towers over the Senegalese capital of Dakar, taller than the Statue of Liberty.

When it’s officially dedicated at a ceremony in the next few weeks, the country’s President wants it to symbolise the new aspirations of the younger generation.

 

Do profitable businesses have an “obligation” to help others?

Goldman Sachs has said sorry.

The Wall Street investment firm has apologised for its role in the financial crisis. Helped by its biggest investor Warren Buffett (pictured), it’s going to give out 500 million dollars to help small businesses through their economic troubles.

On air: If it’s not racism, why do some Americans hate President Obama so much?

“Hate Obama ? – you may not be racist, but you will be white . ” is the title of a thought-provoking article by Michael Tomasky in the Guardian today.

As far back as August last year, this blogger was documenting the websites and pictures doing the rounds against the President.

And here’s a very good blog on how the media portrays him.

Mr Tomasky’s article says: we’ve seen an epidemic of hatred against the president that I think is safe to call unprecedented. Bill Clinton and George W Bush were hated – but not quite like this.”

So what is going on here? Is this different to the vehement criticism directed at Presidents Bush and Clinton? Do you see it as inside or outside of America’s normal political discourse?

Is it about race?

Or might there be an uncomfortable truth for those who supported him: that he’s just not turning out to be as good a President as people had hoped for.

And if you’re on the outside looking in, are you surprised by the level of dissatisfaction with President Obama? Many of you hailed him as the greatest politician of his generation.

Here are various links that are relevant:

‘Obama without his teleprompter’

‘Obama claims he’s visited 57 states’

‘Does white America hate Barack Obama?’
Toby Harden piece in the Telegraph

‘I hate Obama’ Myspace page

I Hate Obama merchandise

Should all child sex offenders be chemically castrated?

Have a listen to this. It’s a anonymous interview from the BBC’s Europe Today with a sex offender who’s been chemically castrated. He talks openly about how it’s affected him physically and emotionally.

LISTEN TO INTERVIEW HERE

As you listen, let us know if you think his case convinces you that certain types of sex offenders should always be chemically castrated?

Should Barack Obama have allowed himself to be censored?

If by speaking to China’s youth, President Obama was attempting to smuggle in a bit of democracy into China, then he’s failed according to this blogger. Here’s why:

‘Chinese authorities declined the White House’s request to have the town hall broadcast nationally. Each of the 400-plus students had to attend a pre-talk “lecture and meeting” to learn their talking points. Chinese news sites that originally reported Obama’s remarks about an open Internet and universal rights were quickly censored.’

Hypocrite  or wise move? Is  allowing himself to be censored the sacrifice  President Obama has to make to have China on side?

Do you want bloggers to be outed?

The mystery woman who writes the blog, Belle De Jour, about her former life as a prostitute has revealed her true identity. Dr Brooke Magnanti now works as a scientist at a university. She said Belle, her character on the blog, will always be part of her and it was time to end her double life. But it’s been hinted that someone who knew her was about to reveal her real identity or that she was about to be exposed by the media.

On air: What do government apologies achieve?

“We come together today to deal with an ugly chapter in our nation’s history.”

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s apology to thousands of children abused in state care – following a 20 year campaign by the victims - is another example of governments saying sorry for historical events.

Thank You WHYS!!

Three weeks really do fly when you’re having fun. I’m Gavin Day and I’ve been the WHYS Work Experience since the end of October. You make have noticed an upswing of comments on air from Facebook. One of my projects for the past few weeks has been using that page to increase the contact we have with you. All I can say on that is thank you for responding so well to the posts and hopefully that can continue and grow.