Satire

It's Friday, March 28th.

Liberal leader Stephane Dion is facing increasing criticism from Quebec Liberals, who say the party can't win seats in the province as long as he's in charge.

Currently, Dion says he doesn't understand the problem ... since there's not going to be an election as long as he's in charge.

This is The Current.


Dion Criticized in Quebec - Ally

In March 2008, Stephane Dion's team was kept busy downplaying suggestions of an open revolt in the party's Quebec ranks. The criticism of Mr. Dion's leadership came from the party's grassroots, as well as its leadership. One outspoken former Liberal candidate from Joliette, just east of Montreal, suggested revoking Mr. Dion's party membership card. And a Vice-President of the Liberal Party in Quebec who represents Anglophones, Stephen Pinkus, openly criticized the party's lack of election readiness.

Mr Pinkus spoke to us recently about the controversy, but declined our request to join us for this episode of The Current. Liberal Leader Stephane Dion wasn't available for an interview, but he did address a group of party supporters in Montreal.

For his thoughts on the criticism Dion faces within the Liberal Party in Quebec, we were joined in Montreal by Denis Paradis, a former Liberal Cabinet Minister and the co-chair of Stephane Dion's campaign for the Liberal leadership.

Dion Criticized in Quebec - Analysis

For his thoughts on the stakes for Stéphane Dion and the Liberal Party in Québec, we were joined in Montreal by Alain Dubuc, an economist and a columnist with the Montreal daily, La Presse.


Listen to The Current:Part 1



The Current: Part 2


Political Dr. Seuss - Reviewer

For at least two weeks, the 2008 blockbuster movie Horton Hears A Who held down the top spot at the North American box office. It is based on the well-known Dr. Seuss book of the same name. A little light-hearted fun for all, right?

Well look a little closer. According to Jason Anderson, the new film is doing more than re-popularizing Dr. Seuss for a younger generation. It's preserving -- and even strengthening -- the political subtext of the original story.

Jason Anderson is a freelance writer whose review of Horton Hears A Who is titled Who Hears Horton? A subversive film treatment of a Dr. Seuss classic. Jason Anderson spoke to us from Toronto this morning.


Political Dr. Seuss - Expert

Of course Horton Hears A Who is hardly the only Dr. Seuss story with a political or social message. From The Lorax to The Zax, Dr. Seuss often tried to give his audience -- no matter how small -- something to think about at the end of the story.

For his thoughts on Dr. Seuss's political and social commentary, we were joined from Manhattan, Kansas by Philip Nel, Director of the Program in Children's Literature at Kansas State University. He's also written two books about Dr. Seuss, including The Annotated Cat: Under the Hats of Seuss and His Cats.


Political Dr. Seuss - The Zax (excerpt)

We thought we'd offer a sample of the work of Theodor Seuss Geisel - Dr. Seuss. The Zax is from a collection called The Sneetches and Other Stories, published in 1961.

The Zax is about the importance of compromise, and is considered a reflection on the Cold War of that time. It is about how stubborness and a refusal to budge keeps "The Zax" stuck in the same place, and as it does, the world goes on around them and without them.

Listen to The Current:Part 2



The Current: Part 3


Zimbabwe Election - Roundtable

On March 29, 2008, polling stations will open for Zimbabwe's elections. And for the first time in 28 years, President Robert Mugabe just might lose. That doesn't mean the voting will be free or fair. In order to stay in power, the 84-year-old leader has relied on voter intimidation, ballot-stuffing and opposition crackdowns. And some observers say he hasn't shied away from those tactics this time.

Mr Mugabe is facing two formidable opponents, as well as a desperate population. Officially, inflation is 100,000%. Prices move so fast that bus fare can change on a single trip. People are stealing telephone wires to sell for food. And food can be in short supply.

And yet, things could get even worse. Some fear Kenyan-style protests if the opposition parties feel the election was stolen. President Mugabe has answered the threat of protests by saying: "Just dare try it - We don't play around while you try to please your British allies."

On the eve of this historic vote, The Current assembled a group of expatriate Zimbabweans living in Toronto to talk about their hopes and fears for the election.

The voices you will hear are Innocent Madawo, Margaret Zondo, Tichafa Mundangangefufu, John Mutambirwa, and Munyama Ngangura.

Also joining us from Ottawa with her thoughts on the election is Linda Freeman, a professor of Political Science at Carleton University.

Last Word - Green Eggs and Ham

In tribute to Dr. Seuss, we closed this episode with the band Moxy Fruvous and its rendition of the Dr. Seuss classic, Green Eggs and Ham, featuring the host of CBC Radio's Q, Jian Ghomeshi as Sam I Am.


Listen to The Current:Part 3

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