Here is a surprise. In the 21st century, in a ‘first-world’ nation, known for it’s liberal policies, a black man will present the evening news. It may not sound like a big deal here in the United States, or in Britain, but for France it’s made headlines. This is a first for the primary and most popular news program in that nation. And that is a sad thing to say.
In a nation where vacations can last a month and war is contested, where strikes against harsh violent regimes are not supported [Back in the 80's as I recall, France refused America’s request to fly thru their airspace to make a bombing attack on Libyan leader Quadafi], and many ‘minorities’ comprise the populace this is a first. I’m not sure what that says. And defending that stance by mentioning that 6% of the staff are minorities is hardly justification. It’s estimated that 14% of that nation is non-french in origin. I’m not sure how many are non-caucasians. And it took riots of the “visible minorities” (as stated by French President Jacques Chirac) to get the changes made. It’s sad that it took this long to do such a simple thing I think. Not that the situation in America could not use improvement too.
Another surprise announcement is that Mr. Courtney B. Vance will no longer be part of Law and Order: Criminal Intent. The show is quite good, and I enjoy it a great deal. I find that the work of Mr. Vincent D’Onofrio and Ms. Kathryn Erbe is well matched with that of Mr. Vance. In 5 seasons there have been no changes to the television program, except to add cast members. But the sixth season will be seeing the exit of Mr. Vance and Ms. Nona Gaye will be stepping into his shoes. Ms. Gaye has done well in movies like Ali and Crash (most any career in acting will contain a XXX: State of the Union or 2) so I think she will be a good replacement. But I would have preferred if Mr. Vance had stayed. Hopefully Mr. Vance will be around in a new program or better yet a few more movies. His movie career includes Space Cowboys, the remake of 12 Angry Men [well done but not as good as the original] and the well-done Tuskegee Airmen (HBO as I recall). He deserves more time in front of the camera. But would you expect less from a Harvard graduate?
Speaking about college graduates and HBO, Mr. Spike Lee will be presenting a program that has New Orleans as its subject. I’m sure that Mr. Lee will have little positive to say about FEMA, and deservedly so. But more important is the fact that Mr. Lee will be projecting the spirit of the people and their will to re-build and survive. I think that that celebration of the human spirit will be the best part of what he has made. And if those in the government get a kick in the pants, perhaps no one else will have to go thru the unneeded insanity we saw displayed after Hurricane Katrina. Anything that prevents that is a good thing. The fact that it will show how strong people with good hearts continuing after all that has happened should be an inspiration to us all.
This is what I think, What do you think?
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