I Love CBC Radio

I listen to CBC Radio a lot. Anytime I drive anywhere I listen to CBC. This is unfortunate because usually the CBC is tooting the horn of the state.

Tonight when I got in my car, the host of the late night show asked the question "Do people have the right to a functioning government?"

What a silly question, I thought to myself. People have the right to self-government, but functioning? Well, you have to define what "functioning" means, but even then, its up to people to provide "functioning" government, which means its not a right. The right is for self-government.

Anyhow, after listening to the host give a brief overview of the disaster in Zimbabwe, he interviewed a few people, one representing Zimbabwe, one representing Belgium, and another fella whose position I didn't quite catch.

With the first guest from Zimbabwe, the host asked if the government is providing proper education to the people. Anyone that knows even a little about whats happening in Zimbabwe would know this is a ridiculous question. The guest advised that education has taken a back seat to survival and most teachers have left the country as they cannot be paid. Who would want to be paid in a worthless currency that has been printed into oblivion anyway? Well, for now, American teachers.The guest did advise that it is up to the people of Zimbabwe to resolve the conflict and international political intervention was not needed. BEAUTIFUL!

I do not know a lot about Belgium, but the host of the show described the situation in Belgium as if they do not have a functioning federal government and they remain one of the wealthiest nations in Europe. The two factions in Belgium have been having a hard time coming to terms forming an appropriate federal government. It was interesting listening to the guest talk about the lack of need of a federal government. She advised all services expected by government are being provided by the local governments and right now the only need of a federal government would be to represent the country on the international stage. The radio host asked her if people have the "right to functioning government". She didn't provide a direct answer, but her answer was essentially no, and she referenced her own nation. BEAUTIFUL!

I only remember a small portion of the last individual interviewed, and as mentioned, I'm not sure where he was from and what he represented. He was asked if people have the "right to functioning government". He also said no. As a follow up, the host asked how the guest would define functioning government. The guest replied something to the effect, "to prevent illegitimate violence, and to serve as unbiased medium for supporting contracts". I'm not sure what was meant by "prevent illegitimate violence", but the LONG list of things he didn't mention that most people expect from government made me think. . . BEAUTIFUL!!!

This individual also went on to say beyond these responsibilities, governments that attempt to do more often become too large and damages society in unintended ways more than helping it.

I love CBC radio. . .tonight.