Sunday, August 17, 2008

Hu is That You Say?

Chinese journalist Hu (namesake of the President), in his mid twenties, is causing a stir in Canadian journalistic circles. He recently grilled the British Columbia Premier about issues related to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Hu graduated from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver but now works in Beijing for China Daily, the English-language national paper. The paper is regarded as a mouthpiece for the Communist government's line and so dismissed as a source of telling journalism. Its reporters are considered to ask superficial questions. Not Hu. Feeling China has been under the cosh for its handling of Tibet, its pollution propaganda etc etc Hu decided to turn the tables. He asked penetrating questions about Vancouver's preparations. Condescendingly, Canadian newspapermen were shocked at Hu's incisive questions regarding the Sea to Sky Highway, the Anti Poverty Coalition (ACP) activism and the cancellation of the Paralympic Torch Relay in Vancouver. The coast hugging Sea to Sky highway was recently closed owing to an avalanche. Come 2010 it is the only access to Whistler Ski Resort and the main Games site. Hmn! The ACP is a bitter opponent of investment in the Games when people in low rent housing are being evicted to revamp for high priced accommodations.
Source: Globe and Mail, Thursday, Aug 14th 2008