Stephen Block completed an interdisciplinary PhD from Concordia and U de Montreal in 1991. Specialties include propaganda studies, public affairs, political economy, philosophy and labour relations. He was, for many years, a regular commentator on both local and national public affairs programs, offering his perspective on industrial relations, the economy and elections, both Canadian and American. He has taught at both University and College levels and received a Post-doctorate in the sociology of mass communications from McMaster in 1996. Currently he teaches at Vanier College in Montrea,l teaching courses in propaganda, business ethics and philosophy. He has been active in Middle East peace groups. In a previous lifetime Stephen was a professional musician, and more recently, a union executive and a grievance officer. He is currently training to become a mediator. He still writes prolifically, including for The Canadian Jewish Outlook and promises to complete a book on the political economy of public affairs -- at some point in this lifetime.
Political importance overshadowed by easy gun tragedy stories.
by Stephen Block
If democracy is a messy business, the Quebec election Tuesday was particularly messy. Three reasons made this day historic:
- –the election of a PQ government, albeit a minority government;
- – the election of the first female Premier of Quebec; and
- – the tragic shooting of a technician at the PQ reception hall celebrating the victory.
Although the violent incident threatened to overshadow what was otherwise very big news, the national Canadian media still managed to include a bit of the fear, trepidation, and panic that accompanied an earlier PQ victory. In 1976, when Rene Lévesques was first swept to power, panic ensued. The best advice given was that we should all “take a valium”.