We come out in droves to complain

Because we can.

Because we feel like it.

Because it's part of our modern political activism.

I'm talking about Hong Kong, because as some of you may know (if you follow my other blog), I am currently in Hong Kong.

It's really becoming a rampant problem in this city. Sure, the economy is still firing on all cylinders, unlike most of the rest of the world, but politically this city is rather...well...whiney.

For example, take what happened earlier this week. A water main broke, I think it was in Tuen Mun, and so the government very promptly sent water trucks to provide water to affected households, erstwhile fixing the problem as quickly as possible. I think we can all agree, that is a very appropriate and timely response, right?

Apparently not. When interviewed by the local news station, the people said something along the lines of 'they didn't provide enough water.' Good heavens people! The government has to fix the water main and temporarily supply water to you manually. It's not like it doesn't cost the government money. What more can you want? That the government ensure you personally receive a constant supply of Aquafina?

This has gotten to a level that is beyond belief. And it's not just confined to Hong Kong. It's worldwide. The newest generation, they have been brought up with all the possible amenities. They have come to expect it. And I must admit, I am guilty of it sometimes. However, taking this attitude of expectancy and complacency to such extreme heights, is a never before seen phenomenon.

This is an issue that could really use some reflection: in this age of affluence, have we come to expect too much? Is this sort of behaviour sustainable? And finally, are we harbouring a culture of complaint?

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...

SPLAT!

The latest EKOS polls can pretty much be summed up like this. It has the press a-flutter, the Tories jumping for joy, and the Liberals...well actually we don't know what the Liberals are doing cause we can't find any.

Why? Because EKOS found that from the week of June 29-July 6, the Liberal Party of Canada polled the support of a whopping...23.9% of the populace. That's a new low. I think. It's really hard to keep track because whenever an EKOS poll comes out the Liberals seem to hit a new low.

So what is Michael Ignatieff doing to fix this? He is going to go on a bus tour across Canada, visiting battleground areas such as...Calgary. All jesting aside, he will be seeing people who: a) will vote for him no matter what, or b) who will not vote for him no matter what. At this rate, perhaps Ignatieff will become a minority Prime Minister in the year...2136?

And so, a parting question: all this really makes me wonder, how low can the Liberal Party go? Below 22? 20? The NDP? In the 2008 general election, the Liberals polled 26.2% of the vote and everybody thought that was their basement level of support. I guess not. The saviour everybody thought Ignatieff was, is no more.