What’s the difference between Sadam and Than Shwe of Burma

From what I have read and have seen, this appears to be far worse. The government of Burma is killing thousands of it’s citizens through neglect, torture and having been incapable of caring with the multitude of diseases of its people for decades and although we are witnesses to all this ‘nothing can be done, except applying verbal pressure’. According to our own leaders, we have ’sorted’ Iraq and making progress in ‘Afganistan’ (so we are told), but what is the point of the UN Charter to help countries who are being suppressed by military regimes, if it is not implemented. If there was ever a case for the signatories to take action, surely this must be it.
It is understandable that the US and the UK should not be involved directly in any forceful intervention after its dismal results in Iraq and Afghanistan to avoid being labeled ‘the aggressor once again…’, but I believe as well as every individual having a conscience, there is also such a thing as ‘World consiousness’, which affects us all. I am personally wringing with the dilemma of wanting to donate and contribute to the Burmese people’s misery, afraid that any aid will be channeled to the soldiers and their families first to ensure the grip of the military junta is maintained. I doubt whether we will ever be able to establish how many people died after the disaster from malnutrition and disease which could have been saved if aid would have been distributed and allowed into the affected areas immediately. Meanwhile for every day this crime is prolonged and continues, further suffering is endured by innocent people exasperating  the situation, making me miserable. Personally I have no objection in supporting the neighbouring countries to be in control of the distribution of aid, however their own internal problems and human rights records leave a lot to be desired and cannot be described as ‘transparent’ at the best of times. If our elected representatives are unable to put a stop to this, then we should not only vote for different candidates next time but let them know that their actions are unsatisfactory now and look for support elsewhere. This is now turning into mass murder on a scale that has not been seen since Hitler in Germany. The Allies were able to eradicate that cancer, why are we not able to do the same here. If we want to avoid radical organisations from forming to attack and destroy our democratic processes, it must be time for the UN to act as it was empowered to, if nothing else to justify its existence and retain some credibility as a United Nations.

My “wIsHlIst” for the coming year?

Hi peepz,

With the new year in (almost) full swing and everyone taking stock of their own situation and aspirations, it must be worthwhile to consider what we can look forward to in 2008. On the political front the American Presidential elections will be the world focus, as well as more of the political unrest experienced last year in the rest of the world. No ‘prediction’ necessary here. The great divide between poor and rich will most likely increase, with the exception of a few individual countries, who will experience economic growth on a national level, but at the cost of being exploited by the money rich nations who have mastered the art of making huge profits to serve their own unbalanced needs. “Nothing new” I hear you say. There’ll be lot’s of talk about solving existing energy and climate problems, with little being done to actually turn the tide. Mother nature may not be as complacent. My prediction is that we have reached a point, where the world may experience disasters on a scale unknown to us human inhabitants to date and put us all in a ‘fire fighting’ situation from which there may be no recovery. “Charity begins at home!” and so do your efforts in beginning to understand that your home is on this planet. Without taking a serious stance on conserving it, your nice house and belongings may vanish for good and all your efforts and energy invested in your family for a prosperous future with it. Despite this gloomy outlook, I have great faith in you to change the current trend. To teach the developing nations how to enjoy their new found wealth, without causing further harm. This however can only be done by setting a good example. Ask yourself: “Am I setting a good precedent, is my country? Can I be more active and do something to promote reversing this downward spiral? Sure you can. You are smart and educated. You have access to so much information and help, excuses not to implement them is shameful. I have also immense faith in the scientific community. The ‘nerds’ who are often laughed at by the younger ‘party, nothing but party’ generations for being ‘one track minded’ and ‘boring’ can save the world, but only if you give them the tools and the freedom to search for the answers. Seems to me that the acceleration of communication between like minded people is bearing fruit on all fronts and should be encouraged. For countries to adopt a censure of information on any subject is hindering progress for us all. We all know that. Then why do we allow it? Simply because it may not affect us personally at this moment in time.
For a government to ‘rush through’ legislation curtailing rights of freedom of individuals of any kind should be carefully considered by you and brought to light even if it does not affect you directly. You want to watch out for that. I love “whistle blowers” and predict a whole load more this year then ever before. We need them to have lots of courage and support, as they are putting the common good above personal gain. A rare trait indeed.

Last but not least, with all the channels of communication available and having been invented over the last few years, it appears to have done little to improve communications with our elders and children, even Grandchildren. Us being ‘Us’, expect to be the ones contacted in the first instance. Consider that your family members are thinking ‘identically’ and in this climate of dysfunctional marriages with mum, children and grandchildren not living together, an extra effort is necessary on your part to keep those channels of contact open. Even if the little and big ‘know it alls’ attitudes can drive you wild and to dispair. Where would you be without your parents and what’s it all for if not for the kids.

Wishing you a wonderful, happy and prosperous New Year for all of 2008

With best wishes

Andy

Hello world!

I’m here, you are there, let’s get together…