Mark my words and that of this article…the Cuban invasion is imminent. It was just a matter of time before the communist regime started showing cracks. Cracks that will soon be filled with swarming American and European business investors.
The capitalist world has been waiting for this for some fifty years. Cuba used to be a playground for Americans. A summer retreat until the revolution. Cuba may just go back to the vacation club it always used to be.
The Cuban government is letting go of 500 000 government employees by next Spring. A move that should cripple the already fragile economy. However, the Cubans have made a statement that might change everything.
In trying to explain the reason for the loss of jobs they slipped up saying that the current economic system ‘doesn’t work for us anymore’. Although they tried to quantify that statement later to mean that they intend on fixing the problems with their communist country, it was too late and the capitalists had already started planning their move.
There are whisperings of economic reform reverberating in the ears of entrepreneurs. Money hungry business men are seeing dollar signs and before you know it Cuba will be enjoying their first McDonalds ever.
Check out the article in TIME that gives all the details
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2019225,00.html
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Burning Topic
http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2010/09/09/loony-pastor-still-a-loon-but-no-longer-a-fire-hazard/
This chick has it right. A round of applause for a journalist with a brain.
I appreciate people who think like she does. Pastor Jones has been the topic of media hype for the past week and indeed a burning topic for months before that. Pastor Jones wants to commemorate the 10th year of September 11 by setting alight a pile of Qur’ans. Of course this little event of his has caused a major uproar and sparked age old debates on the freedom of religion, persecution of religion and culture and the generalizations that go with it.
But this journalist is right, and the same goes for a number of other issues. Leave Pastor Jones alone, let him do what he does in the quiet of his own home. Drawing this much attention to the quack is only giving him more power and feeding the beast, so to speak. Her plea to journalists and media around the world ‘we can do the right thing by letting this hatefulness play out on a homemade backyard stage instead of a global media platform.’The same goes for a couple of unmentionable politicians (or wannabes) in South Africa. We feed them and their narcissism by giving them a nice little platform from which to preach.
Take the platform away and all they’re left with is a street corner on which to stand, where during the hustle and bustle of traffic, only a few people stop to listen.
This chick has it right. A round of applause for a journalist with a brain.
I appreciate people who think like she does. Pastor Jones has been the topic of media hype for the past week and indeed a burning topic for months before that. Pastor Jones wants to commemorate the 10th year of September 11 by setting alight a pile of Qur’ans. Of course this little event of his has caused a major uproar and sparked age old debates on the freedom of religion, persecution of religion and culture and the generalizations that go with it.
But this journalist is right, and the same goes for a number of other issues. Leave Pastor Jones alone, let him do what he does in the quiet of his own home. Drawing this much attention to the quack is only giving him more power and feeding the beast, so to speak. Her plea to journalists and media around the world ‘we can do the right thing by letting this hatefulness play out on a homemade backyard stage instead of a global media platform.’The same goes for a couple of unmentionable politicians (or wannabes) in South Africa. We feed them and their narcissism by giving them a nice little platform from which to preach.
Take the platform away and all they’re left with is a street corner on which to stand, where during the hustle and bustle of traffic, only a few people stop to listen.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sugar Coating Discrimination
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2015389,00.html
They may be known for their unfriendliness, but this is taking it a bit too far.
They may be known for their unfriendliness, but this is taking it a bit too far.
The French are being very un-European at the moment. Even though they held the Presidency of the European Union (EU) in 2009, France is not playing nicely with the other EU members and following their laws.
The EU has the great policy that allows the free movement of people within its’ borders. It does not discriminate, but France does. Prez Sarkozy is a bit of a racist. To add to his regime’s banning of the Burka, Sarkozy is now spearheading a campaign to expel Roma’s. The Roma’s are a minority group of gypsy’s from Romania and France doesn’t seem to like them much.
The French are facing significant opposition from within the country, the EU and from International Organisations like the UN for sending some 8000 Roma back to Romania or Bulgaria in the first 8 months of this year. The government is paying the Roma to leave ‘voluntarily’ and expelling the ones who don’t.
It appears that France has double standards; it upholds EU law, allows the freedom of movement of people but only some people. Apparently, there is a clear distinction for Sarkozy between those who deserve the privilege of those laws and those who don’t.
The government has gone so far as to outright blame the Gypsy’s for the increased crime rate in France. Sarkozy is not a popular man right now and he is doing nothing to increase his popularity either. Perhaps he should learn how to sugar coat his discrimination a little better.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Shot in the Head
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2014070,00.html
Take another look around you, breathe in and be extremely grateful that you live in South Africa. Despite our issues, can you imagine living in the country regarded as one with the highest Human Rights abuses in the world.
China is decreasing the number of crimes punishable by the death from the current 68. Thirteen so called economic crimes (such as smuggling endangered animals and relics) are being dropped from the current policy. Convicted felons above the age of 75 will also now be eligible for exemption.
Human Rights organisations believe that the number of executions a year range in the thousands. Beijing is extremely secretive about the actual number of executions. China caused the worlds gaze to shift back to their controversial policy when they executed a British man accused of drug trafficking in 2009. If our government initiated a similar policy, we would have no SAA flight staff left.
China has always been a covered in a cloud of secrecy. It would be very very naïve of us to underestimate their power, intelligence and ability to fool the world for their gain. They may be ‘reviewing’ the policy to get the international bodies off their backs but they are no pushovers. There is a very powerful giant hiding under this cloak of compromise that we see on the international stage. Watch out world, if you are standing in their path, you might get stepped on.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Guns ablaze
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2014446,00.html
As the US starts their withdrawal of troops from Iraq, it is evident that they have learnt nothing from their past experiences. While some may criticize Africa’s quiet diplomacy and Europe’s ‘soft diplomacy’, the world has to see how America’s declarations of war are not the most effective conflict resolution tool.
Historic examples of America’s gung-ho attitude include Vietnam, Cambodia, Panama, Lebanon, Cuba, the goes on. Whether by backing rebels, CIA backed coups or full on military invasions, the US has been involved in dozens of conflicts around the globe. Their lock ‘n load attitude often results in a worse situation. The country of their military interest, like current day Iraq, is often left in a state of decay. Worse off than before the invasion.
What some of you may not know, and which makes the scenario that much worse, is that the US assisted in catapulting Saddam Hussein to power. In 1963, the CIA organized a coup that killed the President and brought the Ba’ath party to power. In doing so, Saddam Hussein was able to return from exile to take his place as the head of the secret service.
As history repeats itself the US has once again stirred the pot, added a few weapons and explosives, killed a few innocents, played chess with politics and installed their own idea of a caretaker government and now they want to leave. The article in Time sketches a picture of a country in disarray, a country that will only suffer further with the withdrawal of American troops. I do feel for the families of US soldiers but if you start something, you should stay and finish it.
The yanks have always gone in with guns blazing. Unfortunately, they are notorious for leaving before the fire is out.
As the US starts their withdrawal of troops from Iraq, it is evident that they have learnt nothing from their past experiences. While some may criticize Africa’s quiet diplomacy and Europe’s ‘soft diplomacy’, the world has to see how America’s declarations of war are not the most effective conflict resolution tool.
Historic examples of America’s gung-ho attitude include Vietnam, Cambodia, Panama, Lebanon, Cuba, the goes on. Whether by backing rebels, CIA backed coups or full on military invasions, the US has been involved in dozens of conflicts around the globe. Their lock ‘n load attitude often results in a worse situation. The country of their military interest, like current day Iraq, is often left in a state of decay. Worse off than before the invasion.
What some of you may not know, and which makes the scenario that much worse, is that the US assisted in catapulting Saddam Hussein to power. In 1963, the CIA organized a coup that killed the President and brought the Ba’ath party to power. In doing so, Saddam Hussein was able to return from exile to take his place as the head of the secret service.
As history repeats itself the US has once again stirred the pot, added a few weapons and explosives, killed a few innocents, played chess with politics and installed their own idea of a caretaker government and now they want to leave. The article in Time sketches a picture of a country in disarray, a country that will only suffer further with the withdrawal of American troops. I do feel for the families of US soldiers but if you start something, you should stay and finish it.
The yanks have always gone in with guns blazing. Unfortunately, they are notorious for leaving before the fire is out.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Dani on the state of the nation
I solemnly pledge myself to the service of humanity and will endeavour to practice my profession with conscience and with dignity.
I will maintain by all the means in my power the honour and the noble traditions of my profession. The total health of my patients will be my first consideration.
I will hold in confidence all personal matters coming to my knowledge.
I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient.
I will maintain the utmost respect for human life. I make these promises, solemnly, freely and upon my honour.
This is the oath pledged by nurses that practice within South Africa today and I find it disheartening that a promise with such eminence has become so meaningless and erratic.
Don’t get me wrong, I am under no misconceptions that nurses and health care workers should be paid more. You only have to watch the likes of Saving Soweto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43sF56TF280&feature=channel
a documentary which follows a Trauma doctor through one of many 24 hour shifts at Baragwaneth hospital in Soweto SA) to see what atrocities and pressures our health care workers are put under every day; however; this is no excuse to place the lives of desperate people in jeopardy. This is no longer a strike, it is attempted murder.
The country is in chaos, some internationally may even call the breakdown of medical care and the sudden standstill of educational facilities a catastrophe. Not our government however. While the country sits on the verge of a national crisis Jacob Zuma is shipped off to China with fiancé number… oh who knows…. because according to ANC’s spokesperson Jackson Mthembu “the work of the government must go on.” Well call me selfish but surely the South African governments first priority is… well… South Africa.
The government sector is filled with holes and questions - Why is the government not implicating the promises made? Why are they not arresting violent strikers? How can our Unions make excuses for destructive employees who took an oath to “maintain the utmost respect for human life”? In most professions people have been fired or even jailed for less.
Sometimes I just wish South Africa could be run a little more like a powerful, passionate power house and a little less like a school playground – Hopefully then the head of South Africa “Pty Ltd”, Jacob Zuma, would be made to penalise those not contributing, inspire those that hold our country together and reward those who work hard.
But instead, here we sit. Sigh.
I will maintain by all the means in my power the honour and the noble traditions of my profession. The total health of my patients will be my first consideration.
I will hold in confidence all personal matters coming to my knowledge.
I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient.
I will maintain the utmost respect for human life. I make these promises, solemnly, freely and upon my honour.
This is the oath pledged by nurses that practice within South Africa today and I find it disheartening that a promise with such eminence has become so meaningless and erratic.
Don’t get me wrong, I am under no misconceptions that nurses and health care workers should be paid more. You only have to watch the likes of Saving Soweto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43sF56TF280&feature=channel
a documentary which follows a Trauma doctor through one of many 24 hour shifts at Baragwaneth hospital in Soweto SA) to see what atrocities and pressures our health care workers are put under every day; however; this is no excuse to place the lives of desperate people in jeopardy. This is no longer a strike, it is attempted murder.
The country is in chaos, some internationally may even call the breakdown of medical care and the sudden standstill of educational facilities a catastrophe. Not our government however. While the country sits on the verge of a national crisis Jacob Zuma is shipped off to China with fiancé number… oh who knows…. because according to ANC’s spokesperson Jackson Mthembu “the work of the government must go on.” Well call me selfish but surely the South African governments first priority is… well… South Africa.
The government sector is filled with holes and questions - Why is the government not implicating the promises made? Why are they not arresting violent strikers? How can our Unions make excuses for destructive employees who took an oath to “maintain the utmost respect for human life”? In most professions people have been fired or even jailed for less.
Sometimes I just wish South Africa could be run a little more like a powerful, passionate power house and a little less like a school playground – Hopefully then the head of South Africa “Pty Ltd”, Jacob Zuma, would be made to penalise those not contributing, inspire those that hold our country together and reward those who work hard.
But instead, here we sit. Sigh.
-Dani Moolman
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Gagging the Press
http://www.news24.com/Columnists/ChrisMoerdyk/Blaming-media-is-admitting-failure-20100823
Blaming media is admitting failure
I have absolutely no doubt that 99% of all media revelations of political intrigue, corruption, fraud and whatever sensational dirty dealings you care to mention are not initiated by nosey investigative journalists.
They are started by people within Cabinet, government departments, parastatals, public and private companies, religious organisations and sports bodies leaking information to the media.
It is human nature that whenever people get together to take a decision and one of them doesn't agree, something will be leaked to the media, shareholders or to staff.
Not only do they leak often extremely confidential information to the media but the more they don't get their way, the more annoyed they are, the more their egos are damaged, the more they sensationalise the information they are divulging.
So, when the ANC, Communist Party or anyone else call for media tribunals and protection of information acts, all it really means is that they have finally given up trying to keep control of their own people.
Then, as a last resort, they turn to shooting the messenger in an effort to save themselves.
However, I am not suggesting for a minute that the media doesn't get things wrong. Of course they do.
And yes, of course, the media is a business in which profit is a priority.
Press freedom like pregnancy
But, any media boss with half a brain will know that one sensational story or even a string of sensational stories will not result in any long term increase in sales.
Making money out of a news medium is about giving advertisers real, sustainable long term value. It takes a lot more than sensational content to build a quality audience. Quality content is what builds audiences.
But, getting back to restricting the media - the problem really is that press freedom is like pregnancy. Either you are or you aren't.
But, even so, South African media are not completely free to just do what they like without any recourse.
They are governed by self-regulation and whether or not one feels that this is sufficient is another story and maybe the media does need to look at its own rules.
The press is also governed by South African law.
Anyone who feels that the media has been misleading or libellous can sue the daylights out of them.
But, what amazes me is the number of politicians and business leaders here in South Africa who huff and puff in denial and threaten to sue the media, but then, when a push comes to a shove, they hardly ever do.
Very few actually go through with it and one cannot help but wonder why? The only logical answer seems to be because the press was right and they were wrong.
Another problem with things like the protection of information bill and media tribunals is that South African media consumption is no longer something that just emanates from South Africa.
Dozens have tried
News and information is being disseminated on the internet via social media as well as by massive global organisations like CNN, Sky and the BBC.
The South African government will very quickly find that they won't be able to stop any of these stories that are bothering them, through legislation. Because I suspect that the BBC, SKY, CNN and most of all Google, Twitter, FaceBook and others, won't actually give a hoot about any media restrictions we may have.
Dozens of countries have tried it and all of them have failed to keep the lid on.
Quite frankly, if our government goes ahead with the media tribunal or protection of Information Act, they might as well consider banning the internet, cellphones, satellite television and the importation of foreign newspapers and magazines.
Because that's the only way they will be able to stop the media from doing what it is doing right now. Like it or not, technology has effectively made the media untouchable.
It is, I firmly believe, better for a country to have an imperfect free press than no free press.
Comments by Dani Moolman:
The ANC has been fundamental in the free democracy we hold today. South Africa was deemed the shining light of the African continent and the ANC stood strong in its moral beliefs in freedom and equality.
This seems to be a far cry from where we are today; heading fast and furious back to our pre apartheid traditions of hiding information behind the façade of protection of information bills and media tribunals. Surely this is just the kind of offence ANC fought to abolish!
As a nation belted out our national anthem at this year’s 2010 FIFA World Cup it really dawned on me that we as a generation perhaps for the first time and maybe for the last sang our anthem loud and true. “As we live and strive for freedom in South Africa our land”
Blaming media is admitting failure
I have absolutely no doubt that 99% of all media revelations of political intrigue, corruption, fraud and whatever sensational dirty dealings you care to mention are not initiated by nosey investigative journalists.
They are started by people within Cabinet, government departments, parastatals, public and private companies, religious organisations and sports bodies leaking information to the media.
It is human nature that whenever people get together to take a decision and one of them doesn't agree, something will be leaked to the media, shareholders or to staff.
Not only do they leak often extremely confidential information to the media but the more they don't get their way, the more annoyed they are, the more their egos are damaged, the more they sensationalise the information they are divulging.
So, when the ANC, Communist Party or anyone else call for media tribunals and protection of information acts, all it really means is that they have finally given up trying to keep control of their own people.
Then, as a last resort, they turn to shooting the messenger in an effort to save themselves.
However, I am not suggesting for a minute that the media doesn't get things wrong. Of course they do.
And yes, of course, the media is a business in which profit is a priority.
Press freedom like pregnancy
But, any media boss with half a brain will know that one sensational story or even a string of sensational stories will not result in any long term increase in sales.
Making money out of a news medium is about giving advertisers real, sustainable long term value. It takes a lot more than sensational content to build a quality audience. Quality content is what builds audiences.
But, getting back to restricting the media - the problem really is that press freedom is like pregnancy. Either you are or you aren't.
But, even so, South African media are not completely free to just do what they like without any recourse.
They are governed by self-regulation and whether or not one feels that this is sufficient is another story and maybe the media does need to look at its own rules.
The press is also governed by South African law.
Anyone who feels that the media has been misleading or libellous can sue the daylights out of them.
But, what amazes me is the number of politicians and business leaders here in South Africa who huff and puff in denial and threaten to sue the media, but then, when a push comes to a shove, they hardly ever do.
Very few actually go through with it and one cannot help but wonder why? The only logical answer seems to be because the press was right and they were wrong.
Another problem with things like the protection of information bill and media tribunals is that South African media consumption is no longer something that just emanates from South Africa.
Dozens have tried
News and information is being disseminated on the internet via social media as well as by massive global organisations like CNN, Sky and the BBC.
The South African government will very quickly find that they won't be able to stop any of these stories that are bothering them, through legislation. Because I suspect that the BBC, SKY, CNN and most of all Google, Twitter, FaceBook and others, won't actually give a hoot about any media restrictions we may have.
Dozens of countries have tried it and all of them have failed to keep the lid on.
Quite frankly, if our government goes ahead with the media tribunal or protection of Information Act, they might as well consider banning the internet, cellphones, satellite television and the importation of foreign newspapers and magazines.
Because that's the only way they will be able to stop the media from doing what it is doing right now. Like it or not, technology has effectively made the media untouchable.
It is, I firmly believe, better for a country to have an imperfect free press than no free press.
Comments by Dani Moolman:
The ANC has been fundamental in the free democracy we hold today. South Africa was deemed the shining light of the African continent and the ANC stood strong in its moral beliefs in freedom and equality.
This seems to be a far cry from where we are today; heading fast and furious back to our pre apartheid traditions of hiding information behind the façade of protection of information bills and media tribunals. Surely this is just the kind of offence ANC fought to abolish!
As a nation belted out our national anthem at this year’s 2010 FIFA World Cup it really dawned on me that we as a generation perhaps for the first time and maybe for the last sang our anthem loud and true. “As we live and strive for freedom in South Africa our land”
Friday, August 20, 2010
Strike Action
It had to get violent. This is what stumps me and I’m sure what bothers all of you out there. Why get violent. For one, you lose public sympathy immediately, two, you lose government sympathy and three, you make us look like fools. Can’t you toyi toyi in peace? (I asked someone in the know and apparently that’s how you spell it).
http://www.thestar.co.za/?fSectionId=3268&fArticleId=nw20100820083409400C155628&fFeed=breakingnews
Read this article. This is a nurse who puts her job first, these are the kind of people we ought to celebrate. In the very same breathe, I must say that I am in agreement with the public service demand for more money. Not to suck government dry but perhaps a little redistribution of funds huh? What about those million rand car allowances being spread to teachers, nurses and policemen and women that could use a little extra money for you know…food! How about giving the people that earn less than R6000 a month a little bit of your travel allowance that affords you weeks in 5* hotels? Sharing is caring.
What makes me mad though is the method. Strike by all means, every nation in the world strikes. Some get violent (like the French burning tired in the streets) and our wonderful civil servants. Others, like the Dutch, cripple the government by staying home. No violence, no protests, they all just stay home for a couple of days. It works wonders. Lastly, emergency services should not strike….people are dying in hospital, babies are not being fed and cared for in neonatal wards and for what? The R300 or so extra you are fighting for? Come on South Africa. There are ways of doing things. You catch more bees with honey I think the saying goes.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Scary Stuff
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jK6l4dHN9hCJ_FEDRV2NPiEsO1nQD9HM9FI00
As someone who works in politics, it frightens the daylights out of me when people downplay the importance of governance. Once such example is the topic of the day, Wyclef Jean and his bid for the presidency of Haiti.
Unfortunately, he is not the only inexperienced and unschooled person running. The election poll looks a little like a South Park episode with Wyclef’s opposition including ‘Michel Martelly,( a well-known Haitian singer known as "Sweet Mickey" who is known to perform in diapers), and Jean Bertin, (the father of Miss Haiti, who will compete in the Miss Universe contest next week).’ Scary stuff.
Jean was born in Haiti and his uncle, probably one of the only candidates that should be running, is Haitian Ambassador to the US. There are also some Ministers and politicians running for Presidency. Before you go and say ‘yeah, how cool is Wyclef and how rad will he be as President of Haiti’, stop and think for a second. What are his motives here? How can he promise the people of Haiti that, like a father, he will protect them, provide their basic needs, govern in their interest when he isn’t even a politician? On the job training is not exactly ideal in this career. Of course as President he would have aides and advisors to assist him but he will have to make the ultimate decisions and if he has no knowledge of the cogs and wheels of political machinery, then how can he do that?
In addition to what seems to be a power hungry move for more celebrity status, Wyclef has been in some trouble at home because he failed to pay some 2million in taxes in the US. His former charity, Yele Haiti, was also investigated for financial impropriety.
For every decision made in government, for every request, every meeting, every transaction there are a million processes that allow them to take place. Some sort of knowledge of these processes is absolutely necessary for someone who will be tasked with building government structures, building infrastructure and distributing millions of dollars in development aide. Not an easy task for even the most experienced political leaders.
Haiti desperately needs to be led out of abject poverty and brought back onto the international stage with some dignity by a strong, wise leader. Ask yourself, is Wyclef Jean really that guy?
As someone who works in politics, it frightens the daylights out of me when people downplay the importance of governance. Once such example is the topic of the day, Wyclef Jean and his bid for the presidency of Haiti.
Unfortunately, he is not the only inexperienced and unschooled person running. The election poll looks a little like a South Park episode with Wyclef’s opposition including ‘Michel Martelly,( a well-known Haitian singer known as "Sweet Mickey" who is known to perform in diapers), and Jean Bertin, (the father of Miss Haiti, who will compete in the Miss Universe contest next week).’ Scary stuff.
Jean was born in Haiti and his uncle, probably one of the only candidates that should be running, is Haitian Ambassador to the US. There are also some Ministers and politicians running for Presidency. Before you go and say ‘yeah, how cool is Wyclef and how rad will he be as President of Haiti’, stop and think for a second. What are his motives here? How can he promise the people of Haiti that, like a father, he will protect them, provide their basic needs, govern in their interest when he isn’t even a politician? On the job training is not exactly ideal in this career. Of course as President he would have aides and advisors to assist him but he will have to make the ultimate decisions and if he has no knowledge of the cogs and wheels of political machinery, then how can he do that?
In addition to what seems to be a power hungry move for more celebrity status, Wyclef has been in some trouble at home because he failed to pay some 2million in taxes in the US. His former charity, Yele Haiti, was also investigated for financial impropriety.
For every decision made in government, for every request, every meeting, every transaction there are a million processes that allow them to take place. Some sort of knowledge of these processes is absolutely necessary for someone who will be tasked with building government structures, building infrastructure and distributing millions of dollars in development aide. Not an easy task for even the most experienced political leaders.
Haiti desperately needs to be led out of abject poverty and brought back onto the international stage with some dignity by a strong, wise leader. Ask yourself, is Wyclef Jean really that guy?
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