The Voice Box

EGYPT AND THE MEDIA Rarely does a news story capture the attention of the world, as the the protest movement did in Cairo in the last weeks. Coming just after the Tunisian revolution, it demonstrated how easy modern communication can keep us all enthralled with what is happening elsewhere. Whatever you felt about their demands, you had to admire the courageous stance they took by their daily journey to Tharir Square. Yet it was the media reporting that fascinated me. Most countries rarely cover North Africa in any depth. This was definitely an exception to the rule. Most surprising was the extensive US coverage especially as they were the prime supporter of the current President Mubarak. I found myself questioning the sicerity of the journalist, and their leader columns. Another issue is how long will this story last. The Tunisian story has almost disappeared even from some of the serious media. And since there are demonstrators still holding out in Tahrir Square, will the media stay t...

HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT LONDON UK Our Politicians Are Guilty The recent revelations by newspapers about the embellished claims made by our politicians to cover their expenses remind us how little accountability takes place in our parliamentary system. The public revulsion, and the total dismay by the electorate, only serves to remind us how little we understand about the democracy we often boast about. Claiming expenses have always being an easy option to fiddle in any form of business. But the length to which some politicians used the system to benefits themselves, was a great shock to the easy pleasing British general public. There are now shouts from everyone for change, and of course, a totally new and transparent system. We will see how quickly any new system will be put in place. In the last few days, several people have called for the resignation of the Speaker, as they accused him of dragging his feet instead of dealing effectively with the situation. Should he resign? Of course h...