The Voice Box

Mr. Bush Visits South America George Bush is continuing his well orchestrated visit to South America. He started out in Brazil where he was met by thousands of demonstrators who were determined to let him know how they felt about him. He and the Brazilian President, after talks, signed a commitment to work together to produce more ethanol, the current fashion in biofuel. The American president moved on to Uruguay, and Colombia where he received a mixed reception. He will later visit Guatemala and Mexico. Many see his visit here as propaganda in the form of convincing the South Americans of how much the US really cares, not just about individual countries, but for the entire region as well. But with Senor Chavez of Venezuela spreading his anti-imperial message in order to counter the presence of Bush, there is a general consensus that the the visit will be watched and noted by all, but that the impact will be minimal, or a lot less than the White House expects. Probably the most importa...

The Saguaro National Park I have always had a lifelong ambition of visiting the Saguaro National Park. And after years of procastination, I decided the time had come to make the trip. Less than two weeks ago, on February 8, I started on this venture, which would no doubt involve a lot of flying across the Atlantic. From London Gatwick it was a ten hour flight to Dallas Fort Worth. Then I had to hang around the airport for four long hours waiting for my connection to Tucson. Eventually at 6.35 pm we were on our way. After three hours I had arrived, and was heading for the Red Roof Hotel where I was staying. My initial response was that Tucson was very flat, and indeed, well laid out. But because of jetlag, that first night I was in a bit of daze, and I headed straight to bed, very early. Early the next morning I ventured on a quick tour of the city, and decided to leave the saguaro visit to the weekend. As I had sensed, the city was very widely laid out, a striking contrast to the mount...

IRAQ: THE CIVIL WAR LOOMS The daily consequences in Iraq seem to suggest to many, that the end is nigh. Or is it? The daily journalistic outpourings of news announce, that all Iraqis have the very last chance of saving their country. Most seem to forget the one hundred thousand foreign troops present. What is their purpose now? Should they stay? How do you feel about Iraq today? Please do a post.

UN TO US: CLOSE GUANTANAMO In a recently published 54 page report, the United Nations urged the United states to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. It is four years since the 'Gitmo' camp was opened. Few believed that that the camp would be around today. At one point the camp held well over five hundred detainees, or enemy combatants as the Americans will term it. Why were there? This was the grand idea of the US to detain people suspected of being in league with Al Qaeda. Most of them were rounded up in the war zones of Afghanistan, some under devious means, according to reports. They were supposed to provide the US with lots of intelligence with the inner workings of Al Qaeda, which would be useful in the American War on Terror. It is debatable with these goals are ever going to be realised. But the detaining of the men from over forty countries, continues. Over two hundred and fifty of the men have been returned to their respective countries in the last two years, unde...

NARCOTICS: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT Death Penalty for Two Australians Is the death penalty for two Australians to harsh a sentence? If you have not heard, on Tuesday a court in Indonesia sentenced to death two Australians for their part in smuggling heroin, in what they called the war against drugs. The case is not over, for there are still three defendants awaiting sentencing. But the sentencing of those convicted, brings into the open, once again, the harsh realities of the Anti-Drug establishment in countries in South East Asia. Do you agree with the sentence? Do you have a different view of how to deal with drug pushers? Please post a response?

Soccer: Soca Warriors Head to Germany The recent qualification of Trinidad and Tobago, for the World Cup to be held in Germany next year, is major milestone for such a small country. They are certain to be the smallest nation represented in this major event. With a population of just over a million people, the locals have every reason to celebrate, because unlike most large countries, attending major international events like these, are a rare event. To put it bluntly, it was only the second time in the last twenty years that the twin islands had a chance to qualify. The other time was on the eve of the 1990 World Cup when they just failed to qualify. For small countries the world of professional sport is a very limited option. A few manage to take their skills abroad, and with experience and determination gradually enter the big league. But for most sportspeople, this rarely happens. Sports for most smaller countries including the Caribbean, is tied to amateur structures which rar...

RIOTS IN THE FRENCH REPUBLIC BON MONSIEUR: The aggressive attitude of Monsieur Sarkozy to the rioters will only make matters worse. The riots in France are not only about wanton destruction, but also about a cry for help. The rioters seem to sense that the ideals of the republic are false, if not dishonest. They see no liberty, no equality or no fraternity. They have become disillusioned with French society, and all that is happening around them. Therefore caught in their emotive rage, they feel the need to lash out destructively, causing damage wherever they can. It is very easy to blame scapegoats, or foreigners for the breakdown law and order. But this would simply obscure the reality of French society today. Whatever the politicians pretend, the riots have presented another view of France to the world, and no amount of whitewash will change that. France has to look at the Republic, and consider how far its ideals benefit all members of the republic. Ask any ethnic in France, ra...

Michael Jackson: On The Move The trial of Michael Jackson earlier this year reminded us all of how tough life is. Once presumed to be the world's greatest superstar, and proclaimed 'the King of Pop,' he had to face the indignity of a sordid and soul-destroying trial, which must have pushed him close to the borders of insanity. But it was all his own fault, I can hear you say. I am not sure that I agree with you. I think some of it was his own fault. But a lot of it seem to occur because of his celebrity status. The story of MJ can be written in many ways, but whatever the chapters, the start will always be same. Little Michael, and his four brothers leave Gary, Indiana, and becomes a success story. That success story presents 'The Jackson Five' not just to United States of America, but also to the rest of the world, making good music to be enjoyed by all. Eventually MJ leaves the group for his solo outing, and to many, delivers a virtuoso performance on the first a...

Harriet Miers: Rise and Fall How quickly things change in politics. One moment it was all Harriet, Harriet Miers was everywhere. Harriet Miers with the President; Harriet Miers meeting and conferring with senators; newspapers and televison were overflowing with stories. And then just as suddenly, she was gone, pushed out by the very conservative groups that she was supposed to represent. Was it too much to expect the lady to be given an opportunity to present her case for being a Supreme Court Justice? It looked that way. Many saw it as a battle of ideology. Never mind her qualifications and experience, was she the right conservative for the job? And the answer to that question was simply no. Was it sexism? Few would want to even discuss this angle. In these times, it is quite fashionable to pretend that true equality has arrived, and that racism and sexism no longer exist. Others highlighted her lack of experience on the bench, as if that was the only reason to oppose her. Yet even th...

PERESKIAS Pereskias are really not very well-known plants. Even among succulent lovers, they are certainly not highly prized. The fact they are a significant part of the Cataceae group still does not reward them special attention. Mention pereskias to the general public, and they would probably stare at you in puzzlement. They may look like roses, but in the eye of masses they remain unknown. Often, botanists will tell you, that they are usually found only in botanical gardens. Yet, they serve as a significant starting point for the debate about the origin of cacti. For some, these are the first cacti, before evolution and mutation took its course. The real reason for their obscurity may have more to do with the fact they need highly a tropical climate to survive. Without warmth and sunlight, they cannot flourish. And therefore, in a temperate climate you would never see them at their best. Yet, they are interesting plants, and they are some of my favourite cacti. The fact that they a...

HARD ON DRUGS The recent public debate, about whether an aspiring British politician should declare publicly, whether he used drugs in his earlier days, beggars a question. What attitude do you take to drugs? Do you smoke cigarettes? Would you be willing to admit publicly whether or not you take hard drugs? Are you someone who would commit to prison anyone caught smoking marijuana, even for the first time? Do you draw a distinction between say marijuana, and cocaine? Are you someone who generally conform to the dictum of law? Or do you regularly question laws which are legal, but you believe should be scrapped? And what about alcohol, what attitude do you take to people drinking alcohol? Of course, it is legal, but do you realise that alcohol probably causes much more damage to our lives than so called hard drugs. My attitude to drugs goes across the board. All drugs can be destructive, and this is some thing that needs remembering. Even approved prescriptive drugs can be dangerous, an...

Is War Inevitable? Consider the history of mankind. Consider the evolution of nations, which in many cases may have been decided by war. Consider the technological advantages, and the sophistication of the twenty-first century in which some of us may live. I ask the question, is war still inevitable? Why do countries still see war as a way of resolving conflicts? You tell me why, or why not.

British Politics Today Politics is sometimes difficult to comprehend. Or should I say that politicians are difficult to comprehend. It took one little incident at the Labour Party conference to expose them for what they really are. In case you are not aware, during the Foreign Secretary's speech on why the country went to war in Iraq, an eighty two year old labour party member shouted, "Nonsense. You know that is a lie." He was then manhandled, taken out of his seat, and then escorted out of the hall. Later, when he tried to return to the building he was detained under the new anti-terror laws. The actions of the labour party are typical of politics today. Gone are the moments when there are actual debates about policy. Often, policies are now decided by a small clique, or even in some cases by a single individual, and the rank and file are forced to accept it. More disturbing are the slick media presentations of the policies, often to give the impression that they have c...

A House is Not a Home I know quite a lot of people to whom their home is everything. For a start, in selecting a home, they insist the property should represent everything they stand for. The more expensive the better, even if in some cases it may be far beyond their budget. Home making today has become a competitive game in one upmanship. The constant moving, with the focus on the social ladder, or the ever so important improvements, to make the property that more attractive, has become standard practice everywhere. The home seems no longer a focus for the family, but a grand investment in the real estate bubble. Yet, there are many who would insist the house is still the main focus of family life. But I don't accept this, or to put it bluntly, this is not what I see being practised. What I see more and more today, is the house is used as a staging ground for all our activities, business, leisure or otherwise. Of course, it is still probably the place where we spend a great deal o...

A House is Not a Home Leaving home in a hurry is difficult for all of us. Leaving home when the elements whether hurricane, flooding, or any other disaster threaten your every existence, is even far more problematic. In the last few weeks the tragedy of Katrina has taught us a lot of lessons. If forced to evacuate when some disaster strikes, there is a chance that you may return to find that your home is no longer there, or even no longer habitable. This presents us with a serious question. How important is your home to you?

Another German Election? Another election for Germany, absolutely not. The people have spoken, and now it is time for the politicians to deliver. Of course, almost of all of them will have to eat their words, and start dancing to a very different tune. But that will be a wonderful experience for them. I am one who truly believe that politicians do benefit, ever so often, from being humbled. It is obvious that some kind of coalition has to happen. Angel Merkel feels her time has come. But I am not so certain. The fact that her Christian Democrats and the pro-business party, hold a slim majority over the Social Democrats, does not suggest to me that she should naturally be the next chancellor. The truth remains, that together they are still a minority in the German Parliament. The same applies to the combination of Gerhard Schroeder and the Green Party. Any way you look at it, the coalition could go either way. Unless there is a dramatic development, and the two principal players suddenl...

United Nations Party The world leaders gathered in New York to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the United Nations. The intention was that they would meet and greet, and eventually come up with a better way of continuing international dialogue, and promoting cooperation between countries of the world. Most important were issues of poverty, free trade, treatment of Aids victims, promoting peace and democracy, fighting terror, etc. What did happen? By the end it was obvious that they celebrated their differences. Whatever the individual members of the group felt, and there were those who taught that by bringing so many leaders together in one room was itself an achievement. As the world's foremost international I think they missed a great opportunity. For once you would have hoped that they could have suspended their own personal agenda, and considered the good of all mankind. Did they? No, they did not. At the end of the conference they managed to cobble a statement of a f...

Imagine a situation in which tragedy strikes, and you have one hour to evacuate your home. What would you take? I would select one of my medium size travelling bags which must be enough to hold all of my personal effects. I will start with three pairs of trousers, two light and one heavy. I will add three pairs of shorts, two regular and one knee length. For underpants the magic number will be seven, one for every day of the week. Three short sleeve shirts and two long sleeve ones will then be added. I will complete the clothing collection with my favoutite sweater, four tee shirts, and one coat (suited to the time of the year). Footwear will comprise of one pair of shoes which I will be wearing, a pair of sandals, plus four extra pairs of socks. Three towels of varying sizes, and a small bagpack. And of course, a case with all my personal effects, and a portfolio of all my private documents. Money and credit cards in my pockets, I will be ready to evacuate in forty minutes. PS. I deba...

One Hour to Evacuate Imagine a situation in which tragedy strikes, and you have one hour to evacuate your home. What would you take? I would select one of my medium size travelling bags which must be enough to hold all of my personal effects. I will start with three pairs of trousers, two light and one heavy. I will add three pairs of shorts, two regular and one knee length. For underpants, the magic number will be seven, one for every day of the week. Three short sleeve shirts and two long sleeve ones will then be added. I will complete the clothing collection with my favoutite sweater, four tee shirts, and one coat (suited to the time of the year). Footwear will comprise of one pair of shoes which I will be wearing, a pair of sandals, plus four extra pairs of socks. Three towels of varying sizes, and a small bagpack. And of course, a case with all my personal effects, and a portfolio of all my private documents. Money and credit cards in my pockets, I will be ready to evacuate in for...

New Orleans: After the Storm Every time I saw an image on televison about Katrina's devastation of New Orleans, I would cringe in disbelief. This is not the New Orleans I know. This is not the New Orleans which I visited only last year. Indeed, I was right. This is a different New Orleans, a New Orleans facing annihalation, a city drowning in its own waters, a city where death and destruction have become the norm. Whatever happens in the next few weeks, New Orleans will never be the same. I am not going to start to allot blame,for me there are too many individuals who are already doing that. But there were times when following the sequence of events, I could only feel shock, and outrage. Hurricanes always bring a mixture of emotions, and this one seemed no different . At least, that was the way it looked at the start. But then the rot set in,and everything seemed out of control. Suddenly, the human face of tragedy was everywhere. Many of us watching from around the world couldn...