Africa and other countries

What if every country just retreated back to its borders and decided to mind its own business? What could possibly happen? Every country would be left to figure out its own problems and manage its own prosperity. Yes, there would be plenty of commercial trade but no foreigners would remain in another's country longer than thirty days, even for tourist excursions. What could happen? Weapons would not be allowed to cross borders. Every country would have to manufacture its own weapons if it chose to do so. Defense treaties would be outlawed. Of course, strong, aggressive countries could militarily attack and subjugate other countries but they would themselves be subject to the same actions by other countries. No country would have any legal or moral obligation to step in and defend any other country. What could happen? Would things be worse than they are now? 

Pope Benedict on Twitter

As you know, Pope Benedict has decided to enter the world of Twitter. His account will not be active until December 12, 2012 and he has not yet posted a single tweet but already has more than 300,000 followers. He will, of course, end up with millions of followers. His Twitter name, in case you are interested, is @Pontifex. He will, however, not be replying to any messages you send. 

Europe to the Right

I told you so. It is being reported that Chancellor Merkel has stated that a multicultural society within Germany is simply not working. Read between the lines. Sarkozy had previously started to evict gypsies - Roma - who had entered France illegally. He was criticized by Liberals but he didn't care. His country comes first. This topless woman is 100% European I think. No problem.

Terror Alert

Have you heard about the terror alert issued by the U.S. and other countries? The alert simply asks that anyone traveling or living in Europe be more cautious than usual - be watchful. Some people have criticized the alert as being too vague. They will go about their business as usual. Others have said they don't know what it means. Let me tell them then that what they need to do is be alert. That's all. Why would the authorities be more specific than that??? On the other hand, I would caution any terrorist to be especially careful in targeting Europe - you are likely to wake a sleeping giant and you will regret it - especially if you target Germany. This topless woman has nothing to do with it. Really.

French Scandal

There is talk about a French scandal involving President Sarkozy of France. It has to do with alleged illegal campaign contributions made by a rich Frenchwoman. It is stirring a lot of trouble over there. It has nothing to do with sex. If it had to do with sex, it would be no big deal I'm sure. This woman in Paris has gone shopping without her blouse but that is, of course, not a scandal either.

Health care anyone???

I just ran into an old TIME Magazine cover story on health care - it was from July, 1998. They were making a big deal out of some problem with health care back then. Things just never change. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

A little dilemma

Swiss voters amended their constitution on Sunday to outlaw the construction of minarets, the Moslem church symbol - like the spire in a cathedral. They did not outlaw the Moslem faith, just the minaret. It so happens that the Swiss courts cannot rule the amendment unconstitutional because the amendment is now part of the constitution itself. What to do? I suppose the European Union could make a case of it if they want to. I have no clue and neither does this topless woman.

Wind Turbines Are Beautiful

From another popular news site: “Paris – Wind is the fastest growing renewable energy in Europe – making up a third of new energy here, with 20 turbines added every working day in 2008, according to EU statistics. What the European wind energy industry now wants is to expand – offshore. Ocean winds are a stronger and more predictable form of energy than the ones on land, and the industry is pushing a $57 billion investment to allow broad-winged turbines to spin at sea. Offshore turbines are also seen as a solution to complaints from Europeans who do not want the gargantuan turbines in their backyards. Complaints that the turbines ruin ocean views have slowed US efforts to get a project started off the coast of Massachusetts. The US has virtually no offshore wind energy, though the Obama administration has started to work on the issue.” My own opinion is that turbines actually decorate the ocean. I think they look cool coming out of the water. Just be careful that you don’t smack your boat against one of the pylons.

Backing down

From a Yahoo! News story: “TEHRAN, Iran – A young French academic and local staff of the British and French embassies stood trial Saturday with dozens of Iranian opposition figures and confessed to being involved in the country's postelection unrest. Iran's opposition and rights groups have condemned the trial as a sham and say such confessions are coerced and scripted. Britain, which seemed caught off guard by the appearance of its embassy employee, called it an outrage, while France demanded the immediate release of its citizen. Reiss has been charged with acting against national security by joining protests, gathering information, taking photos and sending them abroad. The French Foreign Ministry on Saturday called for the immediate release of both Reiss and embassy employee Afshar, saying that the charges against them were without basis. The ministry statement also objected to the conditions under which Reiss and Afshar were being tried, and "deplored" that neither woman was represented by a lawyer. Sweden, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, expressed concern over the trials and noted that actions against one EU country — citizen or embassy staff — is considered action against all EU member states.”

Believe it or not, this is the first time in recorded history that a statement like the one made by Sweden, has been made. Put it down on your calendar. This virtually guarantees that Iran will back down – very soon. What do I know? Nothing.

Only a distant memory

It used to be that history taught us to speak softly and carry a big stick. I think Theo Roosevelt encouraged that philosophy. It seemed to work well. Now, the theory is that one should speak loudly with forceful rhetoric but carry a little stick. You wouldn't really want to hurt anybody, even if they hurt you first. Something changed. What was it? I signed on to tweeter and naively asked permission to follow Sarah Palin not knowing that she puts out about a million tweets a day. Now I shall have to politely disengage after a respectful time has elapsed. That's not Sarah on the left - I have no idea who that is but she does not make me nervous.

Left and Right.

As the U.S. steers to the left - becomes more and more liberal - Europe steers to the right. We will start seeing a trend which will see more and more affluent Americans leaving this country, becoming expatriates in Europe. It will be interesting to see how many members of Congress start buying property over there. If they say it's for vacationing, don't believe them. It's for security.

Now, Israel is worried because they see the U.S. moving away from guaranteeing its security. Not to worry, Europe will keep it secure. It's a lot closer to Israel anyway. What do I know? Nothing.

Conservatives

The news is telling us that the conservatives have picked up seats in the European Parliament elections. It's really no big deal since that body is toothless. However, it's an indication that Europe is moving to the right (as I have been saying for about two years) as the U.S. moves to the left. As they begin to play this tug of war, old friendships will erode and treaties will become meaningless or worthless. However, remember that I know next to nothing about these matters. Either way, my sweetheart is very happy.

Scandalous

From a Yahoo! News story: “PRETORIA, South Africa – Jacob Zuma became president of Africa's economic powerhouse Saturday, vowing to work to fulfill the dreams of all South Africans after he overcame corruption and sex scandals to reach the nation's highest office. Zuma, 67, is a former guerrilla fighter and intelligence chief of the African National Congress who has since survived corruption and sex scandals and an internal power struggle within his party. Tens of thousands had broken into spontaneous song when Zuma arrived, beaming, accompanied by his senior wife, Sizakele Khumalo. Zuma's unabashed polygamy has raised questions about which of his three current wives may act as first lady. On Saturday, all three were reported present but only Khumalo accompanied him to the stage.”

There is nothing new here. It just seems like high political office and scandal go together, whether in Russia, France, Pakistan, Japan, the U.S., Mexico, Italy, Afghanistan, China, Germany, Guatemala, Brazil, and even tiny, little Switzerland. The scandals either have to do with money or sex. Always. So, what else is new? Please.

Diplomacy is funny

From a Yahoo! News story: "PRAGUE – Despite deep Russian misgivings, the European Union and six former Soviet republics formally agreed on Thursday to pursue a new partnership meant to draw the eastern nations closer into the EU orbit. The agreement approved by presidents, premiers and their deputies from 33 nations is meant to extend the EU's political and economic ties in exchange for commitments to democracy from beneficiary nations. But already riled by NATO's eastward outreach, Moscow views the so-called "Eastern Partnership" plan with suspicion. Kremlin ally Mikhail Margelov, the chairman of the International Affairs committee in Russia's upper parliament house, said Thursday the Prague meeting was a geopolitically motivated effort by the West to increase its influence over former Soviet republics, Russian news agencies reported.
"This Eastern Partnership is directed against no one, including Russia," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel, among 17 heads of governments attending, along with four heads of state. Javier Solana, the EU's top diplomat, chided unidentified Russian leaders by saying their comments "have not been very constructive vis a vis the meeting of today." "This is not against Russia," he told reporters.

This, of course, is a bunch of nonsense. The deal is aimed at Russia, plain and simple. Politicians and diplomats can NEVER be honest. That would spell disaster for everybody, no?