I'd just like to take a little time and get something off my chest. I have for quite sometime followed, with some anticipation, geo-political events around the world. And I'm geeting a little tired of the same old retoric and patterns exibited by many individuals the world over. These include greed, duplictous behaviour, apathy and wanton violence. Alot of this stuff I know I can have no effect on. But I believe that the United Nations can do some good and that there are no bad people, just bad intentions. Although, sometimes plain old human stupidity rules the day. Some of what I'm about to say will piss you off, so be warned.
Now that we've reached the openning years of the new century, we really should look at ourselves and think ahead to the kind of world we are setting up, not only for ourselves but for our children. It has become clear that the regard for human life has become cheaper than ever, blood is spilt and people die mostly in the name of the almighty dollar or because someone feels unheard.
But on a more political note. I was asked by someone one the other day what I thought of the situation in Iraq. After some thought I replied: "I's a fuck'in mess." Do I agree with the "Coalition of the Willing"? Yes. Regime change had to happen. Nobody likes to live under a dictatorship, ask anyone who lives in North Korea, nor does anyone with a free heart want to. But what was the alternative, Saddam the Dictator for life?
If you ask me, weapons of mass destruction or no, regime change had to happen. Too bad that no one thinks that regime change in Zimbabwe is a good idea. Human suffering isn't enough to move us to action anymore it would seem.
Everyone knows that only free countries with democratic regimes can ever truly prosper. And that's what has to happen in Iraq; prosperity will come with the establishment of a strong, balanced government that can represent ALL Iraq's peoples, see that's what some of you people have to learn about democracy. It allows your opponents to critcise you, provided their arguments are supported with evidence and facts. You debate them and find a solution. Because if you ain't part of the solution then your part of the problem. So the lesson is; if you have a problem bring it up in the proper forum. Blowing yourself up in a crowded street does not send the right message.
For a great example lets look at Palestine (Yes, I called it Palestine). I find it somehow ironic that for a people who suffered under the NAZIs, who were persecuted, forced from their homes into ghettos, marginalized, and sent to death camps, can 50 years later turn around and do it to their own nieghbours. Yes, I'm talking to you Isreal. Not that I'm siding with anyone here, and the Palestinians could do much more to reign in it's excitable militants. Because the road to peace doesn't include blowing up buses' full of civilians. Neither side will reach a resolution unless ALL sides stop the violence and talk to each other. But humans don't learn very well, so we'll see what happens.
But back to Iraq, the people there need us to support them and guide them through the stressful period of transition as their new nation is born. Sunni, Shia, Shi'ite and Kurds can all get along they just have to try it first. That's where a well balanced government is needed. But the rule of law must be sactioned by the people, that's how democracy works, everyone has their say, their vote in things and everyone is duely represented. Democracy may not be perfect but it's the best system we've got and it does work (don't be afraid Mr Putin, just give it a try). Remember that a good two thirds of the worlds population don't have the "priviledge" of being able to vote and have their say and be represented, so we "westerners" have little to complain about. We call that a "win-win" situation, stamping your feet and throwing your toys out of your cotand calling up your local militia group DOESN'T HELP! It serves no purpose to kill those who we have differences with. Groups like al-Qeada do nothing but surve their own purposes, which seem to include causing chaos and spreading death. To King Abdullah I would say; you have my support and sympathy in these trying times.
I value those whose opinions differ from my own, it gives me another point of view to see things from.
So do you see where I'm going with this? Mr Blair and Mr Bush may not have done things to everyone's liking, but at least they acted in the best interests of the longer term. There are many other leaders I could name who are quite happy to turn a blind eye to the worlds ills and so they do nothing to help those who suffer. Lets try Africa. Violence can and often does solve problems but it must be a LAST resort, but when it is used it must be so devastating that we will all be left with an awful taste in our mouths because of it. But it is the LAST option. Any Hare Khrishna (or Star Trek fan) will tell you that. But in some cases it maybe the only option, has anyone ever tried to negotiate with a megalomaniac or a perinoid delusional?
So to Mr Annan, I have a great respect for you and the enormity of the problems you face, but lets have some strong retoric form the United Nations backed up by some affirmative action from the member states, i.e; watching Rwandans kill each other like it's the nation sport, or genocide in the former Yugoslav states is not what I want to see the U.N.s peacekeepers doing. If your going to enforce the peace, then bloody well do it, don't tie their hands (Mr Butros-butros Ghali).
So, in closing this rant; Democracy works, freedom works and the right to self-determination belongs to everyone on this planet. Petty dictators should be removed wherever they are and the people taught to govern themselves. And Kim Ill Sung is a huge fan of John Wayne films despite his mistrust of the Americans!
I don't know how many people I've pissed off with this, but I'll catch you next week.
P.S; and I'm a New Zealander.