Your Wednesday Enlightenment 06.06.07
Posted by Matthew D.S. on 06.06.2007
Two dictators…or is that three?
*The camera fades in to a normal, suburban looking street, basking in sunlight that finally made its way through rain clouds that earlier seemed impenetrable. The footsteps of an individual can be heard as they make their way around a corner. He's carrying a black lunch bag and has a forlorn (which is of no surprise to anyone who knows this man) expression on his face, after another meaningless, pointless day in retail. He crosses the street and makes his way up a driveway of a typical suburban home on said typical suburban street. He opens the door and is greeted by cats. Two of them. Oh joy. One dinner later, and hours pass, and it's time to get down to business. Images of coffee dance in his head as he prepares to sit down and begin a new era in internet journalism.*
*It is the age of the Enlightenment.*
[YourWednesdayEnlightenment.]
Now that the theatrics are out of the way, I want to welcome you, one and all, to my new venture here on 411, which is the third during my tenure here on this great site.
"Your Wednesday Enlightenment" is not a humour piece, nor is it strictly news - I will endeavor to mix both genres into an informative piece that will open up new corners of the world to you. I may also add a little editorializing after each news item.
Ever since I joined 411, my goal was to make my readers based in the United States - which I assume is the majority of you - aware of the global issues and events that are on going around them, outside their native land.
That being said, American news will not be the focus of this piece, but if there is something significant that occurs, I will touch on it.
Now, to take you continent to continent and the major news stories playing out in some…'cept Antarctica…but who knows, penguins may take over…I'll break in IMMEDIATELY with any such news. You can rely on me, baby.
Former African President On Trial for Crimes
The Hague, Monday, June 4: The trial of the former President of Liberia, Charles Taylor, began in The Hague, Netherlands, the seat of the United Nations Special Court for Sierra Leone. Taylor, who served as President of the African state from 1997-2003, is accused to have committed atrocities through supporting rebel forces in the bloody civil war in Sierra Leone (1991-2002). Taylor faces eleven charges in total and includes charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The trial did not begin without incident however as Taylor refused to attend the proceedings, declaring that the trial was unfair because he was not afforded sufficient representation.
The President denies all charges.
Sabre Rattling by Putin Before G8 Summit Unsettles…Uh, Many
Moscow, Sunday, June 3: In a move reminiscent of Cold War days, Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the United States of compromising the balance of power in Europe as a result of plans to place its missile defence near Russia. The Americans are to place missile defence technology in both Poland and the Czech Republic - states that Russia considers within its sphere of influence. America has been vehement in insisting that the shield is meant to counter any missiles launched by so called "rogue states," such as Iran or North Korea, against Europe.
Russia has countered by saying that neither North Korea nor Iran has technology capable of hitting Europe - which is true. Putin then offered this, as quoted by the BBC: "If the American nuclear potential grows in European territory, we will have to have new targets in Europe."
A NATO spokesman described Putin's comments as "unhelpful."
The leaders of the world's top eight industrialized nations - the Group of Eight (G8) are to meet in Germany this week, and the Russians' concerns are likely to be near the top of the agenda.
Putin's comments come at a time when relations between East and West are strained.
Talk of a new "Cold War" has arisen amongst media outlets as of late, and this kind of talk is frankly a lot of bullshit. People throw around a lot of loaded phrases and terms such as "Cold War" to describe a situation which is totally unreflective of the current geopolitical scene. Russia has sought to recover its lost prestige after the collapse of the Soviet Union for years, and the international stage is one of those places Russia can throw its proverbial weight around by the sheer size of its nuclear arsenal alone.
For centuries Russia has also feared - and desired - outside contact/influence with its European neighbours, and because the US is "interfering" in the defence of its former Warsaw Pact states, it is especially sensitive to this issue. Let's face it though; Russia and the West are too intertwined to "start" anything serious, diplomatically or otherwise, so let's cut out the Cold War talk, shall we?
Castro Appears on Cuban Television
Havana, Tuesday, June 5: For the first time since undergoing surgery some ten months ago, Cuban President Fidel Castro appeared to the people of Cuba via television. The long time leader of Cuba - who has seen ten American presidents oppose him during his nearly half century tenure - underwent intestinal surgery and had to hand over Presidential power to his brother, Raul. Castro's health is regarded as a state secret, but the new video shows the Cuban leader looking healthier and stronger than in past images, leading many to speculate that Castro may resume all of his duties at some point.
Nice track suit, Fidel.
Much to the dismay of Mr. Castro's opponents, it seems he is on his way to a fairly decent recovery. There will be thousands if not more people hoping for this man's demise - as there will be thousands hoping for a speedy resumption of full duties (he still undertakes some, but his brother Raul bears the brunt of them for the time being). Mr. Castro is a symbol of inspiration to many, as he defiantly stands up to what he sees as American imperialism running wild. He is also a symbol of tyranny, as many who have opposed his regime have suffered the consequences. Mr. Castro is therefore a bit of a contradiction: a symbol of hope, and a symbol of terror. Once he leaves office for good, Cuba's future may be up in the air, especially if outside powers try to sway the political process on the island. While part of me wants to say, "leave them the hell alone, let them decide their own politics," another part of me says, "well, they've been indoctrinated into 'loving' Communism and its public face, Castro, for nearly half a century, of course many will want to remain under this system. " I'm not sure what the best course for Cuba is, but it surely does not involve continued use of decades old cars or the repression of those who desire democracy. In the mean time - end that damn embargo America.
Now for two random bits - one which will be a mainstay (IF I can make it work), the other I'll just toss in time-to-time, when inspiration hits.
The first I call, "A Moment of Inanity," and is the time-to-time bit.
This week's moment of inanity belongs to none other than Paris Hilton, who began a laughable jail sentence in a "special needs" prison.
The heiress to the Hilton family fortune was busted for violating the conditions of her parole, and the firestorm of media attention that has surrounded this story has been huge.
She - and the fans that circulated petitions online to try and get her sentence commuted - is a sick symbol for how crass Western civilization has become. She has debauched herself through the release of a sex tape readily available online, and is portrayed as the stereotypical blonde airhead whose only interests seem to be partying, drinking, and having a good time. The fact that someone like her can be admired makes me long for nuclear holocaust just a bit more.
And now for the other bit, which I call, "This Just In."
Every week I will take a globe and spin it at random, and I will then try to find out what the top news story of the day in that country, well, is. What will you learn? *shrug* Not a hell of a lot I'll wager, but I thought it'd be fun. So let's give the globe a spin…I only hope I don't land on "Bankrupt."
…one carrot muffin later…
Congratulations FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA, it's your turn to shine!
Apparently voters from the States of Chuuk and Kosrae will be going to the polls to elect four-year representatives to the 15th Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Reference: http://www.fsmgov.org
How…exciting. Well, there you have it! I hope you've enjoyed this first edition of Your Wednesday Enlightenment. Feel free to send me any feedback and until next time, remember:
STAY CURRENT