I could no longer delay this Blog and I feel I need to express my concerns, over the dreadfull situation this country is currently undergoing. I really feel for these poor people as there situation is so very desperate. Even when the people went to vote (at great personal risk) there democratic right has not being upheld by a corrupt and tyrant government. Robert Mugabe has got to be the most openly corrupt President in the world. He rules his country with an iron fist, his people are suffering in poverty whilst he continues to live a life of luxury.
"Zimbabwe's rate of inflation surged to 3,731.9%, driven by higher energy and food costs, and amplified by a drop in its currency, official figures show."
Four out of five Zimbabweans live below the bread line, people's life expectancy is lower than anywhere else in the world (33 years) and yet we are expected to believe the government of South Africa that there is no crisis?
Please take the time to watch this emotional video, "Zimbabwe Call to Action"
Here is another worthwhile video entitled: "Torture and Violence in Zimbabwe"
Introduction With the impending BEIJING OLYMPICS, I felt it timely to comment on Tibet. I have been interested in the situation in Tibet for many years and only missed out on visiting there, due to the bombing of the airport in Nepal in protest against the Iraq war.
Sometimes throughout all of my Blogs I prompt the reader to "click here" which will take you to another web site. Also everything that is in bold print (or highlighted) can be clicked on, to take you to another link. As I've stated before It is my intention to include as much information as possible and I encourage you ALL to be as interactive as possible on my Blog. So please post a comment if you have just stumbled across my Blog or know me personally.
Although lengthly. I felt it important to include some background information for the reader to better understand the history. If you can better understand history then you will be in a better position to understand current events and be able to put them into context.
The 13th Dali Lama
"From I911 to I950, Tibet successfully avoided undue foreign influence and behaved, in every respect, as a fully independent state. The I3th DALAI LAMA emphasized his country's independent status externally, in formal communications to foreign rulers, and internally, by issuing a proclamation reaffirming Tibet's independence and by strengthening the country's defenses. Tibet remained neutral during the Second World War, despite strong pressure from China and its allies, Britain and the U.S.A. The Tibetan government maintained independent international relations with all neighboring countries, most of whom had diplomatic representatives in Lhasa.
Picture of UN flag
The attitude of most foreign governments with whom Tibet maintained relations implied their recognition of Tibet's independent status. The British government bound itself not to recognize Chinese suzerainty or any other rights over Tibet unless China signed the draft SIMLA CONVENTION of I9I4 with Britain and Tibet, which China never did. Nepal's recognition was confirmed by the Nepalese government in I949, in documents presented to the United Nations CLICK HERE in support of that governments application for membership.
The turning point in Tibet's history came in I949, when the People's Liberation Army of the PRC first crossed into Tibet. After defeating the small Tibetan army, the Chinese government imposed the so-called "17- POINT AGREEMENT for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet" on the Tibetan government in May I951. Because it was signed under duress, the agreement was void under international law. The presence of 40,000 troops in Tibet, the threat of an immediate occupation of Lhasa and the prospect of the total obliteration of the Tibetan state left Tibetans little choice.
"It should be noted that numerous countries made statements in the course of UN General Assembly debates following the invasion of Tibet that reflected their recognition of Tibet's independent status. Thus, for example, the delegate from the Philippines declared: "It is clear that on the eve of the invasion I950, Tibet was not under the rule of any foreign country." The delegate from Thailand reminded the assembly that the majority of states "refute the contention that Tibet is part of China." The US joined most other UN members in condemning the Chinese "aggression" and "invasion" of Tibet."
Whilst initially I was disgusted at the Olympic committee agreeing to hold the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. After some deliberation I concluded the following. It is my opinion that whilst the I.O.C. are in direst violation of the OLYMPIC ETHICAL CHARTER I still think that holding the games in China can turn out to be a good thing. How can this be? I believe that China's human rights violation will be highlighted like never before.
The suffering of China's own people will not be forgotten by me, even though this is a Blog dedicated to Free Tibet. I feel it important to comment that thousands of people are being executed each year, (please watch the video) people are being imprisoned without trial and tortured. It is worthwhile to note that Chinese people where kicked out of their homes to make way for the new Olympic stadium. These poor people where not given an option or alternative accommodation, but kicked out into the streets. If China cannot look after it's own people in a land where there is no free speech, how does the world expect it to look after indigenous Tibetans. Since 1950 the Chinese have been responsible for the deaths of 1.2 million Tibetans. Think about that. This was systematic cultural genocide! The world watched and did nothing. Now the world is watching and the media is managing to get some reports out of Tibet. It has been said that because of this that the Chinese will show some restraint.
This is the Chinese showing restraint?
BBC news Report
Excellent ITN report
Excellent interview with the Dali Lama, CLICK HERE
Michael Moore is probely one of, if not my favorite documentary makers. To-day let's focus on Michael. What he's good at and not so good at.
Below is part one of an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer.
Please be sure to follow up and watch part two!
What Michael Moore doe's right.
Whatever you think of him, it is my opinion that Moore's heart is always in the right place, whenever he chooses to tackle a particular subject matter. He can make you laugh, cry or even enrage you and hopefully you will become active or think about the world in a different way. His outspoken views challenges us all and love or loathe him he has something of tremdous value to contribute to our society.For his most recent movie "SICKO" he tackles the American health service. With particular focus on health insurance and how corrupt they are. As always it's a case of prophet over people.
Below is the first few minutes of the movie Sicko. Just to wet your appetite.
What doe's Michael do wrong?
This is an observation from the movie Sicko, but I think it is a theme that runs through most of his movies and his books. Moore comes over to England to take a look at our N.H.S. He seems genuinely bemused that all perscripines are the same price and then goes on to marvel about how good or even perfect the NHS is. Mr. Moore fails to address the local issues and how the system is crumbling due to many contributing factors. Due to the recent flux of foreign migrant workers the NHS has been put under tremendous stress, as none of this was planned for by the government. The irony and enigma is that it is foreign workers that is holding the system together, but workers from the Eastern Block are putting a strain on an already overstretched system. Moore of course doesn't address any of this and has made a few sweeping statements about Northern Irish politics and Palestine, which have annoyed a number of people, including myself. What doe's this really show us though? It shows us that he is human and therefore not perfect. Can anyone really say that they are? I just wanted to address that just because you really admire someone, does not mean they are above criticism.
Closing words
I consider myself a big fan of Michael Moore. He does even address what I criticized him for in the second part of the Wolf Blitzer CNN interview. Still I look forward to ALL his releases and applaud him for his genuine concern for his fellow human being who are not as well off as himself. This type of compassion is rare and Michael should be applauded!
