Democracy in Niger

Although I feel a tad bit guilty that this blog project of mine has somehow been put to the back burner, I am far too busy reading about analytical frameworks and the Danish welfare-through-work model for the U.K. Every-time I think I have caught up with life, another load of shiet lands upon my desk to read/write/do.

I actually don't even have a desk.

Anyway in more important news, my South Florida friends went and saw Against Me! at the Culture Room in Ft.Lauderdale the other night. It was meant to be a brilliant show, but what I think is even more brilliant is that my little brother, Shilah's little sister and Johnny's little brother all went and experienced their first truly great AM! show. The next generation of S.Fla as Johnny, Shilah and I move on to other places. Adorable :)

I have been glued to the news lately reading about the developments of the coup in Niger. I really do not know enough to comment properly, but as far as the recent coup (Feb 19, 2010) of the west Africa country Niger, I appreciate the international community calling for democratic means of transitional power. However, if President Tandja is going to modify the constitution to give himself an unlimited term time i believe that is strike one. Surely France, the United Nations, African Union and the other international actors that have condemned the military coup realize that is the first step to a dictatorial, undemocratic leadership. According to my five minute research, President Tandja has grown deeply unpopular in recent months by the people of Niger and there is a large support base for the military coup.

Tandja has been in power since the 90's, and there are somewhat founded speculations that he wishes to remain permanently in power due to the recent Uranium and oil deals with western countries and China. The several billion dollars in revenue gathered from the oil and mineral business will generate massive funds for the government, and then make its way into Tandja's pockets. The BBC reports that gunfire has seized and the correspondent on site reports there is not an obvious military presence and daily life resumes. This may not be surprising since they have had an inconsistent government since their independence from France in 1960 and have long struggled to come to face with true democracy ( but haven't we all?).

There is a really interesting article published in the summer of 2009 about the change in constitution in Niger written by Tommy Miles. If you are at all interested this should be your first port of call: http://nyc.indymedia.org/en/2009/08/106865.shtml

I always find it difficult to pass judgment about these kind of situations because I would love to believe the military coup leaders would like to be democratic and make a genuine transition of power that will be good for all of the people of Niger blah blah but many times they all tend to be as corrupt and greedy as each-other. I would like to point out that this story has been moved off the front page of the BBC world service website and replaced with a story of a former Olympic Luger being buried in the state of Georgia. How absolutely fascinating and relevant.

Alas, I am grateful that I get to sit in my flat on my mac book reading about this kind of stuff instead of experiencing it in real life. My biggest problem right now is weather or not I should iron my blouse for work. Hopefully everything turns out alright and the people of Niger get to experience peace and democracy in the coming days.

Here's to good luck and good governance.

**Photo courtesy of the BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8524924.stm

'It's always better where the Tories are!'

I find myself here again in the same position, the same clothes and the same state of mind as yesterday/earlier. However, although I had a somewhat unproductive day considering I have stayed up all night, I did manage to get myself to Waterstone's (and Primark!) to purchase Mary Wollstonecraft's Vindication of the Rights of Women (1792). It is a bit of a shame, really, that in all my years as an avid reader I have yet to complete that book. BUT, this week will be my time to shhhhiine! It is the first of its kind and she was the single most important figure in progressing the rights of women, although it is arguable that not that much has changed.Wollstonecraft argued women's 'complexity' set them back as they were emotionally needy but strived for independence, and I find this is still true today. Women must be equal players to men in the workforce and home if they want equal treatment and respect. I think we have a long way to go. I respect Wollstonecrafts position, placing blame on females for enabling men to think of them are the 'fairer sex' and allowing subordination to occur in both the thoughts of men as well as treatment by dressing like an utter tramp. This is not liberating for women, it is a massive step back because women become a slave to the fashion/cosmetic industry that preys upon their vulnerability and assists in men's view that women are sexual objects/things, therefore subhuman.

My reading list is stacked high with Vindication being number one (I have an essay to do on it), Thatcher's Statecraft number two and finally Halldór Laxness's Independent People. [Am listening to Thatcher's Iron Lady speech as am typing..... she is such a badassbitch!]

I will leave you with some E.E. Cummings because he is a man that is always good for the soul and stimulates the mind:

someones married their everyones

laughed their cryings and did their dance

(sleep wake hope and then)they

said their nevers they slept their dream



Signing off whilst sitting on the dock of the bay..... wasting time & resting my bones!
Analytical frameworks tomorrow, bllleeeaaahhhhh.

ATTN: Maria wheres my Diet Coke?

Goodbye world!

First Post!

Due to my recent, and absolutely horrendous, insomnia spell, I have decided to challenge this waste of time into something productive like recording and documenting my thoughts concerning current events, politics, daily life and random things.

Additionally, I have just joined the community of world wide web users due to my recent connectivity to Sky. Technology is fabulous.

Speaking of technology, I would like to leave you all (if there is anybody out there at all) with this YouTube video I discovered when I was in Florida over the summer. If you are impatient, no worries, fast forward to 1:14. This little child possesses so much passion for something he cannot possibly fully comprehend at his little age. Amazing to watch and to look at his eyes, facial expressions, tone of voice and raw emotion. Not only amazing, but also very strange ... have a look:



It is nearly seven in the morning and I think I will fix myself a coffee to ensure my suffering will continue. How will I work my shift this evening? Hmm...