25 May 2009
A warm weekend in town
Last Saturday I was in town and happened to find myself in O’Connell Street and ended up in Eason’s. Henry Winkler, star of ‘Happy Days’ (1970s US show) was in the store. He is now in his 60s and I decided to go up to him and shake his hand.Mr Winkler is in Ireland to promote a book for children he has written and was in Eason’s on a book signing session. The versatile actor is charming and as if to underline this he is an Obama fan. Well isn’t everyone. It was a real pleasure to meet him.
**********************************************************
The familiar song with the lines: “Grafton Street’s a wonderland…” is wafting through the aforementioned strip in central Dublin. Pony & Traps, men with cloth caps over their heads and the greeting: “Top o’ the morning to ye” – these are all part of the anachronistic, stereotypical image of Irish life.
That however, is the old Dublin and those spending time in the Fair City nowadays will be greeted by many foreign languages, dialects and accents. Dublin, Ireland indeed, is changing and a more diverse way of living has undoubtedly begun despite the bitter recession. In this country we have moved from an underdeveloped pit of boredom to an exciting multicultural arena. I for one am immensely proud that my homeland is now host to an amount of ethnicity, never previously seen in ‘The Emerald Isle’. However everyone must play an active role in integration. No one should feel excluded, nor should anyone back down in the face of racism.
An example of this growing multi-ethnic society was this weekend when the Irish Aid organisation presented the public with a carnival atmosphere for Africa Day. The fun all started at 12pm on Sunday and the venue was the Iveagh Gardens (behind the Department of Foreign Affairs, Iveagh House). As soon as I got to the entrance to the Iveagh Gardens, shade-wearing, gum chewing security men tightly controlled those entering the party.
Inside the gardens the place was jammed with lots of people. Porcelain white girls sporting exotic tattoos mingled with dazzling, ebony black African people and all present were moving around taking in the glorious sunshine. Many African countries were represented and each country had their own stall/tent, educating the public on the fabulous culture on offer in the continent of Africa. Traditional African board games were also displayed along with wood carvings and shiny, colourful dresses as a butterfly flew by.
Moving inside, a marquee (one of several) was set up and music was blasting through speakers and we were given a taste of music from Congolese musician, Niwel Tsumbu, who spoke briefly to Gerry Godley (Lyric FM). Tsumbu was probably the highlight for me of my time in the gardens. He makes a most wonderful sound with a simple acoustic guitar and I’d love to hear more of his music. Also in that marquee was a selection of African tribal rugs attached to the walls.
This was a truly wonderful event and it touched so many bases culturally. It reminded me of Peter Gabriel’s UK based, annual WOMAD festival. The difference being that this was solely to do with Africa. There was also plenty of opportunity to sample the best in African food as well as the usual ‘burger batters’ that seem to muscle their way into every event held these days. As I navigated around the Iveagh Gardens I pressed fleshed and networked/chatted with ordinary Africans and some wore amazing costume. I also managed to get some gorgeous pics with my digital camera which I will cherish.
But it’s families who dominate proceedings and there is plenty going on to keep them happy. My singularity and the fabulous ladies present bring a tear to my eye but with the great weather we are enjoying I soon cheer up. The centre of Dublin has never looked more like a part of Africa. I joke with some, asking for the next train to Abuja or Cape Town, which created an amount of consternation followed by laughter. There is even a prominent waterfall in the gardens and it prompts me to make the obvious comparison with the Victoria Falls.
On a slightly disappointing note there was no Zimbabwe tent. Surprising given the growing number of Zimbabweans here. Itayi Viriri was scheduled to speak but there’s no sight of the articulate Zimbabwean journalist. However no one could be unhappy on this day a chance for all Africans to express, if it weren’t obvious already, their pride. This was a colourful occasion; one that will, hopefully, be repeated every year – a terrific way to show off Dublin’s newly minted cultural diversity. An enjoyable day no matter where you come from, even in the midst of a recession.
© Ian Callagy 2009
19 May 2009
Expenses & The Speaker
Viewers should note that due to matters of tedium and boredom, IANO'S CHRONICAL will not be putting up the Speakers speech to parliament from yesterday, 18th May 2009 as carried on youtube.
I'm laughing. Almost all of the British parliamentary system is currently going through a crisis. The speaker of The House of Commons, in particular, is attracting growing, severe criticism for his handling of the expenses MPs are claiming. I'm laughing in a preposterous way because back in history, 1535 to be exact, the speaker of the then parliament was beheaded. That could never happen today and this is the basis of my chuckling. One imagines that I would not have been amused if I were around in the 16th century.A time in which even the mildest of indiscretions could lead to execution,in the most brutal of ways.
Indeed we have come a long way since execution, torture and slavery were run of the mill.The terrible treatment of women and people with disabilities were commonplace. One shudders to think how those with mental illness were treated or, more to the point, mistreated in the middle ages. People are often asked what period of history would they like to live in. Well, despite the many human rights abuses and bad conditions for millions of us, I would say 2009 is a good time to start from.
So Speaker Martin, don't worry. You'll not be beheaded, even if you lose it from time to time. Your civil liberties will be protected in 2009. It's time you stopped dragging your feet and allowed the voters their civil liberties too. This expenses crisis, and the many MPs embroiled in it, must be sorted and the Speaker must resign as the first step in the cleansing process.
© Ian Callagy 2009
I'm laughing. Almost all of the British parliamentary system is currently going through a crisis. The speaker of The House of Commons, in particular, is attracting growing, severe criticism for his handling of the expenses MPs are claiming. I'm laughing in a preposterous way because back in history, 1535 to be exact, the speaker of the then parliament was beheaded. That could never happen today and this is the basis of my chuckling. One imagines that I would not have been amused if I were around in the 16th century.A time in which even the mildest of indiscretions could lead to execution,in the most brutal of ways.
Indeed we have come a long way since execution, torture and slavery were run of the mill.The terrible treatment of women and people with disabilities were commonplace. One shudders to think how those with mental illness were treated or, more to the point, mistreated in the middle ages. People are often asked what period of history would they like to live in. Well, despite the many human rights abuses and bad conditions for millions of us, I would say 2009 is a good time to start from.
So Speaker Martin, don't worry. You'll not be beheaded, even if you lose it from time to time. Your civil liberties will be protected in 2009. It's time you stopped dragging your feet and allowed the voters their civil liberties too. This expenses crisis, and the many MPs embroiled in it, must be sorted and the Speaker must resign as the first step in the cleansing process.
© Ian Callagy 2009
18 May 2009
Ecstasy
Growing up in the 1980s brought me many happy memories. One of my favourite magazines at the time was the New Musical Express, one of Britain’s top music publications. The NME covered the mainstream but was essential reading every week especially for the discerning music fan. It told me nearly all I needed to know on what was happening and new acts were regularly written about in its pages. Sometime in the late eighties however, it started to have ‘Smileys’ dotted around each issue. The ‘Smiley’, I soon found out referred to the dance scene, ‘raves’, that were happening all over the UK at every weekend (they never really came to Ireland). As a 16 year old music fan I had no knowledge that drugs were an integral part of the ‘rave’ scene. Not Heroin, not Cocaine, not Cannabis but Ecstasy.
Ecstasy, more commonly known as ‘E’, was the drug of choice and it was/is used by thousands of people each weekend. An article for The New Scientist online edition, in February 2009, states that: “around half a million people take ‘E’ every year in England and Wales and 30 die from the acute effects, mostly overheating or water intoxication.”
One of those who has tried it and suffered is Mark Hennessy, a raver in his early 40s. In an article in March 2009, in The Guardian newspaper, he told of his life of hell after using ‘E’ for the first time last year. “The MDMA had induced a toxic reaction in my brain, heating it up to 41 degrees. My cerebellum – the part of the brain that tells the body how to balance, how to make sounds recognisable as words and remembers how to write and hold a pen – was fried”, he explained to the British daily newspaper. “I later found out that I was one of four people in the hospital that weekend to have taken an ‘E’ – and the only one to survive. My friend was told by a consultant that you could take ‘E’ or MDMA 100 times and suffer no ill-effects or you could take it once and that would be it.” Mr Hennessy was lucky to live, but that is the nature of drugs – they are unpredictable.
The New Scientist piece says of the dangers posed by ‘E’: “people who took even a small amount of Ecstasy at some point consistently performed worse on psychometric tests, which measure mental performance, especially memory, attention, and executive function, which includes decision-making and planning”. The analysis goes on to say that “the most pronounced effects are on memory, mainly verbal and working memory.”
Mark Hennessy says that after his internal organs began to fail he “spent a month in a coma before waking and being transferred to the high-dependency unit.” Mr Hennessy informed The Guardian, that his “cognitive and intellectual functions were intact, but the lack of fine motor skills meant that I could not stand, balance or talk. I still had the same thoughts but my body disobeyed me.”
Experts are cautious about labelling Ecstasy harmless. But Mr Hennessy is clear about it: “My life has been ruined.” Almost as bad as death. Maybe worse. One suspects the man will never dance again, precisely the reason he took ‘E’ in the first place.
Ecstasy, more commonly known as ‘E’, was the drug of choice and it was/is used by thousands of people each weekend. An article for The New Scientist online edition, in February 2009, states that: “around half a million people take ‘E’ every year in England and Wales and 30 die from the acute effects, mostly overheating or water intoxication.”
One of those who has tried it and suffered is Mark Hennessy, a raver in his early 40s. In an article in March 2009, in The Guardian newspaper, he told of his life of hell after using ‘E’ for the first time last year. “The MDMA had induced a toxic reaction in my brain, heating it up to 41 degrees. My cerebellum – the part of the brain that tells the body how to balance, how to make sounds recognisable as words and remembers how to write and hold a pen – was fried”, he explained to the British daily newspaper. “I later found out that I was one of four people in the hospital that weekend to have taken an ‘E’ – and the only one to survive. My friend was told by a consultant that you could take ‘E’ or MDMA 100 times and suffer no ill-effects or you could take it once and that would be it.” Mr Hennessy was lucky to live, but that is the nature of drugs – they are unpredictable.
The New Scientist piece says of the dangers posed by ‘E’: “people who took even a small amount of Ecstasy at some point consistently performed worse on psychometric tests, which measure mental performance, especially memory, attention, and executive function, which includes decision-making and planning”. The analysis goes on to say that “the most pronounced effects are on memory, mainly verbal and working memory.”
Mark Hennessy says that after his internal organs began to fail he “spent a month in a coma before waking and being transferred to the high-dependency unit.” Mr Hennessy informed The Guardian, that his “cognitive and intellectual functions were intact, but the lack of fine motor skills meant that I could not stand, balance or talk. I still had the same thoughts but my body disobeyed me.”
Experts are cautious about labelling Ecstasy harmless. But Mr Hennessy is clear about it: “My life has been ruined.” Almost as bad as death. Maybe worse. One suspects the man will never dance again, precisely the reason he took ‘E’ in the first place.
16 May 2009
George Lee is wrong
The leader of Fine Gael alongside the party's TD for Mayo, Enda Kenny (Courtesy Youtube.com)
George Lee, prospective TD for Dublin South, is wrong. Not necessarily wrong in his economic analysis but he is making a mistake in entering politics. He should have stayed in broadcasting and it is doubtful he’ll be a TD of many issues. Instead he may fall into a position of being an economic guru, like Dr.James Reilly TD – who has welded himself to the role of being Health speaker for Fine Gael.
In an interview, this week in the Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Mr Lee, almost in an Obamaesque way, sets out why he is running for a seat in Dáil Eireann: “I want to represent the issues of the people of Dublin South. I know what the issues are, I suffered from them. I have kids myself, I want them to have a future……I am putting myself before the electorate because I believe passionately in the power of politics to inspire all of us to bring about change.” But George, politics isn’t all about economics. You have to be on call 24 hours a day as a TD and economic analysis is not enough on its own.
Mr Lee may have impeccable knowledge of economic matters but will he be able to apply this forensic skill to the political stage? One cannot be sure of this; TDs shouldn’t be single issue members. Whilst his integrity and honesty is obvious, this may be a challenge for the former RTE economics editor. However he is pushing all the right buttons with the voters at the moment, even if his long term future in politics is uncertain.
Lee is an extremely precise economic journalist and it’s hard to imagine him campaigning on behalf of angry suburbanites complaining about the various social problems that constituents are concerned about. Furthermore he has no previous political experience unlike his chief challenger for the vacant seat of Dublin South, Senator Alex White (Labour), who has been around the block a few times. Also Mr Lee hasn’t got family ties to politics like Shay Brennan (Fianna Fáil). For himself and his colleagues this is an exciting time but with FG in opposition there is little chance for George to ply his skills in government.
Fine Gael has been out of power for most of the last 20 years and has not got enough of a track record in government. Would it not have been wiser to become an advisor to this government? Former RTE broadcaster, Sean Duignan was, for a number of years, government press secretary to former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds. Lee might have been able to take a similar role advising the current government on economic matters. Beating a drum in opposition is much more difficult and if he does get into Leinster House, following this by-election, it’s fair to assume the FG member will have little or no bearing on government policy.
RTE are perhaps the biggest losers though. Who can they get to replace the venerable Lee? I am thinking they must be in a difficult position trying to get someone with as much expertise on economic matters. Who will replace him at Montrose? Brian Lucey, David Murphy, or maybe even Ryan Tubridy? This is the headache George Lee has presented to the national broadcaster and Fine Gael must be hoping that the migraine spreads to Brian Lenihan too.
© Ian Callagy 2009
11 May 2009
Amnesty Ireland Annual Conference 2009
Saturday 9th May
Registration started at approximately 9am and we were warmly welcomed to the annual conference. This year’s conference took place in the School of Midwifery, D’Olier Street and it was the perfect venue. The opening address was shared between Colm O’Gorman and Noeleen Hartigan, with Paul Cunningham chairing proceedings. This lasted for roughly an hour and the various campaigns that Amnesty gets involved in were outlined for the delegates, members and the executive.
Once the opening addresses were out of the way those present were divided into workshops. I, with my Zimbabwe Group colleagues, held one such workshop. Two native Zimbabweans told us their individual stories and what led them to come to Ireland. They described the torture and harassment they were subjected to and one could not fail to be touched by the pain and heartbreak that they had to endure.
Following these testimonials the two speakers had various questions put to them. There are no easy answers to a problem that never seems to go away but these two brave people were, despite the great problems back in their homeland, optimistic about the future.
About 45 people attended our workshop and those present divided into four separate groups of 10 to go into further discussions on Zimbabwe. Myself and Barbara (one of my colleagues) co-chaired a discussion and we were delighted by the interest shown and the questions asked. One thing is certain; Zimbabwe has many friends in Ireland which is a source of great comfort and a boost to the work we in Amnesty are trying to do. Various reforms need to be introduced in Zimbabwe before life gets better there. A new constitution and the ending of impunity in the security forces were discussed as being just some of the changes needed to restore Zimbabwe’s good name.
The workshop ended after around half an hour and everyone spilled out onto the foyer of the building, apparently one of the few art-deco constructions in the city. Everyone appreciated the new venue and its proximity to the Amnesty headquarters in Ballast House was a great advantage. I understand that financial concerns were also a big factor in the choice of venue. This was my second Annual conference since I became a fully paid up member of the Irish section. It is a good way of sharing ideas with colleagues around the country and trying to make people’s lives, both at home and abroad, free from suffering.
One of the highlights, for me on the first day of this annual conference, was meeting Charles Laffiteau (an American who writes a column in Metro Eireann). Charles is a Republican, but says he likes Obama, and he was a genuine pleasure to talk to. Not how I would characterise most US Republicans. We had a brief chat, before going to another of the many workshops members were required to attend.
To be honest a lot of the literature and talking that went on at the conference was information overload and that’s not why I joined as a member. Self-motivation is the best way of getting involved. Doing something because you care and NOT for any other reason. I didn’t join so I could back-slap, clap or wallow in papers. Far from it, Human Rights were, and are, my reason for getting involved with AI. Not to self-congratulate. However that is the nature of conferences and I still believe in people power. Despite my reservations Amnesty is the best organisation we have to express that.
So I’m sitting in a pleasant Cafeteria near Wicklow Street. I’ve just finished my latte and my head’s spinning. That’s what a day spent listening about Human Rights does to you. Can’t imagine how the AI staff cope. But it’s a hell of a lot better than torture. Hopefully tomorrow’s events will be more interactive……
Sunday 10th May
I arrived for a workshop, this morning, on the Middle East. David White is the co-ordinator of the Amnesty group that is involved in that, ongoing, running sore. I’ve met David before and he’s a great guy. He has a moderate demeanour – just what’s needed in an increasingly bitter struggle between Israel and various Arabic nations. Well, although I was late, I got the flavour of how the various members felt about the thorny issue of Gaza etc. Personally I feel the whole issue has become intensely political and it makes Amnesty’s work very difficult. Even though I wouldn’t join such a working group I am delighted to be associated with the likes of David. I was only in the workshop for a short period because of my tardiness and the next plenary session was to do with various motions that had to be voted on by members. There were some lively exchanges on one or two of the motions but nothing too divisive.
After a short break members attended another workshop of choice. I chose to go to one concerning Amnesty’s campaign on Mental Health. Seems to me that there has been a lot of talk on this issue but with little tangible progress. Why not engage with the public at large and try to educate and inform people on Mental Health rather than hang around for government assistance on this issue? Of course we need the aid of government in planning and funding and it is crucial to get their co-operation. But everyone has a role to play with regard to Mental Health.
Society needs to be educated about mental health because not enough is known about this problem. I have my objections on the campaign however; Amnesty should be praised for its activity in this area. Raising awareness of the issues surrounding Mental Health is pivotal in establishing the best way to help those who suffer. Of course I know that Amnesty is not involved with the medical treatment of patients, but the human rights organisation is still trying to help those on the thin edge of the wedge on this matter.
As someone with direct experience of mental ill health, I know that lives aren’t just affected – they are LOST because of late treatment or poor diagnosis. This is due to mass ignorance at how the public identify the mentally ill. These people are not all violent and there are still some taboos to be broken. Maybe Amnesty could do more to end the stigma still attached to mental health. Mental Health should be talked about in as clear a way as Cancer or any other illness. No one should need to be silent about the fact they have a mental illness.
The general theme of this year’s conference seemed to be a lack of adequate funding for what AI wants to achieve. After the workshops were all over, delegates returned to the foyer and the talk was about how to grow the organisation. I feel that activism is strongest when issues are more keenly felt by members – when our backs are against the wall everyone becomes more motivated.
The final speech of the day was delivered by the widely respected, Niall Crowley. Introducing Mr Crowley to conference, Amnesty Ireland’s chief executive, Colm O’Gorman praised him for his work in the field of equality in Ireland. Mr Crowley told his audience of his dismay at the difficulties that the government was placing in the way of achieving equality. His friendly demeanour was warmly welcomed by conference. After Mr Crowley had spoken, the delegates all left to enjoy the sunshine and warmth of a Sunday evening in early May.
The annual conference was the culmination of months of work by the staff at Ballast House. I, as a member of Amnesty, would like to praise the good work done to ensure the smooth running of this year’s event. Thanks, in no particular order, to: Pina, Gail, Justin, Gerry, Sian, Siobhan and Kieran and to anyone I have missed here. You should be proud of the work you do. We all appreciate your input, especially in these difficult economic times. Thank you.
For further information on the work Amnesty does log on to: www.amnesty.ie
© Ian Callagy 2009
Registration started at approximately 9am and we were warmly welcomed to the annual conference. This year’s conference took place in the School of Midwifery, D’Olier Street and it was the perfect venue. The opening address was shared between Colm O’Gorman and Noeleen Hartigan, with Paul Cunningham chairing proceedings. This lasted for roughly an hour and the various campaigns that Amnesty gets involved in were outlined for the delegates, members and the executive.
Once the opening addresses were out of the way those present were divided into workshops. I, with my Zimbabwe Group colleagues, held one such workshop. Two native Zimbabweans told us their individual stories and what led them to come to Ireland. They described the torture and harassment they were subjected to and one could not fail to be touched by the pain and heartbreak that they had to endure.
Following these testimonials the two speakers had various questions put to them. There are no easy answers to a problem that never seems to go away but these two brave people were, despite the great problems back in their homeland, optimistic about the future.
About 45 people attended our workshop and those present divided into four separate groups of 10 to go into further discussions on Zimbabwe. Myself and Barbara (one of my colleagues) co-chaired a discussion and we were delighted by the interest shown and the questions asked. One thing is certain; Zimbabwe has many friends in Ireland which is a source of great comfort and a boost to the work we in Amnesty are trying to do. Various reforms need to be introduced in Zimbabwe before life gets better there. A new constitution and the ending of impunity in the security forces were discussed as being just some of the changes needed to restore Zimbabwe’s good name.
The workshop ended after around half an hour and everyone spilled out onto the foyer of the building, apparently one of the few art-deco constructions in the city. Everyone appreciated the new venue and its proximity to the Amnesty headquarters in Ballast House was a great advantage. I understand that financial concerns were also a big factor in the choice of venue. This was my second Annual conference since I became a fully paid up member of the Irish section. It is a good way of sharing ideas with colleagues around the country and trying to make people’s lives, both at home and abroad, free from suffering.
One of the highlights, for me on the first day of this annual conference, was meeting Charles Laffiteau (an American who writes a column in Metro Eireann). Charles is a Republican, but says he likes Obama, and he was a genuine pleasure to talk to. Not how I would characterise most US Republicans. We had a brief chat, before going to another of the many workshops members were required to attend.
To be honest a lot of the literature and talking that went on at the conference was information overload and that’s not why I joined as a member. Self-motivation is the best way of getting involved. Doing something because you care and NOT for any other reason. I didn’t join so I could back-slap, clap or wallow in papers. Far from it, Human Rights were, and are, my reason for getting involved with AI. Not to self-congratulate. However that is the nature of conferences and I still believe in people power. Despite my reservations Amnesty is the best organisation we have to express that.
So I’m sitting in a pleasant Cafeteria near Wicklow Street. I’ve just finished my latte and my head’s spinning. That’s what a day spent listening about Human Rights does to you. Can’t imagine how the AI staff cope. But it’s a hell of a lot better than torture. Hopefully tomorrow’s events will be more interactive……
Sunday 10th May
I arrived for a workshop, this morning, on the Middle East. David White is the co-ordinator of the Amnesty group that is involved in that, ongoing, running sore. I’ve met David before and he’s a great guy. He has a moderate demeanour – just what’s needed in an increasingly bitter struggle between Israel and various Arabic nations. Well, although I was late, I got the flavour of how the various members felt about the thorny issue of Gaza etc. Personally I feel the whole issue has become intensely political and it makes Amnesty’s work very difficult. Even though I wouldn’t join such a working group I am delighted to be associated with the likes of David. I was only in the workshop for a short period because of my tardiness and the next plenary session was to do with various motions that had to be voted on by members. There were some lively exchanges on one or two of the motions but nothing too divisive.
After a short break members attended another workshop of choice. I chose to go to one concerning Amnesty’s campaign on Mental Health. Seems to me that there has been a lot of talk on this issue but with little tangible progress. Why not engage with the public at large and try to educate and inform people on Mental Health rather than hang around for government assistance on this issue? Of course we need the aid of government in planning and funding and it is crucial to get their co-operation. But everyone has a role to play with regard to Mental Health.
Society needs to be educated about mental health because not enough is known about this problem. I have my objections on the campaign however; Amnesty should be praised for its activity in this area. Raising awareness of the issues surrounding Mental Health is pivotal in establishing the best way to help those who suffer. Of course I know that Amnesty is not involved with the medical treatment of patients, but the human rights organisation is still trying to help those on the thin edge of the wedge on this matter.
As someone with direct experience of mental ill health, I know that lives aren’t just affected – they are LOST because of late treatment or poor diagnosis. This is due to mass ignorance at how the public identify the mentally ill. These people are not all violent and there are still some taboos to be broken. Maybe Amnesty could do more to end the stigma still attached to mental health. Mental Health should be talked about in as clear a way as Cancer or any other illness. No one should need to be silent about the fact they have a mental illness.
The general theme of this year’s conference seemed to be a lack of adequate funding for what AI wants to achieve. After the workshops were all over, delegates returned to the foyer and the talk was about how to grow the organisation. I feel that activism is strongest when issues are more keenly felt by members – when our backs are against the wall everyone becomes more motivated.
The final speech of the day was delivered by the widely respected, Niall Crowley. Introducing Mr Crowley to conference, Amnesty Ireland’s chief executive, Colm O’Gorman praised him for his work in the field of equality in Ireland. Mr Crowley told his audience of his dismay at the difficulties that the government was placing in the way of achieving equality. His friendly demeanour was warmly welcomed by conference. After Mr Crowley had spoken, the delegates all left to enjoy the sunshine and warmth of a Sunday evening in early May.
The annual conference was the culmination of months of work by the staff at Ballast House. I, as a member of Amnesty, would like to praise the good work done to ensure the smooth running of this year’s event. Thanks, in no particular order, to: Pina, Gail, Justin, Gerry, Sian, Siobhan and Kieran and to anyone I have missed here. You should be proud of the work you do. We all appreciate your input, especially in these difficult economic times. Thank you.
For further information on the work Amnesty does log on to: www.amnesty.ie
© Ian Callagy 2009
05 May 2009
100 Days
So Barack Obama is now US president for over 100 days. He has, in that time, had to cope with difficulties such as the gigantic economic crisis, two wars and, latterly, Swine Flu not to mention the relationship that exists between the US and Iran. Many other problems have to be faced by America’s first black president. Indeed most that I’ve mentioned were inherited from the previous administration. The difference is that the previous prez was not popular. Contrast that with the high ratings Mr Obama is still attracting. He has restored the dignity and trust which that office demands. This has not been demonstrated for quite some time.
All leaders must deal with problems on an hourly basis and in time of anxiety the US president’s role is to re-assure the public. It seems that Mr Obama, both inside and outside America, is trustworthy. It’s good that this integrity belongs to the American people, the most powerful nation on earth. Many will want, for political reasons, to paint Obama in a bad light but it’s clear that they will have their work cut out.
However a new age is being forged. The world can dare to hope. Even in the midst of a recession, Mr Obama continues to inspire and he radiates a charm rare in politics these days. He says of the problems facing America: “The ship of state is an ocean liner, not a speed boat” – problems cannot be sorted immediately. Hard to imagine the last president uttering well chosen words. If ever there was a time to be American that time is now. But Obama is not Christ. He won’t get everything right, but he’s making a damn good start.
************************************************************************
I’ve been struggling, over the past few days, with the flu. Not the Mexican type, I assure you. Despite this I went to an event (‘Southern Smoke’) on last Sunday in Pembroke Cricket Club (can you get anything grander?). It was organised by a group of Zimbabweans based here and the beer was flowing along with good quality meat which was also available via a Barbeque. Even though I got hit by a cricket ball, it was my runny nose and slamming headache that got the better of me and I had to curtail my attendance.
But not before I caught up with some of those present and what marvellous examples of humanity southern Africans can be. Anyway the weather was fine and I’m sure that the revelling went on well into the night. There were a number of Ulster folk around too and I guess that must have been the cricketing element. It was good to see everyone enjoying themselves.
© Ian Callagy 2009
All leaders must deal with problems on an hourly basis and in time of anxiety the US president’s role is to re-assure the public. It seems that Mr Obama, both inside and outside America, is trustworthy. It’s good that this integrity belongs to the American people, the most powerful nation on earth. Many will want, for political reasons, to paint Obama in a bad light but it’s clear that they will have their work cut out.
However a new age is being forged. The world can dare to hope. Even in the midst of a recession, Mr Obama continues to inspire and he radiates a charm rare in politics these days. He says of the problems facing America: “The ship of state is an ocean liner, not a speed boat” – problems cannot be sorted immediately. Hard to imagine the last president uttering well chosen words. If ever there was a time to be American that time is now. But Obama is not Christ. He won’t get everything right, but he’s making a damn good start.
************************************************************************
I’ve been struggling, over the past few days, with the flu. Not the Mexican type, I assure you. Despite this I went to an event (‘Southern Smoke’) on last Sunday in Pembroke Cricket Club (can you get anything grander?). It was organised by a group of Zimbabweans based here and the beer was flowing along with good quality meat which was also available via a Barbeque. Even though I got hit by a cricket ball, it was my runny nose and slamming headache that got the better of me and I had to curtail my attendance.
But not before I caught up with some of those present and what marvellous examples of humanity southern Africans can be. Anyway the weather was fine and I’m sure that the revelling went on well into the night. There were a number of Ulster folk around too and I guess that must have been the cricketing element. It was good to see everyone enjoying themselves.
© Ian Callagy 2009
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