There are pivotal moments in history where an individual can truly make a difference. Such a moment has arrived with the assassination of Benazir Bhutto and it is her two main political rivals who can move Pakistan from the brink of anarchy if they have the courage to act and the ability to overcome their own political ambitions.
The current president Musharraf and the sole surviving opposition leader Sharif must act together to save their nation. The President must extend an amnesty that will allow Sharif to run but for now he must first offer to create a coalition government that includes his opponents. The election should be postponed to allow Bhutto's party to recover and to find a suitable leader. Violence cannot resolve this. An armed response to this will only drive the country deeper into the chaos that extremists desire.
Only the political system can save Pakistan now, and the courage of two men.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
The view from the west coast...
Most of you have been to Victoria so you appreciate the beauty and the climate that I am enjoying for my holiday here. But in case your memories are vague I will kindly supply a view gentle reminders.
The weather has been perfect - raining when I need to sleep - sunny and cool when I am walking on the beach with my friend Helen.
Critical mass...
Is there a critical mass of Newfoundlander and Labradoreans that has been distributed throughout the world? Anecdotal evidence seems to support this notion. At least it seems I cannot move across this amazing country of Canada without continually encountering my countrywo/men wherever I travel.
Earlier this week I was in the Triple Spiral store in Fan Tan Alley – Victoria, B. C. Just the day before I had bumped into a CBC television crew doing a piece on the Winter Solstice. Apparently I looked like a good interview. SO I ended up expounded about Yule and the Winter Solstice. The next time I am in the store, Phyllis, the proprietor introduces me to Judith, who is from Newfoundland. We chatted for about an hour.
That same evening I attended a Solstice ritual in a yurt where I encountered a woman from Labrador. The today I am waiting for a walk light at the corner of View and Blanshard in Victoria and I end up talking with a woman from Placentia who knows my best friends family from Point Verde.
So this evening I head off the Beagle Pub in Cook Street Village. As the evening wore on I stepped outside for some stale air – which I freely shared with three others who were also outside. Shortly thereafter I end up in a game of cribbage with Heather from Baie Verte, Newfoundland.
It seems then, at least as represented by my current life on this celestial plan that we have at last created a critical mass of Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Celebrating the Winter Solstice...
This is always an interesting time of the year in Victoria. People are running about getting all of their Christmas shopping done. The banking system will crash at least once as we overload the Interac system with our electronic payments, draining our savings and maxing out our credit cards. There are long lineups and lots of grumbling. Yes this is the season of joy.
But then this city also tends to blur the boundaries a little - being the pagan/witch capital of Canada. Last night there was a wonderful gathering at the White Feather community hall with hours of dancing to the beat of multiple drums, the energy of electric guitars, the sensuality of hot brass and the ethereal sounds of a woman's voice singing a mystical air.
There was lots of dancing as people were almost compelled to move to the rhythms and energy that filled the place. And there was incredible dancing with one Tyeah - a belly dancer beyond compare. She began her performance with a scimitar balanced on her head. She was sensual, and tragic, ethereal and firey - literally as she later danced with a brass candelabra holding 9 lit candles on her head. She did not stop there. She had a extensions on each finger with wicks soaked in isopropyl alcohol. She lit each in turn filling the space with the glow that splashed from her gold sequin covered dress.
But it was really the joyful exuberance of the people that made the night so special. They danced with passion and purpose. They danced to chase away the dark and to bring back the light. They danced for the sheer joy of being alive and for living in one of the most beautiful cities in all of Canada.
But then this city also tends to blur the boundaries a little - being the pagan/witch capital of Canada. Last night there was a wonderful gathering at the White Feather community hall with hours of dancing to the beat of multiple drums, the energy of electric guitars, the sensuality of hot brass and the ethereal sounds of a woman's voice singing a mystical air.
There was lots of dancing as people were almost compelled to move to the rhythms and energy that filled the place. And there was incredible dancing with one Tyeah - a belly dancer beyond compare. She began her performance with a scimitar balanced on her head. She was sensual, and tragic, ethereal and firey - literally as she later danced with a brass candelabra holding 9 lit candles on her head. She did not stop there. She had a extensions on each finger with wicks soaked in isopropyl alcohol. She lit each in turn filling the space with the glow that splashed from her gold sequin covered dress.
But it was really the joyful exuberance of the people that made the night so special. They danced with passion and purpose. They danced to chase away the dark and to bring back the light. They danced for the sheer joy of being alive and for living in one of the most beautiful cities in all of Canada.
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