The Special Relationship!

[parker00]

So it's the womens fault they were raped and the attacker didn't use protection. News to me, glad i found that out.  

[Dowding]

Oh, and the only thing 'Special' about the relationship between the US and UK is that it isn't special at all.

Then again, it does show how both ends of the evolutionary scale can hold a press conference together.

[parker00]

Originally posted by Dowding
Eagl, I think you have South Africa confused with Zimbabwe.

It would seem Time and National Geographic are not the publications they were... or perhaps starting with an atlas would be a more 'productive' use of your time.

I think that showed how much he really knows.

[Skuzzy]

People quipping about what each other knows all based on media.  Priceless.

I really wish you guys would stop feeding the trolls.

[Saintaw]

We've sent/done enough there... if after at least a century, they can't fekin sort out their mess... yes, let "em rot.

I know, I'm going to hell (maybe for agreeing with Eagl) etc... whatever.


Saw (3rd Generation expat)

[Skydancer]

Skuzzy regardlessof whether you agree with the point that the relationship between our nations seems a little one sided or not. Is it acceptable on this BBs to tell someone to

And I quote

"Piss off skydancer. Take your holier-than-thou attitude and stuff it up your bung."

Just a query as you've chipped in.

Holden:lol  Yeah you are right on that score! But I think he was elected for want of a more viable alternative and maybe because our economy seems fairly robust at the moment. At least in the public eyes. call it the best of a bad bunch.

My point is that its galling that our prime minister is quick to drag us into a war in support of a Bush govt agenda and yet when Our Govt asks for support over the issue of Africa the Bush administration seems unwilling to play ball.

Sorry folks but to me that shows supreme arrogance.

This isn't about a holier than thou message or about trolling. Its about the relationship between oour two nations and perhaps and indication of why so many people are getting so fed up with the US govt and Mr Bush.

In my opinion if Bush won't play ball over Africa maybe we should get the hell out of the mess in Iraq and bring our boys back home.

[LePaul]

I'm just recalling the stand up comedy routine of Sam Kinnison from way back when.  I think he was talking about Ethiopa...pointing out that these people continue to live in drought plagued areas.  "See this? [picks up sand]  Know what it will be in 50 years?  SAND!  MOVE TO WHERE THE FOOD IS!"

I dont think any amount of money you throw at Africa will help.  Better off saving the funds for you own domestic needs.  You're fighting a culture there that doesnt beleive in how to protect oneself from AIDs, etc etc.

I dont want to sound like I have no compassion for their plight.  But they've been in some sort of blight since , well, forever.

Let's pick a scenario we can make a difference in.

[Skydancer]

I think we have to try and make a difference there.

Agreed its not enough to just chuck money at the problem but we have to link that aid to specific goals. Maybe even set the agenda on how it is spent rather than giving it directly to Govts. Not all African regimes are corrupt or hopeless.

The developed world cannot afford to give up on Africa. AIDS does not care about borders. Also being a virus it tends to mutate fairly regularly. If it becomes more easily transmissable it will affect us all.

Even if it doesn't become more easily transmissable the poor state of that continent is fueling migration to the developed world so it will be and is our problem already traveling in the bodies of both legal and illegal migrants.

But its not just AIDS. The poverty and chaos in many African countries is a ripe breeding ground for the politics of envy and terrorism. It won't be too long before Africa becomes another ME. Mugabe already has it in for the developed world.

Africa is a timebomb we need to diffuse. For the benefit of Africans as well as ourselves.

Its not enough to wish the problem away anymore.

[LePaul]

Sky, there's nothing stopping ya from donating to Unicef, christian charities or whatever.  I think its a *noble* cause and all...but I'm just a bit leery of yet another attempt to help Africa when it doesnt seem to want the help, or accept it.  

Im not being an isolationist here.  I just think we have other things we can do locally.

[Skydancer]

I already do. I also spent some of my time when in holiday in Kenya a few years ago working with kids in Nairobi hospital. So even when enjoying Kenya and its wildlife I tried to give at least a little back. But thats just personal choice and I was lucky to be in a position to help a little. But I fear it needs a little more than my few quid to Unicef and a few meager days voluntary work.

I do see where you are coming from but I just don't think the developed world can ignore the place or give up on it. A different strategy maybe but not give up. I also think if our nation is giving what it can to Bush's Iraq project we are entitled to expect a little cooperation from Mr Bush!

[Stringer]

Skyprancer,

No reply to my stats?  Especially the part about which country gave the most aid from the years 1997-2003?

Or the other hard hit area in Africa?  Where's the UK with Darfur?

You wag your finger too much at us, and you do it with little concern for the relevent facts.

[beet1e]

Originally posted by Dowding
Eagl, I think you have South Africa confused with Zimbabwe

Dowding beat me to it. I think eagl meant southern Africa, ie. Zimbabwe. Although I hear that Mbecki of South Africa is "impressed" with the "progress" made in Zimbabwe, and would like to initiate a similar sort of land grab scheme in South Africa.

I read an interesting article in the Torygraph about a week ago, in which WF Deedes discusses the plight of Africa - it's not all the west's fault, and there is plenty that Africa could do to help itself. Spending less on arms and wars, and having fewer dictatorships would be a good start.

Story here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/06/01/npov101.xml

[Gixer]

Originally posted by Skydancer
So Bush gets the British forces and Blair on board in his war!

And Blair gets from Bush..........

Yes thats right folks bugger all!

That's why Blair is the Poodle, he is an idiot for having such a close relationship with Bush and Bush makes him look like one at every encounter.


...-Gixer

[Skydancer]

"That's why Blair is the Poodle, he is an idiot for having such a close relationship with Bush and Bush makes him look like one at every encounter. "

I'm inclined to agree Gixer.

But Its a bad affair when an idiot is holding the poodle's reigns.