Thursday, 23rd December 2010
Howzit
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Twelve years ago today - which was the coldest day of 1998 and the shortest day of that year - my wife and I arrived in the United Kingdom to live...
The last twelve years have not been easy and we have learned a lot about people and community - and, of course, the medical delivery system in England.
The last twelve years have not been easy and we have learned a lot about people and community - and, of course, the medical delivery system in England.
-o00o-
A couple of days ago I wrote an editorial for Instablogs and I see that it has disappeared. No reason has been given to me as to just why it was pulled, but I do see that it was linked by "The Zimbabwe Situation" and obviously that no longer works.
So, rather than fight with other people and servers, this is that editorial (if the font style and size is different from the rest of the posting, it is Blogger doing it's own their own thing.
So, rather than fight with other people and servers, this is that editorial (if the font style and size is different from the rest of the posting, it is Blogger doing it's own their own thing.
“FREE & FAIR” ELECTIONS IMPOSSIBLE IN ZIMBABWE
Mugabe is not interested in democracy. Neither is he interested in leading the country as a duly elected President should. He is more intent on enforcing his tenure in the top office of the land, come hell or high water.
Mugabe has no care as to how many lives will be snuffed out with his mission to intimidate and oppress the public into ‘voting’ for ZANU PF.
Polling stations will be very busy with policemen and other ZANU PF ‘helpers’ ensuring that people vote for the rowdy, vicious and violent party.
So when Mugabe tells his adoring supporters that he and his party are preparing to bury the MDC for once and all, we expect nothing more than a repeat of the events that raged during the run up to the elections in 2008.
And I find the use of the expression 'bury' to be rather offensive, and deeply ominous.
"Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe has said his party is ready to bury his Western-backed opposition 'forever' as there are warnings his forces are fanning out across the country in a bid to intimidate voters ahead of elections.
Speaking to thousands of delegates at the annual conference of his ZANU PF party in the eastern city of Mutare, the 86 year old president said he wanted to see general and presidential elections held as early as June next year."
Mugabe is incapable of participating in a 'free and fair' election in Zimbabwe. Since 1980, Mugabe has used violence, intimidation, threats and oppression to force his way into office.
And he sees nothing wrong in this practise.
"Sources say the Zimbabwe National Army is already conducting reconnaissance missions and has orders to carry out raids on the MDC-supporting villagers, supported by local ZANU PF cadres.
Rumours are also swirling about a planned "Operation Headless Chicken" to follow on from the 2008 "Operation Short Sleeves" which saw the limbs lopped off those opposing Mr Mugabe as a warning to other voters."
I have not read of any incident to back up the idea that limbs are being cut off, but Mugabe may be playing the game with his cards VERY close to his chest. It is possible.
The apparent intimidation and the putting in place of Mugabe’s forces of oppression does remind me of the events that led to the massacre and genocide in Rwanda and Burundi in the 1990s.
The people driven encyclopedia "Wikipedia" has the following to say about that bloody event:
“The Rwandan Genocide was the 1994 mass murder of an estimated 800,000 people. Over the course of approximately 100 days from the assassination of Juvénal Habyarimana on April 6 through mid-July, at least 800000 people were killed, according to a Human Rights Watch estimate. Other estimates of the death toll have ranged between 500000 and 1000000, or as much as 20% of the country's total population. It was the culmination, largely influenced by the Belgian colonization which favoured the Tutsi minority group because of their more "European" appearance, of longstanding ethnic competition and tensions between the minority Tutsi, who had controlled power for centuries, and the majority Hutu peoples, who had come to power in the rebellion of 1959-1962 and overthrown the Tutsi monarchy.”
Wikipedia goes on to state: “The killing was well organized by the government. When it started, the Rwandan militia numbered around 30000, or one militia member for every ten families. It was organized nationwide, with representatives in every neighbourhood. Some militia members were able to acquire AK47 assault rifles by completing requisition forms. Other weapons, such as grenades, required no paperwork and were widely distributed by the government. Many members of the Interahamwe and Impuzamugambi were armed only with machetes. Even after the 1993 peace agreement signed at Arusha, businessmen close to General Habyarimana imported 581000 machetes for Hutu use in killing Tutsi, because at the time, machetes were cheaper than guns.”
Mugabe has had a major problem with importing arms into Zimbabwe, and the use of violence as opposed to guns has become more and more prevalent. And let’s face it, the Mugabe administration doesn’t care how the end is achieved, as long as it is achieved.
Civil war is not far away in Zimbabwe.
Robb WJ Ellis
The Bearded Man"
Mugabe has no care as to how many lives will be snuffed out with his mission to intimidate and oppress the public into ‘voting’ for ZANU PF.
Polling stations will be very busy with policemen and other ZANU PF ‘helpers’ ensuring that people vote for the rowdy, vicious and violent party.
So when Mugabe tells his adoring supporters that he and his party are preparing to bury the MDC for once and all, we expect nothing more than a repeat of the events that raged during the run up to the elections in 2008.
And I find the use of the expression 'bury' to be rather offensive, and deeply ominous.
"Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe has said his party is ready to bury his Western-backed opposition 'forever' as there are warnings his forces are fanning out across the country in a bid to intimidate voters ahead of elections.
Speaking to thousands of delegates at the annual conference of his ZANU PF party in the eastern city of Mutare, the 86 year old president said he wanted to see general and presidential elections held as early as June next year."
Mugabe is incapable of participating in a 'free and fair' election in Zimbabwe. Since 1980, Mugabe has used violence, intimidation, threats and oppression to force his way into office.
And he sees nothing wrong in this practise.
"Sources say the Zimbabwe National Army is already conducting reconnaissance missions and has orders to carry out raids on the MDC-supporting villagers, supported by local ZANU PF cadres.
Rumours are also swirling about a planned "Operation Headless Chicken" to follow on from the 2008 "Operation Short Sleeves" which saw the limbs lopped off those opposing Mr Mugabe as a warning to other voters."
I have not read of any incident to back up the idea that limbs are being cut off, but Mugabe may be playing the game with his cards VERY close to his chest. It is possible.
The apparent intimidation and the putting in place of Mugabe’s forces of oppression does remind me of the events that led to the massacre and genocide in Rwanda and Burundi in the 1990s.
The people driven encyclopedia "Wikipedia" has the following to say about that bloody event:
“The Rwandan Genocide was the 1994 mass murder of an estimated 800,000 people. Over the course of approximately 100 days from the assassination of Juvénal Habyarimana on April 6 through mid-July, at least 800000 people were killed, according to a Human Rights Watch estimate. Other estimates of the death toll have ranged between 500000 and 1000000, or as much as 20% of the country's total population. It was the culmination, largely influenced by the Belgian colonization which favoured the Tutsi minority group because of their more "European" appearance, of longstanding ethnic competition and tensions between the minority Tutsi, who had controlled power for centuries, and the majority Hutu peoples, who had come to power in the rebellion of 1959-1962 and overthrown the Tutsi monarchy.”
Wikipedia goes on to state: “The killing was well organized by the government. When it started, the Rwandan militia numbered around 30000, or one militia member for every ten families. It was organized nationwide, with representatives in every neighbourhood. Some militia members were able to acquire AK47 assault rifles by completing requisition forms. Other weapons, such as grenades, required no paperwork and were widely distributed by the government. Many members of the Interahamwe and Impuzamugambi were armed only with machetes. Even after the 1993 peace agreement signed at Arusha, businessmen close to General Habyarimana imported 581000 machetes for Hutu use in killing Tutsi, because at the time, machetes were cheaper than guns.”
Mugabe has had a major problem with importing arms into Zimbabwe, and the use of violence as opposed to guns has become more and more prevalent. And let’s face it, the Mugabe administration doesn’t care how the end is achieved, as long as it is achieved.
Civil war is not far away in Zimbabwe.
Robb WJ Ellis
The Bearded Man"
-o00o-
I have a distinct interest in the activities of Mugabe police as a former member of that force, and I also take an interest when things happen in areas and towns in Zimbabwe that I have worked and lived in. I worked and lived in Chiredzi from late 1988 until late 1991 when I was transferred on promotion to Mutare.
I loved the Lowveld, with its very hot temperature, and it was in Chiredzi that I took up golf - a game that I loved, although I wasn't very good at it - the lowest handicap I played was a 12.... but I worked closely with the sugar companies, Hippo Vally, Triangle and Mkwasine - so when Mugabe decides to 'have a go' at the sugar companies, having forcibly taken many of the farms away from the white commercial sugar producers in the area, I take a long look at his intentions.
"President Robert Mugabe, who has of late been in a combative mood attacking the West left, right and centre for their alleged regime change agenda, has warned sugar conglomerates Hippo Valley and Triangle Limited that they will find themselves in soup if they deny black farmers an opportunity to produce sugarcane.
Speaking in Gutu on Tuesday, President Mugabe said he would not hesitate to unleash Lands and Rural Resettlement minister Herbert Murerwa and Masvingo Governor Tutis Maluleje to investigate the claims of improper conduct with a view to bringing to book those found wanting."
I ask how come Mugabe has not seen fit to have the killings of commercial farmers in the landgrab investigated? How come the killing of workers in the Lowveld have not been investigated?
Does Mugabe believe that because the invaders were acting in his name that their actions are excused?
And how does Mugabe believe that the conglomerates will deny the farmers the ability to grow sugarcane? The ZANU PF government put the farmers there, so inputs for their sugar production should come from that party...
"We left the sugarcane industry to Hippo Valley and Triangle to farm, hoping that blacks would also be farming. But we see they don't want blacks to far,. We are looking into the matter to find the truth," President Mugabe said.
"Murerwa will go to Chiredzi with Maluleke and investigate the claims and sort things out. Blacks and government should get 51% control and leave whites with 49 percent. If they are to come, they should be under us. Those who don't want, we leave them alone. This is not the time to work for them, but to be employers or to be employed by blacks."
Mugabe has obviously got his sights on Hippo and Triangle and the companies will probably be forcibly taken over, even though the indigenisation laws have been suspended as the ZANU PF think tanks endeavour to iron out a few problems.
And then there will be a serious sugar shortage, as, when ZANU PF take over, the companies will be asset stripped and their ability to do anything curtailed to virtually nothing, And, when the sugar shortage does happen, it will be blamed upon the whites...
I loved the Lowveld, with its very hot temperature, and it was in Chiredzi that I took up golf - a game that I loved, although I wasn't very good at it - the lowest handicap I played was a 12.... but I worked closely with the sugar companies, Hippo Vally, Triangle and Mkwasine - so when Mugabe decides to 'have a go' at the sugar companies, having forcibly taken many of the farms away from the white commercial sugar producers in the area, I take a long look at his intentions.
"President Robert Mugabe, who has of late been in a combative mood attacking the West left, right and centre for their alleged regime change agenda, has warned sugar conglomerates Hippo Valley and Triangle Limited that they will find themselves in soup if they deny black farmers an opportunity to produce sugarcane.
Speaking in Gutu on Tuesday, President Mugabe said he would not hesitate to unleash Lands and Rural Resettlement minister Herbert Murerwa and Masvingo Governor Tutis Maluleje to investigate the claims of improper conduct with a view to bringing to book those found wanting."
I ask how come Mugabe has not seen fit to have the killings of commercial farmers in the landgrab investigated? How come the killing of workers in the Lowveld have not been investigated?
Does Mugabe believe that because the invaders were acting in his name that their actions are excused?
And how does Mugabe believe that the conglomerates will deny the farmers the ability to grow sugarcane? The ZANU PF government put the farmers there, so inputs for their sugar production should come from that party...
"We left the sugarcane industry to Hippo Valley and Triangle to farm, hoping that blacks would also be farming. But we see they don't want blacks to far,. We are looking into the matter to find the truth," President Mugabe said.
"Murerwa will go to Chiredzi with Maluleke and investigate the claims and sort things out. Blacks and government should get 51% control and leave whites with 49 percent. If they are to come, they should be under us. Those who don't want, we leave them alone. This is not the time to work for them, but to be employers or to be employed by blacks."
Mugabe has obviously got his sights on Hippo and Triangle and the companies will probably be forcibly taken over, even though the indigenisation laws have been suspended as the ZANU PF think tanks endeavour to iron out a few problems.
And then there will be a serious sugar shortage, as, when ZANU PF take over, the companies will be asset stripped and their ability to do anything curtailed to virtually nothing, And, when the sugar shortage does happen, it will be blamed upon the whites...
-o00o-
"The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Tuesday against Zimbabwe's attorney general, Johannes, saying his actions undermined the country's democratic institutions.
"(His) targeting of selected political opponents threatens the rule of law in Zimbabwe, harms the integrity of the government... and counters the will of Zimbabwean people who have expressed their desire to build a democratic society," said Adam Szubin, Director of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control."
The obvious comment is that Tomana was appointed unilaterally with consultation with either Tsvangirai or Mutambara, but Mugabe is determined that he will remain in office for the balance of his tenure, and, if Mugabe has his own way, be re-appointed again.
Not only was his appointment unconstitutional, but Mugabe's judicial sector sees nothing wrong with the attempt that Tomana made in introducing false evidence in the Roy Bennett trial which Tomana appeared for the State.
Had this been attempted by anyone else, they would now be resident inmates at Chikurubi High Security Prison just outside Harare on the Arcturus Road.
"Treasury said Tomana, appointed by Mugabe, "has selectively prosecuted political opponents and their perceived supporters in an effort to undermine Zimbabwe's democratic processes and institutions."
Before ZANU PF there was a democracy. Before Mugabe started changing anything, the will of the people was observed and respected. That was then - this is now...
"(His) targeting of selected political opponents threatens the rule of law in Zimbabwe, harms the integrity of the government... and counters the will of Zimbabwean people who have expressed their desire to build a democratic society," said Adam Szubin, Director of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control."
The obvious comment is that Tomana was appointed unilaterally with consultation with either Tsvangirai or Mutambara, but Mugabe is determined that he will remain in office for the balance of his tenure, and, if Mugabe has his own way, be re-appointed again.
Not only was his appointment unconstitutional, but Mugabe's judicial sector sees nothing wrong with the attempt that Tomana made in introducing false evidence in the Roy Bennett trial which Tomana appeared for the State.
Had this been attempted by anyone else, they would now be resident inmates at Chikurubi High Security Prison just outside Harare on the Arcturus Road.
"Treasury said Tomana, appointed by Mugabe, "has selectively prosecuted political opponents and their perceived supporters in an effort to undermine Zimbabwe's democratic processes and institutions."
Before ZANU PF there was a democracy. Before Mugabe started changing anything, the will of the people was observed and respected. That was then - this is now...
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There was a WikiLeaks article published today that details discussions between Mugabe and a US congressman. In the summary there is emphasis placed on Mugabe's mental attitude and his alertness.
Given that he is nearer 90 than 80, I suppose cognisance must be given to his state of mind, but I am not convinced that Mugabe is the statesman that everyone seems to think he is.
"On May 30 president Robert Mugabe received Congressman Donald Payne (D-NJ), Ambassador McGee, and staffer at his State House office for a nearly three-hour-long meeting. Throughout the marathon meeting Mugabe was alert, articulate, in apparent good health, and defiant. Congressman Payne gently and masterfully praised Mugabe for his liberation credentials before confronting him about human rights abuses. Mugabe neither confirmed nor denied the abuses."
Not the reaction we would expect from an innocent person - but Mugabe is an academic and he has the ability to play the game in multiple levels, giving away nothing, but gleaning much from the other participant in discussion.
I had the huge misfortune of meeting Mugabe on a one-to-one basis when I was in the police, and I felt dirtied by the experience. I think it was this sort of event that convinced me that my tenure in uniform was limited.
"Despite his defiance, Mugabe articulated his deep desire for acceptance into the international community again, although he did not offer to make any concessions or policy revisions that would lead to Zimbabwe's full reintegration in the community of nations."
Mugabe gives nothing, and takes as much as possible.
Given that he is nearer 90 than 80, I suppose cognisance must be given to his state of mind, but I am not convinced that Mugabe is the statesman that everyone seems to think he is.
"On May 30 president Robert Mugabe received Congressman Donald Payne (D-NJ), Ambassador McGee, and staffer at his State House office for a nearly three-hour-long meeting. Throughout the marathon meeting Mugabe was alert, articulate, in apparent good health, and defiant. Congressman Payne gently and masterfully praised Mugabe for his liberation credentials before confronting him about human rights abuses. Mugabe neither confirmed nor denied the abuses."
Not the reaction we would expect from an innocent person - but Mugabe is an academic and he has the ability to play the game in multiple levels, giving away nothing, but gleaning much from the other participant in discussion.
I had the huge misfortune of meeting Mugabe on a one-to-one basis when I was in the police, and I felt dirtied by the experience. I think it was this sort of event that convinced me that my tenure in uniform was limited.
"Despite his defiance, Mugabe articulated his deep desire for acceptance into the international community again, although he did not offer to make any concessions or policy revisions that would lead to Zimbabwe's full reintegration in the community of nations."
Mugabe gives nothing, and takes as much as possible.
-o00o-
Take care.
'debvhu
'debvhu
posted by Robb WJ Ellis at 8:33 AM
Union Jack (1963 - 64, 1998 - ??)
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