Bloc Québécois deputees hold their very purpose as meaningless
After the Parti Québécois dropped its plan for a referendum when it achieves government (someday), many in the Bloc find themselves asking «what are we here for». The souverainiste strategy was for a provincial referendum to held with the support of the Bloc at the national level allowing a victory to succeed. Now that all plans for a popular consultation on independence put on ice for the foreseeable future, what is the point of a party that neither acts as a constructive Opposition nor in a way which improves Canadian federalism, for the confederation or Québec in particular?The Bloc Québécois has often played a negative role in federal politics, and this past parliamentary session has been no different. While making a more principled stand than Liberals on many occasions, such as the manufacturing sector and the environment, the party none the less serves to steal votes rather than represent a specific world-view of a majority of the belle province. MP's are calling on the party to either return to its independence focus or go home. On appuie!
Libellés : Politique, Québec, ROC, Souverainistes
par Borges à 17:09
Oui! Le Canada bilingue vit
One can't help but smile: following the Liberal government of New Brunswick's decision to scrap early immersion programs for Anglophone students wishing to learn French, there has been an outcry in the province:Not so many years ago, when English parents in New Brunswick held rallies to protest about French, it was to complain there was too much of it.But across the province this month, from Saint John to Moncton to the capital of Fredericton, hundreds of anglophones have massed together with a passionate rallying cry: We want more French, not less.
They wave placards proclaiming: "We want to be bilingual!" and "We love French!" They stand on the steps of the New Brunswick Legislature giving anti-government speeches in both official languages. [Globe and Mail, 31.3.08]
Libellés : la langue, Libéraux, Politique
par Borges à 10:13
«Israstine» OH YES!
When one finds themselves applauding the openings of Colonel Muammer Gaddafi at a speech during this weekends widely boycotted Arab League Summit, which saw him proudly declare his support for Israstine, a democratic one-state solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict that has ravaged the are for decades. While one never went so far as to create a portmanteau for the democratically united state, one has always said that is the only solution. Well done Colonel Gaddafi, for all your support of terrorism and lack of democratic credentials, even you grasp the nature of situation well enough to see that two peaceful, free states will never see the light of day. Partition is no solution!To reiterate:
They are both indigenous to the land, they share the common history of nearly 1500 years. The Balfour Declaration which created Israel did not change this, it simply created a point at which these two populations were politically separated and from there on atrocities were committed, hatred was implanted into the national conciousness by the ruling classes of both sides, and identity was expropriated by these forces in order to divide the population and ensure the continued control of these ruling classes, both Jewish and Muslim.
In order for peace to be established, the populations of Israel and Palestine, the inhabitants who have shared the land of Canaan for generations and generations, must disassociate themselves from the state institutions, that being the government and military of the Gaza Strip and Israel. Both are democratically elected, and both are abominations to the people they were elected to serve. Until the people of Canaan see that only a one state solution with a shared future is the way forward, this chapter of history so blood soaked and full of hatred and resentment, will not end. [Borges, Borges Blogue, 2.03.08]
Libellés : Droits, Israel/Palestine, La question nationale
par Borges à 15:27
Sunday Bits and Bobs: South Asia Round-up
A few morsels of political news from the Subcontinent:- Newly elected Prime Minister Gillani of the Pakistani People's Party has done honour to his post and indeed his party, in announcing a number of progressive measures in order to alleviate the daily suffering of the Pakistani population in poverty. As well as raising the minimum wage, he also increased support for food prices in the country, and lifted the ban on trade and student unions. This is along with receiving a vote of full confidence from the National Assembly
- The Communist Party of India has been instrumental in the establishment and development of the Indian state. They are now at the vanguard of the fight against a new kind of foreign imperialism:
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and other Left parties had prevented the signing of the nuclear deal with the United States, but the task of undoing the military collaboration agreement with the U.S. remained, CPI (M) general-secretary Prakash Karat said here on Saturday. “If it were not for the CPI(M) and the Left, the nuclear deal would by now have been wrapped up after the adoption of the 123 agreement in the U.S. Congress. But, the task was not over yet. We have to undo the military collaboration agreement. The struggle to disentangle India from the ‘strategic embrace’ of the U.S. must continue,”...
- The central government of India has convened emergency meetings to help deal with the soaring inflation in general sense, as well as in the price of basic food commodities. This is in line with the general food crisis being felt around the world, especially in nations which are dependent on rice, which is experiencing a higher than usual demand from the Middle East market. The Filipino government has taken similar measures, securing imports from rice giant Vietnam. Similarly measures should be expected from other countries in order to protect local populations from the devastating effects of the world market.
Libellés : Bits and Bobs, Pakistan, Pauvreté et développement, Politique
par Borges à 09:50
What has changed? Conservatives in Québec
Quoi?! The Conservative Party of Canada is at near parity with the Bloc Québécois in la bell province. 30% for the Bloc v. 29% Conservateurs is an impressive showing on the conservative share of votes, should elections be held tomorrow, especially considering last month's figure of 33% v. 27, a six point lead for the souverainistes. The Liberals are still floundering at 20 percent, which is not surprising considering the recent claims of disaccord within the Québec section of the Liberal Party of Canada, and the parties lack of action on really any front. 55% of the population is said to be satisfied with the Conservative minority government in Ottawa.The question must be asked, what has changed so much in one month that has lead to such a result for the Conservatives who have continually sold out the Canadian nation on so many issues that are close to the Québécois heart: environment, francophone issues, manufacturing and natural resources. One struggles to understand what is the pull of the Conservatives?
Libellés : Politique, Québec, ROC
par Borges à 12:54
McCain's «Hands Off» Foreign Policy
Just heard round table interview which included a pro-McCain talking head on BBC Radio 4's Today Program. The pundit claimed that John McCain will have a more pacifist foreign policy, which could even include dialogue with Syria and Iran, and a less interventionist stance on foreign crises (is this the same man who proclaimed he would have the United States in Iraq for... 10 000 years?). That may be what he is claiming now, and really the capitalist interests are what determine foreign policy under any White House administration, but in this specific case that is exactly what George W. Bush campaigned for in 2000. He was meant to be the anti-(Bill) Clinton, a real hands-off, let's mind our own business kind of politician, he wouldn't be sending forces all around the world to try and quell this dispute or take down that regime. And then September 11th happened. So one has to ask themselves, what will be McCains's September 11th, or will he even need one? (P.S. Can anybody tell me the proper punctuation for the previous sentence, it's a statement about a question which ends in a question, so is it a period or question mark? Thankyou)Libellés : Politique, États-Unis
par Borges à 09:26
Victory, Victory, Victory! The Québec Liberal Party
61 percent of Québécois claim to be satisfied with minority Liberal government of M. Jean Charest, a year after the party came to power in a less than convincing lead. Now, the party claims more than 34 percent of the intentions of voting, leading the PQ by four points, and its formal near rival the Action Démocratique du Québec securing just 22% of the vote if elections were tomorrow. The party seems to be basking in the glow of a successful economic and social policy which has seen services improved, society strengthened, and the consequences: the highest approval rating of any government for more than a decade, in fact, nearly 20 years have passed since a similar figure was seen.The Budget provided by Mme Forget with its increased investment in health, education, welfare, and the environment, the Immigration politique released by Mme James have satisfied the Québécois with its sage increases to supply the labour market with the workers needed, and the government has shown its compassion with its Pact for Employment. Real work has been done in Parliament on the issues that are important to the Québécois. The whining of the ADQ has not stopped the business of government and has relegated the party back to losing status. The Parti Québécois has been an innovative and constructive Third Opposition. But the real star of the parliamentary session has been the party in government, which has managed to make real change happen even though in a minority position. Bravo!
Libellés : Libéraux, Politique, Québec
par Borges à 11:11
Freedom in Burma by 2010: Go ahead, hold your breath
The Burmese junta has declared that it will be handing over power in 2010, with the implementation of a new, more democratic constitution (which still garauntees the military a large role in politics). In the countries newly built capital (think Abidjan vs. Lagos) Thun Shwe of the countries ruling military clique promised that the government of this country so opressed for nearly 50 years will soon see the light of democracy.Yeah right. One can't possibly see the junta allowing a free and open society to blossom, while simultaneously giving up the numerous privileges, both material and social that the army and its ranks have acquired. The Burmese junta has promised elections before, and has simply ignored the result and imprisoned the winner (Aung San Suu Kyi), so even the bright point in this administration's control of the country is marred by the reality of the situation: The country is ruled by a power-hungry clique of military rulers who are truly afraid of losing power.
The new state guaranteed under the new constitution will not be one which prizes human rights and the basic value of human rights, nor democracy (at least a quarter of the Parliament will be of 25 percent, and Aung Sun Suu Kyi is prevented from standing for election). The government cannot yet allow even the most basic liberties of freedom of expression or assembly, because they fear that they feel at the thought of the Burmese people uniting once again is a terrifying thought. Better to give the population a false sense of progress and hope that it pacifies their need for a society that is free.
par Borges à 13:52
Insert Julius Ceaser Quote as Necessary
As he rubs elbows with the Montréal Liberal elite at cocktail doos in the Vieux-Port, Michael Ignatieff, it would seem, is gathering up his resources, ostensibly to pay back the debts acquired during his 2006 leadership campaign, but some may suggest, to pose another challenge to the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Stéphane Dion.
Do the divisions in the party, especially in the Québec wing of the Federal delegation, hark to a change in leadership? If so, (and that is an if) is this sort of action a betrayal of democratic centralism or a smart move by someone who knows what they want?
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Libellés : Libéraux, Politique, ROC
par Borges à 09:25
Is the Chinese crackdown in Tibet justified?
As accounts pour in of the deteriorating nature of the protests in Tibet, and unbiased stories of attempted ethnic cleansing and anti-Han Chinese demonstrations, the beating and murder of those whose provenance is of «China Proper» is the Chinese government justified in its use of force in order to quell the rising tide of ethnic hatred turned into violence?These protests started out as peaceful commemorations of events that have long since passed, however when they degenerated into the vandalism and rioting that followed the orderly manifestations by local Buddhist monks , the Chinese government acted in a heavy-handed manner towards the protesters, using mild forms of violence in an effort to disperse them. Then the conflicting reports of deaths, whether by Chinese forces or by the Tibetan rioters, they are unacceptable. One does not support the people of the Tibetan inhabited regions if they are going to be following an agenda of anti-Chinese violence. The Chinese government is wrong to use deadly force to disperse peaceful demonstrations, however if there is evidence of anti-Han violence being perpetrated, then the State is in a position to use force to defend the lives of those at risk. Human Rights are an absolute primary concern, however no people, however much of a cause célèbre they may be in the Western World, should be given support to direct their rage towards people of a different ethnic group.
Libellés : Droits
par Borges à 12:24
Tibet Explained
The riots are not simply a plot by the ‘Dalai Clique'. Although it is clear that the major Western imperialist powers have an interest in weakening China and will exploit the discontent of the minorities in this vast country. The real, and most direct cause of this conflict is to be found in the policies of pro-capitalist forces in control of the party. This will bear bitter fruit all over the nation. While looking at the burnt out scene in central Lhasa, a Tibetan trader by the name of Rawan told the People's Daily, "It was once a shopping haven, but now it is all deserted, like a hell."
On the road to capitalism disparities of income and investment inevitably stir up regionalism, ethnic and national conflicts, resulting in violence and turmoil. Should Tibet ever successfully break away from China, then, as in the past, it would fall prey to one or other of the imperialist powers, "Tibetan Independence" under capitalism is a pipedream.
A united struggle by the Chinese workers together with the Tibetans and other minority groups against the capitalist transformation of China can lay the basis for a voluntary union of the peoples based on a genuinely democratic plan of production under the control and supervision of the workers and peasants themselves. [Marxist, 18.3.08]
Libellés : Droits, Pauvreté et développement
par Borges à 15:48
Tuesday Bits and Bobs: Defunding in the US, Welfare-to-Work,
- Mound of Sound explains government defunding in the United States, and boy how they have tried. It seems anything can be used as justification for the cutting of essential services and social programs: war, terrorism, financial down-turn, what have you. Luckily the United States escaped a planned gutting of its social security system by the last Republican-controlled Congress, however a Democrat in the speakers chair nor in the White House can guarantee similar measures won't be pursued in the future...
- In its latest move, the Pact for Employment, the Liberal government of Québec is seeking to bring more people back into work and educational opportunities in order to strengthen the economy of the province and fill need for another 1.3 million new workers upto 2016. The economic impact of the such plans are yet to be seen, however they are indeed more progressive than other back-to-work plans. The workers who decide to work will actually be given incentives to do so, rather than facing the threat of having benefits cut once they return to work. Others not ready to take up employment will be encouraged to follow formations to improve their technical skills level. This shows that the government is indeed committed to the needs of workers and the jobless poor alike, and should be commended for a compassionate scheme to help people improve their lot.
- La crise de capitalisme exliquée
Libellés : Bits and Bobs, Québec, États-Unis
par Borges à 12:29
Liberal's to stand up to Harper over immigration... just kidding
Prominent Immigrant groups, including the Chinese Canadian National Council, are pleading with the Liberal Opposition to fight the budget implementation bill, which will effectively "gut" the Liberal's 2003 Immigration policy. The proposals regarding immigration contained in the bill include allowing the Minister to over-ride the decision of an immigration officer to allow an applicant residence, and cap those waiting in application queues, cherry-picking only the most "suitable" applicants, while passing up those other applicants who have paid their 550$ fee and meet the requirements for admittance. Importantly, the bill allows the Minister to make policy changes which once required actual changes in the regulations, giving them much more power.The government claims that the near million person long waiting list, some people waiting up to six years (mostly from the Subcontinent and China) must be cut somehow, even if it means turning away qualified applicants. They claim that the Minister must be given more powers in order to make effective decisions for a responsive policy of immigration. However concentrating all this power in the hands of the Minister is dangerous, and not democratic. It is a fundamental question of government power, and shouldn't really be a question for the Liberal politicians who espouse freedom and openness (and immigration).The problem is that the budget implementation is a matter of confidence, and this is hardly an issue to bring down the government over when the Liberal Party of Canada has already let the government slide on the budget and Afghanistan.
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Libellés : Libéraux, Politique, ROC
par Borges à 11:54
It's a new Pakistan...
... which just happens to be headed by the same people and parties which previously ran the government. Yes democratically-elected (yes, that's right, he was democratically elected this past Autumn by the National Assembly, deal with it) President Pervez Musharraf is now basking in the glow of a newly formed legislature, which despite being made up mostly of his opponents, gives him excellent democratic credentials. He oversaw this election, which though marred by irregularities on all sides, has expressed the will of the people (TM).It is unfortunate that such a widespread feeling of discontent among the masses has been co-opted by the reactionary PML-N and the less so Pakistan People's Party, both of which are symbols of corruption and mal-governance from many decades of dominance of the Pakistani political scene. There is no real difference between either of these parties and that of President Musharraf (PML-Q), all three exist to keep the economic and social status quo, to maintain order and allow the rich landlords, industrial robber barons, and military hierarchy to continue enjoying their privilege. There will be no redistribution of wealth, the shocking poverty that exists in Pakistan, the lack of water, food, shelter, clothing, electricity, healthcare (need I go on) while just miles away gated colonies of lush villas sit in peaceful isolation.
Success in Modern Pakistan should not be shunned or punished, but it must not allow the extremes of depravity to be forgotten. Living standards have not improved since the creation of Pakistan except for a very few. Nearly half of children of living malnourished while 1 bedroom apartments sell for 300 000+ Canadian Dollars. Millions still farm the land of rich proprietors who cling desperately to their remaining wealth, ever squeezing more from those below them. On the other hand there are thousands finding themselves newly wealthy, and no one can be lauded for trying to improve their lot for their family, but all the same, this situation is not working.
Pakistan's wealth is being squandered under mismanagement and hunger for profit. Companies wish to get rich at any costs, and wealth is created without the benefits ever reaching the people, in terms of tax or infrastructure. The state must invest in irrigation and development of farming resources so that people can feed themselves and afford to live, military spending should be cut and directed towards healthcare and education. Aid from abroad must reach the galis and rural outposts alike. Al lof this is within the control of the National Assembly, but what can one hope to see on any of these pressing issues? None at all. The political wrangling, tantrums, and back-door deals are going going to characterise this new government, nothing more. The change in Pakistan is nothing more than cosmetic (and even in that sense these are all faces we have seen before).
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Libellés : Pakistan, Pauvreté et développement, Politique
par Borges à 11:26
Declaration of Interest in Québec
The last province to force its members to declare their sources of revenues and financial interests may soon join the rest of the federation in creating a much more transparent political climate. The Liberal lead government has already produced a bill to that affect, and is now calling on the Opposition Action Démocratique du Québec and Parti Québécois to help them speed up its passage.The recent push towards transparency comes after it was revealed that Prime Minister Jean Charest received a 75 000$ salary, and Mario Dumont of the ADQ got a similarly large 50 000$ compensation for his services as leader of the party.
One doesn't really see the problem, besides that politicians should get no more than an average worker, but that isn't really what people are talking about. What's wrong with a party, which publishes their finances regularly, spending money on payment of their leaders? Either way, there should be a declaration of interest, and if this is what gets it done, so be it.
par Borges à 11:46
Iraq War Blogswarm: The solution is apparent, it is not capitalism
The end of the Baathist regime in Iraq was meant to liberate the country from a repressive regime, as well as neutralising a perceived threat by that regime to the world. Years on, people are more oppressed than ever, as living standards have deteriorated and many still fear for their lives upon leaving their door, and the dangers posed by the terrorism which has found a home in Iraq are more real than ever.Ethnic and religious divisions continue to divide the country, in politics, in daily life, in every manner of being, Shiite and Sunni find themselves somehow at odds with their neighbour. The tactics of divide and rule utilised by the Hussein clique certainly accomplished its goals: to create two opposing sides, creating the illusion of a privileged class and an oppressed majority. The reality of the situation is that all Iraqis, regardless of their religious preference, are under attack from Western Imperialism as well as the native bourgeois, their rights and livelihoods and standards of living being stolen from them, while reactionary elements of both sides fuel the fires of sectarian hatred and distract the workers from the real situation.
Kurds in the north are genuinely worried about their territorial integrity, with the issue of Kirkuk still looming large, and many other questions of competencies still in a grey area, the Kurdish Regional Government has taken responsibility for the North of Iraq. Separatist feelings are strong, and the break up of Iraq seems imminent to some. The truth is that like their Arab Shiite neighbours to the south, Kurds too have suffered under the Baath regime under an Arab-majority-Sunni regime, and so now are mistrusting of the large Arab population of Iraq, and its central government in Baghdad.
The answer to Iraq's problem is a workers democracy based with an economy that operates by and for the people, uniting all Iraqis in the fight to build a prosperous nation. Oil revenues must be expropriated from the foreign companies which took advantage of the chaos of the country and snapped up the wealth so quickly. Food prices must be regulated, health and common welfare guaranteed, and the free enterprise initiatives of ordinary people should be utilised to build sustainable sources of income. Only in a socialist Iraq will the barriers that divide Iraqis upon such superficial lines will come down, and allow each community to live freely and have an equal opportunity in a harmonious nation.
Libellés : Guerre, Pauvreté et développement
par Borges à 11:35
Québec to bring French to source countries
The nature of immigration in Québec often swirls around the French language and fears of its future. One worry is the relatively low rate of French speaking immigrants (only 60 percent) will bring about a decline in the power and importance of French (although people seem to be forgetting that all immigrant children will be educated in French, so will in fact grow up to be francophones, if still Allophone by definition). In response to these worries a program released by the government has committed more money and energy towards the assurance that immigrants will be francised.- Increase the number of agreements with foreign institutions to 75
- Create Québec oriented on-line French program for selected arrivals to participate in before coming
- 8.7 million dollars a year for more French programs
- Expand workplace French classes by giving employers a 30% of cost tax credit
Libellés : la langue, Libéraux, Politique, Québec
par Borges à 12:31
Liberals lead the way: Ontario Legislature
Fulfilling its mandate for creating a more prosperous, inclusive Ontario, the McGuinty government has moved forward with its various plans to alleviate poverty and exclusion in the province, while taking criticism from Conservatives on the federal and provincial level for the province's economic performance. The unfortunate fact is that the manufacturing industries are ailing and Ontario is more closely tied than most to the United States and its financial woes. Conservatives point to a rate of unemployment higher than the national average, but let us not forget that many of thsoe jobs are in the manufacturing sector and the United States itself lost 64 000 in the last period, and much worse rate in neighbouring Michigan.Continuing on their quest for the aleviation of poverty despite these attacks shows eactly where the Ontario Liberal's priorities are, and that is exactly where they should be. The government envisages 267 million $ in funding for raising the level of public housing in the province and gives families in need a dental care plan, which is essential. Liberals want to cut taxes and let everything take care of themselves, putting more profit into the pockets of CEO's already rich of the backs of the province's workforce and wealth. It is right that the government push forward their vision for a fairer more prosperous Ontario.
Libellés : Libéraux, Politique, ROC
par Borges à 14:34
Smilling Bastard
"Thankyou Dion"
Liberal complacency over the Budget and Afghanistan, has allowed the Conservative government to survive two completely unlikely votes of confidence which could have easily seen the minority administration tumble. Is this political neglect from a cynical machine or coy manoeuvring from a party that knows its electorate well?
The Liberal Party works towards the goal of protecting freedom first, upholding Canadian federalism, as well as defending the Canada that has been built so far by generations of workers. So it has not abandoned those goals in their lack of Opposition while in Opposition: The budget and Afghanistan are central questions, but these are two issues which will fade from light as time goes by. The budget gave no large blows to public spending, and while delinquent on some environmental and health issues, is far from insulting. Afghanistan is something that the Liberal government signed up to, and though the situation is violent and expensive, and far from ideal, the mission is not to be abandoned just yet, not completely. That being said, though lacklustre, the Liberal performance has not been bad.
Libellés : Libéraux, Politique, ROC
par Borges à 13:34
Bits and Bobs: Sunday morning
Various pieces of interest in the Sunday Papers this week:- I thought this story was satire. It's not. Police chiefs in Britain are urging Primary school students who show criminal tendencies to be put on the nation's DNA database. Nice one.
- Zimbabwean refugees are being deported in the hundreds, after their claims for asylum was rejected by the British Home Office on the grounds that there was no fear of persecution. No fear of persecution, and yet British Prime Minister Gordon Brown made himself conspicuously absent at a summit that Zimbabwe's President was attending because of the human rights situation there. If that isn't a declaration of agreement that there is a serious danger to political opponents of the government, then what is.
A supporter of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), she distributed T-shirts and leaflets at party rallies. Early one morning in May 2003, a gang of 10 Zanu-PF militia kidnapped her. The men, armed with machetes and clubs, took her to a secret location, raped and then beat her. A day later, they dumped her by the road...
Choking back tears, Rose [another woman] said: "When I got the letter I couldn't believe it. If I go back to Zimbabwe they'll kill me. The Home Office is just being cruel. Instead of helping people like me they are making our lives. [Independent 16.03.08] - As the crackdown in Tibet continues, we are reminded that rioting is not always progressive. There have been numerous reports of anti-Han (that is "ethnic Chinese, or of China proper") attacks and many fear for their safety.
"But for the many ethnic Hans who were lucky enough to survive the disaster, they said it was the Tibetan folks who saved them...
Sun Pingjiang, an ethnic Han and owner of a Titan-styled accessories store near the Ramogia monastery, said he owed his life to an old Tibetan woman who saved him from bleeding to death." [16.03.08 People's Daily]
Libellés : Bits and Bobs
par Borges à 08:26
Tell China NO!
China has violently dispersed all manifestations against the government of the People's Republic in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. They are in no uncertain terms threatening further murder than the 10 admitted so far to be victims of the security forces during the demonstrations and ensuing riots of the past several days.This is an absolute disgrace for China. To have a Tibetan emergency situation on the heels of the Summer Olympics must be incredibly embarrassing, and yet has not tempered their response in any meaningful way (unless the government was planning an even more brutal crackdown). China is meant to be developing a pluralist society (though admittedly not a democratic one), with numerous pressure groups, citizen's courts, and dissident organisations being allowed to exist freely within the framework of government control.
The sort of repression in response to demonstrations that admittedly got out of hand, demonstrates that the PRC has not changed enough, that law and order are given supremacy over human rights, that there will peace at any price. That is not how a society should operate: no form of dissent should be judged reason to kill, no casualty at the State's hands is acceptable. Please tell the Government of China, and their mission to the United Nations, that the world is watching and cannot continue.
Libellés : Droits
par Borges à 09:15
Deaths in Lhasa
The death toll is now 2 in the Tibetan capital Lhasa which has seen violent protests over the disruption of much more pacified demonstrations days before. The Chinese authorities allowed rioting to continue for quite a long time, all things considered. Please email your U.N. representative* as well as the Chinese mission to the United Nations to denounce this violent repression by the Chinese authorities.P.S.- These events occur just as one is personally becoming interested in Tibet via the excellent "A Year in Tibet", a series by the BBC concerning the daily lives of Tibetan's in the Autonomous regions third largest city Gyantse, chronicling the lives of monks, shamans, entrepreneurs, and farmers as they go about their daily business.
*
Canada: prmny@international.gc.ca
Grande Bretagne: uk@un.int
France: france@un.int
United States: usa@un.int
Libellés : Droits
par Borges à 12:59
China to U.S.: You're just as shit
China has struck back at the United States review of its human rights policy by... compiling an impressive list of statistics, titled "The Human Rights Record of the United States", beginning with a run-down of all crime statistics available under the sun in order to insinuate that the very fabric of United States society is unravelling. Then there is the section documenting civil rights violations by various law enforcement agencies, which is judged by the authors of the report as quite systematic. . The report goes on to highlight poverty and deprivation, political corruption, the status of women, children an minorities, but finishes with a somewhat hard hitting Human Rights around the world section. They end with an impassioned plea for Human Rights (if irony could kill):To respect and safeguard human rights is an important achievement in the progressing of the human society and an important symbol of modern civilization. It is also a common goal of people of all countries and races and a key theme of the tide of progress in our time. All the countries have the obligation to make efforts to promote and protect human rights in their own territories, and to promote international cooperation in accordance with the norms of international relations. No country in the world should view itself as the incarnation of human rights, and use human rights as a tool to interfere in affairs of and exert pressure on other countries and realize its own strategic interests. The United States reigns over other countries and releases Country Reports on Human Rights Practices year after year. Its arrogant critique on the human rights of other countries are always accompanied by a deliberate ignoring of serious human rights problems on its own territory. This was not only inconsistent with universally recognized norms of international relations, but also exposed the double standards and downright hypocrisy of the United States on the human rights issue, and inevitably impaired its international image.
We hereby advise the U.S. government to face its own human rights problems and give up the unwise practices of applying double standards on human rights issues. [Xinhua, 13.03.07]
Libellés : Diplomatie, Droits, États-Unis
par Borges à 15:09
Mario Dumont: We don't need immigrants!
The population of Québec is rapidly ageing, as well as loosing thousands to emigration by young professionals, especially Anglophones, seeking better prospects in the Ontario and the West of Canada. Much of the the demographic growth of the province has been due to immigration from overseas, which has caused distress in some circles of society. The leader of the populist-autonomist Action Démocratique du Québec, Mario Dumont, has announced his intentions to entice families to have more children, in order to raise the birthrate of the province from 1.6 to a robust 2, and allow the government to reduce the rate of immigration:L'ADQ, qui souhaite une baisse des taux d'immigration, a présenté mercredi ses propositions de «politique démographique ambitieuse» qui seront débattues lors du VIIe congrès du parti les 15 et 16 mars à Laval.By raising the proportion of money given to families, the ADQ hopes to encourage people to have more children. A good idea overall, however it should not be accompanied by a cut in immigration. The benefits of immigration are numerous and the rate as such is currently very sensible, even conservative, a population of 8 million welcoming around 50 000 people a year.
En outre, les adéquistes souhaitent augmenter de 2,4 à 3 pour cent la part du PIB du Québec consacrée à la famille. De 6 milliards $ par année, les dépenses destinées aux enfants et leurs parents passeraient alors à 9 milliards $. [Cyberpresse, 12.03.08]
par Borges à 10:05
For a more francophone immigration to Québec
It has been revealed that over 60 percent of new immigrants to Québec, that is, those selected by the province under its special immigration policy negotiated with Ottawa, already speak French before coming to Québec. While a much higher figure than some «gens de souche» may have thought (and double the 1995 figure of 37 percent), the question still begs to be answered: «Why only 60%»?Seriously, if the province is meant to be selecting appropriate immigrants, is it not to be expected that the majority of skilled workers be somewhat competent in the language of the society they are being welcomed to? Well 60 percent is a majority, but one would like to see a much higher rate of selection for francophone (French speakers not necessarily native French speakers) applicants because to be honest we as immigrants are here to work and it is not possible to contribute meaningfully to this society as a skilled worker if one is virtually completely ignorant of the French language. Personally, one is not at all a master of French, written or spoken, but one still believes that some basic knowledge of French should be required for a larger proportion of applicants in order to be selected by the Province.
This is not a question of immigrant rights. There are controls on immigration, for better or for worse. As such ,the economy of Québec is said to be equipped to handle around 50 000 highly skilled migrants coming to the province each year. Highly skilled and here to do highly skilled work. Doctors and teachers should be working in hospitals and schools, but not as cleaners, not as assistants, they should be doing the jobs that they were selected to do. If one speaks no French, it is impossible to to work in a professional capacity, and that is what those selected under the scheme were chosen for.
As well as calming fears of a shrinking French-speaking population (besides the fact that most population growth is immigrants and their children, who have no choice but to be educated in French and so will be French speaking if still Allophone by definition) such a measure would help in the integration of immigrants as it would mean a high proportion that are already familiar with the language and as such could quickly become a part of Québécois society, while improving their French if necessary. If sixty percent are French speaking, that means that nearly 1 in 2 is not, and that is a rate far too high.
Libellés : la langue, Politique, Québec
par Borges à 11:28
Women in the U.S. Republican Party
Britain's Woman's Hour talks about quotas for women in political parties, interviewing Conservative Leader David Cameron about his plans for more women in cabinet and ministerial positions when they are in government again. What of the United States and its Republican Party? How prominent are women in American Conservatism? They have Condi Rice, Anne Coulter, Michelle Malkin... Nancy Reagan. Who else, what else, is there? Is it still a man's game in the right of centre America?*Note: The United States, UK and Cambodia share 60th place in terms of the rate of women in the legislature)
Libellés : Droits, Politique, États-Unis
par Borges à 08:34
What's going on: 30th Members Convention of the Liberal Party of Québec
The Liberal Party of Québec has made headlines this weekend when their 30th Members' Convention gave party leader and Prime Minister of Québec Jean Charest a 97% approval rating, a shocking sign of unity and strength in the party. But what exactly took place at the Congress, and what will be the results?As expected there are generous sections given to the question of running the economy, with an emphasis on the work force, the first two proposals being that (1) tax laws are changed to encourage workers to stay in the labour market longer, and (2) foreign qualifications should be more easily recognised to allow for easier entry into the market of immigrants, an essential part of the growth of the province's economy. The usual green policies that are to be expected include a Montréal carbon exchange and incentives for the development of more efficient homes and businesses, as well as an integrated transport system and making sure the State is the best example in practice and principle.
The party really shines though in the opening section of its chapter on the French language and Québécois society, affirming that:
Québec is a nation characterized by, among other factors, its mainand official language, French, its own territory, its unique civil legal tradition in Canada, its culture, its history and its political, economic and communityinstitutions. This nation is also:All that needs to be said really.
a) PLURALIST: its dynamic identity is also shaped by the exceptional structuring and continuing contribution of its English-speaking communityand Native and cultural communities.
b) MODERN: considers for the most part that its extensive involvement in awide and diversified Canadian federal framework is the most appropriate way to effectively rise to the challenges of the modern world, to ensure the pursuit of its development and to reinforce its identity.
c) EGALITARIAN: where all citizens are equal in terms of the law, their rights and their obligations, and where equal opportunity and social justice are a constantly sought after ideal.
d) OPEN: to others, and enriched by differences, unifying for all citizens living on its territory.
e) CONFIDENT: in its ability to successfully face the future. [General Framework Resolution of the 30th Members Convention of the Liberal Party of Québec, p.10 ]
Libellés : Libéraux, Politique, Québec
par Borges à 15:43
Sarkozy sad :-(
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has seen his party loose control of many local authorities in the first round of mayoral elections in the Republic, as well as falling short of winning the all-together popular vote. This flies in the face of the nearly 2/3 approval rating of the summertime holidays, and spells bigger trouble for the man already in disfavour with many after his weeks of celebrity-style romancing, and for his lack of progress in bringing forward any of the reforms he spoke of bringing when elected.The French president wants to follow a line of right-of-centre economic policies which will liberalise the French economy and open the work force up to the same exploitation allowed in other European countries. He wants to dismantle the public economy, build a strong private sector and a France more friendly towards business. He would also like to see further investment in the suburbs where minorities find themselves isolated and separated from the rest of French society, however much of this has failed to materialise as recent attacks on the forces of public order show. Nonetheless, M. Sarkozy has promised to continue with his reforms and focus only on achieving his goals before 2012. 4 years, we'll see, as these are the points which M. Sarkozy has promised to address:
- Put an end to public powerlessness
- A transparent democracy
- «Vanquish joblessness
- Rehabilitate the work market
- Raise the buying power
- Europe must defend itself in the globalised world
- Respond to the needs of sustainable development
- Allow all French to be the owner's of their own homes
- Pass on the marks of respect, authority and merit
- A school system which guarantees the success of every student
- Bring higher education and research to the highest levels in the world
- End the violence and deprivation of certain neighborhoods
- «Master» immigration
- Politics of solidarity, responsibility and fraternity
- Be proud to be French
Libellés : Europe, Politique, Sarkowatch
par Borges à 08:45
It's a start... (the Cairo plan)
Though a two state solution is in the long run an improbable answer to the national question in Israel-Palestine, a plan to be released by the Egyptian government to aid in the furthering of negotiations to that aim, will engage Hamas and the Palestinian Authority alike in a ceasefire and a reopening of negotiations between the two entities who have until now treated each other as enemies. Cairo's plan will include the following:An end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza through the reinstatement of the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access (AMA). Under the proposal, Hamas' views would be taken into account before the reinstatement of the treaty.- In return for an end to the Israeli blockade, Palestinian military groups will stop launching home-made projectiles from the Gaza Strip.
- Hamas will allow the Palestinian Authority's forces into the Strip so that they can be posted at the crossing points.
- In return for this, Israel will refrain from violent attacks on the Gaza Strip
Libellés : Diplomatie, Israel/Palestine, La question nationale, Politique
par Borges à 15:02
Israel: What is a suicidal democracy?
Knesset Member and member of the ruling Likud party Gilad Erdan has proposed a ban on the public mourning of "those that kill innocent civilians", i.e. terrorists, after the deadly attack on a school in Jerusalem provoked an outpouring of joy from various parts of the Palestinian territories and beyond. In a statement explaining his motion, he said:"The State of Israel acts more like a suicidal democracy than a democracy that is defending itself,...It is our obligation to send a clear message that whoever murders innocent civilians will not only not receive any financial benefits from the state, but also will not be commemorated in public," [Haaretz, 9.03.08]Indeed those who murder innocent civilians will not be commemorated in public. However how does that translate into the Israeli side of the situation? What of the hundreds of casualties that this latest round of raids by has yielded for the Palestinian population? Though the Israeli army is not targeting schools or intentionally harming civilians, the reality of the Gaza strip, again, the most densely populated territory on Earth, practically necessitates civilian casualties with the launching of any military operations on the Strip, no matter how careful they may be. So the Israeli army too is killing civilians, should it not be celebrated in public because of its conduct?
Libellés : Israel/Palestine, Politique
par Borges à 09:39
Burma: The same old story
The government of Burma has rejected the election monitors offered by the United Nations delegation to the nation, led by M. Ibrahimi Gambari. On his third trip to the country since the mass protests of the fall, led by monks and culminating in massacres of citizens by the countries military forces, the U.N envoy also met with Opposition democracy leader Aung Sun Suu Kyi.Mme Sun Suu Kyi, whose party won elections in 1990 and who has spent most of the intervening time since then under house arrest, met with the representative to discuss upcoming elections and a constitutional referendum, both of which contain numerous caveats in an attempt to curb democracy. Such criteria include a 25 percent share of seats in the democratically elected Parliament to be guaranteed to the forces of the military junta, and a 20 year jail sentence for those who criticise the constitution once it is accepted. Obviously these are not the conditions for the blossoming of a society of rights and choice.
One hopes that the United Nations will be successful in pushing the regime towards higher democratic standards, however the hopes seem bleak. So far there seem to be only token gestures from the government in order to pacify the population as well as the international community. Meanwhile the war in the north of the country continues against separatists and the communities they live among, forcing them to live in terror, and political prisoners rot in jail. The continued abuse of human rights by the government, and their refusal to accept any of the standard procedures necessary for a democratic race in either the constitutional and electoral contests, is deplorable, and must make it obvious that little has changed in Burma.
Libellés : Birmanie, Diplomatie, Droits, Politique
par Borges à 14:18
In Québec, c'est le français
Immigrants to Québec are choosing French as a second language in greater and greater proportions, and so despite the shrinking «francophone» population (that is, speaking French as a mother language) the allophone population is more than equipped to ensure the survival of the French language in the province, reports the Office de la langue française. This flies in the face of those who claim, on a seemingly weekly basis, that Québec is in the grips of a linguistic crisis that threatens to unravel the very fabric of society.Immigrants will always be used as a source of fear in the media, and it is no wonder that it is we who are so often accused of not integrating, such fears have been in the heart of the population for a very long time. The bottom line is that the French language is safe in the province, more immigrants than ever are choosing the province's official language as their language of actualisation, the Québécois government exercises its selection powers with a French language criteria to ensure that there is a proper balance between those already speaking French and those that will need to learn it upon arrival, the education system supports the learning of French by newcomers, and in all immigrants are playing an essential part in building a prosperous, Franchophone Québec.
Libellés : Accommodements raisonnables, la langue, Québec
par Borges à 09:01
The Champion of Democracy
Thanks to commenter Ministry of Sound, who tipped one of to this hard hitting article in Vanity fair, concerning the attempted coup against the democratically elected Hamas government of the Gaza Strip by the United States government and the Fatah leadership in the West Bank, headed by President Mahmoud Abbas. Have a read then.Libellés : Diplomatie, Guerre, Israel/Palestine, La question nationale, Politique, États-Unis
par Borges à 13:06
Sri Lanka: The Disappeared
In the long running conflict between the Sinhalese dominated Sri Lankan army and the separatist Tamil paramilitary force (classified as a terrorist organisation by many governments, including, crucially, the United States), there have been thousands of deaths as the result of conflict, and this is a well known and accepted fact of war. What is not so well publicised is the terrorism perpetrated by the state against the Tamil community in the form of hundreds of forced disappearances. Today the UN Human Rights Watch has denounced this fact of life for the Tamil minority:“President Mahinda Rajapaksa, once a rights advocate, has now led his government to become one of the world’s worst perpetrators of enforced disappearances,” said Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The end of the ceasefire means this crisis will continue until the government starts taking serious measures.” [HRW, 6.3.08]The report outlines 4 objectives for the government of Sri Lanka to comply with in order to remedy this unacceptable abuse of human rights:
- The Sri Lankan government should publicly acknowledge the scope of “disappearances” in the country and the continuing role of security forces in committing such abuses.
- The Sri Lankan government should reform detention procedures to ensure transparency and compliance with international due process standards.
- The Sri Lankan government should vigorously investigate and prosecute perpetrators of “disappearances.”
- The government and the LTTE should cooperate with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to establish and deploy an international monitoring team to report on violations of international human rights and humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict.
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par Borges à 10:01
NO to a referendum, YES to Liberal government of Québec
The Parti Québécois is now asking its members to free them from a referendum pledge for its next term of government, whenever, if ever, that may be. This is a very wise move, 1995 is still relatively fresh in the mind of the electorate, the tension, the heartache, the stress, the very divisive nature of the referendum is not desired by anyone at a time when Québec is trying to lead itself into a brighter future by dealing with the issues that are actually important to Québécois.Rather than portraying the answer to all of Québec's problems as one of independence or subjugation to the Canadian nation, the Liberal government has set up the commissions Castonguay as well as Bouchard-Taylor to analyse health and reasonable accommodations respectively and that should be valued by Québécois as a government willing and able to tackle the problems that need remedying.
The future is indeed a bright one in Québec, the French language is strong, the economy is growing, and there are continual gains being made for the working class. This struggle must continue, the struggle to make Québec a prosperous francophone society that is fair to all who enter it, be they from elsewhere, students, older, or workers. The contradictions and problems will not be solved by a referendum, they will not be solved by independence, they will be solved by a concerted effort and a strong leadership, which the Charest government can offer for the rest of its mandate. Compared to the PQ's stance, and the whinning of the Action Démocratique du Québec, the Liberal Party of Québec puts them at a great advantage to their rivals, who are still attempting to make electoral gains with populism and quick fixes.
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Libellés : La question nationale, Libéraux, Mme Marois, Pauvreté et développement, Politique, Québec, Souverainistes
par Borges à 09:53
Israeli Settlements: Illegal, but not immoral
Baby steps are taking place, as settlers in the West Bank are agreeing to abandon their outposts, illegal under Israeli law and international law, in a move towards a more peaceful climate. That is how some would see it, however this is not how it should be viewed. Jewish settlers have as much right to live and thrive on the land as Palestinians, neither have the exclusive right to that territory. Workers on both sides of the ethno-religious divide must look at each other as neighbours welcomed, and forget the atrocities of the past. Israeli settlers are simply attempting to make a living in their promised land, and in most cases the land being developed is abandoned, and is not being used for any other purposes. Just as Arabs within Israel must be given the right to live and work and be a part of Israeli society, so Jews must find themselves welcome within their new communities, it is only right.Libellés : Israel/Palestine, La question nationale, Pauvreté et développement
par Borges à 20:22
A Truce! Why didn't someone think of that before...
President of the Palestinian Authority and chief negotiator for the Palestinian side of US-mediated negotiations with Israel, has called for a truce before talks can start again (a truce meaning a ceasing of Israeli operations, as he can offer nothing from the opposing side). A truce? Between whom, Hamas and Israel? Hamas a terrorist organisation which does not recognise the right of the state of Israel to exist, and as such is not party to the Annapolis peace process, and so is not affected by the negotiations. Hamas does not care about the peace process, it and its territory of the Gaza Strip, are not involved in them, and therefore place no value in them. Predicating a peace process on the whim of a terrorist organisation is stupidity. Israel cannot stop military action until Hamas stops missile strikes, and so the Palestinian Authority will not engage with Israel again until Israel stops military action against Hamas, which as has been stated is predicated on a ceasefire by Hamas. Don't hold you breath.An impasse is forming, with the world looking on Israel disapprovingly, Israel has had not choice but to scale back operations. That has not been met by such action by Hamas, and why should it. Hamas is fighting a war against Israel, and is actively seeking to kill civilians, they are not a clear minded military organisation, and Israel finds itself in the terrible position of having to attack the most densely populated place on Earth, and as such cannot help but kill civilians. So the civilians will continue to be killed on both sides, and the intention is not important anyway. It simply illustrates the stupidity of predicating a rational negotiation between states on the actions of an outside terrorist organisation.
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Libellés : Diplomatie, Guerre, Israel/Palestine
par Borges à 10:23
Kenya: The pauverty of meaning in politics
President Kibaki of Kenya, speaking on the recent peace deal struck between himself and Rila Odinga of the Orange Democratic Movement, spoke of the need to create a Kenya for all, one that is not separated and divided by tribal allegiances or ethnic identity, a place where all Kenyans can flourish regardless of their background. His words were wise, and indeed the necessity in Kenya is to reduce the discrepancies between the different tribal groups in terms of economic opportunity and advantage if any lasting peace is to be made.Which is why the latest émeutes coming from the Kenyan nation have surprised few with a genuine understanding of the farcical nature of bourgeois democracy in the country. The elections are meant to subjugate and pacify the people, to give them the illusion of control over their lives, in the face of crushing poverty and for many, severe inequality. Until the Kenyan economy is made to be more fair and just and beneficial to all, the violence will not stop because people will always feel cheated out of their fair share, and it does not matter whether they express it through politics or violence, they are two symptoms of the same disease: Capitalism.
Since independence from the British regime, who had introduced the capitalist mode of production in the way of land division, civil service creation, and the mass introduction of cash crop plantations which destroyed the order of life in the country that had been established for generations. And since the establishment of that system, Kenya has not seen the gains promised: Running water and electricity are still dreams for most, disease and starvation a reality to more, education an impossibility for many. This is after more than a hundred years of British and then African bourgeois administration, both of whom live in luxury whether it be in posh penthouses in newly fashionable Newham or the concrete palaces of Nairobi.
And so the Kenyan people are given a choice in their deprivation: they may choose a leader. A leader to continue to oppress and despise them, as they fight amongst each other in the name of fairness and equality, or vengeance and jealousy. Kenyans know that politics won't feed their bellies, they know that it will not bring about a more just society, and so they have turned on their neighbours with brute force, after seeing the sham that bourgeois democracy truly is.
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Libellés : Afrique, Pauvreté et développement, Politique
par Borges à 17:33
Deprivation and segregation still rampant in French society, sky is blue...
To highlight to brilliant success of M. Sarkozy's regeneration of the suburbs of France and the integration of the roughly 10 percent of the country who are of African (North and sub-Saharan) descent, youths vandalised a bakery in a northerly Île de la France region centred on Paris and subsequently attacked the police who responded with lead bullets and molatov cocktails. The violence should indeed be denounced, but the sentiment... not at all.The plight of second and third generation French Arabs and Africans is a blight on France and its political reputation, as it should be. Though the tensions have only arisen since the mass (and government encouraged) migration of French citizens from the colonies, whatever their ethnic origins, the French government should indeed be embarrassed about its consistent ignoring of thing problem of social deprivation, with large swaths of the minority population trapped in the very concrete estates that some of their parents were brought over to build, impoverished, and finding themselves on the outside of the prosperous French society which surrounds them. Both Successive Socialist and right wing governments have neglected this problem of social deprivation and should be lauded for their behaviour.
The question is: «What is the solution?». Employment programs, the complete banning of Post Codes and names on official and commercial applications, a redesign of the banlieues, investment programs for new businesses, more social aide, cultural activity and educational institutions? Probably all of those would help alleviate some of the expressions of the problems in France, however only a true transformation of society will solve the problems of the nation. Those of Metropolitan descent must stop seeing those of colour as foreigners, the state and commercial sectors must stop seeing minority populations as a crying infant that must be pacified. White workers should no longer see minorities as competition, both are fighting for their rights against the capitalists who are trying to dismantle that which the French working class has built over the past century. The working class should unite against those that keep them in deprivation, who are attacking them daily: the business and the UMP-controlled state which is trying to take away all which has been won: that is the problem.
Social deprivation is a symptom of a society that is not functioning correctly, because France has the means of production to allow for the common well being of all its citizens. It will not be until a more fair, a more free, a socialist arrangement has been struck, with the doors closed to the influence of big business and the ruling elite. That is when the suburbs of Paris will be at peace with themselves, that is when the nation will be at peace with itself.
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Libellés : Accommodements raisonnables, Europe, Sarkowatch
par Borges à 08:34
Israel-Palestine: Peace is possible, but not with two states
The Palestinian Authority Government of the West Bank, led by the Fatah party, and President Mahmoud Abbas, has decided to cut off relations with the State of Israel in response to the increased incursions into the Hamas governed Gaza Strip, which over the past few days has seen itself at the centre of an anti terrorism operation conducted by the Israeli army.This is a desperate situation. It is impossible for the Israeli government, and indeed its military wing, to ignore the continued attacks on Israeli cities from the Gaza Strip, however the response is anything but humane, resulting in dozens of civilian deaths. The problem is that Israel is attempting to route a force that is hidden among civilians. This is not an army with bases and headquarters, this is a terrorist organisation which hides among the local populace, with or without their tacit approval. And so Israel is forced to attempt the destruction of an enemy among the people, some would say «of the people», in that most Gaza Strip terrorism is indeed grassroots. What is Israel to do, how do you attack such a military force.
Israel is, some would say, forced to take the actions that most provoke the rage and hatred that fuels the terrorist movement in the Gaza Strip, with missile strikes and land incursions into the already beleaguered, and most densely populated on the Earth (making the avoidance of civilian death nearly impossible, whereas the less dense Israeli settlements are specifically targeted for their civilian populations by the Gazan forces), parcel of land on the Mediterranean coast. And so more missile strikes are launched by the Gazan paramilitary forces in operation on southern Israeli cities, and so more missile strikes are necessitated on the part of the Israeli army, and around and around they go.
The solution is for both sides to unequivocally distance themselves from their government and their military forces. The attachment to these institutions by large swaths of both Israeli and Palestinian populations is a large obstacle to peace in that with identifying themselves with these reactionary organisations put themselves as enemies working towards two irreconcilable goals. And a two state solution is irreconcilable, because it will leave both sides feeling cheated, and the jealousy and hatred in their hearts will never dissipate. The people of Israel and Palestine must realise that they are one, not divided by anything more than religion and language, having coexisted for centuries, albeit under a very different type of reactionary regime (the Ottoman Sultanate).
They are both indigenous to the land, they share the common history of nearly 1500 years. The Balfour Declaration which created Israel did not change this, it simply created a point at which these two populations were politically separated and from there on atrocities were committed, hatred was implanted into the national conciousness by the ruling classes of both sides, and identity was expropriated by these forces in order to divide the population and ensure the continued control of these ruling classes, both Jewish and Muslim.
In order for peace to be established, the populations of Israel and Palestine, the inhabitants who have shared the land of Canaan for generations and generations, must disassociate themselves from the state institutions, that being the government and military of the Gaza Strip and Israel. Both are democratically elected, and both are abominations to the people they were elected to serve. Until the people of Canaan see that only a one state solution with a shared future is the way forward, this chapter of history so blood soaked and full of hatred and resentment, will not end.
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Libellés : Israel/Palestine, La question nationale, Politique
par Borges à 09:43
