BruceVC

I also pledged Heroes Quest nostalgia

China would beg to differ... What's unreasonable about China? They built themselves up out of post WWII misery to a great power without exploiting, bombing or impoverishing half the planet along the way. Consequently they expect no one to go around telling them what to do in their own country, and ignore when others do. Doesn't sound unreasonable to me. I admire the Chinese in certain ways, they created a growing economy ,8 % growth per year and were an export driven economy The issues with them is they are a one party state and they werent a Democracy ....this should be an issue But the real risk is that they weren't transparent in there economic data and now they are facing a real slowdown which is dragging down South Africa . They tried to artificially interfere in there stock market ..and that goes against conventional economics...and thats why they lost trillions in the stock market free fall So South Africa should have aligned with the West in there economic investment

My friend I can help you, I follow SJ causes. There is no hypocrisy in that once you understand the context..come join me You will feel a much more liberated and fulfilled person once you get into the habit of judging people with no feeling of remorse ...oh to be honest some people will not like you but you need to accept that and remember you need to make posts and decisions on the principle and not what you think people may say Remember Bruce, the urge to save the world is only a false front for the desire to rule it. So the question us are you a part of the plot or a dupe? Good question, yes sometimes it gets frustrating because I don't agree in certain cases where there are leaders who run countries and there citizens suffer ...like North Korea But I have learnt to focus on things I have some understanding and influence on ...like SJ issues in Western countries and always Africa So its no dupe and there are real success stories, like the gay marriage bill in the USA

Yeah I tend to agree, people are frustrated ...we should let them vent

The important thing is if you want to make it. But now I am curious, so go ahead I want to read it. Okay, I was fine not writing it but since you asked. I'm going now to meet a girlfriend for coffee so when I get back

You know we cant do that I see all this turmoil as part of the overall Arab Spring so this is a form of catharsis. The ME should become stronger after this....mmmm I'm not sure if I believe this but it seems the right thing to say

What read are you talking about ?

Guys I'm going to give you all one more chance...does anyone want me to make this post about GG Remember I wont make it unless someone asks

A fair point, but also too dramatic with the spilling over of course, especially seeing as birth rates are dropping across the world. http://www.prb.org/publications/datasheets/2014/2014-world-population-data-sheet/data-sheet.aspx And as you can see, basically we just need to help Africa now with literacy and development now. No need for hyperbole, no need for exaggerations, lets take this discussion at face value - there is no "crisis", but we certainly benefit a lot more by helping nations help themselves. Especially because he's right in the fact that its basically the better offs that leave, which is a huge problem for the country they flee from. Don't mind the gumballs falling all over the place, you only make it a dramatic effect if you wish so. About African refugees, what i don't get is despite less child birth, a significant rise in standard of living, the amount of refugees increase every year. Maybe Ghadaffi was right after all, he was the wall protecting Europe :-/ Back to the refugees in europe, there's been a huge influx of somalis and iraqis at the border between Finland and Sweden in Lapland of all places. Authorities are of course completely confused and do not know what to do with them. So much for those Syrians. Here's a perspective of an ex-pat Syrian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHFnvFbThDE That picture of the dead Syrian child upset me a little but then I moved on but it really resonated with media in South Africa and suddenly everyone was talking about it ....and I wondered why I am not concerned with the Syrian war and then I realised why. I travel to the ME for work, I follow events there and I have friends living there. So at the moment these are the conflicts in the ME that influence the world in different way The interminable Israel vs Palestinians conflict : Not much to say on this depressing conflict The Libya Civil War : First it was just an internal tribal war now ISIS is involved .. Egypt : Its now run by a military junta ....and funny enough the people seem fine with this. But there have been terrorist attacks and a very draconian implementation of the law. Also they bombed ISIS in Libya Yemen: The Iranians and Saudis are involved in some inexplicable Proxy war, why is Yemen so important to them, and the place is awash with Al-Qaeda sympathizers Iraq : Ouch... a real mess. You have tribal Sunni not aligned to the current government. ISIS running wild, a basically separatist Kurd region and an ineffective and corrupt military Syria: Not much to say except I hope military intervention isnt vetoed by members of the UNSC like Russia and China Lebanon : A strange failure to remove garbage in Beirut eventually led to fighting in the streets and a complete shutdown of the government Iran: Arguably the most powerful Arab military country they are a very important player with serious influence over Iraq, Syria and groups like Hezbollah...thanks goodness for the negotiations What more you say? Surly you jest ...nope so against all those real conflict we have Refugees from Libya, Syria, Yemen and other places all over the place...destitute and desperate Turkey is also fighting ISIS and fighting its own Kurds Al-Qaeda still sets off bombs in market places and attacks Mosques So yeah I'm decentralized to horrendous violence in the ME

First all the ME countries must do there part then the West can get involved , the Syrians are Muslims FFS so it would be great to actually see the Muslim world take responsibility. But no as usual its always the West who has to make the real effort. Yet it will still get criticized and attacked and accused of Colonialism It is actually Muslim majority countries that currently do most for the Syria crises and West actually does quite little. As currently Muslim majority countries give most aid for Syrian, they do most of the air strikes against ISIL, they take most of the refugees and they take most of the economical hits that said crises cause. But currently everybody look after their own interest instead actually trying to find real solutions to the crises and probably hoping that crises fill burn themselves out without need of much of actual effort, but currently it seems that those hopes will not come true anytime soon and especially so that those crises don't create new crises closer to home. I don't like disagreeing with you because we often agree on almost all SJ issues, you are a very reasonable liberal whose opinion is actually shaped on his real life experiences so I can always understand where you coming from. But I need to correct a few things about your view on this matter as I want you on my side and when I'm finished I'm sure you will agree So statistically of course some ME countries that border Syria have taken in Syrians, Turkey has 2.1 million Syrians. But here is the problem, all Syrian refugees are not integrated but kept in Refugee Camps....they are safe, have meager supplies and have some services but they can't work in the outside world or travel freely. They just stay in the camps, its not a very nice life This would be considered inhumane in Western countries and not be allowed. I didn't want to mention this before because it is shameful that the Syrians are literally seen as outsiders and NO effort in these ME countries is made to integrate them. When the West integrates refugees it properly integrates them. They get housing, benefits and citizenship. So please don't think for a second when we talk about " accepting Syrian refugees" this means the same effort and intergration for the West and ME Now the aid point, people say " the Saudi give aid to Syria" ( and this applies to all countries ) but lets break this down. The Saudis do give aid to the free Syrian army fighting in Syria, they are the main ones shipping weapons and they are very involved in the war as one of the main backers of forces opposed to Assad. I dont have an issue with this, its good that the Saudis are getting more hands on in the ME and not expecting the West to do it. But these refugees are coming out from ISIS territories. If anything the Saudis should feel responsible for this. Why cant they take in tens of thousands of Syrians, I have worked in Saudi Arabia for 3 months and trust me that country has loads of space and empty desert where they could build refugee camps Yes I agree that there is a cost to maintaining these "camps " but guess what ...do you know how much aid these ME countries have been given by the international community? The EU has given 3.9 Billion Euro alone ...don't think for a second these ME countries don't accept aid. So I'm not sure where this economic issue is ? So in summary the ME has done very little meaningful effort for the Syrians ....and there are countries that even refuse to house any Syrians. We need to get to a point where the ME must take responsibility for its own social issues ...the West can't carry the load because it creates a constant cycle of lack of responsibility And Im tired of it because despite all this compromise the West is still resented and blamed

You funny...it probably seems like I just want to someone to say " please tell us something we dont know " and I need someone to almost want me to post But no...I post when I want and where I want as we all should. But this is different, it will be very enligthening to many people on this thread but its also complex as its a history of GG So I will post it if someone asks me ...I'm not that committed to make the post by myself

Guys now that I dont really follow this whole GG\anti-GG development anymore I have some new insights into the causes and motivations behind the social and psychological reasons behind GG\anti-GG that I doubt most of you will be aware of Funny enough I'm more critical of Anita and some of the subsequent events than ever before. But it will be a few paragraphs so I won't make the post unless someone asks

Yeah I dont buy the whole " they are human beings who are suffering and we must accept them " because I see this as patronizing and just a weak attempt to convince the citizens of Western countries to " do there part " .But none of these Syrians will be extremists, as far as I know they come from the ISIS controlled areas so they just be normal moderate Muslims First all the ME countries must do there part then the West can get involved , the Syrians are Muslims FFS so it would be great to actually see the Muslim world take responsibility. But no as usual its always the West who has to make the real effort. Yet it will still get criticized and attacked and accused of Colonialism Funny enough the West has been pressured and major guilt has been put on all countries to assist. So this highlights the fact the West really has a conscious and does things it doesn't need to but it feels will be for the greater good

You will be surprised how many people are happy to live and work in the UK and just be safe and know there institutions work They aren't that concerned with rising up the corporate ladder, they will create there own "Little Syria " communities but will be loyal to the UK and won't care about some of these extremist ideals you see in the UK from some members of the Muslim community

What's wrong with immigrants are bad attitude? Clearly, there is no loss from not allowing them to come to Sweden. Whatever else you might argue for the "pro" side, the "contra" side has no negative effects. If Sweden is a democracy, and a lot of people don't want to share their living space with muslims from the Middle East, what about it makes them nutjobs exactly? From what I read the multi-culti mantra isn't doing so well in Malmo, maybe more Swedish cities should become like it? Drowsy you realize you will have to start practicing to say things like " I love foreigners " ...." I open my home to immigrants " as once Serbia joins the EU that is what will be expected I'm joking of course, I agree that certain integration takes time and cant be forced on people. But thats fine, it shouldn't be forced I did laugh several times over the last few days during the numerous CNN live interviews where they always seemed to be filming scenes of hotspots and tension as the immigrants made there trek to get to Germany but you can see how woefully unprepared countries like Hungary and Serbia are to deal with this type of event. But they have been told " be nice on the International TV Channels " so you see these scenes of smiling Hungarian officials pretending to really care about the plight of the Syrians And frankly I can't blame Serbia or Hungary, these countries are not use to this type of thing and its not like the ME countries have ever done anything for them I'm

Yep, typical, as I said. As for the migrants, apparently there's a column of them marching to Sweden. Heck of a trip. Malc Canada needs to take some responsibility for the Syrian refugees ..I know you feel we ignore you guys and consider you our backwater simple cousins but now is the time to step up . All Western countries are taking some Syrians....I guess the best way to prepare yourself is really to ask yourself " how can I make a Syrian family's life better " Obviously I can make suggestions but I would prefer you thought of your own ways of welcoming them

I'm actually much more depressed at how the political situations is here, than how it is anywhere else in the world. A lot of the people here should know better, yet still act like they have a medieval education. From liberals to socialists, it always saddens me when education fails to dispel ignorance and narrowmindness. Well if you ever wanted to see how a Democracy works in its early days without all the bravado, extremism and unreasonableness then yes Africa would fascinate you So in your country and other Western countries some people have become too clever or fixated on a new political system that seems more harmful. In South Africa you must remember the concept of a Democracy is new for 80 % of the country. But when I say new you must realize that due to the insidious nature of Apartheid most people have no idea what a Democracy means So there is loads of naive support and disappointment around our political system...its amazing to be part of it and help people to rationalize there place and identity in the new South Africa So yes you would fit it fine

The Chinese IMO haven't helped the African continent ..its not there fault its just how they are and how there economy works They don't care about human rights or good governance so they buy commodities and build infrastructure in countries ruled by dictators. Now the Western model of assistance generally expects political reforms and often this works

My friend I can help you, I follow SJ causes. There is no hypocrisy in that once you understand the context..come join me You will feel a much more liberated and fulfilled person once you get into the habit of judging people with no feeling of remorse ...oh to be honest some people will not like you but you need to accept that and remember you need to make posts and decisions on the principle and not what you think people may say

Oh I'm not depressed at all about Africa, I am very committed to helping the continent achieve its full potential. And yes there are pockets of brilliance on the continent...its the AU that is the failure as it lacks the political will to impact meaningful change I meant you may find it depressing as there is such a difference between your quality of life and how the average African lives and dies. So when you try to help you may find the task insurmountable...and depressing Huge respect for your friend by the way, Kenya and Tanzania are considered success stories that need exactly that type of investment

I know what's best for me and I assume it's all right for most other people too, ain't got nothing to do with nationality son. The right to choose for yourself and master your own fate. I'll just like to help them do that, if that help is essentially backing off, then fine. Yes that is true and honest but it doesn't really help Africa ...but dont feel guilty. Your country does loads for Africa and always has. Everyone knows how the Scandinavian countries have been committed to reasonable regime change. Its probably best you don't really become too concerned with how to help Africa because then I'm sure you will end up feeling a little guilty and depressed

Raithe that is very cheeky......very cheeky...but well played, you got me there

Exactly. Do this and everything else takes are of itself. I consider myself to be in good shape, not just for my age but period. I don't exercise but I am very active, I do a lot of manual labor around my home like wood cutting, garden work, etc. I think I'm what you would call "farmer strong". But it's not my job nor my place to see to anyone's fitness but my own (and my dogs). So if I see an overweight person eating the king size Whopper meal at Burger King with the extra large chocolate shake I'll I'd say is enjoy your lunch. It's funny. The liberals here in the US get all hackled up about a woman's right to do as she pleases with her body when it comes to abortion and then are ready to crucify that same woman for eating something they disapprove of if the is a little past what THEY call overweight. I guess a woman's right to choose isn't absolute in their twisted little minds. Exactly. Do this and everything else takes are of itself. I consider myself to be in good shape, not just for my age but period. I don't exercise but I am very active, I do a lot of manual labor around my home like wood cutting, garden work, etc. I think I'm what you would call "farmer strong". But it's not my job nor my place to see to anyone's fitness but my own (and my dogs). So if I see an overweight person eating the king size Whopper meal at Burger King with the extra large chocolate shake I'll I'd say is enjoy your lunch. It's funny. The liberals here in the US get all hackled up about a woman's right to do as she pleases with her body when it comes to abortion and then are ready to crucify that same woman for eating something they disapprove of if the is a little past what THEY call overweight. I guess a woman's right to choose isn't absolute in their twisted little minds. Come now GD...that sounds like hyperbole You can't say that it is a commonly held view of liberals to criticize overweight women ....in fact that sounds very un-liberal

Good to have you back, it sounds like an awesome holiday and really eventful I love diving in the sea, well I do more snorkeling. Its so serene and peaceful and I never get tired of seeing sea life ....very therapeutic

Guys why are you guessing about how to fix Afrixcas economic woes ? I live here and can tell you exactly what needs to be done A sensitive person would have been a little offended by how little you guys consider my view relevant