News Briefs 13 May 2008

I watch a lot of tv. Too much for my IQ level I think. I try as much as possible not to watch reality shows, tele-novelas, and the news. Yes, I dread watching the news. Some days can just make you feel so down. So I prefer to read about my news. I can skim over it, or click on more links if a story pique my interest.

However, news in recent weeks have made me want to stay tuned, in the hope that things will be better. It has challenged my perception of how humans treat each other, and made me wonder what life in the coming years will be like.

Jersey Scandal - when abuse is systematic and carried on for decades in a place designed to protect the disadvantaged, then the abused have to live in a small island alongside their abusers - that must be what is meant by the expression “living in hell”.

The Monster Among Us - evil has a face. Nobody knew anything, but everybody knew a little. A noise heard by one, shopping witnessed by another. Twenty-four years of abuse (that word sounds so lame for what happened) was perpetuated because we all thought it wasn’t our business to meddle.

Burma Burns - in this day and age, how can a small group of people continue to dictate how millions of people live or die. Even more shocking, is how the international community seems powerless against this small group of bullies. More than ever, Burma reminds me that in this new global game, there is no leader, not a single truly powerful nation or organisation with any command or moral ascendancy.

American Politics - ironically, my husband is following it, and I can’t be bothered. I have always believed Hilary is fit for purpose, and if this was my election, I would most probably vote for her because that’s what my reasoning dictates. In my heart though, I hope Barack wins.

The Cost of Living - my dollar is now worth 50 cents. Hubby’s favourite pie costs 10 baht more this week. My road-side chicken satay has less meat on the stick. For jeez’s sake, somebody start making sensible monetary decisions, let the markets correct themselves, stop using up precious land for biofuel, and give me GM food. I don’t want to reach a point where I have to wear my curtain and scream, “As God is my witness, I’ll never be hungry again!”