skit 438 - dumb moves.

the last few weeks in news have been subdued. Katrina took the wind out of teh media and the continuing coverage is becoming a tedious pastime as it continues to flash the same images again and again with evermore interviews and clips of so called officials. The President took full responsibility verbally but the Director of FEMA took teh hit literally. He was removed from his post without any proceedings deemed satisfactory. Everything is A Ok again in the land of opportunity. opportunity for some though, decadence for others and squalor for the rest. The American way of life, inspiring criticism since forever.

Then, there is Musharraf in Pakistan. Amidst reports of mass fraud uin elections, the hitherto leader of Pakistan coninues to make waves. Two weeks ago, his govt held talks with the, no doubt over the prospect of sleek weapons. Then, wonder of wonders, Musharraf shook hands with Sharon. This was reported in teh media with zest, and a lot less objectivity. Pakistan is surely looking to diversify its weapons and its manufacturers (currently, the US). India looks upon this situation in the same manner, as it too tries to forge relations with Israel. Both want a supplier other than the US, and both can't afford to be left behind. So, Musharraf has taken a gamble by befriending the Israelis, atleast when it comes to domestic security. A man who has survived atleast 7 assasination attempts, has yet to make a decisively false move. He continues to rule, pushing legfal election further and further back = enjoying blanket US support in the meantime. Its hard to acknowledge that Pakistan could be a Iraq in the making. The paralells are striking even if his actions are tamer than Saddam's. Yet, if you look back to 1979-1986, you won't find much on Sddam's covert and deadly operations. There was nothign but praise back then, even from Rumsfeld whose skunk like grin envelopes his face as he heartily greets Saddam outside one of his 17 palaces. Shouldn't that have tipped us off by the way? The guy had 17 palaces. fuck. swing and a miss.

The 60th anniversary of the UN this past weekend, was celebrated with the most pathetic form of self depracating claptrap I have heard in ages. Granted I listen to one of Bush's cronies everyday, but this was bullshit of a different sort. The majority of leaders applauded the UN for existing and stressed the 60 year partnership that it had forged among so many... but in the same breath, they derided its poor setup and even worse (in)actions. The whole thing went from positive to negative within aseconds of beginning and as usual, even with such decisive views, the UN did not make any changes. Well done. Your one chance to have all these leaders together for the first time in so many years and instead of moving towards something tangible, you decided to point fingers - all the while insisting that this was not a country specific attack. The rest of you let it fly because the the soufle' at the Hilton was probably turning.

Speaking of turning, anyone else notice Tony Blair? What happened to tact Tony boy? Soemthings are better said with a smile on your face.. and speaking of that, could you try and not look like a middle aged man who has just discovered his worsening impotency. Viagara, bitch. Use it.