Viva Le Republique

This from todays newspaper

Shabab-e-Milli warns of dire consequences over New Year celebrations

KARACHI: Shabab-e-Milli, a wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, has threatened the provincial administration and owners of five star hotels and restaurants in Karachi of dire consequences if they allowed “vulgar” celebrations in lieu of New Year. “We have requested the owners of hotels, motels and restaurants to refrain from Kharafaat (vulgar activities) during the holy month of Muharram, otherwise the Shabab-e-Milli’s baton force will not hesitate in taking necessary steps”, said Milli President Muhammad Yousaf Munir. Speaking at a press conference held in Idara Noor-e-Haq, Munir said, “We have requested the government to close all routes leading towards Seaview as well as close the wine shops. People buying wine should be arrested and given strict punishment.” He further warned, “If the administration will not comply with our request and vulgarity is seen in the name of New Year celebration, the government will be responsible for any situation.” He urged the youth and citizens to focus on praying rather then indulging in such useless festivities. staff report

And then we wonder why. If these self appointed guardians of morals are allowed to get away with threatening life and property, why are we surprised when our leaders are allowed to escape accountability? And why the world can find links back to us wherever anything goes wrong.

Long live this republic and a happy new year!

Bush and the shoes

I thought it was a sad sight, humanity reduced to throwing shoes at someone we don't like. Didn't make me happy.

I would have been really happy if someone decided to take the governments responsible to the International Courts of Justice and was pursuing a case of war crimes against them and the people directly responsible for it. Now that is something I would get really excited about.

The sight of that poor sod throwing his shoes and the subsequent adulation of this act just demonstrates that we are still stuck at a lower level of humanity, where violence or symbolic acts of violence are used to retaliate against injustice.

So pardon me for not joining the celebrations!

Thought we were the only ones

With Hillary Clinton leaving to become the Secretary of State, Caroline Kennedy is a candidate for her seat in the Senate. Which will be bestowed upon her by the Governor of the state of New York.

Her qualifications, well she is the daughter of a slain President and niece of a slain Attorney General and later Senator. I am sure she has done other things as well, but this outshines everything.

Reminds me of how we choose our representatives. Thank god its not just us who support dynasties.

Viva la banana!

Obama talks about religion

I am going out on a limb here. I don't know what Mr. Obama wants to do or will be able to do. But for once, I will not be as skeptical as I usually am. Listen to what he has to say and maybe you will have hope too.

PS After Dubya, anyone would sound like a higher being, but this stuff is good