“You did it to me so I’m going to do it to you” isn’t appropriate behaviour in a schoolyard. In a region trembling on the brink of an all-encompassing war , where cool heads, informed thinking and sensible compromise are vital, it seems to be the best that egotistical leaders driven by ideology and their political survival can provide.… Read the rest
When Mark Twain said “There is no such thing as a small miracle in aviation”, he was referring to the natural kind. Modern commercial flight, however, is packed with small miracles; humans trusting the reliability of airliners the same way we do the watch on our wrist, despite no real idea of how either one works and bits falling off Boeings.… Read the rest
The philosophical question “How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” was raised by the 13th century philosopher Thomas Aquinas. A metaphor for wasting time debating topics of no practical value, it sums up what efforts to resolve Gaza will be unless the U.S. actually makes “changes in policy”.… Read the rest
Humans top a list of 30 creatures that possess what has been called the “God-given gift” of intelligence, of which there are more than 70 accepted definitions. However, thanks to a combination of skewed values, lack of empathy and just plain ignorance, we’re in danger of slipping down in the ratings.… Read the rest
President Theodore Roosevelt’s famous advice; “speak softly and carry a big stick”, did not preclude using the stick if necessary, a point that seems to escape the Biden administration in its efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. One reason, I submit, is the enforced absence of the foreign Press in Gaza.… Read the rest
The only thing more useless than an opportunity not seized is an obvious lesson not learned. The Biden administration’s “plan” to deliver aid to Gaza without putting boots on the ground has managed both at the same time.… Read the rest
A poem from which many of my generation drew perceived wisdom includes the line: “And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.”.To my deep chagrin, I find it is not clear, and I sincerely hope there’s a course correction in the unfolding bit, starting with the way we’re being kept up to date with the process.… Read the rest
In the noxious stew of today’s world, the recent closing of Newspaper House, home of the Argus, Cape Town’s evening newspaper since 1857, is a minor bit of gristle. But I began my journalism career there, so rather than a political diatribe in this week’s perch post, I’m going to indulge in nostalgia.… Read the rest
The “document of principles” Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu laid out for post-war management of Gaza looks more like a backroom amateur’s attempt to clone South Africa’s Bantustan plan for keeping blacks in poverty and subservience. If that’s the best he can come up with, there are a couple of other apartheid quirks more worthy of consideration.… Read the rest
It’s a factoid only Scrabble devotees might know, but there are more than 1,000 words that end in ‘ism’, which indicates a specific practice, system, or philosophy. Herewith two additions, one of which has a less than slim chance at success, the other I just invented as a hopefully viable alternative.… Read the rest