I thought of this blog during a few conversations in the past days, first: During the holiday meals with my cousins (both of which work in EU institutions), and then this morning with the return of Aim from her marathon 5 week work-tour of the left and right American coasts. There are those who’s presence make coming to work worth it, and amongst others, Aim does just that and more. As if her return and the good discussions that followed weren’t enough, she brought me more Tom’s of Maine Stuff and a Bryon Thomas CD.. both of which I’m liking very much.
The thing I wanted to blog about stems mostly from the situation in the Ukraine. Let me first be clear, I heart protest movements and civil disobedience, despite growing up in a generation of indifference, I’ve been lucky enough to march and sing in various countries for various causes, and yes – on occasion – get gassed. So naturally I’m enjoying the images and the spirit coming out of Kiev, we could definitely use more of it in the world, in the face of fraudulent democracy and pretend freedom.
But what gets me is that something like 50 percent of the voting public, in the Eastern Russian speaking side of the Ukraine supports the blue Victor (pardon the simplification, but I am a blogger after all), while the other pro-western side supports the orange Victor and is very visible in international media. So the elections were declared unfair by observers, clearly a cause for demonstration and a re-do. The problem I’m having is how this becomes popular culture, instead of what is supposed to be participatory democracy. Say the blue Victor wins in the re-do, will the orange folks who have been on the streets expressing their demands be able to accept this? Are they even interested in a fair election, or would they rather see their candidate win, above all? I’m being cynical of course, perhaps I should respectfully assume they only want a fair election, nothing more.
This goes beyond the Ukraine of course, makes me think of the value and the danger of capitalism mixed with democracy. Which led me to re-pick up my copy of the Federalist Papers, where Madison himself talked about this. (and George Gregoriou ingrained into my memory) In the end their problems are like so many other republics around the world, one side trying to gain the upper hand over the other. Powerful forces, not necessarily enlightened ones, doing what it takes to hold onto that power disregarding the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding. And of course, crap choices that you choose to believe in come election time, cause hell – its the best you can do this time around. (and next time.. and so on.)
Oh.. Shirt-sleeves, aka the Anteater, sent me my first Birthday card today, from Rome! My old best bud from Lisbon… gotta get down to Italy and see him in 2005.
In the meantime I’m becoming a total Sabrina C. fan… girl got style and a half.
Today’s Sounds: Bryan Thomas – Babylon (just arrived from Upstate NY)
I’m sure it’s very old man-ish of me, but I’ve been this way most of my life. I can remember, even as teenager myself, walking around small towns in Portugal and turning down dark alleys the moment I saw groups of teenagers walking my way. Come to think of it, maybe I’m what the french call “a wuss”.
Enough of the small talk. This morning.. bright and early at the break-a-break-a dawn, I’m hopping on the international train with the big B on its engine. Destination: Brussels. Objective: A down-home St. Nicholas weekend with my Portuguese-Belgian cousins and godson. I’ve been racking my brains all week trying to figure out what to buy the kids, ages 10 and 5. I stress about this because I’m determined to buy gifts with purpose, but I also try to listen to 
It’s been 20 years. Dec. 2nd, 1984… they call it “the worst industrial accident in the world’s history.” I call it – a crime against humanity. And 20 years later, neither Union Carbide or its owner Dow Chemical, have stepped forward to take responsibility for the fact that 27 tons of some of the deadliest chemicals imaginable leaked out and poisoned 100,000 people. 3,000 died in one night. And the survivors not only had to bear the pain and trauma, they were also left with horrendous cancers and mutations that continue to 
Of course, the CEO and other officials of Union Carbide have been called to face charges of manslaughter, negligence, and you name it, in the highest Indian Court. But they refuse to come to court, or set foot in the country where their factory was the source of so much death. They have been declared fugitives by the Indian government, but the US State Department has refused to hand them over. 
So when I make my own award nominations, or I read about 
Lately on the communiqu? I’ve been doings lots of sentimental goodbyes. Maybe because lots of things are changing during this moment in world history. Often times the changes I’m seeing, I can’t even tell if they’re good or bad.. but change is change right?