A pregnant drug addict A drug-addicted pregnant woman has no conscience, sympathy, and remorse for the child she is carrying in her womb. All that she cares about is more drugs to satisfy her demand. The more they take it, the more they want it, talking about hard drugs like crack and cocaine. Due to the constant taking of drugs which in turn take its toll on them, the possibility of damaging her fetus cannot be prevented. Some infants are born with deformed hearts, digestive systems, lungs, and limbs. Others develop serious or strange sicknesses as they grow. A drug-addicted woman has no time for herself and her baby. Drugs induce them to neglect their babies. The common idea to feed her baby is not worthy and when they do, the children are inadequately fed. A pregnant drug-addicted woman is always penniless. They sell whatever they have to raise money for drugs and many times, they abuse themselves more by selling their bodies. Some of these acts take place in front of the children. It hurts to see an innocent baby going through such an ordeal because of the acts of an irresponsible mother. If they know that time is not available to take care of a child, why do they give birth to babies, without prevention? In the past, many have suggested that such mothers should face punishment. As a matter of fact, neither punishment nor treatment for mothers can improve things. There are many drug addicts that were helped to get off drugs but later went into it again. The only solution is the babies have to be taken from them. If there is any law which allows an addicted mother to have her child, that law must be abolished. Drug addicted mothers should be banned not to see their children. Giving birth to a child without seeing them could hunt a mother for the rest of her life than one living in a haunted house. That could teach them a lesson in a very hard way. Even though some may not care about such actions, this is one important solution to reduce the birth rate of these irresponsible women. Drug addicted mothers threaten the well-being of their children. If a mother can't take care of herself how can she take care of her child? Instead of trusting these children to the care of mothers who are killing the children softly, the children should rather be protected. Save the children.
Britain: When alcohol takes its toll on you, where to sit or sleep doesn't matter. Britain, no doubt, is a famous tourist country. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Number 10 Downing Street, etc., are places that make Britain unique in the tourism sector. But statistically, Britain is well known and famous too for the country's high percentage of alcohol consumption and the rise of teenage pregnancy. Teenage pregnancy and alcoholism used to be social problems affecting Third World countries. For example, in Asia, Africa, and some parts of Latin America, poverty has escalated to alcoholism and underage prostitution. The result is disastrous. Inexperienced mothers carrying babies and young boys fathering children instead of being in the classrooms. As a result of these problems, child delinquencyis on the rise. The question is, "Is Britain also a Third World country?" What is causing these problems? Inadequate sex education? Are most of the drinkers from broken homes? On the streets of Britain, it is very common on weekends to see young men and women stumbling through the streets with drinks. They drink without knowing their limit, and some sleep by the roadside and on pavements. Some are even raped and dumb. The drunkards engage in brawls, violence, and public disorder, while the police toil in vain to maintain order and tend to those who need help. What a sick society Britain is turning into! During drinking hours, streets are littered with the refuse of empty bottles and cans. Answering nature's call is done everywhere without a second thought, resulting in the alleys and street corners stinking of urine. This is hazardous to public health. Over the past years, the price of drinks has been inflated to prevent more alcohol consumption, but this is not working. Health experts say the availability of cheap alcohol at supermarkets is a major factor in this problem. Another point is how Britain wants youths to refrain from alcohol when most of their churches have been closed and turned to drink pubs? According to statistics, the average Briton of 15 and older drinks the equivalent of about 11.2 liters of pure alcohol a year. The report said treating alcohol-related conditions cost the state-run health service about £2.7 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, almost double the cost in the year 2001. Pubs and supermarkets do not care about these anti-social problems. They are selling for money to pay their workers. It is the task of the government to come out with good measures that could help to reduce this problem. Average alcohol consumption has fallen in many nations, but Britain remains the same. Instead of Prime Minister Theresa May putting pressure on African leaders to legalize same-sex marriage, she has more problems in her own country to find solutions.
Superstar Bob Marley Today, May 11, 2010, is exactly 29 years since the great musician Robert Nester Marley, popularly known as Bob, passed away. The man is regarded as one of the greatest musical legends of our time. But who is this little man whose music created a big impact on the music scene internationally? Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in the parish of St Ann's in Nine Miles, Jamaica, to a British Marine officer, Norval Sinclair Marley, and a native Jamaican called Cedella Booker. Like most of the Jamaican great musicians, Bob Marley entered music while very young, coming out with his first song "Judge Not" at the age of 16. The song didn't do well. He continued pursuing his musical career. In 1965, he formed "The Wailers" with Bunny Livingston (Bunny Wailer) and Peter McIntosh (Peter Tosh) and released "Catch A Fire," an album that propelled him to international stardom. After a short period, "The Wailers" split and Peter, Bunny, and Bob went on separate ways. Surprisingly, all three became successful in music. However, Bob Marley's passion for music could be seen in the albums he released. "Rastaman Vibration, Natty Dread Kaya Confrontation Survival Uprising In 1977, while playing football with his friends, Bob injured his toe. He was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a type of deadly cancer, and amputation was recommended. But on his Rastafarian religious beliefs, Bob didn't agree to that. The Cancer started taking its toll on him, and the result was disastrous. Bob died at the age of 36 on May 11, 1981. By then, he and The Wailers had changed the reggae world. "Lyrically, he was an expert, and spiritually you should have seen him in concert," Said Macka B, in his song called Bob. A song he played as a tribute to Bob Marley. His passion for music could be felt in his performance as he rocks the stage and the audience to the best of his soul. His philosophy was well expressed in his songs. Many believe that Bob Marley was a prophet who came to the world unnoticed until he passed away. Bob Marley is not only good at playing revolutionary songs but also loves songs. His numerous love songs influenced his life. Bob had an affair with more than one woman. Today, all his children are following their father's steps. All successful professional musicians. 29 years after he departed from the musical planet, Bob Marley is more famous than ever. He sold over 300 million albums. Bob Marley still casts a spell with his music globally. Everyone knows about Bob Marley. Almost three decades after his death, his music is still relevant to millions of people across the world. Celebrations and activities are held each year globally on May 11, as a tribute to Bob. Truly, the work and achievements of Bob Marley in the field of music will be in history forever. I leave you with this part of the lyrics taken from his "Redemption Song." "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery None but ourselves can free our minds Have no fear for atomic energy, 'cause none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets? While we sat aside and looked Some say it's just a part of it; we have to fulfill the book. Won't you help to sing these songs of freedom? Is all that ever have, redemption song, songs of freedom"
Goodluck Jonathan: With Nigeria under his administration, he has bitten more than he can chew The present state of Nigeria, a country once richer than many European countries, shows how corruption could affect a country and ruin it without any immediate remedy. In the seventies and late eighties in Nigeria, even though it is an African country, due to its flourishing economy, its local currency, the Naira, has value more than even the Dollar and other foreign currencies. Corruption, tribalism, nepotism, and lack of good governance have made a country once worth living to be a nightmare for its ordinary citizens. Each day, hundreds of people are trying to leave the poverty-stricken country overseas. Most of them, without proper documentation to facilitate the visa application, end up buying fake documents such as certificates of professional jobs, birth, and fake bank attests to the British Embassy. The embassy is overwhelmed by the number of fake documents it receives each day. After the death of the long-ailing Yar'Adua, the president, Goodluck Jonathan, the vice president, was peacefully sworn in on Thursday, 4th May 2010, as president of Nigeria. But the country is set to hold presidential elections next year, and it remains unclear who the top candidates will be. In recent times, political instability, religious violence, and militant attacks on energy pipelines have significantly affected the country. The oil-rich Nigeria's economy isn't getting better but worse each day. Now that Jonathan is in power, the question is, "Does he have a magic wand to save the crippled economy of Nigeria?" And again, who will be named the vice-president to Jonathan? At his swearing-in, Jonathan said that he would work to ensure next year's polls were credible. "Our total commitment to good governance, electoral reform, and the fight against corruption would be pursued with greater vigor," Said Mr. Jonathan, according to Reuters. But Nigerians are tired of hearing this whenever a new president is sworn in, for corruption is an incurable disease not only in Nigeria but entire Africa. After independence, many countries in Africa seemed they can't manage state affairs without corruption. What is the significance of independence when most African countries were better off under the colonial government? Africa has so many questions to answer. It's our duty to restore our country's dignity. Enough is enough; corruption must be kicked out of African politics.
A Muslim woman in a full-face veil: Where is her comfort? Belgium would soon be the first country in Western Europe to ban the full-face covering veils by Muslim women. The action explains this as not a discrimination against religion or Muslim women, but for better integration and communication. "We have to know the people we communicate with," they said. As a matter of fact, the misinterpretation of the Koran has imprisoned many Muslim women who find it extremely difficult to get out of their predicament. Thousands of women do not wear the face veil at all, and they could explain the reason why it's not necessary, while others who wear it would also explain its significance. In this case, there are divisions already within the Muslim women's community over face covering. Every country has its own law. People have to respect and obey the law. The old saying still exists, "If you go to Rome, you do what the Romans do." I am imagining in this modern world, traveling to any Arab country with the intention of building a church. I don't think that permission would ever be granted to me. The reason is simple and logical. I will be told this is an Arab country, and we don't permit that. Yet in every part of Europe where there is a large concentration of Muslims, permission has been given to them to build Mosques. This is because Europe respects religion. Why then are they accusing Belgium of discriminating against women if they want people who want to live in their country to follow and observe their law? In the Arabic world, there is a dance called "Belly dancing". It is a Western-coined name for a traditional Middle-Eastern dance. Belle dancing takes different forms depending on the country. The most featured part of the dancing is constantly moving with the hips. Muslim women perform this dance in restaurants and cabarets, with "naked or nude belly" watched by admirers with applause. My question is, if Muslim women can expose their belly nakedly to be watched by hundreds of people at the restaurant and festivals, why is it difficult for them to unveil in public? I leave this question for them to answer. To make it clear, I am not encouraging the Belgian government to ban the wearing of a full-face veil. This article is based on my opinion; the fact is that Belgium is their country, and we have to obey and respect their laws. If we travel to any Arab country, we have to obey and respect their laws as well. Recently, someone was arrested in an Arab country for kissing his girlfriend in public. I have never heard of such a thing before, yet that is prohibited in that country. We also need to respect and obey the law of the Europeans.
"The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly"—Albert Einstein
History has once again repeated itself in Belgium's political history. Belgium has plunged into a new political crisis as the premier-elect, Yves Leterme, hands over his resignation letter to King Albert II after his Flemish Liberal Allies (VLD) quit the five-party coalition earlier on Thursday. In a similar crisis, the country was left without a permanent government from July 2007 to March 2008, when Leterme came to power. Yves Leterme had a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders to tackle when he took his seat barely five months ago. One of the important tasks was to find a lasting solution to a long-running dispute between the Flemish-speaking and their counterpart French-speaking Wallonia. In his effort to withdraw political boundaries between French and Flemish districts, the Flemish Liberal Party stood against it and split with Leterme. This is really a bad time for such a thing to happen when Belgium takes the seat of the European Union on 1 July 2010. Even though Belgium is a relatively small country with a population of about 11 million, the country has never enjoyed a smooth or stable government from time to time because of the different opinions of its nationals, especially the Flemish-speaking communities. It is a well-known fact that the Flemish authorities actively discriminate against the Wallonians. In a civilized country like Belgium, this shouldn't happen. Tensions between the French and the majority of Dutch-speaking communities have risen in recent years as parties advocate full autonomy for wealthier, flourishing Flanders. Over the dispute that led to the resignation of Leterme, the Flemish-run communities on the outskirts of the capital have been trying to dissuade French speakers from moving in, largely by demanding they speak Dutch. The question is, does every Dutch person speak French? A language must not be imposed on someone before he or she becomes a recognized citizen of a country. The French-speaking Belgians' effort or right to live in Flemish districts is considered an "invasion." "We want to preserve the Flemish of this beautiful town," says the mayor of Gooik. "We don't want it to be overwhelmed by people who speak different languages," says Michael Doomst. What kind of discriminatory statements are these in a democratic society? These were the kind of statements often heard in the former apartheid South Africa; now they are resurfacing in Belgium. Until a permanent lasting solution is found for this long-running feud between the Flemish and Wallonia, Belgium will never ever enjoy a smooth running of government. What has happened in the past is just the tip of the iceberg. More political chaos would come. There is no peace in any country that does not have respect for its fellow citizens. The Flemish must change their character and approach to certain issues. Splitting Belgium is not the answer but unity. Whether French or Flemish, both are hundred percent Belgians.
The cursed twins? Madagascar abandons twins because of the superstition that they bring bad luck. Africa is bound by so many outdated superstitions and other issues considered taboo. Nothing better is seen in these superstitions and traditions they keep on holding from their ancestors than poverty that has engulfed the whole continent. Madagascar is one of the most superstitious countries off the coast of Africa. They believe that twins bring bad luck to the community and to this day still hold this primitive ideology and philosophy about twins. According to history, twins are immediately separated, or one is killed or abandoned in the forest after birth. Why? To avoid the harsh punishment from the traditional chief and the community, because families are not allowed to keep twins. One of the bad lucks they believe could happen to them if families kept twins is that the whole village would die. With this kind of superstition, what future do the Madagascar twin children have? This is the beginning of how children are traumatized, all for the sake of outdated, stupid superstitions. However, a media campaign and discussions with local leaders are taking place. In another development, the country is implementing new ideas designed to change these traditional and superstitious beliefs. Until the harsh treatment of twins in Madagascar is eliminated, world organizations in charge of children's rights must step in to intervene. The twins' children of Madagascar are like normal children in any part of the world. They need parental care, good health care, and education. The world must fight to end this senseless superstition in Madagascar.
Erykah Badu Every musician and the public know that sex video clips for music sell. Competition in music these days is so strong that every artist wants to come out and produce something that no one else has ever done in the field of music. Unfortunately, a respected singer like Erykah Badu, choice to make her video clip to promote or sell her music has rather given her disrespect or hatred in the eyes of the general public.
On the CNN American version, I watched the video clip over and over. The shocking part is how someone who is not insane or having no mental disorder could walk in public, a famous place for tourists where the assassination of President Kennedy took place decades ago, and shed off her clothes to be nude in the eyes of the public, then after a gunshot, she fell like someone playing a role in a film? All this is for a music video clip. I think there are many ways Erykah should have chosen to make this clip. I don't know what was in her mind before she shot that clip. My question is, "Does she feel sorry for the assassination of President Kennedy, or does she feel good about it That was why she imitated his assassination. Whatever reason Erykah did this for, I wish she could apologize to the Americans because, in my opinion, that was a total disrespect to the Kennedy family and the whole Americans.
Children these days are traditionally the subject of ridicule, humiliation, abuse, and mental torture. Besides South America and Asia, Africa is another continent yet to find a remedy for the number of children without any education. The problems associated with street children vary. Broken homes, separation or divorce, parents' inability to bring up children, lack of education, and teenage pregnancy. How do we assess the institution of marriage today in our society when so many divorces and activities of irresponsible parenting are causing havoc to our children? Without much or any financial support, single mothers are left to face problems in bringing up children and earning money to give their children a good education. The devil always has worked for idle hands. Lack of education forces young girls into prostitution. After giving birth out of hardship and frustration, the teenage mothers abandoned their children. Later, the children grow up to be juvenile criminals, destitute, glue sniffers, and junkies. The question is, if a mother can't afford to feed her child, how then can the child get an education? This is a burning issue that leaders of Third World Countries must consider as a priority, to create free or lower the cost of education for every child to be in school.
Robert Mugabe's fist and mustache are identical to Hitler's
Although Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe is a Blackman, he and the late Adolf Hitler of Germany have something in common. The small vertical patch of mustache right under the nose and the thirst for power. The power of greed and selfishness that almost destroyed the world and mankind. But with Mugabe, the impact is affecting the Zimbabweans and neighboring South Africa, Zambia, and Mozambique. Previously known as Rhodesia, after gaining independence in 1980, the country became Zimbabwe under the new leader, Robert Mugabe. Then a country once with vast mineral resources and a successful economy gradually started declining to be one of the poorest economies and chaotic political conditions in the world. From the history of Zimbabwe's politics, Robert Mugabe has been a man who has ruled and is ruling with an iron fist as a dictator. He regards any opposition as a threat and an enemy. His adamant heart wouldn't allow him to take any advice on how to save the country. He couldn't stand Joshua Nkomo, until finally sending him to his early grave. No one actually knows the plan of Mugabe for hanging on to power since 1980. His rule has caused so much unrest among the Zimbabweans, using food as a political weapon against those who do not support his party. The country is afflicted by 70 percent unemployment and hard-biting inflation. Every advice from world leaders has fallen on deaf ears. Mugabe's wicked and greedy actions are destroying the country and causing violent clashes between clans. Who can save Zimbabwe when such a man is in power? Already, the healthcare system has collapsed with the economy. The United Nations effectively became responsible for providing the necessary aid to save the emerging health crisis. It is like most of the African leaders are not capable of talking to Mugabe, instead of supporting his criminal regime. What I have observed so far as an African is, it is nice for any African country to have a leader or head of state to represent his or her country, but the duties of a head of state, that they don't know. Corruption inspires many of them to be in politics, but not to help the poor people. Most African leaders are lazy, always expecting miracles from heaven or from the West or America. Instead of wasting taxpayers' money and state funds on attending poverty alleviation conferences, they must stay at home to use the money to alleviate their own poverty. Libya is an African country, but Gaddafi's successful rule of the country has yielded the best results for the people. They are rich, and the economy is even better than so many European countries. The Libyans have confidence in him. The same way that should be in Zimbabwe and other African countries. One day, Mugabe should sit down alone and ask himself these questions: where are Idi Amin, Bokassa, Mobutu, etc? Then, to listen to the voice of the suffering masses of Zimbabweans to step down.
Tiger Woods: His golf ball landed in the wrong place for a woman
When Tiger Woods the great golf player extramarital affair was exposed, the media and the reaction of a section of the public against him were as if none of them had ever done wrong before. They painted Mr. Woods double darker than he is and judged him as the biggest adulterer or fornicator in the universe. To me, there are thousands of people, including celebrities, musicians, and film stars, having extramarital affairs, yet the media does not know about it. As an African, I always speak in proverbs. One says that "when the air blows, then you see the backside of the chicken." When your cup is full, then secret things are exposed. From biblical times to our present generation, great men have fallen to their knees because of women. Samson submitted to the Philistines because of Delilah. King Ahab's glory fell to grass by listening to his wife's advice. Jezebel forced him to take possession of Naboth's vineyard. That cost him much. Mike Tyson, formerly one of the world's strongest boxers, served a jail sentence because of his rape case against Desiree Washington. Bill Clinton, the former American president, had his share of disgrace because of Monica Lewinsky, a white house staff member. Kobi Bryan, the NBA star, narrowly escaped prison because of a woman. Jeffery Archer, the British author, failed to be elected as the mayor of London because he slept with a prostitute. It would be an unending feature if I kept on giving examples of great men floored by women. These problems men are facing keep on surfacing in the papers each and every day, but none serve as a deterrent to anyone, until they are exposed. They say women are the weaker gender, but to me, they are stronger than men. Tiger Woods is not the only wrongdoer. One thing I don't understand is the woman who openly told the world that they had an affair with Mr. Woods. Do they want money or fame? I call this cheap publicity. If one wants to be famous, he or she must try on their own. The media should leave him alone. The man has suffered a great deal psychologically.
Belgium's aid to Africa In the past years, Belgium has been among the European countries playing an important role in the development of Africa by granting emergency aid in the form of cash and goods to some African countries. Recently, the Belgian government announced its release of 500,000 euros for the purchase of 1,200 tonnes of food to be distributed by the World Food Programme (WFP) to the inhabitants of Kenya. The government has also released 750,000 euros to the WFP to purchase 1300 tonnes of food for drought-affected victims in Ethiopia. The Belgian Cooperation Ministry has announced that the food would be distributed as a priority to young children and mothers of those countries. Since the beginning of last year, Belgium has granted food aid to the tune of 2.5 million euros to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Niger, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. In another development, Belgium's Cooperation and Development Minister Charles Michel told a news briefing in Dakar, Senegal, that Public Development Aid (PDA) to Senegal in 2010 will amount to 55.5 million euros. Under the arrangement, Belgium will be dedicating 0.7% of its gross domestic product to the PDA to become one of the nations in Europe. Other European countries affiliated with this pact are Sweden, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, with the highest level of financial aid to developing countries. The Belgian minister explained that Senegal remains one of the 18 countries where the PDA would be fully implemented within the New Cooperation Indicative Programme. The program was signed in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, between Michel and the Senegalese Minister of State in charge of Economy and Finance, Abboulaye Diop. Under the agreement, the program would be for a period of four years (from 2010 to 2013, instead of the previous three years).
Terrorism in Africa Islam means patience, love, and togetherness. That's what the Koran says and the definition that is given by many Muslims when asked to give a little explanation of what the religion is about. However, that definition is immediately called into question or disagreed with by the new global desire for violence and the desire of Islamic fanatics to kill innocent people to end their lives. Islam is rapidly turning into a more violent religion than the unity and love they advocate. Umar Abdulmutallab, a failed suicide bomber, expressed his terrifying vision of a world run by radical Islamic hardliners in a string of online messages. Frequently, the African continent is completely disregarded or undervalued. World leaders are cautioned not to undervalue Africans anymore after this 23-year-old terrorist managed to evade security measures and all of their detectors to board the aircraft to bomb Flight 253, which was traveling from Amsterdam to the United States. Had his murderous plans been successful, Islamic extremists such as al-Qaeda would have boasted about it and plotted additional assaults. It is now time for world leaders to concentrate more on Africa to prevent the usage of that continent as a safe haven for terrorists. I believe that there will be a time when genuine Muslims and true followers of the Prophet Mohammed will openly speak against what their fanatic brothers are doing and try to do their best to end or reduce this unnecessary global violence, especially in Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Yves Leterme, Belgium's former prime minister, who is now deputy secretary-general of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
On Wednesday, 25 November 2009, Belgium named the controversial Dutch-speaking conservative Yves Leterme as its prime minister, succeeding Herman Van Rompuy, who resigned to become the European Union's first president. The 49-year-old Mr. Leterme, although he is held unpopular by many people in the French-speaking colony, got the job because he is the most popular politician in Belgium's majority party, the Flemish-speaking Christian Democrats. Although Belgium is a relatively small country with 6 million Dutch speakers, 4 million French speakers, and 70 thousand German speakers, it is a country difficult to be governed because the people are not one. This has caused much distress in the country in terms of politics, employment, and distribution of resources. Leterme, as an intelligent politician, must be aware that a strong economy is not built on sand. His second coming to most Belgians does not mean anything, but what he is coming to do is what matters. He has a big responsibility on his shoulders by creating more jobs for the Belgians because Belgium lacks jobs. Even before the severe economic recession hit America and Europe, Belgium was one of the leading Western European countries with few job opportunities. However, comparing the country to other European countries, Belgium is one of the best countries to live in Europe in terms of the cost of living. Astonishingly, employers pay very well. Another crisis that Leterme has to pay particular attention to is resolving internal tensions over how much autonomy to grant to the three regions of Wallonia, Brussels, and Flanders. Dutch-speaking Flanders wants to avoid paying taxes that fund the poorer region of French-speaking Wallonia and seeks to expand its administrative powers. But it has so far fallen short of demanding full independence, mostly for fear of losing its shared political control of Brussels, a majority French-speaking city located within Flanders. The Belgians are watching him to tackle what they called (aggressive issues) affecting and dividing the country; else his second coming would be seen as meaningless.
