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Thursday, December 27, 2007
Hypnotized
On Christmas day, just two days ago, we received about a foot of snow. Today, the skies are at it again. I seem to remember a forecaster saying, just a month ago, that he was predicting the driest Colorado winter in his seven years of forecasting. And I believed him. Of course, the winter is not over yet...
Last night, we watched a DVD of The Last King of Scotland. I remember hearing Idi Amin's name on the radio and television news in the 70's. I was pretty ignorant about the world and politics at that time. All I knew, from what I heard, was that the name Amin was synonymous with killing and evil.
It appears that Amin was a pretty likable guy in many ways. His leadership was actually welcomed both within Uganda and without - at first. That is, he was welcomed before it was realized that he was killing masses of citizens. Watching Forrest Whitaker as Amin in the movie, hearing his promises to the crowds that gathered to hear him, seeing the excitement of those who believed in him, I couldn't help but think how willing many are to, with such naivete, go ga-ga over W or anyone they choose to think will bring them a better life.
Last night, we watched a DVD of The Last King of Scotland. I remember hearing Idi Amin's name on the radio and television news in the 70's. I was pretty ignorant about the world and politics at that time. All I knew, from what I heard, was that the name Amin was synonymous with killing and evil.
It appears that Amin was a pretty likable guy in many ways. His leadership was actually welcomed both within Uganda and without - at first. That is, he was welcomed before it was realized that he was killing masses of citizens. Watching Forrest Whitaker as Amin in the movie, hearing his promises to the crowds that gathered to hear him, seeing the excitement of those who believed in him, I couldn't help but think how willing many are to, with such naivete, go ga-ga over W or anyone they choose to think will bring them a better life.
Can't count on weather forecasters to know the future, can't count on leaders to hold the needs of the people before their own need for power. Can't stop thinking and expect someone else to create the world we want.
Intense Scrutiny and Critical Thinking is Patriotic
I hold the people of Pakistan in my thoughts today as I read of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. May the anger and violence be transformed into works of understanding and peace.
Labels: Bhutto, Idi Amin, Last King of Scotland, let it snow
posted by Carol at 9:35 AM
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