Robert Putman argued that increasing individualism had led to a decline in political participation and activity in community organisations,thereby undermining good governance.In tandem,Ronald Dworkin had previously argued that the duty to obey the law from an 'associative'obligation;in short,that the duty of obedience to the state extends out of the obligations each individual bears towards family and friends and is therefore natural and not reliant on any overt consent.
For Dworkin community is based on shared concern for others,yet in contrast Arnold Muchoko can ask,(is political or community participation a pre-requisite for 'good governance'?)Is obedience to the state only justified via such participation or is obedience based on a different conception of the relationship between the state and the individual?
Sometimes political philosohpy does my heading!One day when i return to my beloved motherland,i will surely not philosophise every political thought - because the political arena is so much infested with bandits who exterminate whoever has an abstract thought.So for that reason, i am out of politics - but my research goes on.
Thomas hobbes once argued that the individual must obey the state due to the obligations arising from a pre-historical social contract without further demands for active political participation.So the duty to obey the state was the result of a social contract,i suppose.In the state of nature,men were free but also subject to intense violence and competition - just imagine the english civil war(which led to the execution of Charles 1).So by deciding to join together to form the state,men could avoid such competition and violence, in return for the protection,they promised obedience to the state.In Hobbes' eyes there was no requirement of continuing active participation in politics underlying individual obedience, instead via the social contract, agreed in pre-historic,an individual is bound to obey the state.
I guess theology and religion also contributed extensively to the reasons why men found it imperative to live in solidarity and form sovereign states.This brings me part of the theory of Charles Darwin survival of the fittest this time ignore through natural selection.If it wasn't for the precedents of the social contract this world would have been a mess and i mean it.Survival of the fittest would have been the order of the day.The world would have been grossly over-populated through sex without consent, and all anti-social activities that you can dream of would have been prevalent.Thank goodness the bible, the quran and pre-historic social contracts redeemed us all.
Now to mess around,and try to act belligerent - the state has the autonomy to prosecute and convict.That's the reason why Britain has around 88 000 convicts - at least one is assured of a play station,telly and laptop inside the so called British prisons.Conversely prisons like the Black beach(Malabo - Equatorial Guinea),Sun City(South Africa) and Chikurubi Maximum(Zimbabwe)are some of the most notorius in the world.This reminds me of a Briton, who led a group of mercentaries to Equatorial Guinea,in a bid to try a coup de tat on President Teodore obiang Nguema.Unfortunately his attempts were thwarted before his mission could be accomplished - sadly now he languishes in solitary confinement,one meal a day and a wall dripping with condensed water to look at for life.Such conditions are the ones that prompted fugitives like Stephen Chidumo to make maiden escapes from Chikurubi Maximum in Zimbabwe, and Annanias Mathe(houdini) from Maximum security prison C max in Pretoria(South Africa).
So there is every reason why we should obey the law - nevermind human rights.
http://journalism.winchester.ac.uk/
Monday, 4 May 2009
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
muchokomania: Why bother working for free?
muchokomania: Why bother working for free?http://journalism.winchester.ac.uk/
Monday, 27 April 2009
ZUMA VICTORY MARKS NEW ERA FOR AFRICAN POWERHOUSE
Perpetual readers of my blogs might wonder why,i always sound proud and patriotic about the rainball nation - south Africa.Yes it's a home of 43million citizens and i am one of them.I did not go home when my fellow citizens were casting their votes for a new president - all i did was follow every campaign leading to the voting day ,on my beloved Al Jazeera channel.Of course,the voting was carried out in tranquility - so i heard Haru Mutasa reporting live from the boulevards of Auckland park,Johannesburg.
Jacob Zuma an African National Congress candidate enjoyed a landslide victory - which angered his adversaries,who had false hope on those who had desserted the ruling party to form Congress of people's party.Of course,Zuma is quite a controversial but charismatic leader in South Africa.Having served under Thabo Mbeki,as vice-president - only to be fired after an arms deal and corruption charge against his former financial adviser Schabir Shaik.But those of us following politics with moderate knowledge suspected that Zuma's plight was politically motivated.The complex of the matter emanates from the fact that South Africa has 11 official languages and Zulu being a predominant one - Zuma being Zulu himself.Mandela who became the first president of a democratic South Africa was xhosa speaking,Mbeki was also Xhosa speaking and the woman who replaced Zuma as vice-president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka was also xhosa speaking.Hence the masses polarised against the Mbeki government and party gurus had no option but to oust him before his term of office expired.
Zuma's victory marks the beginning of a new dispensation for the Southern African region and Africa at large.In principle South Africa is the largest economy in Africa and far much better than most European countries.Also to bear in mind that it is part of the G20 - a gathering of the ultimate of the world's biggest and influential economies.That is the reason why FIFA awarded the 2010 World cup - barring the rotational system they talk about.We are the world's largest gold producer and third in platinum.
Zuma has quite a pragmatic attitude and those close to him say,he will be hands on with the Zimbabwean situation - which has seen 10million immigrants crossing into South Africa.Tendai Biti the Zimbabwean minister of Finance said that Zuma's victory is a good omen for his failed state - as there are mounting expectations for him to keep Mugabe at bay through tough diplomatic and foreign policies.Bearing in mind also that Zuma was the only outspoken ANC figure during the Zimbabwean political crisis.
The unemployment rate is hovering at 40% and the majority of people are still leaving in shacks and dilapidated conditions.We hold the highest murder rate in the world and there is a proliferation of the Aids epidemic.Those could be the main short and long run objectives of his presidency.There won't be any drastic changes to the constitution because historically when the ANC party got into power in 1994,they did very minimal amendments of note.
The fact that the ANC failed to garner 2/3 majority in the 400 member parliament is a blessing in disguise,as they will have to debate with the opposition parties for any change in policy.That means there could be a constant trend of democracy.
Zuma could be a catalyst in african politics - as he turns out to be a good mediator.His successes range from the Burundi,Rwanda and Inkatha Freedom party peace mediations.The Inkatha freedom party wagged a bloody civil war in the Kwazulu - natal province in South Africa.The violence was so extreme that it threatened the entire country - until a zuma led delegation successfully negotiated peace.For those who don't know where Burundi and Rwanda are - don't bother me.Look on your world map.
So the African powerhouse could be heading for better days of our lives.
Jacob Zuma an African National Congress candidate enjoyed a landslide victory - which angered his adversaries,who had false hope on those who had desserted the ruling party to form Congress of people's party.Of course,Zuma is quite a controversial but charismatic leader in South Africa.Having served under Thabo Mbeki,as vice-president - only to be fired after an arms deal and corruption charge against his former financial adviser Schabir Shaik.But those of us following politics with moderate knowledge suspected that Zuma's plight was politically motivated.The complex of the matter emanates from the fact that South Africa has 11 official languages and Zulu being a predominant one - Zuma being Zulu himself.Mandela who became the first president of a democratic South Africa was xhosa speaking,Mbeki was also Xhosa speaking and the woman who replaced Zuma as vice-president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka was also xhosa speaking.Hence the masses polarised against the Mbeki government and party gurus had no option but to oust him before his term of office expired.
Zuma's victory marks the beginning of a new dispensation for the Southern African region and Africa at large.In principle South Africa is the largest economy in Africa and far much better than most European countries.Also to bear in mind that it is part of the G20 - a gathering of the ultimate of the world's biggest and influential economies.That is the reason why FIFA awarded the 2010 World cup - barring the rotational system they talk about.We are the world's largest gold producer and third in platinum.
Zuma has quite a pragmatic attitude and those close to him say,he will be hands on with the Zimbabwean situation - which has seen 10million immigrants crossing into South Africa.Tendai Biti the Zimbabwean minister of Finance said that Zuma's victory is a good omen for his failed state - as there are mounting expectations for him to keep Mugabe at bay through tough diplomatic and foreign policies.Bearing in mind also that Zuma was the only outspoken ANC figure during the Zimbabwean political crisis.
The unemployment rate is hovering at 40% and the majority of people are still leaving in shacks and dilapidated conditions.We hold the highest murder rate in the world and there is a proliferation of the Aids epidemic.Those could be the main short and long run objectives of his presidency.There won't be any drastic changes to the constitution because historically when the ANC party got into power in 1994,they did very minimal amendments of note.
The fact that the ANC failed to garner 2/3 majority in the 400 member parliament is a blessing in disguise,as they will have to debate with the opposition parties for any change in policy.That means there could be a constant trend of democracy.
Zuma could be a catalyst in african politics - as he turns out to be a good mediator.His successes range from the Burundi,Rwanda and Inkatha Freedom party peace mediations.The Inkatha freedom party wagged a bloody civil war in the Kwazulu - natal province in South Africa.The violence was so extreme that it threatened the entire country - until a zuma led delegation successfully negotiated peace.For those who don't know where Burundi and Rwanda are - don't bother me.Look on your world map.
So the African powerhouse could be heading for better days of our lives.
Who the hell is this fake sheikh?
Slumdog millionaire star Rubina Ali 'auctioned' for £200 000!The reigning fake sheikh of 'Arabia' is the true face of tabloid news in Britain i reckon.Chris Horrie had at one point mentioned about this larger than life and king of deceit - News of the World's fake sheikh,who thrives on dangerous but effective investigative journalism - and because of being complacent and not being bothered, i never did any reservations until last Sunday.Apparently the poverty-stricken father of the oscar winning movie Slumdog millionaire,Rubina Ali,was on the verge of selling his daughter at a cut-price in a deal made in London but executed in Arabia.
Mazher Mahmood aka Fake Sheikh is renowned for initiating sham and bogus deals that leaves many a 'victim' livid and at times in big SHIT - and sometimes in penitentiary.The unsuspecting father of Rubina Ali,got a call from someone soliciting on behalf of the 'sheikh' suggesting that he be flown to Arabia to meet a mega rich prince,whose prime aim was to buy Rubina for thousands of pounds.After several delibetions i suppose this poor man was cohesed into the 'fake' deal.So who do we blame - fake sheikh or Rubina's father?
Weeks before the easter holiday we had discussed quite extensively on the advent of new media technology and resolved that this could mark the death of newsprint.Now because of my adoration for the fake sheikh,i believe newsprint is here to stay.People will always buy newspapers for stories like these.Yes the internet is valuable but to an extent Newspapers have the advantage of tangibility.
I noted that this fake sheikh - has dinned and wined with the taliban,mafia,gangsters,Sven Eriksson and some high profile ladies of the night.In spite of being put at gunpoint once in his life,he is still undeterred.I suppose for him its ALUTA CONTINUA(the struggle continues - mozambiquean dialect) - in search of the truth.I wonder how this man does it.Now that i know and have heard about him,i will keep a vigil and be vigilant for all the days of my life.Why would people believe that everyone from mainstream China or downtown Bankok is a martial arts expect ,after the legacy left by Bruce Lee?So not every caller or anyone for that matter dressed and speaking like a sheikh is real.
Hats off to the sheikh!
Am back from the easter break !
Mazher Mahmood aka Fake Sheikh is renowned for initiating sham and bogus deals that leaves many a 'victim' livid and at times in big SHIT - and sometimes in penitentiary.The unsuspecting father of Rubina Ali,got a call from someone soliciting on behalf of the 'sheikh' suggesting that he be flown to Arabia to meet a mega rich prince,whose prime aim was to buy Rubina for thousands of pounds.After several delibetions i suppose this poor man was cohesed into the 'fake' deal.So who do we blame - fake sheikh or Rubina's father?
Weeks before the easter holiday we had discussed quite extensively on the advent of new media technology and resolved that this could mark the death of newsprint.Now because of my adoration for the fake sheikh,i believe newsprint is here to stay.People will always buy newspapers for stories like these.Yes the internet is valuable but to an extent Newspapers have the advantage of tangibility.
I noted that this fake sheikh - has dinned and wined with the taliban,mafia,gangsters,Sven Eriksson and some high profile ladies of the night.In spite of being put at gunpoint once in his life,he is still undeterred.I suppose for him its ALUTA CONTINUA(the struggle continues - mozambiquean dialect) - in search of the truth.I wonder how this man does it.Now that i know and have heard about him,i will keep a vigil and be vigilant for all the days of my life.Why would people believe that everyone from mainstream China or downtown Bankok is a martial arts expect ,after the legacy left by Bruce Lee?So not every caller or anyone for that matter dressed and speaking like a sheikh is real.
Hats off to the sheikh!
Am back from the easter break !
Friday, 27 March 2009
Why bother working for free?
On the 24th of March,i had the qualified privilege of attending a Basingstoke Cabinet meeting and was very surprised with the reception,i got from the patrons.I might have been the only minority and only journo representing Winchester.The leader(chairman) of the cabinet asked me to sit where the press people are allocated and for that reason,i enjoyed the sovereignty of Britain.
The Agenda was purely based on the proposed facelifting of The Basingstoke Mall.On both sides of the committee suite i was flanked by cabinet members and two solicitors from legal and democratic services.I even got more excited when the leader told everyone that the deliberations would be going live on webcast,and could be accessed by members of the public on the internet.
The chairman,started by asking cabinet members whether there were any objections in regard with the budget of the facelifting of the Mall.However the 72page agenda was just too daunting to read through and because there were 'pink' areas(not accessable to press or the public),the meeting was adjoined.Hence,i was only there for 15minutes and never really got what i wanted.
Interesting though, were the reservations i made about the functions of a typical English Mayor.It was shocking to note that these so called Mayors are not on anyone's payroll.The only benefit is a brand new car to chauffeur himself around,petrol paid for and a credit card for his spouse to shop around for dear clothes.It's more of a ceremonial role than what those of us from Africa are accustomed to.One aspect i also found to be petrifying is the fact that a county mayor's office term only runs for 12 months.Apparently he/she is voted in by the councilors of that particular county.
So why bother to work for free anyway?
The Agenda was purely based on the proposed facelifting of The Basingstoke Mall.On both sides of the committee suite i was flanked by cabinet members and two solicitors from legal and democratic services.I even got more excited when the leader told everyone that the deliberations would be going live on webcast,and could be accessed by members of the public on the internet.
The chairman,started by asking cabinet members whether there were any objections in regard with the budget of the facelifting of the Mall.However the 72page agenda was just too daunting to read through and because there were 'pink' areas(not accessable to press or the public),the meeting was adjoined.Hence,i was only there for 15minutes and never really got what i wanted.
Interesting though, were the reservations i made about the functions of a typical English Mayor.It was shocking to note that these so called Mayors are not on anyone's payroll.The only benefit is a brand new car to chauffeur himself around,petrol paid for and a credit card for his spouse to shop around for dear clothes.It's more of a ceremonial role than what those of us from Africa are accustomed to.One aspect i also found to be petrifying is the fact that a county mayor's office term only runs for 12 months.Apparently he/she is voted in by the councilors of that particular county.
So why bother to work for free anyway?
Advent of New Media Technology haunt bloggers
It is with great sorrow that,after Tuesday's session which partly covered an intro to the truth behind sharia law,i went home disturbed as to how simple,a dogma can enslave people in a 'democratic' society.On my arrival ,i took another setback when i tuned into Al Jazeera to get an update on news around the world - including Islamic republics.Iran are on the verge,of drafting a bill which will effectively see the extemination of vile and political bloggers(antagonists).If i cast my mind back to 2003,Iran became the first government to imprison a blogger - Sina Motallebi.And in that period a record 41 daily newspapers had been banned.Of course,anti-censorship groups have been lobbying against the ruthless media laws,but without success.
Amid the proposal by the Iranian authorities to pass the 'bill' into an act, a majority of those within the media might be forced to polarise against such a move.So far,in Islam there are three things which constitute to a death penalty - murder,adultery and of course apostasy(which is a simple conversion or deviation from Islam).That is Sharia law at its best.If passed into constitution then those who vent their anger against the government through blogging will DIE HARD.And no one will be accountable but Sharia law.Sir Da Gama,a missionary tutor at Pretoria boys high once said,a martyr is a person who dies for what he believes in.Just like Bernard Mizeki who was speared to death for trying to convert the monotheistic believers of Southern africa.And yes he died a painful death - for what he believed in.The allegiance to Islamic faith is the epitome of commitment and sacrifice.Any breach of the code of the quran,you are history.
As Chris alluded in the session - Turkey is still an Islamic nation but ruled by a moderate - who i think encourages secularism.He believes that human activities and decisions should be based on evidence and fact, unbiased by religious influence.So by being a moderate - does he face the wrath of Islamic republics?.Yes i suppose,because his ideologies are critical of religious orthodox and once asserted that religion impedes human progress because of it's focus on superstition and dogma versus reason and scientific method.
In my earnest opinion,sharia law is not bad for those who committed themselves to Islam in the first place - because you pledge to live by the quran and die by the quran
For now i am out.Peace
Amid the proposal by the Iranian authorities to pass the 'bill' into an act, a majority of those within the media might be forced to polarise against such a move.So far,in Islam there are three things which constitute to a death penalty - murder,adultery and of course apostasy(which is a simple conversion or deviation from Islam).That is Sharia law at its best.If passed into constitution then those who vent their anger against the government through blogging will DIE HARD.And no one will be accountable but Sharia law.Sir Da Gama,a missionary tutor at Pretoria boys high once said,a martyr is a person who dies for what he believes in.Just like Bernard Mizeki who was speared to death for trying to convert the monotheistic believers of Southern africa.And yes he died a painful death - for what he believed in.The allegiance to Islamic faith is the epitome of commitment and sacrifice.Any breach of the code of the quran,you are history.
As Chris alluded in the session - Turkey is still an Islamic nation but ruled by a moderate - who i think encourages secularism.He believes that human activities and decisions should be based on evidence and fact, unbiased by religious influence.So by being a moderate - does he face the wrath of Islamic republics?.Yes i suppose,because his ideologies are critical of religious orthodox and once asserted that religion impedes human progress because of it's focus on superstition and dogma versus reason and scientific method.
In my earnest opinion,sharia law is not bad for those who committed themselves to Islam in the first place - because you pledge to live by the quran and die by the quran
For now i am out.Peace
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