      |
|
|
|
Morning Spice by Ginger
Workers don’t get a square dealAt times Ginger wonders whether workers in some shops and boutiques earn enough money to pay for a square meal after paying for their travelling and their lunch. That is quite apart from their rent or other fixed commitments for a month. Small wonder then that many of our workforces get what they want in devious ways or to put it more bluntly they rob whatever money they can the moment they get half a chance. Underpaying of labour apart from being harsh and inhuman often rebounds on such employers.
Such workers are not protected by the act and have no minimum wages nor is their overtime recorded properly and the hours counter signed by the worker. Often over time is unheard of and the issue is irrelevant. The present administration promised a workers charter. How well is this category covered by the new charter. This element has not been properly covered by the labour laws of the country. All these years this category of worker has been totally overlooked by the labour laws of the country and all governments have in effect been perpetrating a crime by doing so.
Be a mom, be intelligent
If you feel your mental reactions are slow and you wish you were more intelligent the best advice is to get pregnant. That of course is if you are a woman. Latest tests on mice have revealed that being a mom is good for your brain and this is contrary to the belief that people had all these days.The latest discovery is that there is a surge of hormones during pregnancy. This leads to an increase in the growth inside tiny brain cell structures called dendrites. This is supposed to stimulate ones desire to know things. Makes mom less timid and become quicker on the uptake. This improvement is supposed to last long after baby arrived as well.
Crime rates increase in China
Did China create a legal precedent that people in Hong Kong are not going to like all that much — at least not jurist and legal circles. A notorious Hong Kong gangster who was known as a big spender and four of his leading henchmen were executed in southern China for having committed a number of violent crimes.His appeals were turned down by a Chinese court. His crimes included extracting millions of dollars in ransom money. What worried lawyers in Hong Kong was that he was executed for crimes committed in another country that had no death penalty for any crimes he committed there. Will the Jack boot come down on Hong Kong.
School prefects: breeding ground for corrupt practises
I would like to add to what the ‘concerned academic’ says regarding this topic. Quite rightly he calls it a ‘Breeding ground for violence’! But he has left out another aspect of it. This is that children get their foundation in corrupt practices in the way school Prefects are selected. The whole idea behind student government is to fit them for their role as leaders in the community. It is meant to teach them, that being a leader, means serving the society that you belong to whether it be school or society at large. But what has it come to mean today? A plum of office to be put on bio-data, and as the academic says, a matter of prestige and status — something for parents to boast about.
The most unfortunate fact, is that the biggest offenders are the ‘leading’ schools, run by the religious. These so-called ‘religious’, get on the dais on the school occasions, and talk about pious platitudes, such as social justice, concern for the poor, unselfishness, and fair play, and demonstrate the reverse in their actions, especially in the selection of students for leaders. On many occasions I have heard the ‘religious’ of a certain institution bewail the fact, that no one from this place has entered their order. If this is so those in charge of the school, have only to take a good hard look at themselves, and the example they set!
Children have an innate sense of justice, but this is stamped out very early in school life. They learn at a very young age, that they have to toe the line, if they want to get anywhere. And most important of all, that their parents must hang around school if they are to get any kind of office at all. The richer the parents are and the more important they are the better it is for the child. Next in the pecking order are the teacher’s children. These children do not do anything for the school. They only participate in important occasions, where they can gain prominence. But when it comes to the real hard work these students are nowhere to be seen. They couldn’t care less. They know by virtue of their parents hanging around the school, with bribes for the authorities, they are the winners, and they strut around proudly in their blazers and badges.
How demoralizing this is for young children, who care passionately about justice! We talk today in terms of education for conflict resolution and teaching children to live in harmony, but all the time the contrary is being taught. Children therefore learn in the school, very early in life that without bribery and corruption nothing can be achieved. Though much hot air is generated by the authorities, about prefectships being given to the most capable and that a fair, just selection will be made nothing like that will take place. In fact long before the names of the new prefects are announced, the students know who they are going to be, because their parents have been around the school for the whole year, with lavish bribes.
The sad story is that this is not confined to prefectships alone — in every other school activity the same corruption is rampant — be it the playing field or school tests. Many parents know the heartache of seeing their children left out of cricket teams, rugby teams, swimming teams, because they have not indulged in corrupt practices. It has been said that in one school the coach was offered a fridge, by a parent to get his son into the first eleven.
So what is the future of our country? We say that children our future, and that they must be educated to make the world a better place? But are we doing so? The school is the first place where their lessons in hypocrisy, violence and corruption are learnt. Education for conflict resolution will not be a success, as has been every other tried so far because of our adults. Children are not born with vices. It is their unscrupulous parents and teach them this. They begin their education with a corrupt act — a donation to the school, plus a private one to the principal and teachers involved, gets the child in, in preference to others. And the people who are involved in this are the ones who talk loud and long about God and Justice. Whom are they fooling? It is a sad situation for our country, and no amount of educational reforms will counter this
Another concerned academic
The United States will never eliminate Saddam Hussein
At the height of the Iran, Iraq war on account of Saddam Hussein’s obsession and craving for more power, it was the late Imam Khomeini who said that Saddam’s mental condition was diseased, that he was a danger to humanity and vehemently advocated his elimination. Not only that, Imam Khomeini was also determined to wipe out the Iraqi Baath Socialist Party which brought to power Saddam Hussein.
Many Muslims thanks to the machinations and image building of the Western mass-media now look upon Saddam as their hero. Some religious clerics (Moulavis) in Sri Lanka have even named their new born sons as Saddam. Little understanding that Saddam was and is the foremost enemy of Islam having duped Muslims in Iraq to follow Baath Socialism which is opposed to Islam. Consequently his Baath Party has massacred Muslims in Iran, Kurdistan and Iraq itself for well over two decades.
Although the ruling Baath Party members claim that they are Muslims, their political ideology is Baathism whose founder was a Christian Arab Michael Aflaq. The ideology of Baathism is based on:
1) Racial Nationalism - claims that Arabs are of noble blood - a concept which conflicts with the Islamic view of mankind.
2) Secularism - which implies that Islam cannot fulfil the needs of modern society - a concept that is being advocated by the enemies of Islam.
3) Machiavellian behaviour in the sorting out of problems confronting them - a concept maintaining that the aim justifies the means to the extent that force is their first response towards any unfavoured action.
4) Persecution of Muslim scholars and advocates
Examples of these are:
(a) Expulsion of Muslims from their land. 900,000 Muslim people of Iraqi origin became refugees in Iran during the period 1973-1975, while welcoming the return of Iraqi Jews. The Iraqi refugees increased several fold after Iraq invaded Iran in 1980.
(b) Execution of Muslim advocates and religious leaders of Islamic activities, among them the revered and respected scholar Ayatollah Baqr al-Sadr, his sister Bint-ul-Huda and around ninety members of the Al-Hakim family. Just two months ago the tyrannical regime executed a leading marja Ayatollah Bouroujordi and several other Muslim leaders in the Shia stronghold of Najaf in southern Iraq. The Grand Marja of Iraq Ayatollah Seestani is presently under house arrest.
(c) At the time of the Iran, Iraq war tens of thousands of Iraqi Muslims’ sympathetic to the Iranian revolution were imprisoned, tortured, subjected to massive interrogation and often murdered.
(d) Kurdish Muslim opponents of the regime were subjected to chemical attack in Halabja in 1988 thousands were victims.
(e) Chemical weapons were extensively used in Iran-lraq war itself.
Indeed the record of the Baath Socialist Party has been horrendous. Pan Arabism and Arab nationalism was foisted on the Muslim masses of the Middle East through Michael Aflaq’s Baath Movement. The whole effort was to recast the familiar imperialist tactic of outflanking religion as a potent force in the lives of the Muslims and for causing Muslim disunities. It is realized that religion is the only force which can defeat imperialism - this is clear if one realizes that both communist and capitalist imperialists have found religion to be their main adversary. Thus Pan Arabism and Arab Nationalism were presented as potent forces which would help liberate Arab lands and launch them towards progress and modernity. However to devise the full benefit of this "progressive" ideology, the shackles of religion must be removed. This has led to the savagery and brutality displayed in crushing the proponents of religion in Iraq by the tyrannical Baath Party.
No wonder when Iran under the Islamic banner raised the standard of religion, the Baathist of Iraq declared war on Iran. Backed by all the Arab nationalist regimes of Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States, Kuwait and Egypt. The secularist governments of the U.S., Britain, France and Germany also aided Saddam during the long drawn war. It was only when Iranian forces under Islam was advancing towards Baghdad that the U.N. imposed a peace treaty which Imam Khomeini was compelled to accept of which he remarked "it was like drinking a cup of bitter poison."
In a turn of events the very Arab Nationalists who helped Iraq against Iran viz:- Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were later attacked by Saddam’s Baathist Iraqi regime and the tables have turned with the U.S. and Britain two former supporters of Iraq now at a continuing stand-off with Iraq which never seems to go away much to their chagrin.
The present policy of the U.S. which firstly helped Saddam when he invaded Iran is to contain him, certainly not to destroy him. The U.S. administration is rehearing a play to show the world that they want to annihilate Saddam. It is a joke. To the U.S. Saddam is and will continue to be useful for the following reasons.
(1) Saddam can be portrayed as a bogey man to the other corrupt regimes in the region for the U.S. to have permanent bases in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the reactionary Gulf States and sell arms to these unpopular regimes.
(2) Together with Britain and Israel, the US can maintain the status-quo in this sensitive region and pre-empt any Islamic uprising there.
(3) Contain the spread of the influence of the Islamic Revolution of Iran to other states in the region. Saddam alive is of paramount interest to the imperialists, neo-colonialist and Zionists, the usual propaganda and rhetorics of showing Saddam as a villain is advantageous to keep the whole region under control.
Discerning Muslims know the game. Baqir Al-Hakim an Iraqi Shite cleric based in Iran is the leader of one of the largest and best organized Iraqi opposition groups dedicated to the overthrow of Saddam, known to his followers as Ayatollah, he heads the self-styled Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq.
In a recent interview with News Week Magazine, he had this to say "the U.S. has prevented a change in Iraq on at least three occasions, and this has raised major doubts about its commitment to eliminate Saddam. The most important was in 1991 (in the aftermath of the Gulf war), when the Iraqi people revolted against the regime. It was about to collapse, but the U.S. forces interfered. The U.S. provided information to the regime at that time that helped it to kill about half a million people. They opened the way so that Saddam’s military could move through American lines to suppress the uprisings. They even provided logistical support and fuel for the tanks and helicopters." Such is the diabolical, conspiracy of the U.S., it is not surprising that Imam Khomeini referred to the U.S. as the "Great Satan."
Saybhan Samat
Wattala.
The "Rodikaranaya" of Sinhala society
Reply to Mr. C. A. ChandrapremaI refer to article by Mr. A. C. Chandraprema which appeared in ‘The Island’ on 13th January 1999.
First, I would like to deal with the main topic itself. The Socialists never believe in free handouts. They only believe in a society based on work and fair distribution of wealth. For example, the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China adopted in 1975 states in its article-9.
The state applies the Socialist principle; "He who does not work, neither shall he eat" and "from each according to his ability, to each according to his work".
Since ancient times the Sinhalese were self sufficient and in no need of either socialism or free handouts. It was the UNP government during the period 1965 — 1970 that introduced the free handout concept for the first time in this country.
Secondly, I think the "Alpechatavaya" is interpreted wrongly. The Japanese people produce a mass of wealth but in their homes simplicity prevails. Also there are western tycoons who believe in simple way of life and one may have difficulty to recognize them as tycoons, a very useful tactic of camourflage. Therefore, I strongly believe the word Alpechatavaya means one’s ability to lead a simple life while holding many estates.
Thirdly, the Sinhalese have no reason to be jealous of Tamils or Muslims. A Sinhalese, as a human being may feel jealous when he sees a very rich Tamil person as much as he may feel jealous when he sees another rich Sinhalese. When the same Sinhalese sees a Tamil who sweeps the street he might feel sympathy for him.
Fourthly, the Tamil community persistently blames the Sinhalese for discriminating them and for all their ills. I ask Mr. Chandraprema, "How could a bunch of beggars discriminate a very rich, enterprising community?". Sri Lanka must be the only state in the world where beggars rule over the rich. Hence, the kingdom of beggars. Mr. Chandraprema should enlighten President Chandrika as to why UNP politicians were taking bribes for seventeen long years.
Finally, the NMAT group headed by master orator Champika Ranawaka with the help of Colombo seven ladies headed by Shivanthi may have made a wrong decision not to serve the "holy water" during future press conferences. I too strongly believe that the Media personnel’s brains do not work unless dipped in the "liquid" then it should be served. Regarding this issue, the NMAT will have to be pragmatic.
Jayantha Liyanage,
Kurunegala
Between 7.30 a.m. and 9 a.m. in the morning on Week Days, there is generally, more than a rush to get into a bus, I can call it a stampede!
Then inspite of the prosecution of bus conductors for loaded foot-boards, commuters, ladies included hang on like apes! This is not all. I being a lady get irritable, let alone nearly losing my cool with my neighbouring commuter standing.
Not only being banged against, due to the reckless swinging of the bus, but being pushed against one of them by a he or a she — Most often its the lady that gives the cold look but she is digging the one next to her with her elbows or her knees or her high-heeled feet because she is pissed-off with a family member she has left to get to work.
The men apologise in these instances or gently move away. Women have a smirk on their face which they are proud to call a charming smile and generally push and shove in a crowded situation standing obstinately. Sometimes, they swing their hip or bum against whoever is standing next to them when the bus is an especially racy one. Often I guess that they fancy their broad hips and fat bums and I feel they like a crowded bus to emphasize this fact.
This is more a plea for fellow commuters in the morning or evening rush to avoid crushing inside a bus — not getting in I mean — and especially if you are in a foul mood than bus over-loading!
Carol Nicholes,
Borella
Animal slaughter — ‘Halal’ draft
The surprising outburst by Mr. R. M. S. Senanayake (4/1/99 Island) supporting the cruel method of slaughter be it the so called Halal or otherwise clearly demonstrates his bias towards the majority Buddhist way of thinking which is quite a misfit in this part of the world.
Animals he says, have no moral right, or have no intelligence. This is the very reason we should have sympathy towards this helpless lot. I would like to ask Mr. S. whether he or whether humanity could exist in this world without animals? The Lion or the Elephant would attack any intruders to their territory. A bee will sting a person only if it is disturbed. Bees don’t fly all over attacking people. Therefore this argument is baseless, animals are animals, but what about cats and dogs who are man’s best friends, Mr. S. is only picking the exceptions which is not the rule.
On the subject of ‘Halal’ do the Muslims practice ‘Halal’? That is killing without terrorising the animal, without showing the knife etc., etc., certainly not. The Halal is more a ‘Haram’ it is only a label to boost their trade practice of one community. It will finally come to ‘Halal soap’ and who knows ‘Halal tea’ which only a minority community would manopolise to get rich.
The majority of this land is for protecting animals, a minority bent on inflicting cruelty to animals against normal laws, would certainly provide conflicts amongst its citizens.
T. Wickramasinghe
(Member Gal Gava Mithuro....)
Colombo 10
Several letters and articles had appeared in print recently. This is my two cents worth to clarify matters as I understand, blessed as I am with a background in Mathematics. In doing so I do not lay claim to invincibility, and shall be glad if somebody else corrects me with good reason behind him.
The early Christians who took over the old Julian Calendar, and changed its zeroth position, basically did things right. They took as zero, the supposed birth date of Christ shifted by a few days from the dawn of December 25th to the dawn of January 1st, with the dawning reckoned at midnight. That first year was first (1st) in the Year of Our Lord (Anno Domini). The previous year naturally was the 1st Year Before Christ. It is simply meaningless to talk about a Year Zero (0), for that would have been jarring mathematically.
Naturally, the very first decade, the very first century and the very first millennium too started on 1st January, 1 A.D. The second decade stared on 1st January, 11 A.D.; The second century on 1st January, 101 A.D.; and the second millennium on the 1st January, 1001 A.D. By that reckoning the second millennium should start on 1st January, 2001 A.D.
Yet human frailty is such that, we feel one should have a big bang up when time rolls past 31st December, 1999 A.D. into 1st January, 2000 A.D.. So I say, let those who wish to believe that there is cause for celebration on that midnight, have their fun; while those of us who are more mathematically minded, patiently wait till the dawn of 2001 A.D.
After all, when Pope Grogry the Great changed the Julian Calendar to the one bearing his name, he skipped 13 days (if my recollection is right) to March 1st straight away, by Divine Decree, and nobody coming under his dominion objected! On the otherhand in countries like Greece and Russia, where the Orthodox Tradition prevailed, they continued with the Julian Calendar, in spite of the then recognized drift of the seasons. It was only much later, those countries revised their calendar.
Before I take leave, let me anticipate one final question? When did the first Before Christ millennium start? The answer is 1st January, 1001 B.C. midnight. Of course, it ended on 1st B.C. 31st December, 1 B.C., midnight; when it passed on to 1st January, 1 A.D. So, that crucial midnight marks the zero on our Anno Domini scale. The B.Cs on the time scale as marked by the (present) Gregorian Calender, correspond to the negative numbers on the real number line. OK?
Prianthi Wickramasuriya
As a Sinhala Buddhist I whole heartedly agree with reader whose views were expressed in your valued journal on 19.1.99 under the ‘call of the tolerant Muslim’.
During the time of the Buddha there were no loudspeakers to propagate the doctrine. Nowadays one could hear the blaring of loudspeakers chanting ‘pansil’ and ‘seth pirith’ from most of the temples and wayside Bo-Tree shrines. May be some are doing this for competition. If one needs to do meditation one could easily visit the local temple and do that. These days practically on all FM radio channels pansil and sethpirith recordings are broadcast in the mornings. One could conveniently listen to these broadcasts at home without disturbing anyone.
We the majority Sinhala Buddhists must set an example by cutting off all these recitals using loudspeakers.
Let’s do our meditations at the temples or at home without disturbing our neighbours. I am sure the others will follow.
Easy Able,
Boralesgamuwa
 |