Snowwhite’s blog

What I read here, nearly left me speechless. Hundreds of detainees, neither suffering from a psychological disorder  nor tending to aggressiveness, seem to have been drugged against their will while being brought home by plane. In several cases, this practice of "sedation" even is expected to have had an letal effect.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/nation/specials/immigration/cwc_d4p1.html

I´d like to hear your opinion! Are the basic human rights only "for insiders"? What do these methods make you think of or being afraid of?

A recent study has shown that there is a growing fear of poverty among the Europeans because of too low pensions and more flexible biographies of employment. It seems to be obvious that additional private activity is necessary for each of us. Once, a German politician said: "Die Rente ist sicher!" (Pensions are certain.) He must hear himself being called a liar now.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6adfe8aa-20e6-11dd-a0e6-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1

How do you want to live after your retirement? Do you think you will have enough money to realize what you´re dreaming of?

Myanmar, the former Birma, is one of the most difficult places for journalists to work in. The country is totally closed up from the rest of the world and strictly controlled by a military regime. After the desastrous cyclon, which seems to have killed nearly 100, 000 people, many countries and  NGO´s offered their help. But they are not allowed to bring in food and medicine, are hindered by burocracy. Some charges have even be repacked to declare them as coming from the own goverment. Read more about the situation:

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,552244,00.html

The Austrian father, who arrested and raped his daughter, is now complaining about a bad press.
A widespread German newspaper recently gave him the possibility to try to explain or even apologize his behaviour.
Of course, this was also noticed elsewhere:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3885253.ece

What do you think about this kind of journalism? Do you think, this means giving a stage to a criminal?

One of the world´s biggest and economically most important cities is looking for a new leader. The choice only seems to be between Ken Livingston, who is just doing this Job and Boris Johnson, a former journalist nearly without any political background, but with extraordinary communicative skills. Is this also the decision between two different types of politics and politicians? The young entertainer versus the excentric with experience? I feel myself reminded somehow of the US-elections ...
 
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/apr/27/london08.livingstone

This week, a nearly incredible crime was discovered in Austria. A man has hidden his daughter in the cellar of his house for 24 years, abusing her regularly and even fathering some children by incest. Neither the neighbourhood nor his own wife want to have noticed anything of what was going on in the rooms downstairs:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/apr/29/austria.internationalcrime2

Can you imagine that such a thing could happen next-door to you?

Is there a little bit of hope now for an end of this long-lasting asian conflict? Starting to talk is always a good beginning. And China can´t ignore any longer the authority of the Dalai Lama as a spiritual and political leader of his people.
If there is a key-figure in this struggle for independence, it can only be him.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3813982.ece

What do you think about the Dalai Lama´s political role and his concept of non-violent protest?
How should the western world, e.g. France, behave towards him?

Here´s how the Herald Tribune summarized the pope´s visit to the US:

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/04/21/america/pope.php

What´s left after the pope´s visit to America? Did he find the right words and were they clear enough?  Did this event  strenghten catholizism in America? I´d like to read about your opinions!

There´s so much to read about the Democrat´s candidates. Not to forget that John Mc Cain is still in the race. How does he want to help the victims of the worldwide financial crisis?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/10/AR2008041003374.html

Hello everybody!
I am looking for curious people who are interested in what´s going on up in the world. What do you find interesting or amazing, what has made you sad or angry? Tell about it in this blog. Share what others should know about!
Nobody is aware of everything and it is always good to take a look on things from a different point of view.
So, I am looking forward to your engaged participation ...

                                                                          Snowwhite.