Saturday 19 December 2009

Christmastime …

Of course, this is the season to be jolly, but it is also a good time to be thinking about those who aren't.
Helen Valentine

 

 

The Copenhagen gab-fest has ended. Not surprisingly, OUR leaders didn't really reach any agreement. They agreed to agree on a compromise by reaching an 'Accord', but shied away from actually agreeing on a legally binding 'Treaty'. I don't wish to make light of it because the problem is frustratingly complex. But it could also be a simple one to solve. It all depends on whether, as a leader, you are willing to accept that your people are intelligent enough to understand that you, and they, may have to give up a few of the 'good' things of life. I suppose it all depends on where you're sitting, and how comfortable you've become with your luxuries.

President Obama was the last to arrive as he has his own battle to fight with the Senate. I gather he has been successful (Senator Ben Nelson, Democrat, Nebraska, became the pivotal 60th vote on Saturday). Obama knocked a few heads together in Copenhagen, obviously made some promises (and no doubt a few threats), and managed to get China, India, Brazil and South Africa to join him in the Accord. This has now been ratified by the UN, with indecent haste, much to the displeasure of the majority of the other 187 attending countries. There is even one called Tuvalu. Do you know where it is? Look it up; I had to. Can you imagine that 192 countries were represented at the Summit, and that each of those countries sent a team from all corners of the globe? And then try to imagine the carbon footprint they left, getting there and back!

There was high class entertainment too. The internationally famous comedians Chavez (Venezuela) and Mugabe (Zimbabwe) grabbed their chance to address the delegates, and ranted and raved at their sworn enemies, the USA (Chavez) and the UK (Mugabe). Never once did these two clowns mention the subject of the meeting, 'climate change' and 'global warming'! You really have to wonder whether "knocking their heads together" ought to be introduced as an Olympic sport for 2012.

Do they know it's Christmas?

 

 

I very much doubt it.

And I doubt if they care ...

back to the top

5 comments:

Thumbelina said...

Lots of posturing and pontificating at these summits I fear. I doubt they know what planet it is never mind Christmas!

I remember that song fondly. I also remember Bob Geldof getting very passionate about it. Shame the posturers in these summits didn't get as passionate about the plight of the world...

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Wow! You are right in the thick of it all where you are as well...watching history in the making! Fascinating to hear your perspective!!! Fun Christmas song! I missed your previous post! Am on my way there now to read...but want to wish you and Maria a very Merry Christmas! Cheers! Janine

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Thanks for your fun comment on BTDT!!! I laughed and laughed!! Hope you and Maria have a fabulous Christmas!!! Love to you both! Janine

Shrinky said...

Oh so well put, Fletch. It's hard not to get depressed when you see what a shambolic ramble we've chosen to represent us. Still, we have to have some hope, don't we? Baby steps are better than no steps at all. I hope Santa was good to you this year? Here's wishing you a happy and healthy 2010, my friend (x).

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Fletch!!! Happy New Year!!! Hugs, Janine

Collaborators

Followers

My Gizmo's

Gizmo Richards' Best-ever Freeware List. You really should pay him a visit! - (link opens in a new window)

All the tools and templates you need for a successful blog display! - (link opens in a new window)

Powered By Blogger! - (link opens in a new window)

Cheers!

width A cheeky little red

Here's a toast to your health.

"Lang May Yer Lumb Reek!"
(Scottish for 'long may your chimney smoke')

or if you prefer,

"Bottoms Up!"