Well done, President Obama

US President Barack Obama did not profess his regard for the rule of law and transparency only in his election speeches. He translated it into action by his courageous decision of dismantling the obnoxious detention centre at Guantanamo Bay. Recently, overruling his own CIA director, Obama ordered that the four memos on prisoner interrogation prepared by George W Bush’s Justice Department be released. These memos reveal the cruel nature of the recommended interrogation techniques. They were written to provide legal immunity for acts that are clearly illegal and violative of the basic values of any civilised society. Obama’s decision to release these memos is another proof of his sincerity and his commitment to transparency.

The lighter side of recession

There are many victims of the global recession. Sponsorship for concerts and musical events is one of them. However, it has also generated humour. One recession bumper sticker reads, “Recession is worse than a divorce. You lose half your fortune and still have your wife.” Another popular jibe is that “the difference between communism and capitalism is that in communism we nationalise the banks and then push them to bankruptcy. In capitalism we push the banks to bankruptcy and then nationalise them.” One thing is certain. Thanks to the Iraqi shoe-thrower and his imitators in our country shoemaking industry will not be in doldrums. In fact, demand for the right type and size of shoes has increased. And of course the flower industry will always thrive when several bouquets are routinely offered at every function to the speakers on the dais, to other dignitaries and at times to their spouses. The fragrance of flowers will hopefully dispel the gloom of recession.