MOST friendships are based on being true to each other and standing by your word. People who lie, break their word or their contracts shouldn’t be your friends no matter how powerful, persuasive, or friendly they are.
This issue has come to prominence as the contract between Australia and France has been broken and replaced by one between Australia, America and England because America has bigger and better toys even though Australia won’t get to play with the new toys for twenty years which seems a little bit sad if anything.
Let’s hope this contract doesn’t sink as fast as a dud submarine.
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Keep telling the truth
It is said that “actions speak louder than words”. But this year’s Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to two people, Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov whose words drive others to actions.
They are journalists, representative of so many more, who will tell the truth without fear and without regard to their own safety.
Like many who have won the Peace Prize, their work shouldn’t be necessary as in this case there should be a free press in all parts of the world able to call out the truth. The truth, however, is that for many this isn’t possible.
It is so gratifying to see journalists who fight for the freedom of the press mentioned in award announcements rather than in the obituaries. Keep up the good work as there is still so much to do.
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Us, them or everyone?
The world seems to be looking in many directions at the moment. In the US there is a “Quad” meeting with the leaders of the US, Australia, India, and Japan discussing unrest in the Pacific region which translates to “China”, even though they won’t say so. This is a group united to oppose one country.
On the other hand, there are also announcements from several of these countries concerning how many COVID vaccines they will be giving away to countries that need them but haven’t been able to source them or afford them. This is a great effort and should be applauded.
Which way are they and most countries heading – their own interests, their friend’s interests, or the world’s interest? It isn’t clear or consistent, but this is certainly a time to unite and first wipe out COVID or at least contain its spread and then they could look at the challenges of climate change or food production.
There is a lot more to do than argue.
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Nothing to see here
There is a saying that “Art is in the eye of the beholder”. But not in Dubai, it appears.
An exhibition will display a 17-foot high 3D copy of Michelangelo’s “David” or at least most of it. It is puzzling as to how this could be suggested as Dubai is a Muslim country and public nudity is forbidden, a fact that everyone would know even if they do not agree.
The suggestions of fig leaves or pants being added to the stature are silly and offensive to those that appreciate the statue’s beauty. Having private parts hidden from view will simply diminish the appreciation of one of the world’s greatest art works.
Maybe da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi” would have been a much better centerpiece and it is already in the United Arab Emirates waiting for a public unveiling.
Like many, I have seen the original in Florence and appreciated the artist’s work and maybe people can make a choice to travel, eventually, and see the original pieces rather than a computer “print out” copy of it. (dfitzger@melbpc.org.au)/PN
