Politically salted Popcorn

I know I say this often, but I really do enjoy sitting back and watching the “political theatre” that plays out right before us. Our very own show every day. And it’s for free! Well, not really, considering the hard earned taxes that contribute to the salaries of these political actors and their over scripted shenanigans.

Let’s have a look at the current blockbusters that are making headlines shall we…..mmm popcorn..

I will start with a country outside of my own, much more fun. You’re all waiting for me to say the Euro crisis, see you love it too. Not the debt and its untold ramifications of course, but the mystery behind the salvation of this crippling nation.

With Greece close to forming a new coalition government after the New democracy party’s victory early last week, a much needed respite prevailed. A temporary burst of progress of course, but still progress none the less.  While Greece continues to fight its battles,  which now belong to the rest of the world, England dishes out a buffet of frivolous issues concerning the lashing out between the oh so entertaining Tories and the labour party. Cammy’s not raking in the confident votes, and Milibands (with his punch me face I might add) drolls on about pro-immigration policies and preserving his city as a multi ethnic safe hub for those who seek a better future. C’mon Ed, your  “scrupulous” attempt to plead such “progressive” thinking is in fact a transparent effort to mask the stark chaos provoked by the” free for all” mentality that was so hastily adopted by your country.  Still in England, Blair’s landed himself in chains being questioned for his safeguarded relationships with the media monopolies. Of course one can understand, pissing off the media is never clever, just ask our own Malema (you bloody agent!)

Moving onto France, I applaud the new socialist party. First time in years! They say change isn’t always good, but this time maybe they’re wrong. The French seem to have warmed to the Hollande sauce, however having said that, I think they were so desperate to get rid of the infamous Sarkozy, that a good stinky cheese would have sufficed.  So what does this mean for France? Well, we will have to dip our cinema popcorn in low fat melted butter and watch in eager anticipation. Good luck to you France! You’re one of my favourites!

Whilst still in Europe, the word of the day everyday seems to be austerity. I’m inclined to think the general population are their own worst enemies. It’s very easy to point sticky fingers at the government and their ill fiscal management, but have we forgotten that our very own consumption contributes to all means of regulation.  Swallowing 8 spiders a year whilst sleeping? A fallacy compared to the amount of other crap we are capable of swallowing in our sleep. Credit….Yes, we practically swallow the stuff.  How about swallowing a bit of pride for a change and taking accountability for succumbing to economic push pull strategies time and time again. Enter simple explanation- Government’s loosen credit acts to stimulate consumer spending- Consumption propels to proportions far beyond the consumers financial management skill or inherent ability to access self-control.

Speaking of self-control. I commend the New York mayor’s recent proposal to down size the serving cups for american soft drinks. Targeting the rise in obesity, the NY mayor outright won’t stand for it anymore.  The struggle with obesity, or as now dubbed in England, diabesity, which is the name given to the potential of type 2 diabetes developing from over eating, continues to threaten in a world of irritating awareness campaigns and on-going intervention. It seems we are constantly inventing things to fix things that are quite easily avoidable. This “I’m going to have that extra cheese on my chips with a side order of chocolate cookie dough” is a direct translation for "someone can fix this by stapling my stomach." Oh, and one of the reasons that the obesity rate is rapidly growing by the minute, is in fact a direct ramification of a conspiracy of political interference. But I’ll save that for another day. Some food for thought. ..

Now the US, not sure why obesity made me think of the US…. I must admit that as much blood on their hands as this country has, I find myself secretly or not so secretly standing on the side-lines in support of its salvage. It has endured as much harm as it has dished out.  This may be due to my own personal history with the good ol apple baked pie nation.  I follow the presidential race with avid eagerness and find Mr Obama’s PR to be phenomenal.  With Santorium out and Romney chasing dragons with the renowned charlatan Mr Donald Trump, it’s getting very interesting.  The tit for tat in these morally eroding pigeon races produces theatre even Andrew Lloyd Weber can appreciate.  The recent painting of an ill imaged Romney by the crats, was met quite timeously with a probe into Barracks birth status followed by a scathing attack on his political stance insinuating he’s no socialist. Very clever republicans, but the dems always have the fact that “Romney doesn’t care about the very poor.” I’m sure Mitt can still taste his foot after that one!

It gets better, now I see that the US, together with other world leaders are contemplating granting Russia clemency over the Syrian devastation; this being a carefully crafted strategy to gain Putin’s co-operation in ending the dire destruction in their African counterpart.  Rewarding bad behaviour to keep the peace closely resembles the “give the kid a candy bar so he'll shut up” syndrome that so many parents adopt as a primary method of discipline. This presents a rather short sighted approach promising only temporary relief, because we all know the kids already got his hand back in the cookie jar.

Not so short sighted or perhaps extremely so, was the recent donation by our South African government of a generous 16 billion rand to the IMF. The public are up in arms of course, whilst I find myself still sitting uncomfortably on the fence with this one. Zuma called this an investment for our future, and although I can see how this is so, as the money will be used to not only secure our place on the global map, but to help alleviate an export crisis bought upon by Europe’s vulnerability, I’m sure the money may be needed more here on the home ground.  According to the labour movement, the IMF is responsible for untold suffering and is not always cast in the light in which they profess to parade.

The announcement of SA’s donation came at a time when the government is practically pleading poverty and unwilling to negotiate in the current wage contention.  With all this in mind, I’m of the opinion that our focus is faltered. The power heads appear seduced and distracted by global image and securing futuristic growth prospects with international alliances, whilst the problems at grass roots  are neglected (Education, housing, land reform etc.). This reminds us that there is no division in the relationship between political organisation and economic policies. According to one analyst, political transformation is the horse that must be put before the cart of economic policy. We will see now how many horses are needed in the anticipated ANC second transition document (a document opposed by COSATU of course, because let’s be honest, what would be the fun in watching Vavi eat with his mouth closed...what a noisy man! alas at times for a good cause)

I’m itching to hear Zille’s remarks on this second transition! It’s unlike the DA opposition party to not complain about anything, so I’m looking forward to hearing what Zille's stewing. (Although she may be too busy tied up with the public protector punching out audit requests and probing investigations)  I just hope she doesn’t do the dance. Please don’t dance Helen; you are a white girl who does not possess the well admired African rhythm. Don’t do it. P.s Good job on the recent youth wage march! That took balls!

Before I go, one more thing. Prisoner to President!! This just proves the power of theatre. Opposition fighter Mohamed Mursi, who was put in jail years ago by the over thrown Mubarak, is celebrating the victory of leading Egypt’s t first freely elected administration.  What a stellar representation of a plot twist!

My popcorns finished, and I’m sure by the time you’re done reading this, it’s all old news anyway….but fear not, I am sure our fellow actors are putting on their make-up and costumes as we speak to enthral us with yet another captivating production of political theatre!