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Random Rants 2

Entry 484, on 2007-02-28 at 17:20:36 (Rating 3, News)

Today I want to briefly mention a variety of topics that caught my attention in the news. First is a story from the New Zealand Herald which described how a few years ago, New Zealand SAS (elite forces) which were then deployed in Afghanistan complained about how prisoners they had captured were then handled by the United States military. They were concerned enough to call a meeting of other special forces involved. I have said before that if any country is going to take the role of the "good guys" in a conflict its important that they don't sink to the same dirty tactics as their enemy. Unfortunately this has often not been the case.

In a perhaps related story, according to a recent poll, New Zealanders think it is important that we make an effort to work more closely with the USA. I also think we should. I disagree with almost everything the current US administration stands for, but I still think America is, and should continue to be, one of our closest friends as a country. Many people confuse my rants against the behaviour of the US government and some US companies as being anti-American. This certainly isn't true. Even looking at it from a practical perspective, we can do more to influence US policy as a friend than we can as an enemy.

In another story, well-known movie director, James Cameron, has unveiled a stone box he claims could have held the remains of Jesus Christ. Archaeologists and Bible scholars seem to be less than impressed. No doubt this one is heading the same way as the famous discoveries of Noah's Ark and various other mythical items!

In the UK, fines have been increased for using mobile phones while driving. I know that there is an increased risk involved with using a phone while driving because I often do it myself, and know my level of attention to driving is lessened. But do we really need laws to cover every possible situation which might produce some element of danger? Recently, New York has been considering introducing a bylaw to prevent use of iPods on the street because a couple of accidents have been caused through people not hearing approaching vehicles and other hazards. Where will this all end? I think we need to put up with a little bit of risk in life. We might live longer with all of these restrictions in place, but is a life where governments have so much control (whether its for our own good or not) the type of long life we really want?

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