What one will do for the good of their nation

I tried to steer clear of this topic. I figured you were getting enough from your local rags. And now that the story has been done, dusted, and is at least 2 mags down the pile in your bathroom collection, I have decided to talk about it. Cause it seems some people still don’t get it.

So little old Madonna decided to do good and adopt a Malawian kid. Great. So be it. A coupla Human Rights groups in that nation raised their arms and shouted, despite the fact that David’s dad said it would be ok. Hell, my dad better say it’s ok should some multi- multi- millionaire decide to adopt me one day. (Celebrity Adoption. Sugar-daddy Marriage. Same thing to me really).

The public is now telling these groups to chill. Let things be. Celebs are people too. With their own trends to follow, to not feel left out of “The Group”.

That’s not the point though. The point is, for some of those Do-Gooders, is that there are very relevant laws in place that Madonna & the government broke to allow this adoption to go through. These laws are in place to close up holes that allow for human trafficking. Bend the rules, you set a precedent, and every man with a kiddie-sized sack is leaping through Malawi, doing some harvesting.

Undule Mwakasungura, a lawyer for the Human Rights Consultative Committee, a grouping of 67 human rights groups, said the committee "is not necessarily against the adoption"; it just wants the laws to be followed…We note that laws were flouted and our concern is that government may set a precedent that can legalise human trafficking," he said.

I think that is a fair enough argument.

So my little morning radio DJers, that is why they are slightly pissed off. Not because they have no better cause to fight for. Trust me, if you are from Malawi, you have enough causes for which to fight.

Quickly, while I am on the topic, something else that seemed to fascinate some friends recently – SA’s stance on the AIDS Orphan solution:
First option is to try and get the child absorbed into his/her community. This is done through being cared for by extended family or neighbours, encouraged by various government grants.
Or even by older siblings (unfortunately sometimes the older sibling is averaging on 10 years old). Should it be the child-headed household (CHH) solution, then the CHH’s are supervised and cared for by community Home-Based Care groups – which just seem to spring up to meet demand, rather than being officially organised.
The next option is adoption by people outside the community.
The last last last resort is for children to enter into institutions, like orphanages.

Now you know.

Onto lighter news – I hear that we have a C02 shortage. This means we will not be able to obtain all our fizzy drinks this festive season. SAB has been quick to assure us though that beer will continue to be in ready supply. After all, as a nation, we must prioritise dammit. Coca Cola is also safe, so brandy drinkers can calm down too….if brandy drinkers can ever be calm & peaceful. Sorry dear Fanta Pine drinkers though, you’re screwed. Unless….

….with some financial incentive, I will be more than happy to become a C02 donor. Just stick a tube to my mouth & ask me to breathe out. How patriotic & giving am I!! (I can’t find an article on this topic yet, I saw it on the morning news).