Tales from the Triangle's Tip....

Hi, I have been visiting your blog. Very good blog...

2011-11-27T19:42:47.361-04:00

Hi, I have been visiting your blog. Very good blog¡Congratulations for your work! I invite you to visit my blog about literature, philosophy and films:
http://alvarogomezcastro.over-blog.es

Greetings from Santa Marta, Colombia

hi

2010-06-30T21:40:42.713-03:00

may the blessing be with you.........................................

幸福是人人都要，又怎麼可能都歸你所有？要知道這世界幸福本來就不多........................................

I read the Hilary Beckles column a couple of days ...

2010-01-20T16:43:24.170-04:00

I read the Hilary Beckles column a couple of days ago and found it poignant. People say that oh Haiti ruined itself, Jamaica ruined itself, African countries ruined themselves, but the truth is never that simple.

Do developed countries have an obligation to help other nations that they've assisted in plundering or screwing over in the past? I'd like to see these stories come out in mainstream press and really catch the attention of the average person in the US and Western Europe.

You quoted:
"What can not be argued is that millions of people are now in peril and countries who never gave a damn about Haiti before, seem to have changed their minds. It's funny how natural disasters do that, but human made tragedies don't. While I will not debate the need for aid in Haiti now, where has that aid been the past 100+ years? How is it that human rights violators like Mugabe and Bashir still walk free while millions are fighting for their very lives? The logic escapes me."

and I agree fully. These places were poverty stricken before the earthquake struck. Does it take a singular tragedy to get support? I don't think the situation in Sudan has improved any over the past few years, for example. Are they afraid of the term 'genocide'?

此處是值得一探究竟的好部落格!!
2010-01-15T09:31:26.517-04:00
此處是值得一探究竟的好部落格!!........................................

Good post man. I think that every blogger at some ...

2009-11-03T13:51:56.627-04:00

Good post man. I think that every blogger at some point or another has a self-reflective look at why they choose to blog. As long as you're getting enjoyment (or getting paid!) out of it then any blogger should feel free to continue to do what pleases them.

The discussion about using your real-life identity when blogging can be interesting. While for obvious reasons there are advantages to using your real name such as establishing credibility, I believe that there are circumstances where people prefer to use a pseudonym.

I think one factor which was emphasised on one of the local blogs some time ago was that if you're declaring something as fact, particularly an allegation or something that may involve another citizen, you need to be able to stand behind it using your own name and not an alias that cannot be challenged in the same way. It's basically what you said in your second paragraph, I suppose.

Whether you're posting as Sparxx or as Phil, though, having your opinions and ideas out there is useful - after all everyone should have a voice - in some parts of the world people do not have such an outlet to express their thoughts.

We should be encouraged by the fact that we can express ourselves here, even if we get frustrated at situations in life. Yeah, sorry, I'm treading dangerously close to a kumbaya moment.

What are the aims of softball in Bermuda these day...

2009-11-03T13:45:16.692-04:00

What are the aims of softball in Bermuda these days? To an outsider like myself it seems to be purely recreational, meet and mingle with people from across the island, with the competitive aspect seemingly more limited.

I suppose if the sport wished to take it to the next level they'd need a couple of things in place, starting with funding, followed by expanded or new facilities and an expanded national team programme (I only hear of fast-pitch women's league in the newspaper, for example).

Maybe there are other issues at play such as ensuring it's distinct from baseball (which the IOC of all entities, couldn't quite manage), encouraging youth level participation to the point where international fixtures may be a highlight of the season, I don't know. You've been with the sport for a long time and I bet I'm not the first by any means to throw these notions around.

Best wishes to the association in growing the sport on the island.

science proves atoms exist. your proof is in a boo...

2009-10-15T15:34:20.908-03:00

science proves atoms exist. your proof is in a book with no factual evidence. there is a major difference...

So, the bottom line is that you will only believe ...

2009-10-15T15:28:48.920-03:00

So, the bottom line is that you will only believe in things that you can see? Ever seen an atom?

I'm kind of with Phil here. Feeling pretty ...

2009-10-01T10:17:39.821-03:00

I'm kind of with Phil here. Feeling pretty 'meh' to the announced visit, and there's probably not as much interest in the Queen's visit by Bermudians as some would hope.

That said, I was away in school in '94 and can't recall a Queen's visit before then. Que sera.

Is Bermuda important to Britain? We know Britain has importance to us but only because we piggyback off UK and by extension EU privileges to travel and work there and it gives us some clout in dealings with the United States.

I stand corrected. Not that it matters.

2009-09-29T07:19:21.784-03:00

I stand corrected. Not that it matters.

Just a slight correction. The Queen was last here...

2009-09-28T16:23:59.524-03:00

Just a slight correction.

The Queen was last here in 1994. That is 15 years ago, which is a lot closer to 20 years then 40 years.

The world is moving towards interdependence not in...

2009-09-21T10:53:56.202-03:00

The world is moving towards interdependence not independence. The independence obsession is a relic of an ideologically driven party leadership whose world view really hasn't changed.

As to the issue of the Governor's race. What is the point here? Is it that the highest authority must represent the racial majority? That's a very unpleasant slippery slope that I thought the world was moving past. That a racial majority has some superior claim to authority. That is racism by definition.

JMAD has pointed out that Bermudians overwhelmingly selected the current constitutional arrangement in 1995, and probably higher if it were to happen again.

This is a reflection of the realism in Bermudians that Bermuda would never be independent but would immediately have to go about go setting up new alliances because we're too small to have any influence.

In that scenario an independent Bermuda would be no different than the one we have today. So what's the point. This means that the issue really isn't independence, but the UK. That issue won't go away until the black nationalists of the 1960's expire. They're ideologically driven to hate the UK. Nothing anyone says will change that.

Hello Phil, Re: your last paragraph. I really can...

2009-09-19T17:05:52.618-03:00

Hello Phil,

Re: your last paragraph. I really can't see that Independence is going to happen. Yes, I suspect the PLP will try and go down the 'election route' to get there, but the key point to that is the UK - and only the UK - can approve the legislation that makes Bermuda independent. So the PLP can fiddle with it, blow hot air about it, try to rally the troops to vote for it, but it comes down to a referendum and the UK in the final analysis.

Either that, or we declare UDI (I don't think so - do you?)

The problem with the pro-Independence debate is that it is driven from the heart with poor attempts to add facts to support it. On the other hand, the anti-independence debate is stuffed with facts that don't need to be regurgitated here - we all know them.

The other wider issue is that if you look at what is happening in the world, countries are actually coming together, not separating. Europe for example. Now you might try and argue we should join Caricom, but I see that as Bermuda giving - but not receiving.

Could we align to the States? Yes - we could, but most pundits suggest that would be more problematic than it is worth.

You're a Bermudian. Me - I am a spouse of, for some 10 years. You know Bermudians better than I do.

Do you really believe that they would "want" independence?

@Phil Ray If you believe anything in Wikipedia, w...

2009-09-19T01:40:00.571-03:00

@Phil Ray

If you believe anything in Wikipedia, well, 'nuff said.

incidentally most if not all land owners were white.

Your lack of knowledge, and just plain erroneous notions, of Bermuda's actual history is just apalling. It's no wonder you wind up espousing such ludicrous positions.

Here's a pop quiz question for you: in the 1953 election, in how many of Bermuda's 9 parishes (no districts back then, just straight parishes) were black voters (i.e. people who were actually ble to vote, under the rules of the day, because they owned land) a majority of the voters in that parish?

Mind, I'm not saying everything was hunky-dory back in the 50s. Clearly, there were major iniquities happening. I'm just using that election because I happen to know the answer - and your statement which I quoted is such ridiculous rubbish.

Hello JMad: I'm not sure if you read my post....

2009-09-18T10:10:57.780-03:00

Hello JMad:

I'm not sure if you read my post. I'm not a proponent of independence, I'm a proponent of education. As I said, I voted AGAINST it in the referendum. If our country attains independence (by hook or by crook) we should at least do everything we can to be prepared for that inevitable day.

If you look at it logically, one of the PLP's main platforms has always been independence. Since the party's inception it has always been one of the things they have wanted most and since they became the government there has always been that cloud hanging over us. It is only natural to prepare, educate and accept that one day... it will happen.

What are the benefits? Well for those that believe in such things, Nationhood. The ability to stand alone and be counted. The ability to be accepted in the world community and have a voice on world matters. I'm not saying that it isn't a risky proposition, I'm just saying that there is a large segment of our government and their followers that want it to happen.

Of course there are benefits in remaining the way we are, of course it's nice to be able to travel freely, enjoy the education advantages and all that goes with being a British colony (or Overseas Territory as they are called). Of course I believe in the idea that if it isn't broken, don't mess with it. I am also a realist and that realist tells me that I am not naive enough to believe that in deep dark halls it isn't being discussed, that the ball isn't bouncing around and that people are enjoying the idea of independence.

The Uighur statement was strong from the premier. Right or wrong, it's been done and the damage (minimal) between him and "the guvnor" is getting worse. It my not happen anytime soon, but be aware, IT WILL HAPPEN.

Now, you have deemed me as a person who hates white people. I don't, because I am white. I drew a point in reference to our "governor" being local, and whether that's black, white, or red, gold and green, I really don't care. If there was a way to remove the last vestiges of this oligarchy and remain a member of the commonwealth, that would be fantastic.

As I said, I don't fear independence day any longer. If it's going to happen, I need to make sure that it's done right and that my kids (and yours if you have them) don't suffer a fatal mistake.

Mr Ray, Thank you for your reply. However, you d...

2009-09-18T09:13:36.938-03:00

Mr Ray,

Thank you for your reply. However, you did not provide a single benefit that is asscoiated with independence. From what I gathered your whole argument for independence is based on the happiness (perceived or real) of some individuals whose own country's gained independence. So as of now I remain unconvinced.

Also do you believe that not one white person should be afforded a single position of authority within Bermuda's Government (as per yuor argument that the Governor should be at least black)? Are white people in your eyes no longer able to contribute to the betterment of Bermuda? Does that truly represent the true demographic makeup of this island? That seems pretty racist to me in all honesty.

Maybe you don't care or utlize the numerous benefits that are associated with us being linked to Britain. But I assure you, as I know of hundreds of Bermudians that do including myself. And no not just evil white Bermudians either.

How about the EU passport which millions of people around the world would kill for? Or the deeply discounted tuition for UK universities that numerous Bermudians and their families benefit from? Or how about the fact that unlike 99% of countries inthe world Bermudians are exempted from having to apply for Visas in order to travel to 99% of the world. And as I said before, it (BOT status) presents a perception (real or not) that Bermuda is a strong centre to do business because of these ties and thus protects our one and only meal ticket at this point in time.

So again if you will or can please provide one benefit for us to be independent at this juncture in history? Just one. Thanks for your time.

@ Noel: Explain this (from Wikipedia): http://en....

2009-09-18T06:40:49.405-03:00

@ Noel: Explain this (from Wikipedia):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Bermuda

In 2001, the government began taking steps to amend Bermuda's constitution in order to abolish the island's system of parish-based, dual-seat constituencies which favored voters in parishes of small, predominantly white populations. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) prepared an Order in Council empowering the Constituency Boundaries Commission to recommend to the Governor the number and boundaries of single-member constituencies into which Bermuda should be divided. The Commission held meetings with the public and concluded its deliberations. The Governor then submitted the commission's report to the UK's Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, together with the views of the House of Assembly. Finally, the FCO prepared a second Order in Council for presentation to the Privy Council to effect the proposals made by the commission, including constitutional amendments relating to electoral boundaries and representation.

Now I am not up on the whos and whats and whys of the boundaries, but I knew that the system was beneficial to whites. This goes back to the first election:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Bermuda

Bermuda's first election held on the basis of universal adult suffrage and equal voting took place on 22 May 1968; previously, the franchise had been limited to property owners and those above the age of 21. Persons who owned land in one or more parishes could vote in each parish.

incidentally most if not all land owners were white.

I applaud your efforts in this, but it is widely known that the UBP used many different "tactics" to maintain power. I also know that in PWC in which the PLP conceded as a UBP stronghold, they never campaigned and now that I am in PEC (the border moved in 01) a PLP stronghold... they still don't.

Back to the main point. If everyone had a chance to vote for 2 candidates but didn't because the boundaries were set up to keep one group in power, then how would said supporter without proper representation have a chance to see his party gain an advantage.

In fact PWC (old) is a good point. When Stuart Hayward ran in the area, people knew him, knew he lived in the area, liked him and in the end voted for him! How wrong were the PLP for not contesting the area more vigorously???

So by default the constituency remained a UBP stronghold for many years with Cartwright-Decouto/James partnership and after James left Jerome Dill took his spot. Sure the PLP could have put two candidates here, but if the boundaries were set up to support white voters, and they knew that whites didn't/don't vote PLP, what good would it have done them to waste energies here when they needed them elsewhere?

You have presented some excellent history and facts but it does not present the heart of the matter. It is a credit to you for bringing this to my attention. As I learn more and more (and that is what I am most interested in) about how the system was set up and has evolved to this point. these points actually reinforce the idea that the system was racist.

I'm a bit surprised you didn't think I'd back up my point. Maybe you have been coerced by my mates over there on BIAW. They seem to think I have no fight.

@Phil Ray Where did you get your facts btw?
2009-09-18T00:22:12.207-03:00
@Phil Ray

Where did you get your facts btw?

Which ones? The 98/07 election numbers are available from a whole bunch of places, including various web sites, e.g. here for 2007, from the official Bda government election site.

Just wondering. Do you work for the boundaries commission?

Do you?

Do you know how many times the boundaries have been changed in the past 100 years?

As far as I know, the parish boundaries haven't changed ever. They look the same on Speed's 1676 reproduction of the Norwood map (which you can see here)as they do today.

The boundaries within the parishes, no idea. I seem to recall they were adjusted occasionally, to keep each district in the parish the same size, but I have no idea how often that happened; my impression is those changes were minimal.

Can you explain to me why the UBP had 2 candidates running in Pembroke West Central for god knows how many years .. and why we were allowed to vote for both of them?

That's because of the old Bermuda 'two MP's per district' thing, which dates from, IIRC, the reforms in the early 1960s. I forget why they adopted it, but IIRC it was discussed in J. Randolf Williams' excellent biography of E. T. Richards, "Peaceful Warrior".

BTW, have you read that? If not, you should - in addition to being an very good biography, it's also an excellent history, by a trained historian, of the struggle to end segregation in the 1940s through 1960s.

Anyway, getting back to the point, there were two MPs per district, and everybody got to vote for two MPs. IIRC there were actually a few cases in which the election result was that one was PLP, and one UBP: probably one party put up a very well-thought of candidate who carried the day, even though the party as a whole was not generally favoured in that district.

I'm a bit surprised you seem not to have understood all that?

Just a follow up... I never intended any of my com...

2009-09-17T16:34:04.112-03:00
Just a follow up... I never intended any of my comments on BIAW to seem condescending. I have apologized more than once if that was the case.

In a post-cold war world it's an idea (quaint ...

2009-09-17T16:30:54.549-03:00
In a post-cold war world it's an idea (quaint as it is) that means nothing. If we are self governing, let us go about the business of self-governing. In our day to day lives he means nothing. He does nothing. He is a ceremonial connection to a crown that most English don't even want to recognize.

If we need a person in such a role why can't it be someone local, why can't it be someone black? What is it that the "Guvnor" does for us? If I recall, when we asked the U.K. for help after hurricane emily, they wanted to send us a big fat bill.

Does he make us sleep easier? Does his presence bring money to our pockets?

This isn't just about nationhood, it's about common sense. I voted against independence in the referendum, and then went to some of the white paper meetings. I spoke with the committee members, people from countries much poorer than us who have obtained independence and are much happier for it. Part of the white paper was a survey from companies about their feelings should we attain independence. The consensus was that as long as our taxation policies remained the same, they had no problems with it.

I have taken a stance of wanting to know as much as possible before I change my mind. It does not take away from the fact that I do not believe that we need to have a governor.

It's simply not needed anymore. I know people feared the day when the PLP took over (I was one). I know they aren't much better than their predecessors. I don't fear independence day any more. I need to be ready when it happens. My kids have to live in this country long after I'm gone.

"It is not solely the white man that is sever...

2009-09-17T15:47:31.315-03:00
"It is not solely the white man that is severing ties as your post seems to incinuate."

Sorry, it should have read:

It is not solely the white man that is against severing ties as your post seems to incinuate.

Ok... got it. I'll get back to you, Mark, as ...

2009-09-17T15:37:05.357-03:00
Ok... got it.

I'll get back to you, Mark, as soon as I can.

"But before that, is Mark the same person as ...

2009-09-17T15:30:01.614-03:00
"But before that, is Mark the same person as Phil Ray, or a separate person."

Mark is married to Tina ... Phil is married to Karen.

Tales from the Triangle's Tip....

Hi, I have been visiting your blog. Very good blog...

hi

may the blessing be with you.........................................

幸福是人人都要，又怎麼可能都歸你所有？要知道這世界幸福本來就不多........................................

I read the Hilary Beckles column a couple of days ...

此處是值得一探究竟的好部落格!! 2010-01-15T09:31:26.517-04:00 此處是值得一探究竟的好部落格!!........................................

Good post man. I think that every blogger at some ...

What are the aims of softball in Bermuda these day...

science proves atoms exist. your proof is in a boo...

So, the bottom line is that you will only believe ...

I'm kind of with Phil here. Feeling pretty ...

I stand corrected. Not that it matters.

Just a slight correction. The Queen was last here...

The world is moving towards interdependence not in...

Hello Phil, Re: your last paragraph. I really can...

@Phil Ray If you believe anything in Wikipedia, w...

Hello JMad: I'm not sure if you read my post....

Mr Ray, Thank you for your reply. However, you d...

@ Noel: Explain this (from Wikipedia): http://en....

Just a follow up... I never intended any of my com...

In a post-cold war world it's an idea (quaint ...

"It is not solely the white man that is sever...

Ok... got it. I'll get back to you, Mark, as ...

"But before that, is Mark the same person as ...

此處是值得一探究竟的好部落格!!
2010-01-15T09:31:26.517-04:00
此處是值得一探究竟的好部落格!!........................................