Debates
26 Jan 11
26 Jan 11
There seems to be a lot of political drama going on up there. Anyone nearby who has any insight? The closest representatives we have (from RHP Debates forum) are in Portugal and southern Africa from what I know. Any insight to share?
There are massive protests in Egypt, massive food imports in Algeria, political mania and hunting for a fugitive ex-President in Tunisia...
What's going on up there? Anyone know?
26 Jan 11
Originally posted by AThousandYoungI spent a year in Asmara, Ethiopia in 1973 so I am an expert.
There seems to be a lot of political drama going on up there. Anyone nearby who has any insight? The closest representatives we have (from RHP Debates forum) are in Portugal and southern Africa from what I know. Any insight to share?
There are massive protests in Egypt, massive food imports in Algeria, political mania and hunting for a fugitive ex-President in Tunisia...
What's going on up there? Anyone know?
Africa is the way it is because, of, well, Africans.
Any other explanation doesn't make sense. Occam's Razor and all that.
26 Jan 11
Originally posted by AThousandYoungIncreased wealth and communication makes it much harder for dictators to keep their populations under control.
There seems to be a lot of political drama going on up there. Anyone nearby who has any insight? The closest representatives we have (from RHP Debates forum) are in Portugal and southern Africa from what I know. Any insight to share?
There are massive protests in Egypt, massive food imports in Algeria, political mania and hunting for a fugitive ex-President in Tunisia...
What's going on up there? Anyone know?
26 Jan 11
2 edits
Originally posted by KazetNagorraWhere is this "increased wealth" in those countries that is, according to you, making it "much harder for dictators to keep their populations under control"? The demonstrations/riots in Tunisia that took down their dictatorship was not because of "increased wealth" but because of high unemployment:
Why not? It's not like it was a rose garden during the previous dictators.
Unemployment is officially around 14 percent but is believed much higher in rural areas and among youths.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/01/10/world/main7233191.shtml
26 Jan 11
Originally posted by KazetNagorraIt sounds like you're suggesting peoples' daily needs are being met such that they are healthier, but they haven't accumulated wealth. Is that right?
Why not? It's not like it was a rose garden during the previous dictators. For example the life expectancy in Tunisia is 74 years.
26 Jan 11
Originally posted by AThousandYoungNo, that's not what I am suggesting. Many Tunisians can afford computers and mobile phones, which makes it much easier to organize protests and spread dissent, and makes it much harder for the government to cover up corruption and oppression.
It sounds like you're suggesting peoples' daily needs are being met such that they are healthier, but they haven't accumulated wealth. Is that right?
26 Jan 11
Originally posted by KazetNagorraSo all the unemployed Tunisians, including the ones in rural areas, got on their computers and mobile phones and organized these demonstrations?
No, that's not what I am suggesting. Many Tunisians can afford computers and mobile phones, which makes it much easier to organize protests and spread dissent, and makes it much harder for the government to cover up corruption and oppression.
KN Ivory Tower Land.
26 Jan 11
Originally posted by no1marauderWhere did I suggest increased wealth made people want to protest against the government? Why would I make such ludicrous suggestions?
Where is this "increased wealth" in those countries that is, according to you, making it "much harder for dictators to keep their populations under control"? The demonstrations/riots in Tunisia that took down their dictatorship was not because of "increased wealth" but because of high unemployment:
Unemployment is officially around 14 p ...[text shortened]... as and among youths.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/01/10/world/main7233191.shtml
26 Jan 11
1 edit
Originally posted by KazetNagorraUMM, a few posts ago:
Where did I suggest increased wealth made people want to protest against the government? Why would I make such ludicrous suggestions?
Increased wealth and communication makes it much harder for dictators to keep their populations under control.
Why you make such "ludicrous suggestions" should be between you and a mental health professional.
26 Jan 11
Originally posted by KazetNagorraThis article, though it fawns over the Tunisian' governments moves to increase internet access in its country, concedes that only 13 percent of Tunisian households have a computer. http://www.africa-investor.com/article.asp?id=6931
No, that's not what I am suggesting. Many Tunisians can afford computers and mobile phones, which makes it much easier to organize protests and spread dissent, and makes it much harder for the government to cover up corruption and oppression.
One would think that in the households of the unemployed and rural poor the percentage is even lower.
26 Jan 11
Originally posted by no1marauderNo, they took their spears, put on their warpaint and marched on their armoured camels towards the tent of Ben Ali and his harem.
So all the unemployed Tunisians, including the ones in rural areas, got on their computers and mobile phones and organized these demonstrations?
KN Ivory Tower Land.
Many of the unemployed are college graduates unable to find jobs even with their education. Advanced communication technology enabled the unrest to spread from rural areas quickly.
26 Jan 11
Originally posted by no1marauder13% doesn't seem like a lot, but if you take into account internet cafés and people who use the computers of friends or family, a large percentage of the (urban) population has access to computers.
This article, though it fawns over the Tunisian' governments moves to increase internet access in its country, concedes that only 13 percent of Tunisian households have a computer. http://www.africa-investor.com/article.asp?id=6931
One would think that in the households of the unemployed and rural poor the percentage is even lower.
26 Jan 11
Originally posted by KazetNagorraDo you have any actual evidence to back up these assertions?
No, they took their spears, put on their warpaint and marched on their armoured camels towards the tent of Ben Ali and his harem.
Many of the unemployed are college graduates unable to find jobs even with their education. Advanced communication technology enabled the unrest to spread from rural areas quickly.