Michal Levin's Blog2009-05-21T00:00:00Zhttp://www.michallevin.com/Michal Levinhttp://www.michallevin.com/Intuitive Week Website - ELU 17.05.09http://www.michallevin.com/blog.php?item=992009-05-17T00:00:00Z
Recently I asked who are you are giving power to, in the outside world? And in the inside world, what parts of yourself are you giving power to? Did you answer?
Well, who are you? And who do you want to be?
That's the focus of the coming week. To read more of the guidance Intuitive Week offers and the ELU (Energy Link Up to those who aren't familiar with it) please click this link.
http://intuitiveweek.com
May the week ahead bring you joy and peace.
Go well, be well.
Love and best wishes,
Michal
Please remember that if you could do with a little help to move to the next stage, I am always very glad to offer you help with the process.
I will be visiting California on June 5th to celebrate the new Pool of Memory (non profit) organization. If you are interested in attending the celebration please write to Felicity Crush at: felicitycrush@mac.com
If you'd like more details of any of the above please send me an email: Michal@MichalLevin.com
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Hold HOPE in your heart, and stick to right actionhttp://www.michallevin.com/blog.php?item=952009-03-23T00:00:00Z
Lincoln presided over the American Civil War where more men, comparative to the population of the USA at the time, were killed than in all the subsequent wars.
I do not find myself in sympathy with all his action or views. But, I do find myself in huge awe of his behavior and beliefs. So today, at a time of crisis, are we looking for great compromise like the coalition Lincoln presided over, to slowly establish principle? Or something different?
The bankers receiving their bonuses, and the speculators playing the markets for short-term gains, clearly feel its 'change to stay the same' (the famous 19th century conservative British politician Disraeli's phrase).
I don't think so. I wonder too whether the compromise Lincoln presided over, in the extraordinary effort of effective coalition, is going to be our way ahead? It is not clear.
What is clear, is that above all each individual, each of us, is called upon now to pledge allegiance to right action. It's a simple little phrase, but one whose implications go deeper and deeper. What is 'right action'?
Much new age, spiritual or esoteric thinking, or futurist speculation is directed at the potential momentous changes ahead, or indeed in process. Does 2012, the end of the Mayan Calendar mean the end of the world? Will the earth's Poles reverse? Is Atlantis on us again? Will global warming result in the death and destruction of large areas of the earth? Is our financial system doomed? Is this the end of capitalism?
The answer to all those questions lies in mankind's extraordinary creative abilities, and right action. We are, potentially, hugely resourceful. History shows that we have repeatedly been faced with situations labeled 'bound to indicate the end of mankind as we know it'- like the end of coal, or the end of candle wax. Similarly new inventions- the telephone, electricity, the fundaments of knowledge itself, despite grave protest, ' the earth is NOT round, to say so is heretical', have been repeatedly challenged, and eventually absorbed.
In those circumstances, has life continually degenerated? For the people of planet earth has the situation overall continuously worsened in the face of these advances? Cleary the answer in simple material terms is absolutely not! However, that does not mean that our trajectory has been perfect, or that this is an interruption to be overcome so that previous patterns can be resumed.
This is a major crisis- a world civil war that necessitates the revision of our way of operating. In all areas, from business to education to the environment to politics, this crisis asks for a reassessment and a commitment to a new way of being. A way of being, a code of conduct that embraces what I am calling 'right action.'
Of course the front on which the war is being waged is finance. It is a breakdown around issues relating to finance. Its cause is greed, and worship of money at the expense of all other qualities and considerations.
The prime mechanism fuelling the greed is short termism, and the ignorance or even dismissal of the principle of interconnection which state that there is no real gain at another's expense. It is not possible.
Any gain achieved at another's expense may be short term, and will have other, negative consequences. It's a vast subject, and one I will return to again and again, to spell out the implications. Meanwhile, we are seeing the effects of the belief that gain is possible at another's expense all around us. But, cause and effect is an immutable law. Sometimes it takes a little while to play out- but it does in the end.
Right action requires a renunciation of gain at the expense of another, and the activities that support short termism. Then it demands steady implementation of codes of behavior in all areas of life that take true account of interconnection at all levels.
Once we accept the need to honor interconnection, the crucial elements are hope, and belief in the potential of mankind. Our creativity and ingenuity can find a way through. Our beliefs though need to be carefully examined- and brought in line with our aims and our karmic purpose (more another time). That's what we are doing here. We're working out what we really believe in and how each of us is to implement it in our own lives.
So this week, while the wild things bray on the outside, and murky depths and darkness threaten, don't act out of fear. Look into the fire. What do you need to do to deal with your circumstances, and your personal contribution to the situation?
At the end of 1861, early in the civil war, Lincoln made a decision to sack the head of the War department. He had given the job to a man who was a skillful power broker, who worked through the use of patronage to reward loyalists and punish opponents. In this way he had build up a very considerable following. However, after it became clear that his appointee was creating chaos, Lincoln revised his views about the man's suitability for the job.
Lincoln realized his choice had developed great personal power, but he had not developed the skills to be effective, to preside over the tremendous administrative challenge of leading the War Department in the midst of civil war. Lincoln made the decision to sack his appointee on pragmatic grounds, as a result of seeing the effects. In your life, you need to make the decision out of principle, not just pragmatism. Support appropriate behavior and qualifications, not merely personal power or popularity or friendship, or mutual advantage.
More - find truth, authenticity, hope and ultimately joy within yourself, and then offer it to the world, the interconnected reality that is our world. Look into the fire, look into yourself; do not be afraid of the noises in the dark!
I hope this week's ELU™ message (the weekly Energy message I write, copied below, available as an MP3 to subscribers at
helps you do just that. It's called 'Face in the Fire.'
Finally, before ELU™ subscribers begin your meditation or contemplation, remember to follow the instructions on your 'welcome letter' and prepare properly for the process - it really does make a difference. That means being clean (as usual forgive me for stating the obvious), being still, saying your prayers and being in an appropriate place, for a start.
Of course, please do remember, while it's great if you can join the Link Up on Sunday, it's more important to work with the message throughout the week, at any time that suits you. I usually offer healing on Sundays, and/or in the week.
Again, feel free to pass this message on to anyone you think might appreciate it.
Go well, be well.
Love and best wishes,
Michal
May this year bring you love and all the joys of connection. I hope to be able to see, or speak with as many of you as possible.
Please remember, that if you could do with a little help to move to the next stage, I am always pleased to help in the process.
Do remember the amazing Retreat - better called an 'Intensive'- that will take place in France in May. The theme is 'Riding the Storm™'- more about how to handle this challenging year, and how to touch your authentic core.
Please send me an email if you'd like more details of any of the above:
Camp fire's burning,
Burning with all the warmth
Of childhood's memories
Mixed with the magic
That seduces even adults-
A heady heat and intensity,
Like a fierce, first love.
Sitting in the camp fire's circle
The flames capture your attention,
Just as they did Prometheus's.
Flickering, fast moving devouring
The dry wood; holding
The darkness of the night
At bay, the wider world
That rustles, and menaces
Beyond your fireside
A jagged cackle - a night bird?
A vulture? A witch?
Cuts thorough the black
Depths, followed by a distant
Roar, then another closer, and the
Braying of wild dogs
As the pack hunts.
This is your world, our world
At work; beyond the camp fire.
So, hold your focus on the flames-
On the crackle of the blazing
Wood, the solid heat,
The mysterious depths,
The cities within the embers,
The passion in the flames,
The pleasure creeping over your skin,
The circle that connect us,
And draws us together :
The gift that makes us Gods.
Travel well,
Go well, be well.
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Weekly Predictionhttp://www.michallevin.com/blog.php?item=942009-03-02T00:00:00Z
1st March 2009
Hello
Last week I urged you to avoid being trapped by the dangers of the past- that is, the old patterns, old fears, and stories that are repeating themselves. Those influences, or traps, are not yet past. You may indeed be working at a deeper level in extricating yourself from them. Go on! If, or when, the work is done then enjoy the freedom it produces and begin to dream the dreams of the future.
Many of you know I am not very keen on setting specific goals - like landing this job or that job- and working towards them, but I am very keen for you to gain the ability, and blessing, of being able to live under the widest, clearest sky. Only then will the infinite shades of the universe speak clearly to you and higher love and purpose inform all you do.
For now, it may still be necessary to be alert to the pernicious, deeply buried poisons of the past. It may take a variety of means to let them go. You do need to be sure to address them directly. They are good at hiding away! This is the time to rid your body - that is your self in every sense, of the destructive influences that have, do and can undermine your well being.
As ever the image of these poisons only represents one aspect of you. It does not in any way represent the whole of you. The multi faceted whole of you is a very different picture. Your endeavor, in this life and all lives, is the emancipation of that multi faceted self, to live your highest purpose.
For each of us that will be a little different. I take it for granted that the notion of a greater good is part of your remit. Exactly how you are to serve yourself, and this aim, will differ. Exactly which aspects of your multi faceted self you are polishing, or indeed revealing, will differ. But, in the week to come the influence of past pains and restrictions is still able to hold you back, or down. That is why this week's ELU™ is again to help you emancipate yourself from the patterns, and poisons, of the past.
Then you will be able to see the clearest way ahead, and the deepest, truest level of your service and your joy. Yes, joy, because it is integral to your future. Uncovering that joy is part of the process the coming months will follow. First though - more spade work. Of course, it helps to know that the 'spade work', though it offers a certain satisfaction, is not an end in itself - it really is part of a great picture. More about that next week.
Finally, before you begin your meditation or contemplation, remember to follow the instructions on your 'welcome letter' and prepare properly for the process - it really does make a difference. That means being clean (forgive me for stating the obvious), being still, saying your prayers and being in an appropriate place, for a start.
As ever, please do remember, while it's great if you can join the Link Up on Sunday, it's more important to work with the message throughout the week, at any time that suits you. I usually offer healing on Sundays, and/or in the week.
Again, feel free to pass this message on to anyone you think might appreciate it.
Go well, be well.
Love and best wishes,
Michal
May this year bring you love and all the joys of connection. I hope to be able to see, or speak with as many of you as possible.
Please remember, that if you could do with a little help to move to the next stage, I am always pleased to help in the process.
Do remember the amazing Retreat- better called an 'Intensive'- that will take place in France in May. The theme is 'Riding the Storm'- more about how to handle this challenging year, and how to really benefit the very best in you in present conditions.
Please send me an email if you'd like more details of any of the above:
The wind howls between the trees.
The trees stalk the hillside,
Creeping down towards the waters edge.
An old ache runs through my body.
The skin rises in blisters, where the past
Ferments. I bear the pain quietly,
Rubbing the site with unguents and
Feeding it with sweet almond oil.
But still the agony breaks though.
The surface of the water
Is flat and dark; darker with
The reflection of the knobbly
Conifers hugging its edges.
I hold the knowledge,
The scars of the past carefully,
Closely, longing for
My body to push it out -
To expel it, like a hot acid jet,
That un-couples the chains.
Instead, the blisters swell
Calling for another remedy:
A homeopathic potion to burn
Away the fever that's held beneath
The skin. Then salt water
To cauterize the wound.
My flesh tingles, a steady burn develops
As the old Intruders give up the territory
They've sought to hold.
I claim myself - my true self - just
As the sun rises in the sky above the
Hills, touching the water.
Suddenly the surface breaks
Into a million golden ripples
A fretwork of constant movement
Where each line fits into the next
In the inextricable pattern of my Life.
Gilded tips and silver strokes
Protected now by the trees,
As my soul floats free -
Under an arching sky of infinite possibility.
It can be!
Travel well.
Go well, be well.
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Finding Yourself?http://www.michallevin.com/blog.php?item=932009-02-01T00:00:00Z
In the letter that goes with the ELU message, I write about the week ahead, and offer my take on the energies, and what they mean for you, and how best to use them.
Often those from around the world who have signed up for the ELU, like to link in meditation on Sundays (the times are on my site). But, I always say that it is more important to work with the message- the audio form usually- throughout the week, at any time that suits you. I usually offer healing on Sundays, and/or in the week.
I hope the message below is helpful. It may mean something a little different to each reader, and of course, the audio form that subscribers receive, may have a slightly different effect.
ELU 1st February 2009
Is it you? 2
I saw a shape, in the wind,
That had no name. As I
Tried to call, it changed
Before my eyes - Shapeshifter.
It led me from person to person
Trying each against the figure
Holding, molding my mind.
So time, and disappointment, rolled
One after another; the tide
Of my inward tears ate into
The shore, till I watched
From the safety of the dunes -
Poised, posed in sum and air.
I saw you still, but where?
Then one evening, in the
Drizzle of late winter, in a
Strange but comforting place,
Ringed by trees and built of wood,
The unexpected seemed to happen.
You reached out your hand
To me. Is it you?
It is you, isn't it?
The words echo back
From the tree trunks;
A low but clear sound
That I hear in my heart, and
Know in myself:
Of myself.
Travel well,
Go well be well.
I am offering another telephone group starting at the end of February, and a Retreat in France in May. Please do send an email if you'd like more details toMichal@MichalLevin.com
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Intent for the week: TOUCH HOMEhttp://www.michallevin.com/blog.php?item=922009-01-18T00:00:00Z
I've written the piece below for subscribers to my Energy Link Up (ELU) to help access that place. If you want the sound version, the healing and more, you'll need to sign up for the ELU at http://www.michallevin.com/energy_link_up.php
Meantime, you might also like to know that this week end I am giving a telephone talk, or teleconference as I think they're known in some parts, on what 2009 holds. It's called 'Riding the Storm™', because the year is carrying a storm. There is much you can do to work with the effects of the time and the great disruption it threatens; it is even possible to draw triumph from it.
So, please do join me on of Sunday 18th January. The call is scheduled for 4.30pm UK time - that's 12.30 EST and 8.30am PST. (USA phone number). Everyone is welcome- do join us. You can even send me questions. For details of how to join please email consultations@MichalLevin.com. You need to register.
Clouds swirl above you:
Sheets in shades of blues and
Gunmetal grays. But
You pull your eyes away
From their panorama,
And instead, sitting quietly
Allow Images of Home
To slide before your mind.
A pool of light born of a lamp
On a cool evening.
The tree in front of the bedroom
That filters the morning light.
The dazzle of the sun streaming
Between the leaves. The wonder
Of waking, pillowed by sleep.
Soft sleep giving way to a
Free floating anticipation. Joy?
As your sense of self surrounds you,
You hover, dancing - unfettered,
Playing with the sunshine beaming
Through the windows.
Morning sounds, familiar and
Reassuring, fade as the millions upon
Millions of light particles
Hold your attention.
Then a sense of Home
Creeps over you, and buries itself
In your core; calling from within.
You hear, or do you feel the
Call of the yellow light?
You are drifting Home,
With grace and Joy.
Moving in, moving on, light
Streaming. Going Home. Hovering,
Self dispersed, sunlight,
Leaves flickering before you.
Images of Home
Coming to meet you.
You are safe, and secure.
Travel well,
Go well, be well,
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Allow Changehttp://www.michallevin.com/blog.php?item=912009-01-12T00:00:00Z
As I told you last week, the planet Mercury is going retrograde. It went retrograde on the 11th January, and stays that way until early February. Mercury governs communications in the widest sense. In the same way as the moon, governs the tides.
Mercury retrograde has its own significance. This is the time of revision. Of course all the usual sentiments about communications being liable to snarls applies, but much more positively than that, concentrate on the opportunities this time allows for revision. Do not be stuck on your plans. Allow change- that is the surest way to prepare and use this time.
As usual, I have written an Energy Link Up message, for everyone who meditates with me. Its to offer inspiration for this week, and coping with the energies of the week. If you want to know more, and the hear the sound version of this ELU message, please check out the Energy Link Up on my website, http://www.michallevin.com/energy_link_up.php.
Look forward to joining with you in meditation!
.
ELU week beginning 11th January 2009
Wind 3
Now the planet Mercury
God of Communication changes direction,
Traveling with a strong stroke, and a full wind
In his sails, back across the
The sky. On earth, the hint
Of a breeze catches around your feet.
A gust, like a tendril,
Curls about your calf.
The light pressure of cloth
Against your thighs,
Then movement in your hair as
The strength of the wind increases,
And you feel the god's progress.
Momentarily, you play with the breeze
Moving forward into the water
As if the sunshine were assured,
Though your sense say Otherwise.
Aware of the forces gathering
You hear a moan now, from Far Away,
A massing of energies as the wind's strength gathers.
There's a moment's pause - fleeting sunlight-
But all the while the storm calls to its power.
Now, you turn back to your core
And concentrate on the strength
At your disposal - your self.
Standing still you prepare for any blast
That might attempt to shake your self
And takes your breathe away,
Or penetrate your bodies.
In the quiet -your own silence
And composure, you listen.
Listen to what you are told,
To your deeper knowing,
That speaks of a future-
A way, many ways
Ahead, in peace and simplicity
With the strength and
The richness of your soul,
Your Self, shining through.
Then when the quicksilver god dazzles
Again, and the beat of the oars resumes,
And the flap of the sails
Signifies the winds receding.
Then you will be ready to catch
The rhythm of the waves
Breaking on the beach
Steady again. For the moment.
So you hold your centre,
And know your strength,
Revisit your plans, and
Dance in the breezes of love
That stroke your face.
You will be ready.
You are ready, and loved.
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ELU for Sunday 21st December 2008http://www.michallevin.com/blog.php?item=902008-12-19T00:00:00Z
It is very good to be connecting again. As ever, housekeeping dictates that I remind you of the copyright conditions - that the copyright of this message belongs to me in all forms. Thank you.
Once again, I'd like to begin by asking you to spread the vibration. So, please do invite friends or colleagues to sign up to receive the ELU.
Then an apology for the hiccup which seemed to work its way into some people's version of last week's letter. I hope it did not interfere with your understanding or enjoyment of the message. Because I am still traveling, my apologies again, there is no voice content this week. Next week will have voice as usual.
Here is my take on the week ahead, which I have shared with ELU subscribers and am glad this week to put here as well. This week sees the year rapidly moving towards a climactic close. There is simply a huge amount happening energetically. For most the matter of endings is plunging ahead full speed, but the beginnings are also visible all around. May I suggest that you do not yet know which strains, or strategies will flourish, and consequently, for now, its good to encourage all the growth you can, knowing that some of the 'plants' will not make it in the new year.
Whatever is happening now, I'd like to encourage you to see it as good, in the long run. For some the current energy will be experienced as supportive and encouraging, though challenging. For others it will simply seem challenging. I suggest that everything that comes up at this time is potentially positive. The deaths, or endings now are necessary. They will lead to re-births or new births. I repeat, again, this is a time of tremendous opportunity. It does not require speed, it requires authenticity. It is a time where being true to yourself will pay the most dividends.
May Christmas bring you peace. This year the energy of death and re-birth very closely mirrors the Christ story. May it bring peace and joy to us all, at the simplest of levels.
As ever, please do remember, while it's great if you can join the Link Up on Sunday, it's more important to work with the message throughout the week, at any time that suits you. I usually offer healing on Sundays, or in the week.
Finally, before you begin your meditation or contemplation, remember to follow the instructions on your 'Welcome Letter' and prepare properly for the process - it really does make a difference. If the celebrations get too intense, a little meditation - or a peaceful moment with an ELU - should help.
Love and best wishes,
Michal
Mountains of Desire 2
As day draws towards night,
The start beckons the end,
The light invites the dark,
And the everyday wavers,
Then the snowfields of the mind
Seep into my consciousness
Until they stretch before me,
Endless, in myriad shades of
Whites, blues and grays,
Melting into a sky colored
With the faintest tinge
Of pink. Pink for love -
The potential held in the furled
Petals of the rose bud.
Pink as the promise I make
To myself high above the earth
In the dreamy sky
As the sun's rays
Touch the clouds and a
Golden world stretches
Before me: spurting, rippling
In rivers the colour of butter,
As far as the eye can see.
Golden streams of passions
Taking shape:
The distant mountains of
Desire approaching.
Holding to my dreams,
Exploring their contours with
My touch, feeling the clouds
Against my cheeks, I see
The light reflected in my eyes,
In your eyes, and know the words
Spoken softly in my heart.
It is the hint of my desires speaking.
It is the future calling,
And I am coming.
Travel well,
Go well, be well.
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Caroline Kennedy for Senate?http://www.michallevin.com/blog.php?item=862008-12-09T00:00:00Z
Should you be scandalised, sick at the thought of yet again family, money and connections paying off? Or should you welcome a woman with a track record of her own (admittedly not in politics, but maybe in very useful - more useful - endeavors, like education, and writing a book on the USA Constitution) who also has connections, money, a big family name and a touching history? And if so, why?
In the UK, it's a version of the same old debate - or at least the same old way some have tried to formulate the debate- about politicians from 'privileged' backgrounds versus representatives of the common (what exactly is that?) people. It's a polarity that somehow no longer fits. Of course there is massive, hideous inequality of wealth, and wealth brings power, and opportunity, but the politics of envy, like the politics of entitlement do not serve us well.
My take is the intuitive's take. The channeled teachings I received years ago, and teach, were very clear in describing the breakdown of the old hierarchy. No more power because you've always had it. That wasn't, isn't, going to work going forward. No more entitlement. Mere privilege has no place.
We are now engaged in the wonderful work of establishing and grounding power in a new form. We are working on that new form. Many elements are clear - diversity is one of them. Merit is certainly another. I'd like to see freedom from entrenched interests very high on the list. Authenticity must be there. The ability to act out of the box and even to embrace radically new ways of working and living definitely belong. The ability to listen to and exhibit the influence of the heart must be there.
Of course all those qualities need discussion - and thoughtful definition. But, when it comes to Caroline Kennedy, my take is that she could well be part of a new power structure. I am for giving her a chance, and letting go of old, outworn arguments. It does not mean she will be able to exercise power for the greatest good, but it does mean that she has a good chance of doing so. For that reason I want to give her the opportunity to face the challenge of offering service. ]]>
South African Rape Controversy. Make up your own mind...http://www.michallevin.com/blog.php?item=842008-09-13T00:00:00Z
Zapiro: I thought carefully
2008-9-8 21:30
Cape Town - Cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro on Monday defended his controversial cartoon of Jacob Zuma preparing to rape justice, saying he thought "very, very carefully" before doing it.
The African National Congress and its tripartite alliance partners have condemned the cartoon as disgusting, while ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe labelled it racist.
The cartoon, published in the Sunday Times under Shapiro's pen-name, Zapiro, shows a blindfolded female figure labelled "justice system", being pinned down by Zuma's political allies.
The ANC president is depicted in the cartoon unzipping his pants, while Mantashe urges him: "Go for it, boss!"
Shapiro said he "absolutely" refuted the racism charge, and that his record in the struggle years spoke for itself.
"There is a very, very pronounced tendency in this country towards exceptionalism, as if our politicians are more sacrosanct than politicians worldwide. That I take issue with," he said.
"I really feel strongly that they have to take a hard look at what they are doing and not use the red herring of racism."
He said he was not surprised that the cartoon had provoked strong reaction, as the image was "outrageous", and a "very explosive thing". Asked females friends' opinions
He had thought "very, very carefully" about how women would view it, and before publication sent it to several women friends whose opinion he trusted. Their immediate reaction was one of shock.
However they all then said that the cartoon not only showed graphically what was actually happening to the justice system and constitutional principles, but that it contained a second level of criticism on violence against women in a very patriarchal society.
Shapiro said the blindfolded figure of justice was an allegorical figure going back centuries.
"The fact that Jacob Zuma has this personal history is his problem," he said.
Zuma, who is president of the ANC, was charged with raping a young woman in 2006, but was found not guilty.
Earlier on Monday the ANC, its youth league and the SA Communist Party said in a joint statement that the cartoon was distasteful and "borders on defamation of character".
The organisations said the Sunday Times had disguised abuse as press freedom in publishing it. Subliminal suggestions
In his blog Constitutionally Speaking, University of the Western Cape constitutional law academic Prof Pierre de Vos said on Monday that though he had always been a great fan of Zapiro, he wondered whether the cartoonist had now gone too far and done something "immoral and ethically deeply problematic".
He said he agreed with Zapiro that some of the leaders who had been championing Zuma's cause had acted despicably, and that Zuma, through his silence, had abetted them.
However he wondered whether by using the metaphor of rape, Zapiro was not "cheapening" the horror of the act and helping to desensitise people.
De Vos also asked whether Shapiro was undermining respect for the judiciary he was purportedly defending, by suggesting subliminally that Zuma should have been convicted in the rape trial.
His piece drew a flood of comments from his readers, most of them disagreeing with him.
"It is time someone drew attention to the shocking behaviour of these political figureheads and their most avid supporters," wrote Thea Beckman.
"We cannot allow a man who believes loyalty to be above the Constitution to take the reins of our country. Well done Zapiro."
SAPA
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Southern Zimbabwe? South Africa?http://www.michallevin.com/blog.php?item=832008-07-16T00:00:00Z
This is a powerful letter sent by a South African to the Cape Argus, Cape Town's leading newspaper, today. It is an urgent call for Africans, and particularly South Africans, to take note of the consequences and the message of the terrible events in Zimbabwe for their own country (or countries.) Is South Africa to sink, like Zimbabwe below brutal corruption and then into total anarchy?
John Freeman, the author of the letter below writes:
'If we don't make a noise no-one will hear. I am no longer going to sit back while I apologise for the sins of the past. This rape and carnage has to stop. We must protest or we give up this wonderful life without resistance.'
Dear Editor
Watching Minister Lekota raise his eyebrows on the Morning News when the British Foreign Minister said that there are sadly far too many conflicts in Africa that are resolved only to fail again, drives home the fact that Africa is in denial - our ministers no less. Actions speak louder than words Mr. Lekota, your facial expression wrote a book for me.
Time to get our collective head out of the sand and realise that we are fast following the path of our northern neighbour. Three million Zimbabwean's are here already as we descend into a state of anarchy with increasing violence, chaos, political intolerance and inflation we are fast becoming Zimbabwe's southern province. Consider recent events:- The President of the ANC (soon to become our President without a free and fair election because all hell will break loose if he loses) hell bent on avoiding prosecution for racketeering, fraud and corruption, leaders of political movements avowing to kill for each other, politicians stabbing each other, cops shooting at each other, people being burnt alive in xenophobia, our Ambassador at the UN vetoing sanctions on Zimbabwe, crime at an all time high, fraud and corruption endemic in all sectors of the state. Now to make sure that none of them ever have to account for their actions they aim to interfere with the independence of the judiciary.
That is how the rot started in Zimbabwe. It began with poor fiscal control and low level pilfering with contracts being awarded to family and pals no matter the cost or prospect of delivery - next nationalization of foreign assets and then the big land grab. Once the deranged Mugabe and his cronies gained control of the judiciary and put themselves above the law their looting of state coffers knew no bounds. The rampant inflation we see today is the result. Mugabe and his ilk view the people of that once proud nation as mere slaves to beat and command as they see fit. They hand out survival kits to those that serve their will best and then only when they need action - for the rest of the time they are left uneducated and starved.
Faraday Nkoane's utterances at the Human Rights Day celebration in Lebanon Township as reported in the Daily Sun just 3 weeks ago are a repeat of Peter Mokaba's infamous chants: "kill the boer" and "one settler one bullet". Julias Maleba and his boss Vavi's frightening repeat that they'd kill for Zuma was left without rebuke by ANC structures. Another very clear indication that we are heading in the Zimbabwe direction. Lets face it - why shouldn't we? Do we really think that western democracy and economic standards would be adapted by Africa? That South Africa, with superior infrastructure would be immune from Africanisation. It took America a hundred years to adapt the model that evolved in Europe after countless revolutions. We expect Africa to achieve all of this, with a myriad cultural differences and languages, in record time. Not possible.
If anyone with those expectations want to live in South Africa we have to be prepared to tolerate fiscal looting, nepotism, cronyism, run down infrastructures, pot-holed streets, poor sanitation etc etc before any advance can be made. Africa has to undergo it's own cultural and economic revolution before any of this is possible. One cannot simply hand out education, a house and a job and say you have now evolved so treat this gift with respect. Would it have been different if the ANC had stuck to their very first election manifesto:- freedom, education for all, medical care of the highest standard, houses and jobs etc etc. Instead they spent our hard earned tax on combat jets, submarines and weapons we do not need and cannot operate, presidential jets, white elephant soccer stadiums, leagues of consultants and body guards, huge salaries for themselves, wasted support for Mugabe and lots of parties to celebrate their inefficiency. They now conjure up awards for non delivery and spend zillions celebrating. It doesn't matter if you haven't delivered while you enrich yourself with forged travel expenses and hand outs from the pals you gave the contracts to - just party the woes away.
Mugabe unleashed his thugs on the opposition and gained control of all state structures to get to where he is today. Zuma is doing the same here abetted by Vavi, Malema and Co. There will be no free and fair election in 2009. Those who have already taken up machete's against their rivals are spurred on by leaders avowing to kill. Zuma asked for his name to be cleared in a court of law. Now he realises that he is likely to be exposed as a fraud he seeks to delay the court process until he is President and will no doubt abuse the power of that office to avoid prosecution.
I have remained in the land of my birth as a loyal tax paying citizen. I have set up education trusts, built schools and survived being shot in a car-hijacking. I have stimulated foreign investment and have told anyone that would listen that South Africa is special. Chants by airheads like Vavi, Malema and Nkoane are given little credence until their wishes come close to home. I have had two friends attacked in their homes recently. Last Saturday a friend was shot in his house.
It is time to consider the options and as I do that I mean to hit back - I won't allow this country to sink into a state of anarchy without retaliation. Try and tell these poor people where they are heading. The best we can do is educate, educate and educate again. '
John Freeman
P O Box 26
Sea Point
8060
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