Editor’s Notes

Good news out of Washington via Moscow is that Washington has assured Russia that it has no military plans against Iran. Aside from the fact that Bush is a proven liar, it lends hope to a sane policy in the Middle East. Perhaps the Bush regime has finally understood, as may be seen by reading in this issue, that only Americans and America’s friends are afraid of George-the-Bully. Once armed violence takes a back seat to diplomacy those of us who are alarmed can refrain from the unpleasant but necessary practice of Bush-bashing and draw focus on humanitarian causes throughout the world from the tragedy in central Africa, to women’s and children’s rights.

Elsewhere in this issue we continue to shine our light on China and Venezuela, which, as we continue to maintain, are pivotal points in the evolutionary process of democracy. China, you’ll see, is concerned with corruption by Communist party members and local officials who have breached public trust. In another example of what I call China’s Long Leash Policy, is a leader saying that it’s unfair to label all China entrepreneurs as corrupt.

He says private entrepreneurs are playing a positive role in China’s developing economy. Meanwhile, Venezuela heaps scorn on Negroponte’s hypocritical comments while a U.S. diplomat shrugs off the 18-month special powers the Venezuelan parliament has given their president Chavez.

In the world of the silly, or to put it more kindly, in the world of the light fantastic, I draw your attention to Groundhog Day, February 2. There were many reports on this annual event but the one presented here was written by The Associated Press. It gives the best history of the event. It’s an interesting comment on the human condition that more than 15,000 revelers will gather in misty snow waiting for a groundhog to appear so they will know how long winter will last. Aside from the good fun, the only sensible thing about it was that it seemed as if the Pennsylvania Polka was playing all day. Now that’s the kind of music that sets the toe to tapping. and the spirit to soar.

Looking forward

Carl Dow

Editor and Publisher.

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