Words are the most dangerous weapon of all

Sticks and stones can break my bones,
but words will never harm me

In fact, words are the most powerful weapon of all.

Words can bring about peace, friendship, invention, understanding and education. That happens when words are used wisely, to build bridges and solve problems.

Words can bring about war, murder, hate, riots, destruction and disinformation. That can be the result of the reckless use of words, when words are used to promote hate and violence.

An instance of the reckless and dangerous use of words has been demonstrated in South Africa's recent history. It began with a statement by the minister of law and order. Police must shoot to kill when lives are at risk from criminals. The statement was repeated by the new chief of police and the country's president.

The words have already had some unintended consequences. It seems that the criminals are not waiting to be shot dead and ensure that they shoot first if confronted by the police.

The latest example of the use of dangerous rhetoric was by the chairman of the Free State ANC Youth League. He stated that ".. Professor Jansen is also a criminal ... and I agree with the ANC President that criminals should be shot and killed."

Now the emphasis and meaning has shifted dangerously towards anarchy or fascism. The courts are no longer required to decide when a person is a criminal. My say so is enough.

More horrifying was the next statement, that "criminals should be shot and killed." Gone are the qualifiers. Life no longer need be threatened. More a "look, there's a criminal. Kill him, hill him!" mentality. What if someone acts on these words?

How many fanatics will now fantasize on going out to shoot criminals?

Julius Malema this morning denied that there was anything wrong with these words. John Robbie of 702 Talk Radio played the sound clip several times, but Malema refused to admit that the words uttered had been said. Sounding more brainless than ever, he tried to twist their meaning. The statement about Jansen was totally unrelated to the part about shooting and killing.

Words can be extremely dangerous. Almost every crime, every murder, every terrorist act and every war is started with words. The ideology that drives a suicide bomber is transmitted by words.

ANC leaders should be trained to use their brains before resorting to dangerous rhetoric. To allow these words to be uttered without restraint could lead the party and the country to a very dangerous place.

Why cell phone users are reverting back to landlines

The explosion of cell-phone technology has been a major area of growth. Cell phones have become ultra smart. They emulate computers. They are able to show videos in high quality and stream television programmes.
The latest models include GPS navigation, document editing, handwriting recognition and email processing. They allow you to view the latest you-tube videos or go to your facebook page at the click of a button.
Then there is the cell-phone as camera. The best of these are good offering up to 12 megapixel resolution!
The growth of the cell-phone industry is almost without parallel. People have become dependent on their mobile phones and in a sense are almost enslaved by them.
Cell-phone technology has also heralded the birth of the videophone. Formerly a part of science fiction, video calls have not really caught the imagination of the world. Transmission is just to slow to use the technology effectively. The voice and picture are never in synch.
Landline phones, by contrast have remained phones. You may be able to see who is calling, or view the last few calls, but it is still a phone.
There is only one aspect of cell-phone technology that hasn't improved much since their introduction. The one aspect gives a landline phone the edge is the network and call quality. Coupled with the failure of the cell-phone networks to reduce their prices, the landline is fast becoming a more attractive option.
It is hardly surprising that many cell-phone users are using the landline to make calls. Apart from the clarity of the call and the stability of the signal, the cost is a fraction of the mobile variety.
But it is not only cost and call quality that affects the popularity of cell phone call usage. The police and intelligence services have the technology to tap and intercept landline calls. Interception of cell phone calls imposes an even greater risk.
Internet access is similarly affected. A DSL landline connection is fast, stable and cheap. The cell-phone companies seem addicted to super-profits and charge massive rates for broadband Internet access. Even if you decide to use VOIP - or the Voice Over Internet Protocol - the cost (and probably the quality) will be better from a fixed line.
Perhaps cell-phone users are re-evaluating the value of the cell-phone. They are great for quick and immediate communications. They are not ideal for long discussions. Perhaps the focus has been on better and better technology for everything other than to make calls. That must be why cell-phone users are rediscovering the landline.

The linguistic and cultural ties between Arabs and Jews

The conflict in the Middle East gives rise to the perception that Arabs and Jews are deadly enemies with vast differences that can never be solved. Many will be surprised to learn that this conflict is a relatively recent development dating back about a hundred years. The conflict belies the fact that there are many similarities between the two peoples.

Arabic is widely spoken as a language amongst the Arab nations of the Middle East. Hebrew is an ancient language, the language of the Old Testament originating several thousand years ago. The two languages are written using different scripts but there are striking similarities between the two. Often the difference is one of pronunciation.

The Hebrew word for peace is pronounced as shalom. In Arabic it is salaam. Where a Jew will say 'shalom aleichem' an Arab will say 'salaam aleikum'. Both mean 'peace be with you'. The Hebrew for blessing is baruch, in Arabic, barack. The names of the Hebrew numbers are almost identical to their Arabic counterparts.

Knowledge of one of the two languages simplifies the learning of the other. Both languages are thought to have originated from the same source, and have been written since about 3000 BCE. Although a different script is used for the two languages, the names of the letters share a certain similarity and neither has vowels as part of the alphabet. Interestingly, the term 'alphabet' derives from the first two letters of the Hebrew alphabet - aleph and bet. All Semitic languages are written from right to left.

For many years, Hebrew became the language to the Torah and other books of the Old Testament. It was a language of study and prayer. Jews in the region began to speak Aramaic - another Semitic language with great similarities to both Hebrew and Arabic. Much of the Talmud is written in Aramaic, but Torah scholars do not have great difficulty in managing the transition.

With the rise of Zionism in the nineteenth century, Hebrew was revived as a spoken language. This resulted in changes to the grammar, and the infusion of new words to describe modern phenomena. Surprisingly, much of the new grammar corresponds to the grammatical changes that occurred in the use of Arabic over the last two millennia.

There are more than simple linguistic similarities between the two peoples. According to the Torah (and the Quran) both nations began with Abraham's two sons - Ishmael and Isaac. Ishmael was to father the Arab peoples and the nomadic tribes; while Isaac was the father of Jacob whose twelve sons defined the twelve tribes of Israel. Both peoples therefore have a common ancestry.

Islam and Judaism have many differences, but probably share more with each other than with Christianity. Each has retained the dietary laws. These include the killing of animals by cutting through the jugular vein. The method is painless and death is instant. The slaughterer requires specific training. The animal's blood must be drained before the meat is fit to eat. Not all animals are allowed to be eaten. The most famous of these is the pig.

Kosher food is considered halaal for Moslems, though the kosher laws are stricter than the laws of halaal thus precluding Jews from eating halaal food.

The laws governing burial are also similar, namely that the body should be buried on the day of death. Mourning procedures also have similarities.

Both religions place a strong emphasis on the giving of charity. Modesty is emphasised in dress and in the relations between men and women.

There have been historical times when the Jews thrived under Moslem rule. The greatest example was the Hebrew Golden Age in Spain. The Golden Age spanned the years between 900 and 1200 CE. This was a time of great Jewish intellectual achievements. The Jewish and Arab intellectual worlds stimulated each other producing astronomers, poets, philosophers, musicians and scientists. Although the Jews had to wear identifying clothing to distinguish them and were subjected to special taxation, they were free to pursue their own religion and studies. The Jews prospered and developed a strong culture which thrived until their expulsion from Spain in 1492.

For many centuries Jews lived in Arab countries and Arabic became their spoken language. Persecution was much more rare than in the Christian countries of Europe. In the modern era, the Jews of these Arab countries have let or been expelled.

Perhaps one of the keys to solving the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and the Palestinians is to emphasise what the two peoples have in common rather than their differences.

A visitor's guide to South Africa

South Africa is a mixture of cultures and traditions with much to offer the visitor. The mixture includes spectacular safaris and sightseeing, beach holidays and visits to great cities. South Africa is a mix of Western, African and Asian cultures.

The local currency is the rand. The strength of the currency varies from time to time but even when the rand is strong, it tends to favour the visitor. At the time of writing you will get about R8 for US $1 or R13 for 1.

Accommodation is available in a number of hotel chains including the outstanding Southern Sun, the Hilton, many independent establishments. There are also a wide variety of guest houses, guest farms and other accommodation. Rates vary from one establishment to another depending the ratings and demand. The most expensive rates are available during the December peak season (December 15 to January 5) which is the South African summer school holidays. SA-Venues.com provides a useful guide to rates and accommodation. Hotel accommodation is available from under R300 per person per night (about US $30) to over R2000 (US $200). Many establishments offer self catering options.

Getting around the country is best achieved using a combination of air and road. Car hire is widely available in all the major centres. Public transport is limited. The Blue Train offers a luxurious 'old-style' fully catered train that takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes between Pretoria and Cape Town. Good food is accompanied with the finest wines. A holiday in itself.

South Africa is home to people originating in all four corners of the globe. The variety of restaurants reflects this diversity catering for almost all tastes. Almost every type of cuisine is available in the many restaurants that include classic French, Italian, Thai, English, Indian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, African and South African dining experiences. Many on-line restaurant guides are available includingWhat2Night. By international standards, South African restaurants are very inexpensive.

The South African braai or barbecue is always popular. Beef steaks, lamb, chicken or fish is cooked over a charcoal grill accompanied with boerewors which is a South African sausage made according to the butcher's own recipe.

Special dietary requirements are available in many centres. Halaal food is very widely available while kosher food is available in more localised areas.

South Africa has eleven official languages. English is most widely used and most people have at least a smattering of English.

Located on the Southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is flanked by the Indian Ocean on the East and the Atlantic on the west. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, the summer months include December to February and winter months include June to August.

Cape Town is cosmopolitan and sophisticated boasting a wide range of world-class hotels. The climate is Mediterranean with hot dry summers and wet winters. The latest of these is the One&Only seven star resort which opened in April 2009.

Cape Town is a picturesque city blessed with beautiful beaches on the warm Indian Ocean and the icy Atlantic. Table Mountain dominates the city wherever you happen to be. Table Mountain resembles a table especially when covered by a white cloud 'table cloth'.

Robben Island lies just off the Cape coast. It played host to Nelson Mandela as a former maximum security prison. Today, Robben Island has become a major tourist destination and is worth a visit. The island is reached by ferry and tours are inexpensive.

Restaurants and theatre of all types abound. Cape Town is in the heart of the South African wine lands and a popular wine tour is an inexpensive way to experience the rich variety of South African wines.

The Victoria and Albert Waterfront is a not to be missed venue. Sit at one of the many restaurants overlooking the harbour and watch the ships come and go.

One of the highlights of the Cape Town year is the annual Coon Carnival' on the first and second of January.

Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and the business centre of the country. Situated on the high veld at 6000 feet above sea level, it features hot wet summers and dry mild winters. Johannesburg hosts a number of good restaurants and theatres. The Market theatre is known as one of the leading fringe theatres in the country and has staged a number of award winning shows over the years.

Johannesburg is host to a number of world class casinos. The best of these is Monte Casino which includes a theatre, cinemas, curiosity shops, fashion retailers, night clubs and restaurants. It is also the home of a bird sanctuary and an upmarket hotel.

A visit to the Constitutional Court is a must. This was built on the old Fort prison that played host to Nelson Mandela amongst others. During the apartheid years, the prison was known as Sun City. Nelson Mandela was amongst the many well known guests of this establishment. A guided tour is strongly recommended. The court has been built using some stunning and innovative architecture and houses an impressive art collection.

While Johannesburg does experience a high level of crime most people are able to go about their business on a day to day basis with little trouble.

The African Craft Market takes place every Sunday at the Rosebank Mall and is a must for any visitor looking for African crafts and mementos. The Apartheid Museum provides a perspective on the history of South Africa. It is located near the Gold Reef City Theme Park and casino.

Soweto has been home to many of the South African leaders and is worth a visit. Guided tours are available to take you to the most interesting parts.

Some of the earliest known humanoids have been found in South Africa. The Cradle of Humankind was developed to celebrate this. The Cradle has been developed into a major resort offering accommodation, guided tours conference facilities, and much more.

200 kilometres away from Johannesburg is the spectacular Sun City casino resort. The resort features a number of hotels ranging from the Cabanas to the Palace of the Lost City and self-catering chalets in the Vacation Club. The Palace is a not to be missed African dream with its own legends and a man made sea with real waves. Top class restaurants are the order of the day. Bordering on Sun City is the Pilansberg Game reserve which is well worth a tour.

Durban is South Africa's third largest city on the Indian Ocean. It boasts a spectacular aquarium at Shaka's Rock in the form of a ship wreck. The harbour area is also being developed as a popular night spot. To the north are the quiet resorts of Umhlanga and St Lucia boasting beautiful white sand beaches. Durban has a sub-tropical climate and is generally warm throughout the year. It is a popular winter destination as it remains warm throughout the year.

Durban and the nearby Umhlanga Rocks are popular destinations for surfers. To the north and south of Durban are many miles of beautiful beaches and quiet resorts.

South Africa has developed many game reserves. The larges of these is the Kruger Park. This is in malaria territory so precautions are required. The park is home to lions, elephants, rhino, crocodiles, hippos, springboks, wildebeest and a whole range of other animal and bird species. Luxury accommodation is available at various parts of the park which is about the size of Wales. The best time to view the wildlife is in the early morning, before the heat of the day drives the animals to seek shelter.

South Africa is aboPublish Postut to host the FIFA World Cup in 2010. Apart from the many new stadiums that have been built for this event, the road networks around the country are being upgraded to cope with higher traffic volumes.

Many visitors to South Africa return to experience the country again. South Africa is a worthwhile and affordable place to visit.

Trade and free markets - how they improve our standard of living and promote freedom

Free trade is an ideal that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has been striving to achieve since its inception 60 years ago. The WTO has led the way towards a freer international trading environment. Trading barriers have been broken down and globalisation of various industries has taken place on a vast scale. International trade is at an all time high.

Many agreements have been reached between member states over successive rounds of WTO conferences. But many of these conferences have been plagued by passionate demonstrations and protests. The reasons for the protests are largely a result of the skewed implementation of free-trade that favours the rich at the expense of the poor.

The unfair implementation of free trade is a problem that has plagued the WTO from its inception. The champions of free trade strive to eliminate tariffs and unfair practices by other countries while maintaining an unfair advantage at home.

The huge agricultural subsidies applied by the United States and the European Union are the prime example of unfair trading practices. Subsidies result in over-production and the subsequent "dumping" of surplus produce on world markets. By contrast, developing countries are expected to reduce or eliminate tariffs on imports,

The result is therefore skewed. The developing world cannot hope to compete against agricultural subsidies that dwarf their entire economy. Unable to provide subsidies in their own countries, various GATT agreements ensure that imported goods often highly subsidised - are available duty free in these countries.

Prior to the establishment of the WTO many countries operated varying degrees of protectionism. High tariffs and duties were imposed on imports. In some cases additional restrictions such as import quotas were imposed over and above the tariffs.

Many of these tariffs and restrictions have been removed over the years. However, there are some notable exceptions. One of these is China which maintains a protected economy coupled with an artificial exchange rate. As a result Chinese goods are currently flooding world markets unimpeded. The results are good for China, but can seriously undermine the ability of certain industries to compete against artificially low prices.

Free trade is a system that encourages each country to produce and export what it is best at. If applied fairly and universally, free trade should benefit all.

At present, trade is skewed in favour of the rich and powerful, able to subsidise their own producers. For all intents and purposes, subsidies imply a degree of protectionism that works against free trade. Some countries have not signed the various WTO agreements but enjoy the benefits of being able to export to other countries unimpeded.

Free trade will work properly when the rules are applied equally to all. In the current environment, some countries are more equal than others.

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