THIS IS BAD NEWS! MUST I `EAT CROW'?
A reliable friend in Zimbabwe is patently angry with me for `blogging' re my feeling upbeat about Morgan Tsvangirai's overseas visit and my welcoming his prospects for persuading his audiences that he will bring change to Zimbabwe. Here is my worthy friend's argument:
"We would like to see how/why you can feel upbeat, even vaguely; but we cannot afford to go online to read blogs any more at US42 cents a minute! As far as we and most people we know, things are worse by the day-----water (despite amounts of aid unseen for years), electricity, phones , violent crime (we have spent more on security in last 4 months than in previous 40 years) , inflation (only country in world to have inflation in real terms), extortionate charges by government, parastatals, utilities etc, decline in economic activity ([a family business], amongst many, closing down--worst 4 months ever), corruption, farm-grabbing, harassment of MDC members, civil society groups, journalists etc etc. Mr T and MDC are delusional and ineffective, their MPs unapproachable and out of touch with their supporters and reality; the only issue on which they have been vocal, forthright and united is the affront they have suffered by being given twincabs instead of something superior (i.e. Mercedes). The only exception to this sorry state is Coltart who has had some impact in education.
The current joke doing the rounds is that despite all this, Eddie Cross still writes interestingly------but about another country. They are losing urban support by the day and our ZANUPF acquaintances becoming quietly confident that if there is no dramatic change they will be able to win next election even without tricks.
The jeering at Southwark Cathedral is indicative of general feeling here. Of course one still hopes all this will change but what is the evidence out there, that we don't see here, that it might? What we saw on TV today was'nt it."
My previous blog, `Tsvangirai Telegenic..etc' was greeted by the rest of the folk I sent it to, with no comment. Does this silence speak volumes?
I will keep this missive short and await more commentary from those on the spot who clearly know better than I just how much hope there is or is not for the current regime in Zimbabwe.
In conclusion I must repeat, however, that the image of Robert Mugabe and his cronies basking in the sunshine of goodwill that warms Morgan and the MDC is not a pretty one.
Copyright © 2004 Diana Mitchell
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