It's a Tough Country!

04 Sept 09

They're not impressed:

On 1 Aug 09, Tom Siebel, a CA billionaire (Silicon Valley) touring in East Africa (Tanzania) was injured during an attack by a wild elephant. He is expected to mostly recover, but he suffered multiple broken bones and lacerations.

Siebel indicated that he and a guide were peacefully observing a herd of elephants at a distance of 200m, when one abruptly charged them, covering the distance in seconds. Both Siebel and his guide were grievously injured as a result.

They are lucky to have lived through it!

Comment: Those elephants don't care whom you are! As I've discovered, and reconfirmed several times, Africa is a rough, unforgiving, dangerous place, not to be traveled lightly.

From bacteria, to bugs, to dangerous game, to local thugs, everything in Africa is out to get you, and whatever title or status your may enjoy over here does not impress them in the least. They couldn't care less!

To them, you're just lunch, and nothing more!

It's a tough country. It's a tough world!

/John

Never Marry for Money!

04 Sept 09

"Grant" money?

The corrupt city government of a small eastern AR town, that is withering on the vine, finally unraveled yesterday. A local police officer, in an apparent fit of rage, shot the fire chief, inside a local courtroom, as the fire chief was contesting a traffic ticket! The same bullet that struck the fire chief also hit another police officer. The fire chief is in the hospital. The injured police officer was treated and released. Status of the officer who did the shooting is unknown.

The city has a total population of less than two hundred, yet its police force consists of seven, full-time officers! It is not anywhere near big enough to have even one full-time officer, but (mis)using federal "grant money," one was created.

Scandals began immediately, mostly involving speed-traps. Citizens complain bitterly that it takes hours to get a patrol vehicle to respond to an emergency, because they're all out desperately trying to fill ticket quotas, often miles away from town.

One result is that all retail businesses, and most productive citizens, have abandoned the city and moved elsewhere. Weeks ago, the city's last commercial business closed up for good. Meanwhile, the city's police vehicles, and a fire truck, have been repossessed for lack of payment.

In the wake of the shooting incident, the "chief" has disbanded his force. The "mayor" is no where to be found. Questions with regard to what has happened to traffic-ticket revenue are unanswered. Any guesses?

To his credit, a local judge has precipitously thrown out all traffic tickets written by the department.

Comment: Knavery and corruption follow "grant" money like snakes follow mice! Money, suddenly placed into the hands of those who didn't earn it and don't appreciate it, seldom accomplishes anything worthwhile, and is never spent well! The vast majority is invariably wasted or stolen.

"Giving money" to people who have done nothing to earn it, and don't deserve it, is always bad practice, because the money was taken from good people who did earn it and do deserve it! In fact, government "grant money" amounts to little more than a bribe.

When offered money you didn't earn, and to which you otherwise have no right, it is best to refuse it, as there are always strings attached, and political favors that are expected. You will become little more than a petty thief, along with bureaucrats who run the program, and seedy politicians who create it.

Old Chinese Proverb:

"Never marry for money. You can borrow it far cheaper!"

/John