To have a backbone is a popular, if slightly awkward, expression these days. I personally tend to find the term spineless a better way to describe a person with no backbone, but this is mere sementics.
All politicians and bureaucrats are expected have a backbone and a good display of the said bone is on view in the refusal of Akon's visa.
Akon hails from Senegal, in West Africa and as the election in Sri Lanka draws nearer another, worthy example of backbone is to be found on the other side of the African continent, in Sudan.
Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir threatened on Monday to expel international election monitors after they said that April's vote may have to be delayed.
"We brought these organisations from outside to monitor the elections, but if they ask for them to be delayed, we will throw them out," Bashir said in comments broadcast on State television.
"We wanted them to see the free and fair elections, but if they interfere in our affairs, we will cut their fingers off, put them under our shoes, and throw them out," Bashir added.
Truly inspiring leadership. Story taken from here.
4 comments:
I personally think this is utter stupidity. True Buddhism forgives ignorance.
If the said politicians have a backbone, they should hang Mangala Samaraweera for carrying a Buddha statue holding by its neck in public; after all he is from the South where “Sinhala-Buddhist extremism” is at its peak. He was not ignorant.
If we care about Buddhism and its righteousness, monks shouldn’t be in the Parliament engaging in physical battles with laymen.
Travel the world and one would see Buddha Bars, dishes named after Buddha etc, etc. Don’t go far, visit Paradise Gallery and see how Buddha Statutes are sold as domestic decor and ornaments.
Sorry, this whole Akon episode is utter BS; the country needs to rejuvenate its image. We shouldn’t be taking one step forward and two steps back.
Like I said, only my opinion. ;)
Thanks for the interesting comment Serendib ;)
Hmmm... Serendib has a point... I think that refusing the visa shows the govt. sawying to pressure rather than showing backbone.... spineless cnidarians, the lot of them! :)
Yes Angel, I see your point :)
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