Saturday, March 23, 2013

Will Zimbabwe's Constitutional Referendum Prevent Another Mugabe?

Last week in Zimbabwe was the much needed constitutional referendum, as political leaders have expressed a desire to limit presidential powers in the country. Spearheading the constitution is Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, a key leader in the opposition of Robert Mugabe. The referendum addressed much needed issues, particularly pertaining to government powers. Now there is a clearly defined separation of judicial and presidential powers, as well as term limits, a clause granting the president only what has been included in the constitution, and prevention of the president from appointing whomever he choses to office. Proponents like Freedomhouse.org say that this is a crucial step towards democracy in Zimbabwe, while detractors say that low voter turnout deter the credibility of the bill. Only time will tell if the new constitution truly helps the fragile country turn itself around.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Malibu is the Coolest (Pics)


I stumbled on this place a while back while going North on PCH. It's over a hill, and the view just as you're coming over is beautiful when it is clear.
After a little bit of relaxing I snap a few photos of the area

As I follow the stream of water it becomes greener and filled with more trash and bits of concrete. I then look up and see this

HOLY SHIT THIS IS COOL

Oh, FYI, there were slabs of concrete chillin' right next to the tunnel
So I ventured through and on the other side was a basically untouched, despite being next to a road.
And later I ran across what seemed like an ideal place for druggies to hang out
If you see this place as well, please check it out. It's gorgeous and I haven't even explored half of it.


Is Government Necessary Now?


The idea of an independent population stemmed from the necessity for people to band together pool resources for survival, which required said persons to be in each other's physical proximity to coordinate the whole thing.  But in the advent of mass communication, and especially computers, people from accross the world can talk with each other almost instantly.

The only physically manifestations of the government are that of aggression; police and the military. They can act frequently outside the law, or within less restrictive laws simply because they wear a badge. Both are used as coercive force. If you disagree with the government, you get shot, arrested, or fined regardless if the deed is morally sound or not. However, I disagree with this amount of aggression, and personally I believe that people are capable of enforcing peace and tranquility without the use of individuals with lesser consequences. If constant enforcement was necessary  then how can suburbs or even unenforced society function? If by people's very nature was to be selfish, then a government couldn't exist in the first place; Society couldn't be controlled. A long time ago we used to differentiate between nations and states, but now I believe we do not need the state. What do you think?