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Comments we received from readers - January 20 - 27, 2024



54 mins ago
Bravo!!!!
Good on you and Gabi
2 days ago
Agreed. The General Auditor for Kenya confirmed estimates that approx 1/3 of the national budget is lost to corruption.
In Response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
Jan 25, 2024
👏
Ramesh Shrestha commented on "Surviving capitalism: Ramesh Shrestha"
Jan 25, 2024
You must be among the lucky ones, Detlef.
In Response to a comment by Detlef Palm
Thanks for sharing, time to expedite the process of change allowing aggression to continue if perpetrated by one of the countries with veto powers. Baquer
Ramesh, I don’t know where you live, but much of what you say does not apply to the community where I live.
I just got this email from Sawa-san with the good news about Tetesuko's successful new book and also that her book Totto-chan has been produced as an animation film. I had previously suggested it would be nice to get a film version of that lovely story, but she felt it was already known to everyone.

Anyhow, Sam Koo said that the NYT article is a "belated tribute". Tetsuko actually turned 93 last August, so she has "only" seven to reach 100. Hope you continue feeling "forever young" (as Rod Stewart sang)
Horst

Dear Mr. Cerni,

My sincere apologies for the belated thank you for your message.
I took the liberty of sharing it with Tetsuko-san.

Her new book, about her childhood experiences during the war, came out in October last year and has been on the top of the best-selling book list ever since, According to a newspaper report, more than 500,000 copies have been sold in a little over two months.

Also, the original “Totto-chan” book, has been made into an animation film and was released on 8 December 2023.
Best regards,
Nagayo Sawa

Thank you Vivian and Tom. Sudan is a country which is as big as all of Western Europe. It is abundantly rich in mineral resources, including vast reserves of gold, and rich in agriculture and animal husbandry. With a modem of stability, it could become a leading powerhouse in Africa and in the Middle East. But it has been bedeviled by wars and instability. The vast majority of its people outside the main cities are so poor that a pick or a shovel or a goat signify wealth, so where is the money to buy weapons coming from? Where are the weapons coming from? The UN is right in placing an embargo on supplying weapons to Sudan. Follow the money and you will find who is stirring instability. Everyone wants a piece of the Sudan pie. Habib
Jan 24, 2024
While the elderly may be very worried about UNICEF, the UN agency for children should probably not unduly worry about the issues of the elderly. I also see some societal responsibility towards every child, even across border, while decisions of how to die remain a rather individual matter.
Fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me does not seem to resonate in the US.
Philippe, let me add my sadness at you and your family's losing Penny. She will always be lovingly remembered by those of us who knew her. My condolences.
My heartfelt condolences to Philippe and the family; may her soul rest in peace
I learned from dear Kul Gautam about my affectionate and energetic first supervisor and mentor, in UNICEF, Paul Ignatieff, departure from our earthly life. I remember that half a century ago, in my first assignment in UNICEF, which happened to be in Phnom Penh, as an administrative officer, the demands and pressure of work during the escalating and ferocious Khmer Rouge guerillas war, were quite heavy and I was not sure if my work met Paul’s expectations. I submitted my resignation to Paul which he rejected outright. He assured me in a humanly, affectionate, and sincere conversation that he appreciated my work and assured me of his full support to serve and strengthen the cohesion of our small team working well together under very difficult circumstances. Thanks to Paul support and incredibly hard work and to his wife Katharine generosity and kindness in welcoming our small team at their home in Phnom Penh, from time to time, we were able to serve our mandate until the fall of Phnom Penh under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. I discovered the true Paul Ignatieff with a tender, emotional, loving, and big heart during the days before and after the fall of Phnom Penh in the hands of the brutal Khmer Rouge. We were the last two UNICEF team who remained in Phnom Penh hoping to continue UNICEF mandate of caring for and supporting the suffering children and their parents in Cambodia. Paul instructed me to distribute big sacks of rice to our local colleagues as the Khmer rouge were advancing to capture Phnom Penh. Soon after, Phnom Penh was occupied by the Khmer Rouge, we became refugees in the French embassy with hundreds of other foreign residents in Phnom Penh. We were accommodated in one room with other heads of UN agencies and one famous journalist, the late Sydney Sandberg of The NY Times, who later participated in producing the Killing Fields movie. Paul cared for me as an elderly brother who looks after his younger brother. We witnessed together with tears in our eyes the evacuation of at least two million residents including children, the old, sick, and handicapped civilians out of Phnom Penh which fell into an eerie silence. A few weeks later after we lost hope of being evacuated out of the country, the Khmer rouge ordered us to be ready for our departure from Phnom Penh. What we went through created a strong bond and mutuel affection between Paul and me. Paul continued to support my career in UNICEF whenever his advice was sought.

Having witnessed the unbearable suffering and death of civilians at the hands of the cruel Khmer rouge , I must express my pride to see today how UNICEF continued to show its boldness in advocating for protecting and caring for the innocent children caught during the brutal ongoing bombardments in Gaza.

My deep condolences to Paul’s wife, dearest Katharine, their children and their families. May you, dearest and kindest heart Paul, rest in eternal peace.

Dear Katherine, our sincere condolences. Paul was a good friend and excellent colleague. We were both posted at HQ at the same time in the early 1980's. We are so sorry for your loss. God bless. We especially remember our trip to your castle during the UNICEF reunion in Edenborough, Scotland. Your hospitality is remembered.
So deeply saddaned to learn about the passing away of Penny. We have so many fond memories together which goes back to 1970s. She was very warm, friendly and caring person. Jinnat joins me in sending our sincere condolences to you Phillipe, Nick and Natacha for your great loss.
With this background - another four years of Trump is outright scary
Grateful to Andre and all
I agree with Moncef's action points
In Response to a comment by David Bassiouni
Greetings Andre
I join the others in appreciation for your diligence and heart. Now is the time for our group to take two concrete actions as unconditional support for Israel is beginning to show cracks.
1 An open letter to Biden from all living UNICEF USGs ans ASGs. If agreed could Rima help mobilize her peers? We could exclude Veneman if that is the feeling of a majority of members of our group.
2 An open letter from Xunicef to Jill Biden. If agreed I can circulate a draft.
Moncef
Moncef
In Response to a comment by Esther Guluma
All empires implode.. history has shown a 100% score on this event
While the author paints a bleak picture of American society and attributes its issues to various factors such as the shift in power dynamics, deregulation, and political strategies, it's essential to scrutinize and question the argument for a more nuanced understanding. Here are several points to consider:

Global Comparison: The argument focuses primarily on issues within the United States but fails to acknowledge that other economically rich countries also face challenges. Pointing out specific issues in the U.S. without comparing them to similar problems in other nations can create a skewed perspective.

Selective Criticism: The argument does not explain why economically rich countries with similar or even worse issues aren't criticized to the same extent. If these problems are indicative of a societal collapse, one must question why countries with similar challenges, or even worse conditions, are not subjected to the same level of critique.

Diverse Factors: The author attributes the problems to specific events in the 1970s, such as the shift in power and deregulation. However, societal issues are multifaceted and often have complex causes that evolve over time. Pinning the blame on specific events may oversimplify the analysis.

Positive Indicators: The argument neglects positive indicators and aspects of American society, such as advancements in technology, medical research, and the overall standard of living. A comprehensive assessment should consider both the challenges and the achievements to present a balanced view.

Democratic Process: The author mentions that polls show most Americans want progressive change, indicating that the democratic process is still functioning. While the argument acknowledges mass protest movements, it does not fully explore the potential for change through existing democratic mechanisms and institutions.

Historical Comparisons: Comparing the current situation to the last years of the Soviet Union may be an exaggeration. The U.S. has a history of overcoming challenges and adapting to societal shifts. Drawing parallels with such a different political and economic system may not be entirely accurate.

Incomplete Examination of Solutions: The proposed solution of activism and labor militancy akin to the 1930s may not be the only viable path to positive change. The argument could benefit from a more comprehensive exploration of various approaches and strategies for addressing societal issues.

While the concerns raised by the author are valid and important to address, a more balanced analysis would consider global comparisons, acknowledge positive indicators, and explore a broader range of potential solutions. Additionally, the selective focus on the U.S. without addressing similar issues in other economically rich countries weakens the overall argument.
Andre, So very well said. Many of us growing up in the 40s, 50s and 60s were imbued with the image of the brave and righteous warrior defending the right and doing in the bad guys. While not ready to condemn all those in military service, I too nevertheless have come to view war as the ultimate failure of mankind in addressing the challenges of a world of many who or different from each other.
In Response to a comment by Esther Guluma
What a sad news the passing of my friend Paul Ignatieff. His departure is painful not only for his wife Katherine, his children and his family but also for his colleagues and friends particularly myself. Paul and I were bound by a solid friendship that began when he was the Director of Canada National Committee for UNICEF. I was invited to several meetings of the Committee to speak of UNICEF work in the field.

In November 1973 he was appointed as UNICEF Representative in Cambodia, his first posting. On his way to take up his assignment he stopped in Laos for a week where I just opened the UNICEF Office. We had a very good exchange on many challenges notably opening an office with minimal staff, the politically sensitive nature of UNICEF intervention in a conflict country and very important meeting the expectations of the UNICEF Executive Director and other Senior colleagues at HQs. I must say Paul felt deeply the responsibility associated with his role as UNICEF Representative and the tasks on which together with his colleagues they were embarking. For him it was also an opportunity to show his ability to rise to challenges. But his posting in Cambodia was short-lived when the Khmer Rouge had taken over Phnom Pen. They were then forced to close the Office.

We lost touch unfortunately as his assignments in different regions of the world than mine did not provide us any opportunity to get together.

I must say beautiful traits made up his personality. Besides his professional qualities and expertise, he has shown an uncompromising commitment to the cause of children both with the Canada National Committee and UNICEF as a staff member. Paul was a very pleasant and heartfelt person always ready to lend his support to friends and colleagues. In addition he enjoyed the niceties of life. His departure is indeed painful.

With my deepest sympathy to his wife Katherine and children.
May he rest in peace!
Fritz
Thanks Esther, indeed we should realize that the complexities of living together will never be resolved by some diplomatic gimmicks. We must look at our predicaments from a much broader point of view, driven by human values. War is the very negation of all human values. When we accept that a conflict can only be resolved by war, we accept to forget any human value. The idea that war is regulated by rules or laws is a fantasy.

I was born in Belgium, occupied by nazi Germany, in 1942. Just 10 days earlier, my father was arrested by the german police and subsequently died in a concentration camp, early 1945. My mother became a war widow at 28 with three children. Her message to me has been very simple: to go to war you need to be two and both very stupid ones! Her wish for me was to never be one of these two. To help me she sent me as a young boy to attend summer camps in Germany, to learn that the son is never guilty of his father's deeds and that revenge is always the seed of the next war.

Sorry to be maybe too personal, but my mother's message shaped my life until today. I was convinced in my young age as much as I am today, that war is NEVER a solution, but always a human failure.
Cheers
Andre
In Response to a comment by Esther Guluma
What's interesting are the numbers of refugees from the PRC and also India -- both middle income economies that were touted as global comers growing in economic and geo strategic clout. Sustainable economies can actually lock in inequity. At around more than 800 billion dollars per annum the U.S needs to keep defence spending high to stay ahead, perhaps that is why the politics are now more performative assertions of strength and exceptionalism. In a zero sum formulation the White working class's( complete with $75 000 trucks ) angst, increasingly feeling that the
other groups are eating their lunch -- MAGA is nothing but catering to those who want to reset the clock to the good old days when other groups knew their place in the queue. That's Trumps secret sauce.
Did you think that Achilles could not win the race against the tortoise? The understanding – and solving – of Zeno’s paradox may not help to predict whether developing countries will ever catch up, but helps to question seemingly irrefutable logic and so-called general truths.
So so sorry to hear of the passing of Paul Ignatieff .My condolences to Katherine and family. I knew Paul from my arrival in India in 1977 until his retirement many years later.We were always friends and apart from being great company, Paul was a capable Representative and senior staff member of UNICEF. Paul reflected the best traditions of UNICEF and with so many qualities and skills it is not easy to highlight a few but I would point to his sheer zeal and enthusiasm as well as his charm and ready sense of humour.Rest in Peace Paul.
Apart from JPG, Paul was the face, heart and soul of UNICEF in the late 1980s and early 1990s for those of us working at that time for the Australian Natcom. He guided me wisely in my transition from Sydney (Natcom) to Mogadiscio. My wife, Clare, and I are saddened by the news but retain such wonderful memories. Our deepest condolences to Katharine and the family.
Paul was a friend of the family while he served as the Representative in Sri Lanka. We are saddened by his demise and wish Katherine and family our condolences and deepest sympathies. May he RIP. Bertie Mendis
Ramesh Shrestha commented on "Celebrations by Horst Cerni"
Jan 21, 2024
Colours of life!
So so sorry to hear this. Paul was such a great person in so many ways. Stanley and I send warm thoughts and condolences to Kathrine and the rest of the family. RIP
The mass migration to the US perhaps says more about the countries the migrants come from than the US.
Jan 21, 2024
The credibility of UN Women has been severely damaged by the agency’s unwillingness to recognize and condemn the horrendous atrocities committed against Israeli women on October 7.
Unknown commented on "Celebrations by Horst Cerni"
Jan 21, 2024
Dear Horst: CHEERS!
Dear Andre,
Many thanks for availing to us in one e-mail a rich gem of great quotations of all times applicable to all areas of human endeavor,travails and success. I have saved your e-mail as a Ready Reference for any eventualities. God bless you.
David
Jan 21, 2024
Merci pour ce message cher Fritz. Message qui reflète l’esprit de Bujumbura les deux églises. De même pour toi et ceux qui te sont chers. Abrazos,
Umberto
Worrying and unfortunate news ..
Sad to hear that Paul traveled to the stardust. I had the privilege to work under his able and human leadership during his last years of his rich unicef career. RIP cher Paul.
Dear André. Many thanks for sharing these quotes. We need for them to be spread far and wide! Hope you're well!
Rest in peace paul. Condolences to Katherine and family. He was Unicef Rep in Colombo and kept us on our toes as we expanded operations. The office grew in size and program during his tenure. We enjoyed good times with the family at their claessen road house. He will be missed.
Indeed very sad to hear of Paul's passing. We worked together in Addis Ababa in the eighties, my first International posting during difficult times and when rebels took over and Tigray was liberated (Paul used to call it Ala Mater) . Paul was very warm and friendly Representative I have had among few and Katharine was such a calm, gentle and friendly person to all of us. Our Heartfelt condolences to Katharine and the family.
So very sad to learn about the passing of Paul Ignatieff - my first boss at UNICEF in Cambodia. We were both young, inexperienced and new to UNICEF in a dangerous duty station in the middle of a horrific war that was followed by the worst genocide since WWII. Paul was full of life, with boundless energy and great sense of humor. We built up a UNICEF team from scratch and ran a sizeable relief operation that benefited many women and children. Sadly, all our good work and contribution could not be sustained as the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime kicked out all foreigners and turned all of Cambodia into a huge concentarion camp as depicted in the chilling movie: The Killing Fields. Katharine Ignatieff became a "mother" to many of us united in a desperate situation in the country, but still trying to keep a ssense of normalcy to keep our sanity. Rest in peace, dear Paul, and heartfelt condolences to Katherine and the family.
Unknown commented on "Celebrations by Horst Cerni"
Jan 20, 2024
Dear Horst, this is celebration of life and a great medal you gained through unicef! Yoshi
UN Women reports that two Palestinian mothers have been killed by Israel every hour since October 7th. Is Jill Biden aware of that? I doubt it.
Thank you, I am pleased to note these profound comments. The "new lines on a multi-polar map" are being redrawn as I write this. Or as I see it, a bipolar world. China has already lined up North Korea, Russia, and Iran with Pakistan and perhaps Afghanistan waiting in the wings. Perhaps a motley lot, but a rather big lot. As regards India, they may be slightly behind, but could, I am sure, easily rope in small countries such as the US and UK. India already has a major influence in both the UK and the US with a Prime Minister in one and probably soon a president in the other. As for the rest, populous Nigeria may take the lead in setting up a None Aligned Movement and bring under its wings small counties in Europe and elsewhere.
Thank you Andre,
We can use these wonderful quotes from great humanist to take our humanitarian initiative forward. tks again. baquer
Dear Andre,

Thank you for sharing these wonderful quotes. We all should learn to live by these.
Best, Esther


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