EARL’S WORLD---15
Viet Nam----Closure? What has happened here since July, 1973? On that date at the Paris Peace Accord, Ho Chi Minh took charge, North and South were united, the communist party ruled.
This country, along the coast of South East Asia has had a 4000 year struggle for peace as an independent county. China dominated it for a 1000 years. It was a French colony until 1954. For 25 years the US was involves in various efforts to stabilize the country as a democracy. In 1960 the Liberation Front was organized in the north and Ho Chi Minh attacked the south. The United States, seeing the probability of communism taking over South East Asia, facing the “domino” effect occurring, sent military advisors into the south to support defense against the North. Russian military materials were supporting the communist forces (Viet Cong). By 1965 US Marines were wading ashore at Danang. Bombings of villages and jungle warfare continued as over a half million troops were in Viet Nam and ultimately 58,000 Americans succumbed and over a million South Viet Namese, many civilians, were killed.
By 1973 antiwar movement in the US had succeeded and military forces began with drawing ground forces.
The country put in place a communist government, a president, 12 man council, harsh treatment of the south Viet Namese survivors, and the confiscation of land. The socialization of the country proceeded rapidly but was an economic disaster. Depression set in and modeling on China the country moved to a more capitalistic form of business and trade. The country’s growth has been phenomenal. It is now the world’s 12th largest economy. Modern cities have risen, tourism is big business, over 400 American companies are established in the nation. There is still some internal stress within the country, but relationship with the US is good. The “American War” is broadly memorialized. Is there Closure?
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
EARL'S WORLD
EARL’S WORLD----14
INCREDIBLE INDIA----Indeed it is. Having docked here in Chennia for the past 6 days and explored the city (India’s fourth largest) and the south coast the only word that comes to mind is “excessive”. The burden of over-population is apparent everywhere, the city streets, the beaches, the parks, even the countryside is laden with people. Streets and highways are bound tight with motor cycles, scooters, bikes, pedestrians, trucks and buses. There is color however, especially the women in their bright sari. Men are in their white shirts and shorts or trousers. South of the city the huge, new manufacturing plants appear reflecting globalization: Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, and auto plants: GM, Tata,
Hyundia. Employees are transported by packed Ashkon-Leyland buses.
Over population is still the number one social problem in the country in spite of the government’s efforts to control it for the past 30 years. The “one child per family” has failed where it has somewhat succeeded is China. Birth control measures are available free in India. Abortion has been available since 1970. In spite of these measures India will succeeded China in a few years with over 1.3 billion people.
Medical services in India are exceptionally good by world standards. All are covered by either private or government insurance. The government doesn’t run the hospitals but does provide insurance for the poor. India has a public-private partnership.
The Medical schools are excellent and many physicians are practicing in other countries, including the US. ----Earl.
INCREDIBLE INDIA----Indeed it is. Having docked here in Chennia for the past 6 days and explored the city (India’s fourth largest) and the south coast the only word that comes to mind is “excessive”. The burden of over-population is apparent everywhere, the city streets, the beaches, the parks, even the countryside is laden with people. Streets and highways are bound tight with motor cycles, scooters, bikes, pedestrians, trucks and buses. There is color however, especially the women in their bright sari. Men are in their white shirts and shorts or trousers. South of the city the huge, new manufacturing plants appear reflecting globalization: Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, and auto plants: GM, Tata,
Hyundia. Employees are transported by packed Ashkon-Leyland buses.
Over population is still the number one social problem in the country in spite of the government’s efforts to control it for the past 30 years. The “one child per family” has failed where it has somewhat succeeded is China. Birth control measures are available free in India. Abortion has been available since 1970. In spite of these measures India will succeeded China in a few years with over 1.3 billion people.
Medical services in India are exceptionally good by world standards. All are covered by either private or government insurance. The government doesn’t run the hospitals but does provide insurance for the poor. India has a public-private partnership.
The Medical schools are excellent and many physicians are practicing in other countries, including the US. ----Earl.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
BURIAL AT SEA
The ashes of Thomas Skokam, 26 year old son of faculty member, Semester at Sea, Kathy Skokam, were spread upon the waters of the Indian Ocean on October 21, 2009, his mother’s birthday.
Friends, shipmates gathered at 6:30 AM on the aft deck of the ship as the sun was just breaking from behind the clouds. The ocean waters were be-calmed as the ship was passing over the equator on it’s northern journey. The horizon at every point of the compass was fringed with low, white clouds, like frosting on a cake.
As friends gathered the choir sang “Morning Has Broken” just as a bit of the rainbow appeared in the southern sky. Thomas’s favorite poem, by Robert Frost was read and a eulogy was spoken. The great ship reduced it’s speed and made a giant circle, calming the waters as Thomas’s mother released his ashes and a bouquet of flowers upon the sea.
As their names were read 50 other deceased friends and family members were
memorialized as flowers were cast onto the waters.
The choir sang a poem “Take me in” written by a friend of Thomas. A poem, “Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not dead, I do not sleep,” was read.
In a long moment of quietness and reflection the ship straightened her course and resumed her speed. Morning had broken------
I had brought my life as far as this,
Stone vowed to the liquid elements,
Further off than the Islands,
Lower than the waves.
The ashes of Thomas Skokam, 26 year old son of faculty member, Semester at Sea, Kathy Skokam, were spread upon the waters of the Indian Ocean on October 21, 2009, his mother’s birthday.
Friends, shipmates gathered at 6:30 AM on the aft deck of the ship as the sun was just breaking from behind the clouds. The ocean waters were be-calmed as the ship was passing over the equator on it’s northern journey. The horizon at every point of the compass was fringed with low, white clouds, like frosting on a cake.
As friends gathered the choir sang “Morning Has Broken” just as a bit of the rainbow appeared in the southern sky. Thomas’s favorite poem, by Robert Frost was read and a eulogy was spoken. The great ship reduced it’s speed and made a giant circle, calming the waters as Thomas’s mother released his ashes and a bouquet of flowers upon the sea.
As their names were read 50 other deceased friends and family members were
memorialized as flowers were cast onto the waters.
The choir sang a poem “Take me in” written by a friend of Thomas. A poem, “Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not dead, I do not sleep,” was read.
In a long moment of quietness and reflection the ship straightened her course and resumed her speed. Morning had broken------
I had brought my life as far as this,
Stone vowed to the liquid elements,
Further off than the Islands,
Lower than the waves.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
EARL’S WORLD---13
The stage is set for the last half of our voyage and our courses are focused on India and China, the world’s largest democracy, and the world’s largest and fastest growing economy. They contain one third of the world’s population and their economies are growing in double digit rates. They are spear heading the globalization movement.
India is governed by 3.2 million elected local officials and 5000 legislators in 27 states, three of which are communist. China’s authority is a national council of 12 persons and
a president elected by the council. The two countries are at peace with each other but
there are issues of stress. The three contentious issues are border problems involving some minorities, the nuclear arms issues, and the Tibetan government in exile in India. A major problem in China besides environmental pollution is migration of masses to the cities. There are 36 cities in China with over a million people. Both countries are producing adequate food but they are struggling for energy sources. China is relying heavily on coal and that accounts for it’s deadly air pollution. China had strengthened its education in lower grades. India is increasing it’s higher education, 25% of whom are getting degrees in high tech subjects. And that bit for background.
.
The stage is set for the last half of our voyage and our courses are focused on India and China, the world’s largest democracy, and the world’s largest and fastest growing economy. They contain one third of the world’s population and their economies are growing in double digit rates. They are spear heading the globalization movement.
India is governed by 3.2 million elected local officials and 5000 legislators in 27 states, three of which are communist. China’s authority is a national council of 12 persons and
a president elected by the council. The two countries are at peace with each other but
there are issues of stress. The three contentious issues are border problems involving some minorities, the nuclear arms issues, and the Tibetan government in exile in India. A major problem in China besides environmental pollution is migration of masses to the cities. There are 36 cities in China with over a million people. Both countries are producing adequate food but they are struggling for energy sources. China is relying heavily on coal and that accounts for it’s deadly air pollution. China had strengthened its education in lower grades. India is increasing it’s higher education, 25% of whom are getting degrees in high tech subjects. And that bit for background.
.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Earl’s World—10
Where in the world is Maruritius? is what many of you may be asking. It is a group of volcanic islands just west of Madagascar, near the east coast of Africa. Long ago is was a stopping port for shipping across the Indian Ocean from Africa to India and Asia, settled first by the Dutch, then the French and lastly the British. It become an exporting country when sugar plantations were established. The British transported 5000
Indians (Asian) to the island to work the fields so they make up a high percentage of the population. The next highest are the Creole people, mix of Black and French.
This was the last home of the Dodo bird which went extinct in late 1700’s when the Dutch killed and ate the last Dodo on the planet. Mauritius has an Olympic Gold Metal for boxing in the last Olympics. Then it is famous for the world’s most beautiful beaches and a mild temperature. There is no indigenous population as it was uninhabited when first settled by the Dutch. The island caters to the tourist trade today so markets, hotels, beaches, villas are many. Plus and airport.
The Explorer, our ship, stops here for three days of R and R so it should be a fun time. We are at about the half way point of our travels and more serious class time, and visits to other cultures lie ahead in India, Viet Nam, China and Japan.
Where in the world is Maruritius? is what many of you may be asking. It is a group of volcanic islands just west of Madagascar, near the east coast of Africa. Long ago is was a stopping port for shipping across the Indian Ocean from Africa to India and Asia, settled first by the Dutch, then the French and lastly the British. It become an exporting country when sugar plantations were established. The British transported 5000
Indians (Asian) to the island to work the fields so they make up a high percentage of the population. The next highest are the Creole people, mix of Black and French.
This was the last home of the Dodo bird which went extinct in late 1700’s when the Dutch killed and ate the last Dodo on the planet. Mauritius has an Olympic Gold Metal for boxing in the last Olympics. Then it is famous for the world’s most beautiful beaches and a mild temperature. There is no indigenous population as it was uninhabited when first settled by the Dutch. The island caters to the tourist trade today so markets, hotels, beaches, villas are many. Plus and airport.
The Explorer, our ship, stops here for three days of R and R so it should be a fun time. We are at about the half way point of our travels and more serious class time, and visits to other cultures lie ahead in India, Viet Nam, China and Japan.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
EARL’S WORLD---9
We are leaving Africa now and hugging the east coast before making a more north western turn towards Mauritius Islands. South Africa is into it’s 19th year post apartheid and governed by it’s third black president. The country is graded in the top 10 countries in Africa so far as it is being governed. There are many issues yet to be resolved as unemployment is high, black entrepreneurship is very limited, and the many township are festering with over crowding, lack of electricity, jobs and high birth rates. At least the people in Ghana seemed happy in their “misery” but there is more of an expectancy of better things to come in South Africa. Twelve percent of the population is infected with AID, and it is spread by heterosexual contact mostly. The migration of professionals (Doctors,Engineers) to other countries is a tragic drain. Capetown is a prospering city but the wealth is in white ownership. It must be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
We are leaving Africa now and hugging the east coast before making a more north western turn towards Mauritius Islands. South Africa is into it’s 19th year post apartheid and governed by it’s third black president. The country is graded in the top 10 countries in Africa so far as it is being governed. There are many issues yet to be resolved as unemployment is high, black entrepreneurship is very limited, and the many township are festering with over crowding, lack of electricity, jobs and high birth rates. At least the people in Ghana seemed happy in their “misery” but there is more of an expectancy of better things to come in South Africa. Twelve percent of the population is infected with AID, and it is spread by heterosexual contact mostly. The migration of professionals (Doctors,Engineers) to other countries is a tragic drain. Capetown is a prospering city but the wealth is in white ownership. It must be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
EARL’S WORLD—8
Approaching South Africa. One of the most beautiful harbors in the world is Capetown and approaching it from the sea is spectacular. It is a natural harbor at the base of Table Mountain and the ship is tied up so close to the heart of the city no transportation is needed to visit the malls or restaurants. Most of the students are heading for safaris.
Capetown is populated by more ethnic groups than any city we’ll visit: Blacks, Colored. Afrikanos, Whites, Dutch, Germans, and Asian Indians make up the Rainbow Coalition. The South African flag is designed with multiple colors to reflect this diversity.
The abolishment of apartheid was as daunting a task as was the abolishment of slavery in the United States. Apartheid laws created by a white society keep blacks disenfranchised for generations. Under these laws Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island for 27 years. He was released by President De Clerk in 1990 and became head of the ANC. African National Congress. A general election was held and he was elected President. Mandela became and international hero, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Under Mandela’s presidency a new constitution was adopted and a break down of the walls of segregation began. He pushed through a five year reconciliation plan, appointed a white majority Supreme Court and released many political prisoners. It is factual that he was able to get the new government launched with some success.
Approaching South Africa. One of the most beautiful harbors in the world is Capetown and approaching it from the sea is spectacular. It is a natural harbor at the base of Table Mountain and the ship is tied up so close to the heart of the city no transportation is needed to visit the malls or restaurants. Most of the students are heading for safaris.
Capetown is populated by more ethnic groups than any city we’ll visit: Blacks, Colored. Afrikanos, Whites, Dutch, Germans, and Asian Indians make up the Rainbow Coalition. The South African flag is designed with multiple colors to reflect this diversity.
The abolishment of apartheid was as daunting a task as was the abolishment of slavery in the United States. Apartheid laws created by a white society keep blacks disenfranchised for generations. Under these laws Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island for 27 years. He was released by President De Clerk in 1990 and became head of the ANC. African National Congress. A general election was held and he was elected President. Mandela became and international hero, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Under Mandela’s presidency a new constitution was adopted and a break down of the walls of segregation began. He pushed through a five year reconciliation plan, appointed a white majority Supreme Court and released many political prisoners. It is factual that he was able to get the new government launched with some success.
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