"Patience is the companion of wisdom."
Saint Augustine
- Frankfurt Book Fair - September 14 2009
- London Book Fair, April 19-21 2010
- New York Book Fair, May 25-27 2010
- Stockholm Book Fair,Sept. 2010
- Beijing Book Fair,Aug 30-Sept3 2010
Media
Monthly Portrait - Obama, The President of the United States
70 years of diplomatic relationship
US President Barack Obama visits Australia in late March.
It is easy to be critical of Obama saying that he hasn’t achieved half of what he promised, but I don’t think people, who are criticizing him, realize the serious situation U.S are in. First and foremost financially, the U.S has a debt of close to 3 trillion dollars. Do you know how many zeros that is? It is 18! Believe me it has an impact when it comes after another figure. Anyway if you divide that figure amongst all Americans, 0 or 80 years of age it means that every one of them owes about 177.350 dollars. That is a lot of money to pay back. A careful calculation indicates that it will take about 20 years to be back on plus again. Personally, I think it will go a lot quicker since the Americans are known to be the country of entrepreneurs and innovations. I do believe that only in 5 years time people will talk about the American wonder! They may not be back on plus figure years, but they will certainly be on their way.
At the same Obama wants to develop America in to a welfare state, in respect of health care for everyone. That is very costly for a population of approximate 300 million, compare to Australia’s 21. At the same time it has to be done because I think that people are tired of empty promises. In all honesty, it is a shame for a country of the U.S size, culture, history etc. not to have it. Australia got it 1984 and Sweden 1955, just mentioning two countries I know very well.
Barack Obama, born August 4, 1961, is the 44th President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office.
Mr Obama will discuss defence, security and intelligence matters as well as the global economic recovery with Mr Kevin Rudd.
Australia and the United States established bilateral diplomatic relations on 8 January 1940, and 2010 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. A key pillar of relations between Australia and the United States is the Security Treaty between Australia, New Zealand and the United States, the ‘ANZUS’ Treaty. The treaty was signed by the parties in San Francisco in 1951 and entered into force in 1952. It binds our two countries in mutual cooperation on military and security issues and contains a commitment that both Australia and the United States will act to meet common threats.
Obama’s family with wife Michelle and two daughters will also visit Australia in March.
The Dalai Lama: Universal Recognition (Dec 09)
In 2000 I had the immense honour in meeting and interviewing the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala in India, for the Swedish Tibetian School of Culture Organisation. This meeting has been etched in my memory as a truly memorable and life changing experience. Personally I found his compassion and warmth striking as on first meeting he held his arms wide to embrace myself, a complete stranger with love. Likewise I found he was extremely generous with his time and genuine attention, very endearing qualities.
His Holiness The Dalai Lama advocates for individual and universal responsibility; his teaching resonates with my personal experiences, as I have lived through a period in my life with domestic violence. Please observe that I'm not using the word victim. This is on purpose. Victim gives the idea that we do not have a choice and that it is a permanent situation. It doesn't have to be that way.
It is true that abuse travels over all borders, despite religious beliefs and education level and exists in all social classes. This is true for the abuser and the abused.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a man of peace. In 1987 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has consistantly advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression. He also became the first Nobel Laureate to be recognised for his concern for global environmental problems.
His Holiness has travelled to more than 62 countries spanning 6 continents. He has met with presidents, prime ministers and crowned rulers of major nations. He has held dialogues with heads of different religions and many well known scientists.
Since 1959 His Holiness has recieved over 84 awards, honourary doctorates, prizes, etc, in recognition of his message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. His Holiness has also authored more than 72 books. His Holiness describes himself as " a simple Buddhist monk."
Portrait of the Month
Obama, The President of The United States
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