The First World War was not the first ever war to be fought -- it has been claimed that throughout human history, there has been a grand total of 37 years of absolute world peace. Still the war of 1914 changed societies in Europe especially, and in Australia by colonial extension, in ways fundamental yet subtle. Australian reliance and, some would say, umbilical dependence on Britain was irrevocably transformed: seeds of scepticism and disillusionment were sown in the hearts and minds of Australians.
In 1990 the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait brought the issue of sovereignty to the world's attention. While academics and politicians may continue debate on the rights and wrongs of that particular incident, it was arguably the first time in recent history that the United Nations operated with some sense of consensus towards any political issue. Small states spoke against the blatant violation that invasion on another's soil constitutes; the major powers took notice, and swift action resulted, first from operation Desert Storm, and subsequently from operation Desert Shield. Cynics will doubtless point to the issue that oil provided a strong motivator behind the decision of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (Russia, the US, Britain, France and China) to commence 'the mother of all battles', as President George Bush Sr. alluded to at the time.
The current occupation of Iraq by mostly-US troops places an uncomfortable dilemma onto allies and opponents of the current Bush administration. Some liken it to Vietnam; others await on the sidelines, quietly planning infrastructure projects once relative calm is restored. Already parallels are drawn with the Marshall Plan that provided some initial assistance to Europe and Japan to become the economic and, some would argue, political powers that they are today. One wonders what Milton Keynes would make of the continued emphasis on expansionist fiscal policy that Republican governments have become increasingly known for, and indeed can be counted on placing.
In Canberra, there has been much debate through the years about the role that governments play in the local economy. Telstra, a government-owned telecommunications company, is facing growing criticism for increasing monthly rates for fixed-lines. Fortunately there is at least one credible alternative in the shape of Optus, which is commonly known for undercutting rates to compete with Telstra with market share among some 20 million Australian residents. Perhaps it may be easier to accommodate competition in such a market, as opposed to the 4 million living in Singapore.
Latest developments in the Southeast Asian island-state appear disturbing: the Singapore government through its investment arm, Temasek Holdings, has been reportedly keen to acquire 49% of United Overseas Land, a property arm of local bank United Overseas Bank (UOB), by offering 28 cents higher per share than what UOB had previously offered. Singapore's is an economy that has three telecommunications companies, all of whom are linked to Temasek Holdings either directly or indirectly. Its airlines, rail, bus industries are understandably owned substantially by Temasek. The investment company's sphere of influence extends to supermarkets, taxis, insurance, refuse collection, power, gas, water, property, media, print, publications, financial services, maritime, steel, and semiconductors, just to name a few. It does not take a rocket scientist to notice that private enterprise owned by non-affiliated individuals is limited largely to small and medium sized companies or that swim against the tide either to succeed in overseas markets, or to subsist in the crowded-out local economy.
It would be anathema for mothers to exert undue influence over their children in the following manner: a child earns some cash distributing newspapers to the local neighbourhood. The money earned is used to buy a piece of candy at ten cents -- a discount because the owner likes the child. The mother decides to buy a piece of candy, and deems it fit to buy it from the child at fifteen cents, even though the retail price of the sweet is 20 cents. It would be unseemly for such a scenario to occur behind closed doors; it would arguably be worse should such behaviour be exhibited in full view of the public. In celebrating Mothers' Day this year, it may be prudent to heed the following anonymous piece of advice. Love your mother, cherish her, listen to her; and make independent decisions free from guilt and encumbrances, guided by the empowering fullness that is enlightened confidence.
