Timor
Wednesday May 31, 2006

There is violence again in East Timor. I have to admit, that I’m unsure precisely what is happening – the media here has been really vague, except to tell us that we have sent troops over there. In any case, I was watching on the news about the people who have been displaced from their homes, so I went digging around for some donation links:

Oxfam
The Red Cross (pick the Timor Leste appeal)

Waiit… hang on a minute. After all of this I finally understand what all the violence is about. Why can’t the media just say this straight up? Are they being politically correct? I shouldn’t have to read the last paragraph of one newspaper article out of dozens…

It was Mr Alkatiri who sacked 595 soldiers – one-third of the armed forces – over minor grievances relating to pay and promotion. The soldiers were from the west of the country, and their dismissal prompted the widespread communal violence that has paralysed the country and terrified its citizens.

He is also held responsible for East Timor’s economic stagnation since it gained independence from Indonesia in 1999 and is accused of corruption and cronyism.

Link

***

On the life update note, I’ve been working hard. I had two days off last week (went to the unit and painted), but for the last three work days I’ve been working 10-12 hour days. Hopefully this trend won’t continue =(

I’m enjoying work still though… and how can I fault this – looking out of the window at 8 in the morning, with a magnificent view of the wharfs and the rising sun. Then looking out of the other window, and being able to see the waking city.

If I ever have to work in an office where I can’t see outside, I will become very depressed.

 

  1. 1.06.06 - sunstarbubbles - #

    We’ve heard a fair bit about the violence in East Timor, because we’ve sent over soldiers to help try to maintain peace. :( It’s quite scary if you ask me.

    that sounds like a beautiful view. :) you’re lucky.

  2. 2.06.06 - Aidan - #

    I have not heard of the violencein East Timor. Though in this day and age there is violence and war everywhere, over seas and as close to home as in the streets below.

    The view from your office sounds nice. I wish I had a view like that from my work place.

  3. 3.06.06 - Marz - #

    It is apparent that independence is hard for some countries to maintain. It is a sad fact. =/

    I have to agree with you. Although I am not working yet and still in uni, I am glad for windows. It just makes the world all the more bigger from the desk that you are slouched over.

  4. 5.06.06 - Ashley - #

    I don’t really follow the news, so I had no idea about any of this. But the media can be stupid at times, not giving the information. Aw, well the good part about working so much, more money! lol. Yeah, I need money…. Hope your hours aren’t as long in the near futur.

  5. 5.06.06 - erin - #

    the violence near Dili is crazy. from what i have heard, several people have died because of the rebel troops and ethnic gangs differences. i am guessing you are from australia, right? if not sorry, but if u are it is nice to see that they are sending over 3000 peacmakers to help out in East Timor. Anyways, thats awsome your work has a view! i work in a resturant so i dont really have to worry about that; however, if I were to ever be in an office it better not be in a cubicle. well nice site you have here, take care xoxo

Leave a comment...


Name
E-mail
http://
Message