Who is our latest despot exactly? Some basic research reveals in the course of his 84 years,he has been; the child of a single parent, a scholar, a teacher, an activist, a political prisoner, a terrorist (or a freedom fighter) let’s compromise and call him a warrior at all events, a widower, a peacemaker (at times) and finally, a successful politician and president of his country. His story is in very large part, the story of his country; he has been its one and only elected president. Modern Zimbabwe, or Southern Rhodesia as it used to be called, was stapled together as a nation from two largely unrelated halves, or ethnic groups, (Ndebele and Shona) by Britain way back at the end of the 19th century. It has endured wars, revolts and uprisings an a period of white dominated minority rule (and an insurgency) under the government of Ian Smith. Mugabe has lived all of this – and it has helped make him, good and bad. It is certainly a tragedy that Mugabe seems to have become a despot but the stories you see now won’t make sense unless you look backwards too and search for the context which gives he and his actions, meaning. And let’s face it, show me a Democrat who hasn’t fiddled an election. Starving a country is a much more serious charge – link to Channel 4 News.
Matt Buck’s animated drawings
I am not usually one to over-praise the thinking of government, or at least, those bits of it which are passed down to us, the great unwashed. However, MP Tom Watson has researched, written and spoken something about the way conversational communication may come to work in the digital world, which is worth a read of anyone’s time.
Matt Buck’s animated drawings
A report on the digital information revolution of the past decade. My own miniscule part in it can be seen courtesy of the amazing Wayback machine.
Matt Buck’s animated drawings
Dith Pran, journalist and survivor of Cambodia’s Khmer Rough government, has died. There is a memorial video from the New York Times to watch here.
Matt Buck’s animated drawings
As April arrives, more or less, thoughts turn once more to the annual celebration of all things cartoon at the Shrewsbury International Cartoon Festival. I shall be big boarding again, which ought to be more of a treat this time than it felt last year. Look at the dimensions on the graphic again – I was just scared about how much space there was! There is a terrific lineup of drawing talent going up this year and it should, touch wood, be a great event for spectators and cartoonists alike. There is lots more about the event at the official site. If you can possibly find a way to go and get there, you should. Top line highlights include a big show called – But is it art – in which cartoonists take the piss out of the idea that drawing jokes isn’t an art form. There is also a one-man show by Dave Brown of The Independent and Steve Bell of the Guardian is speaking. There will be so many top line gag cartoon merchants around you’ll be falling over them. 🙂
Matt Buck’s animated drawings
Prime Minister Gordon Brown launches the Labour party campaign for May’s local elections.
Matt Buck’s animated drawings
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYHg5azQRaE&hl=en]
A hat-tip to Whitehouse Animation and Paul Sorene.
Matt Buck’s animated drawings
