Monday, March 17, 2003|
Globe & Mail
Why France Plays Tough
"The important thing, however, was that the willingness to use force was, and was perceived to be, a last resort and that no automaticity in resorting to war was created. This is how Resolution 1441 is read in Paris, and, indeed, in most of continental Europe: that it is up to the inspectors to tell the Security Council whether the inspections are achieving the disarmament of Iraq, and that the decision to further the inspections or to use force belongs to the council." This sums it up neatly for me. If Hans Blix says progress continues to be made, what is the rush? George Bush seems too happy to demolish UN credibility, leaving nothing to take its place, simply because it won't bend US pressure. So it seems we will have another managed-media war, waged with CNN animations, on dubious grounds and with unforeseen economic and security consequences. 1:13:12 PM | permalink | Bare your teeth [] |
. . .
|
Busy. Busy. Busy. Busy. Had a great songwriting workshop with Katherine Wheatley yesterday though, in between shoveling snow from the roof and compiling help files. Katherine is a gifted songwriter, singer and guitar player who gave an engaging, intimate performance here on Saturday night. The song, "On a Beach in France", is one of the most delicate, poignant songs I've ever heard. Really, it's that good. The workshop looked at ways of initiating and sustaining the creativity, discipline and craft of songwriting. It was very helpful, although I have to admit feeling a bit daft when it was time to examine our own songs - ones we were having trouble with. Mine was a fragment of song I've had around for more than a year, with the chord progression, melody, chorus and a verse in place. I've felt stuck with it for a while and thought it was a good example to work with. It turns I hadn't really answered that most basic question, "What are you trying to say?". Ahem.
Sheepishness aside, it was great to get perspective and an important reminder of the need to review all the requirements of a good song, no matter what your gut feeling is. |
. . .
