Well after a horrendous three weeks, the Tattoo or 2008 (and perhaps ever?) is finally over. Bump-out was today and we managed to rip apart everything that has been so meticulously cared for and put together in the past month.
Lights are gone, Sound is gone, the set is (nearly) gone, however the memories will stay for a long time to come. From ‘Wilkommen’ to ‘Dr Tobacconist’ to ‘Great Gig’ to ‘Hairspray’; it was an unforgettable show that – quite possibly could be the last ever.
As usual however it must be noted that the junior campuses are responsible for the ruining of this fine production (not just the 2008 one, but the best part of the last 10 years) and unfortunately it is most likely at their hands the Tattoo will morph into another – senior school based – being in two years time.
For those of you who aren’t sick, tired, or are simply optimistic; the next production on the agenda (apart from the year 10 play) is the 2009 musical – Jesus Christ Superstar, held in May.
This should be interesting as next year it will be that – and not the usual play – that is the focus of the 3/4 Theatre Studies class, of which I’m in. Also, re 3/4 Music class will undoubtedely be doing much of the sound work – a class I’m also in.
So already, two of my four classes are dedicated to JCS, so that’ll hopefully mean a lot less time missing classes.
In other news, Georgia and Russia had a little… disagreement over a region known as South Ossetia. You may notice that a this is ‘South’ Ossetia, there should inevitably be a ‘North’ Ossetia. This is the case.
The north is currently residing in Russia, while the south is in Georgia. Unfortunatey, at the fall of the Sovie Union, they got split up and half went to each country – while both being loyal to Moscow more so than Tblisi.
Georgia over the last few years ha been becoming much more pro-western, with recent attempts to join NATO, as well as joint military excersizes with the United States (not to mention the fact that Georgia was the 3rd highest contributor of troops to the Afghanistan conflict).
Neither Russia or South Ossetia liked this very much and as both countries tugged the tiny region in two opposite directions, one began to gain the upper hand. Inevitably, this was Russia, and sensing this imminent loss of control over a (rather large) part of their country, Georgia sent in troops.
Guess what happened next?
Exactly.
Now French President Nicholas Sarkozy has helped to arrange a cease-fire between both sides, however Russian troops still occupy both North Ossetia and another contentious area, Abkhazia.
Now I don’t particularly care what you think, but I’m not subscribing to the liberal media’s view that this conflict was a “Horrendous act of aggression by Russia against a friendly, democratic neighbour”. Everyone’s all too quick to condemn Russia as the aggressor in this situation, without looking at the facts that:
a) Georgia acted first, and
b) Russia retaliated (perhaps a little harshly) to protect its citizens.
Now I’m not saying that Russia is without blame, but anyone who thinks that Georgia is the victim of an intimidating regime looking to overthrow their government is a complete idiot.
Anyone who knows me that I’m the first to run to the defense of the US and her allies (in this case Georgia), but it is simply naive to say here that Russia is the only cause of this conflict.
Now I know full well that my opinions in this point in time do not count for anything, but considering you are reading my humble blog, I assume that you would like a little peek into at least the method behind my madness. (I also know full well that the UN in this situation is completely impotent as Russia’s inclusion in the UNSC would mean that any resolution would be vetoed, meaning the UN is restricted to take a back seat and be an internation group therapy session for which countries can whine to the world). But anyway, here it is:
My 5-Point Plan for the Russian/Georgian conflict.
- Russia and Georgia both agree to a bilateral ceasefire, whereby a De-Militarized Zone is created in the region of South Ossetia. Russia must return all combat troops (a limited amount of humanitarian and logistics personnel may remain for a period of time) to the Russian border, and Georgian combat troops must return to 50 miles south of the South Ossetian / Georgian border. (This is due to the fact that Tskhinvali (South Ossetian capital) is in close proximity to the Georgian / South Ossetian border, and that a continued troop presence could not be feasible).
- A multi-national alliance of UN peacekeepers would be deployed in the region to oversee the ceasefire and to coordinate humanitarian aid and logistics.
- The UN would also create a relief package for the rebuilding of Tskhinvali and other affected areas of the conflict, and oversee the rebuilding stage.
- Once South Ossetia has suitably recovered from its situation, a unilateral body of governments and representatives (from Russia, Georgia, North and South Ossetia) would attempt to come to an agreement over the regions of both North and South Ossetia. If no agreement (ie Unification or integration into Russia) is reached, then South Ossetia becomes a UN-Controlled province (similar to Antarctica) for a period of 15 years, during which there will be periodic talks attempting to come to an agreement. Still failing this, South Ossetia would face a referendum to determine whether they reintegrate with Georgia, be consumed into Russia, or become their own separate state.
- Georgia would be compensated for this loss of territory by being given complete control over Abkhazia, a region that is typically less controversial, and much more within their sphere of influence. They would also receive monetary support from Russia as reparation.
Of course, these points depend on the fact that Russia will see that being such a large and resource-rich country they in no way *need* either South Ossetia or Abkhazia, and that their cooperation in the matter would help their international reputation significantly. If Russia can be convinced to be a part of these talks, then perhaps a resolution can be reached.
Well that is that,
The End.
TRK
