Sunday musings

Here's my first vaguely political blog entry. I'm just back from reading about US Vice-President Dick Cheney's surprise visit to Iraq (courtesy of the Beeb feed). While I have no intent of making this a political blog in any way or form, the report did raise the odd question for me. The first one being, why was this a surprise visit without prior announcement? Was it planned, or did it just randomly come up? What kind of diplomat would make a surprise visit to any country? Was Mr Cheney concerned for his own safety, and thought that springing a surprise would minimise the risk of an attack on his person? In that case, let's just stop announcing official visits from politicians, royalty, etc. altogether. That would significantly reduce any chances for terrorists to do their thing, at least when wanting to attack politicians. Okay, so preparing for an impromptu visit by someone important is a logistical nightmare for an unsuspecting host country, but hey, you can't win 'em all. Plus, by introducing such forms of protocol, terrorists would automatically be reduced to attacking politicians on their home turf, or they might have to go back to what they're best at anyway - attacking defenceless civilians in crowded trains, high-rise buildings, etc. Yes, I'm intentionally overstating my point here... I'm sure there may have been good reasons for Mr Cheney's lack of prior information. However, the US as the world's current only superpower doesn't exactly have a track record of excellence when it comes to diplomacy in dealing with friendly countries, allies, etc. I just hope there were valid reasons, as opposed to the attitude of haughty disregard that might well be read from behaviour like this. Okay, moving on... On a much lighter note, C and I are just back from the oh-so-romantic "Weihnachtsmarkt" in Heidelberg, having nosed around there with C's sister and husband and C's parents. Weather was perfect - cold with a touch of snow but not too harsh a wind. The family visit was triggered by our short-notice decision to go visit our friends Brian, MK & James over Christmas, by the way. We won't be around for the fest, so C's family came crowding around today instead, bearing presents and well-wishes for our holidays. This is one of the things I appreciate most about the family I married into - they really show love in practical ways, by coming round, phoning, keeping in touch, etc. I'm not saying my side of the family doesn't show love - far from it. But somehow, C's bunch have this really strong sense of belonging together, and I just love being a part of that. Families - yay! I must be going soft...

Link