When is it time to wipe the slate clean?

If a person has paid their dues to society should we completely forgive them? What if they want to take up a job in a position of trust ?

Talking points 2 July

You lot had fun last night didn’t you ? (thanks Venessa) -  Anthony, please keep us posted on how you get on forming your own militia….and those of who who think we shouldn’t be talking about Zimbabwe may be interested in this article arguing the country has no global significance..

On air: Is patriotism poisoning politics?

In a speech to mark Independence Day Barack Obama said

“We must remember that true patriotism cannot be forced or legislated with a mere set of government programs. Instead, it must reside in the hearts of our people”.

Few would disagree…..he then went on:

“The question of who is - or is not- a patriot all too often poisons our political debates, in ways that divide us, rather than bringing us together.”

Is it easier to be gay in your country than ever before?

India saw it’s largest ever gay pride marches over the weekend, the first ever in Bangalore and New Delhi. It was a big step for a society in which many indians believe that homosexuality is deviant behaviour that can be cured.

Talking Points for July 1

Good morning, it’s Priya here with a few ideas for what we might discuss on today’s programme. Thanks Brett for looking after the blog overnight.

There are a number of debates already simmering away on the blog. Do you want to hear one of them on the programme?

On air: Is big business crucial to countries in crisis?

As Robert Mugabe begins his sixth term as Zimbabwean President with a trip to an African Union Summit, America wants to increase economic sanctions against Zimbabwe. China and South Africa do not. They argue there is no sense in cutting economic ties, and that in fact business and the co-operation and economic support it bring with it, are a force for good. Who do you side with? What role if any should big business play here?

Nairobi, Mwanza, Johannesburg and Robben Island

Hot off the heels of Glasgow, for those of you in or interested in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, we’ve got confirmed dates on shows from all three countries this month. As always there’s an open invite to come, and we’re after ideas of what we should talk about. Full details below.

Talking points 30 June

Thanks to Mike for holding the fort while we were having a couple of days off. Unsurprisingly yesterday Robert Mugabe was sworn in for a sixth term as Zimbabwe’s President after an election which saw just him standing. Intimidation, murder and state sponsored violence against opposition supporters led his only opponent Morgan Tsvangirai to back out of the contest.

So today Mugabe faces his African counterparts at the AU summit in Sharm El Sheik. While questions continue about how much pressure will be placed on him by other African leaders, pressure is growing on companies investing in Zimbabwe to pull out and stop supporting a corrupt regime.

The biggest armed robbery in history?

Be honest, how many of you have heard of the Iraqi Oil Law? And how many of you can tell what it is?

The Hydrocarbon or Oil Law is, according to President Bush, designed to “share oil revenues among all of Iraq’s citizens” – Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds – and to help unify the country.

Blank page 13

Due to strange goings on last night Mike in Portland wasn’t able to moderate…..the gremlins seem to have gone and so he’s back to host the blank page this weekend. Keep the conversations going and suggest any stories you would like us to talk about on the radio next week. Over to you…..