Talking Points for 16 May

Thanks to Steve for Night Editing – more on all of your thoughts in a bit, but first tell us what you think technology (particularly the internet) can do for democracy. Next up – blaming obesity and fighting it.

Go Away Foreigners!!

Hi it’s Karnie…

I am South African and like most citizens despite living so far away from home I am very proud of my country.  My roots are deep, I often get teased by my colleagues here at WHYS about my enthusiam for South Africa.  Can I blame them when I try and mention it at almost every editorial meeting? I suppose this type of enthusiasm/patriotism is prevalent in most South Africans, post Apartheid. 

Don’t do that, Sweetie

Barack Obama has said sorry to a reporter for calling her ‘sweetie’. He said it’s a ‘bad habit’ he has and meant no harm. The reporter doesn’t sound unduly put out, but clearly the Obama camp thought it warranted an apology. Do you?

On air: Do Palestinians need to accept there can never be a ‘home-coming’?

We talked about Israel’s declaration of independence with Israelis last week. They mark their country’s 60th birthday according to the Jewish lunar calendar. Palestinians mark the anniversary they call ‘nakba’ today, May 15th (the actual declaration was on May 14th) and we’ll talk with them.

On air on Amazon Day: Does each country have sole responsibility for its natural resources?

The Amazon Paradox is the struggle between the needs of local people to exploit the rainforest and the global need to preserve its unique nature and resources for the whole world.

So who should have the most say in managing the Amazon rainforest? The people who live there? The Brazilian government? The international community? Individuals all over the world?