Plan Z for Zimbabwe

Thirty years ago, Robert Mugabe was the rebel hero fighting a civil war against the white minority power in Rhodesia. In 1980, he became Prime Minister of the renamed Zimbabwe in a relatively peaceful final transition to majority rule. Today, President Mugabe is a tyrant, using any means necessary to maintain his rule. His thugs and henchmen forced the withdrawal of Tsvangirai, who likely would've won the run-off Presidential election. What's the world to do?

Zimbabwe is a desperately poor country: 20 million people, average yearly income under $200, beset by HIV/AIDS and inequities in land distribution. No natural resources or strategic advantage will stimulate the 'humanitarian' interests of wealthy, well-armed countries. Like Darfur, where horrors have outlived the righteous chorus of “never again”, the 'plan' for Zimbabwe is to stand back and let it bleed. Call it 'plan zzz'.

Netflix fix

“You've got to live your life” passes for wisdom. Do you? Face it, your life is constrained and largely predictable. Modern technology, in the form of a cornucopia of movies, offers the viable alternative of living vicariously. Why not live many others' lives?

Imagination is a wonderful thing, so use it! By merely changing DVDs, you can be a lover in Restoration England, then a leader on a trek to the stars, and so on through the genres, characters, places, and times. Embrace 'la vie du disque': vivid colors, animated co-stars, vigorous passion, vivacious drama, and lively dialog.

Real life has no remote control. No pause, no mute, no fast forward for the boring bits, and no rewind for the really great parts.