I see that Brian's article has found its way onto the guestbook. Well done, the man. As always he has expressed himself clearly - even if there can be no such thing as a "common European point of view" (how could there be when Europe encompasses both the British and the French).
If Brian expresses a European perspective, then an excellent article by Imran Khan, expressed the islamic perspective. And it was shocking. Imran Khan is no extremist. He is a very educated man, who for those heathens, who have not yet found salvation in the world of cricket, was the former captain of the Pakistani test team. He points out that, while the Islamic world in general was fully supportive of the US post September 11th, an attack on Iraq will be perceived as nothing less than a war on Islam. From an Islamic point of view, there seems to be one rule for the Christians and the Jews and another for the Moslems. I fear our esteemed leaders have not thought through the consequences of such polarization.
11 am. All thoughts of war have been replaced by more parochial thoughts, in particular, a violent dislike of NEWAYS, the home shopping supplier of alternative shampoos and miracle potions. A casual meeting with an old friend has been ruined by his attempts to introduce commerce into our relationship. I am a strong advocate for alternative remedies, and no lover of big business, but this is not for me. NEWAYS has now grown into a $500 million company by selling and recommending its products through word of mouth. When a friend recommends something to me, such as an album (might I recommend the Red Hot Chilli Peppers), I like to think that it is from love – not financial gain. I find myself deeply resentful at the way "direct sales" pollutes friendships. My former friend was keen to tell me that NEWAYS does not need to waste 65% of its budget on mainstream advertising. I wonder if conversations between friends now have to be reported to the advertising standards authority, as I rather suspect that some of the claims that he made for their products would not have passed their rigorous tests.
And if some of the claims are true – that, for example, all other shampoos are carcinogenic – then I would far rather he asked for a contribution to a legal fund to sue the multinationals, who sell such products, than that he tried to sell me something.
Time to get down off my soap box. Perhaps I am wrong, and all Disciplinarians would love the chance to sell King Crimson product to their friends. I can think of no better way of alienating all your former acquaintances.
"Suffer cheerfully."
