Petrol prices go up again

Here we go again. Didn't petrol prices go up just a few months ago. I hope we don't have to endure another price rise in a few months' time. The government did try its best to soften the effect. I guess postponing another rise immediately is a strategy to soften the impact. At least the populace was in preparation for another price increase. But I'm not sure how long the common people can endure the increase.
As always the majority will feel the greater impact. How will those with many mouths to feed cope with the almost seasonal upward adjustment to their budget. Can something be done. This is more like macroeconomics to me and I doubt any changes can have an effect immediately. In the meantime we'll grumble and cajole the goivernment to do some positive action. The consumer affairs mininstry has threatened to take action against those who take advantage of the situation.
How effective is that threat. They might be able to catch a few but overall it is a doomed effort. I have not seen any trader or business concern giving any thought to the consumer whenever prices of essential goods increase. They will still take an advantage when prices go down. So the consumer is at a losing end whatever happens.
Tighten your belts, everyone.

The government knows what is best for the people

That sentiment seems to permeate those at the top of the pecking order. They might know what is best but the implementation usually leaves much to be desired. Is it arrogance that makes rulers think they know what is best for those governed. I'm sure they have their panel of advisors but are they in touch with reality. I have not seen any major shift in policy since this country gained its independence in 1957. Yes, the ruling party tries very hard to uplift the people's standard of living.
They have succeded in a way but there are still pockets of hard core poor in the country. That will need a major revamp in policy. As long as the government says they know what is best for the people, there will always be people marginalised in the race to that developed nation status in 2020. The authorities may listen to the people but no action has been taken to take the bull by its horns.
A problem that has been a part of the nation's landscape needs drastic measures. A government that listens and takes action rather than mouthing "I know what is best for you" will be welcomed. But there are no alternatives on the horizon at the moment.

Rainforest Music Festival 2005

This is my third year attending the festival and the euphoria has not diminished for me. It was good to meet up with another festival goer who has been a participant since the beginning in 1998. The good feedback has strenghtened my belief that the organisers have done a wondeful job bringing a myriad of performers from around the world onto a single stage. The festival might not be as big as the Womad events but the camaraderie among those present make the whole trip worthwhile.
My only grouse would be the heat. But what do you expect from a venue in the rainforest. Unfortunately the afternoon workshops are held when the sun is directly above your head. I wished the organisers would consider putting those mist sprouting fans at the venues.
The night performances are excellent especially with the forest backdrop giving the whole proceeding an ethereal feel. I have goose bumps whenever a performer's voice is slices through the pristine jungle. The effect is magnified ten fold when the music is just a soft tune or a lone voice weaving stories of his homeland.
I'll definitely be there again next year.

Live8

I missed the live concert during the weekend. I doubt my non-presence has any impact on the efforts of the organisers to get as much aid as possible for the Africans. I was glued to the tv screen when the first live aid was aired throughout the world about 20 years ago. I have not seen that much change in the lives of those in need then and their present circumstances. Maybe the success stories have not been highlighted.
Concerts in aid of worthy causes do serve a purpose. At least the issue is current in everyone's mind or else we will just go on living our usual every day lives. I do not think too much of others' sufferings unless and until they are in front of my own eyes.
I tend to be heartless in that sense. I've bulit up a defense mechanism against the beggars in town. It is not that some of them do not deserve the help but I'm not sure whether the aid given goes to the deserving person. I'm very sceptical that those entrusted with giving that aid really do their job. I'm of the opinion that any aid should be given directly to those in need.
I'm sure this theory is not practical for all circumstances. The needs of these people are varied and they are found in all four corners of the earth.
Aid agencies come to the fore in this aspect and the genuine gets my vote. But who are they? How can I differentiate between the scams and the true blue thing. I'm still looking for a way to fine tune my instinct so that I can at least be sure that whatever I give goes to the rightful person.
That instinct comes only with experience but there are always bad hats who manage to filter through and make a profit out of those in need. I hope they realise that the poor and needy of the world deserves the aid that comes from everyone and DO NOT belong in their own pockets.