It's great to be writing this as the rain steadily pounds on the tin roof. Much of Australia is in the grip of drought at the moment, and even the rainforest belt of northern New South Wales is drought affected. We have strict water restrictions at the moment, and can't use hoses or fill up kids splasher pools. Unfortunately, we've had some 40 degree (100 + ) days so have really wanted lots of water to splash in.

The water restrictions have reminded us about how precious clean water is and how much we use. I keep thinking how lucky we are to have clean drinkable water come out of the tap. The silver lining from the drought has been the debate about water use, and land use, land clearing, and outdated farming practices.

And it really makes you appreciate rain.

Last Sunday it was 40 degrees( 100+ F) and the local craft market was on down the road, but it was too hot to hang around there. Late in the afternoon a storm came across, and finally some thunder and rain. I could hear the 'ferals' at the market site drumming and whooping with celebration when the thunder rolled. I carried my youngest child outside and we stood under the trees and enjoyed the cooling raindrops. It's great to be reminded of the simple pleasures of life.

 

 

It's the peak season for toy sales now, and we're already being bombarded with advertising for all sorts of toys. Of course, the challenge will be finding a product that's been ethically made, where the toymaking employees are paid a living wage, and have the right to organise. Like the clothing industry, a huge amount of the toys in our stores are made in China or third world countries with poor labour conditions. For more details of the working conditions at the toy factories, see www.nlcnet.org

My other concern about toy advertising is that it can be directed at children during children's tv programming. Considering the market research and psychological tricks that advertisers use to attract us to products, it seems unfair that young children with such suggestible little minds should be subject to the thrust of major marketing campaigns. I wonder how many little girls will be sucked in by the Rapunzel Barbie ads, televideo etc. Sadly, the women making the doll in China or wherever, may be as trapped as the original Rapunzel, but without the prospect of rescue. Now that WOULD be an interesting Barbie story to watch on video.

Now of course, I would recommend a Feral Cheryl doll as an antidote to any Barbie, but I must also point you to the sites for some wonderfully ethically responsible feel good shopping or donations

www.amnesty.org.au ( in Australia)

New Internationalist www.newint.com ( beautiful cards and calendars)

AND A REMINDER: November 29th is BUY NOTHING DAY

..as a protest against the frenzy of christmas shopping that starts at this time of year. For more details see http://adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd/

 

Cartoon by Carol Simpson, whose work can be found in labor, alternative and business publications across North America, see more at www.cartoonwork.com .

For more details on why so many want to protests against the WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION, you can go to the Oxfam site. Oxfam's getting as many people as possible to sign a petition -the big noise - to stop people getting ripped off in poor countries due to unfair trade rules. Bono and Kofi Annan are already supporters, along with thousands of other people world-wide. They still need your support and that of your friends, family and colleagues your to send a strong message to our leaders that unfair trade is inexcusable. http://www.maketradefair.com/go/join/

cartoon by one of my favourites, Judy Horacek, australian, feminist and funny at www.horacek.com.au

peace activism

As the end of the year comes hurtling towards us, it's the time of year when people start talking about peace and goodwill. Of course, it should be the season of peace and goodwill all year round.

How sad then that the world may be on the brink of war in Iraq, and the peaceful island of Bali is trying to recover from last month's terrorist bombing.

The recent bombing in Bali has been a devastating tragedy for Bali and Australia. Bali is a very popular Australian holiday destination, and there's a lot of affection between Australians and the beautiful Balinese. There were many Balinese and Australians killed and injured in the bombing.

As with the aftermath of the World Trade Centre attack, this is a time to think about how to bring peace to a fractured world and it has been heartening to see the massive peace rallies around the world. More power to them.

How wonderful to see photos of protesters with peace symbols on their faces, and hear the inspiring words of peace activists. Shouldn't we all be peace activists? Why is that term seen as a sort of radical thing? May the numbers KEEP GROWING and our voices be heard loud and clear!