The role and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the 2013 political election will specifically assess how far parties are exploiting the unique characteristics of the internet to foster new styles of election campaigning.
The 2013 political election will also witness the extent to which ICTs open up new channels of communication and information and thus change the nature of electoral participation. ICT is also expected to contribute to broader debates about the changing role of parties, campaigning and concerns about declining electoral turnout.
According to the population records maintained by National Statistics Bureau (NSB) which is based on Population and Housing Census of Bhutan 2005, by year 2013 Bhutan’s total population projection is estimated at 733,004.
Out of which 182,000 of the citizens fall in the age group of 18-30 years meaning that these age group possibly are the educated lot and hence an ICT erudite. Statistically, 78,000 of them reside in the urban while 104,000 in the rural settlements. The NSB records also says that since the last election in 2008 by 2013 over 14,000 youths will have reached the age 18 and to exercise their right to vote.
The government has already pledged billions of ngultrums to make this country a knowledge-based Bhutanese society by harnessing ICT. Information technology development and dissemination is the priority area of the royal government.
The ICT development in the country will provide access to information technology and IT solutions to a significant proportion of Bhutan’s population, including government officials, teachers, entrepreneurs and rural children, by training and establishing ICT enabled schools, computer labs, and computer stations in rural Bhutan.
“It is difficult for me to make any judgment on what could likely happen in 2013 as we are yet obligated to see through the Local Government Elections in the near future. However, there is no denying that the inroads of ICT technologies will influence the manner of the Election campaigning that will be conducted or to be administered,” Dasho Kuenzang Wangdi, Chief Election Commissioner said adding that the application of ICT technologies had played a significant role in 2008 parliamentary elections as well although not at an extensive level as it may in 2013.
“I hope that Druk Phuensum Tshogpa’s promise to make Bhutan an ICT enabled nation does not fail. I am sure if ICT is made available to all citizens, politicians will make use of the facility in the upcoming political campaigning in 2013,” the Opposition Leader Tshering Tobgay said.
The Internet's development and the importance of online campaigning it seems are underrated in Bhutan. Bhutan is yet to come up with a comparative basis for evaluating internet’s future evolution and how it can influence future political elections.
“The rapid growth of ICTs in the country is expected to provoke considerable debate about their implication on democracy. However, if our politicians do not deliberate on it, this would either mean they don’t care or are ignorant about it which in turn is not good for them,” Dorji Wangchuk, a civil servant said.
Sonam Yangden an engineer said that the high volume and speed of information transmission possible via the internet means that it has the potential to offer more substantive basis for campaigning than traditional forms of media.
“Parties in the future must use their websites primarily as information vehicles to provide voters with policy based material. Alternatively, however, parties may be tempted to exploit the emerging combinations of audio-visual and graphical features like it was done to some extent in the first election to attract and retain supporters,” hinted Karma Gyeltshen a civil servant.
The ability of ICT to gather information on voters means that parties have greater opportunities to target certain groups of voters and even personalize campaign messages. The fact that about 50% of the eligible voters by 2013 are the younger lot, much of the focus will be on them since they are the possible ICT citizens.
“From a party’s perspective, the interactive potential of ICTs offers parties a low cost and very direct means of seeking immediate feedback from voters on policy and campaign tactics. Technologies will also present the opportunities for parties to form ongoing relationships with voters to both mobilise and retain supporters,” a member of the Parliament said.
According to Kezang Dorji a civil servant and a hopeful member of the parliament after the 2013 parliamentary election technology may provide the means but does not necessarily provide the motivation to participate. “So I would combine the good old method of political campaigning at the same time making optimum use of ICT,” he said.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
PM defames abuse!
According to the director of Gaeddu College of Business Studies (GCBS) about 10 percent of his first and second year students are in to drugs and alcohol.
Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley’s visit to GCBS yesterday also saw him deliberate on alcohol and drug issues to the college students. Lyonchhen said that such abuse is a serious problem. He suspects that in all our schools, Institutions in general alcohol and drugs are one of the pertinent issues that cloud the learning process.
“If it is a problem and yet you don’t admit it, you are not proud of it. If you don’t raise your hands, you are ashamed of it. If ashamed of it, then it is wrong. Then why do it?” Lyonchhen told the students.
Lyonchhen said that those students surrendering to drugs and alcohol have no self-confidence and the courage to face student community. “They are not being able to sicialise. There is something inherently wrong about the way he or she sees himself or herself. As I see many students abusing drugs, I worry about the health of this country,” Lyonchhen said questioning the students, “Why would you take drugs? Think about what it does to you, to your parents, your siblings and to the members of your family?”
Lyonchhen urged the students to stop it if they are into this bad habit. “I appeal to you,” Lyonchhen said adding that those who do not stop start ostracizing them so that they are forced to quit and become better human beings. “Don’t let this cancer waste your system, your body,” he beseeched.
“Drugs and alcohol is a reflection of society as a whole, however, we do have some issues related to both. We however, have no problems with the senior students,” Lhatu Jamba, the director of the college said.
The director said that alcohol is easily available to the students with many licensed bars around the college campus. While on the other hand Phuentsholing being just some distance away students get drugs easily. “The college however, is very vigilant on the matter,” he added.
According to most students the alcohol and drugs issue they said that the gloomy weather and easy accessibility are the reasons behind it’s popularity.
“It is mostly students who hail from well off families who are into drugs. Lesser fortunate ones go for cheap alcohol available in every shop in the vicinity of the college. Like Lyonchhen said, they flaunt and glamourise the habit amongst their peers. And with one friend into the habit, the rest naturally follow,” observed one BBA students. However, he said that college authorities are doing their best to straighten those gone awry.
Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley’s visit to GCBS yesterday also saw him deliberate on alcohol and drug issues to the college students. Lyonchhen said that such abuse is a serious problem. He suspects that in all our schools, Institutions in general alcohol and drugs are one of the pertinent issues that cloud the learning process.
“If it is a problem and yet you don’t admit it, you are not proud of it. If you don’t raise your hands, you are ashamed of it. If ashamed of it, then it is wrong. Then why do it?” Lyonchhen told the students.
Lyonchhen said that those students surrendering to drugs and alcohol have no self-confidence and the courage to face student community. “They are not being able to sicialise. There is something inherently wrong about the way he or she sees himself or herself. As I see many students abusing drugs, I worry about the health of this country,” Lyonchhen said questioning the students, “Why would you take drugs? Think about what it does to you, to your parents, your siblings and to the members of your family?”
Lyonchhen urged the students to stop it if they are into this bad habit. “I appeal to you,” Lyonchhen said adding that those who do not stop start ostracizing them so that they are forced to quit and become better human beings. “Don’t let this cancer waste your system, your body,” he beseeched.
“Drugs and alcohol is a reflection of society as a whole, however, we do have some issues related to both. We however, have no problems with the senior students,” Lhatu Jamba, the director of the college said.
The director said that alcohol is easily available to the students with many licensed bars around the college campus. While on the other hand Phuentsholing being just some distance away students get drugs easily. “The college however, is very vigilant on the matter,” he added.
According to most students the alcohol and drugs issue they said that the gloomy weather and easy accessibility are the reasons behind it’s popularity.
“It is mostly students who hail from well off families who are into drugs. Lesser fortunate ones go for cheap alcohol available in every shop in the vicinity of the college. Like Lyonchhen said, they flaunt and glamourise the habit amongst their peers. And with one friend into the habit, the rest naturally follow,” observed one BBA students. However, he said that college authorities are doing their best to straighten those gone awry.
Lyonchhen asserts developement!
“When I talk about the private sector, I am talking about you. Private sector needs you. You are supposed to be the mentor and the brain of the ever growing dynamic private sector. Don’t be passive. Carrying a degree certificate is not enough. It doesn’t guarantee success. A degree certificate is just a proof of your capability. Capability has to be demonstrated,” Lyonchhen emphasised.
His Excellency Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley yesterday spoke to an assembly of 854 students and 63 Lecturers of Gaeddu College of Business Studies in the college’s multi purpose hall.
Lyonchhen began his speech saying, “As you graduate from here you will have the power to shape the nation. Our thoughts are focused on the future. I am here because you are all important to the nation and it’s people. As servants of the people, we need to know your fears, thoughts and dreams.”
Lyonchhen then immediately went on to talk to the students about the government’s broad development visions, strategies, programs and challenges. “Poverty, balanced and equitable opportunities, social justice and equity, lays a strong and irreversible foundation for democracy,” he said adding that the students as the cream of the nation must play a leading role in the growth of democratic culture.
According to Lyonchhen, Bhutan is moving towards becoming knowledge based, green and sustainable economy and be self-reliant by 2020. “As of now we are excessively dependent on donors. Our current revenue is enough only to meet our recurring costs. And to fulfill these goals the government in April this year launched Economic Development Policy (EDP),” Lyonchhen told the students.
Lyonchhen said that through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and EDP and the advantage of being located in the most rapidly prospering region, Bhutan will work towards coming up with Harvard, Oxford, world renowned IIT and IIMS standard of education in Bhutan.
“When I talk about the private sector, I am talking about you. Private sector needs you. You are supposed to be the mentor and the brain of the ever growing dynamic private sector. Don’t be passive. Carrying a degree certificate is not enough. It doesn’t guarantee success. A degree certificate is just a proof of your capability. Capability has to be demonstrated,” Lyonchhen emphasised.
Lyonchhen then went on to stress on Bhutan’s need to develop Information and Communication Technology (ICT) since it is here that the business students can create manpower to serve the ICT sector. “Government intends to make Bhutan a data processing centers. We want Multi National Companies to come and say that Bhutan is green and peaceful. Bachelors of Business Administration students with IT capability can make this come true. The area of Information and Technology centre will be increased from 5 to 18 acres for the purpose,” he added.
Lyonchhen urged the students to use their brains. “The more you think the more ideas will emerge. Will policies succeed because it is good? No! Each one of you will have to make it succeed. You are the implementers of development policies government comes up with. Take advantage of opportunities. You will have to strengthen and inspire private sector,” He asserted.
The government hence forth according to Lyonchhen will play lesser role; the government will only create facilities, means and craft environment for the economic growth. Economic growth being the function of private sectors anywhere in the world, Lyonchhen urged the students not to look for hand-outs so and become complacent and slothful.
“Currently, everything comes from the government. The donor countries must be replaced by private sector. You are part of the grand government scheme to make this happen. I would like all of you to join private sector and make a difference,” Lyonchhen said, citing how many muti-millionaires and billionaires the world over conceived ideas when young. “I would like to see some of you getting bigger than Bill Gates. If you are passive, you will not succeed,” he added.
Inspired by Lyonchhen’s deliberations, Namgay Wangchuk, 8th semester Majors in Finance student said that the 74 final year students of the college once out in the market will come up with 74 new business ideas and try and propel the nation’s economy.
While on the other hand Sonam Dolma, second semester Bachelors of Commerce student in awe inspiration said that she felt like shedding tears listening to Lyonchhen speak. “It reminded me of my dear father who would often talk to me about progress and serving Tsa Wa Sum with Tha Damtse Lay Jumdray. Lyonchhen’s implications were exactly the same. He should, if time permits him often come and talk to us. He speaks from the heart and it matters,” she said.
“The fact that His Excellency chose to stand before the podium and speak to the gathering for three long hours says a lot about him. I found him acting like a common man. He did not at all speak as the Prime Minister. What further baffled me was, he responded to the questions of each student like a teacher would,” Rama Kishnan, Accountancy Lecturer of the college said adding that with a man of his calibre and humility even gods must envy him.
Lhatu Jamba the college director said that Lyonchhen’s speech on the EDP had cleared every doubt the students had about the policy. “It was very inspiring for the teaching faculty as well to hear him speak. Our students have pledged to be the generator of creative business ideas. Likewise, we here in the college will work towards making this college a business incubation centre in the future,” he added.
According to Dasho Pema Thinley, vice Chancellor of Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) Gaeddu College is almost seen as a business hub for exchange of ideas for the private sectors. “It has become a venue for them to give their employees short term trainings. And the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) is in full support of the initiative,” he declares.
His Excellency Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley yesterday spoke to an assembly of 854 students and 63 Lecturers of Gaeddu College of Business Studies in the college’s multi purpose hall.
Lyonchhen began his speech saying, “As you graduate from here you will have the power to shape the nation. Our thoughts are focused on the future. I am here because you are all important to the nation and it’s people. As servants of the people, we need to know your fears, thoughts and dreams.”
Lyonchhen then immediately went on to talk to the students about the government’s broad development visions, strategies, programs and challenges. “Poverty, balanced and equitable opportunities, social justice and equity, lays a strong and irreversible foundation for democracy,” he said adding that the students as the cream of the nation must play a leading role in the growth of democratic culture.
According to Lyonchhen, Bhutan is moving towards becoming knowledge based, green and sustainable economy and be self-reliant by 2020. “As of now we are excessively dependent on donors. Our current revenue is enough only to meet our recurring costs. And to fulfill these goals the government in April this year launched Economic Development Policy (EDP),” Lyonchhen told the students.
Lyonchhen said that through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and EDP and the advantage of being located in the most rapidly prospering region, Bhutan will work towards coming up with Harvard, Oxford, world renowned IIT and IIMS standard of education in Bhutan.
“When I talk about the private sector, I am talking about you. Private sector needs you. You are supposed to be the mentor and the brain of the ever growing dynamic private sector. Don’t be passive. Carrying a degree certificate is not enough. It doesn’t guarantee success. A degree certificate is just a proof of your capability. Capability has to be demonstrated,” Lyonchhen emphasised.
Lyonchhen then went on to stress on Bhutan’s need to develop Information and Communication Technology (ICT) since it is here that the business students can create manpower to serve the ICT sector. “Government intends to make Bhutan a data processing centers. We want Multi National Companies to come and say that Bhutan is green and peaceful. Bachelors of Business Administration students with IT capability can make this come true. The area of Information and Technology centre will be increased from 5 to 18 acres for the purpose,” he added.
Lyonchhen urged the students to use their brains. “The more you think the more ideas will emerge. Will policies succeed because it is good? No! Each one of you will have to make it succeed. You are the implementers of development policies government comes up with. Take advantage of opportunities. You will have to strengthen and inspire private sector,” He asserted.
The government hence forth according to Lyonchhen will play lesser role; the government will only create facilities, means and craft environment for the economic growth. Economic growth being the function of private sectors anywhere in the world, Lyonchhen urged the students not to look for hand-outs so and become complacent and slothful.
“Currently, everything comes from the government. The donor countries must be replaced by private sector. You are part of the grand government scheme to make this happen. I would like all of you to join private sector and make a difference,” Lyonchhen said, citing how many muti-millionaires and billionaires the world over conceived ideas when young. “I would like to see some of you getting bigger than Bill Gates. If you are passive, you will not succeed,” he added.
Inspired by Lyonchhen’s deliberations, Namgay Wangchuk, 8th semester Majors in Finance student said that the 74 final year students of the college once out in the market will come up with 74 new business ideas and try and propel the nation’s economy.
While on the other hand Sonam Dolma, second semester Bachelors of Commerce student in awe inspiration said that she felt like shedding tears listening to Lyonchhen speak. “It reminded me of my dear father who would often talk to me about progress and serving Tsa Wa Sum with Tha Damtse Lay Jumdray. Lyonchhen’s implications were exactly the same. He should, if time permits him often come and talk to us. He speaks from the heart and it matters,” she said.
“The fact that His Excellency chose to stand before the podium and speak to the gathering for three long hours says a lot about him. I found him acting like a common man. He did not at all speak as the Prime Minister. What further baffled me was, he responded to the questions of each student like a teacher would,” Rama Kishnan, Accountancy Lecturer of the college said adding that with a man of his calibre and humility even gods must envy him.
Lhatu Jamba the college director said that Lyonchhen’s speech on the EDP had cleared every doubt the students had about the policy. “It was very inspiring for the teaching faculty as well to hear him speak. Our students have pledged to be the generator of creative business ideas. Likewise, we here in the college will work towards making this college a business incubation centre in the future,” he added.
According to Dasho Pema Thinley, vice Chancellor of Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) Gaeddu College is almost seen as a business hub for exchange of ideas for the private sectors. “It has become a venue for them to give their employees short term trainings. And the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) is in full support of the initiative,” he declares.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Bhutan-Bangladesh trade update
Twenty four members of International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) recently visited Bhutan to explore opportunities to invest in private sectors. A breakout session was held where business leader of both the countries had one to one meeting on topics of mutual interest.
Production houses in Bhutan like the Agro Industries Limited (BAIL) produces variety of fruit juices, jams, pickles, and mineral water. The industry exports all its products to Bangladesh and India.
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on her visit to Bhutan in the month of November 2009 promised to waive 15% duty on 18 Bhutanese products,namely, cabbage, cauliflower, ginger, apple, orange, fruit juice (five varieties), mineral water, pear, cardamom, quinces, leguminous vegetables, minerals, Kele, and Kohlrabi.
The marketing manager of BAIL said, with waive in duties, the increase in the proceeds of the sale will also mean increase in those farmers’ income who sale their fruits and vegetables to BAIL.
Bhutan’s import to Bangladesh stood at about $12 millions in the fiscal year 2008-2009 which includes fruits, vegetables, processed foods and furniture.
While Bangladesh’s export to Bhutan includes readymade garments, Knitwear, frozen food and shrimp, tea, raw jute, jute products, leather and leather products, chemical fertilizer, ceramic tableware, furniture, fruits and vegetables, and handicraft products amounting to $ 0.6 million for the same year.
Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk was positive about further strengthening the trade relations between the private business houses of the two countries.
The Bangladeshi Ambassador to Bhutan as well was buoyant about the present interaction. He said, “Both our countries are doing well economically. So, there are more opportunities than before. I understand both the delegations must have had long and detailed discussion. I believe, both sides have few areas where there can be immediate corporation, both in the private and as well as in government.”
The president of IBFB Mahmudul Islam Chowdhury as well was affirmative about doing brisk business for the benefit of both the parties. “The meeting was fruitful and I hope there will be follow up these interactions. We are grateful towards Bhutan Chamber for Commerce and industries for the opportunity. It was a success in the royal kingdom of Bhutan,” he said.
The interaction was done to identify common challenges and present solutions to the decision makers for positive changes in business environment not only for the development of the members alone, but also for the betterment of the country by providing leadership, advocacy, connectivity and support. Hence, IBFB will work as a Bridge between the Stakeholders and the Policy Makers.
Production houses in Bhutan like the Agro Industries Limited (BAIL) produces variety of fruit juices, jams, pickles, and mineral water. The industry exports all its products to Bangladesh and India.
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on her visit to Bhutan in the month of November 2009 promised to waive 15% duty on 18 Bhutanese products,namely, cabbage, cauliflower, ginger, apple, orange, fruit juice (five varieties), mineral water, pear, cardamom, quinces, leguminous vegetables, minerals, Kele, and Kohlrabi.
The marketing manager of BAIL said, with waive in duties, the increase in the proceeds of the sale will also mean increase in those farmers’ income who sale their fruits and vegetables to BAIL.
Bhutan’s import to Bangladesh stood at about $12 millions in the fiscal year 2008-2009 which includes fruits, vegetables, processed foods and furniture.
While Bangladesh’s export to Bhutan includes readymade garments, Knitwear, frozen food and shrimp, tea, raw jute, jute products, leather and leather products, chemical fertilizer, ceramic tableware, furniture, fruits and vegetables, and handicraft products amounting to $ 0.6 million for the same year.
Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk was positive about further strengthening the trade relations between the private business houses of the two countries.
The Bangladeshi Ambassador to Bhutan as well was buoyant about the present interaction. He said, “Both our countries are doing well economically. So, there are more opportunities than before. I understand both the delegations must have had long and detailed discussion. I believe, both sides have few areas where there can be immediate corporation, both in the private and as well as in government.”
The president of IBFB Mahmudul Islam Chowdhury as well was affirmative about doing brisk business for the benefit of both the parties. “The meeting was fruitful and I hope there will be follow up these interactions. We are grateful towards Bhutan Chamber for Commerce and industries for the opportunity. It was a success in the royal kingdom of Bhutan,” he said.
The interaction was done to identify common challenges and present solutions to the decision makers for positive changes in business environment not only for the development of the members alone, but also for the betterment of the country by providing leadership, advocacy, connectivity and support. Hence, IBFB will work as a Bridge between the Stakeholders and the Policy Makers.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Civil Service Bill of my country, 2009.
The very recent bone of contention in the proposed Bhutan Civil Service Bill, 2009, by the Royal Civil Service Commission that had already been passed by the National Assembly in the last Assembly is exclusively on the Chapter 4 of the bill.
The Bill could not be passed since it was characterized by confusion as some contradicting points were resolved with a simple majority in the last National Assembly in the month of November 2009.
Many a civil servants though are overtly reluctant on ruminating over the matter although it is them besides the media that will be affected the most. This I presume, if I may is the dire pathetic situation in my country. Every one is for themselves. No one wants to walk the tight rope!
I will point out the two particular clauses in Chapter 4, 'Duties and Rights of civil Servants' in sections (k) of the bill, wherein is mentioned that the Civil Servants should “maintain confidentiality of all facts and information discovered in the course of the duty, both while in service and after separation from the service.”
AND
Similarly in section (i) of the bill it dictates to the civil servants, “To refrain from publicly expressing any adverse opinions against the government,” while not clearly elaborating on the clause any further. What ‘adverse’ does it mean? Are healthy debates not to be encouraged then? Should we see democracy in our country fledging fromt the start already?
These two clauses as any educated Bhutanese lot would know are in variance directly with the Article 7 of the constitution of the kingdom of Bhutan the 'fundamental Rights' that says in sections:
(2) A Bhutanese citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech, opinion and expression.
(3) A Bhutanese citizen shall have the right to information.
(5) There shall be freedom of the press, radio and television and other forms of dissemination of information, including electronic.
Dasho Kinley Dorji, the Secretary of Ministry of Information and Communication tells me almost vehemently but with a tinge of little diplomacy, “Restricting the civil servants from freedom of speech is certainly not a wise thing to do. The concerned persons who have come up with the bill obviously need to re-think and re-discuss these two clauses. However, what we should also understand is, there will be certain things which the government will not want to reveal to the public solely for security reasons.”
While Tashi Phuntsho Wangdi the Chief Editor of K4 media is certainly “not happy with the bill.”
In line with Tashi Phuntsho Wangdi’s opinion the two Managing editors, Ugyen Penjore of Kuensel Corporation and Needrup Zangpo of Bhutan Observer bares the fact that about 90% of the information they as a media organization get are from the civil servants and if this bill became an act, it would further bottleneck necessary information they will need for public better service.
This bill will be put up in the upcoming National Council meeting sometime in the month of June or July 2010 to be established as an Act. Scary moments ahead, right?
The Bill could not be passed since it was characterized by confusion as some contradicting points were resolved with a simple majority in the last National Assembly in the month of November 2009.
Many a civil servants though are overtly reluctant on ruminating over the matter although it is them besides the media that will be affected the most. This I presume, if I may is the dire pathetic situation in my country. Every one is for themselves. No one wants to walk the tight rope!
I will point out the two particular clauses in Chapter 4, 'Duties and Rights of civil Servants' in sections (k) of the bill, wherein is mentioned that the Civil Servants should “maintain confidentiality of all facts and information discovered in the course of the duty, both while in service and after separation from the service.”
AND
Similarly in section (i) of the bill it dictates to the civil servants, “To refrain from publicly expressing any adverse opinions against the government,” while not clearly elaborating on the clause any further. What ‘adverse’ does it mean? Are healthy debates not to be encouraged then? Should we see democracy in our country fledging fromt the start already?
These two clauses as any educated Bhutanese lot would know are in variance directly with the Article 7 of the constitution of the kingdom of Bhutan the 'fundamental Rights' that says in sections:
(2) A Bhutanese citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech, opinion and expression.
(3) A Bhutanese citizen shall have the right to information.
(5) There shall be freedom of the press, radio and television and other forms of dissemination of information, including electronic.
Dasho Kinley Dorji, the Secretary of Ministry of Information and Communication tells me almost vehemently but with a tinge of little diplomacy, “Restricting the civil servants from freedom of speech is certainly not a wise thing to do. The concerned persons who have come up with the bill obviously need to re-think and re-discuss these two clauses. However, what we should also understand is, there will be certain things which the government will not want to reveal to the public solely for security reasons.”
While Tashi Phuntsho Wangdi the Chief Editor of K4 media is certainly “not happy with the bill.”
In line with Tashi Phuntsho Wangdi’s opinion the two Managing editors, Ugyen Penjore of Kuensel Corporation and Needrup Zangpo of Bhutan Observer bares the fact that about 90% of the information they as a media organization get are from the civil servants and if this bill became an act, it would further bottleneck necessary information they will need for public better service.
This bill will be put up in the upcoming National Council meeting sometime in the month of June or July 2010 to be established as an Act. Scary moments ahead, right?
Thursday, December 24, 2009
A poem on my blind date!
The 23rd of last month of '09, the day of nine evils' meeting
The superstitious belief in the goodness of meeting new people engulfed the mind
Absolute chill filled the atmosphere, paining the bones even,
Unfathomable patience in waiting I practiced that night
And then appeared 'she' clad in dotted fair wonju, like an angel,
Tall, slim, fair and stunningly beautiful, omigosh!
As we trod towards the 'dhaba,' poor she! Bore the cold in silence
Uneasiness pervaded my thoughts, pathetic without a car, poor me,
As we crossed the dhaba’s threshold, its warmth gladdened us
The pamphlet menu greeted us upstairs, I pushed one by her side nervously
Did I bring her to the right place? Will she like the order?
“Hot coffee and 'naan'” we said in sync, and laughed off the coincidence
In between the eating ritual, three men attired in red robes followed,
The urge made me light a cigarette, seeked their pardon, they consented
So I smoked and hot water she drank,
I tried coming up with a topic to converse, but in vain, nervous was I
My futility at conversation did not spare me on the occasion as well,
So she smiled, chuckled, and made sweet gestures.
The men in robes' conversation was overheard, one was a Trulku,
An enlightened being, I knew not, my head dropped in shame, squashed the light
And glanced at him with loaded guilt, he was fine, busy conversing,
I signaled at her to abscond the situation, the beautiful complied
Paid the bill, tipped the waiter and disappeared in to the cold night
We laughed again and I was beginning to like her gracious presence.
But we never asked why we laughed, while her's made a pretty sound,
Mine's was like a hyena, too loud and unpleasant for any ear
We trod further, more cold, a step seemed a mile, I suggested a cab, she refused
We reached her place and off I went humming a song, "I don't know why she makes me crazy...”
It appeared to me as though she liked me;
I treated her a memorable cold dinner after all!
The superstitious belief in the goodness of meeting new people engulfed the mind
Absolute chill filled the atmosphere, paining the bones even,
Unfathomable patience in waiting I practiced that night
And then appeared 'she' clad in dotted fair wonju, like an angel,
Tall, slim, fair and stunningly beautiful, omigosh!
As we trod towards the 'dhaba,' poor she! Bore the cold in silence
Uneasiness pervaded my thoughts, pathetic without a car, poor me,
As we crossed the dhaba’s threshold, its warmth gladdened us
The pamphlet menu greeted us upstairs, I pushed one by her side nervously
Did I bring her to the right place? Will she like the order?
“Hot coffee and 'naan'” we said in sync, and laughed off the coincidence
In between the eating ritual, three men attired in red robes followed,
The urge made me light a cigarette, seeked their pardon, they consented
So I smoked and hot water she drank,
I tried coming up with a topic to converse, but in vain, nervous was I
My futility at conversation did not spare me on the occasion as well,
So she smiled, chuckled, and made sweet gestures.
The men in robes' conversation was overheard, one was a Trulku,
An enlightened being, I knew not, my head dropped in shame, squashed the light
And glanced at him with loaded guilt, he was fine, busy conversing,
I signaled at her to abscond the situation, the beautiful complied
Paid the bill, tipped the waiter and disappeared in to the cold night
We laughed again and I was beginning to like her gracious presence.
But we never asked why we laughed, while her's made a pretty sound,
Mine's was like a hyena, too loud and unpleasant for any ear
We trod further, more cold, a step seemed a mile, I suggested a cab, she refused
We reached her place and off I went humming a song, "I don't know why she makes me crazy...”
It appeared to me as though she liked me;
I treated her a memorable cold dinner after all!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Thats like a good report!
Peter Baker reported from Washington and Mark Landler from Kabul, Afghanistan. Reporting was contributed by Alissa J. Rubin from Kabul; Eric Schmitt, David E. Sanger and Elisabeth Bumiller from Washington; and Helene Cooper from Seoul, South Korea.
(FROM NY TIMES, DATED, 19TH NOVEMBER 2009)
WASHINGTON — President Obama sent his top diplomat to Afghanistan on Wednesday to press President Hamid Karzai to deliver “measurable results” on governance and corruption as the White House prepared specific new demands to accompany an American troop buildup.
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On Wednesday, President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, left, greeted President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan in Kabul.
In an unannounced visit to Kabul, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton warned Mr. Karzai privately that future civilian aid would depend in part on how his government performed in areas like developing an effective army and curbing cronyism, according to an American official. Publicly, she told reporters that Mr. Karzai had begun to tackle corruption but “not nearly enough.”
The trip, coming on the eve of Mr. Karzai’s inauguration for a second term after a chaotic election marred by charges of rampant fraud, represented part of a broader effort by the Obama administration to tie the pending troop increase in Afghanistan to more effective efforts by its partners in the region.
The White House is developing “clear targets” for both the Afghan and Pakistani governments, possibly with specific timelines, as a way to signal that the American military presence will not last indefinitely, American officials said. It is not yet clear what the administration is willing to do if the targets are not met.
Among other things, the officials said, the administration will insist that Afghanistan fight corruption, speed up troop training and retention, and funnel development assistance to areas the Taliban dominate. As for Pakistan, the officials said, the White House plan would press Islamabad to keep up pressure on its insurgents as well as on Al Qaeda and, most important, go after militant groups that until now it has not taken on aggressively.
Many supporters of Mr. Karzai charge his critics in the West with hypocrisy, noting that they helped put him in power. And yet, some in his own circle are also pressing him to clean house, recognizing that widespread corruption and the failure to deliver services are prompting Afghans to turn to the Taliban and other insurgent groups.
“We are asking that they follow through on much of what they have previously said, including putting together a credible anticorruption governmental entity,” Mrs. Clinton told reporters traveling with her. “They’ve done some work on that, but in our view, not nearly enough to demonstrate a seriousness of purpose to tackle corruption.”
During her 90-minute private talk with Mr. Karzai, which ran much longer than scheduled, Mrs. Clinton pressed for specific actions like increasing inspectors on American aid programs and certifying Afghan ministries to ensure they do not siphon off money, an American official said. She also pushed Mr. Karzai to make merit-based appointments to senior government positions and take a greater personal role in developing a stand-alone army and police force.
Gen. James L. Jones, the president’s national security adviser, made a similar trip to Pakistan late last week, where he pressed that government to do more. Any new list of goals for Pakistan would include taking on the Haqqani militant network along the Afghan border and the Taliban shura, or council, in the southern city of Quetta, both of which the government has been reluctant to confront, an American official said. The administration also wants to expand drone operations north into Chitral and deeper into Bajaur in the north and into portions of Baluchistan in the south, the official said.
Whether timetables will be applied to some of these demands remains undecided, officials said. Deadlines have been set for some goals, like training more Afghan soldiers, and they very likely will be accelerated. But while the White House is seeking to develop an exit strategy, Mr. Obama does not appear likely to set an overall time frame for beginning to withdraw American troops, as he once advocated for Iraq.
“The point here is to put in place very concrete targets that we can use as fulcrums to press for continued success,” said an administration official. “It’s not meant to be a threat per se, but a statement of reality. It’s not a bottomless well.”
But laying out such benchmarks in the past — most recently in September — did not change the course of events in that region, and aides said Mr. Obama was reluctant to threaten consequences aggressively if the goals were not met. Mrs. Clinton’s mention of civilian aid raised one potential point of leverage. The fact that additional American troops will flow into Afghanistan in phases over the next year provides another.
But even if Mr. Karzai is willing to clamp down harder on corruption, he may find it difficult to do so without jettisoning some of the very allies who helped him get re-elected. It is not clear that he is willing to replace enough people to placate critics — or if he did, whether his government could survive.
The new targets are a way of reinforcing the idea that the administration will not simply send more troops to Afghanistan unconditionally and that it envisions eventually beginning to draw down troop numbers after turning over the fight to the Kabul government. In his public comments lately, Mr. Obama has increasingly warned that his is not an “open-ended commitment.”
The message has three audiences, officials said. The first is the Afghan people, trying to rebut the Taliban characterization of American forces as occupiers. The second is the Afghan government, which is being told it needs to step up. And the third is the American people, who have grown deeply uneasy about the eight-year-old war.
“The task here is making sure that Afghanistan is sufficiently stable so that we can make that handoff,” Mr. Obama told NBC News during his trip to Asia. “So my goal is exactly what you described — creating a situation in which our footprint is smaller and Afghan security forces can do the job of keeping their country together. They’re not there yet. They need help from us.”
Mr. Obama told CNN that he was “very close to a decision” on how many more troops to send and would announce it “in the next several weeks.” He suggested that he would like to be winding down American military involvement in Afghanistan before leaving office. “My preference would be not to hand off anything to the next president,” he said.
Mr. Obama has already sent 21,000 additional troops to Afghanistan since taking office, bringing the total American force to 68,000. After more than two months of rethinking his strategy, he has decided to send even more and is weighing how many.
Several people briefed on administration deliberations, who like others requested anonymity to discuss delicate matters, said Wednesday that the president’s advisers had been testing the reaction to an increase of 20,000 to 30,000 troops, while warning that no decision had been made.
White House officials said that after returning from Asia, Mr. Obama would meet with his national security team on Friday or over the weekend, his ninth such session, but they indicated that no announcement appeared likely until after the Thanksgiving holiday. A senior Senate aide said lawmakers anticipated a decision in time to hold hearings during the week of Nov. 30.
In Kabul, Mr. Karzai begins a second term on Thursday as a leader damaged by a tainted election, strained relations with allies and a record blighted by ineffective management and corruption. His inauguration at this pivotal moment, eight years after Americans began the Afghan war, raises the question of whether the Afghan people or American officials can expect better from him over the next five years.
While Mr. Obama turns up the pressure, Mr. Karzai appears caught among competing imperatives: the West, his supporters and his own instincts to be loyal to tribe and family.
“If Karzai removes all the people who supported him in the election, the warlords, and he doesn’t have support from the international community, then he could lose both sides,” said Muhammad Noor Akbary, a member of Parliament who worked on Mr. Karzai’s campaign. “He has to have some allies.”
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The walk!
The royal Institute of Health Sciences (RIHS) in collaboration with the Department of Medical Services under the Ministry of Health observed World Diabetes Day on the 14th of November.
To commemorate world diabetes day, the minister of health, Lyonpo Zangley Drukpa flagged off the walk early this morning. The Lyonpo addressed the issue of increasing cases of diabetes in the country and emphasized on the importance of sensitizing and creating public awareness about the disease.
Thematically charged,” Global Diabetes Walk-Understand Diabetes and take control" the walk saw a total of 350 students including 40 faculty members from RIHS participate. About 50 member staff from the Ministry of health also joined the throng to create public awareness on the disease.
The walk that began at 8:10 am saw through the lunch time.
The 400 participants started the walk from the RIHS gate via Memorial chorten and walked in one combined crowd till the Changlam Plaza. From there on groups were formed to walk all through the town for maximum public reach.
And as the participants walked the street, they distributed pamphlets on the know-how about diabetes to the public.
After an extensive walk through the town, the Secretary of Health, Dasho Gado Tshering spoke to BBS.
Once back to the institute, the staff and students of RIHS followed the programme for the day as scheduled. A lively inter-house quiz show, the questions for which were exclusively based on diabetes was organized. This was followed by a game of basketball game. And finally a sumptuous lunch wrapped up the special programme.
The event was organized by RIHS with a financial assistance from World Diabetes Foundation based in Geneva.
To commemorate world diabetes day, the minister of health, Lyonpo Zangley Drukpa flagged off the walk early this morning. The Lyonpo addressed the issue of increasing cases of diabetes in the country and emphasized on the importance of sensitizing and creating public awareness about the disease.
Thematically charged,” Global Diabetes Walk-Understand Diabetes and take control" the walk saw a total of 350 students including 40 faculty members from RIHS participate. About 50 member staff from the Ministry of health also joined the throng to create public awareness on the disease.
The walk that began at 8:10 am saw through the lunch time.
The 400 participants started the walk from the RIHS gate via Memorial chorten and walked in one combined crowd till the Changlam Plaza. From there on groups were formed to walk all through the town for maximum public reach.
And as the participants walked the street, they distributed pamphlets on the know-how about diabetes to the public.
After an extensive walk through the town, the Secretary of Health, Dasho Gado Tshering spoke to BBS.
Once back to the institute, the staff and students of RIHS followed the programme for the day as scheduled. A lively inter-house quiz show, the questions for which were exclusively based on diabetes was organized. This was followed by a game of basketball game. And finally a sumptuous lunch wrapped up the special programme.
The event was organized by RIHS with a financial assistance from World Diabetes Foundation based in Geneva.
The students of RIHS were to me a source of great inspiration.
To commemorate world diabetes day, the minister of health, Lyonpo Zangley Drukpa flagged off the walk early this morning. The Lyonpo addressed the issue of increasing cases of diabetes in the country and emphasized on the importance of sensitizing and creating public awareness about the disease.
Thematically charged,” Global Diabetes Walk-Understand Diabetes and take control" the walk saw a total of 350 students including 40 faculty members from RIHS participate. About 50 member staff from the Ministry of health also joined the throng to create public awareness on the disease.
The walk that began at 8:10 am saw through the lunch time.
The 400 participants started the walk from the RIHS gate via Memorial chorten and walked in one combined crowd till the Changlam Plaza. From there on groups were formed to walk all through the town for maximum public reach.
And as the participants walked the street, they distributed pamphlets on the know-how about diabetes to the public.
After an extensive walk through the town, the Secretary of Health, Dasho Gado Tshering spoke to BBS.
Once back to the institute, the staff and students of RIHS followed the programme for the day as scheduled. A lively inter-house quiz show, the questions for which were exclusively based on diabetes was organized. This was followed by a game of basketball game. And finally a sumptuous lunch wrapped up the special programme.
The event was organized by RIHS with a financial assistance from World Diabetes Foundation based in Geneva.
To commemorate world diabetes day, the minister of health, Lyonpo Zangley Drukpa flagged off the walk early this morning. The Lyonpo addressed the issue of increasing cases of diabetes in the country and emphasized on the importance of sensitizing and creating public awareness about the disease.
Thematically charged,” Global Diabetes Walk-Understand Diabetes and take control" the walk saw a total of 350 students including 40 faculty members from RIHS participate. About 50 member staff from the Ministry of health also joined the throng to create public awareness on the disease.
The walk that began at 8:10 am saw through the lunch time.
The 400 participants started the walk from the RIHS gate via Memorial chorten and walked in one combined crowd till the Changlam Plaza. From there on groups were formed to walk all through the town for maximum public reach.
And as the participants walked the street, they distributed pamphlets on the know-how about diabetes to the public.
After an extensive walk through the town, the Secretary of Health, Dasho Gado Tshering spoke to BBS.
Once back to the institute, the staff and students of RIHS followed the programme for the day as scheduled. A lively inter-house quiz show, the questions for which were exclusively based on diabetes was organized. This was followed by a game of basketball game. And finally a sumptuous lunch wrapped up the special programme.
The event was organized by RIHS with a financial assistance from World Diabetes Foundation based in Geneva.
The students of RIHS were to me a source of great inspiration.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Once more on it!
How does media house function in Bhutan? Does the management have a say in the editorial department? There does not however, seem to have a set answer.
The bone of contention in the recent Bhutan Times controversy as accused by the seven journalists was an incessant interference by the new management. Truth however, could not be squeezed out of the issue since the concerned involved persons refused to talk citing excuses.
However, I managed to talk to few media houses and asked them how each of them thought about the unfortunate incident and how they as a media entity functioned.
Most agree, “They should have given more time to the new Chief Executive Officer and should have united in solving the problem instead of just walking away.”
The Managing Director of Bhutan today and the ex-Dzongkha editor of Bhutan Times who now works for Bhutan Today as well condemns the journalists for not giving ample time to the management to come up with the new editorial team without which any media house becomes defunct.
“We maintain a very respectable and a strong boundary between the management and the editorial. We have company rules wherein the management does not have any say how an editorial should work. At the same time, we also respect the management because they have ton make money for company to sustain,” said the Kuensel spokesperson. How nice would it be if this had been the general practice.
Bhutan does not have established policies that define roles and responsibilities of people working in media.
The Bhutan Infocomm and Media authority on 23rd of October had issued a notification to the CEO, Wangcha Sangay demanding as required by “the provision of the act” to submit the credentials of the new editorial team latest by the noon of 30th October-nothing has transpired since.
Should incidents like this be not attended to from the start, democracy will not see the light of the day for long in our tiny Kingdom.
The bone of contention in the recent Bhutan Times controversy as accused by the seven journalists was an incessant interference by the new management. Truth however, could not be squeezed out of the issue since the concerned involved persons refused to talk citing excuses.
However, I managed to talk to few media houses and asked them how each of them thought about the unfortunate incident and how they as a media entity functioned.
Most agree, “They should have given more time to the new Chief Executive Officer and should have united in solving the problem instead of just walking away.”
The Managing Director of Bhutan today and the ex-Dzongkha editor of Bhutan Times who now works for Bhutan Today as well condemns the journalists for not giving ample time to the management to come up with the new editorial team without which any media house becomes defunct.
“We maintain a very respectable and a strong boundary between the management and the editorial. We have company rules wherein the management does not have any say how an editorial should work. At the same time, we also respect the management because they have ton make money for company to sustain,” said the Kuensel spokesperson. How nice would it be if this had been the general practice.
Bhutan does not have established policies that define roles and responsibilities of people working in media.
The Bhutan Infocomm and Media authority on 23rd of October had issued a notification to the CEO, Wangcha Sangay demanding as required by “the provision of the act” to submit the credentials of the new editorial team latest by the noon of 30th October-nothing has transpired since.
Should incidents like this be not attended to from the start, democracy will not see the light of the day for long in our tiny Kingdom.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Last question please!
(Source: Internet-gramattical errors are not mine!)
Question: Ms America, how do you describe a male organ in
your country?
Ms America: Well, I can say that male organs in America are
like gentlemen.
Question: How can you say so?
Ms America: Because it stands every time it sees a woman........
(Applause! Applause!)
Question: Ms Spain, how do you describe a male organ in your
country?
Ms Spain: Male organs in our country are like our very own
Bullfight or Toro (Bull)
Question: How can you say so?
Ms Spain: Because it charges every time it sees an opening.
Applause! Applause!)
Question: Ms Philippines, how do you describe a male organ
in your >country?
Ms Philippines: Well, I can say that male organs in our country
are like gossip or rumors.
Question: How can you say so?
Ms Philippines: Because it passes from mouth to mouth.
(Applause! Applause! Standing Ovation! Applause! Applause!)
Question: Ms Iran, how do you describe a male organ in your
Country?
Ms Iran: Well, I can say that male organs in Iran are like
thieves.
Question: How can you say so?
Ms Iran: Because they like to enter through the back door.
(Applause! Applause! Laughter! Laughter! Applause!
>Applause!)
Question: Ms India, how do you describe a male organ in your
country?
Ms India: Well, I can say the male organs in India are like
labourers.
Question: How can you say so?
Ms India: Because it works day and night......
> >(Applause! Applause! Applause! Applause! Applause!
Applause! Applause!)
Question: Ms Malaysia, how do you describe a male organ
in your country?
Ms Malaysia: Well, I can say that Male Organs in Malaysia
are like Proton car.
Question: How can you say so?
Ms Malaysia: Look tough but actually very soft.
(Applause! Applause! Laughter! Laughter! Applause!
Applause!)
Question: Ms Singapore, how do you describe a male organ
in your country?
Ms Singapore: Well, I can say that male organ In Singapore
is very Kiasu (Afraid to lose).
Question: How can you say so?
Ms Singapore: It always wants to rush in quick and leave
15 minutes before the show is over.
>Applause! Applause! Applause! Applause! Applause!
Applause! Applause!
Question: Ms China, how do you describe a male organ in your
country?
Ms China: Well, I can say that male organs in China are like
a space plane.
Question: How can you say so?
Ms China: Because it brings you to paradise within few minutes........
Question: Ms America, how do you describe a male organ in
your country?
Ms America: Well, I can say that male organs in America are
like gentlemen.
Question: How can you say so?
Ms America: Because it stands every time it sees a woman........
(Applause! Applause!)
Question: Ms Spain, how do you describe a male organ in your
country?
Ms Spain: Male organs in our country are like our very own
Bullfight or Toro (Bull)
Question: How can you say so?
Ms Spain: Because it charges every time it sees an opening.
Applause! Applause!)
Question: Ms Philippines, how do you describe a male organ
in your >country?
Ms Philippines: Well, I can say that male organs in our country
are like gossip or rumors.
Question: How can you say so?
Ms Philippines: Because it passes from mouth to mouth.
(Applause! Applause! Standing Ovation! Applause! Applause!)
Question: Ms Iran, how do you describe a male organ in your
Country?
Ms Iran: Well, I can say that male organs in Iran are like
thieves.
Question: How can you say so?
Ms Iran: Because they like to enter through the back door.
(Applause! Applause! Laughter! Laughter! Applause!
>Applause!)
Question: Ms India, how do you describe a male organ in your
country?
Ms India: Well, I can say the male organs in India are like
labourers.
Question: How can you say so?
Ms India: Because it works day and night......
> >(Applause! Applause! Applause! Applause! Applause!
Applause! Applause!)
Question: Ms Malaysia, how do you describe a male organ
in your country?
Ms Malaysia: Well, I can say that Male Organs in Malaysia
are like Proton car.
Question: How can you say so?
Ms Malaysia: Look tough but actually very soft.
(Applause! Applause! Laughter! Laughter! Applause!
Applause!)
Question: Ms Singapore, how do you describe a male organ
in your country?
Ms Singapore: Well, I can say that male organ In Singapore
is very Kiasu (Afraid to lose).
Question: How can you say so?
Ms Singapore: It always wants to rush in quick and leave
15 minutes before the show is over.
>Applause! Applause! Applause! Applause! Applause!
Applause! Applause!
Question: Ms China, how do you describe a male organ in your
country?
Ms China: Well, I can say that male organs in China are like
a space plane.
Question: How can you say so?
Ms China: Because it brings you to paradise within few minutes........
A MOTHER'S LOVE
(Source: Internet)
A little boy came up to his mother in the kitchen one evening while she was fixing supper, and handed her a piece of paper that he had been writing on.
After his Mom dried her hands on an apron, she read it, and this is what it said:
1) For cutting the grass: $5.00
2) For cleaning up my room this week: $1.00
3) For going to the store for you: $.50
4) Baby-sitting my kid brother while you went shopping: $.25
5) Taking out the garbage: $1.00
6) For getting a good report card: $5.00
7) For cleaning up and raking the yard: $2.00
Total owed: $14.75 +- R88
Well, his mother looked at him standing there, and the boy could see the memories flashing through her mind.
She picked up the pen, turned over the paper he'd written on, and this is what she wrote:
1) For the nine months I carried you while you were growing inside me: NO CHARGE
2) For all the nights that I've sat up with you, doctored and prayed for you: NO CHARGE
3) For all the trying times, and all the tears that you've caused through the years: NO CHARGE
4) For all the nights that were filled with dread, and for the worries I knew were ahead: NO CHARGE
5) For the toys, food, clothes, and even wiping your nose: NO CHARGE
6) Son, when you add it up, the cost of my love is: NO CHARGE
When the boy finished reading what his mother had written, there were big tears in his eyes, and he looked straight at his mother and said,"Mom, I sure do love you."
And then he took the pen and in great big letters he wrote:
"PAID IN FULL".
*LESSON
You will never know how much your parents worth till you become a parent.
Be a giver not an asker, especially with your parents.
There is a lot to give, besides money.
ADVICE
IF your mom is alive and close to you, give her a big kiss and ask her for forgiveness.
IF she is far away - Call her.
If she passed away - Pray for her.
RELATED QUOTE
"God bless my mother, all that I am or ever hope to be I owe to her."
A little boy came up to his mother in the kitchen one evening while she was fixing supper, and handed her a piece of paper that he had been writing on.
After his Mom dried her hands on an apron, she read it, and this is what it said:
1) For cutting the grass: $5.00
2) For cleaning up my room this week: $1.00
3) For going to the store for you: $.50
4) Baby-sitting my kid brother while you went shopping: $.25
5) Taking out the garbage: $1.00
6) For getting a good report card: $5.00
7) For cleaning up and raking the yard: $2.00
Total owed: $14.75 +- R88
Well, his mother looked at him standing there, and the boy could see the memories flashing through her mind.
She picked up the pen, turned over the paper he'd written on, and this is what she wrote:
1) For the nine months I carried you while you were growing inside me: NO CHARGE
2) For all the nights that I've sat up with you, doctored and prayed for you: NO CHARGE
3) For all the trying times, and all the tears that you've caused through the years: NO CHARGE
4) For all the nights that were filled with dread, and for the worries I knew were ahead: NO CHARGE
5) For the toys, food, clothes, and even wiping your nose: NO CHARGE
6) Son, when you add it up, the cost of my love is: NO CHARGE
When the boy finished reading what his mother had written, there were big tears in his eyes, and he looked straight at his mother and said,"Mom, I sure do love you."
And then he took the pen and in great big letters he wrote:
"PAID IN FULL".
*LESSON
You will never know how much your parents worth till you become a parent.
Be a giver not an asker, especially with your parents.
There is a lot to give, besides money.
ADVICE
IF your mom is alive and close to you, give her a big kiss and ask her for forgiveness.
IF she is far away - Call her.
If she passed away - Pray for her.
RELATED QUOTE
"God bless my mother, all that I am or ever hope to be I owe to her."
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