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MarkA11

Listed below are comments made by MarkA11 between Wednesday, 6th August 2008 and Thursday, 12th March 2009.

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We're live in Kisumu this morning 2:11pm on 12 Mar 2009 Hi Victoria
I'm sure I'll be disparaged for the following comments, but here we go.

Firstly, I've no problem with you going to Kisumu and highlighting the problems in Kenya, but I don't think you gave enough air-time to the counter argument. For example you didn't spend much time talking to Dambisa Moyo. I don't give to comic relief, not because I think that charity begins at home, but because I don't think the money is being spent wisely. Surely it is incumbent on governments to provide education, some social housing, health care, sanitation etc etc. There are very few, if any, countries in Africa that are not riddled with civil war, corruption and odious regimes whose only ambition is to marginalise the population whilst raping the country of it's wealth. With all the natural resources of oil, minerals, gold, diamonds etc, it can be argued that Africa should the richest continent on earth, but no its the poorest. Why is the poorest. Simply because of the corruption and maladministration of the regimes. Just look at the problems with the elections in Kenya, the civil war in Congo, Darfur, the odious regime in Equitorial Guinea, starvation in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe - the list goes on and on.

Therefore, as long as the West keeps giving aid and charities subsidising these countries, the Governments/dictatorships will inevitably do nothing to help there own people and as Ms Moyo says in 60 years nearly $1 trillion, that's a thousand billion dollars has been given and are they any better off. The answer is definitely NO.

You also said that HIV and AIDS was caused by lack of sanitation, poor housing etc, but it blatantly isn't. HIV and AIDS is caused by having unprotected sex with someone infected or by receiving infected blood products etc. When you went to the slums yesterday and met the woman who had eight children and was HIV positive, you legitimately asked why was she still having sex. Did you get an answer from the doctor. No you didn't. Is it up the West to provide adequate health care and anti-viral drugs and sex education to these people. No, it's up the the governments of the countries to do that, but they keep denying there is a problem as happened with the South African administration.
Poems for Armistice Day 10:04am on 11 Nov 2008 Hi All
What a excellent poem from Joshua.

Regarding the new schedule, it is important that programmes are re-vamped from time to time to try and keep them fresh, but I have a couple of observations. When the midday news is axed, I think Aasmah should be given another show. She's an excellent presenter. Not sure I agree with the criticism of Nicky. I'm sure he'll do a good job from 9 till 10.

Can't say I'm particularly happy about the 5live move to Salford. The rumours are that Nicky won't go, Simon Mayo won't renew his contract, maybe Peter Allen won't want to move and maybe Anita Anand too and maybe even Victoria won't want to move her family: who would blame any of them. That's 5 of the top presenters: a disaster waiting to happen. I suspect it's a PC attempt to silence the London centric critics, but let's face it, most of the guests on all shows are based in, around or visit London to plug books, films etc. We'll end up with new Z list celebrity presenters, phone ins and guests live by satellite. IT'S A DISASTER: MOVE THE DG AND THE BBC BOARD AFTER ALL WE WOULDN'T REALLY MISS THEM.
My new editor.. 08:24am on 07 Aug 2008 PS. It won't put me off, I'm a great fan of the show.
My new editor.. 08:23am on 07 Aug 2008 Glad to hear it's coincidence and not nepotism.
My new editor.. 2:18pm on 06 Aug 2008 Any relation to John?

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