Récit roumain

Un des nombreux blasons anciens de Roumanie dont il y en a pour chaque cité.

Il y a environ deux millions de Roms qui représente la minorité la plus importante et la plus déshéritée d'Europe.

En 2007 la Roumanie est devenue partie intégrale de l'UE. Depuis cette adhésion les Roms circulent plus librement que jamais en Europe.
Cette circulation libre a attiré plusieurs réseaux criminels. En France la mendicité organisée, le vol armé, la prostitution, entre autres, sont  toujours en augmentation, et les enfants de ces communautés sont de plus en plus menacés car de plus en plus impliqués.

Les Roms restent ensemble. Il n'y a pas donc aucune intégration réelle ou voulue. Leur démantèlement en France avait commencé déjà en 2007 sans avoir provoqué un grand tollé, mais aujourd'hui on semble vouloir manifester beaucoup plus de désapprobation.

Selon les autorités roumaines, le 'problème Rom' est devenu un problème européen donc une responsabilité européenne. Mais pour devenir un pays membre de l'UE, la Roumanie a du s'engager à respecter certaines lois et conditions qui n'ont pas été proprement appliquées. Aussi chez eux en Roumanie les Roms vivent mal et sont sujet de discrimination.

Ce problème n'est pas le seul dont la Roumanie est censée prendre en main selon ses engagements européens. Les autorités semblent aussi incapable à corriger le problème de corruption qui corrode leur propre système d'administration gouvernementale.

Mais la pression de Bruxelles n'a pas été inefficace. Bien que très tardif, Bucarest a fait savoir qu'un secrétariat d'Etat a été crée pour assumer la responsabilité de la réinsertion des Roms. Cette tâche est loin d'être gratuite. Elle sera aussi financée jusqu'en 2013 par des fonds européens, une somme de 20 milliards d'euros.

Alors, pourquoi toute cette agitation? Pourquoi ces manifestations, souvent venant de sources qui pourraient être jugées mal placées pour critiquer, ou totalement inappropriée selon la vocation du critique?
Comment est-il possible, par exemple, qu'un prêtre Catholique français puisse rendre sa médaille de l'ordre du Mérite, et avouer publiquement qu'il a prié pour la mort de Nicolas Sarkozy, à cause d'une telle décision d'un gouvernement élu?..

Quant au Vatican, sans doute le Pape pensait-il que c'était aussi son devoir de faire une déclaration en faveur des Roms, ou peut-être croyait-il que l'on attendait une telle intervention de sa part, mais est-ce qu'il est vraiment bien placé pour le faire?  Ou en tous cas l'Eglise devait-elle intervenir à propos d'une décision d'un gouvernement légitime qui assume sa responsabilité selon la loi, pour que la premiere concernée, assume proprement la sienne, aussi selon la loi?
Puis après tout, ce ne serait pas très approprié si, par exemple, le Vatican même était sollicité par une communauté de Roms, et si jamais un tel cas aussi peu probable se présentait, les gardes suisses réagiraient beaucoup plus promptement que ne l'avaient jamais fait les gendarmes français. Inutile à ajouter que la charité commence toujours chez soi.

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By Mirino. Source- Le Figaro. Image Wikimedia, with grateful thanks. August, 2010

The Crow

On the moor there was a very old old ruin.
Perched upon one of the broken, ivy-clad walls surrounded by large, moss covered stones was a crow.  As he considered himself Lord of the Ruin, he would arrogantly strut about keeping a beady eye on things, and cawing raucously from time to time.

Most small animals were terrified of him. He had a very bad reputation.

When they saw his shadow following the curves of the grassy moors, they shivered with fright. Soaring darkly overhead, he seemed to enjoy causing them so much fear.

The crow was in his element when the weather was dull, wet and miserable. And if he sometimes enjoyed basking in the sun, he pretended he didn't. He revelled in rainstorms and loved sleety snow. He found it very good to roll in on misty days.

But one day during the autumn season, there was a terrible storm of such might that even the crow, delighted at first, soon became uncertain. And when he was whisked up without warning by a force that whirled him round and round as if he were nothing but a speck of dust, he was terrified.

High up into the dark sky he was swept, and like a poor spider in draining water, he had no control whatsoever over his destiny.

When at last the whirling wind grew bored, the crow was dumped in a hawthorn bush.

After the storm had passed the crow was very shaken. He tried to straighten out his feathers, but he didn't feel up to it at all. He flapped his wings a little, without much effect. He even believed he was no longer able to fly, and was very worried indeed.

It was late in the day. The last of the dark clouds had thinned out into dark crimson ribbons reflecting the last embers of the setting sun.

The crow wanted to get back to his ruin before dark. He made a few clumsy attempts to fly, but only managed to go short distances.
Had he been a sensible crow, he would have stayed the night in the hawthorn, then he wouldn't have attracted the attention of the fox.

The crow cursed once more as it desperately flapped to get off the ground, whilst the fox decided how best it should approach the bird to avoid its nasty beak.

When at last the crow caught sight of the fox, he became so alarmed that he painfully managed to take off and even gain height.
The fox felt cheated, but he followed the crow's flight still hoping that he wouldn't be able to reach the walls of the ruin.

The crow was exhausted when he finally succeeded.
It was almost nightfall. The fox circled the ruins then sat below the wall grinning up at the poor bird.

The crow was too tired to do anything. He ached all over, and the eyes of the fox staring up made him tremble. He passed a horribly uncomfortable night.

The next day was calm.
The sun rose behind a thin veil of cloud. The crow welcomed its warmth.

The fox had given up and gone home.  At last the crow felt he could rest.

As he slept he had a curious dream. He dreamt that he was hungry and the sun advised him to follow the rainbow. It would lead him, assured the sun, to where there was everything he could possibly want. So the crow followed the rainbow.
But as he did so, his dishevelled, murky feathers became sleek and pure white.

Where the rainbow shone down there was a beautiful garden. And there indeed was all the crow could ever wish for.

*

The crow shook himself and ruffled his black feathers. He felt utterly humiliated.  He had quite forgotten his dream.

He arranged his feathers and flexed his wings. It was late in the morning. He was beginning to feel quite peckish.

As he opened his wings he notice a little vole just beneath him, searching about in the short grass between the big, grey stones.
Very gently the crow then closed his wings, and without moving or making the slightest sound, he allowed the little animal to continue its quest in peace.

From the Rainbow Series

The illustration of the 'Croquemort Crow' is one of 'the animal series', some of which were published in two children's books, whilst others were first published as cards with 'doggerel' poems. By using this illustration, which wasn't done for 'the Rainbow story series, I am therefore 'killing two birds with one stone'- so to speak- for it also allows me to add the poem which goes with this particular illustration.

The Croque-mort Crow (Dirge)

In the ash-tree
Perched the Crow
Cawing baleful
Tales of woe

Undertaking
Deeds of sorrow,
Here today
And gone tomorrow

'Windswept weeds
With crape for widows,
Sackcloth, ashes,
Weeping willows.

Bleak and murky
Dismal drizzle,
Black and doleful
Dreary grizzle.

(Beneath the ash-tree
Now lies the Crow,
To rest in peace
Whilst daisies grow).
 

*
 

Nel frassino
Posò il Corvo
Gracidando
Scuro racconto.
 

Intraprendendo
Atti spiacenti
Qui oggi-
Domani partiti
 

Vestiti nel vento
Veli per vedove,
Sacchi e ceneri,
Salice piangente.
 

Tetro e tenebroso,
Triste pioggia.
Grigio e nebbioso,
Cupa malinconia.
 

(Al piè del frassino
Ora giace il Corvo.
Che riposi in pace
Mentre pratoline crescono).
 

*

Dans le frêne
Se trouva le corbeau
Coassant ses sinistres
Contes de bourreaux

Entreprenant
Actes de chagrin,
Ici aujourd'hui,
Parti demain.

Vêtements de deuil,
Crêpe noir des veuves
Le sac et les cendres
Malheureuse épreuves.

Morne et ténébreux
Triste bruine,
Gris et misérable
Désolant ruine.

(Alors que maintenant
Se trouve le corbeau
Au pied du frêne
En profond repos).
 

__

A mourn, distainful cry
Muffled by the snow
Falling from the sky
Uttered by the crow.

The witches' avenger,
Harbinger of storms,
The devil's messenger,
Death in all its forms.

Languidly he flies
Cawing his refrain,
Casting cruel eyes
 On the shrouded plain.

The witches' avenger,
Harbinger of storms,
The devil's messenger,
Death in all its forms.

Who ventures in such skies 
Scorning the sleet and snow,
Making such evil cries?
The devil, he would know.
__
 
  Text  and images © Mirino (PW) August, 2010 

Una mosca nella minestra

In principle all religions accept that there is only one God, although each cult would naturally address God in their own way, as each national language translates the word 'God' its own way. There should therefore be no essential reason why God cannot be worshipped by people of different religions in one particular place of worship, or anywhere, for that matter.

Architecturally the requirement would be that the Basilicacathedralmosquesynagoguetemple (in alphabetic and not hierarchic order, nb) is appropriately situated, large enough, has the required facilities discreetly arranged for all religions, and is beautiful enough (a wonderfully inspired marriage of religious architectural styles to accord with all known cults) to command supreme international esteem and respect.
(The above joint name is really an incomplete abbreviation for all the religions of the world, which when united might read as : 'Baha'ibuddhismchristianityconfucianismdruidismhinduismislamjainismshintosikhismtaoismwiccazoroastrianism'.

Such a worthy project, the House of God for the whole of humanity, would be fairly financed by all concerned, naturally including the Vatican.

Should any leading religious authority reject such an idea however, this would indicate a requirement for exclusivity that might also suggest a lack tolerance towards other religions.

If the President of the USA wishes to generously demonstrate that U.S. democracy fully accepts the freedom of religion by allowing one particular cult to build a mosque near where 3,000 innocent people were massacred by Muslim fanatics, surely his idea would be more coherent if the terms stipulated that the religions of all the 11/9 victims, if not of all the world, should also be represented.

Thus the Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Anglicans, Protestants, Orthodox, Catholics, Lutherans, etc., etc., should certainly not be excluded.

The ground space required for so many places of worship for only one God would, however, be enormous. Far greater than was originally allotted for the Twin Towers.

The solution, therefore, would be the Basilicacathedralmosquesynagoguetemple for the united religions- 'Baha'ibuddhismchristianityconfucianismdruidismhinduismislamjainismshintosikhismtaoismwiccazoroastrianism', assuming, and it would be reasonable to assume, that all the world's religions only believe in one God.

If the 'moderate' worshippers of God rejected this solution, they would essentially be rejecting the very principle that the President of the USA is advocating for the nation he represents, ie- freedom of religion and tolerance of the religion of others.

Thus if those who wish to build a mosque near Ground Zero would reject the idea of allowing other religions to be represented in the same sacred precinct, then surely they would forfeit their right to obtain the necessary authorisation. Such exclusivity in such a sensitive and controversial area would be unacceptable. Should this be the case, indeed it could be interpreted as an insult, not only to all the victims and to all those who were actively engaged in trying to save them from the atrocious consequences of the WTC attack, but an insult to democracy, religion and humanity.

 ____

 Italiano 

                                                       

Text and modified image © Mirino (PW). August 2010

Venetian reflections

In any season the luminosity of Venice is unique, and the famous city awakens long before most of its tourists.

If there are a few Venetians who seem to resent the tourism that essentially sustains them, would it not be precisely because of that?
After all, Venice was once an Empire, the independent ruler of Mediterranean maritime trade, and the supreme point of commence between the Occident and the Orient.

In the 9th century, when Venice was still subject to Byzantine dominance, the first basilica was built, also as a sanctuary for the relics of St. Mark brought back from Alexandra by two Venetian sailors. To avoid them from being discovered by Muslims, they were hidden in the carcass of a salted pig.

Venice was too far away from Constantinople to remain permanently under Byzantine rule. It gained its independence in the 10th century. The winged Lion of St. Mark became its symbol, depicted on the red and gold flags proudly flying from Venetian ships, all over and even beyond the Mediterranean sea.


Venice was perfectly able to defend its interests against its enemies which at times included the Pontifical forces. Perhaps Venice was then considered a direct rival to the Papal institution.
The famous debt towards the Doge Enrico Dandolo (1110-1205) which had such drastic and shameful consequences, was already referred to in 'The Venetian lesson'.

At a time when in Europe, hereditary, monarchial absolutism reigned- with Papal benediction, the Venetian political system, first established as early as the 7th century (697) was surprisingly advanced, and to a considerable extent democratic. The proof of its stability is the fact that its lasted ten centuries, without problems or revolutions.

The Doge (derived from Dux, military leader, Duke) of whom there reigned a successive total of 120, represented the figure head of the highest Venetian authority. Originally each Doge was elected for life by an assembly of powerful Venetian families, but later the responsibility was assumed by a committee of forty people chosen by four members of the Great council. The power of the Doge however, was limited and closely controlled by the Venetian institutions. The most powerful of these was 'the Council of ten' established in 1310.

Thus advantaged by a stable system, rich from ever increasing trade revenues, and militarily powerful, Venice became one of the most famous, opulent and beautiful cities in the world, certainly of the Middle Ages.
The splendid palaces of eminent families still grace the Grande Canale, and each architectural marvel of Venice such as the gothic magnificence of the C'a d'Oro has its own bitter sweet history.

The splendour reflected in the art and architecture, the latter of which not only the walls were built on massive, wooden piles, but the entire surfaces of such edifices are supported by them. Naturally this enormous accomplishment necessitated importing huge amounts of wood, from even as far as the Alpine forests. Dikes were also needed to control the water level. They were constructed with wood and reinforced with stone.

The city even established its own system of social welfare. 'Le Scuole Veneziane' which organised the admittance of immigrant workers, offered medical assistance to the poor, took care of orphans and illegitimate children, and helped the young who merited such aid.

Apart from bull bating and 'friendly fist fighting'  (on the Ponte dei Pugni), Venice was then also renowned for its culture. With the Byzantine heritage it had become a prestigious, intellectual centre. One would go to Venice to study Greek, philosophy, law, medicine, chemistry, astrology and cartography.

The 'New World' discoveries, including those of Marco Polo, were to change the tide of events. Venice was also to fall victim to the progress of other European nations. Portugal (1498), followed by other countries, no longer needed to rely on Venice. Their ships were by then able to brave the Cape of Good Hope to reach the Orient for their silks and spices.

But the final 'coup de grace' was not only caused by the continual expansion of the Ottoman Empire (Constantinople had been taken over by the Ottomans in 1453). It was due to the conquests of Napoléon Bonaparte who gave Venice to Austria in 1797 before annexing it to the Empire in 1805. (Napoléon also confiscated the 'Quadriga Trionfale' -the four Greco-Roman horses from Constantiople on the facade of St Mark's Basilica- to embellish the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but they were returned to Venice in 1815).


Yet if it were inevitable that 'la Repubblica Serenissimo' would lose its impressive power, monopoly and independence, its art and architecture continue to enchant us, as if in superb defiance.
This seems part of the essential nature of the Venetians, who never cease to celebrate their identity, their culture, their legendary liberty, their art and their glorious past.

This is evident in the Carnival of Venice itself. A romantic can easily imagine some of the sublimely, costumed participants as beautiful fantoms of Venetian history. Apart from justifiable pride and nostalgia, they seem to mask any other sentiment, as they present themselves majestically in la Piazza San Marco.

 It's interesting and amusing to note that when asked whether they consider themselves first Italian or Venetian, many Venetians will reply without any hesitation: 'Venetian'.
This, in a way, would seem to sum it all up.

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The remaining part of a 9th century mosaic from la Chiesa di San Zaccaria.

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 Text and images  © Mirino (PW). Sources Hachette and Wikipedia, with grateful thanks. August 2010 

See also Venezia 

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