I like what you’re suggesting but I think that we (all of us) have succumbed too much to diplomacy. Certainly individuals look toward their leaders (MT etc) to initiate action. If MT organised a farm sit-in, I would certainly support it. Of course one might say, well why don’t I organise it but clearly if MT with the “machine” of the MDC behind him initiated it, the action would have more impact and gather more support than if I did it.

I do think that we are likely to see a very eloquent Victoria Falls Declaration published which sounds very good, as have all of MT’s speeches to date . . . but in the words of a song “the people can’t eat press releases”.

There are two very clear areas where MT can and should act:

1) Stop the AK wielding deputy commissioner of police bullying and land invading in Chiredzi
2) Fire Zimondi, head of prison services

If he can’t, then his ability to influence is deeply questionable.

Meanwhile Zimbabwe gurgles down the drain. I wonder if anyone in Government is getting the message: NO development money will be released while farm invasions go on, repressive legislation remains on the books and political prisoners rot in jail on trumped up charges.

How long can Zimbabwe last on humanitarian aid? Why does not everyone who has breath, wheels and guts get themselves to a threatened farm to form a human chain, stand outside the jails, take to the streets..? Because, obviously, it’s too dangerous. Rhetoric is a great deal safer. And having meetings, and publishing calls for this and that. Even if every MDC minister and MP took themselves to a place where human rights are violated and stayed there until it stops….in their new Mercs if necessary…because if nothing is DONE they will not long be in Government, and it’s pretty clear right now that no one else will be, either.

If hand wringing could supply the National Grid, Zimbabwe would be lit up like Christmas lights and South Africa would be, too.