Friday, March 10, 2006

And You Think WE Have Problems

ABUJA (Reuters) - The Nigerian government, anxious to avoid a repeat of riots that marked a solar eclipse in 2001, warned citizens they may suffer "psychological discomfort" during a new eclipse this month but urged them not to panic. Information Minister Frank Nweke said an eclipse five years ago caused riots in northern Borno state because people did not know why it happened. "Some people even felt some evil people in their communities were responsible for the eclipse," he said in a statement on Thursday aimed at reassuring Nigerians that the eclipse is expected to darken parts of the country on March 29. "The eclipse is not expected to have any real damaging effect, only social and psychological discomforts are envisaged," Nweke said. He did not explain what the discomforts might be.
We have our own superstitious people here in the United States. For instance, we have to constantly explain to ignorant, irrational people why more guns result in less crime, why socialism doesn't work and how lowering taxes causes economic prosperity.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I'm sure that there is no connection between Nigeria being an islamic country and the fact that an eclipse would send them into a riot. After all their single guiding document the koran correctly informs them that mountains are pegs used to hold the earth in place. And they must believe every word or suffer the consequences.
Great blog, you're going in my "Newsy" folder with only about 4 other people I like.