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Meanwhile, back in Zimbabwe...

POSTED BY: GEEZER
UPDATED: Monday, November 19, 2012 19:49
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VIEWED: 1455
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012 4:28 AM

GEEZER

Keep the Shiny side up


Quote:

Zimbabwe's Marange diamond fields 'plundered'

At least $2bn (£1.25bn) worth of diamonds has been stolen from Zimbabwe, campaign group Partnership Africa Canada (PAC) has alleged.

It was "the biggest plunder of diamonds since Cecil Rhodes", it said, referring to a British colonial mining magnate.

The "theft" at the Marange fields had enriched Zimbabwean officials, international gem dealers and criminals, the PAC report said.

A Zimbabwean mining official dismissed the allegation as "totally false".

The report, Reap What You Sow: Greed and Corruption in Zimbabwe's Marange Diamond Fields, was released by the Ottawa-based group to coincide with the Zimbabwean government's conference on diamond trade at the resort town of Victoria Falls.

'Mind-blowing illegality'

President Robert Mugabe, in his address to delegates, said the government was committed to observing "international laws on diamond mining, storage and trading", AP news agency reports.

The industry's global watchdog body, the Kimberley Process, lifted a ban on Zimbabwean diamond sales in 2011, with the backing of the US and European Union.

The ban was imposed in 2009 following reports that Zimbabwean military officials were benefiting from the diamond trade and there had been killings and human rights abuses at the Marange fields.

The PAC said the scale of "illegality" at the fields was "mind-blowing".

"Conservative estimates place the theft of Marange goods at almost $2bn since 2008," it added.

In July, Zimbabwean Finance Minister Tendai Biti said that $600m in diamond revenues was expected this year, but only $46m had materialised.

Mr Biti is a member of the Movement of Democratic Change (MDC), which is in a fractious coalition with Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF party.

The two parties formed a power-sharing government in 2009, following elections marred by violence.

The mining industry and security portfolios are controlled by Zanu-PF.

The head of of the state-run Zimbabwe Mining Development Company, Goodwills Masimirembwa, told AP that the PAC's allegations were "totally false".

"No diamonds have ever gone missing," Mr Masimirembwa is quoted as saying.

"When we are selling our diamonds, all stakeholders - the police, revenue board and the country's mineral marketing body - come together. So, are they saying all these institutions are in collusion?"



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20305537

Kleptocracy, much?

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Tuesday, November 13, 2012 1:53 PM

RIONAEIRE

Beir bua agus beannacht


I just know that the diamond trade is quite corrupt.

"A completely coherant River means writers don't deliver" KatTaya

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Wednesday, November 14, 2012 12:36 PM

KWICKO

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." -- William Casey, Reagan's presidential campaign manager & CIA Director (from first staff meeting in 1981)


Normally you have to go to occupied Iraq to find that kind of looting and plunder, brought to you courtesy of Blackwater and KBR Halliburton!



"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero

"I was wrong" - Hero, 2012

Mitt Romney, introducing his running mate: "Join me in welcoming the next President of the United States, Paul Ryan!"

Rappy's response? "You're lying, gullible ( believing in some BS you heard on msnbc ) or hard of hearing."

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Thursday, November 15, 2012 3:05 AM

GEEZER

Keep the Shiny side up


Quote:

Originally posted by Kwicko:
Normally you have to go to occupied Iraq to find that kind of looting and plunder, brought to you courtesy of Blackwater and KBR Halliburton!



There are diamond mines in Iraq? Well, you learn something new every day.

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Thursday, November 15, 2012 5:45 AM

ANTHONYT

Freedom is Important because People are Important


Hello,

To my knowledge, it is possible to produce decorative gemstones like diamonds which are indistinguishable from earth-dug diamonds by all unaided human senses.

In which case, I am mystified about the value of Earth-dug diamonds for decorative purposes, unless the slave labor and oppression is part of the mystique.

--Anthony


Note to Self:
Raptor - woman testifying about birth control is a slut (the term applies.)
Context: http://tinyurl.com/d6ozfej
Six - Wow, isn't Niki quite the CUNT? And, yes, I spell that in all caps....
http://tinyurl.com/bdjgbpe
Wulf - Niki is a stupid fucking bitch who should hurry up and die.
Context: http://tinyurl.com/afve3r9

“The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.” -T. S. Szasz

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Thursday, November 15, 2012 5:58 AM

KWICKO

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." -- William Casey, Reagan's presidential campaign manager & CIA Director (from first staff meeting in 1981)


Quote:

Originally posted by Geezer:
Quote:

Originally posted by Kwicko:
Normally you have to go to occupied Iraq to find that kind of looting and plunder, brought to you courtesy of Blackwater and KBR Halliburton!



There are diamond mines in Iraq? Well, you learn something new every day.




I doubt you learn something new every day.



"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero

"I was wrong" - Hero, 2012

Mitt Romney, introducing his running mate: "Join me in welcoming the next President of the United States, Paul Ryan!"

Rappy's response? "You're lying, gullible ( believing in some BS you heard on msnbc ) or hard of hearing."

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, November 15, 2012 12:10 PM

GEEZER

Keep the Shiny side up


Quote:

Originally posted by Kwicko:
Quote:

Originally posted by Geezer:
Quote:

Originally posted by Kwicko:
Normally you have to go to occupied Iraq to find that kind of looting and plunder, brought to you courtesy of Blackwater and KBR Halliburton!



There are diamond mines in Iraq? Well, you learn something new every day.




I doubt you learn something new every day.



So. Election over. We now return to Mike's regular trolling.

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Thursday, November 15, 2012 1:06 PM

RIONAEIRE

Beir bua agus beannacht


I don't like fake stones, they're lame. That being said though I think diamonds are overrated. I think they're pretty but no more pretty than other stones and less pretty than some, and way overpriced. If I ever marry I would like my ring to cost between 2 and 3 hundred and have something other than diamonds in it, super expensive rings are kind of silly. I figure as long as its above what you normally spend on jewelry it should be good enough.

"A completely coherant River means writers don't deliver" KatTaya

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Thursday, November 15, 2012 1:54 PM

ANTHONYT

Freedom is Important because People are Important


Quote:

Originally posted by Geezer:
Quote:

Originally posted by Kwicko:
Quote:

Originally posted by Geezer:
Quote:

Originally posted by Kwicko:
Normally you have to go to occupied Iraq to find that kind of looting and plunder, brought to you courtesy of Blackwater and KBR Halliburton!



There are diamond mines in Iraq? Well, you learn something new every day.




I doubt you learn something new every day.



So. Election over. We now return to Mike's regular trolling.



Hello,

Hopefully nobody will chortle and encourage him.

--Anthony


Note to Self:
Raptor - woman testifying about birth control is a slut (the term applies.)
Context: http://tinyurl.com/d6ozfej
Six - Wow, isn't Niki quite the CUNT? And, yes, I spell that in all caps....
http://tinyurl.com/bdjgbpe
Wulf - Niki is a stupid fucking bitch who should hurry up and die.
Context: http://tinyurl.com/afve3r9

“The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.” -T. S. Szasz

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, November 15, 2012 1:55 PM

ANTHONYT

Freedom is Important because People are Important


Quote:

Originally posted by RionaEire:
I don't like fake stones, they're lame.



Hello,

What is lame about a 'fake' stone? They are marvels of technology, and often have superior qualities to the dug up stuff.

--Anthony


Note to Self:
Raptor - woman testifying about birth control is a slut (the term applies.)
Context: http://tinyurl.com/d6ozfej
Six - Wow, isn't Niki quite the CUNT? And, yes, I spell that in all caps....
http://tinyurl.com/bdjgbpe
Wulf - Niki is a stupid fucking bitch who should hurry up and die.
Context: http://tinyurl.com/afve3r9

“The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.” -T. S. Szasz

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, November 15, 2012 2:31 PM

KWICKO

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." -- William Casey, Reagan's presidential campaign manager & CIA Director (from first staff meeting in 1981)


Quote:

Originally posted by Geezer:
Quote:

Originally posted by Kwicko:
Quote:

Originally posted by Geezer:
Quote:

Originally posted by Kwicko:
Normally you have to go to occupied Iraq to find that kind of looting and plunder, brought to you courtesy of Blackwater and KBR Halliburton!



There are diamond mines in Iraq? Well, you learn something new every day.




I doubt you learn something new every day.



So. Election over. We now return to Mike's regular trolling.




In response to your regular trolling of me?



"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero

"I was wrong" - Hero, 2012

Mitt Romney, introducing his running mate: "Join me in welcoming the next President of the United States, Paul Ryan!"

Rappy's response? "You're lying, gullible ( believing in some BS you heard on msnbc ) or hard of hearing."

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, November 15, 2012 2:33 PM

KWICKO

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." -- William Casey, Reagan's presidential campaign manager & CIA Director (from first staff meeting in 1981)


Quote:

Originally posted by AnthonyT:
Quote:

Originally posted by RionaEire:
I don't like fake stones, they're lame.



Hello,

What is lame about a 'fake' stone? They are marvels of technology, and often have superior qualities to the dug up stuff.

--Anthony


Note to Self:
Raptor - woman testifying about birth control is a slut (the term applies.)
Context: http://tinyurl.com/d6ozfej
Six - Wow, isn't Niki quite the CUNT? And, yes, I spell that in all caps....
http://tinyurl.com/bdjgbpe
Wulf - Niki is a stupid fucking bitch who should hurry up and die.
Context: http://tinyurl.com/afve3r9

“The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.” -T. S. Szasz




There does seem to be a bit of "but if nobody had to die or really suffer for it, then what's the point" arrogance about the things.

Hey, there's still an ivory trade, too. Some folks find suffering to be quite sexy, it seems.



"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero

"I was wrong" - Hero, 2012

Mitt Romney, introducing his running mate: "Join me in welcoming the next President of the United States, Paul Ryan!"

Rappy's response? "You're lying, gullible ( believing in some BS you heard on msnbc ) or hard of hearing."

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Sunday, November 18, 2012 7:27 PM

RIONAEIRE

Beir bua agus beannacht


You don't feel connected to the earth and its processes if you're wearing something people made, marvel of modern science or not.

"A completely coherant River means writers don't deliver" KatTaya

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Monday, November 19, 2012 2:33 AM

KWICKO

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." -- William Casey, Reagan's presidential campaign manager & CIA Director (from first staff meeting in 1981)


Quote:

Originally posted by RionaEire:
You don't feel connected to the earth and its processes if you're wearing something people made, marvel of modern science or not.

"A completely coherant River means writers don't deliver" KatTaya




I'm not sure I get you. Does this mean one should only wear raw materials? Uncut, unpolished gems? I'm very connected to the Earth, even though I own no diamonds and can't wear gold.



"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero

"I was wrong" - Hero, 2012

Mitt Romney, introducing his running mate: "Join me in welcoming the next President of the United States, Paul Ryan!"

Rappy's response? "You're lying, gullible ( believing in some BS you heard on msnbc ) or hard of hearing."

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Monday, November 19, 2012 9:56 AM

RIONAEIRE

Beir bua agus beannacht


Of course not, everyone should do whatever they want, I'm not opposed to making manmade stones, I don't care, I just know what I like. People should do whatever they want. I think I do have a necklace with some fako diamonds in it, and I do wear it, because my mother gave it to me, it just isn't my favorite. When I get jewelry with stones in it its always semiprecious ones that aren't all that expensive, but to my knowledge they are naturally occuring, if something manmade slips in there unbenonced to me I'm not going to have a coniption fit, I just prefer the real earthmade thing when possible. I'm pretty proud of my jewelry collection though, vane as that might be, I love getting new things for it. My favorites are necklaces, bracelets are okay and I really don't prefer rings, only have two. As I said I'm not into expensive stuff, it really has to be under 100 for me to buy it or expect someone else to buy it, my wedding ring someday being an exception, but I think its rediculous to spend thousands of dollars on a ring, I reckon buying something that costs more than I am willing to spend should suffice. But who knows if that will even happen so it doesn't really matter at this juncture in time.

"A completely coherant River means writers don't deliver" KatTaya

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Monday, November 19, 2012 10:48 AM

M52NICKERSON

DALEK!


If you are talking about synthetic diamond they are not fake. They are diamonds, just produced in a lab.

In the end, something is only worth what people are willing to pay for it. So I think natural gems will always demand a higher price for jewelry.

I do not fear God, I fear the ignorance of man.
A warning to everyone, AURaptor is a known liar.
...and now a Fundie!
http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.aspx?tid=53359

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Monday, November 19, 2012 6:24 PM

KWICKO

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." -- William Casey, Reagan's presidential campaign manager & CIA Director (from first staff meeting in 1981)


Yes, this definitely makes the "real" diamonds so much more desirable:



Why, some girls would give their arm for a REAL diamond!



"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero

"I was wrong" - Hero, 2012

Mitt Romney, introducing his running mate: "Join me in welcoming the next President of the United States, Paul Ryan!"

Rappy's response? "You're lying, gullible ( believing in some BS you heard on msnbc ) or hard of hearing."

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Monday, November 19, 2012 7:49 PM

RIONAEIRE

Beir bua agus beannacht


I think Quicko missed the part when I said diamonds are overrated, less expensive semiprecious stones are prettier in my opinion.

"A completely coherant River means writers don't deliver" KatTaya

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