“There’s so much pollution in the air now that if it weren’t for our lungs there’d be no place to put it all.” – Robert Orben

One of the greatest challenges facing our society today is climate change. Al Gore brought the issue to our attention through An Inconvenient Truth. (The Nobel Prize helped too.) But there’s still a long way to go and many policies need to be reworked. What do you think needs to be done to address the problem? Is it about governments taking the lead or individuals like you and me doing what we can?

(Eugene Yiga is the editor of Varsity Blah and his latest book is available free, exclusively from www.varsityblah.com/about)

What a game! South Africa’s 15 – 6 victory over England at the Rugby World Cup Final gave the nation a reason to smile. But way before that final whistle was blown, the atmosphere was electric. All over the country, millions of loyal fans showed their support. Flags waved, green jerseys made a showing (even in the unusually sweltering Cape Town heat), and all prayed our boys would bring home the gold. Fortunately, they did, and so the party continued for several days hence.

Here’s a question: What would have happened if the Springboks weren’t quite as fortunate? Don’t get me wrong; I think they worked incredibly hard and totally deserved the win. Then again, stranger things have happened. And so I ask, what would have happened? Would car horns go back to being hooted in frustration and rage as opposed to camaraderie and joy? Would Jake White’s head return to the chopping block, assuming it ever left? And would all symbols of national pride be quickly tucked away, left to gather dust as they eagerly awaited better days?

Why is it that the only time we as a country can be proudly South African is when our country gives us a reason first? As long as we’re winning Oscars or the right to host the Soccer World Cup, everything’s hunky-dory. But the moment crime stats are up or a celebrity is killed, all hands are off. Martin Luther King Jr said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.”

Anyone can feel devoted when things are going well; that really isn’t an achievement. What is an achievement is being able to wave your flags (literally and figuratively) when things aren’t. What is an achievement is being able to love your country no matter what. That’s the mark of a true patriot.

(Eugene Yiga is the editor of Varsity Blah and his latest book is available free, exclusively from www.varsityblah.com/about)