Bugger

We struggle to a 2-2 draw against Sweden. Owen's out. Rooney´s furious. Costa Rica don´t even manage a single point. My countries are DOOMED, doomed I tell you.

What´s interesting is that everyone thinks that Costa Rica should win the ethics awards, or at least get credit for their wonderful system. Gary Younge for one, and at Who Should I Cheer For? they´re ranked fourth - use the chooser to see. Yet the government is about to put in place immigration laws which would mean they could indefinitely hold people for "as long as is necessary" to investigate their immigration status, barring people with HIV/AIDS, among other things... I´ve also been exposed to a rather unpleasant amount of racism given that I´ve been here for a week. It worries me. This is an amazing country with a wonderful record for its status and poverty levels; it´s not ranked 47th for Human Development for nothing. However, much like when I went to Brasil, people have accepted a certain view of a country, and seem reluctant to accept the fact that it´s different to one´s expectations.

On the other hand, given that the WSICF ranks Saudi Arabia above the US - admittedly, only one place, this may not be the most reliable or qualitatively well done study. Above the US? COME ON PEOPLE - this is a country where women aren´t allowed to drive, vote, and their word legally counts for half of that of a man. Really, this is a more ethically acceptable country? Plus the Ukraine, whose coach calls non-whites... well, see for yourself, is ranked tenth. Maybe we should start up a WSICF? for women´s rights. That might change things, somewhat. Any takers to help me out?