"We will never allow an event like an election reverse our independence, our sovereignty, our sweat and all that we fought for ..." ~Robert Mugabe

A world away "democracy" is taking a beating friends.

"Democracy" in Zimbabwe is like Apollo Creed in Rocky 4 and I wonder... has Mugabe just landed that last fatal blow. What comes next?

PHOTO1: Main opposition Movement For Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai (C) is greeted by supporters during a visit to a Harare suburb June 21, 2008. Despite signs of growing African discontent over bloodshed that has escalated since Zimbabwe's March 29 general election, President Robert Mugabe vowed never to hand over power to the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, whose leader Tsvangirai is his rival in the run-off. REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo (ZIMBABWE)

"The MDC (opposition) plans to meet on Sunday to consider whether to contest the June 27 vote, with the party claiming that about 70 of its supporters have been killed since the first round of voting in March."

70 people dead. Many more injured and jailed. Should the MDC give up? I've been a part of elections first hand and I have marvelled at how difficult they are for candidates and how much work goes into running for office. And that's here in Alberta...so the very thought of the position the MDC find themselves in today is hard to wrap my brain around. What kind of person stands up to the violence and intimidation to take Mugabe down?

I am riveted by these events. What will Mugabe do next? It seems like western nations have no idea how to offer assistance.

At least Zimbabwe made it on to the agenda of the UN's Security Council meeting thanks to Condi Rice. Will anything come of it?

Today I am not taking my democracy for granted.

Song du Jour: Lost by Coldplay

PHOTO 2: A supporter of President Robert Mugabe holds an election poster as she cheers during a rally at the White City Stadium in Bulawayo June 20, 2008. Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai is considering whether to pull out of the June 27 presidential run-off election, fearing it will be a charade, a spokesman said on Friday. REUTERS/Emmanuel Chitate (ZIMBABWE)