There must have been many elderly Jewish people watching Nick Griffin on Question Time; Jewish people aged 85 or so would have been around 20 years old at the time of the Holocaust. They lost too many loved ones and Family members to count and here they were watching the leader of a Fascist Political party taking part in a political debating show being watched by millions of British Viewers. How many second world war veterans sat and watched this man argue with other politicians and pretend to be reasonable; many of them would have longed for their service days when the solution to fascists was readily available to them and now they were watching one on T.V. wearing a suit and tie and sniggering at the accusation that he was a Holocaust denier which he is.
In other homes and places where people gather members of the Gay community would have sat wondering what had become of our country when a man who peddles hatred and violence against them is sitting on national T.V. putting on a stomach churning display of normalcy. Add in Asylum seekers who have fled to this country seeking safety as they look aghast at a man who would treat them as badly as any despot that they fled from. The BNP candidate in the current Glasgow By Election stated the following “I will go to my grave believing that non white people should be allowed to join the BNP” Also when asked if he would admit an Asylum Seeker who could prove that a failed asylum claim would return him to torture and death he said “no he should go to neighbouring countries” what impression did they form?
Think of the devoted parents of children with mental and physical disabilities; watching Griffin and wondering what is going on when an evil man who represents a party which fields candidates who claim that their children are worthless and should be allowed to die looks back at them from the screen in their home. A party who’s supporters were writing to the party news paper saying that Tory leader David Cameron’s late son Ivan who was handicapped was a complete waste of space, what was going through their minds at the site of the evil Griffin being welcomed by the BBC.
What was the mood of Britain’s Black Citizens everywhere around the country as they watched the man who would deport them if given the chance; a man who would gladly destroy their families who have been here for decades?
Griffin has been on a local radio station in Hamilton; some creep has seen an opportunity to raise his listening figures just like the BBC with their viewing figures; today we find the emboldened BNP Fuhrer knocking on doors in Glasgow. Hopefully he will get a “Glasgow Kiss” for his arrogance but this is where the Q.T. appearance leads us.
For those I have mentioned above and many more the Q.T. shame will have made their lives a little bit more unpleasant and scary; people will say what happened under fascism couldn’t happen here but most who say that are not elderly Jews; Asylum Seekers; Gays; Blacks; the Handicapped; Gypsies or any other minorities; tell it to them.
The harm done to our diverse and multiracial communities and those who would be vulnerable to these poisonous thugs far outweighs any so-called benefits that giving them a platform might bring.
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33 comments:
Racism begins with our families, parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, grandparents, people we admire, respect and love.
However, as we grow and mature we come to the realization that what we were told by our family when we were children were slanted lies base on their prejudices. We realize that most people are like ourselves and not so different and want the same things, like a home, steady work, a Medicare plan and schools for our children (if you travel you will see this). We realize that most people are of good hearts and goodwill.
This reminds me of a parable from the good book where a Levite and Priest come upon a man who fell among thieves and they both individually passed by and didn’t stop to help him.
Finally a man of another race came by, he got down from his beast, decided not to be compassionate by proxy and got down with the injured man, administered first aid, and helped the man in need.
Jesus ended up saying, this was the good man, this was the great man, because he had the capacity to project the “I” into the “thou,” and to be concerned about his fellow man.
You see, the Levite and the Priest were afraid, they asked themselves, “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?”
But then the Good Samaritan came by. And he reversed the question: “If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”
That’s the question before us. The question is not, “If I stop to help our fellow man (immigrant) in need, what will happen to me?” The question is, “If I do not stop to help our fellow man, what will happen to him or her?” That’s the question.
This current climate of blaming others for our woes is not new. We have had this before and we have conquered it.
Remember “Evil flourishes when good men (and women) do nothing”. Raise your voices with those of us who believe we are equal and we can win this battle again.
Fortunate that Griffin only appeals to the 'Lowest common denominator' isn't it, Coucillor?
Any comment on the Head of Glasgow Children's Services getting a nearly £300k redundancy package after only 2 years in post?
(Paul) 29/10/09
Racism is fostered in many ways not only by families.
I would prefer to seek enlightenment without recourse to voodoo; after all no self respecting Ku Klux Klan Christian would step out without their Bible and a cross to burn.
Most racists claim justification for their views can be found in religion of one stripe or another.
(Ariel) 29/10/09
As always you try in your cack handed way to twist the truth; what you should have said was ‘two years in her present post’ you really are so obvious sometimes I think I’m dealing with a 10 year old.
I would not support such pay outs unless they were available to all. So; how do you feel about the tax payer having to finance the “riches beyond the dreams of avarice” wealth of the Queen and her family of parasites?
Councillor
Advise me, how long was the lady in the employ of Glasgow C.C.?
And as she 'stepped down,' how come she got any redundancy pay at all?
I am against all forms of apartheid, segregation and bigotry.
I hope that in my lifetime all children and adults should live, grow up and be educated together.
Unfortunately, I have to watch my children, this year, segregated from their nursery friends.
Why?
Because their friends are catholic and their parents don't think that they can be educated in the same school.
Why is this kind of discrimination still allowed
If anyone has ever read my blog you will know my stance on the BNP. I detest them, basically!!
But i am a firm believer in the freedom of speech and the right to voice your own opinion. As much as it bothers me that people have the opinions that the BNP have, I do firmly believe that they have the right to voice these opinions.
(Ariel) 30/10/09
Why are you asking me these questions; are you incapable of finding these things out for yourself?
Can you give me a hint about what this has to do with the BNP?
(Anonymous) 30/10/09
I suspect that you know the reason for Catholic Schools but; I will try to explain. Catholic schools were set up because Catholic children were not being educated properly by the state because their background was Irish Catholic and they were being discriminated against hence they got their own schools.
To suggest that Catholic parents don’t think that your children can’t be educated in a Catholic school and describing Catholic schools as discriminatory is patent nonsense; there are many children of different faiths already in Catholic schools because their parents chose to put them there, something which you can also do if you wish.
I don't see why you think they need to be educated together; I attended Catholic schools and I can assure you that I firmly believe that 2+2 = 4
(the broken down barman) 31/10/09
There are two types of people involved in this argument; there are those who will show tolerance and fairness to the Fascists and Nazis of the BNP and there are those who will not.
You represent the former and I the latter; I am happy with my position.
£300k unjustified redundancy pay for two years work, it is then!
Nothing at all to do with your BNP rant Councillor, except, perhaps to suggest the cash would have been better spent employing extra teachers to help combat the ignorance that is forcing people to support the BNP.
By the by, the lady is married to a Scottish Labour MP, is she not?
OK Mr Kelly, explain to us in clear terms. Do you believe that school children should be educated separated for the purposes of religious teachings?
Oh and read up the real reasons why the Catholic church retains its rights over education and not your ham fisted view of history. And yes the Nazis did separate children in schools for racist, religious reasons and for dogma.
Wasting our breath here really aren't we? as you are an example of children being segregated.
(Anonymous) 31/10/09
3 years work actually; there are many people who are paid large sums of money which could be better spent elsewhere; take for instance the Queen and her family of half witted parasites; surely Ms. Doran’s award is not as bad as the tens of millions that we pay them?
I believe she has like many other people a spouse who is a Labour MP; I assume you are trying to say something significant here?
If you are accusing someone of wrongdoing I suggest you crawl out from under your stone; identify yourself and let your victim deal with your accusations. What do you think? Have you any bottle?
(Anonymous) 15:25
I don’t think its right to teach any religion in schools because no matter which religion and no matter how many different types you teach you are excluding atheists. As far as Catholic schools are concerned it appears to be important mainly to anti Catholic extremists who use the smoke screen of separate schools causing problems to disguise their knuckle dragging bigotry.
Catholic Schools exist all over the world without any problems; you would be better employed trying to explain why this trouble only happens here and in Northern Ireland, try that question.
“Oh and read up the real reasons why the Catholic church retains its rights over education”
It usually takes a bit longer for your kind to slip in to full sectarian mode; you must be a real specimen.
Good lad, Terry! It's hard work, but we seem to be progressing.
So, £300k for three years in post is Ok in your book?
Let's now move on. If she 'Stepped down,' (i.e. resigned) as the Council statement puts it,does that not disqualify her from receiving any redundancy payment al all?
I mean, it would if she was a dinner-lady.
As one of your anonymous commentators seems keen on the case of Margaret Doran, perhaps I could share some information I have obtained on the case.
Margaret Doran joined Glasgow District council from Southend Borough council in June 2006.
She was appointed executive director of the combined education and social work departments in 2007 on a salary of £120k
Glasgow council decided to return to the previous format of running 2 seperate departments this year and Ms. Doran found herself only in charge of education, which already had a director in place.
Glasgow city council redundancy policy exceeds the statutory requirements and allows for up to 66 weeks full pay (Statutory caps weekly pay at £380, whilst the council does not).
Because she worked for local government prior to working for Glasgow council, her previous work counts as continuous service, hence she was awarded 26 weeks full pay redundancy payment.
I have not got to the bottom of why she was also paid £29k in lieu as it seemed to be her decision to step down early, nor do I understand why she was awarded £185k from the Glasgow pension fund.
Hope this helps.
(Anonymous) 01/11/09
“So, £300k for three years in post is Ok in your book?”
I’ve answered this; the more you lie the less convincing is anything you say.
I recommend you read the post from “Jim” on this subject.
Are you ever going to get round to making your point?
(Jim) 11:11
Thank you for going to the trouble; I had a fair idea that she would have been entitled to a good redundancy deal and a transferred pension etc. But I had no intention of doing the work for the anonymous complainer who can’t seem to get to the point.
My guess is that it’s an attempt to suggest something criminal between the Labour Council and a Labour MP’s wife but he hasn’t got the bottle to go public with it; that means it's the SNP.
Terry, I suggest you read Jim's post again.
'I haven't got to the bottom of why she was given £29k 'in lieu' or why she was awarded £185k from the Glasgow Pension Fund.'
I'll do the sum for you - Jim is saying there is an inexplicable £214k black hole in her pay-off
(Anonymous) 14:43
Jim’s post points out that when you stated that Ms. Doran got a pay out of £300,000 for two years work you were lying right?
I have already said that I consider the pay out excessive but; you seem to be hinting at something else so; can I ask you again to get to the point, what are you afraid of?
where did you say her pay-off was excessive?
Yes, I was pointing out that I'd queried Glasgow Council as to the reasons for Ms. Doran's pay out.
The redundancy was explained - don't like it, but them's the facts.
As for the £214k blackhole:
Not really happy about the 'gardening leave' situation as the newspaper reports indicated Ms. Doran had stepped down - as in they were suggesting the timing of the departure was at Ms. Doran's convenience, so I don't see why she should be paid out her notice (the £29k bit). On the other hand, the newspaper wasn't entirely consistent on the timing of her departure element either - maybe she'd agreed to leave at a specific date and GCC decided to end it early, that happens in real life.
Having discussed the pension with some friends and my wife (who works in the industry) I've come around to thinking that paying out the £185k would be cheaper in the long term for Glasgow than having someone like Ms. Doran live for another 50 years (quite possible!) on a final salary pension based on £120k per year.
Didn't get the pension or payment in lieu info from GCC, just surmising for myself.
Bit annoyed at the inequity of local government employees rights compared with my own, as the employee of a private firm with an uncertain future... that's the way the cookie crumbles though...
I think that most galling point for me is that my weekly salary would be capped at £380 (statutory limit), whilst Ms. Doran's is not.
What's good for the goose, really should be good enough for the gander.
(Anonymous) 02/11/09
In an answer to “Ariel” earlier I stated the following “I would not support such pay outs unless they were available to all” I also described this pay out as excessive but I can’t remember where you will have to search but; let’s cut it short here, are you suggesting that I support this pay out to Ms. Doran? Again I ask just what is it that you are not quite able to say?
Councillor, the first time you have described the Doran pay-out as 'Excessive' is in your post @ 1.03 today.
And, unless a dinner lady on £12k p.a. would pick up a pro rata £30k payment from Glasgow Council on 'stepping down' after three years service, the rules do not apply to all.
It stinks, Councillor and good to see it does not have your support
(Anonymous) 03/11/09
Since you want to try to hide your cowardice by squirming around perhaps you could point out where I said that I called the pay out excessive in my blog?
Perhaps you thought that when I said “I would not support such pay outs” that I was suggesting they were too low?
Is that it then “it stinks” no proof of any wrongdoing; an exercise in smear from start to finish and never any chance of you finding the bottle to accuse publicly and identify yourself. Pathetic.
Re: Ms. Doran, here is a link for your anonymous contributor (Sorry, for continuing this thread, but it was a story that stoked my ire initially and one which I complained to the council about)
These are the rules relating to continuity of employment in local government.
http://www.lgfl.net/lgfl/leas/barnet/accounts/hr/homepage/documents/HR%20Procedures/Section02/2.20%20Continuous%20Service.pdf
To say the pay out is excessive for 3 years service is simply wrong and does nothing for the argument.
I feel that the pay-out is excessive because the original salary was excessive and she is effectively being rewarded for failure in her role. Glasgow Council will have to justify their management of this - which is why we have elections I suppose...
(Jim) 13:13
I have grave reservations about top salaries as well but; those who earn them would be reluctant to agree. Remuneration re. Wages pensions etc. has been allowed to run out of control with the gap between the top earners and the rest becoming obscene.
We are asked to do a fair days work for a fair days pay when the ‘fair days pay’ means nothing to someone who relies on benefits to reach a living wage. But; that’s the Capitalist system we live in and must change.
Keep commenting; we might not agree on everything but perhaps some of the idiots that write to me might get a hint from reading your comments.
Councillor, not for the first time, you've lost me.
I congratulate you for condemning the excessive Doran pay-out - you do condemn it, don't you - and all I get is abuse.
Jim, I repeat, £300k for 'stepping down' after only three years in post, is simply wrong, not least because she 'stepped down' and was not, therefore, made redundant.
(Anonymous) 04/11/09
You are trying desperately to move the goal posts; you started by insinuating that there was dishonesty involved; remember the smear about Ms. Doran being married to a Labour MP? You were then repeatedly challenged to spit out what you wanted to say and you suffered a failure of nerve ; now it’s Mr. Reasonable eh? pathetic.
Councillor, surely you jest!
Since when has pointing out that the lady is married to a Labour MP, even a Scottish one, constituted a 'Smear.'
By the by, maybe Jim can discover whether re-location expenses were part of her package when she moved up to Glasgow.
Anonymous - the reason that I felt compelled to post on the matter was exactly that you were repeating factually incorrect information.
"I repeat, £300k for 'stepping down' after only three years in post, is simply wrong, not least because she 'stepped down' and was not, therefore, made redundant."
The package was reported as being worth £278k not £300k as you state.
It consists of a redundancy payment of £64k - which I agree with you is entirely excessive given what the statutory requirements actually are - however those are the terms that a local government employee works under. I can forward you the letter from Glasgow council if you wish.
The £29k payement in lieu of notice entirely baffles me, however it is common practice in certain industries that an employee is sent on 'gardening leave' - This is the part which I feel is most worth exploring further now. I believe that Ms. Doran had a date for 'stepping down' as the newspaper euphimistically puts it, however the council decided that she should leave earlier - otherwise she should have forfeited her right to any payment I would have thought.
The remaining £185k:
As far as I'm aware it is possible for anyone over the age of 50 to take a lump sum payment rather than wait for their pension.
http://www.cus4pensionrelease.co.uk/home.asp?ShowTab=1
The adding of Ms. Doran's pension to the figures was an act of tabloid sensationalisation, to heighten the sense of outrage - I regret to confess that it cetainly worked on me! However she had a pension pot and every right to cash it in. It has nothing to do with her redundancy and the fact that it was worth £185k irrelevant.
The fact that the Council have made redundant an executive director which they appointed only 2 years earlier is something that they will have to justify at election time.
(Anonymous) 05/11/09
You mentioned her husband to insinuate corruption and still can’t find the courage to go public; you are a pathetic case. I have given you enough chances; this is now closed.
Jim seems determined to educate you and you can read his comment sent today.
(Jim) 09:18
Jim – You appear to be saying here that the pay out can be explained and although you are unhappy about aspects of it they have done nothing wrong.
I think that you have highlighted again whether intentionally or not that the anonymous complainer is only interested in damaging Labour and is quite prepared to lie to do it.
He is entitled to damage political opponents but it becomes suspicious when he insinuates corruption and refuses to elaborate or go public. Anyway it is now closed; but thank you for taking the trouble to explain some of the complexities.
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