FULL COUNCIL – SNP SCABS – LIBDEM HARLOTS – AND THE COUNCILLOR WHO IS TOO BIG A FEARTY TO PLAY FAIR (MC FEE, SNP)

Monday 09.00 am to the council for a full council meeting, the council now meets on a Monday to accommodate new MSP's Adam and Mackay SNP. A rather unreasonable display of hubris on behalf of the SNP who are prepared to disrupt council business and years of experience for no other reason than the convenience of two rather selfish and arrogant young men. Council officers and all concerned with full council meetings are furious but unable to express their anger, well done boys.

The meeting was quite quick as they now are because Labour are in opposition and don't believe in wasting time and tax payers money by deliberately stretching the meetings out as the SNP regularly did when in opposition. They cost the council residents tens of thousands of pounds over their years as opposition. They regularly swamped the meetings with spurious motions and amendments and meetings sometimes ran from 9.30 am to 4 & 5.00 pm. One motion called on the Council to spend money on an investigation to discover whether Elvis Pressley's ancestors came from Paisley that should give you a flavour of their attitude to spending your money.

The meeting threw up its usual examples of gross idiocy and arrogance from the SNP/Libdem coalition. Cllr. Nicolson who has a genius for digging himself in to ever bigger holes expressed anger at the last Labour Scottish administration at Holyrood for signing up to the "International Human Rights Act" and then made a complete fool of himself when called upon to defend his position. Under Councillor Nicolson's "independent" Scotland your human rights will be endangered, everyone makes mistakes but this guy elevates his blundering to an art level.

We hoped yet again to get through a meeting without a malevolent intervention from the wretched Cllr. Eileen McCartin Libdem, alas it wasn't to be. Labour submitted a motion condemning the politicisation of the Civil service in Holyrood by the SNP, this motion arose from a similar complaint in the Holyrood Parliament which was supported by everyone except the SNP. The salient point here is that all parties united to condemn the behaviour of the SNP, including the Libdems at Holyrood , our motion was defeated and the Libdems on Renfrewshire Council supported the SNP in the vote despite their own MSP's in Holyrood opposing the SNP. The SNP once again accused Labour of showing disrespect for Civil Servants and council officers while sitting in their midst was the high chief of disrespect none other than SNP Councillor Ian Nicolson who I think holds the record for the longest suspension by the Standards Commission for accusing council officers of nepotism he got a year, you couldn't make it up could you. What are we to make of this? there is no mystery here: the LIbdems do not believe in anything, they stand for nothing they are at all times; for sale to the highest bidder whether here in Renfrewshire or in the Westminster Parliament. The SNP are no better hence the corrupt farce which sees the Tories and \Libdems united at Westminster and opposed by the SNP while here in Renfrewshire we have the SNP and the Libdem in coalition. There is a perfectly simple explanation, here in Renfrewshire the Libdems are dominated by Cllr.McCartin Libdem and she holds the position of Convener of Social Work and gets to sit at the top table at functions and she is well paid. These things take the place of principles that is the kind of person she is.

We then seen Cllr. Mackay and the SNP try to steal the credit for the victory over the government over compensation for workers suffering from plural plaques caused by asbestos. A victory won by a great many people from all political parties and none. Cllr. Williams pointed out to Mackay and the meeting that during the last Labour Government the SNP either abstained or voted with the Tories on every piece of legislation which was designed to increase worker's rights, what a bunch of charlatans, in Holyrood today 16/11/11 the SNP won a vote to keep the Parliament open on the day of the upcoming National strike, SNP scabs how are ye?

The most bizarre farce of the day was supplied as is often the case by Cllr. Bruce McFee SNP when speaking against a Labour motion condemning people trafficking which the SNP/Libdems opposed and the Labour motion was lost. He did his best to assume gravitas (not easy for him) and gave us the benefit? Of his experience of foreign climes including China and Russia both wretched places said the intrepid SNP explorer where women are exploited terribly and forced in to prostitution. It never occurred to him that this kind of thing has been happening in every country on the planet including Scotland since time began not for nothing is prostitution referred to as "the oldest profession in the world" would you not expect someone from the SNP to know that? He is said to be leaving the council, how will we manage? No more self congratulatory posturing; no more endless senseless gibberish about how wonderful he is. Here is a little story about the real Bruce Mcfee, the bluster is born of cowardice and insecurity, at this meeting his little deception, his "arrangement" with Provost Lawson was once again spotted. What happens is that people raise their hands to speak and the Provost takes down their names but for some strange reason no matter what order the hands go up Cllr. McFee's name comes out last to speak, why? I hear you ask. Here's why; because of this little deception he is allowed to sit and take note of what every other speaker has said and then come back at them safe in the knowledge that he is getting the last word.

Disingenuous ? Yes, lily-livered ? Yes, untrustworthy? Yes, deceitful of course but, above all, the actions of a man who is too afraid to enter an argument on a level playing field he has to employ rat like cunning to gain an underhand advantage, in other words a Scottish Nationalist.

THE BELL FOR THE LAST ROUND IS SOUNDING FOR THE GREAT ‘SMOKIN JOE’ FRAZIER.

Having just written about a boxer (Ricky Burns) I have just read that one of the all time greats of heavyweight boxing is very ill and in hospital "Smokin" Joe Frazier who was the first guy to beat the great Ali. Joe was; in my opinion the only fighter to do that when the great man was in his prime.

Frazier was a force of nature as he strode forward always ready to take two to land one and what a one that was. Reports say that he is up against an opponent this time who eventually beats every one of us. We will all reach a time when we look across the ring at our opponent and we see an old guy in white robes with a beard carrying a scythe, it looks like Joe is now ready to go a last couple of rounds with that old guy.

Boxing was never more popular than when Joe and those other heavyweights were plying their trade in the seventies and eighties. We used to sit up until the early hours of the morning to watch Joe Frazier, Charles 'Sonny' Liston, Floyd Patterson, Larry Holmes, Gerry Quarry, 'Enry' Cooper George Foreman and the man who is recognised in every corner of the world by one name 'Ali' as they fought for what was then called 'The richest prize in sport' he was a mighty man and a great fighter who reached the top of the toughest sport on the planet I wish him well against all the odds still, anyone who went the distance against 'Ali' on three occasions might manage to defy the odds a little longer let's hope so, keep swinging 'Smokin Joe'

A SCOTTISH BOXING CHAMPION! OH YES HE IS!

Top boxers have the ability to remain calm in the ring, that sounds quite easy but it is probably the hardest place in the world to keep your wits about you except perhaps in a shoot out with enemy soldiers.

 

Scotsman Ricky Burns displayed that calmness when he outpointed the powerful all action Australian Michael Katsitis to become the 'interim' lightweight champion of the world just the other night. The 'interim' thing is there because the present holder has moved up a weight and the authorities have now to sort it all out but Burns will either be announced as champion or will be given the position of one of the first contenders which means he will fight for the title against the other nominated guy.

 

The Australian was a brawler, full of power courage and energy as he walked forward into withering punches all night swinging haymakers which Burns took mostly on his arms. The brave Aussie tired himself out as Burns boxed brilliantly, he has a classic boxer's stance with a conventional left jab which is solid and accurate, he never looked like losing at any time as he kept his composure and jabbed and counter punched to great effect. This was good for the game it was a great fight with the classic battle between the puncher and the boxer very much in evidence.

 

Burns can absorb punishment and he moves well and is elusive the Aussie was frustrated as he kept walking into the ramrod jab and finding himself less and less able to hurt Burns as he inevitably tired due to his style. I would like to see Burns develop more of a punch with his right hand as having to go the distance in most fights carries its own dangers but make no mistake about this guy he is the real deal an outstanding boxer and young enough to be around for a while, something Scotland has been needing for some time to stimulate the sport, well done Ricky Burns.

 

 

 

THE GRANDCHILDREN OF THE KIDS WHO STOPPED THE VIETNAM WAR ARE NOW TAKING THEIR TURN.

Round 1 – Oakland California - Cops beat up 'occupy' demonstrators, arrests, beatings, gas, dogs, clubs, water cannon and all the rest of the police state apparatus available in the Land of the Free.

Round 2 – Oakland California – A crowd of over 100,000 'occupy' demonstrators take back the streets, main highway closed in the Land of the Free – Go America, go, go ,go!

KELLY THE WISE AMERICAN

The post below is from my Chicago cousin Arthur Kelly. A union man like me and a democrat with a clear voice and a clear head. Like me he wonders at the beauty and power of nature and takes comfort and inspiration from ancient Native American philosophy. I share his support for severe penalties against anyone who breaks laws designed to protect wild creatures, I wish we would follow the American example here. Rather than answer his comment personally I want people to read it for themselves as he responds to my post about birds of prey. .

Symbolism of the Eagle Feather A Lumbee Legend In the beginning, the Great Spirit above gave to the animals and birds wisdom and knowledge and the power to talk to men. He sent these creatures to tell man that he showed himself through them. They would teach a chosen man sacred songs and dance, as well as much ritual and lore. The creature most loved by the Great Spirit was the eagle, for he tells the story of life. The Eagle, as you know, has only two eggs, and all living things in the world are divided into two. Here is man and woman, male and female and this is true with animals, birds, trees, flowers and so on. All things have children of two kinds so that life may continue. Man has two eyes, two hands, two feet and he has a body and soul, substance and shadow. Through his eyes, he sees pleasant and unpleasant scenes, through his nostrils he smells good and bad odors, with his ears he hears joyful news and words that make him sad. His mind is divided between good and evil. His right hand he may often use for evil, such as war or striking a person in anger. But his left hand, which is near his heart, is always full of kindness. His right foot may lead him in the wrong path, but his left foot always leads him the right way, and so it goes; he has daylight and darkness, summer and winter, peace and war, and life and death. In order to remember this lesson of life, look to the great eagle, the favorite bird of the Great Spirit. The eagle feather is divided into two parts, part light, and part dark. This represents daylight and darkness, summer and winter, peace and war, and life and death. So that you may remember what I have told you, look well on the eagle, for his feathers, too, tell the story of life. Look at the feathers I wear upon my hand, the one on the right is large and perfect and is decorated; this represents man. The one on my left is small and plain; this represents woman. The eagle feather is divided into two parts, dark and white. This represents daylight and darkness, summer and winter. For the white tells of summer, when all is bright and the dark represents the dark days of winter. My children, remember what I tell you. For it is YOU who will choose the path in life you will follow -- the good way, or the wrong way. Eagle feathers are very highly prized among Native Americans and in fact they are the only people allowed to posses an eagle feather and even they must have certification of tribal membership and the appropriate registration license to acquire one legally. And there is the rub... or a mere pale-face such as myself, possession of even one feather brings a fine of $100,000 and a jail sentence. The law: "Anyone who possesses an eagle feather, and doesn't meet the requirements, could face fines up to $100,000 and a year in prison. A second offense is upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony, and carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The act also provides for a civil penalty of up to $5,000." If possible return these creatures or their parts to the wild Take only pictures; leave only footprints indeed... Arthur (Pale Face) Kelly Craigneuk/Chicago

WHEN THOU SEEST AN EAGLE THOU SEEST A PORTION OF GENIUS LIFT UP THY HEAD! (WILLIAM BLAKE)

Weird – Bird by Shel Silverstein.

(Me and Zulu)

Birds are flyin' south for winter.

Here's the Weird-Bird headin' north,

Wings a-flappin', beak a-chatterin',

Cold head bobbin' back 'n' forth.

He says, "It's not that I like ice

Or freezin' winds and snowy ground.

It's just sometimes it's kind of nice

To be the only bird in town."

Tuesday Nov. 1^st. 2011 to darkest Cumbernauld with the boss to visit a place called "World of Wings" a bird sanctuary with a difference, these birds are 'raptors' or to give them their other name 'birds of prey' I have always been a lover of wildlife (leave the jokes out) when younger we would travel all over the Scottish Highlands as a family observing creatures native to this part of the world. My greatest memory of those days was seeing magnificent Golden Eagles in the Cairngorms as well as Ospreys fishing and many other creatures. I have been up close and handled some of these birds and I have a picture of me standing with a full grown Russian Eagle perched on my arm, her name was Princess: she weighed 8 pounds and her mighty beak and mesmerising stare were inches from my face. Strangely enough I didn't feel scared but I have never felt as insignificant as she stared at me without any movement in a rather condescending way, she was very regal and she seemed to know it, a fantastic experience.

I have been saying for longer than I care to remember that I would love to fly a bird of prey and now I have; a life's ambition realized; I don't know how often I have wondered what it would be like to have a large bird of prey fly at you and land on your arm and take the prey on offer from your hand and I was not disappointed.

Our young enthusiastic and very knowledgeable guide took us round the place and we got up very close to a stunning Bald Eagle, various Hawks, owls and vultures who always get a bad rap but they are actually beautiful and very clever. There are even some local birds like magpies and crows which have been rescued as well as some huge multi coloured parrots and macaws who seem to have the run of the place, one of them greets visitors with a roar and goes off and fetches his dinner bowl in the hope that you might be carrying food.

The highlight was meeting my now great friend 'Zulu' the angriest and toughest looking bird I have ever seen she held your gaze with a ferocious look and an angry call. She is an African Snake Eagle and is all black except for her piercing eyes and her scary large bright red beak, the guide said she was in fact quite formidable and then said looks were deceptive as he told us too watch as he went in next to her and she raised her head to be stroked by him much to her delight. She is 4lbs. Of menace in the wild and kills and eats venomous snakes by using her massive wings to let the snake bite her thick feathers until it is exhausted and she then removes it's head with a beak that has 400 pounds per square inch of power and eats the rest. Evolution has taught her that the snake's head is where all the venom and poison is so it's not for eating, mind boggling stuff.

We moved with 'Zulu' to the flying area and she obviously knew what was coming next, grub and flying as she perked up. The field had roosting posts around it and he set her away and she flew to one about 50 yards away and perched looking at us, she can see a rabbit's ear shiver from 4 miles away and she snapped to attention a she saw me raise my gauntleted arm with a lump of rabbit in my hand. She left the roost and out came the massive wings as she sped right at me with her eyes trained on me, very scary and, at a distance of about 12 feet she stops flying and glides the rest with her fierce talons out to land on me I thought it would be painful but she lands like a sparrow and takes the prey, a magical experience, the place was quiet so I got to fly her about 15 times and I would still be there flying her yet if I could have worked out a way of doing so.

Anyone reading this and especially those with children should think about a visit it's very educational and great fun, in fact it is absolutely thrilling.

“WON’T ANYONE RID ME OF THIS TROUBLESOME PRIEST?” (HENRY THE SECOND)

Are you sitting comfortably? The date is December 29 Th. In the year 1170 four Knights, heavily tooled up rode into Canterbury Cathedral. By the time they left the body of Thomas Becket who was Archbishop of Canterbury lay dead and rather badly mutilated. He had really p****d off King Henry the second by siding with the Pope and trying to prevent Henry's grab for power in the church. Henry famously raved at the situation and said "Won't anyone rid me of this troublesome Priest?" The 4 knights heard the King and thought collectively 'that sounds like a job for us' and the rest as they say is history.

I suppose we can describe it as progress that the Canon Chancellor of St. Paul's Cathedral the Rev. Giles Fraser has resigned from his post in protest at plans to 'remove' the 'occupy' protestors from the steps of the church, he is quite rightly a 'Troublesome Priest' but he is still in one piece. No thanks to the powers that be that are now determined to remove the protestors. The St. Paul's clergy are said to be angry at the pressure being put on them by the London Corporation and a certain London Mayor called Boris Johnson who I fancy is wishing it was back in Henry the second's time, then these protestors "would fear him" as Don Corleone said in the Godfather. The Rev. Fraser has resigned because he refuses to sanction "violence in the name of the Church" violence? by the met? Where on earth could he have got that idea? do the Rev. and big Boris worship the same God I wonder? The words of praise and best wishes are now surrounding the Rev. Fraser like a massive halo, what turned out to be his last sermon on Sunday at St. Paul's was highly critical of corporate greed which would not have endeared him to the likes of Boris and the political gangsters he hangs out with, good luck to the Rev. Fraser.

Needless to say the protestors and I would guess countless thousands more are looking on in awe at his sacrifice, quite a turn up in the squalid capitalist cess pit which we call society today. A Christian Cleric at the highest establishment level turns out to be just that, a Christian, who would have thunk it? No doubt there will be investigations at the highest level to find those responsible for allowing this brave dignified cleric to rise so high in Britain's most famous parish and it's most famous church, Boris will no doubt demand that heads must roll.

The question now is will we see the finest from the Met all masked up and numberless beating up and using tazer guns and riot hoses on peaceful protestors at their camp on the steps of such an iconic Christian site. The other question now is for Boris and the Government to work out not whether it is right to do so but to work out whether they can get away with it. Because you can rely on it that if they can work out how to beat up and imprison these people they will do so, they will no more hesitate than the Brown Shirts did in Germany. We all have a duty to witness and protest what is about to happen. Decent Christians if it goes pear shaped I urge you to withhold your support declare yourselves atheists until the church lets the tents back on to the sacred stairs.

RISE LIKE LIONS AFTER SLUMBER – IN UNVANQUISHABLE NUMBER - SHAKE YOUR CHAINS TO EARTH LIKE DEW – WHICH IN SLEEP HAD FALLEN ON YOU – YE ARE MANY THEY ARE FEW. (SHELLEY) ‘THE MASK OF ANARCHY’

The lines above were written by the great poet calling on the masses to rise after the "Peterloo Massacre" when government troops slaughtered protesters in Peterloo Fields Manchester.

Despite the efforts of me and many others over many years it looks like I might well have to revise my opinion often stated that I would not live to see the destruction or at least the significant restructuring of the evil capitalist system. Protests grow all around the world as more and more people start to say enough is enough, the beating heart of this rotten system could be the thing which does it most damage, that beating heart is of course greed, greed for material wealth and greed for power and influence, look at some of the most wealthy in the world and you will see with very few exceptions that no amount of wealth is ever enough. Recent events surrounding the quite awful and sinister figure of Liam Fox our ex 100% dishonest secretary of Defence point to a massive behind the scenes international conspiracy of the rich and powerful to sway how governments make policy and how they take decisions and they get them to make those decisions in the favour of the rich and powerful, the kind of people that the craven Liam Fox is so besotted with.

Let's roll the dice and see where it takes us, all across the world people are losing jobs and homes while the rich and powerful continue to stack up the wealth. Today's newspaper carries a story into what must be one of the best examples of capitalism's failure, America likes to see itself as the backbone of the free market the place where laissez faire rules supreme and; of all places in America the place which is the most obvious example of this is Las Vegas. This plastic paradise is the crudest example of mankind's avarice. A massive glittering sparkling obscenity which screams at the world "fraud" here in Vegas thousands of jobs are being lost and huge amounts of people losing their homes and hundreds and growing are sleeping rough, this is the casino society learning what myself and many others much cleverer than me have been saying for years which is that capitalism will eventually destroy itself as Karl Marx said. Because it's a huge card game a massive risk; a huge gamble and as anyone who has ever gambled will tell you everyone can't win and it produces far more losers than winners.

It is really apt that this protest movement should start in America, I have become frustrated at watching the knuckle dragging racists of the tea party parading in all their ignorance and said to myself in despair "where are the left" well we are seeing them now and I hope they grow and grow America still has the ability to be a great country and it's people are not right wing as the rich man's media would have us believe. I can say that because I am of an age to have witnessed the Civil Rights movement and the Anti Vietnam War movement "I aint goin cause no Vietnamese ever called me nigger" (MUHAMED ALI ) both causes championed by the left and both victorious despite beatings, prison and Police and Government sponsored brutality and they can win again the prize is a better fairer world.

The students are next up with another massive demo in early November and a massive strike to take place near the end of November, the government are not moving so we will have to persuade them. The people who are suffering are the worst off while the rich are not paying anything, quite simply this is unfair and just possibly the Government here and others across the world have made a massive misjudgement and the people are beginning to realize that, more power to the demonstrators and strikers class war now!

"The present demonstrations have already thrown up an unlikely hero, I give you the Rev. Giles Frazer the Canon of mighty world famous St. Paul's Cathedral London. Protestors were prevented from getting near the centre of the financial district and they moved to St. Paul's where they found more police preventing them from occupying the famous steps up to the church. Then the unassuming gently spoken Rev Frazer came out and moved the police on from the church and invited the protestors to stay, perhaps this real Christian clergyman remembered Jesus throwing the money lenders out of the Temple, a hero for our times just like the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Bishops who stood side by side with the persecuted travellers at Dale farm, is god making a comeback?.

THE COMPUTER IS BANJAXED!

Will the last two people who sent comments to me, one on the Davidson V Mackay spat and the other who defended Liam Fox please resubmit their comments. There is a problem with my computer and I will have to wait until my children arrive back from abroad before I can have it sorted, I will reply then.

DEREK MACKAY SNP MSP LEFT REELING ON THE ROPES BY IAN DAVIDSON LABOUR M.P. ON TV.

Watched a Lovely little cameo which inadvertently described the utter lack of ability of the people in the SNP on the Politics Show at the weekend. My old sparring partner Derek MacKay SNP who has risen without trace sat next to Labour's Ian Davidson on the studio sofa, the matter for discussion? 'Independence' Finding himself going round in circles and quite unable to hazard a description of what they (THE SNP) mean by independence Mackay decided to muddy the waters by complaining about Davidson previously describing the Gnats. as 'Neo Nazis' This was said by Davidson when he described the SNP tactic of interrupting speakers, talking over them and shouting them down as being reminiscent of the Nazis hence the 'Neo Nazi' insult, having been a member of Renfrewshire Council for 12 years I can assure you that that is exactly how they behave.

Mackay however displayed his immaturity and tactless stupidity by speaking over Davidson interrupting him and shouting him down, it was jaw dropping inanity. Davidson, crafty old politician that he is appeared to struggle through MacKay's behaviour with a patient but sad expression on his face. He couldn't believe his luck as Mackay displayed all the attributes which caused Davidson to come up with his previous description of the SNP car crash stuff from the SNP member who by then could be seen trembling and looking longingly at the exit door. He has previous for such stupid blunders, in a debate on the Tory Libdem budget at Renfrewshire Council when his composure was deserting him he blurted out and I quote "the government's budget cuts are about right" he was like a drunk man trying to negotiate steep stairs a complete loss of dignity and a shambles. He has since tried to deny saying this but everyone heard it and it's a sign of his stupidity to try to deny he said it.

We are continually told about all this talent in the SNP so how did this wet behind the ears boy get where he is in such a short time? I personally know lots of SNP people who can talk absolute rubbish in a far more coherent way than this guy, he I believe is one who has less backbone than most and as such fits wee Alex (the spiv's) ideal model of the trembling sycophantic 'yes man'. I predict that Mackay's willingness to prostrate himself at the feet of his leader will ensure a place at Salmond's table. There is always room for another "wee sleekit cowering timorous beastie" in Salmond's world.

WOULD IT NOT BE POSSIBLE TO INVENT A NEW GAME THAT SCOTLAND WOULD EXCELL AT, WHAT ABOUT “THROWING THE BUCKIE BOTTLE”

Scotland should withdraw from international football for a couple of years to allow new coaches and managers to reconstruct our game without the constant humiliations which are being visited upon the team at the moment. A period without pressure and the constant gaze of a football press who are a laughing stock would be a welcome break. I'm sure some of the players cringe when they read the drivel churned out by ex players and coaches like Hately, Henry, Dodds, McLeod, Walker, McLean, Provan etc. and so called experts like Keevins, Traynor and the doyen of them all the odious Bill Leckie. Thank god for Archie McPherson almost in his dotage and still head and shoulders above this self serving rabble, they should be forced to listen to people like David Pleat, Joe Royle and Gerry Armstrong before uttering another word. These self appointed experts would not be allowed anywhere near a word processor if they weren't ex footballers and I strongly suspect they get paid for putting their names to wretched articles by tabloid journalists who are somewhere below slave traders in the decency pecking order.

As far as last night's game was concerned I watched it with a mixture of resigned sadness and delight at the play of the Spaniards how do you go about measuring the gulf between them? Surprisingly the only Scottish player who would not have looked out of place in a Spanish strip was Bannan who is a relative newcomer. He is very quick and very skilful with a lovely left foot but most significantly he is clever he seems to know what move to make and when to make it, unlike most of his team mates he is happy to take the ball in tight situations even against Spain, that's a sign of good technique and self confidence, a very impressive player. He is very small by today's standards but so are about 5/6 of the Spaniards and Barcelona don't have any giants in their team but they are easily the best team in the world at the moment.

At my age I have seen some great sporting champions and some great sports teams and I am delighted to be able to say that some of the people I am seeing now are as good if not better than some of the giants of the past, judge for yourself. Charlton was better than Di Stefano and Maradona was better than Pele and Messi is better than any of them. In boxing the greatest! was Ali and I never thought I could possibly see better but the Phillipino world champion Manny Pacquiao , is the best pound for pound boxer I have ever seen and that includes Sugar Ray Robinson as well as Ali. I never thought I would see a better tennis player than Rod Laver and then I saw McEnroe and changed my mind and then I saw Federer and changed it again. I saw the great Valeriy Borzov and then American black power demonstrator Tommy Smith both of whom would only ever see Usain Bolt's rear as he ran away from them with ease. Scotland might produce players like Bremner, Baxter and Jimmy Johnstone again but I can't see at the moment where they will come from our two biggest clubs Celtic and Rangers have one young home grown player each in their regular starting teams Gregg Wylde and James Forrest, Celtic and Rangers won European trophies with all their players home grown as did Aberdeen, it's going to be a long way back if we ever do get back.

THE JUNKETS, THE JOBS, THE MONEY, THE GLAMOUR, ALL FOR HIS YOUNG CHUM WERRINGTON, WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT LIAM FOX WAS SUCH A LOVELY GIVING CHAP?

There are some people who no matter how hard I try always get the better of me and I have to admit that Dr. Liam Fox MP, Minister for Defence in the "ragtag n bobtail" British Coalition Government is one of them. He and I would not agree about anything I guess and we are political anathema to each other but, that applies to a great many others who don't get the better of me in the way he does because I am not just referring to politics here, this is personal. It might come as a surprise to some of you who read this blog but I have always tried my best to avoid hating anyone no matter how much I abhor their views and their actions, some people however defeat me. There are some obvious examples such as Thatcher and Salmond as well as too many revolting Libdems to count who have always brought out the worst in me and Dr. Fox comes in to that category.

Having watched this strutting little puffed up gauleiter over the years I now find myself enjoying his embarrassment, not something I'm proud of but it is true and I can't apologise for it. This guy given the chance would march us all back to the Thatcher days and then some, he is a hidebound knuckle dragging reactionary and an appalling example of someone who chose the wrong career of medicine in a quite spectacular way, imagine if you will his bed side manner; the mind boggles! "the scary sinister man in the white coat lurking by your bed is the doctor honest he is, just try to ignore that fact that he wears a fixed truculent sneer and can't look anyone in the eye I'm sure he's qualified"

Like others before him he sees himself as above most people and is always ready to lecture us on our behaviour and he now displays repugnant hubris by expecting us to believe his story that there was nothing inappropriate regarding his special relationship with his chum 17 years his junior Adam Werrity who was resident in Dr. Fox's home at no expense: paid for by you and me the taxpayers. He also made a rich living by using his connection to Dr. Fox in the business world handing out cards saying he was a "special advisor to Liam Fox MP" and was allowed to operate a right wing charity from Fox's office in the British Parliament again paid for by us. This charity patronised by among others the war criminal Thatcher was closed down for being too right wing!

As I write it is 18:34 PM and Fox has just apologised in an attempt to save his career and no doubt there will be a campaign to save his mendacious skin, he ought to have been fired by now and both of them facing charges but will it come to that? This young chum of Fox's had the run of the Ministry of Defence estate with access to god knows what and he had no right of any kind to be allowed anywhere near the place, you would think would you not that Dr. Fox can't possibly survive wouldn't you? Watch this space though remember these are the Tories, decency and truth do not apply to them, Cameron's position will be badly weakened if he allows him to survive. First it was Laws then the Murdoch dustbin raker Coulson and now Fox and the odious Libdem Judas Huhne is next in line to have his collar felt. He blamed a speeding charge on his wife then made the mistake of cheating on her and dumping her, "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" as the saying goes and she did the decent thing and grassed the bastard, what did he expect? Meanwhile it's "hubba, hubba, hubba let the show go on" let these pompous hypocrites swing in the wind. To paraphrase Cameron PM "they are all in it together" Personally I blame those draughty private schools they all went to, all that running around bare arsed flicking each other with wet towels I always said no good would come of it.

RUGBY-ENGLAND V SCOTALND – AS EXCITING AS WATCHING THE FIRE GO OUT!

New Zealand 83 V Japan 7 – Canada 34 V Romania 3 – Australia 42 V Romania 3 - Cote D'Ivore 0 V Scotland 89.

The above are some of the scores in the Rugby World Cup which is being played in New Zealand at the moment, you can tell that the tension in games like this can be unbearable can't you? What possesses people to watch this c**p and how do they persuade themselves that there is some merit / competition / entertainment in it? I can only hope that the tax payer did not contribute anything to the costs of paying for the Scottish team to go there and take part in such a farce. I found my two daughters watching the England V Scotland game on TV and I asked why they were watching it and they said it was exciting. What they were really saying was that the scores looked exciting on paper in that Scotland needed to win by 9 points to qualify; I confidently said they have no chance, why! they protested to which I replied because they are useless.

As is so often the case I was right, near the end there was a huge pile of bodies writhing around in a big mob which looked like the County Square taxi rank at 2 am when some Scottish clown in full view of everyone stamped on some guy in the crowd, a blind man passing on a galloping horse would not have missed it and the resulting award to England resulted in a try and conversion. The real story though was the fact that the game itself was mind numbingly boring, these guys are as bad as our Football team and that is saying something. They treated the ball like a huge bar of hot soap and their coordination reminds one of a drunken shire horse on a slippery road, would a moratorium on Scottish international sport for a couple of years not be a good way of restoring some dignity? As long as Scottish Rugby remains an elitist sport we are destined to watch these privileged oafs embarrassing all of us it's time for a rethink, they were going to fight to the bitter end the risible Scottish sports press told us, it turned out they couldn't fight sleep. surely this lot could make a stab at Tug of War, Mud Wrestling, Blind Man's Buff perhaps, Musical Chairs?

GYPSY TRAVELLERS – DIFFERENT BUT EQUAL!

As the Gypsy Travellers barricade themselves in at Dale farm in Basildon; waiting for the bailiffs and the police as well as private security men to come for them, (my guess is they will come for them at the traditional time of 03:00 AM) we discover in today's press that a £97M grant made in 2008 by the then Labour Government has had only £17M spent on what it was for which was to provide new and upgrade present traveller's sites millions has been spent on housing projects which exclude travellers, this is a scandalous theft of money which needs to be pursued. A nasty but typical campaign is now being run by reactionary newspapers and commentators against the travellers with the Nazi/Hitler loving Daily Mail leading the charge they perhaps remember what the Nazis did to Gypsies and Travellers and they pine for more of the same.

This fascist rag is running pictures of caravans surrounded by rubbish and scrap and claiming that it is the Dale Farm Travellers site with no proof whatsoever while sympathetic supporters who visit the site from artists like Vanessa Redgrave to Bishops of different local denominations describe a clean tidy orderly place where doors are not locked because there is no crime and children play happily as the whole community looks out for each other, questions, questions as they say so; who do you believe is it the Nazi newspaper or the local bishops! It's a tough one right? Travelling people have had to live with this prejudice since time began the reason? Because they are different, they can be identified as such and blamed for every evil just like the Jews in 30's Germany is that really us? Is this really Britain today? It's shameful.

Gypsies have been around for as long as there have been people and they are recognised as a race like everyone else and they are entitled to proper treatment as outlined by the European Union. That means a place to stay and education and health care for their families. Some people do not agree: well tough, this is the law and it is being broken by lots of councils, Renfrewshire was meant to provide a place for them to stop years ago and has not yet done so, that is another disgrace. A couple of years ago there were complaints about Gypsy Travellers in my ward and I went to see for myself what the site was like, as I drove by preparing to turn in to the site I saw women gossiping and lots of kids playing in the sunshine. When I had negotiated my way past their makeshift barriers to access the site I found myself alone except for an old man sat in a chair outside a caravan he smoked a pipe and had a mug of tea by his arm as he watched me get out of the car and approach him. I realized that my presence had had the effect of clearing all the women and children away and I could feel their eyes on me from behind the curtains of their caravans, this sent a feeling of shame over me I know some people who would have revelled in a feeling of power, some are Renfrewshire Councillors but I felt shame.

After 10 minutes chat or craic as he would call it the children and women reappeared when he beckoned them out meaning I was harmless, a mug of tea appeared and I was made welcome. I decided to go and see them because there were so many vicious lies flying around the area at the time being told by some scurrilous people who were chasing votes, it was ever thus. My purpose was to let them know that as the local councillor I supported their right to live their own way without harassment and I took steps to make sure that we in Renfrewshire Council provided them with details of medical help if required, education where suitable and necessities like bin bags and babies nappies, I hope the guy upstairs was watching me as well as watching those who persecute others for racist reasons.

Perhaps if all local authorities were to provide what the law says they must provide things would improve for everyone: I have no fear of Gypsies or Travellers because they are simply people just like the rest of us to paraphrase William thingmy in "The Merchant of Venice when Shylock says "what is a Jew, if you prick me do I not bleed, if you tickle me do I not laugh"? Those hordes of upright Basildon house owning Christians in the Dale farm area should take a good look at themselves, if they do they might conclude that its time they joined the human race and learned to live and let live.