“As he was ambitious I slew him” (Brutus explaining why he killed Caesar) it has the power to inspire great deeds and vile acts; it is good for a scientist to be ambitious about curing cancer but bad for a politician (like Caesar) to seek glory for his own sake; at least that’s what the conspirators claimed and they were led by an ‘honourable’ man; Brutus. This week we have witnessed an act of revenge borne out of thwarted ambition as Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt threw their last desperate hand grenade into Gordon Brown’s lap; then hid among the corridors of Parliament; they ran up their flag and nobody saluted it. These two reached ministerial office under the patronage of Tony Blair; both were known to have a good conceit of themselves and both were ambitious; Brown’s ascent meant their descent and both skulked away to nurse their wrath until they could strike back; not as they have tried to say for the greater good but out of revenge for thwarted ambition; they are not unique, it was ever thus in all parties.
Take Charles Clarke; please! that’s an old joke; nearly as old as the wretched Clarke’s hatred for Brown; he was Home Secretary and saw himself reaching the very top of “the greasy pole” as Disraeli called it; No. 10. The clunking fist did for him as well and he became obsessed with causing Brown as much trouble as he could even to the extent of bringing down the Labour Govt. and handing victory to the Tories; this personal ambition is a serious thing; add it to the pride and malice of a Charles Clarke and you have a potent and toxic threat. Think of the loathing that Powell had for Heath and his former colleagues after they did for him; Heath in turn after Thatcher did for him and don’t forget the malicious presence of two of the most personally ambitious politicians of them all “Margo and Jim” both of whom would have shot their own parents to get to the orphan’s outing; Margo saw herself as Scotland’s first Lady and when she lost out she fled to the back benches as an independent where she sticks needles into Salmond (the spiv’s) effigy; and Jim? Just call him “3 parties Jim” and say no more.
Gorgeous George Galloway is another case in point he was a rising star who saw a dazzling career ahead; he became frustrated at people being promoted before him who were inferior to him as he saw it which means everyone; and he decided to become a big fish in a small pool; he now wants us to be beaten which makes me question his motives from the start, BTW I wish him every success in his GAZA mission. One of the most celebrated cases of comrades dislike for each other provided one of politics greatest ever quotes when someone described Labour’s Herbert Morrisson as “his own worst enemy” Labour Giant Ernie Bevin said “not while I’m alive he’s not” there’s nothing novel about this week.
Gordon Brown is still standing; bloodied but unbowed; a giant in the midst of those around him in the House of Commons; a man of truthfulness and integrity; a man with the courage to stand up for what he believes in and stand up to the orchestrated onslaught which continually surrounds him. He will lead us into the election and when the people see the stark choice between him and the representatives of the upper classes in the Tory cabinet; when Scots. see and appreciate that an SNP vote will only help the Tories we will win; Gordon Brown knows that his enemies are vicious but he also knows who they are and that sustains him as it does me; it will sustain the people when they focus their minds come the election; the questions will be the same; Labour or Tory? Cuts or services? NHS or private health? Education for all or Private schools? Fairness for all or privilege for the few. Yes it all has a familiar ring to it; that’s because it’s worth fighting for and we must never give in.
Anyone who had any doubts about the courage and strength of mind of the Prime Minister following the last couple of months should no longer have any reservations about him also the commitment and moral fibre of the man. Think about what he’s been through in the past year and a half; could you even begin to compare Cameron with him? who do you want making the decisions when the ventilation system starts to get clogged up? It’s a no brainer, it’s “a Gordon for me”
Friday, January 08, 2010
Monday, January 04, 2010
THE REAL MACKASKILL SURFACES - COMPASSIONATE MY JIM ROYLE.
The mind-set of many politicians relating to Law crime and punishment is a continuous source of disenchantment; far too often the agenda is set by red top newspapers like the Sun. The newspapers and other media journalists whip up fury and goad a gullible public into backward-looking positions which bear very little similarity to any kind of justice. Very few politicians have the courage to face down the Murdoch Empire when it comes to crime and punishment; a great many of them are scared stiff of being branded ‘soft on crime’ Depending on how high up the political ladder you go the more of this you will see and it also reveals the lengths that some will go to; to protect/advance their political careers.
Some time ago the SNP Justice Minister Kenny McAskill took the correct decision to release the Libyan prisoner Megrahi on compassionate grounds; I said at the time that this had more to do with McAskill’s inability to resist being in the world spotlight and today we see that he is ingratiating himself with the reactionary right by agreeing to consider allowing Juries to be made aware of an accused’s past record; a move which will make him very popular with the right wing populist media. This is far nearer to the real Kenny McAskill; apolitical and ambitious; determined to claw back some of his damaged reputation as an appeaser and ‘soft on crime’.
Voices have already been raised in protest but not; surprise; surprise political voices. The most obvious example of this craven behaviour is to be found in successive home secretaries in relation to the case of the Moors Murderer Myra Hindley; the case was one of the most infamous in British legal history. Based on the system of early release which is used in Britain she should have been released long before she died in jail; she was not released because no Home Secretary had the courage to do the right thing; whatever you think of Hindley she ticked every box for release; the nature of her crimes and the constant campaign against her by the gutter press meant that it would have been a massively unpopular decision and Home Secretaries took it in turn to run away from it. Whether you or I think she should have been released or whether we think she deserved to die in confinement or whether there should have been a private members bill to allow her to be executed is neither here nor there; none of the experts in the criminal justice system; none of the criminal psychiatrist etc. were prepared to say she should be kept in jail but she was; because of political cowardice.
MaCaskill is so ambitious that he; as a zealous nationalist is prepared to consider overthrowing one of the major legal differences between Scotland and the rest of the UK like the others mentioned he knows it will sell to “the man on the Clapham Omnibus” When we hear of someone known to us; some local thug for instance being put on trial for an alleged crime there is a strong tendency in all of us to say “I’m not surprised he’s got previous” and this is exactly the danger; if juries are privy to that kind of information; it destroys the “innocent until proven guilty” legal custom which protects everyone. Innocent; though unsavoury characters would be jailed because the jury were influenced by their previous bad records and the guilty would not even get to court.
Donald Finlay QC; not an easy man to like is nevertheless correct when he says that under this change accused people would be judged by what the jury think of them rather than the evidence; likewise the equally difficult to like political contortionist Paul McBride QC is spot on when he says that it’s corroboration which counts not past records. Another nameless QC stated that “there had not been a single case in Scotland in recent years where a person had gone to trial charged with a particularly serious offence that he had also committed beforehand, and been acquitted” The Police rather as expected are right behind McAskill the result for some means everything; this would take us a step toward saying “well he looked like a right evil b*****d, guilty m'lord”. Police already respond as they did in Casablanca when Major Strasser got shot and Captain Renault said “Round up the usual suspects” so those with ‘form’ and who are known to the Police are already a goal down when something with their MO on it happens. The classic case being Paddy Mehan who was such a well known criminal that he got life for murder and; notwithstanding his criminal past was in fact innocent.
Cases must stand alone; nothing but what is evidence pertaining to the case should be introduced; any change to that principle would mean that people are not innocent until proved guilty and that people are not equal before the law. McAskill’s stunt should be seen as just that; a cheap attempt to curry favour with the yellow press and their repellent owners. The law has to remain above people like him.
Some time ago the SNP Justice Minister Kenny McAskill took the correct decision to release the Libyan prisoner Megrahi on compassionate grounds; I said at the time that this had more to do with McAskill’s inability to resist being in the world spotlight and today we see that he is ingratiating himself with the reactionary right by agreeing to consider allowing Juries to be made aware of an accused’s past record; a move which will make him very popular with the right wing populist media. This is far nearer to the real Kenny McAskill; apolitical and ambitious; determined to claw back some of his damaged reputation as an appeaser and ‘soft on crime’.
Voices have already been raised in protest but not; surprise; surprise political voices. The most obvious example of this craven behaviour is to be found in successive home secretaries in relation to the case of the Moors Murderer Myra Hindley; the case was one of the most infamous in British legal history. Based on the system of early release which is used in Britain she should have been released long before she died in jail; she was not released because no Home Secretary had the courage to do the right thing; whatever you think of Hindley she ticked every box for release; the nature of her crimes and the constant campaign against her by the gutter press meant that it would have been a massively unpopular decision and Home Secretaries took it in turn to run away from it. Whether you or I think she should have been released or whether we think she deserved to die in confinement or whether there should have been a private members bill to allow her to be executed is neither here nor there; none of the experts in the criminal justice system; none of the criminal psychiatrist etc. were prepared to say she should be kept in jail but she was; because of political cowardice.
MaCaskill is so ambitious that he; as a zealous nationalist is prepared to consider overthrowing one of the major legal differences between Scotland and the rest of the UK like the others mentioned he knows it will sell to “the man on the Clapham Omnibus” When we hear of someone known to us; some local thug for instance being put on trial for an alleged crime there is a strong tendency in all of us to say “I’m not surprised he’s got previous” and this is exactly the danger; if juries are privy to that kind of information; it destroys the “innocent until proven guilty” legal custom which protects everyone. Innocent; though unsavoury characters would be jailed because the jury were influenced by their previous bad records and the guilty would not even get to court.
Donald Finlay QC; not an easy man to like is nevertheless correct when he says that under this change accused people would be judged by what the jury think of them rather than the evidence; likewise the equally difficult to like political contortionist Paul McBride QC is spot on when he says that it’s corroboration which counts not past records. Another nameless QC stated that “there had not been a single case in Scotland in recent years where a person had gone to trial charged with a particularly serious offence that he had also committed beforehand, and been acquitted” The Police rather as expected are right behind McAskill the result for some means everything; this would take us a step toward saying “well he looked like a right evil b*****d, guilty m'lord”. Police already respond as they did in Casablanca when Major Strasser got shot and Captain Renault said “Round up the usual suspects” so those with ‘form’ and who are known to the Police are already a goal down when something with their MO on it happens. The classic case being Paddy Mehan who was such a well known criminal that he got life for murder and; notwithstanding his criminal past was in fact innocent.
Cases must stand alone; nothing but what is evidence pertaining to the case should be introduced; any change to that principle would mean that people are not innocent until proved guilty and that people are not equal before the law. McAskill’s stunt should be seen as just that; a cheap attempt to curry favour with the yellow press and their repellent owners. The law has to remain above people like him.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
"LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE” ( John 8:7)
Great Britain is compliant with torture; despite denials we are. We stand four square behind our ‘special’ American allies who torture people and hold them without charge or trial for years. This is in preparation for trials which could see them face the death penalty; I think I have got that much right but; I’m sure someone will take issue with it. I want to make one thing absolutely clear here before I go any further; Mr. Akmal Shaikh the British National who was executed in China should never have been put to death; he should never have been executed under any circumstances; references to his mental health condition are neither here nor there it should not be relevant; had there been no mention of a mental health problem would he have been left to his fate? A job remains to be done to find out exactly what happened here; this man was allegedly set up by Polish Gangsters to smuggle heroin to China; it all sounds like an over the top caper movie; we need to pursue how this happened. My position on Capital Punishment remains resolutely against which means of course I am also against the possible execution of those prisoners whom I mentioned earlier whether they are found guilty or not they should not face the death penalty; no one should.
It is difficult to avoid the suspicion that the West is having a go at Communist China here and is guilty of Hypocrisy; look again at our “special friends” in America. During Clinton’s run for presidency he interrupted his high profile campaign in a huge blaze of publicity to fly home to Little Rock Kansas where he was governor to sign a death warrant for a convicted murderer who had a mental age of eight years; all to prove he was tough on crime; did Britain protest? ‘the hell we did’ This kind of hypocrisy has a habit of rebounding on you and it is now; China can say who do you think you are lecturing us when you behave as you do to foreign prisoners; just as Iran can say why is Israel allowed illegal WMD’s and we are not; no matter which side you support there is a certain logic in the questions.
China is an ancient place where change has been incredible over the last 200 years; from the time where Chinese people were exploited all over the world especially America where they worked and died like slaves on the railways. They are now a world super power and will not be ordered about; Britain did it’s usual colonial exploitation and destroyed millions with the Opium Trade and the Chinese haven’t forgotten.
We should try as always to learn from such a tragedy; we along with other like minded countries should try everything we can to persuade China and other countries that Capital Punishment is wrong and also importantly it does not work. We need to have China more or less on line with the rest of the world and that means compromise from them; from us; from America and the other countries; none of us are perfect and we should be prepared to admit that. Capital Punishment is barbaric; it solves nothing and improves nothing it simply lowers the levels of decency which we should all aspire to, the whole squalid business of putting our fellow human beings to death should be confined to history and put somewhere alongside the burning of witches and the stoning of sinners.
It is difficult to avoid the suspicion that the West is having a go at Communist China here and is guilty of Hypocrisy; look again at our “special friends” in America. During Clinton’s run for presidency he interrupted his high profile campaign in a huge blaze of publicity to fly home to Little Rock Kansas where he was governor to sign a death warrant for a convicted murderer who had a mental age of eight years; all to prove he was tough on crime; did Britain protest? ‘the hell we did’ This kind of hypocrisy has a habit of rebounding on you and it is now; China can say who do you think you are lecturing us when you behave as you do to foreign prisoners; just as Iran can say why is Israel allowed illegal WMD’s and we are not; no matter which side you support there is a certain logic in the questions.
China is an ancient place where change has been incredible over the last 200 years; from the time where Chinese people were exploited all over the world especially America where they worked and died like slaves on the railways. They are now a world super power and will not be ordered about; Britain did it’s usual colonial exploitation and destroyed millions with the Opium Trade and the Chinese haven’t forgotten.
We should try as always to learn from such a tragedy; we along with other like minded countries should try everything we can to persuade China and other countries that Capital Punishment is wrong and also importantly it does not work. We need to have China more or less on line with the rest of the world and that means compromise from them; from us; from America and the other countries; none of us are perfect and we should be prepared to admit that. Capital Punishment is barbaric; it solves nothing and improves nothing it simply lowers the levels of decency which we should all aspire to, the whole squalid business of putting our fellow human beings to death should be confined to history and put somewhere alongside the burning of witches and the stoning of sinners.
Monday, December 28, 2009
THE TV THE SNP; CUBA AND THE NEXT DECADE.
Having access to a computer is stopping me from going mad; I read lots of newspapers and magazines and watch the tele. I watch the tele. less and less that’s why I appreciate the computer; the internet and U Tube are my saviours. TV is now dominated by drivel; there was always a fair amount of it on the box but the growth of shows like the Big Brother House; X Factor and We’ve got Talent has almost destroyed the medium; destroyed it for me that is because there is no denying the popularity of these shows; the “Big Brother” show even has the cheek to plagiarise Orwell to get it’s title adding insult to injury.
There is of course a theme which runs through them; the humiliation of contestants and those who take part; its car crash TV and the mob loves it; “the mob” is of course a reference to ancient Rome and they liked nothing better in Rome than watching people being executed in public; just like some countries today. Some countries chop off heads while America for example shows it’s more morally superior side by offering no less than 5 methods of doing the deed; hanging; shooting; chemical injection; gas chamber and the electric chair, some of the more devout among the Christian Right Bible Thumpers still get misty eyed about making it 6 by bringing back Lynching for black people; at the McCain election rallies the mention of Obama's name provoked shouts of "kill the nigger" heard on TV oh yes they were! we are lucky indeed to have a “special relationship with such friends. I predict that America will show executions on prime time TV with highly priced advertising slots in the not to distant future; the numbers of people allowed to be present at such events has grown steadily over the years; in America that means there is a market for it which in turn means it will happen; its “The American Way”
Television once showed plays; films and news and current affairs; they still do of course but the ‘junk’ is taking over why commission a play hire directors producers actors etc. rehearse it and stage it when you can get more of an audience by encouraging the public to volunteer to humiliate themselves; throw in a couple of 3 Rd. rate washed up celebrities and Joe Public is hooked; its all rather sad. Simon Cowell beats Harold Pinter and Davina thingmy beats Judi Dench.
This rather eccentric post will no doubt have some people wondering what has happened to the usual political content; “has he gone doo lally” I hear you ask; well not yet actually. What has happened is that I received a Christmas present which hammered home to me the difference between what TV is capable of and what it is becoming. The latter is cheap nasty and exploitative with no values and one aim; profit; and the former is the full series on DVD of “The West Wing” a gift from my daughters who on this occasion are a gift from God. Since I often criticise America its only fair that I offer praise where it’s due and the West Wing fits the bill, the standard of writing and acting would be difficult to improve on, it is top quality entertainment and sizzling drama. Try if you will to sit through a full episode of Simon Cowell’s show and follow it with an episode of TWW and see what I mean.
Meanwhile as we slide toward another decade we have the consolation of watching the SNP self destruct as the cybernats are exposed for the filth that they are; they have been hidden long enough. Nationalism is a deeply ugly business and this mob proves it; that’s why the leadership have been willing to tolerate them as long as they kept their official distance. The anti English racism displayed by these people should have been gutted out years ago and they turned a blind eye to it and now it has popped up to bite them; people are peering behind the tartan veil and it’s not a pretty sight. Exposed are the many blue faced knuckle dragging anti English bigots who are an embarrassment to Scotland.
I would also like to offer best wishes for another decade to the Cuban revolution and it’s leaders including El Commandante himself Fidel Castro 94 years would be a good innings for one of history’s true giants; will Obama be the man to see the light and get round the table? Let’s hope so; to put Cuba into perspective perhaps Obama should consider the fact that America kills more illegal immigrants from Capitalist Mexico in a year than died during the existence of the Berlin Wall and also consider why America celebrates people defecting from Communist Cuba while still shooting dead those Capitalist Mexican illegal’s; it’s the American Way ‘YURP’ and it’s a strange world. I predict that the Mike Russell blogging scandal will prove to be the tip of the iceberg in 2010; if you don't believe me talk to some of them; see and hear for yourself but; be warned it won't be pleasant and could get really ugly if you let slip the word Engurland!
There is of course a theme which runs through them; the humiliation of contestants and those who take part; its car crash TV and the mob loves it; “the mob” is of course a reference to ancient Rome and they liked nothing better in Rome than watching people being executed in public; just like some countries today. Some countries chop off heads while America for example shows it’s more morally superior side by offering no less than 5 methods of doing the deed; hanging; shooting; chemical injection; gas chamber and the electric chair, some of the more devout among the Christian Right Bible Thumpers still get misty eyed about making it 6 by bringing back Lynching for black people; at the McCain election rallies the mention of Obama's name provoked shouts of "kill the nigger" heard on TV oh yes they were! we are lucky indeed to have a “special relationship with such friends. I predict that America will show executions on prime time TV with highly priced advertising slots in the not to distant future; the numbers of people allowed to be present at such events has grown steadily over the years; in America that means there is a market for it which in turn means it will happen; its “The American Way”
Television once showed plays; films and news and current affairs; they still do of course but the ‘junk’ is taking over why commission a play hire directors producers actors etc. rehearse it and stage it when you can get more of an audience by encouraging the public to volunteer to humiliate themselves; throw in a couple of 3 Rd. rate washed up celebrities and Joe Public is hooked; its all rather sad. Simon Cowell beats Harold Pinter and Davina thingmy beats Judi Dench.
This rather eccentric post will no doubt have some people wondering what has happened to the usual political content; “has he gone doo lally” I hear you ask; well not yet actually. What has happened is that I received a Christmas present which hammered home to me the difference between what TV is capable of and what it is becoming. The latter is cheap nasty and exploitative with no values and one aim; profit; and the former is the full series on DVD of “The West Wing” a gift from my daughters who on this occasion are a gift from God. Since I often criticise America its only fair that I offer praise where it’s due and the West Wing fits the bill, the standard of writing and acting would be difficult to improve on, it is top quality entertainment and sizzling drama. Try if you will to sit through a full episode of Simon Cowell’s show and follow it with an episode of TWW and see what I mean.
Meanwhile as we slide toward another decade we have the consolation of watching the SNP self destruct as the cybernats are exposed for the filth that they are; they have been hidden long enough. Nationalism is a deeply ugly business and this mob proves it; that’s why the leadership have been willing to tolerate them as long as they kept their official distance. The anti English racism displayed by these people should have been gutted out years ago and they turned a blind eye to it and now it has popped up to bite them; people are peering behind the tartan veil and it’s not a pretty sight. Exposed are the many blue faced knuckle dragging anti English bigots who are an embarrassment to Scotland.
I would also like to offer best wishes for another decade to the Cuban revolution and it’s leaders including El Commandante himself Fidel Castro 94 years would be a good innings for one of history’s true giants; will Obama be the man to see the light and get round the table? Let’s hope so; to put Cuba into perspective perhaps Obama should consider the fact that America kills more illegal immigrants from Capitalist Mexico in a year than died during the existence of the Berlin Wall and also consider why America celebrates people defecting from Communist Cuba while still shooting dead those Capitalist Mexican illegal’s; it’s the American Way ‘YURP’ and it’s a strange world. I predict that the Mike Russell blogging scandal will prove to be the tip of the iceberg in 2010; if you don't believe me talk to some of them; see and hear for yourself but; be warned it won't be pleasant and could get really ugly if you let slip the word Engurland!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
BETHLEHEM AND THE HOLY LAND - TONIGHT !
Tonight people all over the world will celebrate the birth of Jesus and the focus as always will be on Bethlehem. Part of the town is surrounded by Israel’s apartheid wall and it has a refugee camp for Palestinians who have been thrown out of their homes by Israeli settlers; they can’t move without the Israelis say so. This is the birth place of the King of Peace today; some two thousand years on; today; this is the Holy Land.
December 27 th. 09 will see the first anniversary of the Israel attack on Gaza which was largely destroyed, the Israelis have not allowed rebuilding to take place and they maintain an inhuman and vicious blockade. Thousands live in tents; maternity and neonatal wards are desperate for blankets and electric heaters to prevent infants from dying of hypothermia; they don’t have cattle to breath on them and keep them warm like the infant Jesus.
Thousands of children in Gaza are at risk because of contaminated water; Israel will not allow them to renew pipes. The education system is crippled. And thousands of children remain traumatised and in need of psychological help. The prevalence of anaemia among children 9 - 12 months old is 61.6%; and prevalence among pregnant women is around 29%, Israel continues to block the medical equipment and medicines they need and won’t allow the materials in to rebuild bombed hospitals; nor will they allow sick people to leave and seek help.
The World Health Organisation states that 80% of Gaza’s water is not safe to drink; Britain demands an end to the blockade but nothing seems to happen; we need to do more it is a humanitarian disaster, we are talking here about helpless innocent children just the same as the celebrated new born all those years ago.
You can do two things which are not at all difficult; you can make a donation following the instructions provided and you can also contact your MP; MSP; MEP and complain about the lack of action on this desperate situation; we can all do something and we must; otherwise what is the point of all the Peace and Love to all mankind stuff?
CLICK ON THE “MEDICAL AID FOR PALESTINIANS” LINK AT THE TOP RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE COVER PAGE TO HELP, THANK YOU.
December 27 th. 09 will see the first anniversary of the Israel attack on Gaza which was largely destroyed, the Israelis have not allowed rebuilding to take place and they maintain an inhuman and vicious blockade. Thousands live in tents; maternity and neonatal wards are desperate for blankets and electric heaters to prevent infants from dying of hypothermia; they don’t have cattle to breath on them and keep them warm like the infant Jesus.
Thousands of children in Gaza are at risk because of contaminated water; Israel will not allow them to renew pipes. The education system is crippled. And thousands of children remain traumatised and in need of psychological help. The prevalence of anaemia among children 9 - 12 months old is 61.6%; and prevalence among pregnant women is around 29%, Israel continues to block the medical equipment and medicines they need and won’t allow the materials in to rebuild bombed hospitals; nor will they allow sick people to leave and seek help.
The World Health Organisation states that 80% of Gaza’s water is not safe to drink; Britain demands an end to the blockade but nothing seems to happen; we need to do more it is a humanitarian disaster, we are talking here about helpless innocent children just the same as the celebrated new born all those years ago.
You can do two things which are not at all difficult; you can make a donation following the instructions provided and you can also contact your MP; MSP; MEP and complain about the lack of action on this desperate situation; we can all do something and we must; otherwise what is the point of all the Peace and Love to all mankind stuff?
CLICK ON THE “MEDICAL AID FOR PALESTINIANS” LINK AT THE TOP RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE COVER PAGE TO HELP, THANK YOU.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
THE DUNCE'S CAP STILL FITS THE RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL'S SNP LED EDUCATION DEPT.
Thursday 17 Th. Dec. 09 to the council chambers for another session of bear baiting with an administration which looks like a collection of maudlin drunks at a funeral; a mere two and a half years into it’s car crash of an attempt at running a council. The increasingly shrill screeching from them is becoming more and more predictable as they stumble from blunder to blunder; the pathetic and orchestrated cheering and banging of desks likewise; I seriously think that they will soon start banging and cheering when apologies are given for one of their number at the start of the meeting.
Their attempt at self congratulation this time was to suggest that large crowds at Christmas festive events such as switching on lights and fireworks were proof that they were winning the battle to regenerate the town centre. Some SNP/Lib. Dems. suggested several times that there was a noticeable ‘feel good factor’ among the crowds; proof positive they say that Paisley Town Centre is on it’s way up. This of course ignores the No. of ‘for sale’ and ‘rent’ signs which are everywhere in the town; these of course were Labour’s fault according to them and nothing at all to do with Braehead; Silverton or the superstores like Tesco and Asda taking away custom; the fact that Paisley Town Centre’s problems are replicated all across the country fails to register with them either. A bit of advice for the administration; if you can’t detect some ‘feel good factor’ after spending large amounts on fire works and lights then you are a lost cause; what did I miss? Oh yes it’s Christmas! ‘feel good’ how are ye! The old guy in the red suit with the beard and the sleigh might have something to do with the ‘feel good’ thing as well; just a thought. This is an administration which is either plain stupid or in complete denial or; what’s more likely both.
The meeting also closed with the now ritualistic mauling of the administration over its disgraceful mishandling of education provision. The second last motion condemned the administration for its lack of information provided to the Labour Group; this in turn led to accusations of disrespect by Labour of the council education officers. I had to intervene to point out that one of their number Cllr. Nicolson who enjoys favour with the leadership of the SNP was suspended for a year by the Standards Committee for just that; he got suspended for a year for smearing the then Chief Executive and several senior officers of the council; accusing them of bias toward Labour when appointing employees; as far as I am aware he has never retracted this accusation; perhaps he will read my blog and do the right thing.
The final motion of the year condemned the SNP led administration for it’s terrible stewardship of education; the failure of the promise on class sizes has been well documented; likewise the lack of materials which teachers are not allowed to talk about and among other things the shameful position of Renfrewshire having the worst teacher pupil ratio in Scotland 32Nd. out of 32 councils none of them showed any remorse for causing this situation; nor any shame. The worst Education Convener in living memory Cllr. Cameron SNP decided to abandon Renfrewshire and concentrate on the national scene. Evading the real issue she retreated into convoluted facts and figures supplied by the officers. She frantically waved sheets of paper about and yelled that the figures proved the great job being done by the SNP Govt. there they were; numbers; fractions; percentages; forecasts and recasts it was quite certain; “we” she said were “doing a fine job” Having led with her chin I could not resist asking her to explain why if her stats were right and the Scottish Govt. were doing so well was Fiona Hyslop sacked as Education Secretary. Cue some anguished low level growling but; answer came there none. A classic case I’m afraid of “Lies damned lies and statistics”
( Benjamin Disraeli P.M.)
So ended another miserable year for the people of Renfrewshire courtesy of the SNP and the political vacuum that props them up for 30 pieces of silver the Lib./Dems. Our children are suffering and their futures are being damaged; teaching morale is at an all time low but I predict that next year at this time the report card will be even worse; with people like these running things how could it be otherwise.
Last Christmas the SNP/Lib. Dem. present to the parents and children was the closure of South Primary; this Year their present is the closure of Moorpark Primary; which school will be on the SNP Santa list for closure next year?
Their attempt at self congratulation this time was to suggest that large crowds at Christmas festive events such as switching on lights and fireworks were proof that they were winning the battle to regenerate the town centre. Some SNP/Lib. Dems. suggested several times that there was a noticeable ‘feel good factor’ among the crowds; proof positive they say that Paisley Town Centre is on it’s way up. This of course ignores the No. of ‘for sale’ and ‘rent’ signs which are everywhere in the town; these of course were Labour’s fault according to them and nothing at all to do with Braehead; Silverton or the superstores like Tesco and Asda taking away custom; the fact that Paisley Town Centre’s problems are replicated all across the country fails to register with them either. A bit of advice for the administration; if you can’t detect some ‘feel good factor’ after spending large amounts on fire works and lights then you are a lost cause; what did I miss? Oh yes it’s Christmas! ‘feel good’ how are ye! The old guy in the red suit with the beard and the sleigh might have something to do with the ‘feel good’ thing as well; just a thought. This is an administration which is either plain stupid or in complete denial or; what’s more likely both.
The meeting also closed with the now ritualistic mauling of the administration over its disgraceful mishandling of education provision. The second last motion condemned the administration for its lack of information provided to the Labour Group; this in turn led to accusations of disrespect by Labour of the council education officers. I had to intervene to point out that one of their number Cllr. Nicolson who enjoys favour with the leadership of the SNP was suspended for a year by the Standards Committee for just that; he got suspended for a year for smearing the then Chief Executive and several senior officers of the council; accusing them of bias toward Labour when appointing employees; as far as I am aware he has never retracted this accusation; perhaps he will read my blog and do the right thing.
The final motion of the year condemned the SNP led administration for it’s terrible stewardship of education; the failure of the promise on class sizes has been well documented; likewise the lack of materials which teachers are not allowed to talk about and among other things the shameful position of Renfrewshire having the worst teacher pupil ratio in Scotland 32Nd. out of 32 councils none of them showed any remorse for causing this situation; nor any shame. The worst Education Convener in living memory Cllr. Cameron SNP decided to abandon Renfrewshire and concentrate on the national scene. Evading the real issue she retreated into convoluted facts and figures supplied by the officers. She frantically waved sheets of paper about and yelled that the figures proved the great job being done by the SNP Govt. there they were; numbers; fractions; percentages; forecasts and recasts it was quite certain; “we” she said were “doing a fine job” Having led with her chin I could not resist asking her to explain why if her stats were right and the Scottish Govt. were doing so well was Fiona Hyslop sacked as Education Secretary. Cue some anguished low level growling but; answer came there none. A classic case I’m afraid of “Lies damned lies and statistics”
( Benjamin Disraeli P.M.)
So ended another miserable year for the people of Renfrewshire courtesy of the SNP and the political vacuum that props them up for 30 pieces of silver the Lib./Dems. Our children are suffering and their futures are being damaged; teaching morale is at an all time low but I predict that next year at this time the report card will be even worse; with people like these running things how could it be otherwise.
Last Christmas the SNP/Lib. Dem. present to the parents and children was the closure of South Primary; this Year their present is the closure of Moorpark Primary; which school will be on the SNP Santa list for closure next year?
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
PLEASE HAVE MY SEAT YOUR MAJESTY.
Can it be possible that the Queen has at last decided to change her ways and give the long suffering British Tax payer a break? There she was photographed boarding a train on her own. She was flunky less and there appeared to be normal people already on the train; considering that I have been critical in the past of her and her workshy family’s cavalier attitude to spending my money and yours; it is only fair that I congratulate her on seeing the error of her ways; well done Mam and I hope that this dose of reality is catching among your family.
Could it be possible that the royals have actually noticed that we are in a period of austerity; I doubt that but those who actually run the Royal circus have probably drawn it to her and her family’s attention; they are learning that they can’t nowadays tell the breadless hungry to “eat cake” I believe the train ride; first class of course cost in the region of £44 a massive saving on using the Royal Train or getting one of her self-indulgent grand sons to pop down and give her a lift on an RAF helicopter.
I wonder what ‘one’ chats to fellow passengers about on such a journey and do her fellow passengers act normal as they discuss the weather or the upkeep of several palaces perhaps or the delicate business of preventing ‘one’s’ gaff prone spouse from escaping his minders. Still it’s one step forward and two steps back as the Royals are now insisting that photographs can not be taken of them when they are relaxing or killing furry animals and wee birds which begs the question, what are they for if not to be photographed and gawked at? Still a train ride with the possibility of talking to one’s subjects is a start. Did she really pay for the ticket though?
The poor woman unfortunately can still rely on Charles or ‘luggy’ as he’s known to his chums to cause her grief; as we learn that he is writing personal letters to Govt. ministers telling them how to run their departments; as you do. He is clearly a concerned citizen and we must all assume that his opinions are given the same weight as all of ours right?
Could it be possible that the royals have actually noticed that we are in a period of austerity; I doubt that but those who actually run the Royal circus have probably drawn it to her and her family’s attention; they are learning that they can’t nowadays tell the breadless hungry to “eat cake” I believe the train ride; first class of course cost in the region of £44 a massive saving on using the Royal Train or getting one of her self-indulgent grand sons to pop down and give her a lift on an RAF helicopter.
I wonder what ‘one’ chats to fellow passengers about on such a journey and do her fellow passengers act normal as they discuss the weather or the upkeep of several palaces perhaps or the delicate business of preventing ‘one’s’ gaff prone spouse from escaping his minders. Still it’s one step forward and two steps back as the Royals are now insisting that photographs can not be taken of them when they are relaxing or killing furry animals and wee birds which begs the question, what are they for if not to be photographed and gawked at? Still a train ride with the possibility of talking to one’s subjects is a start. Did she really pay for the ticket though?
The poor woman unfortunately can still rely on Charles or ‘luggy’ as he’s known to his chums to cause her grief; as we learn that he is writing personal letters to Govt. ministers telling them how to run their departments; as you do. He is clearly a concerned citizen and we must all assume that his opinions are given the same weight as all of ours right?
Friday, December 18, 2009
THE WEE CHIBS HAVE BEEN SLIPPED OUT OF THE SMELLY SOCKS AND THE BIG SNP BACK STABBING ORGY HAS BEGUN. HUBBA! HUBBA! HUBBA!
The recent explosions on the blogosphere are long overdue; when I started writing a blog I was absolutely stunned at some of the stuff which was printed on blogs and on comments to blogs; as well as the comments to newspaper pages which made me wonder why newspapers were allowed to print such stuff. I still do not completely understand how it gets through without the papers being held to account it is a mystery to me. I understand that if someone writes a comment to me which is offensive or libels me or indeed someone else it is my decision whether to print it; those who read my blog will know that I insist that such comments must be accompanied by an identity which can be verified; I can then make a decision about whether to print knowing the person being abused or accused can see who their attacker is and respond as they see fit. Needless to say I’ve had thousands of comments but never an Identification from anyone who falls into that category; they all choose anonymity. I personally had trouble some time ago when a group of like minded reactionaries decided to target me and my family and created a hate site all for me; it was brutal; squalid and very painful for me and my family; I did consider quitting but they insisted that I should not let the bad guys win. Anyway the whole squalid bunch of them eventually folded after a Journalist exposed one of them who was an ex Tory candidate called Ron Kane from Renfrew as one of those involved; a genuinely nasty piece of work; I’ve kept lots of stuff about him in case he surfaces again. The rest of them with false names like Clairwill, Wardog, Shotgun and Will ran for cover like the cowards they are and the site ended.
Recent events involving the SNP and some of their more rabid supporters once again highlight the problem; known as the cybernats they have been active for some time and they are a mob of blogosphere thugs. If you want to check them out research the comments which were sent to the Scotsman and the Herald in the wake of the Glenrothes and Glasgow North East By Elections. The foul mouthed abuse of the electorate for voting in Labour has to be seen to be believed. The SNP’s Mike Russell’s former aide has been rumbled as one of these nasties and Mr. Russell has been forced to deny that he knew about his aides ‘other life’ the problem for the oh so charming and urbane Russell is the aide Mark MacLachlan is refusing to go quietly and accuses Russell of knowing about his activities and even giving him ideas to write about. This situation has deteriorated so fast that Russell is threatening to sue and MacLachlan is threatening to tell all to the news papers; I’m loving it; even although Mr. Russell and I share the same goal of doing everything we can to undermine Alex (the spiv) Salmond.
Adding petrol to the flames flicking around Mr. McLachlan’s bahookie are some of those traduced by him such as a married MSP who had suggestions made about their sexuality; Labour’s top man in Scotland who had his conduct brought into question and last but not least the truly terrifying presence of one Paul McBride QC who is a well known legal hard case; I’ve heard it said that Mr. McBride is a dandy maker of yoghurt; apparently you place a pint of milk in front of him and he stares at it and he presto – yoghurt. Life might become a bit rough for the Education Secretary shortly and him such a nice cultured man as well; the unusual tone of the laughter you can hear is coming from Labour types with more than a few of the Bravehearts thrown in; to them he is a kind of SNP Peter Mandelson.
Salmond (the spiv) to Pringle “we will just have to circle the wagons and dour it out; it will be tough but we can find some diversions; I’ll enter a pie eating contest or something” Pringle to (the spiv) “ boss where the f**k is Dumfries and Galloway?” Salmond to Pringle “you are winding me up?” Pringle’s lip begins to tremble.
It would appear that Rob Davidson SNP leader in Dumfries and Galloway Council has been accused of something similar; this guy is also an aide; perhaps the SNP should think about providing aides for their aides. The (spiv) must sack this man shout Labour; not satisfied with Mike Russell’s discomfort; what a heartless bunch! Mr. Davidson expressed shock/horror at the Mike Russell affair and declared solemnly that he and his group would have no truck with such alleged behaviour. Perhaps his colleagues in the big bad world of politics will assume he suffers from amnesia when they read that an email has been uncovered by a national news paper which urges the blogger to write about the alleged misdemeanours of Scottish Labour’s General Secretary; the sender? Rob Davidson! Would you ‘Adam n Eve’ it eh? Bonnie Scotland dragged once more into the mud by the SNP; her tartan frock smudged and torn; her Braveheart reputation ridiculed; what can be done?
What can be done? People should stop using false names and hiding behind anonymity; like for instance let’s see; how about me! I have never written an anonymous note in my life and I don’t intend to now; if I can’t face people in person and state my opinions then I keep them to myself. This looks like it will run and run and I am ecstatic about it particularly when I consider the treatment I’ve received from them in the past.
People of Scotland; this is the SNP government; these are the people who insist on calling themselves ‘Scotland’s Party’ what did I do and what did you do to deserve that. Look at their leader! What do you expect.
Recent events involving the SNP and some of their more rabid supporters once again highlight the problem; known as the cybernats they have been active for some time and they are a mob of blogosphere thugs. If you want to check them out research the comments which were sent to the Scotsman and the Herald in the wake of the Glenrothes and Glasgow North East By Elections. The foul mouthed abuse of the electorate for voting in Labour has to be seen to be believed. The SNP’s Mike Russell’s former aide has been rumbled as one of these nasties and Mr. Russell has been forced to deny that he knew about his aides ‘other life’ the problem for the oh so charming and urbane Russell is the aide Mark MacLachlan is refusing to go quietly and accuses Russell of knowing about his activities and even giving him ideas to write about. This situation has deteriorated so fast that Russell is threatening to sue and MacLachlan is threatening to tell all to the news papers; I’m loving it; even although Mr. Russell and I share the same goal of doing everything we can to undermine Alex (the spiv) Salmond.
Adding petrol to the flames flicking around Mr. McLachlan’s bahookie are some of those traduced by him such as a married MSP who had suggestions made about their sexuality; Labour’s top man in Scotland who had his conduct brought into question and last but not least the truly terrifying presence of one Paul McBride QC who is a well known legal hard case; I’ve heard it said that Mr. McBride is a dandy maker of yoghurt; apparently you place a pint of milk in front of him and he stares at it and he presto – yoghurt. Life might become a bit rough for the Education Secretary shortly and him such a nice cultured man as well; the unusual tone of the laughter you can hear is coming from Labour types with more than a few of the Bravehearts thrown in; to them he is a kind of SNP Peter Mandelson.
Salmond (the spiv) to Pringle “we will just have to circle the wagons and dour it out; it will be tough but we can find some diversions; I’ll enter a pie eating contest or something” Pringle to (the spiv) “ boss where the f**k is Dumfries and Galloway?” Salmond to Pringle “you are winding me up?” Pringle’s lip begins to tremble.
It would appear that Rob Davidson SNP leader in Dumfries and Galloway Council has been accused of something similar; this guy is also an aide; perhaps the SNP should think about providing aides for their aides. The (spiv) must sack this man shout Labour; not satisfied with Mike Russell’s discomfort; what a heartless bunch! Mr. Davidson expressed shock/horror at the Mike Russell affair and declared solemnly that he and his group would have no truck with such alleged behaviour. Perhaps his colleagues in the big bad world of politics will assume he suffers from amnesia when they read that an email has been uncovered by a national news paper which urges the blogger to write about the alleged misdemeanours of Scottish Labour’s General Secretary; the sender? Rob Davidson! Would you ‘Adam n Eve’ it eh? Bonnie Scotland dragged once more into the mud by the SNP; her tartan frock smudged and torn; her Braveheart reputation ridiculed; what can be done?
What can be done? People should stop using false names and hiding behind anonymity; like for instance let’s see; how about me! I have never written an anonymous note in my life and I don’t intend to now; if I can’t face people in person and state my opinions then I keep them to myself. This looks like it will run and run and I am ecstatic about it particularly when I consider the treatment I’ve received from them in the past.
People of Scotland; this is the SNP government; these are the people who insist on calling themselves ‘Scotland’s Party’ what did I do and what did you do to deserve that. Look at their leader! What do you expect.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
THE SEASON OF LOVE AND GOODWILL TO ALL MEN - ALEX (THE SPIV) SALMOND WILL SOON PUT A STOP TO THAT !
When someone is prepared to exploit the name of his own mother for his own gain; when they are ready to exploit tragedies like Dunblane and drowned fishermen; when they are prepared to change the name of their political party to get their name to the top of the list of names on the ballot paper; why would anyone be surprised when that person exploits and twists the Christmas message for political gain, I refer of course to (the spiv) Salmond and the repellent Christmas Card scandal. The Christmas message is that the SNP and independence are a good thing; forget all that happy Christmas junk that’s for wimps; Alex (the spiv) tramps on all that; he regards it as a right load of old pony. The SNP that’s what
Christmas is all about ; the baby Jesus wrapped in tartan swaddling.
When disasters happen; when people’s lives are torn apart by events; we; most of us that is; feel a great sense of pity and instinctively look at how we can help. With Salmond (the spiv) there is a different mechanism which automatically kicks in; it’s one which says with rat like cunning “what’s in this for Alex (the spiv) Salmond” that always comes first. Now we see that even Christmas is to be subjected to his dogmatic arrogance. The first minister described the offensive painting as evocative; evocative of what? it’s certainly not Christmas that’s for sure; I found it quite disturbing in a way which I struggled to understand. I then realized the reason for my disquiet, it was evocative right enough. It was evocative of the kind of military propaganda art much loved by the Nazis; it reminded me of all those paintings and posters showing photogenic healthy young Germans marching in to “the new future” I wonder how much was subliminal? does the artist accept the similarity in the images. Did Salmond (the spiv) not notice it? This is a profound insult to Scots. and should be withdrawn; this is more a political stunt than anything to do with Christmas; Salmond (the spiv) has no shame.
The young tartan clad girl holding the flag and gazing into the wintery middle distance would have been more appropriate on a political poster similar to those which circulated in Germany circa 19 38. I wonder if this wee girl might someday look back on this and realize that her uncle and the first minister have used her to politicise Christmas. It may or may not be of comfort to her but she might also reflect on the fact that she is not the only one.
The first minister was forced to speak about the lunatic SNP fringe lately; the hooligan SNP element that pollute the comments pages of newspapers. He effectively gave them a slap on the wrist and now boosts their cause by pandering to their resentment and paranoia by sending out this disturbing message; I would wager that a great many of that mob would have noticed the similarity with martial propaganda and revelled in it.
At a traditional time of goodwill; Salmond (the spiv) has dragged Scotland into the gutter again; he is incapable of seeing a belt without hitting below it. Having such a seedy and disreputable character as Scotland’s first minister is dragging everyone down, he ought to go and stop harming Scotland’s standing; he has now gone to Copenhagen and stank the place out; he can empty a hall faster than a bomb scare. He can always say that he chased the Terminator (big Arnie) out of town; killing hundreds of people single handed is no bother to Arnie but the shame and embarrassment of sharing a platform with (the spiv) was just asking too much; they all have their reputations to consider.
Here are the images; I find them comparable and disturbing; the idea that a senior politician could look at the painting of the young girl and not equate it to the bellicose fascist propaganda circa the 19 30’s is extraordinary indeed; people I’ve spoken to spotted it right away; make up your own minds.
Christmas is all about ; the baby Jesus wrapped in tartan swaddling.
When disasters happen; when people’s lives are torn apart by events; we; most of us that is; feel a great sense of pity and instinctively look at how we can help. With Salmond (the spiv) there is a different mechanism which automatically kicks in; it’s one which says with rat like cunning “what’s in this for Alex (the spiv) Salmond” that always comes first. Now we see that even Christmas is to be subjected to his dogmatic arrogance. The first minister described the offensive painting as evocative; evocative of what? it’s certainly not Christmas that’s for sure; I found it quite disturbing in a way which I struggled to understand. I then realized the reason for my disquiet, it was evocative right enough. It was evocative of the kind of military propaganda art much loved by the Nazis; it reminded me of all those paintings and posters showing photogenic healthy young Germans marching in to “the new future” I wonder how much was subliminal? does the artist accept the similarity in the images. Did Salmond (the spiv) not notice it? This is a profound insult to Scots. and should be withdrawn; this is more a political stunt than anything to do with Christmas; Salmond (the spiv) has no shame.
The young tartan clad girl holding the flag and gazing into the wintery middle distance would have been more appropriate on a political poster similar to those which circulated in Germany circa 19 38. I wonder if this wee girl might someday look back on this and realize that her uncle and the first minister have used her to politicise Christmas. It may or may not be of comfort to her but she might also reflect on the fact that she is not the only one.
The first minister was forced to speak about the lunatic SNP fringe lately; the hooligan SNP element that pollute the comments pages of newspapers. He effectively gave them a slap on the wrist and now boosts their cause by pandering to their resentment and paranoia by sending out this disturbing message; I would wager that a great many of that mob would have noticed the similarity with martial propaganda and revelled in it.
At a traditional time of goodwill; Salmond (the spiv) has dragged Scotland into the gutter again; he is incapable of seeing a belt without hitting below it. Having such a seedy and disreputable character as Scotland’s first minister is dragging everyone down, he ought to go and stop harming Scotland’s standing; he has now gone to Copenhagen and stank the place out; he can empty a hall faster than a bomb scare. He can always say that he chased the Terminator (big Arnie) out of town; killing hundreds of people single handed is no bother to Arnie but the shame and embarrassment of sharing a platform with (the spiv) was just asking too much; they all have their reputations to consider.
Here are the images; I find them comparable and disturbing; the idea that a senior politician could look at the painting of the young girl and not equate it to the bellicose fascist propaganda circa the 19 30’s is extraordinary indeed; people I’ve spoken to spotted it right away; make up your own minds.
Bavaria
1938
Scotland
2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
READ THE LABELS - DON'T BUY ISRAELI GOODS - SUPPORT THE PALESTINIANS.
"I support the boycott and here's the reason why; I can taste Apartheid in an outspan lemon pie.
I can smell the Verwoerd in a Capetown Sherry wine; I support the boycott all along the line"
I sang the above anti Apartheid song along with millions around the world when we campaigned against Apartheid in our youth and we won; international solidarity won; oh yes we did!
Israeli settlers are certainly not short of chutzpah, first they steal the homes; farms and land of the Palestinians by force, and then they mislead the world into buying their goods when many people think they are purchasing Palestinian produce and helping the Palestinian economy. Illegal Israeli settlers in the “West Bank” have been selling produce around the world including British Supermarkets marked “Produce of the West Bank” people consider the West Bank to be Palestinian which of course it is, except for the Israeli gangsters and fundamentalist nutters who have illegally stolen large areas of it. They are duping people into thinking they are buying Palestinian goods when it is actually Israeli goods; nasty nasty! I wonder why the Palestinians will not give up eh? Just how underhand can these Israeli criminals get?
The dept. of the Environment have now issued voluntary guidelines; they now advise that such goods should clearly be marked “Israeli Settlement Produce” or “Palestinian Produce” half a million Jewish settlers live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in defiance of UN resolutions; the D of E have stated that traders selling Palestinian goods marked “produce of Israel” when it came from the occupied Territories would be committing an offence. What they should have done is banned the sale of any Israeli product from the West bank because the West Bank is not Israel. If the settlers were right instead of being international criminals they would not be hiding the fact that their goods come from the occupied territories.
It would appear that the settlers are only too well aware of what the rest of the world thinks; they are pariahs who are guilty of crimes against humanity and their treatment of the Palestinians is as bad as any other nasty regime; reminiscent of South Africa under the evil of Apartheid. Here is an opportunity for people who care about their fellow human beings to act; it might seem small but it can grow; just like the South African Boycott grew and eventually made a massive contribution to defeating Apartheid.
Simply read the labels; that’s what millions of us did all over the world to defeat the South African White Govt. it’s that simple and it has to start somewhere. Don’t buy Israeli goods; don’t have dealings with Israel; don’t visit the place; ban sporting contacts with them; shun them for the vile racists they are; force them through an economic blockade to do the decent thing. Force them to act as they once did; when their treatment under the Nazis won them the respect and affection of most of the world; many people like me remain livid at the Behaviour of the Israeli State; behaviour that has made many of us move from being massively sympathetic to the suffering of the Jews to being livid at the way they continue to treat the Palestinians. Conceivably it’s not too late; perhaps it can still be done; the prize is peace in the middle East and fairness for Palestine; for as long as I can remember I have never knowingly bought anything that was from Israel; nor have I ever knowingly given any kind of succour to their settler state; the reason? When an Israeli moves in an Arab has to move out and that is wrong. I urge you to do the same.
I can smell the Verwoerd in a Capetown Sherry wine; I support the boycott all along the line"
I sang the above anti Apartheid song along with millions around the world when we campaigned against Apartheid in our youth and we won; international solidarity won; oh yes we did!
Israeli settlers are certainly not short of chutzpah, first they steal the homes; farms and land of the Palestinians by force, and then they mislead the world into buying their goods when many people think they are purchasing Palestinian produce and helping the Palestinian economy. Illegal Israeli settlers in the “West Bank” have been selling produce around the world including British Supermarkets marked “Produce of the West Bank” people consider the West Bank to be Palestinian which of course it is, except for the Israeli gangsters and fundamentalist nutters who have illegally stolen large areas of it. They are duping people into thinking they are buying Palestinian goods when it is actually Israeli goods; nasty nasty! I wonder why the Palestinians will not give up eh? Just how underhand can these Israeli criminals get?
The dept. of the Environment have now issued voluntary guidelines; they now advise that such goods should clearly be marked “Israeli Settlement Produce” or “Palestinian Produce” half a million Jewish settlers live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in defiance of UN resolutions; the D of E have stated that traders selling Palestinian goods marked “produce of Israel” when it came from the occupied Territories would be committing an offence. What they should have done is banned the sale of any Israeli product from the West bank because the West Bank is not Israel. If the settlers were right instead of being international criminals they would not be hiding the fact that their goods come from the occupied territories.
It would appear that the settlers are only too well aware of what the rest of the world thinks; they are pariahs who are guilty of crimes against humanity and their treatment of the Palestinians is as bad as any other nasty regime; reminiscent of South Africa under the evil of Apartheid. Here is an opportunity for people who care about their fellow human beings to act; it might seem small but it can grow; just like the South African Boycott grew and eventually made a massive contribution to defeating Apartheid.
Simply read the labels; that’s what millions of us did all over the world to defeat the South African White Govt. it’s that simple and it has to start somewhere. Don’t buy Israeli goods; don’t have dealings with Israel; don’t visit the place; ban sporting contacts with them; shun them for the vile racists they are; force them through an economic blockade to do the decent thing. Force them to act as they once did; when their treatment under the Nazis won them the respect and affection of most of the world; many people like me remain livid at the Behaviour of the Israeli State; behaviour that has made many of us move from being massively sympathetic to the suffering of the Jews to being livid at the way they continue to treat the Palestinians. Conceivably it’s not too late; perhaps it can still be done; the prize is peace in the middle East and fairness for Palestine; for as long as I can remember I have never knowingly bought anything that was from Israel; nor have I ever knowingly given any kind of succour to their settler state; the reason? When an Israeli moves in an Arab has to move out and that is wrong. I urge you to do the same.
Friday, December 11, 2009
LET'S WRAP OUR DEAD SCOTTISH SOLDIERS IN THE SALTIRE - THE CRUELTY AND OPPORTUNISM OF CHRISTINE GRAHAME SNP MSP.
The determination to blame everything that they think goes wrong on the English and particularly “London Labour” has for long been a particularly distasteful constant in the lives of the SNP and it’s elected members; ordinary members; and supporters. During the campaign to host the Olympic Games the SNP MSP’s at Holyrood had cards displayed on their desks which read “Anywhere but London” make what you will of such a mentality; I find it disturbing and also racist. What reason could they possibly have for doing such a thing? Scotland were not bidding to stage the Olympics so why? anti English racism that’s why.
Each time I see something like that I feel embarrassed and ashamed to be Scottish; it is vicious and undignified to most Scots. when people hear about it they can’t understand such vitriol. It seems that sometimes you think the SNP can't sink any lower; that’s the time for someone like SNP MSP Christine Grahame to raise her head and display her deeply repugnant personality. Her incomprehensible hatred for all things English can always be relied on to lead her to excess and so it proves again.
She was last seen snarling about too much Cricket on Scottish TV; yes that’s her level “Cricket = English” to this boor; she later found out that Cricket is more popular in Scotland than in England but let’s not dwell too much on her intelligence. She was also lately growling like a mad dog about grabbing Berwick back from the English as well; I know it looks funny but believe me she is serious; she really is.
Today she goes further; most people have standards some of course are more exacting than others; some are low some are non existent and then there are the standards of Christine Grahame SNP MSP which don’t register in any way; anywhere. I have watched with growing distaste as Salmond (the spiv) stitched himself to any cause which might win a vote; Dunblane, Drowned Fishermen, Dead Soldiers etc but even he has stopped short of what Ms. Grahame has now come up with.
Wearing her most truculent sneer she makes the case that Scottish Soldiers are more likely to be injured or killed in Iraq and Afghanistan than those from elsewhere in the UK , she claimed that Scots. represented a figure of 9.4% against 8.6% for the rest of the UK. The Army attacked the figures as wrong but; that’s not my problem with her; my concern is with what she was trying to do. Notwithstanding the leader of the UK Govt. who speaks for the country when he makes his comments about those injured or killed I find that when politicians get involved with the casualties and deaths of individual soldiers they are exploiting them for their own ends; just like the wretched SSP when they manipulated and exploited the mother of dead soldier Gordon Gentle. Grahame is trying to imply that Scottish soldiers are in some way being used as some kind of cannon fodder by the hated London Labour and the English establishment; how else do we explain the comparison she makes. Her concern and that of the SNP is not for the welfare of the soldiers that she cruelly and ruthlessly manipulates her raison d’être is to damage the Govt. and the English and boost her own contemptible party and by doing so she again betrays and embarrasses Scots. everywhere.
Mothers; fathers; spouses and children and friends of soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan; don’t be fooled by this pitiless political mountebank, this is a truly awful example of cheap and nasty opportunism but it’s an example that could only be countenanced by the lowest political operators, queen of whom is Christine Grahame SNP MSP.
Each time I see something like that I feel embarrassed and ashamed to be Scottish; it is vicious and undignified to most Scots. when people hear about it they can’t understand such vitriol. It seems that sometimes you think the SNP can't sink any lower; that’s the time for someone like SNP MSP Christine Grahame to raise her head and display her deeply repugnant personality. Her incomprehensible hatred for all things English can always be relied on to lead her to excess and so it proves again.
She was last seen snarling about too much Cricket on Scottish TV; yes that’s her level “Cricket = English” to this boor; she later found out that Cricket is more popular in Scotland than in England but let’s not dwell too much on her intelligence. She was also lately growling like a mad dog about grabbing Berwick back from the English as well; I know it looks funny but believe me she is serious; she really is.
Today she goes further; most people have standards some of course are more exacting than others; some are low some are non existent and then there are the standards of Christine Grahame SNP MSP which don’t register in any way; anywhere. I have watched with growing distaste as Salmond (the spiv) stitched himself to any cause which might win a vote; Dunblane, Drowned Fishermen, Dead Soldiers etc but even he has stopped short of what Ms. Grahame has now come up with.
Wearing her most truculent sneer she makes the case that Scottish Soldiers are more likely to be injured or killed in Iraq and Afghanistan than those from elsewhere in the UK , she claimed that Scots. represented a figure of 9.4% against 8.6% for the rest of the UK. The Army attacked the figures as wrong but; that’s not my problem with her; my concern is with what she was trying to do. Notwithstanding the leader of the UK Govt. who speaks for the country when he makes his comments about those injured or killed I find that when politicians get involved with the casualties and deaths of individual soldiers they are exploiting them for their own ends; just like the wretched SSP when they manipulated and exploited the mother of dead soldier Gordon Gentle. Grahame is trying to imply that Scottish soldiers are in some way being used as some kind of cannon fodder by the hated London Labour and the English establishment; how else do we explain the comparison she makes. Her concern and that of the SNP is not for the welfare of the soldiers that she cruelly and ruthlessly manipulates her raison d’être is to damage the Govt. and the English and boost her own contemptible party and by doing so she again betrays and embarrasses Scots. everywhere.
Mothers; fathers; spouses and children and friends of soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan; don’t be fooled by this pitiless political mountebank, this is a truly awful example of cheap and nasty opportunism but it’s an example that could only be countenanced by the lowest political operators, queen of whom is Christine Grahame SNP MSP.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
" Plant your rows straight and long; season with a prayer and song; Mother Earth will make you strong if you give her love and care"
The above are lines from "the garden song" by American David Mallett
Dec. 5Th. 09 to Barochan Crs, in the Ferguslie Park Estate on a cold still morning; the fenced off open space behind the houses is strangely busy with children and adults planting trees and shrubs at a frantic pace. Children from Glencoats Primary and residents from St. Ninians Church Social Club along with Ferguslie Park Housing Association and Renfrewshire Council are working like beavers and they are trying to beat a record by planting 800 saplings in an hour; we had to leave before the hour was up but; it looked as though they were going to manage it; apparently they will be in the Guinness Book of Records if they do.
In addition to breaking the record they will have taken the first step toward creating a community Garden which will eventually have a circular walkway around a manicured grassed area surrounded with plants; trees and flowers. There will also be a naturally wild area for birds and insects etc. and picnic areas as well as plots for fruit and vegetables; it is a brilliant idea and the people of the area are showing great enthusiasm for the work.
The main “mover and shaker” in all of this is a local activist named Ian Williams who; along with a couple of like minded friends from St. Ninians has been involved with some fantastic initiatives to help educate and entertain the local youngsters; they are in their own quiet way quite inspirational; they are ordinary local people who are doing something to restore the area they live in to the fine and decent place that it once was. Like most mainly working class areas Ferguslie Park suffered badly as industry was decimated in the eighties and these guys are fighting back. One of their great successes is a fishing club which takes youngsters away every second Sunday on a fishing trip; they teach them the skills of fishing and it is very popular.
With a keen and clever eye to the future; Ian and his team have managed to link into an educational initiative which can train youngsters to Standard Grade level in river protection and conservation skills which in turn can be pursued further at college which opens up career opportunities; these guys are right ‘on the ball’ they are a great credit to themselves the kids and their area; I hope they go from strength to strength.; well done to all concerned.
Dec. 5Th. 09 to Barochan Crs, in the Ferguslie Park Estate on a cold still morning; the fenced off open space behind the houses is strangely busy with children and adults planting trees and shrubs at a frantic pace. Children from Glencoats Primary and residents from St. Ninians Church Social Club along with Ferguslie Park Housing Association and Renfrewshire Council are working like beavers and they are trying to beat a record by planting 800 saplings in an hour; we had to leave before the hour was up but; it looked as though they were going to manage it; apparently they will be in the Guinness Book of Records if they do.
In addition to breaking the record they will have taken the first step toward creating a community Garden which will eventually have a circular walkway around a manicured grassed area surrounded with plants; trees and flowers. There will also be a naturally wild area for birds and insects etc. and picnic areas as well as plots for fruit and vegetables; it is a brilliant idea and the people of the area are showing great enthusiasm for the work.
The main “mover and shaker” in all of this is a local activist named Ian Williams who; along with a couple of like minded friends from St. Ninians has been involved with some fantastic initiatives to help educate and entertain the local youngsters; they are in their own quiet way quite inspirational; they are ordinary local people who are doing something to restore the area they live in to the fine and decent place that it once was. Like most mainly working class areas Ferguslie Park suffered badly as industry was decimated in the eighties and these guys are fighting back. One of their great successes is a fishing club which takes youngsters away every second Sunday on a fishing trip; they teach them the skills of fishing and it is very popular.
With a keen and clever eye to the future; Ian and his team have managed to link into an educational initiative which can train youngsters to Standard Grade level in river protection and conservation skills which in turn can be pursued further at college which opens up career opportunities; these guys are right ‘on the ball’ they are a great credit to themselves the kids and their area; I hope they go from strength to strength.; well done to all concerned.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
"NOT WAVING BUT DROWNING" POEM (STEVIE SMITH) THE SNP's CLLRS. MACKAY AND MCFEE.
Here is another example of incompetence from the Renfrewshire Council SNP led administration; these people need both hands to find their own a***s; honestly they do. Last Thursday Dec. 3 Rd. 09 the Paisley Daily Express carried an article which would have brought great comfort to the ‘Save our swimming pools’ campaigners from Johnstone and Elderslie. The article reported that council officers and councillors were considering a change of mind over their plans to demolish Johnstone Swimming Pool; the campaigners had taken advice from an expert who had come up with a plan to knock down the pool and replace it with a new one on the same spot. This is great news for the campaigners who have run a great protest against SNP plans; Elderslie folk would have taken great heart from the story as well and it will strengthen their resolve as they battle to save their own pool.
Most significantly the SNP councillor who has demonstrated the greatest opposition to the campaigners Bruce McFee was quoted as saying “I have seen the plans and I liked what I saw” considering his past attitude and outright contempt for the objectors this is the equivalent of finding out that the road to Damascus runs through Johnstone Town Centre and SNP councillor
McFee has been walking on it.
Make no mistake about it the SNP’s Cllr. McFee is not a man who changes his mind easily; the most persuasive argument will not suffice. Only one thing works with this man and that is fear; in this case fear of losing his council seat because of the campaign which has been run; self preservation is his game and he knows the feelings of the voters would be reflected at the ballot box. He’s not the kind of ‘braveheart’ to risk that no matter how much he believed in the council’s original plan; the metaphorical drowning rat has found a lifebelt; even if the original plan to close the pool goes ahead he is already working on his survival with the cowards defence of “it wisnae me I supported yer plan, it wis the big bully Mackay”
The PDE article and McFee’s apparent volt-face conversely raises a strange contradiction between him and his own leader Cllr. Derek Mackay who in that day’s Glasgow Evening Times in a strongly worded letter attacks PDE journalist Derek Parker for his criticism of the council decision to close the pools. He puts forward the case for closure in a most robust way; he even throws in the old chestnut about the pools being outdated and underused despite the fact that the oldest and least used pool in Renfrewshire; the Victory Baths in Renfrew is to be upgraded and kept open; guess who is the councillor for the ward where the Victory Baths are? oh yes he is! Cllr. Derek Mackay SNP leader of the council; for it is he. SNP Cllr. Mackay is delighted to have the pool in his ward saved; nice one eh?
Is Cllr. McFee having a go at his leader or is he doing what comes naturally to him; protecting himself; avoiding the blame? “uneasy the head that wears the crown” Derek. Having McFee at your back doesn’t bear thinking about. What are the people of Johnstone and Elderslie to think? Which of the flower pot men knows what they are doing? Bruce or Derek or is it as many people now suspect neither of them.
These people are running Renfrewshire Council; honest they are it's no joke! Bill and Ben would be more competent.
Most significantly the SNP councillor who has demonstrated the greatest opposition to the campaigners Bruce McFee was quoted as saying “I have seen the plans and I liked what I saw” considering his past attitude and outright contempt for the objectors this is the equivalent of finding out that the road to Damascus runs through Johnstone Town Centre and SNP councillor
McFee has been walking on it.
Make no mistake about it the SNP’s Cllr. McFee is not a man who changes his mind easily; the most persuasive argument will not suffice. Only one thing works with this man and that is fear; in this case fear of losing his council seat because of the campaign which has been run; self preservation is his game and he knows the feelings of the voters would be reflected at the ballot box. He’s not the kind of ‘braveheart’ to risk that no matter how much he believed in the council’s original plan; the metaphorical drowning rat has found a lifebelt; even if the original plan to close the pool goes ahead he is already working on his survival with the cowards defence of “it wisnae me I supported yer plan, it wis the big bully Mackay”
The PDE article and McFee’s apparent volt-face conversely raises a strange contradiction between him and his own leader Cllr. Derek Mackay who in that day’s Glasgow Evening Times in a strongly worded letter attacks PDE journalist Derek Parker for his criticism of the council decision to close the pools. He puts forward the case for closure in a most robust way; he even throws in the old chestnut about the pools being outdated and underused despite the fact that the oldest and least used pool in Renfrewshire; the Victory Baths in Renfrew is to be upgraded and kept open; guess who is the councillor for the ward where the Victory Baths are? oh yes he is! Cllr. Derek Mackay SNP leader of the council; for it is he. SNP Cllr. Mackay is delighted to have the pool in his ward saved; nice one eh?
Is Cllr. McFee having a go at his leader or is he doing what comes naturally to him; protecting himself; avoiding the blame? “uneasy the head that wears the crown” Derek. Having McFee at your back doesn’t bear thinking about. What are the people of Johnstone and Elderslie to think? Which of the flower pot men knows what they are doing? Bruce or Derek or is it as many people now suspect neither of them.
These people are running Renfrewshire Council; honest they are it's no joke! Bill and Ben would be more competent.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
SNP MP'S IN DENIAL OVER EXPENSES SCANDAL " EVERYBODY IS OUT OF STEP BAR US" ANGUS MACNEIL AND PETE WISHART.
My friend and comrade Jim Sheridan has informed me of some rather alarming developments at Westminster; apparently attempts to sort out the expenses scandal have found a couple of objectors; those opposed to the Standards Watchdog are Angus MacNeil and Peter Wishart both surprise surprise SNP MP’s this is the same SNP which tried to claim through Salmond (the spiv) that everyone was guilty bar them; £800’s worth of London pies Alex when Parliament was not in session? we are still waiting; we can’t hear you Alex; Alex we can’t hear you.
Jim Sheridan today challenged SNP leader Alex (the spiv) Salmond to explain why two of his party's MPs last night voted against the setting up of the MP standards watchdog.
Establishing the watchdog was a key recommendation in dealing with the fallout of the MP expenses scandal. Four SNP MPs voted with Labour in favour, but Angus MacNeil and Pete Wishart voted for a minority amendment which would have prevented the establishment of the watchdog and the appointment of its members.
Using a little-known parliamentary device, a minority of MPs argued that the appointments "not now be put" - meaning that Parliament would have been unable to approve the establishment of the watchdog. The obscure procedural device has only been used 3 times since the war - in 1943, and twice in 1989.
The effect would have been that the parliamentary standards watchdog would have no members and not be able to start operating.
Jim Sheridan said, "I cannot for the life of me understand why these two SNP MPs would try to prevent setting up the watchdog. Alex Salmond needs to explain their behaviour fast. The watchdog is an important step in ensuring that the expenses scandal can never be repeated and that we end the gentlemen’s club approach to Westminster. This was a vital vote and the SNP MPs have flunked it. Perhaps the SNP chaos at Holyrood has spread to Westminster.
Wishart; a man guilty of inflicting pain and embarrassment on Scots. everywhere when employed as a drummer with Runrig (Q. What is a drummer? Answer. A guy who hangs around with musicians) He has of course been nicked by the expenses police at Westminster as has MacNeil who charged us tax payers for chocolate bars and booze as well as Hotel stays in the Union Jack Hotel London despite owning a London flat; oh yes! The young SNP freedom fighter stayed in the Union Jack Hotel; it’s enough to rip your sporran. Young Angus also achieved fame as the man who started the cash for peerages investigation which achieved nothing and cost millions. He also found fame and notoriety as the clean cut dedicated young politician who got caught buying drink for an underage teenage girl and then “romping” with her and her pal in a hotel room the press said romping honestly; this last misdemeanour took place behind the back of his pregnant wife; clearly an SNP role model; do you ever wish that there was a stronger word than hypocrite? I’ve met some people from Barra where he comes from; they are lovely folk; very religious and very decent and honest; I wonder what they now think of their MP?
Jim Sheridan today challenged SNP leader Alex (the spiv) Salmond to explain why two of his party's MPs last night voted against the setting up of the MP standards watchdog.
Establishing the watchdog was a key recommendation in dealing with the fallout of the MP expenses scandal. Four SNP MPs voted with Labour in favour, but Angus MacNeil and Pete Wishart voted for a minority amendment which would have prevented the establishment of the watchdog and the appointment of its members.
Using a little-known parliamentary device, a minority of MPs argued that the appointments "not now be put" - meaning that Parliament would have been unable to approve the establishment of the watchdog. The obscure procedural device has only been used 3 times since the war - in 1943, and twice in 1989.
The effect would have been that the parliamentary standards watchdog would have no members and not be able to start operating.
Jim Sheridan said, "I cannot for the life of me understand why these two SNP MPs would try to prevent setting up the watchdog. Alex Salmond needs to explain their behaviour fast. The watchdog is an important step in ensuring that the expenses scandal can never be repeated and that we end the gentlemen’s club approach to Westminster. This was a vital vote and the SNP MPs have flunked it. Perhaps the SNP chaos at Holyrood has spread to Westminster.
Wishart; a man guilty of inflicting pain and embarrassment on Scots. everywhere when employed as a drummer with Runrig (Q. What is a drummer? Answer. A guy who hangs around with musicians) He has of course been nicked by the expenses police at Westminster as has MacNeil who charged us tax payers for chocolate bars and booze as well as Hotel stays in the Union Jack Hotel London despite owning a London flat; oh yes! The young SNP freedom fighter stayed in the Union Jack Hotel; it’s enough to rip your sporran. Young Angus also achieved fame as the man who started the cash for peerages investigation which achieved nothing and cost millions. He also found fame and notoriety as the clean cut dedicated young politician who got caught buying drink for an underage teenage girl and then “romping” with her and her pal in a hotel room the press said romping honestly; this last misdemeanour took place behind the back of his pregnant wife; clearly an SNP role model; do you ever wish that there was a stronger word than hypocrite? I’ve met some people from Barra where he comes from; they are lovely folk; very religious and very decent and honest; I wonder what they now think of their MP?
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