There appears to be some misunderstanding about the Occupy Movement in London, mostly due to the lies the tabloids print (http://www.theweek.co.uk/uk-news/occupy-movement/35703/occupylsx-slams-dishonest-claims-about-empty-tents). They are not communists, they are not against business.
Let me tell you what they are against: The fact that FTSE 100 Directors have seen their total earnings rise by 49% over the last year whilst share prices has remained stagnant (http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/oct/28/ftse-100-directors-earnings-rose-by-almost-half);
the fact that HM Revenue and Customs allowed the investment bank Goldman Sachs to avoid paying £10 million in interest payments they owed (http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/oct/28/uk-uncut-goldman-sachs);
also allowing Vodafone to escape paying £6 billion that they owed in tax (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-hit-out-at-vodafone-tax-letoff-6258782.html);
the fact that banks are still paying billions in bonuses this year and the government is doing nothing to stop them (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12131092);
the fact the government is refusing to implement a financial transactions tax that would mean they would pay their fair share to clean up the mess they helped create (http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/11/tax-financial-osborne-robin);
the fact that the Coalition government is reducing the deficit by making 1.5 million public sector workers unemployed and making a total of £113 billion in cuts by 2015, including cuts to social care services, unemployment benefits, the NHS, education, emergency services, pensions- that's right, services the country needs!! (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10390823);
the fact that the Coalition government recently printed £75 billion and handed it to the banks (who are still refusing to lend anything near the amount of money needed to help the economy grow) and wasn't given to the public negatively affected by the Coalition's cuts (http://www.politics.co.uk/comment-analysis/2011/10/26/comment-qe-the-bank-should-let-us-win-our-own);
the fact that tax evasion by wealthy individuals and greedy corporations costs the UK economy £15 billion a year (http://news.sky.com/home/business/article/15533289);
the fact that tuition fees are rising to £9000 a year, putting many potential brilliant (but working class) students off from going to university (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-11677862).
If you think this is all ok and we should just carry on as we are then I guess you are one of the 1%. If you feel any of this is unfair and you think that more should be done to stop our corrupt undemocratic economic system then welcome to the 99%. We are for the many, not just the few. (http://www.occupytogether.org).
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Murdoch's Humble Pie Analysis
I doubt whether Rupert will be arrested, or anything- I doubt he knew about the phone hacking, although him and James were very evasive with the questions. Rupert was very slow to answer and when he did he was very vague and often said "I don't know, perhaps James can answer that". The fact is, that as Chairman and CEO of News Corporation, Rupert is in charge of the corporate governance of the organisation, he is the man responsible for ensuring that the company remains within the law etc, and he has failed, he repeatedly said he didn't know about certain things, such as the payment of £1 million to a Max Clifford because his phone was hacked, I mean that's a big sum of money- he must have known.
James was also poor at answering the questions, although at least he went into more detail than his father. I think as the investigation into News Corp continues, James could well face criminal charges against him. I believe both Rupert and James will leave the company in the near future. Unfortunately today was overshadowed by an idiot protestor who tried to put a "foam pie" into Murdoch's face (Murdoch's wife Wendi slapped him). Before that happened, Rupert was anything but a victim, now they can portray him as such, The Sun already has and I'm sure Fox News will lead with that narrative too. I believe that as more revelations come out, both Murdoch's will leave News Corp in the near future- the other shareholders can now clearly see they are not fit to run the company.
James was also poor at answering the questions, although at least he went into more detail than his father. I think as the investigation into News Corp continues, James could well face criminal charges against him. I believe both Rupert and James will leave the company in the near future. Unfortunately today was overshadowed by an idiot protestor who tried to put a "foam pie" into Murdoch's face (Murdoch's wife Wendi slapped him). Before that happened, Rupert was anything but a victim, now they can portray him as such, The Sun already has and I'm sure Fox News will lead with that narrative too. I believe that as more revelations come out, both Murdoch's will leave News Corp in the near future- the other shareholders can now clearly see they are not fit to run the company.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
If there's one thing we need in the world, it's better education for ALL
People often ask me out of all the Coalition's policies, what is the one that I am most pissed off about? This is easy. The university fees rise. This is the least progressive in my opinion, the one policy that really sets Britain back years in terms of equality. "Oh but they don't have to pay the £27,000 back straight away." No, they don't. But they shouldn't have to pay ANYTHING back. University education should be based on ability to learn, not ability to pay. Otherwise too many great minds are wasted. Communism doesn't work, we know that but the principle that we are all born equal and it should remain that way is wonderful.
Maybe we will never achieve complete equality, maybe we will always have the class system but we should be progressive, we should be giving EVERY young person a chance to achieve their dream. Too many are falling by the wayside, society has failed to give them the proper chances in life. The least we can do is make sure that every young person has the CHANCE to go to university, to achieve their potential. If they are intelligent enough, they shouldn't be put off by the thought of having to pay back £50,000, and it's not the middle classes who worry about this. It's the same the other way round too- too many middle class gimps go to university cos Mummy and Daddy will pay for it, they fuck around, they don't have a part time job whilst studying, they get pissed all the time, they couldn't care less about their degree, but they pass it because yet again Mummy and Daddy help them, and then they help them to get a good job in a good firm, or in their firm. And they are set for life. They spend their entire life blagging people and brown nosing their way up to organisations, or politics, and think they are invincible, and then they do the same for their kids.
Whereas the people who actually have a brain, and want to do well in life, don't. Society doesn't let them achieve their full potential. They may have great minds but their neighbourhood, their surroundings leads them to drugs, alcohol, homelessness, crime, prostitution, and an early death.
I'm not just talking about in the western world- I'm talking about children in Africa who are born into poverty, disease, famine. No one gives them a helping hand, a chance to achieve their potential. I just watched Bjorn Lomberg giving a talk at the TED conference in 2007 where he asks people to rank the biggest problems in the world such as AIDS, Malnultrition, people lacking drinking water, climate change, and he asks them to prioritise them if we had $50 billion to spend. Where would we spend the money? Well I would say why not spend the money on making sure as many children as possible get the education they deserve in the world?
That would be a long term investment for sure, and wouldn't save lives immediately. But if you think of the world as an organisation and its people as employees, would you send employees for more training and development based on how much their parents earn and where they live, or based on their potential and intelligence? This will then create more talent, create better ideas of all kinds- business, economics, medicine, technology, entertainment, philosophy, politics, etc, making us all wealthier and creating a better and fairer world for all
Thursday, May 26, 2011
My Vancouver Island Experience
My Dad has lived in Canada for 6 years now and moved to Campbell River, Vancouver Island a year ago with his wife Wendy. He had been asking me to fly over to Canada for more than a holiday for a few years, and having graduated, I thought I should take up his offer. Faced with more months stacking fruit and veg and Nigel moaning to me about 'nights not doing enough', it wasn't hard. So thanks Nige. I originally looked into getting a work permit, but found out that in order to get one, you need to have a job offer. And of course it isn't easy getting a job offer for Canada in the UK. So I thought F*ck it, I just booked a flight for January 1st and flying back to the UK on the 28th May and I will do some voluntary work.
Before I came, I had a bit of a cough and a chest infection. Yes Mother, yes Charlotte, I should have listened to you both but that would have been sensible. Because I didn't go to the doctor in the UK, thinking it would clear up (as I'm NEVER ill), when I got to Canada it only got worse, and this resulted in me having to fork out $66 to see the doctor (in Walmart, seriously) . So after touching me up and down, and asking me to breathe in and out (I thought I already did that automatically) he gave me some antibiotics, and so I spent my first few weeks on Vancouver Island mostly resting.
I didn't know what to expect of my temporary new home, but I was more clued up than Gary from work who told me not to come back as a 'Queer French dude', not sure where he got that misinformation from, or that it would snow the WHOLE time!! (A few people). Well it did snow, a few times but the weather changes quite quickly here. Only twice was I woken up at 530am by my Dad to clear the driveway so he and Wendy could get to work.
My Dad's house is massive, the houses here are generally cheaper than in the UK as the land isn't as scarce, and of course there are a lot less people here. He shares it with his wife, and Rosie and Farley, a St Bernard and a Scottie dog. Rosie is a big clumsy dog who delights in running up to you, and wiping her stalactite like drool all over you. So I knew I was going to have lots of fun with her.
So after getting better, I took a few trips into town. It took an hour to walk into Campbell River, and bear in mind this is a town with a population the same as Altrincham (but 5 times larger) but you don't mind if you're walking along the ocean when it isn't too cloudy. From my Dad's lounge window, there is a beautiful view of Mount Washington if you look forward, and a big forest to to the right so I never got tired of looking at any of that.
So I arranged an appointment with the voluntary organisation here in town, and I had a few volunteer placements I was interested in. Due to me having to get a criminal record check done, and this taking a month or so to come back, I wasn't able to start volunteering until late February.
I kept hearing lots about the wildlife here, including bears, whales, cougars, wolves, coyotes etc but for the first month or so, it seemed like there wasn't anything as the most I saw was a rabbit at the side of the road! Anyway one day, I was looking after Rosie and Farley and whilst I was lounging around on the sofa on the computer, Rosie comes running into the lounge visibly distressed and whining, and then I heard something drinking her water in the kitchen, where she had just come from. I thought it must be Farley, but then I noticed him sat on the sofa....so with no idea of what I would do if I came across a bear (probably scream and tell him I didn't want to die) I crept up slowly to see what it was, and noticed the kitchen door was open. I had a quick look around, couldn't see anything, so closed the door but was still shitting myself! Especially when I heard a sound from the other end of the kitchen, I jumped out of my skin! At the time it had sounded like a little animal about to jump out at me, but then I noticed it was just the printer! (You wouldn't appreciate how much a printer sounds like a chipmunk unless you had witnessed this!). So I told my Dad and Wendy what had happened, and after laughing at me, they concluded it had most likely been a cat. But then I still don't think Rosie would have been scared of a cat, so the mystery deepens.....
So I eventually got a few volunteer positions- one was helping out with a community garden, but the most I did was attend meetings there. I also started volunteering as a tutor helping to train retirees the internet, computers etc. I realised how hard it is teaching something you do automatically to someone who is scared of turning on a computer in case they blow up the world, or to an elderly lady who thinks you operate the mouse the same way as a remote control. Here I met some wonderful people, such as the project co-ordinator, Kat, who does a wonderful job, and many retirees who were genuinely interested and amazed at the power of the internet (One lady actually gave me the biggest smile and an "Ooooh!" EVERYTIME she double clicked on something and it opened up; She almost had an orgasm when she got her first email through.) So that proved to be a very rewarding experience.
My other 'job' was at the alcohol and drug information society in Campbell River, where I was asked to make the organisation and its services appeal more to younger people. Bit hard when the majority of your material is 1980-1990'S VHS tapes!! So I honestly felt as I had gone back in time here. Anyway, throughout April and May, I updated their website, and put them on Facebook, Twitter etc, made a database on the computer, and introduced the organisation to the 21st century!!
The majority of my exploring of Vancouver Island was done with my good friend Adam Hindmarch during his 2 week holiday here. First I met him in Vancouver, where we spent one night and then half the day there, I saw enough to know that I would love to live there! We then went to Victoria, which I loved also. We went to the fantastic museum there and watched a film, 'Arabia' at the IMAX. As we were there for 3 days, we asked some ladies at the museum whether there was a zoo in the city. One of them replied, "Well there's a petting zoo....with goats." I questioned her some more and it was established there was JUST goats at this zoo. I think my look of total disappointment said it all! From there we rode the Greyhound (a Canadian coach service, not the dog breed) with a drunk man who wanted to be everyone's friend to Nanaimo. The Nanaimo Hostel was in stark contrast with the luxury hotel we had been staying in Victoria. Despite it being a bit of a dump, we had a fun time there, largely due to the fact we were sharing the facilities with several rednecks, the highlight being their argument when the lady redneck walked in on the male redneck on the toilet. Female redneck: "I just pushed the door open a lil' to see if anyone was in is all!!". The fact that they continued to argue even after she walked off and he was still on the bog was hilarious. We also met a South Korean who wouldn't reveal his age and seemed to spend his entire time cooking and then eating food. He was doing one of these activities EVERYTIME we saw, whether it be morning, afternoon, evening or night!!
We then had another Greyhound trip to Campbell River, where we passed Fanny Bay, to much amusement!! We then spent a few days looking round Campbell River, where Adam was drowned in Rosie's drool every night!! We also took the ferry across to the nearby Quadra Island, where we shared the nicest pizza ever and had a look at the nicest view on the island (April Point).
Tofino was the setting for our next adventure, where we spent 2 nights. Unfortunately it rained practically the whole time, but this is one of the best places to go on the island. Adam didn't get to see the whale on the whale watching, as he was vomiting out the side of the boat at the time! We also did the Hot Springs tour, which involved travelling to an island that resembled Skull Island (from King Kong) and walking along the boardwalk in the rainforest for 30 mins, although thankfully we didn't meet any tribes wanting to eat us, or a massive gorilla! That night we headed out with a guy we had met on the Hot Springs, for Tooney Tuesday, and met a young Roy Keane, and lots of Canadian girls loving the English accent, one of whom I remembered promising we would join together to solve global warming! The next morning, hungover, we had a 6 hour bumpy Greyhound ride back to Campbell River to enjoy. Before he left, we treated Adam to two of Campbell River's best tourist attractions: Elk Falls, and Dick's Fish and Chips! We also walked a few trails in the forest here.
I also had my cousin, Charlene over for a week and so we went to Victoria and Tofino again, and thankfully we did get to see some good sightings of whales this time. On the way back from Tofino, we saw a bear by the side of the road but by the time we had got out and walked over to it, it had gone (Maybe a good job, didn't fancy getting eaten that day).
I didn't miss much about the UK, apart from my family and friends and the lack of politics media. I went to the supermarket hoping to buy some magazines I might be interested in. All I could find was women's Hello, Heat like mags, with silly headlines on the front cover like "Who's gay and who's not", accompanied by pictures of very famous hetrosexual celebrities!! I couldn't give a f*ck!!! Thankfully the wonderful Charlotte sent me over copies of my New Statesman subscription a few times, which is an excellent publication. I was also able to satisfy my politics addiction with watching Questiontime, 10 O'Clock Live on Youtube, as well as reading Tony Blair's autobiography and 5 other books during my time here.
One of the highlights of the trip was going to do some labouring on East Thurlow Island, inbetween Vancouver Island and the mainland. There I was moving bricks, 40kg bags of cement and shovelling tonnes of gravel. In return I got breakfast and 2 great meals each day, and a great experience by driving an ATV along the boardwalk, as well as catching crabs and then eating them.
I am heading home tomorrow and feel indifferent, as there are people and things I love in both countries, but I have made some great friends and contacts in Campbell River, and I will be back!!! I am so grateful to my Dad for introducing me to Canada- It has increased my confidence and cultural awareness. It has broadened my horizons by exposing me to a different culture, and it has made me learn different ways of doing things, with different people, and increased my appreciation and understanding of the wider world. I now have the urge to go and work in lots of different countries for the rest of my twenties!!
So that's left to say is thankyou for my Dad and Wendy for putting me up and showing me your wonderful country, and to Adam and Charlene for coming to Vancouver Island! Thankyou to Charlotte for understanding that I needed to do this, she is a little beauty!!
Jack x
Before I came, I had a bit of a cough and a chest infection. Yes Mother, yes Charlotte, I should have listened to you both but that would have been sensible. Because I didn't go to the doctor in the UK, thinking it would clear up (as I'm NEVER ill), when I got to Canada it only got worse, and this resulted in me having to fork out $66 to see the doctor (in Walmart, seriously) . So after touching me up and down, and asking me to breathe in and out (I thought I already did that automatically) he gave me some antibiotics, and so I spent my first few weeks on Vancouver Island mostly resting.
I didn't know what to expect of my temporary new home, but I was more clued up than Gary from work who told me not to come back as a 'Queer French dude', not sure where he got that misinformation from, or that it would snow the WHOLE time!! (A few people). Well it did snow, a few times but the weather changes quite quickly here. Only twice was I woken up at 530am by my Dad to clear the driveway so he and Wendy could get to work.
My Dad's house is massive, the houses here are generally cheaper than in the UK as the land isn't as scarce, and of course there are a lot less people here. He shares it with his wife, and Rosie and Farley, a St Bernard and a Scottie dog. Rosie is a big clumsy dog who delights in running up to you, and wiping her stalactite like drool all over you. So I knew I was going to have lots of fun with her.
So after getting better, I took a few trips into town. It took an hour to walk into Campbell River, and bear in mind this is a town with a population the same as Altrincham (but 5 times larger) but you don't mind if you're walking along the ocean when it isn't too cloudy. From my Dad's lounge window, there is a beautiful view of Mount Washington if you look forward, and a big forest to to the right so I never got tired of looking at any of that.
So I arranged an appointment with the voluntary organisation here in town, and I had a few volunteer placements I was interested in. Due to me having to get a criminal record check done, and this taking a month or so to come back, I wasn't able to start volunteering until late February.
I kept hearing lots about the wildlife here, including bears, whales, cougars, wolves, coyotes etc but for the first month or so, it seemed like there wasn't anything as the most I saw was a rabbit at the side of the road! Anyway one day, I was looking after Rosie and Farley and whilst I was lounging around on the sofa on the computer, Rosie comes running into the lounge visibly distressed and whining, and then I heard something drinking her water in the kitchen, where she had just come from. I thought it must be Farley, but then I noticed him sat on the sofa....so with no idea of what I would do if I came across a bear (probably scream and tell him I didn't want to die) I crept up slowly to see what it was, and noticed the kitchen door was open. I had a quick look around, couldn't see anything, so closed the door but was still shitting myself! Especially when I heard a sound from the other end of the kitchen, I jumped out of my skin! At the time it had sounded like a little animal about to jump out at me, but then I noticed it was just the printer! (You wouldn't appreciate how much a printer sounds like a chipmunk unless you had witnessed this!). So I told my Dad and Wendy what had happened, and after laughing at me, they concluded it had most likely been a cat. But then I still don't think Rosie would have been scared of a cat, so the mystery deepens.....
So I eventually got a few volunteer positions- one was helping out with a community garden, but the most I did was attend meetings there. I also started volunteering as a tutor helping to train retirees the internet, computers etc. I realised how hard it is teaching something you do automatically to someone who is scared of turning on a computer in case they blow up the world, or to an elderly lady who thinks you operate the mouse the same way as a remote control. Here I met some wonderful people, such as the project co-ordinator, Kat, who does a wonderful job, and many retirees who were genuinely interested and amazed at the power of the internet (One lady actually gave me the biggest smile and an "Ooooh!" EVERYTIME she double clicked on something and it opened up; She almost had an orgasm when she got her first email through.) So that proved to be a very rewarding experience.
My other 'job' was at the alcohol and drug information society in Campbell River, where I was asked to make the organisation and its services appeal more to younger people. Bit hard when the majority of your material is 1980-1990'S VHS tapes!! So I honestly felt as I had gone back in time here. Anyway, throughout April and May, I updated their website, and put them on Facebook, Twitter etc, made a database on the computer, and introduced the organisation to the 21st century!!
The majority of my exploring of Vancouver Island was done with my good friend Adam Hindmarch during his 2 week holiday here. First I met him in Vancouver, where we spent one night and then half the day there, I saw enough to know that I would love to live there! We then went to Victoria, which I loved also. We went to the fantastic museum there and watched a film, 'Arabia' at the IMAX. As we were there for 3 days, we asked some ladies at the museum whether there was a zoo in the city. One of them replied, "Well there's a petting zoo....with goats." I questioned her some more and it was established there was JUST goats at this zoo. I think my look of total disappointment said it all! From there we rode the Greyhound (a Canadian coach service, not the dog breed) with a drunk man who wanted to be everyone's friend to Nanaimo. The Nanaimo Hostel was in stark contrast with the luxury hotel we had been staying in Victoria. Despite it being a bit of a dump, we had a fun time there, largely due to the fact we were sharing the facilities with several rednecks, the highlight being their argument when the lady redneck walked in on the male redneck on the toilet. Female redneck: "I just pushed the door open a lil' to see if anyone was in is all!!". The fact that they continued to argue even after she walked off and he was still on the bog was hilarious. We also met a South Korean who wouldn't reveal his age and seemed to spend his entire time cooking and then eating food. He was doing one of these activities EVERYTIME we saw, whether it be morning, afternoon, evening or night!!
We then had another Greyhound trip to Campbell River, where we passed Fanny Bay, to much amusement!! We then spent a few days looking round Campbell River, where Adam was drowned in Rosie's drool every night!! We also took the ferry across to the nearby Quadra Island, where we shared the nicest pizza ever and had a look at the nicest view on the island (April Point).
Tofino was the setting for our next adventure, where we spent 2 nights. Unfortunately it rained practically the whole time, but this is one of the best places to go on the island. Adam didn't get to see the whale on the whale watching, as he was vomiting out the side of the boat at the time! We also did the Hot Springs tour, which involved travelling to an island that resembled Skull Island (from King Kong) and walking along the boardwalk in the rainforest for 30 mins, although thankfully we didn't meet any tribes wanting to eat us, or a massive gorilla! That night we headed out with a guy we had met on the Hot Springs, for Tooney Tuesday, and met a young Roy Keane, and lots of Canadian girls loving the English accent, one of whom I remembered promising we would join together to solve global warming! The next morning, hungover, we had a 6 hour bumpy Greyhound ride back to Campbell River to enjoy. Before he left, we treated Adam to two of Campbell River's best tourist attractions: Elk Falls, and Dick's Fish and Chips! We also walked a few trails in the forest here.
I also had my cousin, Charlene over for a week and so we went to Victoria and Tofino again, and thankfully we did get to see some good sightings of whales this time. On the way back from Tofino, we saw a bear by the side of the road but by the time we had got out and walked over to it, it had gone (Maybe a good job, didn't fancy getting eaten that day).
I didn't miss much about the UK, apart from my family and friends and the lack of politics media. I went to the supermarket hoping to buy some magazines I might be interested in. All I could find was women's Hello, Heat like mags, with silly headlines on the front cover like "Who's gay and who's not", accompanied by pictures of very famous hetrosexual celebrities!! I couldn't give a f*ck!!! Thankfully the wonderful Charlotte sent me over copies of my New Statesman subscription a few times, which is an excellent publication. I was also able to satisfy my politics addiction with watching Questiontime, 10 O'Clock Live on Youtube, as well as reading Tony Blair's autobiography and 5 other books during my time here.
One of the highlights of the trip was going to do some labouring on East Thurlow Island, inbetween Vancouver Island and the mainland. There I was moving bricks, 40kg bags of cement and shovelling tonnes of gravel. In return I got breakfast and 2 great meals each day, and a great experience by driving an ATV along the boardwalk, as well as catching crabs and then eating them.
I am heading home tomorrow and feel indifferent, as there are people and things I love in both countries, but I have made some great friends and contacts in Campbell River, and I will be back!!! I am so grateful to my Dad for introducing me to Canada- It has increased my confidence and cultural awareness. It has broadened my horizons by exposing me to a different culture, and it has made me learn different ways of doing things, with different people, and increased my appreciation and understanding of the wider world. I now have the urge to go and work in lots of different countries for the rest of my twenties!!
So that's left to say is thankyou for my Dad and Wendy for putting me up and showing me your wonderful country, and to Adam and Charlene for coming to Vancouver Island! Thankyou to Charlotte for understanding that I needed to do this, she is a little beauty!!
Jack x
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Capitalism with a conscience, or free market socialism , call it what you want, I believe it's a viable alternative to the Coalition's policies
I was inspired today to write a piece about socialism after getting into a debate on Twitter with a free market Christian conservative who was arguing that socialism is evil, taxes are unethical etc. I eventually won the debate (well she stopped replying to me) when I mentioned the fact that Jesus was a socialist, as in the Bible he is quoted as saying, 'it is impossible for a rich man to get into heaven.' Jesus's political stance is evidenced by the following quote, Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” Now, whether or not you believe Jesus was the son of God, or whether he could really walk on water (I don't), the fact is that Jesus was a socialist. So all those Republican Christians who are calling on Obama to cut spending and for more tax cuts for the rich, well they need to study their Bible more carefully.
The second instance was when I read that Steve Coogan was for av. I then did a bit of research and found that Coogan describes himself as a socialist who enjoys paying tax. On the PoliticsHome website, this was mentioned to which one person commented, "A Ferrari driving socialist - now that is a new twist." and then another one, "Frank skinner is another lefty luvvie who drives around London in his Lambourghini."
Well, excuse me but socialism isn't a religion, it has no god to dictate the rules or level of socialism that one must obey. And that is exactly it. Me and Coogan would appear to share similar views on the economic side of politics. We both would like to have lots of money (and he has, I haven't) yet we also believe that the richer you are, the higher percentage of tax rate you should pay. Call it modern socialism, capitalism with a conscience, call it what you want. But there is definitely socialism there.
It seems to me that the political spectrum has been diluted since the days of traditional Labour v traditional Tory. One example of this is the fact that New Labour's policies on crime would appear to be to the right of the coalition's crime policies. I actually prefer the Ken Clarke way to the David Blunkett and Jack Straw way. Now I believe that is a good example of me trying to be objective in my politics, which is something I strive for. I would never describe myself as tribal Labour, as that is rather like a religion. Although I am a member of the Labour Party, I disagree with a few of their policies. In the future I may be a member of the Green Party, who knows. I do know however that I will never vote Tory as their whole survival depends on them keeping their policies on privatisation and tax cuts for the rich, because the rich are the people who fund them. Likewise I wish Labour would steer a bit away from the unions, but I recognise that they were founded by the unions, and also that unions are a force for good (most of the time) in society.
Ok, so back to my socialist views- which include free healthcare, education, emergency services for all. I believe in the welfare state, and believe it helps many unemployed people to find jobs. I also believe that there is a need to further reduce the gap between the rich and poor, and government has a large part to play here. I also would like the government to keep the 50% tax rate, and even if I won the lottery tomorrow, I still would as I would still have a shitload of money to live off and I would delight in the fact that I would be paying a lot of taxes, like Coogan. So critics of socialism need to get into the 21st century and realise that modern socialists are more realistic than socialists in the past. For example, I also support a majority free market, and recognise that businesses create jobs, growth, wealth etc.
I hope the coalition's corporate tax cuts for companies create jobs in the UK, but if they don't, well I don't support them. I believe the correct way to address the deficit is not by making massive spending cuts and making millions redundant and therefore unable to spend their wages, it is by having more emphasis on taxing the rich, and obviously reducing spending, but not too much. Growth in the UK is half of the US where Obama has made minimal spending cuts. That in turn has meant unemployment has remained steady and therefore the economy is growing there, resulting in more taxes coming into the treasury, which means a lower deficit. Furthermore, Cameron's wish to get rid of the deficit in 4 years is risky and harsh, I believe it should be 8 years.
Furthermore, I believe passionately in democracy, and one feature of a democracy is that no one person should be able to dictate a government's policy as much as Rupert Murdoch does. Hence well done to Hugh Grant for what he did: http://www.newstatesman.com/newspapers/2011/04/phone-yeah-cameron-murdoch
That's all for now
The second instance was when I read that Steve Coogan was for av. I then did a bit of research and found that Coogan describes himself as a socialist who enjoys paying tax. On the PoliticsHome website, this was mentioned to which one person commented, "A Ferrari driving socialist - now that is a new twist." and then another one, "Frank skinner is another lefty luvvie who drives around London in his Lambourghini."
Well, excuse me but socialism isn't a religion, it has no god to dictate the rules or level of socialism that one must obey. And that is exactly it. Me and Coogan would appear to share similar views on the economic side of politics. We both would like to have lots of money (and he has, I haven't) yet we also believe that the richer you are, the higher percentage of tax rate you should pay. Call it modern socialism, capitalism with a conscience, call it what you want. But there is definitely socialism there.
It seems to me that the political spectrum has been diluted since the days of traditional Labour v traditional Tory. One example of this is the fact that New Labour's policies on crime would appear to be to the right of the coalition's crime policies. I actually prefer the Ken Clarke way to the David Blunkett and Jack Straw way. Now I believe that is a good example of me trying to be objective in my politics, which is something I strive for. I would never describe myself as tribal Labour, as that is rather like a religion. Although I am a member of the Labour Party, I disagree with a few of their policies. In the future I may be a member of the Green Party, who knows. I do know however that I will never vote Tory as their whole survival depends on them keeping their policies on privatisation and tax cuts for the rich, because the rich are the people who fund them. Likewise I wish Labour would steer a bit away from the unions, but I recognise that they were founded by the unions, and also that unions are a force for good (most of the time) in society.
Ok, so back to my socialist views- which include free healthcare, education, emergency services for all. I believe in the welfare state, and believe it helps many unemployed people to find jobs. I also believe that there is a need to further reduce the gap between the rich and poor, and government has a large part to play here. I also would like the government to keep the 50% tax rate, and even if I won the lottery tomorrow, I still would as I would still have a shitload of money to live off and I would delight in the fact that I would be paying a lot of taxes, like Coogan. So critics of socialism need to get into the 21st century and realise that modern socialists are more realistic than socialists in the past. For example, I also support a majority free market, and recognise that businesses create jobs, growth, wealth etc.
I hope the coalition's corporate tax cuts for companies create jobs in the UK, but if they don't, well I don't support them. I believe the correct way to address the deficit is not by making massive spending cuts and making millions redundant and therefore unable to spend their wages, it is by having more emphasis on taxing the rich, and obviously reducing spending, but not too much. Growth in the UK is half of the US where Obama has made minimal spending cuts. That in turn has meant unemployment has remained steady and therefore the economy is growing there, resulting in more taxes coming into the treasury, which means a lower deficit. Furthermore, Cameron's wish to get rid of the deficit in 4 years is risky and harsh, I believe it should be 8 years.
Furthermore, I believe passionately in democracy, and one feature of a democracy is that no one person should be able to dictate a government's policy as much as Rupert Murdoch does. Hence well done to Hugh Grant for what he did: http://www.newstatesman.com/newspapers/2011/04/phone-yeah-cameron-murdoch
That's all for now
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The PCC says it's ok to write homophobic lies
Last month, the God fearing homophobe Melanie Phillips of the Daily Mail wrote an article about gay people that was almost comedy. It mean it what almost as if me and my friend Christian had come up with the idea of a hardcore Christian homophobic character and then proceeded to write an article in the style of this character. It was truly horrendous. I guess her original target was the two gay men who sued that couple who owned the b and b, but it soon descended on every gay person, that they all have a "gay agenda" and that they are trying to turn us all gay. Absurd.
For more information on the outrageous lies, I refer you to the fantastic sites:
http://tabloid-watch.blogspot.com/search/label/melanie%20phillips
http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/74143,people,news,melanie-phillips-gay-agenda-column-for-the-daily-mail-outrages-twitter
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/01/25/melanie-phillips-defends-gay-brainwashing-daily-mail-article/
http://blog.newhumanist.org.uk/2011/01/johann-hari-on-melanie-phillips-and-gay.html
There are also many more if you search for them, which totally rip her article apart, I guess that shows how angry people have got because of it, gay and straight people!
Anyway I complained to the PCC, and have now received a reply, which basically says that because it was a comment piece, she can write whatever she likes! Below is their reply:
Commission’s decision in the case of
For more information on the outrageous lies, I refer you to the fantastic sites:
http://tabloid-watch.blogspot.com/search/label/melanie%20phillips
http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/74143,people,news,melanie-phillips-gay-agenda-column-for-the-daily-mail-outrages-twitter
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/01/25/melanie-phillips-defends-gay-brainwashing-daily-mail-article/
http://blog.newhumanist.org.uk/2011/01/johann-hari-on-melanie-phillips-and-gay.html
There are also many more if you search for them, which totally rip her article apart, I guess that shows how angry people have got because of it, gay and straight people!
Anyway I complained to the PCC, and have now received a reply, which basically says that because it was a comment piece, she can write whatever she likes! Below is their reply:
Further to our previous correspondence, the Commission has now made its assessment of your complaint under the Editors’ Code of Practice.
The Commission members have asked me to thank you for giving them the opportunity to consider the points you raise. However, their decision is that there has been no breach of the Code in this case. A full explanation of the Commission’s decision is attached.
Although the Commissioners have come to this view, they have asked me to send a copy of your letter to the editor so that he is aware of your concerns.
If you are dissatisfied with the way in which your complaint has been handled you should write within one month to the Independent Reviewer, whose details can be found in our How to Complain leaflet or on the PCC website at the following link:
Thank you for taking this matter up with us.
Yours sincerely
Elizabeth Cobbe
Various v Daily Mail
The Commission received over sixty five complaints about the article “Yes, gays have often been the victims of prejudice. But they now risk becoming the new McCarthyites”. Virtually all the complainants found it to be discriminatory towards homosexual people, and many considered it to be highly offensive.
A number of complainants raised additional concerns that the article was in breach of Clause 1 (Accuracy) of the Code. Several believed that the columnist had failed to distinguish clearly between comment, conjecture and fact, while others considered that some of her statements were either incorrect or misleading.
Firstly, the Commission fully acknowledged the complainants’ concerns about the article and accepted that many readers strongly disagreed with the views expressed by the columnist about attitudes to homosexuality and her position on matters relating to equality. However, under the terms of Clause 1 (Accuracy) of the Code, newspapers are entitled to publish the views of individuals – however robust or controversial – provided that they are clearly distinguished from fact. The article had clearly been presented as a comment piece both in the print edition of the newspaper and on its website, and it was satisfied that readers would be aware that the article reflected the personal opinions of the columnist. It considered that the assertions that the introduction of references to homosexual people was intended to “brainwash children”, that they were being “bombarded” by such references, that there was a “gay agenda” and that there was a “concept of normal sexual behaviour” were clearly presented as representing her own, candid opinions, and it did not consider that readers would be misled into understanding that there was an established “gay agenda” or “ruthless campaign”. Similarly, while it comprehended the complainants’ objections to the claim that such references were “an abuse of childhood”, it did not consider readers would understand this to be anything but her own views on the matter. The Commission was satisfied that readers generally would be aware that these assertions did not amount to statements of fact, but rather the columnist’s robust views.
A number of complainants considered that the article was misleading, particularly in regard to the reporting of the introduction of references to homosexuals in school subjects. They pointed out that this was an initiative suggested as part of LGBT History Month and not, as implied, a permanent addition to the national curriculum or an obligatory exercise. The complainants considered that this should have been made clear. The Commission acknowledged the complainants’ concerns that the context of these references was relevant. However, it considered that readers would be aware that the purpose of the article was not to give a full explanation of such measures – it was not a news article – but rather for the columnist to express her views on them. It noted that the article contained relatively little information about the introduction of the references to issues relating to homosexuality and, in the absence of information, it did not consider that readers would be misled into understanding that such measures were to be adopted permanently as part of the national curriculum. That these references were part of a “Government-backed drive to promote the gay agenda” was, in the view of the Commission, clearly the columnist’s opinion based on the grant issued by the Training and Development Agency for Schools. It could not establish a breach of Clause 1 (Accuracy) on this point.
Some complainants were also concerned that the reference to the reports carried out by the Department for Transport and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs had also been taken out of context. Given that the complainants had not expressed concern that the references were inaccurate or explained on what grounds they considered the references to be misleading, the Commission could establish a breach of Clause 1 of the Code on this point. In any case, it generally only considers complaints from those directly affected by the matter about which they complained. In this instance, it would require a complaint from the representative of either the Department for Transport or the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in order to establish whether they considered that their reports had been misrepresented.
Three complainants had expressed further concern over the statement that Catholic adoption agencies and marriage registrars had been “forced to shut down” after refusing to place children with same-sex couples. Bearing in mind the requirements of anti-discrimination laws, the Commission did not consider the assertion that they had been forced to close down was significantly misleading as to the situation. The statement was not in breach of the Code.
In regard to the complainants’ concerns that the article should have made clear that the Bulls’ actions were against the law, the Commission noted that the article made clear that they had fallen “foul of the law”. It did not consider that readers generally would understand from the columnist’s view on the matter that the Bulls’ actions had been lawful, but rather that the columnist considered that they had merely been “upholding Christian values”. In regard to the claim that the Bulls had been “sued”, given that the couple were claiming damages under the Equality Act, it did not consider that readers would be significantly misled. Similarly, the Commission did not consider that the absence of reference to Dr Raabe’s comments in regard to homosexuality and paedophilia would mislead readers. Given that the article made clear that there were objections to his appointment due to his views on homosexuality, the Commission did not consider that the absence of further information would mislead readers as to the situation. It could not establish a breach of Clause 1 (Accuracy) of the Code.
Two complainants claimed that the reference to male animals that take a leading role in raising young children was not a reference to homosexuality. The Commission noted that the columnist had been giving examples of suggestions as part of LGBT History Month. The complainant had not expressed concern that the columnist had incorrectly reported these suggestions – but rather objected to the suggestion in itself – and therefore the Commission could not establish a breach of the Code on this point.
The complainants were predominantly concerned that the article discriminated against homosexual people, and implied that their sexual orientation was abnormal and inferior to heterosexuality. Two complainants also expressed similar concerns about the article the following week “The calls for me to be killed this week prove the bedrock values of our society are in grave danger”. The Commission understood the grounds for the complaints. However, it made clear that, while Clause 12 (Discrimination) prevents newspapers from making prejudicial or pejorative reference to an individual’s sexual orientation, it does not cover comments about groups or categories of people. Given that the complainants considered that the articles discriminated against homosexual people in general, the Commission could not establish a breach of Clause 12 (Discrimination) of the Editors’ Code of Practice.
Some complainants were concerned that the article discriminated specifically against Steven Preddy and Martin Hall. The Commission considered that it would require the direct involvement of these individuals, or their official representative, in order to establish whether they considered that the article had discriminated against them. In the absence of such involvement, it could not comment on this matter further.
One complainant looked to engage Clauses 4 (Harassment), 5 (Intrusion into grief or shock) and 6 (Children), however, she had not explained specifically on what grounds she considered that they had been breached. There had been no suggestion that the journalist had behaved in such a manner as to engage Clause 4, and the Commission did not consider that the article intruded into an individual’s personal grief or shock in such a way that would amount to a breach of Clause 5 of the Code. Clause 6 (Children) was designed to protect the private lives of children from intrusion by the press. Given that the article did not make reference to a particular child, it could not establish a breach of the Code.
Finally, the Commission fully understood that the complainants had found the article to be highly offensive. However, it made clear that the terms of the Editors’ Code of Practice do not address issues of taste and offence. The Code is designed to address the potentially competing rights of freedom of expression and other rights of individuals, such as privacy. Newspapers and magazines have editorial freedom to publish what they consider to be appropriate provided that the rights of individuals – enshrined in the terms of the Code which specifically defines and protects these rights – are not compromised. To come to an inevitably subjective judgement as to whether such material is tasteless or offensive would amount to the Commission acting as a moral arbiter, which can lead to censorship. It could not, therefore, comment on this aspect of the complaints further.
Reference No. Various
Elizabeth Cobbe
Complaints Officer
Press Complaints Commission
Halton House
20/23 Holborn
London EC1N 2JD
Tel: 020 7831 0022
Website: www.pcc.org.uk
Obviously I am wanting free speech for everyone in this country, including the press but not to an extent where national newspaper columnists are free to spread lies and hate about minorities. I guess it is a grey area, but I thought homophobia mostly got left behind in the 80's. I thought they were just concentrating on the Muslims now!
I guess the only thing we can do is keep on spreading the message about the tabloids' lies. Cunts.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Liberal Agenda Claims Another Victim
Below is an article on my death written in the style of the Daily Mail's Melanie Phillips by the wonderful Natalie Dzerins on http://dailymaildeatharticles.blogspot.com/
This week saw the awful death of Jack Barker, an English Business Management graduate living in Canada, who was killed by a falling tree while he was volunteering for an environmental organisation.
His death is ultimately awful because it is yet another reminder of the price that our once-great nation's children are paying for New Labour's disgusting experimentation with exposing them to immoral and dangerous ways of life, while they were still young enough to be sucked in by their pernicious influence. Indeed, Jack himself was a card-carrying member of the Labour party, showing just how their policies had affected him deeply.
The simple facts are this: Labour spent their thirteen years in government recklessly and ruthlessly brainwashing our children into accepting their own twisted 'moralities' - a task that the current government seem hell-bent on steaming ahead with, despite all sane and rational people disagreeing with them. This is to their eternal shame.
This twin assault of liberal politics and eco-fascism was what led Jack Barker to Canada and ultimately, to his death.
Make no mistake, these evil and morally-vacuous policies of the left do much more than condemn the emotional wellbeing of our children, and lead to their godlessness and degeneracy (Jack was a declared 'atheist'). They also pave the way for the infliction of Sharia law upon us all. Our future generations, bound and gagged by the ties of 'multiculturalism' and 'tolerance' will be able to do nothing as the river of extremist Islam swells and bursts it's banks, bringing forth a tide of second-century rules that we will all be forced to live by.
It is for this reason that we must strengthen our dams by removing the foul 'equality' legislation being forced down our throats by the government and advocate a return to the biblical morals and ways of society, before we are all doomed.
This week saw the awful death of Jack Barker, an English Business Management graduate living in Canada, who was killed by a falling tree while he was volunteering for an environmental organisation.
His death is ultimately awful because it is yet another reminder of the price that our once-great nation's children are paying for New Labour's disgusting experimentation with exposing them to immoral and dangerous ways of life, while they were still young enough to be sucked in by their pernicious influence. Indeed, Jack himself was a card-carrying member of the Labour party, showing just how their policies had affected him deeply.
The simple facts are this: Labour spent their thirteen years in government recklessly and ruthlessly brainwashing our children into accepting their own twisted 'moralities' - a task that the current government seem hell-bent on steaming ahead with, despite all sane and rational people disagreeing with them. This is to their eternal shame.
This twin assault of liberal politics and eco-fascism was what led Jack Barker to Canada and ultimately, to his death.
Make no mistake, these evil and morally-vacuous policies of the left do much more than condemn the emotional wellbeing of our children, and lead to their godlessness and degeneracy (Jack was a declared 'atheist'). They also pave the way for the infliction of Sharia law upon us all. Our future generations, bound and gagged by the ties of 'multiculturalism' and 'tolerance' will be able to do nothing as the river of extremist Islam swells and bursts it's banks, bringing forth a tide of second-century rules that we will all be forced to live by.
It is for this reason that we must strengthen our dams by removing the foul 'equality' legislation being forced down our throats by the government and advocate a return to the biblical morals and ways of society, before we are all doomed.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Introduction
Hello all! The date is the 2nd February 2011 and this is my first blog post. I decided to create a blog after I realised I wanted to get my various political, economic, religious, social, and global views across the wider world. Facebook is full of people talking about Big Fat Greek Gyspy Weddings, or football (which I love, but sometimes there's more to life) or some shite from the Sun. I found Twitter a better medium for expressing and exchanging views but the tweets are just too small. Therefore I will carry on facebooking with my friends, keep on tweeting with links to this site if needed.
I intend to write about current events, but also about myself and my experiences. At the minute I am living with my Father on Vancouver Island, Canada, which is a beautiful place and I love it here. I love spending time with my Dad and his wife, and I am here until May so cannot wait for the next 4 months. I arrived hoping to get some voluntary work after I realised I was unlikely to get a work permit, and that will be happening soon so I will have lots to write about that as I will be doing various kinds of work for an environmental organisation. I am missing friends and family back in UK, but keep in touch with people via the interweb.
I graduated last year with a 2:1 in Business Management, and hope to go into management or teaching of some kind. I intend to do a masters in the next ten years, probably in business and also acquire a teaching qualification. I fully believe in education, and would recommend university to anyone! My other interests are football, (Manchester United, one reason for the red in my name), politics (I'm a leftie, but more on that later) and anything with Charlie Brooker in it!
My views on society are that we should care more. Care more about people in poverty in developing countries and care more about the environment. I am an Atheist, although I was brought up to go to sunday school, and I love the fact that the majority of charities and organisations helping people in Africa are Christian, although I think religion also causes conflict, and wars, I do not agree with faith school because I believe children should not be separated depending on their parents' religious beliefs. I myself do not need any religion to tell me what is right, or wrong. My morals are my own, and not of any God's.
Regarding politics, I don't believe it is possibly to label me as one or the other, although the closest is probably I'm a social democrat. I passionately believe in the third way philosophy of Bill Clinton and Tony Blair. Overall, I'm centre left with elements of socialism and liberalism in there mostly. I'm also a member of the Labour Party, and voted for David Miliband in the leadership election, although I believe Ed Miliband is doing a reasonable job in opposition. I am against the majority of the coalition's policies, although not all of them as I do try and have an objective opinion as much as I can.
That's all for you. Any questions, just ask
I intend to write about current events, but also about myself and my experiences. At the minute I am living with my Father on Vancouver Island, Canada, which is a beautiful place and I love it here. I love spending time with my Dad and his wife, and I am here until May so cannot wait for the next 4 months. I arrived hoping to get some voluntary work after I realised I was unlikely to get a work permit, and that will be happening soon so I will have lots to write about that as I will be doing various kinds of work for an environmental organisation. I am missing friends and family back in UK, but keep in touch with people via the interweb.
I graduated last year with a 2:1 in Business Management, and hope to go into management or teaching of some kind. I intend to do a masters in the next ten years, probably in business and also acquire a teaching qualification. I fully believe in education, and would recommend university to anyone! My other interests are football, (Manchester United, one reason for the red in my name), politics (I'm a leftie, but more on that later) and anything with Charlie Brooker in it!
My views on society are that we should care more. Care more about people in poverty in developing countries and care more about the environment. I am an Atheist, although I was brought up to go to sunday school, and I love the fact that the majority of charities and organisations helping people in Africa are Christian, although I think religion also causes conflict, and wars, I do not agree with faith school because I believe children should not be separated depending on their parents' religious beliefs. I myself do not need any religion to tell me what is right, or wrong. My morals are my own, and not of any God's.
Regarding politics, I don't believe it is possibly to label me as one or the other, although the closest is probably I'm a social democrat. I passionately believe in the third way philosophy of Bill Clinton and Tony Blair. Overall, I'm centre left with elements of socialism and liberalism in there mostly. I'm also a member of the Labour Party, and voted for David Miliband in the leadership election, although I believe Ed Miliband is doing a reasonable job in opposition. I am against the majority of the coalition's policies, although not all of them as I do try and have an objective opinion as much as I can.
That's all for you. Any questions, just ask
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