They made a difference - Nelson Mandela

18 July 1918 – present, age 95

photo credit: Archives de la Ville de Montréal  cc

So sad, if the news media is to be believed, Nelson Mandela is fading and likely to move on to another dimension soon.   Now if you care at all, you have to agree, here is a man who made a difference....

Described by Maggie Thatcher as a terrorist and indeed in technical terms, precisely that, he served many years in prison for leading attempts to overthrow white supremacy in South Africa.

He didn't just make a difference, he is a hero to so many, his forgiveness, his compassion, his humility, his commitment to ending racism, his diplomacy, his bravery, his intelligence..... so much...... never has a man earned the right to global respect and reverence as Nelson Mandela has.

Born of illiterate parents descended from African royalty, intelligent and well educated his rebel tendencies began to develop at university where he was suspended for his part in a boycott against the quality of food and subsequently left without a degree.

Everything about his life set him on the path to becoming this man.  His interest in politics, the timing of his birth, his teaming up with the African National Congress, once condemned as a terrorist organisation and now the governing political party of South Africa, and his own decisions to lead the ANC down a more radical and revolutionary path.  How different is perception when looked at through different eyes and in different times.

The expansion of apartheid by the extremist Government, Herenigde Nasionale Party and their unexpected 1948 (white only) election win, all led to making this man.

His arrest in 1962 and subsequent conviction in 1964, all led to making this man.

His, now famous, time incarcerated on Robben Island in a tiny cell, where his vision became impaired due to sunlight reflecting off lime in the quarry where he was assigned to work, his encouragement of others, his religious, Afrikaans and legal studies, even his prisoner number 46664 all served to make this man.

His correspondence with people such as Desmond Tutu, his influence on the political arena, the respect for this man, locked away from the world and yet still inspiring anti apartheid sanctions and rock concerts in his name, his eventual release on 11 February 1990, leading to a final end to apartheid in South Africa, his winning of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and his election to President in 1994 all served to make this man.

Let's not forget F W de Klerk's role in negotiating an end to apartheid and freeing Nelson Mandela, enabling him to continue with his destiny, he too made a difference.

Would Nelson Mandela have made such a difference if he hadn't been imprisoned in the way he was?  Would he have been inspired to make a difference with a different lifestyle?  With different people?  If you are looking, Nelson Mandela is an example of somebody who was truly put on this earth to make a difference with all roads leading to the inevitable outcome. 

 photo credit: p_c_w cc

A man of many names, Mandela his "English" name given to him by his school teacher Miss Mdingane, Rolihlahla his birth name meaning "troublemaker" given to him by his father, well he certainly lived up to that one... Madiba, his very polite clan name, Dalibhunga his grown up name given to him aged 16 after his traditional rite of passage, meaning 'founder of the council' or 'convenor of the dialogue' and unquestionably a name he took to heart, then there is Khulu, meaning "Great One" and possibly the one he may value most is Tata, meaning 'father' and used as a term of endearment by so many South Africans.

In a perfect world, Mandela's commitment to reconciliation will become his legacy, however, sadly we live in an imperfect world and already there is dissension as his family fight over where he will be buried and that's before he is even dead!  Let's hope they reconcile before the inevitable end.

Long live Nelson Mandela!

Inspirational Quotes

To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world

A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger.  You don't have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial and uninformed

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Useless Facts

• Sun sign (astrology): Cancer
• Myers Briggs           : INFJ

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Arthur Scargill....

It would be wrong to write of Margaret Thatcher and the Miners strike in earlier posts without at least some reference to the politician and Marxist trade unionist Arthur Scargill... in my opinion, the true enemy of the Unions and the miners....

President of the National Union of Miners, from 1982 to 2002 he was accorded near hero worship.  He played a leading role in bringing down Sir Edward Heath's Tory Government in 1974 and "took on" the Thatcher Government in the 1980's, leading the miners through a year long strike, bringing about their own downfall and the ending of the power of the unions, hopefully forever.

Much is written and told about the miner's strike and always the blame is laid squarely at Maggie's feet.  She destroyed them, she didn't give in to bullying, whatever way you look at it, she got the blame, but IMHO, the choice was with the miners or more specifically, the choice was Scargill's!

There was no ballot, Scargill unilaterally decided the miner's were on strike, so much for democracy.  He called the strike in the Summer, hardly an intelligent strategy.  He personally was in touch with the Soviet Union, securing funds and making clear his communist leanings, and this at a time when the Iron Curtain was at full strength, a borderline traitor by my measures.

We all know that some animals are more equal than others and Scargill was always a fat cat.  While the miners struggled to make ends meet, he continued to pick up his pay chit as their so called leader.  He never suffered any personal hardship, in fact it is alleged that during the strike, he was even granted a loan to buy a nice country house in Barnsley!  Something the striking miners could only dream of.

The violence associated with the strikes was never publicly condemned by Scargill. 

After the strikes were over, Scargill joined forces with another famous Leftie of the era, Tony Benn, to [successfully] campaign against the murder convictions of Russel Shankland and Dean Hancock.  The two murdered an innocent taxi driver, David Wilkie by dropping a concrete block, from a bridge, onto his car and what was his crime?  Driving a man, David Williams, to work... Wilkie, a brave man taking the same route for the tenth time in an atmosphere so volatile, he required a police escort.  David Wilkie, who died instantly, left behind a 2 year old daughter and his pregnant fiancee who gave birth 6 weeks later.  Scargill must be very proud that his campaigning had the convictions downgraded to manslaughter and both men released from prison in November 1989.

Make up your own mind whether or not you consider that murder or manslaughter, I know what I think!

And post his NUM presidency?  Well I can't help but think his true colours have come to the fore.  Asked if they support him these days?  I think you will find the NUM prefer to disassociate themselves from his greed and self aggrendisement, his conviction that he is entitled to continue to have his £34,000 annual London rent paid for by the NUM for the rest of his life [oh and also for a widow who might survive him]!  A rent that the NUM have been paying for years, on Scargill's personal instructions and without the knowledge of the NUM members and indeed a number of senior NUM officials.  To quote the current general secretary, Chris Kitchen.... "I would say it's time to walk away, Mr Scargill. You've been found out. The NUM is not your personal bank account and never will be again."

You see, I cannot stand hypocrisy, I despise people such as Arthur Scargill, he is a sad old man who always sought to lay the blame at somebody else's door for everything wrong with his life.....Arthur Scargill destroyed many lives with his attitude and arrogance, his call to arms without a ballot, his enforced strike and the subsequent violence that came about as a result.....

..... And his response when he received a text telling him "Thatcher's dead"?  "SCARGILL ALIVE"... not even an ounce of decency or respect for an old adversary... she didn't bring him down - he can take, and has earned, the credit entirely as his own!

To my way of thinking, there were many good things that came from this era.  Empowering the workforce and ridding them of overly powerful trade unions was necessary for the future evolution of the nation and is possibly one of the Thatcher Government's biggest contributions.  Banning the "closed shop", encouraging [Government funded] secret ballots and the banning of secondary picketing all helped to stop the bully mentality of the unions.  The number of days lost due to strikes fell from 29.5 million in 1979 to just 278,000 in 1984.  Additional measures introduced later took the obligation off employers to automatically collect union fees from employees further helped to remove the all powerful unions ability to dictate policy.  The commercial world could not have survived without this overhaul.  That said, unions have a value, the commercial world cannot always be trusted but it is all about balance!

Margaret Thatcher owed Scargill a great debt, without his bloody mindedness, his hatred and pig-headed nature, she could never have so effectively tempered trade union power.  Had she paid him, she couldn't have hoped for more so as I say, the true enemy of the Union's and the miners was Arthur Scargill himself!  Thanks Arthur... your achievements stand here recognised for all time!

In the news this week?

I hardly know where to start!   The news this week has been huge...

.... opening with the Boston Marathon bombings, followed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in Texas and the loss of lives, leading into a tremendous display of pomp and ceremony with Baroness Margaret Thatcher's funeral, which I am happy to say was relatively free of protestors and the Queen looking so well.  Shocking revelations in the press about Rolf Harris, I so hope he isn't guilty, a childhood illusion shattered.  A 5 year old little girl held in a wicked and brutal attack in New Delhi, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake in China too many dead .... 20 Kremlin critics arrested in Russia, a return to the bad old days perhaps?  .... and finally closing with the celebrations when one of the Boston bombers is killed and the other captured but seriously injured in hospital!

..... And the good news?  The Queen looking fabulous and relaxed, celebrating her horse winning at Newbury and not just good but great news, they passed the gay marriage bill in New Zealand by 77 votes to 44!  Go the Kiwi's, you have my admiration and its great to see you leading the pack in the region with modern thinking and showing, unlike so many, you don't suffer from narrow minded bigotry!  

My favourite video clip of the week goes to Maurice Williamson and his speech in New Zealand Parliament ..... well said Maurice!  Love it!

Protests in Trafalgar Square

Thatcher's Death "Party" In London Draws Hundreds

This event made the TV news in Australia and firstly, I felt a sense of shame and disgust on behalf of the British public, mainly because of the lack of respect towards a dead woman but confusion reigned when a man was interviewed to explain his rationale.  His father "went on strike and stayed on strike for a year".  He recalled being hungry and begging for money, there was no mention of Arthur Scargill, only that a choice made by his father was somebody else's fault....I guess this man needs somebody to blame for an unhappy time in his life, if he didn't blame Maggie, he might have to direct the blame at the person who made the choice - his father!

The Thatcher Government never brought in legislation forcing his Dad to go on strike. His Dad could have chosen to go back to work, although in fairness, he would have risked his life in doing so - not from Maggie but from the violence perpetrated by his so called brothers.  Maggie's crime was to stand up to bullies and not give in to blackmail.  Presumably, the interviewee felt that it was perfectly acceptable for his Dad and his comrades to repeat the events of the 70's where they brought the country to its knees.  It had to stop, the power of the union bosses was out of control and destined to take Britain into the third world. 

The miners are proud of the fact that they went on strike during WWII, they didn't deserve public sympathy.

As to the rest of the party animals, what do they hope to achieve?  Margaret Thatcher is dead, she never gave in to them in life, I can't imagine she will smile down on them in death.

They made a difference - Lady Margaret Thatcher

photo courtesy: BBC Radio 4 cc

13 October 1925 – 8 April 2013, age 87

The events of this week surrounding the death of the Lady Margaret Thatcher cannot go by without comment. 

First, the sadness of her death and how very tragic and ironic that her failing health in recent years was accompanied by Alzheimer's, such a terribly cruel disease to afflict a woman lauded for her mind.

I feel no sense of surprise that many expressed satisfaction at her dying but what I am utterly shocked by is the strength of feeling and vitriolic outpouring of bitterness and hostile loathing for a woman who has been out of the political arena for 20 years.  This says more of them than it does of her, but perhaps most appalling of all is the sheer viciousness of those who were not yet born during her tenure as Prime Minister.  I feel sure few of them truly know who she is.

Without doubt, she will be remembered in the history books.  She made a difference and so few politicians, alive or dead, can claim the same.

Despite the insensitivity of the media, I struggle to empathise with her children, Mark and Carol and not only their crocodile tears but the tears of her many enemies, including those within her own party who brought about her down fall.  Many of the views expressed in Parliament earlier this week served only to demonstrate how far Britain has fallen, the utter lack of respect in using such a forum to incite hatred was shameful and sad to see, especially from those who have nothing to be proud of.  The nation is hardly at its peak, thanks largely to those who led the pack.

How sad that a woman so patriotic, who adored and loved her country above all else should be so vilified in death by a nation she fought for and made Great again.  Even in death, her funeral, at her own request, will include the singing of "I Vow to Thee, My Country".

photo courtesy The Prime Minister's Office cc

 In contrast to this, David Cameron's speeches, immediately following her death and in Parliament were impressive and dare I say, heartfelt? 

That Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has agreed to attend the funeral says a great deal.  Makes a mockery of the rumours of discord between the two awe-inspiring leaders.  That she enjoyed a good political fight, there can be no doubt but her respect and admiration for the monarchy and especially the Queen can never be questioned.

photo courtesy: The Prime Minister's Office cc

The respect around the world is heartening, as ever, the esteem for Maggie overseas outweigh's that of her own country.  For myself?  Well.... I would not have chosen a different era in which to live and I could not have been inspired by anybody better, man or woman.  She put the Great back into Britain, demonstrated strong leadership, became a victim of envy, inspired passion, both good and bad and above all, she made a difference that will be remembered long into the future.

May she go down in the history books for the things she got right, not the hatred, disrespect and rioting of the ignorant.

Inspirational Quotes

"What is success? I think it is a mixture of having a flair for the thing that you are doing; knowing that it is not enough, that you have got to have hard work and a certain sense of purpose"

"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it" 

"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples' money"

"I love argument, I love debate. I don't expect anyone just to site there and agree with me, that's not their job" 

Read more at brainyquote.com

Useless Facts:

• Sun sign (astrology): Libra
• Myers Briggs           : ENTJ

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So very sad, Margaret Thatcher

photo credit: roberthuffstutter cc

So very very sad to hear Margaret Thatcher has passed away.

An inspiration for many of us and even today, her strength is unparalleled in modern times.

A woman who made a difference.

May she rest in peace

Dear Mr Cameron!

Dear Mr Cameron

photo credit: The Prime Minister's Office cc

I am writing from a combination of despair and optimism.  I am sure you get many letters but I am hoping you find a few minutes in your day to read just this one.  You don't need me to tell you, the country is in a mess, the financial crisis just won't go away!  The European Union is a constant thorn in your side and if the celebrations associated with the Olympics and the Royal Jubilee can't cheer the people up, what the hell will?

You seem like a nice guy, perhaps too nice.  The riots of 2010 and 2011 must have been a bit of a shock, maybe that tempers your response now.  Perhaps your young family influences you to go easy but whatever the reason, it's time to think of their future.  Whatever you do today will form the world they will live in tomorrow.  Do you really want them to live in a country full of hate, perhaps a huge military power, founded on racial prejudice, a devolved council controlled enemy of Europe instead of a strong partner to be reckoned with?  A country that despises everything outside of its own borders, perhaps thinking invasion of other nations is the only option to meet the excessive needs and demands of its people??

If you fail to act now, this grim, frightening future could become a reality.

Our country is crying out for a strong leader, take a leaf from Maggie's book!!  Why else would the UK Independence Party be gaining such prominence and apparent support?  It is oft theorized and even proven in the history books, times like this help extremists gain momentum.  The UKIP's promise of leaving the EU and their ridiculous proposals around income tax are foolish but popular, hardly surprising.  They promise to cut taxes dramatically yet expand the military and devolve power to the councils.  There will be no central body overseeing crime and the justice system, an abolition of human rights in the name of prison reform!!! The voting public cannot see past their promise to exit the EU!

Ed is not your political enemy, the UKIP are.  The public aren't seeing their fascist manifesto, they need you to open their eyes!!!  Ed certainly isn't going to!

We all know the chances of them gaining power at the next election are close to nothing, well let's hope so, but what they will do is split the vote. It won't be the left wingers voting for them, but your Tory voters!!  

Don't make your legacy another Labour Government!

The rise of the Unions, the strikes, even the Argies playing up again is all reminiscent of a past none of us want to see again.  Blair's Government did their best to destroy the country and Ed Miliband will surely put more nails in the coffin if you let him.  Even Denis Healey at 94 felt the need to speak out this week, despite his left wing past he actually stated some truths!  It isn't often I find myself agreeing with a Labour politician!

The nation wants and needs Maggie back, her strength, her determination to keep Britain Great against all opposition.  Smash them to smithereens!  Stand up to Europe, tell them we are leaving, you know it is inevitable but leave now and lead from a position of strength.  Negotiate a trading partnership relationship and stay friends, once you go through the farce of a referendum your hands will be tied and you will lose your bargaining power.  

Stop placing so much emphasis on the financials, not yet, the debt doesn't matter for a little while longer, we will recover, we always do.  People can only take so much and they have reached their limit.

We can't have Maggie but we do have you, you have the chance to overcome adversity and become one of our greatest leaders, your name right up there with Churchill, Thatcher and Pitt, the Younger that is.   Somebody once said to me, "never turn down an opportunity" and I share that wisdom with you now.  You have a choice, make this your opportunity.... 

...... you can be someone or you can become the PM who's just one of many in a long line!!!!

Please make the right choice for all of our sakes and make a difference!!!

Sincerely yours

JayJinx

I Love London!!!

 So.... here's the truth.... I love London.... I love to visit London... I would love to live in London.... and this from a native of the North.... 

Here are just a few reasons why I love this beautiful city..... 

Buckingham Palace

The Royal Observatory at Greenwich

Time will tell but...

 

..... who hasn't heard of London Bridge or sung of it falling down? Rich in history, a leading global financial centre, a gateway to Europe and too many famous landmarks to count... not least, its latest addition The Shard.

London Bridge

Nowhere else in the world has anybody quite like our Royal family!!!  Our amazing Queen Elizabeth II and her truly dependable and patriotic husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh with his own tale of history to tell.  Their children, Prince Charles; Anne, [my personal favourite] the Princess Royal; Andrew and Edward... and of course Prince William and his notorious but lovable brother, Harry.

Then, there's the shopping!!! And ... OH - is that the time?  

So recently home of the Olympic Games with its awesome opening ceremony created by Danny Boyle and the pageantry of the Royal Jubilee, what a great place to be in 2012....

Shopping!

Time!

The Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster, once the principal residence of the reigning monarch and now housing both the Commons and the Lords!  Almost blown up by Guy Fawkes, destroyed by fire in 1834 and rebuilt by 1870.... a survivor of the Blitz, home to British politics and the eternally famous and majestic Big Ben....MP's &  Politicians past and present and to name but a few, Margaret Thatcher, The Iron Lady, William Pitt, youngest ever Prime Minister and William Wilberforce the leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade.

A fairy castle?

St Paul's Cathedral

 The financial district, better known as simply "The City" and if you feel so inclined, take your pick of art galleries, museums & libraries!!!

A fairy castle or the London skyline from St James's Park?

Sir Christopher Wren's St Paul's Cathedral, scene of Royal Weddings including our very own ill fated Lady Di to her Prince, our Queen's Diamond Jubilee and host to the state funeral of our esteemed WWII leader, Sir Winston Churchill.

The London Tube!

Tower of London

Must be a sign!!

Who doesn't envy London its great transport system? The oldest underground railway network in the world.  But where to next?

Just flowers

Kensington Palace

Through the gate @ Kensington Palace

The West End

The Pageantry

City of flowers and gardens, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, over 40 West End theatres and home to over 8 million people!!!

How can you not love London, surely one of the world's greatest capital cities!??

Unions Show Their True Selves

BBC staff on strike 'would have returned to work if Nelson Mandela died... but not for the death of Thatcher'

And I would suggest that is just how she would want it.  It is certainly no surprise that striking unions would not break strike for the death of the woman who so effectively and efficiently killed their stranglehold on the country.  If only the nails in the coffin had held stronger!

It is sad to see the Unions rising again, fed and nurtured by 15 years of Blair's Labour!!  That UK teachers unions think its OK to teach kids to go on strike says it all, especially at a time when the country is down on its luck, struggling to get out of an ever returning financial crisis.  Giving lessons in how to be selfish and look out only for yourself, they must be very proud!

Unions have never changed and never will, the men and women who run them are fat cats, self serving and manipulative control freaks.  They wont go hungry when they call out their "brothers"... no .... they will still be getting their bread from the union funds!

That they suggest they would not break strike for the death of a highly regarded, respected and influential leader of the 20th Century says more about who they are than who she was and is.

Maggie!

Shocked! I have just realised that a woman who inspired and influenced me has not even rated a mention here!  Love her or hate her, she made a difference to the world we live in today... Well it is past time I gave her some well deserved attention....

Margaret Thatcher, a brilliant, clever and determined woman!

I was 14 when Maggie came to power and 26 when they brought about her undignified downfall. Her values and passions were inspirational and I still firmly believe in everything she stood for.   She made us proud to be British, something subsequent Governments have destroyed.

There are some who would argue she lost her way, well perhaps in her last term things could have been different, we can debate that another time.  Should that  override the achievements?

Maggie and The Miners

Arthur Scargill, the trade unionist who was no friend of the miners.  Scargill led the 1985/85 miners strike in a bitter battle with the Government, events that became a defining moment for the British trade union movement.  His personal vendetta almost brought Britain to its knees, how is that something to be proud of?  Ten people dead, including an innocent taxi driver taking a man to do an honest days work in the mines.  Their history spoke for itself, after all, they went on strike during WW2, what did they care about loyalty to their homeland?  Hopes were high, after all, they brought down the Heath Government in 1974!  Maggie stood firm and Scargill was eventually defeated but at such a huge cost to the nation!

Maggie and the Milk

Maggie the Milk Snatcher!  One of her earlier nicknames!  As a pint sized recipient of our little bottles of milk, I have no recollection whatsoever of it stopping.  A defining moment in my life?  Apparently not!  The little bottles of milk were representative of a post war era that was always going to end, Maggie was just brave enough to make that happen.

 

and then...

... there was Maggie & Privatisation, Maggie & Reagan, Maggie & Northern Ireland, Maggie & The Falklands, Maggie & Foreign Affairs and Maggie & the Poll Tax!  And let's not forget Maggie & Malcolm Turnbull locking heads over Spycatcher and so much more....

So many discussion points... but finally let me touch briefly on Maggie & Terrorism... never did she give in to terrorism.  Despite being a target in Brighton, she stood firm and never would Maggie have given in to fear and allowed a mile "no protest" perimeter around the people's Parliament, as implemented by Mr Blair's Government!

I admire Maggie for her intelligence, her strength her sheer determination and her many achievements.  We need her like we have never needed her before...

.... and with her increasingly failing health, I will certainly shed a few tears when the inevitable happens.

photo credit: roberthuffstutter via photopin cc