Scotland and ISIS!

Devolution of Scotland - say No!

By Emoscopes (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

You can be Scottish AND British!

Both in the news and my title for this post may suggest a link between the Scottish independence and ISIS, but little is less likely. The Scots are courageous, patriotic and rarely, if ever, cowardly, lets hope they are not brave to the point of stupidity. I am in the "NO" camp and fervently hope that our Scottish brethren are not so impassioned that they vote 'yes' on Thursday 18th August 2014.  Let's stay together!

Alex Salmond is a man hungry for power, perhaps lonely as recently suggested by one newspaper, but there is no doubt he believes passionately in his cause and is on a quest, but does that make him right? Is it truly just independence he wants? To be known forever as the man that broke a long standing union, a union that, at times, has had its troubles and disagreements, but one that stands united and strong on the world stage. How sad Alex, if your legacy is to destroy not build.

Accounting for just 8% of the UK population, can Scotland and its 5.295 million people truly survive without their staunchest supporters? Salmond's intent to keep Scotland a part of the EU is a contradiction to his promoting devolution, Scotland will inevitably become a small cog in the very large wheel that is, in the main, a dysfunctional Europe.

Forget the debate about debt and North Sea oil, such things are finite, surely this debate is about so much more. It is about patriotism, it is about politics, it is about independence and empowerment but it is also about collaboration, strength, a powerful voice on the world stage, not a measly croak all too easy to ignore. It is about a union of like minds, shared history, a shared future, access to education and medical resources. A shared military protecting our borders in times of uncertainty, freedom and global recognition of British citizenship and to be a part of the Commonwealth international community.

Being British and a part of the UK is something special, it gives you that warm fuzzy feeling when you think of it, it's quirky, it's a little odd, it has pomp and ceremony, it has the Queen and Prince Philip, it has a big history and a big future.  Let's stick together, vote no on Thursday!

Voting?

Perhaps the biggest injustice is for such an historic event as the potential breakup of the United Kingdom to be exclusively voted on by residents of Scotland from 52 Commonwealth countries, 27 European Union countries and yet nobody in England, Ireland or Wales is permitted a say. Isn't this fundamentally wrong?

Isn't it also wrong that just one vote in favour over those against will mean the bill goes through. A vote of 50.001% to 49.999% will mean the devolution of Scotland and a break up of the United Kingdom, surely just one person should not hold so much power? Isn't this fundamentally wrong?

Distraction?

And what of the distraction?  Here's where ISIS comes in! The world sits practically on the brink of war, thankfully, Russia and the Ukraine has gone off the boil but what of the Middle East? What of ISIS and their brutal murder today of a British citizen, a Yorkshireman brought up in Perth, Scotland. A man who's parents live in Ayr, Scotland. I was disgusted to read this morning a comment on a newspaper article about Scottish nationalism:

Who are we defending ourselves from? We're not going to be entering every single world conflict at the behest of the US like the UK currently does. Will we be invaded by sheep from Wales? Perhaps some Badgers escaping the cull in England. Scotland has a proud military tradition, it won't go to waste but our soldiers will not die fighting in foreign lands.

Should the vote go through as a yes, is this comment accurately representative of what the Scots actually think? I don't believe it is, no. The distraction of the Scottish referendum from such major world changing events and the threat of such cruelty, is at the behest of one man, passionate though he may be. Let's hope this vote results in a no and puts this debate to bed once and for all so the world can focus on the elimination of a barbaric, inhuman group who are propagating an evil culture.

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They made a difference - Abraham Lincoln

12 February 1809 to 15 April 1865, age 56

Like many great people, taken too young.  Long before the assassination of JFK, the first president to be taken in such a way, and only days after the war he fought so hard to end and yet one he believed in so passionately.

A man taken too soon by an assassin's bullet, not unlike the 35th President almost 100 year's later - President John F Kennedy, the 50th anniversary of who's death was celebrated just last month.

President Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, not a Founding Father and yet a man who influenced modern times in equal, if not greater measure. Without him, could the world we live in today exist? I think not.

Born around 100 year's after the death of Abraham Lincoln, I feel we shared many of the same values. Above all justice, but also a belief in equality and fairness, in my mind, the same thing.

Who is truly qualified to write about such a great man? Not me, for sure, however a series discussing 'people who make a difference' could never be complete without mention of Abe Lincoln. Personally, I have deep respect and admiration for a man who balanced personal values and politics through such traumatic and chaotic times, in the face of adversity from his enemies and even, at times, his allies.

Like another great man from history (Winston Churchill), Abe Lincoln suffered from depression and yet like Winston, he overcame his own challenges for the good of a nation.  A man who, along with his wife Mary, whom he married at their second attempt and from a slave-owning family herself, suffered the premature loss of three children.  Heartbreaking, how does any parent recover from the loss of one child, never mind three?   Of the surviving gene pool, their direct descendants died out on December 24th 1985 with the demise of their childless Great Grandson, Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith.

Born on the American frontier, at a time when education was rare and to a harsh life in a one room log cabin.  Largely self taught, an avid reader, both brave and unafraid.  They say an eldest child is destined to be the leader, yet this was not true for Abraham Lincoln who, even as the second child,  met his destiny full on and truly made a difference.

From a young age, when he witnessed slavery first hand soon after arriving in New Orleans, his actions did more than suggest he couldn't support it.   He wanted and strove for a united nation, a United States, one that outlawed slavery, was innovative and offered opportunity to anybody who wanted to capture it in their hands.  Sadly, even today, over a century later, discrimination continues and yet, without his conviction, the first step on the ladder to a unified people may never have been taken.

Lincoln's Gettysburg Address of 1863 remains today, the most quoted speech in US history and we all owe him a great debt.

Famous Quotes

"Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the Nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came"

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt"

"You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time"

"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be"

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power" (my personal favourite!)

and perhaps most prophetic of all:

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count.  It's the life in your years"

Useless facts:

• Sun sign (astrology): Aquarius
• Birthplace                : Kentucky
• Myers Briggs           : ISFJ

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So Very Sad, Nelson Mandela ...

18 July 1918 – 5 December 2015

Whatever name you knew him by, Mandela his "English" name, Rolihlahla meaning "troublemaker"  ... Madiba, his clan name, Dalibhunga his grown up name denoting 'convenor of the dialogue', Khulu, meaning "Great One" or Tata, meaning 'father' a term of endearment used by so many South Africans ...  this extraordinary man was inspirational.

cc by South Africa The Good News / www.sagoodnews.co.za

Let us never forget, his momentous fight against discrimination, his relentless determination to reconcile a broken nation, his heroic struggle against adversity, his generosity, his compassion, even towards his jailors, his remarkable and amazing life.  A father, a teacher, a charmer, a man loved by women and men alike, an exceptional orator and a natural leader with a great sense of humour.

That his family fight over his remains is perhaps the biggest tragedy of all ...

On 4th August earlier this year, as I wrote of Nelson Mandela  in my  'They Made a Difference series'... I knew many of us were sad to hear he was fading and now he has gone.

May Nelson Mandela rest in peace ... the world will surely mourn the passing of this genuine and gentle man ... a revolutionary who became a peacemaker ... undoubtedly the greatest man of our times ...

What do they want?

We have been witness to news reports of many acts of terrorism in recent years, Kenya being the most recent.  We have been victims of Governments inhibiting our freedom in the name of terrorism in recent years, there are numerous examples.

So here is my question ... What do they want?  The terrorists I mean - what is their end goal?

I am not for a minute suggesting we give it to them (never) it's just that I still don't know, what are they proposing we do to make them stop?

Comment below...

They made a difference - Emily Pankhurst

cc by BBC Radio 4

15 July 1858 - 14 June 1928, age 69

Born Emmeline Goulden on 15 July 1858 in Moss Side, Manchester, educated in Paris and died, on 14 June 1928, age 69 in London, Emily Pankhurst was a powerhouse, a political activist and the champion of British suffragette's.

The eldest of five girls in a family of eleven children, with her maternal roots in the Isle of Man.  My own paternal roots also find themselves in the Isle of Man so it is amusing to fancy that a little bit of Emily's feistiness might also run through my own veins!

Perhaps not coincidentally, the Isle of Man was one of the earliest countries to grant women the right to vote in national elections, in 1881, albeit only property owners.

Much has already been written about Emily Pankhurst, so my intent is not to rewrite her biography, but rather post my own little tribute to a woman who dared to be different. By today's measures, Emily was a working mother with both a career and children, fighting her cause led to time in Holloway Prison and even hunger strikes in a bid to improve conditions for others, and this, long before Bobby Sands even took his first feed.

cc by Leonard Bentley

Emily's approach to women's suffrage took the movement in a different direction, after years of soft talking she encouraged a more militant approach. Their opposition to the draconian's of the time, including Winston Churchill often led to ridicule and casual references to "those ladies who are sometimes laughed at".....

No doubt her proposal to Richard Pankhurst that they enter into a free union was considered scandalous in their day, perhaps fortunately for Emily, he declined and so they wed in December 1879.

In 1914, Emily put aside her determined efforts and diverted her attention to war efforts, helping to recruit women into supporting roles and factories.  She expressed her desire to be consulted on matters of Government in a letter to the new Prime Minister, Lloyd George.
 
Through the achievements of women like Emily Pankhurst, women of Britain today can take for granted their right to vote. Without women like Mrs Pankhurst even the glass ceiling would be little more than a fantasy, we would still be oppressed, barefoot and chained to the sink, most likely pregnant!

In the United Kingdom in 1918, women over the age of 30 were granted the right to vote but it was another ten years and a little over two weeks after her death before women were granted a franchise equal to that of men when the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928 was finally given Royal assent on 2nd July 1928.

Thank you Emily Pankhurst!  You made a difference....

For more extensive history of related world dates .... Click here..... and for an interesting read about 'the story of Parliament and votes for women', try here....

Useless facts:

• Sun sign (astrology): Cancer
• Myers Briggs           : one can only wonder

cc by UK Government archives

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Good Night, and Good Luck

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Last week, quite by accident I came across a really excellent movie.  I had selected a few DVD's for weekend watching and this one, at only 93 minutes long didn't really qualify for a Saturday night blockbuster viewing.  So, Sunday evening, glass of wine in hand, I was ready for what I expected to be a mildly entertaining true story of a 1950's newspaperman calling out a US politician.

What I got was so much more, engaged from the offset I was riveted!  Initially, the dialogue was hard to follow, typical newsroom chaos, but after a few minutes you see the hero and the bad guy emerge.... as the story unfolds you recognise how it mirrors today... a story of politicians exaggerating a perceived threat, using it to generate paranoia, hysteria and fear and ultimately, becoming all powerful and eventually all but untouchable.  This is the story of a man who risked all, daring to challenge, sadly a man apparently without equal in today's modern era.

The name of the film?  Good Night, and Good Luck, directed by and starring George Clooney.  The movie tells the story of Ed Murrow challenging Senator Joe McCarthy, an anti-communist crusader, in a cold war era.  The man who's name coined the term McCarthyism, used today to describe the practice of making accusations of political disloyalty without evidence.

I won't spoil the storyline for you, but I will tell you, Ed Murrow will inspire.  An employee of CBS, his wartime broadcasts still famous today, his signature opening memorable, "This is London," and his closing catchphrase "good night, and good luck" not only the name used for this film but also adapted by a young Princess Elizabeth, making a radio broadcast in the time of the London blitz and signing off with "good night, and good luck to you all".

A life long chain smoker who died of lung cancer when only 57, his life story was captivating and his legacy, one of honesty and integrity, and one would hope, inspirational for journalists today.

There are many speeches and quotes attributed to Ed Murrow, for me, one of his best is as apt today as it was yesterday.... perhaps more so.....

"We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine, and remember that we are not descended from fearful men – not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate, and to defend causes that were, for the moment, unpopular....

......... We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world, but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home. The actions of the junior Senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad, and given considerable comfort to our enemies. And whose fault is that? Not really his. He didn't create this situation of fear; he merely exploited it—and rather successfully."

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

Read more here

Useless Facts

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

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They made a difference - Mo Mowlam

18 September 1949 to 19 August 2005, age 55

Those who know me, know it is almost unheard of for me to praise a Labour politician, but here it is.  Marjorie "Mo" Mowlam was an amazing woman, one who should never be forgotten and one who made a difference.

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photo credit: Bolckow cc

Mo was instrumental in bringing about the Good Friday Agreement and peace in Northern Ireland, an event typically attributed to Tony Blair [a man who made the wrong kind of difference] but it was Mo who was Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in charge of the peace process at the time.  Mo who made the difference.  Mo who sat for long hours at the negotiating tables.  Mo who disarmed the Unionist politicians by hugging them.  Mo who kept the meaning and importance of life in context as they fought over the balance of power and the details.... and finally Mo who told Gerry Adams, as he hesitated over the signing “Bloody well get on and do it, otherwise I’ll head butt you!”

It was Mo who made this happen while slowly and tragically dying of a malignant brain tumour.

Given just three years to live in 1996, even before Labour swept to power and before Mo was appointed to the top position in the Northern Ireland Office.   Given the Troubles that had raged in Northern Ireland since the 1960's with echoes back down the centuries to the Middle Ages.... it could be argued this was the most demanding and stressful cabinet position ever.  Yet she didn't flinch, she accepted the position not even telling Blair that her brain tumour was malignant, in fact leading him to believe the tumour was benign and could be treated.  Many might argue a woman with a brain tumour should not be in such a senior position of power and yet, she was and she won.  Everybody won thanks to Mo.

She was frank, often blunt and refreshingly honest for a politician, a Cabinet Minister at that.

One can't even begin to imagine the trauma she and her family were enduring.  Throughout the exhausting peace talks, she continued her chemo, taking medication to prevent her being sick so she could stay at the table.  A table that culminated in the signing of the Good Friday Agreement on 10th April 1998.

Sadly Mo died in August 2005, aged just 55, her determination to win ensuring peace for a time in Northern Ireland and more than the 3 years she was allotted in 1996.  In her short time, she made a difference!

Inspirational Quotes

"There was no metaphorical gun at my head, ... Putting my case face-to-face, arguing it through with them, I thought was the best way to do it"

"Many of us would like to make progress much quicker, ... But we have to bear in ind there are people around hat table who have had relatives and friends killed.  You don't forget that overnight." 

Useless facts:

• Sun sign (astrology): Virgo
• Birthplace: Watford

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Mini update......

I have been a little busy for the last couple of weeks and if you spotted my other blog, you would know why but today, it's time for a little downtime and a couple of observations.....

Firstly I should mention I am spending a few weeks in Europe so it is interesting to see and hear the vastly different viewpoints.... Quite a lot of change since our last visit.... But the big stand out is the emotion associated with anti immigration and a notable increase in anti gay sentiment as well as more overt church attendance.

I can understand the immigration resentment, the UK is only a little island and cannot sustain such uncontrolled growth and certainly can't afford the huge financial impact on the social state. It is, of course, this feeling the UKIP are tapping into and although I don't support or condone their propaganda, Britain either needs to leave the EU or overhaul the benefit system. A referendum in 2017 is too far away, the strength of feeling suggests this issue needs to be resolved sooner not later.

I was highly amused to read this article about women wearing trousers to  "deliberately make themselves unattractive" ... Not only unattractive, but it is "hostile behaviour" ...... there was I, thinking our sole purpose in life was to please our men. Ohhhhh for a return to the Victorian era when women knew their place - barefoot, chained to the sink and ideally pregnant .... Not a huge surprise to note the author of this statement is the latest financial contributor to the UKIP! What is this guy on???? This is the 21st century!

.... On the plus side, the fact that his donation of £10K equates to 20% of all donations to the party this year suggests they aren't as popular as the media would have us all believe!

... [in case you didn't hear it, there was a jingle of sarcasm in that last paragraph] ...

I can't help but think Nigel Farage is reveling in his current news appearances, once again the word "hatred" is prominent in his dialogue..... Why? He is being deliberately provocative.....

Equally disappointing is the apparent anti gay feeling..... Such a retrograde and disappointing step .... It is time to put this argument to bed, whoever is sleeping in it! Once again, I refer to Maurice Williamson and his fabulous parliamentary speech in New Zealand recently... He summed it up perfectly...

Check out his video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCDEiaoEP2U&feature=youtube_gdata_player

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!

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

Lefty's and a safer world?

So, first of all, let's establish what is a Lefty?  In this context, I am not talking about making various kitchen implements safer or easier to use for people with a bias towards being left-handed.  No, I am talking about people who lean to the left in their political views, beyond liberalism and heading towards communism.

In this unsafe world, these are the people who campaign for making everything safe all of the time, crusading and wearing down Governments until they "do something about it".  You see, the truth is they just can't lose.  If, for example, the Government or local council refuse to put up a rail along a high cliff and somebody falls off, they can say "see... told you so!"... who would dare to refuse to put up the rail?  This is just one example of a billion I could quote but hopefully you get the gist.

Just for a minute though... humour me, think of it another way.... imagine there is no rail and god forbid, you are responsible for your own actions.  If you take a walk along that cliff, you might take some care... think about the danger, tread cautiously perhaps?  If you don't, my word, you might fall off.  BUT... thank goodness... the rail is there and you can walk along the clifftop, blissfully unaware of any danger and feel completely safe.

Oh... but one day, the rail has become damaged, what then?  Is your mind tuned to watch out for danger? No, you have trained it to believe in an utterly safe world... there is no danger... so when the rail becomes damaged... over you go... off the cliff.... OK - so a little extreme and unlikely perhaps?  You can see the rail is damaged and so take extra caution....

What about when you are traveling though?  In a country with different values?  Where they just don't put safety rails along cliffs?  How were you supposed to know it was dangerous?  Surely if it was dangerous, they would have put a rail around it?  Your mind knows this, that is what living in an overly protected environment has taught it to think.... so as you topple off that foreign cliff... give it some thought... if only you had always had to think about danger.... and the rail at home had never been there... you would still be alive today perhaps?

There are plenty of stories of travelers falling off dangerous cliffs around the world... just maybe the Lefty's are a little bit responsible for that?

You see, the truth is, all of the cliffs in all of the world can never be given rails and so you need to learn and know they are dangerous, before you find out the hard way!

Children learn that falling over hurts and so they learn not to fall over.... would it be right or even possible to stop them from ever falling over in the first place?  I think not...

I  am not proposing we remove all the guard rails from every cliff... it's about balance... too often these days we hear of people falling over curbs and suing the council or in one recent case in the UK, a police officer suing a garage owner when she tripped over a curb on a 999 call!  She is also suing her employers for the time she crashed her police car too so a trend perhaps?  Clearly a woman who truly believes the world should be made of marshmallow so she doesn't get hurt!

The truth is, the world is a nasty place... full of hidden dangers, it isn't made of marshmallow and not chocolate either....

so sadly....

......  its time to grow up and watch where you are walking!!!

The Pope @ Easter

So, the Pope's Easter message?  Good?  Bad?  Indifferent?

For me?  Disappointing.... let me re-emphasise, I am not a Catholic, nor do I follow another religious doctrine, however I do acknowledge the Catholic Church has a significant influence on the populous.

As such, I was keen to hear what this new Pope's first Easter message might be.... he called for peace negotiations to resume in the Middle East, yes commendable... an end to civil war in Syria... here here.... an end to discord in many African nations... yay - totally agree.... but here's where we differ.... he is openly condemning areas of non-Catholic conflict.

What about Northern Ireland?  Hostilities are erupting there once again..... is it too much to ask that the Pope call for peace where his own religion is involved?  Overly ambitious perhaps?

And how easy is it to condemn "iniquitous exploitation of natural resources"?  So the Pope and his flock will be traveling by ... ermmmm .... donkey perhaps?

And so to the message he brought with him when he was ordained... what was it again? Oh Yes, i remember - "the Catholic Church would be a church, not just for the poor, but of the poor"... I didn't hear a lot in the Easter message about "giving away the riches of the Church" on his first major opportunity to put action behind his words!!!

So yes, for me disappointing.... deflecting attention away from any conflict in Ireland and barely a gold coin throw to the poor... he doesn't seem to be what he first appeared....

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!??