Just look at this one.
http://endofbritain.blog-city.com/
Its named after a book by Peter Hitchens, which is screamingly funny - but whether he is the blogger or not, I am not sure.
This is another serious site which ought to be a parody.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Loony Right-wing Site of the week
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/
This one has to be seen to be believed. Its one of those sites which is so ridiculous, it could well be a hoax, but I have a horrible feeling it isn't....
This one has to be seen to be believed. Its one of those sites which is so ridiculous, it could well be a hoax, but I have a horrible feeling it isn't....
Friday, August 19, 2005
RIP Mo Mowlam
With the sickening stench of hypocrisy emanating from the Church, it is sad news to hear of the death of Mo Mowlam, a politician who inspired love and affection from all parts of the political spectrum.
I had the pleasure of meeting her three times, once before she was an MP when she addressed a CND meeting in Huddersfield, and then again twice after her election to Parliament. I think the reason why people liked her so much is that she was real, human, not 'spun 'and homogenised like so many of today's politicians.
Politics will be a lesser place without her. So will the Labour party. Robin Cook and now Mo Mowlam.
And this week I get a local Labour party leaflet so right wing it could have been composed by the Tories!
Sad days indeed.....
I had the pleasure of meeting her three times, once before she was an MP when she addressed a CND meeting in Huddersfield, and then again twice after her election to Parliament. I think the reason why people liked her so much is that she was real, human, not 'spun 'and homogenised like so many of today's politicians.
Politics will be a lesser place without her. So will the Labour party. Robin Cook and now Mo Mowlam.
And this week I get a local Labour party leaflet so right wing it could have been composed by the Tories!
Sad days indeed.....
More Church nonsense
This time, its Bishopess of Europe, closet case Georgina Rowell, who has decided to admonish the Anglican chaplaincy in Riga for holding a service for Gay pride. With a baying mob, a coalition of conservative Christians and the neo-fascist far right, shreiking outside, Georgina thinks its more appropriate to moan that she hadn't been asked first whether they could hold the service (diddums) and to say not a word about the behaviour of thses Christianonazis outside.
Given that Georgina, like many of her ilk, loathes women priests - it would spoli their cosy closet boyz club - no doubt she will be far happier when she can de-CAMP to Rome.
Godd riddance to a hypocritical closet-case of the worst order.
Given that Georgina, like many of her ilk, loathes women priests - it would spoli their cosy closet boyz club - no doubt she will be far happier when she can de-CAMP to Rome.
Godd riddance to a hypocritical closet-case of the worst order.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Sad news about Robin Cook
Its easy to knock politicians, but I was particularly sad to hear the news about the premature death of Robin Cook MP. A principled man and a sharp intellect, with a self-deprecating sense of humour. Parliament and the Labour party will be a lesser place without him
Saturday, August 06, 2005
The wonders of Montreal
Its a fantastic city. Its somewhere I had always wanted to go to, but it surpassed all expectations. Its a place of great contrasts, a North American city with a European feel, where French remains the main language used, where within half an hour one can be in the glorious wine-region countryside, or the resort area of the Laurentians, both of which we visited. Quebec's bog-standard still wine is nothing special, but they produce wonderful ice wines and ice ciders from frozen grapes and apples, and I tasted plenty of them and brought some home.
Some of the highlights.
Meeting up with Vincent and Lis again. Vincent is an old mate from University days. He's a great bloke, sceptical and principled, proud to have never voted in his life ( and has no intention of ever doing so .... I think he subscribes to the view that no matter who you vote for, the Government always gets in). He works overseas for the UN so has plenty of interesting and revealing tales. Lis is French-Canadian, a Montrealer, and they were spending some time on home leave, so it was a great opportunity to get together after some 11 years.
The Biodome. This is based in one of the old Olympic buildings (the 1976 Olympics, which Montrealers are paying for until next year - London, be warned!) - the cycle track, I think. It consists of four climatic region reconstructions under cover, including a rainforest and the Antarctic, complete with penguins. I do like penguins! The sort of place where you can be a big kid and get away with it.
C.R.A.Z.Y. I always like to see a film whilst I am away , and we were fortunate enough to find a cinema where this French language Quebecois was being shown with subtitles. Its excellent - well worth seeing. I'm not sure if it is due a British release or not.
The Biosphere. A museum about water - another big kid delight, and built on the 1967 EXPO site
Food! Montreal is a real foodie city, and we had some excellent meals. We would particularly recommend le Poisson Rouge, an informal French bistro which is a BYOW - bring your own wine - restaurant. Fish on the menu, very fresh and well cooked. On the more upmarket front, we liked le Chronique, Raza, and Brunoise. An occasion was the seafood platter at Au Pied de Cochon. To say it was large would be an understatement. Two tiers, including lobster, 2 sorts of crab, whelks, cockles, oysters, softshell crab tempura, winkles, mussels, huge clams - quite impressive to say the least. Their house special pud is a Quebec speciality 'pouding chomeur' - its the sweetest thing ever and quite divine.
Gay Pride. We visited during Gay Pride week, and attended the parade and the community fair. Both were great fun - though there seems to be something of a linguistic divide between the groups simply dependent upon what language they use in the group.
More still, but its getting late....
Some of the highlights.
Meeting up with Vincent and Lis again. Vincent is an old mate from University days. He's a great bloke, sceptical and principled, proud to have never voted in his life ( and has no intention of ever doing so .... I think he subscribes to the view that no matter who you vote for, the Government always gets in). He works overseas for the UN so has plenty of interesting and revealing tales. Lis is French-Canadian, a Montrealer, and they were spending some time on home leave, so it was a great opportunity to get together after some 11 years.
The Biodome. This is based in one of the old Olympic buildings (the 1976 Olympics, which Montrealers are paying for until next year - London, be warned!) - the cycle track, I think. It consists of four climatic region reconstructions under cover, including a rainforest and the Antarctic, complete with penguins. I do like penguins! The sort of place where you can be a big kid and get away with it.
C.R.A.Z.Y. I always like to see a film whilst I am away , and we were fortunate enough to find a cinema where this French language Quebecois was being shown with subtitles. Its excellent - well worth seeing. I'm not sure if it is due a British release or not.
The Biosphere. A museum about water - another big kid delight, and built on the 1967 EXPO site
Food! Montreal is a real foodie city, and we had some excellent meals. We would particularly recommend le Poisson Rouge, an informal French bistro which is a BYOW - bring your own wine - restaurant. Fish on the menu, very fresh and well cooked. On the more upmarket front, we liked le Chronique, Raza, and Brunoise. An occasion was the seafood platter at Au Pied de Cochon. To say it was large would be an understatement. Two tiers, including lobster, 2 sorts of crab, whelks, cockles, oysters, softshell crab tempura, winkles, mussels, huge clams - quite impressive to say the least. Their house special pud is a Quebec speciality 'pouding chomeur' - its the sweetest thing ever and quite divine.
Gay Pride. We visited during Gay Pride week, and attended the parade and the community fair. Both were great fun - though there seems to be something of a linguistic divide between the groups simply dependent upon what language they use in the group.
More still, but its getting late....
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Montreal...more to come
Just returned from a fantastic holiday in Montreal. Its a city which I would thoroughly recommend, a real fusion of different cultures and styles. More whan I recover properly from the jetlag....
More on the Church
The latest is instructive indeed. Gauleiter Akinola, witch-doctor superior of Nigeria, that well-known country marked by its awareness of womens equality, freedom from government corruption, and peaceful co-operation, has suggested that the Church of England should be suspended from the Anglican Communion.
Now, in itself, this is amusing indeed. The ANGLICan Comnunion is defined simply by being affiliated to Canterbury, and if your church looks towards Canterbury, then it is Anglican. If it splits from Canterbury, it isn't Anglican. Nothing much more to it that that.
This is the latest in a series of threats and promises that a significant number of provinces, probably a majority of the world's Anglicans, will be moving away from Canterbury and starting their own denomination. This time, the CofE's inadequate and cowardly response to civil partnership legislation and its application to clergy members has been swooped upon. I don't think I have met anyone on any side of the argument who sees this as anything other than a dog's dinner. Its a compromise which will please no-one.
Isn't it clear that the Anglican Communion would be better off splitting - and , indeed, the Church of England too? But there is a lot of pride involved. Perhaps if people sat down and looked honestly at the situation, some sort of agreed split might take place, but it looks as if some are planning to walk in any case.
Now, in itself, this is amusing indeed. The ANGLICan Comnunion is defined simply by being affiliated to Canterbury, and if your church looks towards Canterbury, then it is Anglican. If it splits from Canterbury, it isn't Anglican. Nothing much more to it that that.
This is the latest in a series of threats and promises that a significant number of provinces, probably a majority of the world's Anglicans, will be moving away from Canterbury and starting their own denomination. This time, the CofE's inadequate and cowardly response to civil partnership legislation and its application to clergy members has been swooped upon. I don't think I have met anyone on any side of the argument who sees this as anything other than a dog's dinner. Its a compromise which will please no-one.
Isn't it clear that the Anglican Communion would be better off splitting - and , indeed, the Church of England too? But there is a lot of pride involved. Perhaps if people sat down and looked honestly at the situation, some sort of agreed split might take place, but it looks as if some are planning to walk in any case.
Wahey! Looks like I've made it!
To be recognised by Gaybaiter-in-Chief Green is praise indeed. Of course - a lot of it is wrong (I'm a Dr not a Mr, I haven't been on the Police Authority for a year, and I didn't apply twice, I was approached the second time and asked if I wished to be reconsidered, and was successful....).
But still, I must be doing something right - though there are plenty of other gay-related activities which I don't have very much contact with...
But still, I must be doing something right - though there are plenty of other gay-related activities which I don't have very much contact with...
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Something new......
Its been an interesting week. Quite a few activities which I was asked to partake in - a seminar on equality and diversity ( and looks as if that will lead to a days paid training work), a local report on the activity of the Get Heard project, which I was part of a focus group for the gay and lesbian community perspective.
And the inaugural meeting of a new worship/reflection/study group which Steve, the Chaplain at Hope, has launched - a lot of enthusiasm there. I think there are so many people around who feel, for one reason or another, that Sunday church services don't meet their spiritual needs, and this sounds like a very exciting initiative. Anyway, I have volunteered to help put the next event together, and come September I think it will be held fortnightly.
And the inaugural meeting of a new worship/reflection/study group which Steve, the Chaplain at Hope, has launched - a lot of enthusiasm there. I think there are so many people around who feel, for one reason or another, that Sunday church services don't meet their spiritual needs, and this sounds like a very exciting initiative. Anyway, I have volunteered to help put the next event together, and come September I think it will be held fortnightly.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Dismissal from work
No, not mine.
Just a thought. I read an online story today which told of a paedophile claiming unfair dismissal because of dismissal from work after his conviction. It wasn't a post where children were involved.
If it is considered acceptable to dismiss someone because of what they have done, even if it is unrelated to the job and did not take place within work, then how will rehabilitation ever happen?
I note that the organisation he worked for was a Christian one.
Is there an easy way round this? Or are we essentially saying that after certain convictions have taken place, then that person should forever be shunned and not allowed to try and remake their lives?
Just a thought. I read an online story today which told of a paedophile claiming unfair dismissal because of dismissal from work after his conviction. It wasn't a post where children were involved.
If it is considered acceptable to dismiss someone because of what they have done, even if it is unrelated to the job and did not take place within work, then how will rehabilitation ever happen?
I note that the organisation he worked for was a Christian one.
Is there an easy way round this? Or are we essentially saying that after certain convictions have taken place, then that person should forever be shunned and not allowed to try and remake their lives?
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
The delusion of conservative evangelicals
Just to add to the last post, I watched the C4 programme hosted by Cristina Odone, who, in the making of the programme, changed her view from against to pro.
Featured were the standard closet FiF queens, as camp as a row of pink tents, probably married, and well experienced in sitting on their hands when anything to do with gay issues are concerned. They simply hate women and don;t want their boyz club spoiled.
Much worse, though, were the conservative evangelicals. The look on their faces in their worship service - the glazed, hyped up, stares, the false, trumped up emotionalism - the sheer delusion of it all.
If women bishops sees their departure , it will not only be good in itself, but will highly benefit the CofE.
Featured were the standard closet FiF queens, as camp as a row of pink tents, probably married, and well experienced in sitting on their hands when anything to do with gay issues are concerned. They simply hate women and don;t want their boyz club spoiled.
Much worse, though, were the conservative evangelicals. The look on their faces in their worship service - the glazed, hyped up, stares, the false, trumped up emotionalism - the sheer delusion of it all.
If women bishops sees their departure , it will not only be good in itself, but will highly benefit the CofE.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Women priests
So, now we have the other issue which sends the conservatives frantic centre-stage. Its an interesting one, this.
The evangelicals are mixed in their attitude. The majority are probably in favour, particularly the open evangelicals, but there remains a sizeable minority who are opposed, largely because of beliefs about 'headship', women not teaching in church, and so on.
The anglo-caths - well, the liberal/affirming catholics are in favour, but of course groups like Forward in Faith exist purely to try and keep women away from holy orders. Many in Backwoods in Bitterness are misogynistic old gin-and-lace queens who detest women - I have heard many of their conversations, and they are little sort of abhorrent, referring to women as 'fish' and 'priestesses'. Of course, many of these same queens are only too happy to both go against their supposed conservative view with regard to their OWN sexual activity, whilst conveniently either sitting on their hands when some of us are trying to make long-overdue changes or actually speaking against gay people in public. I can think of at least one priest who I have heard do this, not a million miles away from Oldham!
Anyway, their aim is a Third, woman-free province. I'm not particularly in favour of this, but it may set a good precedent for an inclusive, pro-gay and pro-women fourth province where conservatives are not welcome. Or, with any luck, this will push BiB out to Rome or Orthodoxy, and Reform closer towards support for the Reformed Protestant Church of Lagos (Prop: Gauleiter Akinola)
They won't be missed.
The evangelicals are mixed in their attitude. The majority are probably in favour, particularly the open evangelicals, but there remains a sizeable minority who are opposed, largely because of beliefs about 'headship', women not teaching in church, and so on.
The anglo-caths - well, the liberal/affirming catholics are in favour, but of course groups like Forward in Faith exist purely to try and keep women away from holy orders. Many in Backwoods in Bitterness are misogynistic old gin-and-lace queens who detest women - I have heard many of their conversations, and they are little sort of abhorrent, referring to women as 'fish' and 'priestesses'. Of course, many of these same queens are only too happy to both go against their supposed conservative view with regard to their OWN sexual activity, whilst conveniently either sitting on their hands when some of us are trying to make long-overdue changes or actually speaking against gay people in public. I can think of at least one priest who I have heard do this, not a million miles away from Oldham!
Anyway, their aim is a Third, woman-free province. I'm not particularly in favour of this, but it may set a good precedent for an inclusive, pro-gay and pro-women fourth province where conservatives are not welcome. Or, with any luck, this will push BiB out to Rome or Orthodoxy, and Reform closer towards support for the Reformed Protestant Church of Lagos (Prop: Gauleiter Akinola)
They won't be missed.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
The London bombings
Not a lot to say, really - I just hope thet there won;t be backlash against Muslim people, many of the victims were themselves Muslims.
This statement from good old Red Ken sums up my view
“This was a cowardly attack, which has resulted in injury and loss of life. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been injured, or lost loved ones. I want to thank the emergency services for the way they have responded.
I want to say one thing specifically to the world today. This was not a terrorist attack against the mighty and the powerful. It was not aimed at Presidents or Prime Ministers. It was aimed at ordinary, working-class Londoners, black and white, Muslim and Christian, Hindu and Jew, young and old. It was an indiscriminate attempt to slaughter, irrespective of any considerations for age, for class, for religion, or whatever.
That isn’t an ideology, it isn’t even a perverted faith - it is just an indiscriminate attempt at mass murder and we know what the objective is. They seek to divide Londoners. They seek to turn Londoners against each other. I said yesterday to the International Olympic Committee, that the city of London is the greatest in the world, because everybody lives side by side in harmony. Londoners will not be divided by this cowardly attack. They will stand together in solidarity alongside those who have been injured and those who have been bereaved and that is why I’m proud to be the mayor of that city.
Finally, I wish to speak directly to those who came to London today to take life.
I know that you personally do not fear giving up your own life in order to take others - that is why you are so dangerous. But I know you fear that you may fail in your long-term objective to destroy our free society and I can show you why you will fail.
In the days that follow look at our airports, look at our sea ports and look at our railway stations and, even after your cowardly attack, you will see that people from the rest of Britain, people from around the world will arrive in London to become Londoners and to fulfil their dreams and achieve their potential.
They choose to come to London, as so many have come before because they come to be free, they come to live the life they choose, they come to be able to be themselves. They flee you because you tell them how they should live. They don’t want that and nothing you do, however many of us you kill, will stop that flight to our city where freedom is strong and where people can live in harmony with one another. Whatever you do, however many you kill, you will fail.”
This statement from good old Red Ken sums up my view
“This was a cowardly attack, which has resulted in injury and loss of life. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been injured, or lost loved ones. I want to thank the emergency services for the way they have responded.
I want to say one thing specifically to the world today. This was not a terrorist attack against the mighty and the powerful. It was not aimed at Presidents or Prime Ministers. It was aimed at ordinary, working-class Londoners, black and white, Muslim and Christian, Hindu and Jew, young and old. It was an indiscriminate attempt to slaughter, irrespective of any considerations for age, for class, for religion, or whatever.
That isn’t an ideology, it isn’t even a perverted faith - it is just an indiscriminate attempt at mass murder and we know what the objective is. They seek to divide Londoners. They seek to turn Londoners against each other. I said yesterday to the International Olympic Committee, that the city of London is the greatest in the world, because everybody lives side by side in harmony. Londoners will not be divided by this cowardly attack. They will stand together in solidarity alongside those who have been injured and those who have been bereaved and that is why I’m proud to be the mayor of that city.
Finally, I wish to speak directly to those who came to London today to take life.
I know that you personally do not fear giving up your own life in order to take others - that is why you are so dangerous. But I know you fear that you may fail in your long-term objective to destroy our free society and I can show you why you will fail.
In the days that follow look at our airports, look at our sea ports and look at our railway stations and, even after your cowardly attack, you will see that people from the rest of Britain, people from around the world will arrive in London to become Londoners and to fulfil their dreams and achieve their potential.
They choose to come to London, as so many have come before because they come to be free, they come to live the life they choose, they come to be able to be themselves. They flee you because you tell them how they should live. They don’t want that and nothing you do, however many of us you kill, will stop that flight to our city where freedom is strong and where people can live in harmony with one another. Whatever you do, however many you kill, you will fail.”
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Officially doctored today...
Graduation, that is, nothing more hair-raising!
Had lunch at my favourite restaurant, London Carriage Works, then the graduation ceremony which went smoothly enough. My hat didn't fall off, and the weather wasn't quite as hot as I had feared - academic robes, particularly PhD ones, are very heavy!
Where next? I have my part-time teaching, and have made contact with a local consultancy who may be able to use me as a freelance associate. Plus will be applying for some freelance training work. Other than that,its still wait and see time.
So, a few opinions from the Merseymike soapbox:
1. The Olympics. Of no interest to me, I never watch it. However, I was opposed to the London bid. Not only will it mean yet more resources heaped upon the south-east ( with likely detrimental effect on the rest of the country) I have my doubts as to whether these sort of events can be paid for without a kike in taxes. If Londoners want the games, then they should pay for them. Enthusiasm will certainly wane if the expenditure is placed upon the public. And we all know how good UK governments are at running large events. Not.
2. Make Poverty History. Its been quite hard-headed and realistic. I hope it succeeds, but its really, in the long run, dependent on what the Americans choose to do. And aid and even debt relief won't help unless some of Africa's worst governments go. Indeed, how much of the increased resources will some of them get anyway? Is there any point in giving money to governments which will certainly not find its way to the people? There are some good people working in overseas aid, and I hope that they will not be disappointed
3. Films. Seen some good ones lately. In particular Mysterious Skin, which I would highly recommend. Its good to see out local independent cinema doing so well. We noted that we were just about the oldest people there last time we went, which bodes well for the future.
4. Sure there's more, but I'm exhausted!
Had lunch at my favourite restaurant, London Carriage Works, then the graduation ceremony which went smoothly enough. My hat didn't fall off, and the weather wasn't quite as hot as I had feared - academic robes, particularly PhD ones, are very heavy!
Where next? I have my part-time teaching, and have made contact with a local consultancy who may be able to use me as a freelance associate. Plus will be applying for some freelance training work. Other than that,its still wait and see time.
So, a few opinions from the Merseymike soapbox:
1. The Olympics. Of no interest to me, I never watch it. However, I was opposed to the London bid. Not only will it mean yet more resources heaped upon the south-east ( with likely detrimental effect on the rest of the country) I have my doubts as to whether these sort of events can be paid for without a kike in taxes. If Londoners want the games, then they should pay for them. Enthusiasm will certainly wane if the expenditure is placed upon the public. And we all know how good UK governments are at running large events. Not.
2. Make Poverty History. Its been quite hard-headed and realistic. I hope it succeeds, but its really, in the long run, dependent on what the Americans choose to do. And aid and even debt relief won't help unless some of Africa's worst governments go. Indeed, how much of the increased resources will some of them get anyway? Is there any point in giving money to governments which will certainly not find its way to the people? There are some good people working in overseas aid, and I hope that they will not be disappointed
3. Films. Seen some good ones lately. In particular Mysterious Skin, which I would highly recommend. Its good to see out local independent cinema doing so well. We noted that we were just about the oldest people there last time we went, which bodes well for the future.
4. Sure there's more, but I'm exhausted!
Monday, June 27, 2005
Church
We have started going again. Not to the same one, I hasten to add - but so far this seems like a good move. Its interesting, going somewhere else after so long at a single place of worship. One gets somewhat used to 'how things are done' and then tends not to notice how what develops is really not at all accessible and if anything, places barriers between itself and those it wishes to attract. We noticed, yesterday and last week, how much more relaxed the overall feel of the place is, particularly in terms of its attitude towards children, and it has made me re-assess the importance of churchmanship - or rather, its UN-importance. The obsessive, anally retentive behaviour of the liturgy queens who seem to think that a perfect liturgy is somehow the only thing that matters is simply alienating those outside that narrow band of opinion.
As for the good old Anglican 'Communion', it has given itself a further two years to continue to tear itself to shreds. ECUSA and Anglican Church of Canada are standing firm - thankfully - and at least will provide a base for an open and inclusive denomionation in the event of the inevitable collapse of the AC.
As for the good old Anglican 'Communion', it has given itself a further two years to continue to tear itself to shreds. ECUSA and Anglican Church of Canada are standing firm - thankfully - and at least will provide a base for an open and inclusive denomionation in the event of the inevitable collapse of the AC.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Landover Baptist and Betty Bowers
A site which has constantly proved to be great entertainment is the home page of landover baptist Church, representing all that is good about conservative evangelical Chrisatianity
http://www.landoverbaptist.org/
In particular, the ministry of Betty Bowers
http://www.bettybowers.com/bash.html
Enjoy!
http://www.landoverbaptist.org/
In particular, the ministry of Betty Bowers
http://www.bettybowers.com/bash.html
Enjoy!
More musings
The papers are full of the latest material about the European summit, which appears to be the same rather tired arguing about the same issues which went on in the Thatcher era. If Europe isn't to have a distinctive social model, and is to be a pale copy of the so-called 'Anglo-American' model, then the cynic in me thinks that the 51st State is coming ever closer. Having said that, the presence of two unpopular leaders nearing the end of their terms in France and Germany isn't helping. The CAP does need to be reformed, but as for the Blair vision, I can't say it excites me very much.
Our parliamentary constituency is essentially to be broken up in the next boundary review, and we will end up in a safe Labour seat. I wouldn't vote for the Labour incumbent, although this is likely to be his last term, and it made me think whether, had I not been voting in a marginal, I would have voted Labour, given that there was little or no real enthusiasm behing the choice, simply a desire to prevent a Tory government. However, there has been little or no evidence since the election that they have really learned from the experience.
A couple of examples. ID cards. I had mixed views at first. Being a non-driver, there is a practical case for them, as I often have problems finding suitable ID with an address, not having a driving licence. But the arguments being used in their favour are simply not convincing. They will have precisely no effect on 'terrorism', which seems to be the parrot cry to intruduce all sorts of anti-libertarian measures at present. They will undoubtedly be easy to forge, and will produce a new sideline in the creation of identities. And the cost issue is vital. It is an affront to expect citizens to pay for them. If the cost is £300 plus (as identified by former Labour councillor Professor Patrick Dunleavy of the LSE) then watch support flow away faster than high tide in Morecambe Bay.
And the Religious Hatred Bill. Again, I am in favour of its aims. The BNP use Islam as a convenient way of getting round the incitement to hatred legislation which currently exists, and I want that stopped. But I am ever more convinced that this Bill is not the best way to deal with it. The expectations of some groups arefar too high, and I think an amendment to the current legislation would have made most sense. At the same time, sexual oprientation could have been incorporated, as that will also have to be dealt with at some time. I don't think that many people would be in favour of a society where incitement to hatred is encouraged, and some of the claims of what the Bill might do have been fanciful and alarmist, particularly from Christian fundamentalist groupings such as the Evangelical Alliance (and generally, if they disagree with something, it usually means its worth supporting). But at the same time, there are many unanswered questions.
One thing which should certainly happen is the repeal of blasphemy legislation. Hatred against people because of their religious views is wrong. Criticising religion itself certainly isn't.
Our parliamentary constituency is essentially to be broken up in the next boundary review, and we will end up in a safe Labour seat. I wouldn't vote for the Labour incumbent, although this is likely to be his last term, and it made me think whether, had I not been voting in a marginal, I would have voted Labour, given that there was little or no real enthusiasm behing the choice, simply a desire to prevent a Tory government. However, there has been little or no evidence since the election that they have really learned from the experience.
A couple of examples. ID cards. I had mixed views at first. Being a non-driver, there is a practical case for them, as I often have problems finding suitable ID with an address, not having a driving licence. But the arguments being used in their favour are simply not convincing. They will have precisely no effect on 'terrorism', which seems to be the parrot cry to intruduce all sorts of anti-libertarian measures at present. They will undoubtedly be easy to forge, and will produce a new sideline in the creation of identities. And the cost issue is vital. It is an affront to expect citizens to pay for them. If the cost is £300 plus (as identified by former Labour councillor Professor Patrick Dunleavy of the LSE) then watch support flow away faster than high tide in Morecambe Bay.
And the Religious Hatred Bill. Again, I am in favour of its aims. The BNP use Islam as a convenient way of getting round the incitement to hatred legislation which currently exists, and I want that stopped. But I am ever more convinced that this Bill is not the best way to deal with it. The expectations of some groups arefar too high, and I think an amendment to the current legislation would have made most sense. At the same time, sexual oprientation could have been incorporated, as that will also have to be dealt with at some time. I don't think that many people would be in favour of a society where incitement to hatred is encouraged, and some of the claims of what the Bill might do have been fanciful and alarmist, particularly from Christian fundamentalist groupings such as the Evangelical Alliance (and generally, if they disagree with something, it usually means its worth supporting). But at the same time, there are many unanswered questions.
One thing which should certainly happen is the repeal of blasphemy legislation. Hatred against people because of their religious views is wrong. Criticising religion itself certainly isn't.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Jackson trial - not guilty verdict
Quite right too.
I'm suspicious of the compensation-fuelled child abuse industry, and this trial was a classic example of avaricious parents trying to grab some easy dollars.
Michael Jackson may be a bit strange, but I think the evidence in this case was flimsy in the extreme - I hope he can go back to the studio and make another great album.
I'm suspicious of the compensation-fuelled child abuse industry, and this trial was a classic example of avaricious parents trying to grab some easy dollars.
Michael Jackson may be a bit strange, but I think the evidence in this case was flimsy in the extreme - I hope he can go back to the studio and make another great album.
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