Monday, October 31, 2005
Scottish Tory Leader Resigns.
David McLetchie, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, has resigned.
In a classic example of the old saying about people in glass houses and the throwing of stones, the man who helped force the resignation of former First Minister Henry McLeish over office expenses has himself had to stand down, after being embroiled in a long running row about his taxi expenses of £11,500 over 5 years.
Will anyone in Scotland actually miss him anyway?
In a classic example of the old saying about people in glass houses and the throwing of stones, the man who helped force the resignation of former First Minister Henry McLeish over office expenses has himself had to stand down, after being embroiled in a long running row about his taxi expenses of £11,500 over 5 years.
Will anyone in Scotland actually miss him anyway?
Tooth Fairy Denied "Body Parts."
Four year old Kimberley Cumming had three teeth removed at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, and was looking forward to getting a wee bit of income from the tooth fairy. She even made a little box to carry her mini-molars home in.
Imagine her disappointment when the doctor refused to let her have the teeth, now classed as body parts which had to be disposed of by the hospital.
How stupid can these people at Raigmore get?
Imagine her disappointment when the doctor refused to let her have the teeth, now classed as body parts which had to be disposed of by the hospital.
How stupid can these people at Raigmore get?
Sunday, October 30, 2005
In The Military, Life Is Cheap.
The Ministry of Defence is to pay soldiers £500 if they persuade a friend to join the infantry, as recruiting numbers this year fall to half the required amount of men needed.
The bounty scheme has been introduced by the Army Recruiting Agency. The payment will be made to soldiers who persuade friends or family to join and complete training.
If I had friends in the army, I would have some doubts about what they really thought of me if they tried to get me to join up and have my ass shot off so they could collect a paltry £500.
A bit cheap for my life, I feel.
The Territorial Army is also in crisis, with over 6,000 soldiers quitting in the past year because of the Iraq war.
A £3m TV advertising campaign has only brought in 600 recruits.
The bounty scheme has been introduced by the Army Recruiting Agency. The payment will be made to soldiers who persuade friends or family to join and complete training.
If I had friends in the army, I would have some doubts about what they really thought of me if they tried to get me to join up and have my ass shot off so they could collect a paltry £500.
A bit cheap for my life, I feel.
The Territorial Army is also in crisis, with over 6,000 soldiers quitting in the past year because of the Iraq war.
A £3m TV advertising campaign has only brought in 600 recruits.
Coleman Confident Galloway Will Be Brought To Justice.
Senator Norm Coleman, the man George Galloway described as a "lickspittle," is to send a report to the United States Department of Justice within days, detailing the "cold, hard evidence" gathered on Galloway and his involvement in the oil-for-food scandal. He says he is fairly confident Galloway will be brought to justice.
"He is not an honourable man or a good man. I am offended by his conduct," said Coleman.
Galloway, of course, has already begged to be prosecuted and, presumably, will have his toothbrush packed in anticipation of the call.
"It's a constant pattern of deny, deny, deny," Coleman insists. "It's something he does all the time. Shifting the focus to something that is not in front of you."
That, indeed, is Wee George. Great on bluff and bluster, his flowery language covering the smell of the bullshit that hides the fact that he doesn't say a word that actually means anything.
"He is not an honourable man or a good man. I am offended by his conduct," said Coleman.
Galloway, of course, has already begged to be prosecuted and, presumably, will have his toothbrush packed in anticipation of the call.
"It's a constant pattern of deny, deny, deny," Coleman insists. "It's something he does all the time. Shifting the focus to something that is not in front of you."
That, indeed, is Wee George. Great on bluff and bluster, his flowery language covering the smell of the bullshit that hides the fact that he doesn't say a word that actually means anything.
Different Reactions To Young Lives Lost.
The tragic deaths of two boys aged 15 and 17 in France, who were electrocuted after apparently being chased by police, have led to rioting in Paris.
The equally tragic deaths of five teenagers, all between the ages of 15 and 17, in a stolen Metro which crashed in East Sussex after apparently being chased by police, have led to....... barely a comment.
The equally tragic deaths of five teenagers, all between the ages of 15 and 17, in a stolen Metro which crashed in East Sussex after apparently being chased by police, have led to....... barely a comment.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
People Who Don't Deserve Jobs.
I have no problem with people who aren't too bright, but there are exceptions. The ones who are so dumb, so lacking in common sense or logic it defies belief that anyone would employ them, even at the minimum wage.
Like the staff at a Co-Op supermarket in Bath, who refused to sell a 50 year old grandmother a packet of sparklers without proof that she was over 18. Her bank card was not accepted as proof and she was told she would need to produce a passport. She was not able to buy the sparklers.
And at a major teaching hospital in Dundee, a tradesman who had been working in the hospital fixing plastic windows has been issued with a parking ticket, which he is refusing to pay, and is being threatened with court action.
The repairman bought a parking ticket on arrival at the hospital, and returned to his small white van within the designated time, but was ticketed by a warden because the van had a sign along the side in big red letters saying "The Plastic Surgeon," but was not parked in an area reserved for surgical staff.
To add insult to injury, Vinci Park, the car park operator, have stood by the warden who issued the ticket, claiming that the repairman had failed to undergo an induction course to learn how to park correctly.
Like the staff at a Co-Op supermarket in Bath, who refused to sell a 50 year old grandmother a packet of sparklers without proof that she was over 18. Her bank card was not accepted as proof and she was told she would need to produce a passport. She was not able to buy the sparklers.
And at a major teaching hospital in Dundee, a tradesman who had been working in the hospital fixing plastic windows has been issued with a parking ticket, which he is refusing to pay, and is being threatened with court action.
The repairman bought a parking ticket on arrival at the hospital, and returned to his small white van within the designated time, but was ticketed by a warden because the van had a sign along the side in big red letters saying "The Plastic Surgeon," but was not parked in an area reserved for surgical staff.
To add insult to injury, Vinci Park, the car park operator, have stood by the warden who issued the ticket, claiming that the repairman had failed to undergo an induction course to learn how to park correctly.
Guantanamo UN Visit Useless.
The U.S. have invited three United Nations human rights investigators to visit the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, in an attempt to show that there is "nothing to hide."
The three visitors, including one who examines torture allegations, will be allowed to "ask questions of the command, staff and U.S. officials who would accompany them."
But not the prisoners.
In other words, a useless exercise that will tell nobody anything about what goes on there, except that the United States, like North Korea and some other countries, will attach "minders" to anyone who might look at the wrong things, try to talk to the wrong people, or ask the wrong questions.
The three visitors, including one who examines torture allegations, will be allowed to "ask questions of the command, staff and U.S. officials who would accompany them."
But not the prisoners.
In other words, a useless exercise that will tell nobody anything about what goes on there, except that the United States, like North Korea and some other countries, will attach "minders" to anyone who might look at the wrong things, try to talk to the wrong people, or ask the wrong questions.
Galloway - New Details In UN Report.
Following the recent U.S. Senate report on George Galloway - previous post here - and his alleged involvement in the oil-for-food scandal, a United Nations enquiry puts him under further pressure.
A 620-page report has been published after an 18 month enquiry headed by Paul Volcker, former chairman of the US Federal Reserve.
The Volcker report cites Iraqi Oil Ministry records showing that Galloway received allocations of million of barrels of oil to support the Mariam Appeal. Allocations of more than 18 million barrels went to Mr Galloway directly or indirectly through his Jordanian friend Fawaz Zureikat. Mr Zureikat paid $434,000 to the Mariam Appeal.
“This is all a tissue of lies and a lie doesn't become a truth through repetition,” said Galloway.
Nor does the tedious repetition of “this is all a tissue of lies" become a truth just because Gorgeous George would like us to think that.
A 620-page report has been published after an 18 month enquiry headed by Paul Volcker, former chairman of the US Federal Reserve.
The Volcker report cites Iraqi Oil Ministry records showing that Galloway received allocations of million of barrels of oil to support the Mariam Appeal. Allocations of more than 18 million barrels went to Mr Galloway directly or indirectly through his Jordanian friend Fawaz Zureikat. Mr Zureikat paid $434,000 to the Mariam Appeal.
“This is all a tissue of lies and a lie doesn't become a truth through repetition,” said Galloway.
Nor does the tedious repetition of “this is all a tissue of lies" become a truth just because Gorgeous George would like us to think that.
Friday, October 28, 2005
The Tearful Armed Robber.
A man armed with an imitation pistol who raided a bureau de change in Edinburgh burst into tears as he left the premises, after apologizing to the staff.
When asked by a passing policeman what was wrong, the man told him what he had just done.
He was jailed for four years.
When asked by a passing policeman what was wrong, the man told him what he had just done.
He was jailed for four years.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Biggs Release Plea Rejected.
Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs has had his appeal for release from prison on health grounds turned down.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke refused the request by 76 year old Biggs because his condition was not deemed terminal.
I would think being 76 is pretty terminal, even without heart attacks and strokes.
What a heartless and mean minded government this has turned out to be.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke refused the request by 76 year old Biggs because his condition was not deemed terminal.
I would think being 76 is pretty terminal, even without heart attacks and strokes.
What a heartless and mean minded government this has turned out to be.
Galloway - The Wee Man Talks Big.
I wouldn't like to say how many wee toerags from Dundee I've seen over the years waving their arms, fists clenched, shouting "C'mon, I'll take yiz a' oan," before being beaten and kicked to a pulp.
Typically, that most notorious wee Dundee toerag , George Galloway, is now shouting the same immortal words in his latest show of bravado and bluster, following the claims in a US Senate report about his alleged involvement in the Oil-for-Food scandal.
"I am begging for prosecution," the MP said. "I am saying if I have lied under oath in front of the Senate, that’s a criminal offence. Charge me and I will head for the airport right now and face them down in court."
I hope they call his bluff.
Some previous posts on Galloway HERE
Typically, that most notorious wee Dundee toerag , George Galloway, is now shouting the same immortal words in his latest show of bravado and bluster, following the claims in a US Senate report about his alleged involvement in the Oil-for-Food scandal.
"I am begging for prosecution," the MP said. "I am saying if I have lied under oath in front of the Senate, that’s a criminal offence. Charge me and I will head for the airport right now and face them down in court."
I hope they call his bluff.
Some previous posts on Galloway HERE
The Death Of Rosa Parks.
Apple paid tribute to Rosa Parks, who died on Monday, with this image on their homepage.
She dared to "Think Different," and what a difference it made.
Monday, October 24, 2005
A Law Unto Themselves.
A Chief Superintendent in the Metropolitan Police, the head of the traffic division, no less, has got off with a written warning for traveling in a marked police car at up to twice the speed limit. He was running late for a meeting.
Road safety campaigners are furious.
Surely by now it should be obvious to all that the police have laws which apply only to themselves and laws which they enforce on the rest of society. An organization that appears to be able to get away with murder are hardly going to worry about breaking the speed limit.
Road safety campaigners are furious.
Surely by now it should be obvious to all that the police have laws which apply only to themselves and laws which they enforce on the rest of society. An organization that appears to be able to get away with murder are hardly going to worry about breaking the speed limit.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
The Tory Leader Election.
I'd better mention it, I suppose. Everybody else has.
"Yawn."
Why am I bothering? They barely exist in Scotland, and probably never will be anything more here than a nasty nightmare.
I'd hate to be mistaken for someone who gives a damn.
Anyway, I've mentioned it.
"Yawn."
Why am I bothering? They barely exist in Scotland, and probably never will be anything more here than a nasty nightmare.
I'd hate to be mistaken for someone who gives a damn.
Anyway, I've mentioned it.
Cherie Blair Bullet-Proof And Armour Plated.
I suppose she needs to be bullet-proof, with a husband like Blair.
Cherie has become the first wife of a Prime Minister to get an official government car, an armour plated Vauxhall Omega, at a cost of £50,000 per year to the taxpayer.
Perhaps if Tony had stuck to being a normal Labour Prime Minister instead of a mini-dictator creating his own police state, with expansion plans taking in the odd Middle Eastern country, she wouldn't need one.
But I bet she's pissed off at getting a Vauxhall and not a Jaguar.
Cherie has become the first wife of a Prime Minister to get an official government car, an armour plated Vauxhall Omega, at a cost of £50,000 per year to the taxpayer.
Perhaps if Tony had stuck to being a normal Labour Prime Minister instead of a mini-dictator creating his own police state, with expansion plans taking in the odd Middle Eastern country, she wouldn't need one.
But I bet she's pissed off at getting a Vauxhall and not a Jaguar.
Police Abusing Terror Laws.
The BBC contacted police forces in England and Wales to enquire about stop and search numbers under section 44 of the Terrorism Act. Out of 43 forces contacted, only 18 responded with their figures, collected since 7 July.
Stop and search has risen from about 700 in 2003/4 to some 4,400 so far this year in Hampshire alone.
Figures vary widely between forces. Some have not used the powers at all.
The rise is frightening. Any fool can see that not too many of these actions are anything to do with terrorism, and more to do with police using the Act indiscriminately for their own ends.
Police are abusing their powers, as we have seen HERE, and HERE.
This is only the tip of the iceberg. It's going to get worse and worse, and all done with the blessing of the Blair government.
A police state is not the sort of country I want to live in.
Stop and search has risen from about 700 in 2003/4 to some 4,400 so far this year in Hampshire alone.
Figures vary widely between forces. Some have not used the powers at all.
The rise is frightening. Any fool can see that not too many of these actions are anything to do with terrorism, and more to do with police using the Act indiscriminately for their own ends.
Police are abusing their powers, as we have seen HERE, and HERE.
This is only the tip of the iceberg. It's going to get worse and worse, and all done with the blessing of the Blair government.
A police state is not the sort of country I want to live in.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Thirty Police Shootings, No Convictions.
Following up on my post yesterday about the police killing of Harry Stanley, this piece from the Independent lists the fatal shootings by police in the UK going as far back as 1993.
There are 30. Not one officer has been convicted of any of them.
Pretty shocking.
There are 30. Not one officer has been convicted of any of them.
Pretty shocking.
Teachers Rights And Dumb Cops.
Education Secretary Ruth Kelly is to introduce measures giving teachers legal rights to discipline pupils and restrain them when required.
A new law will give them "clear and unambiguous rights" to restrain kids using "reasonable force."
What is reasonable force?
The London policeman HERE probably considered he was meting out "discipline" and using "reasonable force" when he put a cheeky teenager in a bin.
He has been suspended - probably for being dumb enough to allow himself to be filmed doing it.
A new law will give them "clear and unambiguous rights" to restrain kids using "reasonable force."
What is reasonable force?
The London policeman HERE probably considered he was meting out "discipline" and using "reasonable force" when he put a cheeky teenager in a bin.
He has been suspended - probably for being dumb enough to allow himself to be filmed doing it.
Friday, October 21, 2005
First Avian Flu In UK.
A parrot that died in quarantine has tested positive for avian flu.
Chief vet Debby Reynolds said: "The confirmed case does not affect the UK's official disease free status because the disease has been identified in imported birds during quarantine."
___________________________
UPDATE:
All birds in quarantine unit culled.
Staff have been given antiviral treatment.
Location has been kept secret so far.
In a BBC radio news interview the Chief vet wouldn't give a clear answer when asked more than once whether there was any possibility that the disease could have spread beyond the boundary of the quarantine unit.
Chief vet Debby Reynolds said: "The confirmed case does not affect the UK's official disease free status because the disease has been identified in imported birds during quarantine."
___________________________
UPDATE:
All birds in quarantine unit culled.
Staff have been given antiviral treatment.
Location has been kept secret so far.
In a BBC radio news interview the Chief vet wouldn't give a clear answer when asked more than once whether there was any possibility that the disease could have spread beyond the boundary of the quarantine unit.
Met Police Shootings.
Harry Stanley was shot and killed by police in London in 1999 as he walked home carrying a newly repaired coffee table leg in a plastic bag. Armed officers thought it was a sawn-off shotgun after a member of the public called police to report that a man with an Irish accent (Harry was Scots) was carrying a shotgun.
Subsequently, after two inquests and a verdict of unlawful killing, which was eventually overturned by the High Court, two officers were arrested in 2005.
Yesterday the Crown Prosecution Service announced there was insufficient evidence to proceed with a prosecution.
Lawyers acting for the family of Mr Stanley said the decision would undermine public confidence in the police.
I would think it should.
In the wake of the Jean Charles de Menezes killing, with around ten officers up to the rank of deputy assistant commissioner potentially facing manslaughter charges and Sir Ian Blair rather belatedly admitting he might have to resign, the suspicion that police are in any way above the law in deadly matters such as these is extremely disturbing.
Subsequently, after two inquests and a verdict of unlawful killing, which was eventually overturned by the High Court, two officers were arrested in 2005.
Yesterday the Crown Prosecution Service announced there was insufficient evidence to proceed with a prosecution.
Lawyers acting for the family of Mr Stanley said the decision would undermine public confidence in the police.
I would think it should.
In the wake of the Jean Charles de Menezes killing, with around ten officers up to the rank of deputy assistant commissioner potentially facing manslaughter charges and Sir Ian Blair rather belatedly admitting he might have to resign, the suspicion that police are in any way above the law in deadly matters such as these is extremely disturbing.
Mutharika. Do We Want This Character In Scotland?
Nicola Sturgeon, deputy leader of the Scottish National Party, has urged First Minister Jack McConnell to delay the visit by President Mutharika of Malawi to Scotland.
Wee Jack is not taking the advice. He says the President is "certainly still coming."
He is determined to give large wads of our cash to a corrupt leader with a liking for luxury cars who's country is facing famine, and who is likely to be impeached.
Patricia Kaliati, Mutharika's information minister, said he would not cancel the Scottish visit. "After all, we are going to benefit from it," she said.
Yes, I bet they will. I doubt if his starving people will, though.
Surely, if McConnell must dabble at playing big time politics, he could do better than this dubious character.
Or is Mutharika the only President our Jack can find that'll talk to him?
Wee Jack is not taking the advice. He says the President is "certainly still coming."
He is determined to give large wads of our cash to a corrupt leader with a liking for luxury cars who's country is facing famine, and who is likely to be impeached.
Patricia Kaliati, Mutharika's information minister, said he would not cancel the Scottish visit. "After all, we are going to benefit from it," she said.
Yes, I bet they will. I doubt if his starving people will, though.
Surely, if McConnell must dabble at playing big time politics, he could do better than this dubious character.
Or is Mutharika the only President our Jack can find that'll talk to him?
Dead Stupid Cops.
A man in Australia who had been missing for nine days was discovered dead in his car - two days after a parking officer had slapped a ticket on the vehicle without noticing the poor man sitting quietly inside.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
God On The Run.
A man serving 20 years for murder in Romania is suing God for not keeping him out of trouble. The action is likely to be dropped, say court officials, because they can't subpoena God.
Why not?
If he's scarpered and gone into hiding, they should put out an arrest warrant for him. He can't be that hard to recognize.
Why not?
If he's scarpered and gone into hiding, they should put out an arrest warrant for him. He can't be that hard to recognize.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
"Inverness Not A City - Will Never Be A City."
Edinburgh City Council's design leader, Riccardo Marini says, "Inverness is not a city. It's the fastest growing housing estate in Europe. It will never be a city."
Predictably, the Highland Council have responded with childish jibes and insults, and a local builder has said he thinks Edinburgh is jealous of Inverness.
Oh yes. Of course. Inverness is such a beautiful place compared to Edinburgh.
I sometimes wonder if any of these characters have ever been further south than their own noses are from their eyes.
Marini is right. Inverness is a city only in name, and it doesn't deserve the title. It does lack the social spaces found in real cities, the housing estates are mediocre and are the only thing growing in Inverness apart from the weeds.
See previous post, "Inverness? Oh Dear."
Predictably, the Highland Council have responded with childish jibes and insults, and a local builder has said he thinks Edinburgh is jealous of Inverness.
Oh yes. Of course. Inverness is such a beautiful place compared to Edinburgh.
I sometimes wonder if any of these characters have ever been further south than their own noses are from their eyes.
Marini is right. Inverness is a city only in name, and it doesn't deserve the title. It does lack the social spaces found in real cities, the housing estates are mediocre and are the only thing growing in Inverness apart from the weeds.
See previous post, "Inverness? Oh Dear."
Inverness? Oh Dear!
The Highland Year of Culture. How embarrassing!
A marketing campaign in Grand Central Station, New York. Inverness with a pivotal role in attracting visitors to Scotland. How can anyone stand up and utter this rubbish with a straight face?
Inverness doesn't need money spent on attracting visitors to enjoy its "culture." Every city in the world has at least one untalented busker accompanied by a skinny mongrel lying on a dirty blanket all day while the "artist" tortures the eardrums of passers-by in the hope of being thrown a few pennies.
What Inverness needs is millions spent cleaning up the dirty, dingy, neglected town, sorting out the traffic chaos and pedestrianizing the centre. It's a disgusting mess, light years behind other Scottish cities in that absolutely no effort has been made to make the place attractive to visitors and locals.
Go North Music Festival to move from Aberdeen to Inverness for 2007. Bagpipes, fiddles and accordians?
A six-day International Orienteering Championships in Strathspey. That'll be thrilling for spectators standing in the rain.
World Mountain Biking Championships at Fort William. A82 trunk road choked with traffic, accidents and log trucks. See an environmental disaster area at Ben Nevis.
A national exhibition by the National Museums Of Scotland and National Library Of Scotland at Inverness Museum & Art Gallery. It's tiny, awful, and needs demolishing.
Blas - the annual noncompetitive celebration of Gaelic language and culture, launched this year. Blethering in a dead language.
The Scottish Wheelchair Curling Championships at Inverness Ice Rink. Four wheel drive wheelchairs and big lumps of granite.
If that's culture, I'd rather throw the busker a quid before getting off to Glasgow, Edinburgh or Dundee - real cities with real culture.
A marketing campaign in Grand Central Station, New York. Inverness with a pivotal role in attracting visitors to Scotland. How can anyone stand up and utter this rubbish with a straight face?
Inverness doesn't need money spent on attracting visitors to enjoy its "culture." Every city in the world has at least one untalented busker accompanied by a skinny mongrel lying on a dirty blanket all day while the "artist" tortures the eardrums of passers-by in the hope of being thrown a few pennies.
What Inverness needs is millions spent cleaning up the dirty, dingy, neglected town, sorting out the traffic chaos and pedestrianizing the centre. It's a disgusting mess, light years behind other Scottish cities in that absolutely no effort has been made to make the place attractive to visitors and locals.
Go North Music Festival to move from Aberdeen to Inverness for 2007. Bagpipes, fiddles and accordians?
A six-day International Orienteering Championships in Strathspey. That'll be thrilling for spectators standing in the rain.
World Mountain Biking Championships at Fort William. A82 trunk road choked with traffic, accidents and log trucks. See an environmental disaster area at Ben Nevis.
A national exhibition by the National Museums Of Scotland and National Library Of Scotland at Inverness Museum & Art Gallery. It's tiny, awful, and needs demolishing.
Blas - the annual noncompetitive celebration of Gaelic language and culture, launched this year. Blethering in a dead language.
The Scottish Wheelchair Curling Championships at Inverness Ice Rink. Four wheel drive wheelchairs and big lumps of granite.
If that's culture, I'd rather throw the busker a quid before getting off to Glasgow, Edinburgh or Dundee - real cities with real culture.
Peter Mullan And The Vucaj Kids.
Actor Peter Mullan and Robina Qureshi, director of Positive Action in Housing visited the Vucaj family in northern Albania after their deportation from Glasgow.
Peter gives a personal view here in the Herald.
It makes heartbreaking reading, and is written in the Glasgow Scots the kids talk after their five years in Scotland.
Peter gives a personal view here in the Herald.
It makes heartbreaking reading, and is written in the Glasgow Scots the kids talk after their five years in Scotland.
Identity Card Card Rebellion - Not Good Enough.
"It is not since the Domesday Book - a system of registration put into place by the Normans, or the New Normans as I suspect they were known - that British people have been required with their families to attend a certain place at a certain time in order to have their details measured." Bob Marshall-Andrews, Labour rebel.
The first testing vote on the ID card bill yesterday was won by the government, despite 25 Labour MPs voting against.
Not much of a rebellion from that lot then.
Interestingly, the four contenders for the Conservative leadership didn't even bother to turn up, along with 37 other Tory clowns.
I cannot understand for the life of me why the public in this country are accepting this gross erosion of our freedom so quietly. It's as though they WANT to live in a police state.
The first testing vote on the ID card bill yesterday was won by the government, despite 25 Labour MPs voting against.
Not much of a rebellion from that lot then.
Interestingly, the four contenders for the Conservative leadership didn't even bother to turn up, along with 37 other Tory clowns.
I cannot understand for the life of me why the public in this country are accepting this gross erosion of our freedom so quietly. It's as though they WANT to live in a police state.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Mugabe On Bush And Blair.
President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, speaking at a United Nations food and agriculture meeting in Rome, changed the subject and compared British Prime Minister Tony Blair and U.S. President Bush with Hitler and Mussolini.
Being a reasonably vicious, dangerous and mad dictator himself, Mugabe should know.
He said they were "international terrorists" bent on world domination.
"Must we allow these men, the two unholy men of our millennium, who in the same way as Hitler and Mussolini formed an unholy alliance, formed an alliance to attack an innocent country?"
"Is this the world we desire? The world of giants and international terrorists who use their state muscle in order to intimidate us? We become the midgets."
He's not far wrong.
Being a reasonably vicious, dangerous and mad dictator himself, Mugabe should know.
He said they were "international terrorists" bent on world domination.
"Must we allow these men, the two unholy men of our millennium, who in the same way as Hitler and Mussolini formed an unholy alliance, formed an alliance to attack an innocent country?"
"Is this the world we desire? The world of giants and international terrorists who use their state muscle in order to intimidate us? We become the midgets."
He's not far wrong.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Golden Balls - A Snip At £62,000
Residents of Spean Bridge in the Scottish Highlands ponder over the record price paid for a blackface ram.
Colcam.Image
Colcam.Image
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Home Office To Continue Dawn Raids In Scotland.
The disgraceful practice of raiding the homes of asylum seekers at dawn, and dragging women and children off in handcuffs is to continue in Scotland.
Immigration Minister Tony McNulty has defended the Gestapo tactics, and says the methods used are not inhumane.
I suppose Hitler said much the same as the Jews were being rounded up and gassed.
The Scottish people don't want to be associated with this kind of behaviour from a government in England led by control freak Blair and his mad cronies. The kind of policy - on immigration, terror, Iraq war, to name but a few - could result in Blair becoming more hated North of the border than the woman he admires so much and seems to want to outdo in heartlessness, harshness and inhumanity.
Thatcher. Still mortally loathed in Scotland after all the years since her departure.
Blair is heading for the same legacy.
___________________________
The Positive Action in Housing website, with updates on the Vucaj family and the campaign to get them returned to Glasgow, HERE.
Immigration Minister Tony McNulty has defended the Gestapo tactics, and says the methods used are not inhumane.
I suppose Hitler said much the same as the Jews were being rounded up and gassed.
The Scottish people don't want to be associated with this kind of behaviour from a government in England led by control freak Blair and his mad cronies. The kind of policy - on immigration, terror, Iraq war, to name but a few - could result in Blair becoming more hated North of the border than the woman he admires so much and seems to want to outdo in heartlessness, harshness and inhumanity.
Thatcher. Still mortally loathed in Scotland after all the years since her departure.
Blair is heading for the same legacy.
___________________________
The Positive Action in Housing website, with updates on the Vucaj family and the campaign to get them returned to Glasgow, HERE.
Pakistan.
The television footage of the Pakistan earthquake has been increasingly difficult to watch over the past few days. The images of the survivors, the dreadful suffering of the bereaved, the horribly injured children and adults have been extremely graphic and horrendous.
This is not a criticism of the coverage - I believe news should be reported and documented accurately and with minimum editing and sanitizing.
I can only speak for the BBC here, as that is my television news source of choice. They have presented the facts, shown us the reality of life and death in the face of nature at her most violent, and the desperate struggle for survival that is taking place after the catastrophic tremors have subsided, and we can begin to comprehend what Hell on earth is like, and see a glimpse of the fragility of life itself.
Journalism at it's best.
They have given us real reality television, and there's no mistaking it for entertainment.
This is not a criticism of the coverage - I believe news should be reported and documented accurately and with minimum editing and sanitizing.
I can only speak for the BBC here, as that is my television news source of choice. They have presented the facts, shown us the reality of life and death in the face of nature at her most violent, and the desperate struggle for survival that is taking place after the catastrophic tremors have subsided, and we can begin to comprehend what Hell on earth is like, and see a glimpse of the fragility of life itself.
Journalism at it's best.
They have given us real reality television, and there's no mistaking it for entertainment.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Asylum Test Case Victory.
A ruling by the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal on Zimbabwe says that even asylum seekers who have made fraudulent claims cannot be sent back because the very act of seeking refuge in Britain marks them out for possible abuse from the Mugabe regime authorities.
The tribunal said that it was "rather alarming" that the Home Office showed "a lack of interest" in how those it was sending home were being received.
Wouldn't it be nice to think the government would accept this highly critical ruling and stop sending people back to any country where there is a risk of torture or abuse. And accept that the assurances of authorities in countries that regularly use torture and say they wont use it on returning refugees is useless and doesn't mean a thing.
Blair and the Home Office have a mean, inhuman and dictatorial streak about them. They will do everything in their power to get round this ruling, because deep down they don't care about the human rights or fate of asylum seekers.
They just want rid of them, whatever the cost.
The tribunal said that it was "rather alarming" that the Home Office showed "a lack of interest" in how those it was sending home were being received.
Wouldn't it be nice to think the government would accept this highly critical ruling and stop sending people back to any country where there is a risk of torture or abuse. And accept that the assurances of authorities in countries that regularly use torture and say they wont use it on returning refugees is useless and doesn't mean a thing.
Blair and the Home Office have a mean, inhuman and dictatorial streak about them. They will do everything in their power to get round this ruling, because deep down they don't care about the human rights or fate of asylum seekers.
They just want rid of them, whatever the cost.
Skye Bridge Tolls Illegal.
Around 130 people were convicted and fined, some went to prison, for refusing to pay the toll on the Skye bridge. The crossing charges were scrapped only last year after the Scottish Executive bought back the bridge.
Now it seems that the tolls were illegal, and the bridge operators never had the required license to charge motorists, who forked out £33m for the privilege of crossing.
This bridge, and the misery, hardship and anger it caused is just another little example of the "legacy" of dictator Thatcher and her Tory government.
That money will never be paid back, but convictions should be overturned and fines paid back at the very least.
Colcam.Image
Now it seems that the tolls were illegal, and the bridge operators never had the required license to charge motorists, who forked out £33m for the privilege of crossing.
This bridge, and the misery, hardship and anger it caused is just another little example of the "legacy" of dictator Thatcher and her Tory government.
That money will never be paid back, but convictions should be overturned and fines paid back at the very least.
Colcam.Image
Charles Clarke Laughs At ID Card Joke.
I think this is the first time I have seen Home Secretary Charles Clarke smiling.
No wonder. He's holding up an identity card, and telling us that we will "only" have to pay £30.00 to carry one - or go to jail.
"No-one who wants to protect their identity need pay more,"Clarke said.
Ooh, what a bargain, I want two at that price guv!
Any mention of protecting us from terrorists, the original argument from the government for wanting the introduction of the card, has been dropped. Now they tell us it is to protect our identity.
It's a joke and the British public are falling for it - that's why Clarke can't control his mirth.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Make Room For The "Disappeared."
Our jails are overcrowded, full up, bunged. Prisoners are being held in police cells because there are already 77,600 people "inside."
Prison Governors are calling for criminals to be released early and electronically tagged.
Great idea.
With no new jails planned, the two Blairs - Met chief Ian and PM Tony - are going to need the space freed up by throwing criminals out on the street to house the new "disappeared," the inevitable innocent victims of the new police state who will be "banged up" for 90 days without trial on the flimsiest and most ridiculous of excuses.
Prison Governors are calling for criminals to be released early and electronically tagged.
Great idea.
With no new jails planned, the two Blairs - Met chief Ian and PM Tony - are going to need the space freed up by throwing criminals out on the street to house the new "disappeared," the inevitable innocent victims of the new police state who will be "banged up" for 90 days without trial on the flimsiest and most ridiculous of excuses.
Blunkett - Yet Another "Honest Mistake."
David Blunkett, the Work and Pensions Secretary (I'm getting really fed up typing out the long title of his post in government. He should get a shorter one, like "unemployed") has been reported to the House of Commons authorities for using Commons headed paper to object to a building development. He also failed to disclose in the letter that he owned the property which backs on to the site, and signed the letter with his ministerial title, although the letter was about a private matter.
"This was an honest mistake in good faith," said a spokesman.
It seems to me Blunkett makes far too many "honest mistakes" to be a cabinet minister. He would appear to be not only untrustworthy but emotionally unstable, and far too fond of using his position of power for his own ends.
This is the minister who is getting hot under the collar about benefit fraud and cutting down on incapacity payments to sick people. He tells us that the present benefit system is "crackers" and advises sick people that working is better for stress and depression than watching daytime television.
He pledges "a whole range of medical, social, therapeutic interventions" to get people off benefit and back to work.
I would suggest that it is perhaps Blunkett who requires medical, social, therapeutic intervention instead of hanging round Annabel's nightclub looking for expensive women and making a fool of himself. A good dose of daytime television in between dole days might give him an insight into the real world and diminish his arrogance.
But if I was the clerk at the dole office he was signing on at I would be double checking everything he said in relation to his claim for unemployment benefit. "Honest mistakes" aren't allowed when you're claiming benefit - they just prosecute you.
"This was an honest mistake in good faith," said a spokesman.
It seems to me Blunkett makes far too many "honest mistakes" to be a cabinet minister. He would appear to be not only untrustworthy but emotionally unstable, and far too fond of using his position of power for his own ends.
This is the minister who is getting hot under the collar about benefit fraud and cutting down on incapacity payments to sick people. He tells us that the present benefit system is "crackers" and advises sick people that working is better for stress and depression than watching daytime television.
He pledges "a whole range of medical, social, therapeutic interventions" to get people off benefit and back to work.
I would suggest that it is perhaps Blunkett who requires medical, social, therapeutic intervention instead of hanging round Annabel's nightclub looking for expensive women and making a fool of himself. A good dose of daytime television in between dole days might give him an insight into the real world and diminish his arrogance.
But if I was the clerk at the dole office he was signing on at I would be double checking everything he said in relation to his claim for unemployment benefit. "Honest mistakes" aren't allowed when you're claiming benefit - they just prosecute you.
Jean Charles de Menezes. What Chance Of Truth And Justice?
The family of Jean Charles de Menezes have made an official complaint about the misinformation which went uncorrected by police following his killing in London.
They have called for the truth about what happened to come out, and want the police who were involved charged. The family have also called for the resignation of Sir Ian Blair, the Met Police commissioner.
Hardly an unreasonable request after the lies and attempted cover-up which almost certainly took place after the debacle that led to the unlawful killing of an innocent man on the very first use of the "shoot to kill policy."
I'm not sure if they, or the British public, will ever know the truth about the whole sordid affair, given the rather unhealthy relationship Ian Blair seems to have with that other Blair - the Prime Minister. It seems like when the cop demands anything, Tony jumps.
Even if the demand is for a police state, which is just about where we are now.
They have called for the truth about what happened to come out, and want the police who were involved charged. The family have also called for the resignation of Sir Ian Blair, the Met Police commissioner.
Hardly an unreasonable request after the lies and attempted cover-up which almost certainly took place after the debacle that led to the unlawful killing of an innocent man on the very first use of the "shoot to kill policy."
I'm not sure if they, or the British public, will ever know the truth about the whole sordid affair, given the rather unhealthy relationship Ian Blair seems to have with that other Blair - the Prime Minister. It seems like when the cop demands anything, Tony jumps.
Even if the demand is for a police state, which is just about where we are now.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Feline Pissedofficus.
Spike is his everyday name.
Feline Pissedofficus is his Latin title.
Displeased at being left at home alone yesterday, Feline Pissedofficus will sit and glare at me for at least the rest of today, will eject as much fur as he can over keyboards and other sundry items on my desk, bat the mouse and move directly in front of the monitor if I try to use this computer.
He never does this unless he feels he has been hard done by, then he makes it last.
I am relegated to the laptop for the day.
Feline Pissedofficus is his Latin title.
Displeased at being left at home alone yesterday, Feline Pissedofficus will sit and glare at me for at least the rest of today, will eject as much fur as he can over keyboards and other sundry items on my desk, bat the mouse and move directly in front of the monitor if I try to use this computer.
He never does this unless he feels he has been hard done by, then he makes it last.
I am relegated to the laptop for the day.
Freezer Expedition.
Why no posts on Tuesday?
We needed a freezer. The Mongrel was off yesterday, so once more we gave retailers in Inverness a chance to take our cash money. Not that we actually drove the 60 miles through there on the off-chance. We know better than that, so we phoned the few places who sell freezers to see what was available.
Waste of money for the calls. Curries, the national chain who are part of the PC World group ( yes, the PC World who sell second-hand computers as new) weren't even bothering to answer their phones yesterday. We eventually got them to phone us after contacting their head office, who e-mailed them with our number. Yes, the helpful lady told us, we do have the freezer you want. Come and give us your money and we will deliver in several days, and no, sorry, we don't actually give you them away with you because we only sell them, we don't keep any in the shop - and would you be interested in our extended warranty which costs nearly as much as the item you want to give us the money for but can't have today?
After more like that, into the car, up to the end of our road, two choices. Turn right and head for Dundee or turn left and head for Glasgow. Both about the same distance, Dundee wins because the road is slightly better. After 130 miles and a tray of Indian snacks for breakfast (at 3pm) while the Mongrel did her dodgy overtaking of terrified tourists routine to keep herself amused, we went to the first shop we came to and our new freezer was in the car inside ten minutes - and we saved money on it.
Then we filled up the car, and saved more because petrol is so much cheaper than up North.
So we went and spent some of the savings on:
What a great album. I had never heard Katie Melua till I heard the track "Nine Million Bicycles" on the car stereo while we were on our way to Dundee. Where we live radio reception is almost non-existent so I do get behind on music.
Buying the album reminded the Mongrel that she had promised me an iPod Shuffle for my birthday way back in March.
So she bought me one. The 1gb model, not the 512mb one. It's great.
It's close to a year now since I was last in Inverness to buy anything. That was when I decided nobody there wanted my money, and certainly nobody was willing to give a decent, friendly service.
Too busy ripping off gullible tourists, I guess.
We needed a freezer. The Mongrel was off yesterday, so once more we gave retailers in Inverness a chance to take our cash money. Not that we actually drove the 60 miles through there on the off-chance. We know better than that, so we phoned the few places who sell freezers to see what was available.
Waste of money for the calls. Curries, the national chain who are part of the PC World group ( yes, the PC World who sell second-hand computers as new) weren't even bothering to answer their phones yesterday. We eventually got them to phone us after contacting their head office, who e-mailed them with our number. Yes, the helpful lady told us, we do have the freezer you want. Come and give us your money and we will deliver in several days, and no, sorry, we don't actually give you them away with you because we only sell them, we don't keep any in the shop - and would you be interested in our extended warranty which costs nearly as much as the item you want to give us the money for but can't have today?
After more like that, into the car, up to the end of our road, two choices. Turn right and head for Dundee or turn left and head for Glasgow. Both about the same distance, Dundee wins because the road is slightly better. After 130 miles and a tray of Indian snacks for breakfast (at 3pm) while the Mongrel did her dodgy overtaking of terrified tourists routine to keep herself amused, we went to the first shop we came to and our new freezer was in the car inside ten minutes - and we saved money on it.
Then we filled up the car, and saved more because petrol is so much cheaper than up North.
So we went and spent some of the savings on:
What a great album. I had never heard Katie Melua till I heard the track "Nine Million Bicycles" on the car stereo while we were on our way to Dundee. Where we live radio reception is almost non-existent so I do get behind on music.
Buying the album reminded the Mongrel that she had promised me an iPod Shuffle for my birthday way back in March.
So she bought me one. The 1gb model, not the 512mb one. It's great.
It's close to a year now since I was last in Inverness to buy anything. That was when I decided nobody there wanted my money, and certainly nobody was willing to give a decent, friendly service.
Too busy ripping off gullible tourists, I guess.
Monday, October 10, 2005
McCartney Sisters Get Award, And A Word From Bill.
I am delighted to see the McCartney Sisters Honoured with a special award at the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards. After all they have been through, are still going through, and all they have done, they deserve every award going.
Bill Clinton, in a fine gesture from a man who is a real friend of Ireland, recorded a video message which was played at the ceremony.
He said:
"Your fight for justice born out of the tragic loss of Robert and your efforts to bring his assailants to trial have won you respect and admiration all around the world, not least here in the United States. Because you stood up against those who wanted to silence you and continued to speak out despite intimidation and threats, I have no doubt that your campaign contributed to the historic changes that have recently taken place in Northern Ireland."
He's right.
Bill Clinton, in a fine gesture from a man who is a real friend of Ireland, recorded a video message which was played at the ceremony.
He said:
"Your fight for justice born out of the tragic loss of Robert and your efforts to bring his assailants to trial have won you respect and admiration all around the world, not least here in the United States. Because you stood up against those who wanted to silence you and continued to speak out despite intimidation and threats, I have no doubt that your campaign contributed to the historic changes that have recently taken place in Northern Ireland."
He's right.
Dusk In The Highlands.
Supporters To Visit Deported Vucaj Family.
Robina Qureshi of PAIH and actor Peter Mullan have left for Albania to visit the Vucaj family from Glasgow.
They hope to find grounds for the family to be returned to Scotland. Law firm Drummond Miller have offered to represent the family and take up the case with First Minister Jack McConnell and Home Secretary Charles Clarke.
PREVIOUS POSTS AND BACKGROUND TO THIS DREADFUL CASE HERE.
They hope to find grounds for the family to be returned to Scotland. Law firm Drummond Miller have offered to represent the family and take up the case with First Minister Jack McConnell and Home Secretary Charles Clarke.
PREVIOUS POSTS AND BACKGROUND TO THIS DREADFUL CASE HERE.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
I've Had Enough - Gone To Lie Down.
I was up early today, watched the news on TV then listened to the news on the radio. Browsed more news online then read the news in the Sunday papers.
Pakistan, and the earthquake death toll at 25,000 and rising, with thousands injured. Guatamala with 508 confirmed dead and a warning that 1,400 might have died in two villages in the worst affected areas after Tropical Storm Stan.
Mind boggling numbers, unimaginable horror. Thousands of UK Asian citizens going through Hell, frantic for news about relatives in the earthquake zone.
Bird flu in Romania and Turkey and Osama Bin Laden looking for nuclear weapons. Melting ice caps, Mount Everest 4 metres shorter than before, and England winning a football match....... I can't go on.
It's only 2.35pm but that's it, I'm off to my bed.
Back later if there's anyone left out there.
G'night.
Pakistan, and the earthquake death toll at 25,000 and rising, with thousands injured. Guatamala with 508 confirmed dead and a warning that 1,400 might have died in two villages in the worst affected areas after Tropical Storm Stan.
Mind boggling numbers, unimaginable horror. Thousands of UK Asian citizens going through Hell, frantic for news about relatives in the earthquake zone.
Bird flu in Romania and Turkey and Osama Bin Laden looking for nuclear weapons. Melting ice caps, Mount Everest 4 metres shorter than before, and England winning a football match....... I can't go on.
It's only 2.35pm but that's it, I'm off to my bed.
Back later if there's anyone left out there.
G'night.
More Questions About Blunkett.
Is David Blunkett really fit to be the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions?
In a further development arising from his relationship with a 29 year old blonde, questions have now arisen over his financial affairs.
The family of wheeler-dealer businessman Tariq Siddiqi, who introduced Blunkett to the blonde, own a company that says they paid Blunkett for three months work. This should have been declared to parliament if that is indeed the case, although Blunkett insists he only did two weeks work. He further maintains that, as this was just before the general election he had "technically" resigned as an MP.
Ah yes, the "technically" word. That always seems to crop up in sticky situations.
Funnily enough, while Blunkett wants us all to work until the age of 67 instead of the present age of 65, the company says he didn't seem to have any time to do very much in the way of work for them anyway.
In a further development arising from his relationship with a 29 year old blonde, questions have now arisen over his financial affairs.
The family of wheeler-dealer businessman Tariq Siddiqi, who introduced Blunkett to the blonde, own a company that says they paid Blunkett for three months work. This should have been declared to parliament if that is indeed the case, although Blunkett insists he only did two weeks work. He further maintains that, as this was just before the general election he had "technically" resigned as an MP.
Ah yes, the "technically" word. That always seems to crop up in sticky situations.
Funnily enough, while Blunkett wants us all to work until the age of 67 instead of the present age of 65, the company says he didn't seem to have any time to do very much in the way of work for them anyway.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Another Day, Another Disaster.
At the beginning of this week Tropical Storm Stan wreaked havoc in Central America. Flooding and mudslides have left hundreds dead. Guatemala alone had 508 confirmed deaths by today, with more expected.
Now, at the end of the same week, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake earthquake affecting three countries, Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, with nearly 3,000 feared dead in the worst affected areas. Again, a much higher toll can be expected.
The scale of these disasters is huge, the human suffering unimagineable and, as always, the poor of the world take the brunt of it all.
Now, at the end of the same week, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake earthquake affecting three countries, Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, with nearly 3,000 feared dead in the worst affected areas. Again, a much higher toll can be expected.
The scale of these disasters is huge, the human suffering unimagineable and, as always, the poor of the world take the brunt of it all.
The Vucaj Family - Scotland Is Ashamed.
Firstly, to the readers of this weblog who have added their support to the campaign by Positive Action In Housing to have the Vucaj family returned to their adopted home - Scotland.
THANK YOU, to those in Scotland, England, America and elsewhere who took the time to respond. Your compassion puts our government to shame.
The Dossier of Expressions of Revulsion can be seen HERE in PDF form.
From the PAIH website on DAY 26, this:
Open letter to Jack McConnell, First Minister of Scotland:
We appeal to Jack McConnell, First Minister of Scotland.
We know you love children. Please don't let these children's futures be sacrificed. Don't end her dreams or break her spirit. If you spoke to her once you would know why she and her family is so loved by her community, and why that community is now breaking its heart.
Please bring Saida Vucaj and her family back to Glasgow. She dreams about being back in her classroom at her desk. Please be the one to bring her back to Scotland and lead her by the hand back to her classroom in Drumchapel High Secondary School. People will love and respect you for it. And she will make you and Scotland proud one day with her achievements. Please make representations on behalf of Scotland to Charles Clarke, Home Secretary, and return the Vucaj children to Glasgow.
First Minister, that just about says it all, but I would add that if you do what is asked of you by the people of Scotland, and by caring people of so many other countries, you will have done the greatest thing yet in your career - restored our pride in our wee country and our faith in the Scottish Parliament.
And, of course, more importantly, saved a decent, honest and popular family from a frightening and uncertain future.
Truly, I and the whole of Scotland WOULD love and respect you for that.
___________________________
For anyone not familiar with the arrest and deportation of the Vucaj family and the disgraceful and inhumane treatment they received at the hands of the state, some previous posts:
Shaming of Scotland - 13-9-05
Asylum, Home Office Inhumane - 17-9-05
Jack Wakes Up Briefly - 22-9-05
Vucaj Family Deported - 29-9-05
Vucaj Family Update - 4-10-05
If anybody else out there would like to add to the dossier, they can do so by going to the Positive Action in Housing website, or e-mail robina@paih.org right now from here. C'mon, please do it now and at the same time send your message of support DIRECT to First Minister Jack McConnell at firstminister@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Saida Vucaj.
(Thanks to Robina at PAIH)
THANK YOU, to those in Scotland, England, America and elsewhere who took the time to respond. Your compassion puts our government to shame.
The Dossier of Expressions of Revulsion can be seen HERE in PDF form.
From the PAIH website on DAY 26, this:
Open letter to Jack McConnell, First Minister of Scotland:
We appeal to Jack McConnell, First Minister of Scotland.
We know you love children. Please don't let these children's futures be sacrificed. Don't end her dreams or break her spirit. If you spoke to her once you would know why she and her family is so loved by her community, and why that community is now breaking its heart.
Please bring Saida Vucaj and her family back to Glasgow. She dreams about being back in her classroom at her desk. Please be the one to bring her back to Scotland and lead her by the hand back to her classroom in Drumchapel High Secondary School. People will love and respect you for it. And she will make you and Scotland proud one day with her achievements. Please make representations on behalf of Scotland to Charles Clarke, Home Secretary, and return the Vucaj children to Glasgow.
First Minister, that just about says it all, but I would add that if you do what is asked of you by the people of Scotland, and by caring people of so many other countries, you will have done the greatest thing yet in your career - restored our pride in our wee country and our faith in the Scottish Parliament.
And, of course, more importantly, saved a decent, honest and popular family from a frightening and uncertain future.
Truly, I and the whole of Scotland WOULD love and respect you for that.
___________________________
For anyone not familiar with the arrest and deportation of the Vucaj family and the disgraceful and inhumane treatment they received at the hands of the state, some previous posts:
Shaming of Scotland - 13-9-05
Asylum, Home Office Inhumane - 17-9-05
Jack Wakes Up Briefly - 22-9-05
Vucaj Family Deported - 29-9-05
Vucaj Family Update - 4-10-05
If anybody else out there would like to add to the dossier, they can do so by going to the Positive Action in Housing website, or e-mail robina@paih.org right now from here. C'mon, please do it now and at the same time send your message of support DIRECT to First Minister Jack McConnell at firstminister@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Saida Vucaj.(Thanks to Robina at PAIH)
Bush - Messenger Of God And Death.
Oh Dear!
The leader of the most powerful nation in the world thinks God talks to him.
He thinks he is carrying out a divine mission by attacking and occupying Iraq and Afghanistan.
Dubya starts a Holy War, a Crusade. God told him to do it. A battle between good and evil, with radical Islam as the global menace and the U.S. as the force of freedom.
The world is full of lunatic asylums packed with poor souls who hear voices. They don't even have to cause the deaths of 2,000 American troops and countless thousands of Iraqi people to get locked up in padded cells.
Bush is no messenger of God. He's bonkers - wired to the moon but not plugged in.
___________________________
UPDATE.
WHITE HOUSE DENIAL.
The White House has denied that Bush said that he was instructed by God to invade Iraq and Afghanistan.
Nabil Shaath, former Palestinian Foreign Minister, said that in June 2003 he heard Mr Bush tell Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Prime Minister: “God would tell me, ‘George, go and fight those terrorists in Afghanistan’, and I did, and then God would tell me, ‘George, go and end the tyranny in Iraq’, and I did.”
A Bush Administration official said: “This account is false.”
___________________________
FURTHER UPDATE.
Nabil Shaath stands by his comments but concedes Bush was using a figure of speech.
Same thing. And I believe the Palestinian Ministers before I would believe a word that comes out of the White House.
And he's still wired to the moon and still not plugged in.
The leader of the most powerful nation in the world thinks God talks to him.
He thinks he is carrying out a divine mission by attacking and occupying Iraq and Afghanistan.
Dubya starts a Holy War, a Crusade. God told him to do it. A battle between good and evil, with radical Islam as the global menace and the U.S. as the force of freedom.
The world is full of lunatic asylums packed with poor souls who hear voices. They don't even have to cause the deaths of 2,000 American troops and countless thousands of Iraqi people to get locked up in padded cells.
Bush is no messenger of God. He's bonkers - wired to the moon but not plugged in.
___________________________
UPDATE.
WHITE HOUSE DENIAL.
The White House has denied that Bush said that he was instructed by God to invade Iraq and Afghanistan.
Nabil Shaath, former Palestinian Foreign Minister, said that in June 2003 he heard Mr Bush tell Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Prime Minister: “God would tell me, ‘George, go and fight those terrorists in Afghanistan’, and I did, and then God would tell me, ‘George, go and end the tyranny in Iraq’, and I did.”
A Bush Administration official said: “This account is false.”
___________________________
FURTHER UPDATE.
Nabil Shaath stands by his comments but concedes Bush was using a figure of speech.
Same thing. And I believe the Palestinian Ministers before I would believe a word that comes out of the White House.
And he's still wired to the moon and still not plugged in.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Heavy Duty Wonderbra Supports Life.
A woman caught in crossfire during a shoot-out between two gangs was hit by a stray bullet.
Luckily she was wearing her Wonderbra at the time.
Luckily she was wearing her Wonderbra at the time.
Sharp Shock For Brambles On Her Rambles.
Brambles the Yorkshire Terrier was out for a walk with her owner in Aberdeen when she became the victim of an attempted abduction by a Harris Hawk employed by the council to deter seagulls.
"A hawk trying to eat your dog is the last thing you expect to happen in Aberdeen," said the hapless pooches shocked owner.
Aurora, the errant bird, has been suspended on full pay pending an enquiry by council officials.
"A hawk trying to eat your dog is the last thing you expect to happen in Aberdeen," said the hapless pooches shocked owner.
Aurora, the errant bird, has been suspended on full pay pending an enquiry by council officials.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Remains Found On Isle Of Skye.
A body found in the Cuillin mountains on Skye might be that of the fell runner missing since September.
Very sad, but no surprise to anyone living in the Highlands. We know what conditions can be like and, unlike visitors, we don't underestimate the elements.
There will be more searches, with rescuers lives put at risk, and more bodies this winter.
Very sad, but no surprise to anyone living in the Highlands. We know what conditions can be like and, unlike visitors, we don't underestimate the elements.
There will be more searches, with rescuers lives put at risk, and more bodies this winter.
Doris Goes To Hell.
Following on from my post on the shooting of Loyalist Jim Gray in East Belfast, The Times has a detailed and interesting profile of a mad Bastard.
From Freedom Corner in East Belfast straight to Hell.
From Freedom Corner in East Belfast straight to Hell.
Kaspy And The Smoked Duck.
Kaspy the Border Collie.......
Has a toy DUCK.......
She loves the duck and plays continually with it.......
But last nite she threw it into the fire.......
And we got it out again in seconds....... charred and smoked.......
But not overcooked.
Colcam.Image
Has a toy DUCK.......
She loves the duck and plays continually with it.......
But last nite she threw it into the fire.......
And we got it out again in seconds....... charred and smoked.......
But not overcooked.
Colcam.Image
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Walter Assault Investigation.
Sussex police are investigating after allegations of assault were made against the stewards who threw Walter Wolfgang out of the Labour Party conference.
The same police force have apologized to Walter for holding him using anti-terrorism laws.
Assistant chief constable Geoff Williams said: "This was a genuine mistake and I am writing to you to apologise for the distress this may have caused you."
It wasn't a genuine mistake, it was stupidity and bullying by police who think they can do what they like with no comeback.
The same police force have apologized to Walter for holding him using anti-terrorism laws.
Assistant chief constable Geoff Williams said: "This was a genuine mistake and I am writing to you to apologise for the distress this may have caused you."
It wasn't a genuine mistake, it was stupidity and bullying by police who think they can do what they like with no comeback.
Leading Loyalist Shot Dead In Belfast.
Leading Loyalist Jim Gray was shot dead after answering the door at his house in East Belfast last night.
Although he was reportedly being given police protection, two gunmen were able to walk up to his door and ring the bell, blow him away, and escape.
Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
Another blatantly gratuitous foto of an East Belfast mural.
Colcam.Image
Although he was reportedly being given police protection, two gunmen were able to walk up to his door and ring the bell, blow him away, and escape.
Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
Another blatantly gratuitous foto of an East Belfast mural.
Colcam.Image
October, Loch Lochy, Scotland.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
The Vucaj Family - An Update And A Plea For Your Help.
After the deportation of the Vucaj family from Glasgow the other week, this update from Robina Qureshi, the Director of Positive Action in Housing.
Since last week's devastating news about the Vucaj family's sudden deportation from the UK, we have made contact with the family.
The family are desperate to return to the UK. Saida in particular cannot leave her house or go to school, similar to 90% of girls in rural areas like her who are denied an education because it is too unsafe because of sex trafficking. Thousands of Albanian women are trafficked every year. Girls like Saida are a valuable commodity for the traffickers.
So, the fight is on to bring Glasgow's daughter Saida and her family back where they belong. Positive Action in housing calls for the First minister to use the Fresh Talent Initiative to bring home the Vucaj family.
“The Home Office threw the Vucaj family out through the 'front door' called reserved asylum matters, we are calling on Jack McConnell to return the family through the back door called the Fresh Talent Initiative”
Robina is asking everyone to email home@paih.org to support the call to First Minister Jack McConnell to bring back the Vucaj family through the fresh talent initiative.
I too ask the folks who read this weblog - in Britain, America, Australia, Canada and elsewhere around the world - to please take a minute and send an e-mail in support.
Thanks.
Since last week's devastating news about the Vucaj family's sudden deportation from the UK, we have made contact with the family.
The family are desperate to return to the UK. Saida in particular cannot leave her house or go to school, similar to 90% of girls in rural areas like her who are denied an education because it is too unsafe because of sex trafficking. Thousands of Albanian women are trafficked every year. Girls like Saida are a valuable commodity for the traffickers.
So, the fight is on to bring Glasgow's daughter Saida and her family back where they belong. Positive Action in housing calls for the First minister to use the Fresh Talent Initiative to bring home the Vucaj family.
“The Home Office threw the Vucaj family out through the 'front door' called reserved asylum matters, we are calling on Jack McConnell to return the family through the back door called the Fresh Talent Initiative”
Robina is asking everyone to email home@paih.org to support the call to First Minister Jack McConnell to bring back the Vucaj family through the fresh talent initiative.
I too ask the folks who read this weblog - in Britain, America, Australia, Canada and elsewhere around the world - to please take a minute and send an e-mail in support.
Thanks.
Mr Miller Has The Right Idea.
Talking of electricity pylons and wind farms, which I was earlier today, Donald Miller in Caithness wants to put three wind turbines on his land.
He has the right idea. He should go for for twenty three instead.
What else can you usefully do with Caithness, for Gods sake?
He has the right idea. He should go for for twenty three instead.
What else can you usefully do with Caithness, for Gods sake?
"Experts" And How They Earn Their Pay.
No doubt the "experts" from government agency Communities Scotland are congratulating themselves on their breathtaking cleverness, after their studies led them to conclude that second homes have led to local people not being able to find affordable housing to buy or even rent.
The Highlands, they have discovered, has the most, with over six thousand.
Great research - and great expense too. I suspect these people are not employed on the minimum wage, being extremely bright "experts". No doubt quite a few of them have holiday homes in the Highlands or Argyll too.
The most vacant headed village idiot in the Highlands, complete with straw sticking out of his ears and incapable of holding down the simplest job, could have told them that ten years or more ago for the price of a dram and a half pint in the local pub.
The Highlands, they have discovered, has the most, with over six thousand.
Great research - and great expense too. I suspect these people are not employed on the minimum wage, being extremely bright "experts". No doubt quite a few of them have holiday homes in the Highlands or Argyll too.
The most vacant headed village idiot in the Highlands, complete with straw sticking out of his ears and incapable of holding down the simplest job, could have told them that ten years or more ago for the price of a dram and a half pint in the local pub.
Scottish Power Struggle.
The Ramblers Association and campaign group Cairngorms Group Against Pylons and just about every other motley band of incomers to the Highlands are up in arms about the proposal for new electricity pylons which will run through a wee bit of the Cairngorms National Park.
Colcam.Image
With nuclear power back on the agenda, courtesy of Tony Blair, and the Scottish Executive keeping its options open on new nuclear power stations, the groups who protest about pylons and wind farms could end up wishing they had kept their smart-assed mouths shut.
Many of these new pylons will follow the course of the A9, the main route from Central Scotland to the Highlands and Inverness. The existing pylons have been there for many years. The ones which replace them will be a bit taller, but the numbers will be reduced.
Upgrade the pylons. The clean power is needed urgently, and upgrade the A9 to dual carriageway at the same time. That would save lives on one of the most dangerous roads in Scotland. Throw in a great big wind farm or three for good measure.
Colcam.Image
Electricity pylons are not pretty, but they already exist in huge numbers all over the country. They are not going to go away and any small reduction, which is what is proposed, should be welcomed rather than hindered.
Colcam.Image
With nuclear power back on the agenda, courtesy of Tony Blair, and the Scottish Executive keeping its options open on new nuclear power stations, the groups who protest about pylons and wind farms could end up wishing they had kept their smart-assed mouths shut.
Many of these new pylons will follow the course of the A9, the main route from Central Scotland to the Highlands and Inverness. The existing pylons have been there for many years. The ones which replace them will be a bit taller, but the numbers will be reduced.
Upgrade the pylons. The clean power is needed urgently, and upgrade the A9 to dual carriageway at the same time. That would save lives on one of the most dangerous roads in Scotland. Throw in a great big wind farm or three for good measure.
Colcam.Image
Electricity pylons are not pretty, but they already exist in huge numbers all over the country. They are not going to go away and any small reduction, which is what is proposed, should be welcomed rather than hindered.
Chinese Chimp And The Mongrel Quit Smoking.
A chimpanzee in China has given up smoking. She squealed for cigarettes for the first few days.
And here at the ass-end of nowhere in the Scottish Highlands the Mongrel has also quit the ciggies, and is squealing louder than the chimp.
Colcam is keeping out of her way.
And here at the ass-end of nowhere in the Scottish Highlands the Mongrel has also quit the ciggies, and is squealing louder than the chimp.
Colcam is keeping out of her way.
Monday, October 03, 2005
The North Sea Oil Cover-Up.
After 30 years, a secret report has been released on the significance of North Sea oil and what the economy of an independent Scotland would look like.
The economy of an independent Scotland, properly managed, would "tend to be in chronic surplus to a quite embarrassing degree".
Instead, we're all sitting here struggling to pay our council tax and worrying about winter heating bills.
The economy of an independent Scotland, properly managed, would "tend to be in chronic surplus to a quite embarrassing degree".
Instead, we're all sitting here struggling to pay our council tax and worrying about winter heating bills.
Thatcher And The DeLay Corruption Scandal.
The U.S. Justice Department has asked the Metropolitan Police to question Margaret Thatcher on details of a meeting with Tom DeLay in the UK in 2000.
Why not just deport the crazy old bat to the U.S. then refuse to let her back.
Why not just deport the crazy old bat to the U.S. then refuse to let her back.
Labours Control Freakery Has Gone Too Far.
The Labour Party conference in Brighton has been dominated by Walter Wolfgang and one word - "Nonsense."
Most people, if they ever took notice of what Tony Blair and the others said about policies, have forgotten by now. The things which will be remembered, apart from the one word uttered by Walter before he was manhandled, ejected and held under the Terrorism Act, will be the paranoid control freakery, the use of the Anti-Terrorism Act on an 82 year old man, the attempts to stifle any debate on the Iraq war, the comparisons with Stalinism and Naziism.
Tony Blair said after his last election win that he would to listen to what the electorate were saying. He hasn't - because he hasn't had to.
The public in their apathy have been sitting back watching Britain slide steadily towards a police state. Our civil rights are being steadily eroded, and our police are starting to act like tools of the government.
Chief Constables are looking for more and more powers, less accountability, and are meddling in politics to get what they want. Scare tactics are used incessantly by government to woo a sleeping nation into giving up everything successive generations have held dear.
I hope the word "nonsense," the images of Walter Wolfgang being treated so disgracefully by the thugs employed by New Labour, and the ridiculous and over the top misuse of powers given to fight terrorism, not hecklers, are enough to wake people up to what Tony Blair is doing, and what kind of country we are letting him hand down to future generations.
Most people, if they ever took notice of what Tony Blair and the others said about policies, have forgotten by now. The things which will be remembered, apart from the one word uttered by Walter before he was manhandled, ejected and held under the Terrorism Act, will be the paranoid control freakery, the use of the Anti-Terrorism Act on an 82 year old man, the attempts to stifle any debate on the Iraq war, the comparisons with Stalinism and Naziism.
Tony Blair said after his last election win that he would to listen to what the electorate were saying. He hasn't - because he hasn't had to.
The public in their apathy have been sitting back watching Britain slide steadily towards a police state. Our civil rights are being steadily eroded, and our police are starting to act like tools of the government.
Chief Constables are looking for more and more powers, less accountability, and are meddling in politics to get what they want. Scare tactics are used incessantly by government to woo a sleeping nation into giving up everything successive generations have held dear.
I hope the word "nonsense," the images of Walter Wolfgang being treated so disgracefully by the thugs employed by New Labour, and the ridiculous and over the top misuse of powers given to fight terrorism, not hecklers, are enough to wake people up to what Tony Blair is doing, and what kind of country we are letting him hand down to future generations.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Is Blunkett Unhinged?
David Blunkett, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, is reported to have told a woman half his age, and only weeks after their first date, that he wanted to have children with her.
Friends say she has received "frightening" phone calls from people close to Blunkett, telling her not to talk to the press.
It seems that Blunkett has offered to help her in the publishing of a book, but she has told friends she "dare not say" what form of assistance he could give.
Given events in the recent past involving this man, it must be open to question whether he is a fit and proper person to be a member of the government.
The more I hear about him the more I think he's a complete nut case.
Friends say she has received "frightening" phone calls from people close to Blunkett, telling her not to talk to the press.
It seems that Blunkett has offered to help her in the publishing of a book, but she has told friends she "dare not say" what form of assistance he could give.
Given events in the recent past involving this man, it must be open to question whether he is a fit and proper person to be a member of the government.
The more I hear about him the more I think he's a complete nut case.
Mad And Madder In The USA.
A judge in America has ordered a girl not to have sex.
WHAT?
We have some fairly eccentric old judges in the UK, but Texas Judge Lauri Blake should be locked up in a secure room with rubber walls.
She could share her padded cell with William Bennet, the Republican moral crusader who thinks aborting all black babies would be a way of cutting the U.S. crime rate.
WHAT?
We have some fairly eccentric old judges in the UK, but Texas Judge Lauri Blake should be locked up in a secure room with rubber walls.
She could share her padded cell with William Bennet, the Republican moral crusader who thinks aborting all black babies would be a way of cutting the U.S. crime rate.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Police Chief Blair Should Think Again - Then Resign.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair said recently that he had considered resigning after the killing of Jean Charles de Menezes but decided against it.
He should think again.
Within hours of the killing, Blair wrote a letter giving instructions on why the shooting shouldn't be investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Authority, and trying to get immunity, or military rules of engagement for firearms officers to prevent them being prosecuted. The letter was released by the Home Office under the Freedom of Information Act.
The family of Jean Charles, who are presently in Britain, are quite rightly asking why this letter was written so quickly after the shooting if, as Blair insists, he did not know an innocent man had been killed until 24 hours after the event.
This case stinks, and has smacked of lies, cover-up, and incompetence from the start. Blair should be writing another letter right now, resigning immediately.
___________________________
Police who were involved in the killing have already been warned they could face criminal charges.
They should. As the police themselves are so fond of telling us when they are attempting to take away our rights and reduce our freedom, if you've done nothing wrong, you've nothing to fear.
He should think again.
Within hours of the killing, Blair wrote a letter giving instructions on why the shooting shouldn't be investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Authority, and trying to get immunity, or military rules of engagement for firearms officers to prevent them being prosecuted. The letter was released by the Home Office under the Freedom of Information Act.
The family of Jean Charles, who are presently in Britain, are quite rightly asking why this letter was written so quickly after the shooting if, as Blair insists, he did not know an innocent man had been killed until 24 hours after the event.
This case stinks, and has smacked of lies, cover-up, and incompetence from the start. Blair should be writing another letter right now, resigning immediately.
___________________________
Police who were involved in the killing have already been warned they could face criminal charges.
They should. As the police themselves are so fond of telling us when they are attempting to take away our rights and reduce our freedom, if you've done nothing wrong, you've nothing to fear.
A Wee "Tot" From Sweden.
In Scotland you can have a wee "tot" of whisky - a dram or a measure. A small child may be referred to as a "tot" - "Och whut a bonnie wee tot," or what a pretty child.
A couple in Sweden have called their "wee tot" Edradour, after the malt whisky of that name from the smallest distillery in Scotland.
And a fine wee tot it is too.
The child is probably bonnie too, being Swedish.
A couple in Sweden have called their "wee tot" Edradour, after the malt whisky of that name from the smallest distillery in Scotland.
And a fine wee tot it is too.
The child is probably bonnie too, being Swedish.
More Embarrassment For Control Freak Blair?
A leading anti-terrorism lawyer has offered to mount, free of charge, a private prosecution against the steward who threw Walter Wolfgang out of the Labour Party conference.
Walter has said he would be pleased to meet QC James Lewis to discuss his options.
Walter has said he would be pleased to meet QC James Lewis to discuss his options.
© Colcam 2005-2007
