I think most people around the world know that Texas is the murder capital of the world, (or close to it after Iran). I’m talking about capital punishment, rather than out-and-out murder of innocent people, although it makes you wonder if there is much of a difference sometimes in both the case of Texas AND Iran.
I guess you could say that Iran is better than Texas in some cases – at least the punishment is carried out quickly – unlike Texas where the due process of “law” can take years.
Reginald Blanton, a 27-year old African American has been waiting 7 years on death row in Polunsky Prison Livingston, Texas. It is hard to believe that, in this, the 21st century, a so-called civilised society can act this way.
I am in no position to comment on his guilt or innocence; BUT, it appears from articles that his trial was far from impartial. Shoes worn by the defendant did not match shoeprints made at the murdered man’s home – the jury was an all-white one, black jurists having been kicked out by the prosecutor. Federal judge agreed that the prosecutor racially excluded African Americans from serving on his jury, yet still denied the appeal.
I lived in West Virginia on and off for 3 years, and many Americans consider it a redneck state – seems to me that Texas is full of them too at all levels of society.
He was granted a right to appeal in August this year, and we can only hope he receives a fair trial this time, although it seems to me that the words “Texas” and “fair trial” are a contradiction in terms in the same sentence.
There is a petition to sign on http://www.everyonegroup.com/.
Go sign it – his guilt or innocence is not in question – abuse of his human right are for sure.
I may be wrong, but Texas is, in my opinion, a state where many citizens sleep smugly comfortable in their beds at night, presumably happy knowing fellow citizens are kept waiting for years while lawyers gain fame and fortune. Not that the death penalty there, (or anywhere else come to that), seems very effective in preventing violent crimes; but many of those good old Lone Star state folks sure do love their pound of flesh when it comes to killing criminals. I read once that some believe it’s worth the odd innocent man being executed occasionally in order to ensure the guilty die too!!!!
Seems the more intelligent and well-educated people become, the more dumb they become too.
09 September 2008
30 July 2008
ITALIAN NAZIS ATTACK AGAIN
This is a photo of Victor and Elena when they met with Everyonegroup members - Victor and Elena are seated on the left. Surprise you, does it? They look like ordinary people.(photo taken by Steed Gamero Campos)
You doubt the existence of racism in Italy? Read on, and this is being written just 4 days after the incident happened – not Dickens’s 19th century London, but July 30th 2008.
But first, I will take a step back to August 10th last year, when 4 children, (Eva, Menjii, Danchiu and Lenuca Carolea), died in a fire in Italy. Yes, they were Roma, and their parents were arrested for abandoning them, having chased after some racists. When they came back to their place, it was ablaze and the 4 children died. A petrol bomb had been used to murder them – remains of molten glass were found in the debris – no ordinary fire can melt glass.
Victor, and his wife Elena, (parents of Lenuca), have been attacked again – last Saturday. Their makeshift home below the Citadella bridge in Pisa was destroyed by fire along with all their possessions – the fire almost certainly a direct result of more racist attacks.
They spent that night sleeping in a local park – until the police “took” them to the station and put them on a train to Livorno, where they were once again caught by police and shipped back to Pisa, where they are still wandering the streets homeless. There was no offer of assistance or help following their loss on Saturday, and no doubt the racist gangs responsible for both fires will keep trying – such blind prejudice and hatred does not fade, but grows stronger with each successful attack - grows stronger while the general population pretend none if this is happening, or choose to ignore it as not being their problem.
I said yesterday it is time for decent Italians to prove to the rest of Europe and the world they ARE NOT racist neo-Nazis – prove they are a people worthy of EU citizenship and NOT the lowest form if life on earth as they seek to racially cleanse the country.
We have an expression in English - tarred with the same brush. Well, if you decent Italians sit by and watch this happen again and again without doing anything then, yes, you deserve you be labelled neo-Nazi racists because of your apathy towards the plight of these people.
Also, the Italian government announces it is going to put 3.000 troops to patrol the streets to fight crime, although, having a suspicious nature. I suspect darker reasons for this move by the E.U.’s most primitive, racist country – or by its government anyway.
I have no words to describe the repulsion I feel towards many Italian politicians. It is easy to see how Mussolini so quickly aligned himself with Hitler – is it a national trait? Prove me wrong those Italians reading my blog – please.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE TREATED BETTER THAN THE ROMA, WHO ARE ITALIAN CITIZENS! WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT ITALY?
Don’t just read my blog, do what you can to support this proud and independent group called the Roma.
See ya
FREEDOM OF THE PRESS - CHINESE STYLE
The devious Chinese administration is up to its old games – surprise, surprise.
They agreed to journalists being free to report when they signed the contract for the 2008 Olympics.
Now?
What do you think? A top spokesman said Falun Gong sites would be blocked – yet another official stated other, unspecified sites, would be unavailable.
And the IOC? “We’ll look into it”. How many times in your life have you heard that one?
Many journalists are on-site already, and were blocked from Amnesty International’s site Tuesday when it published a report critical of China’s human rights record.
The one thing that surprises me is how China were given the games in the first place. I guess the Olympics are, after all, a political, rather than a sporting platform today. Money has always talked, and it spoke loud and clear when Beijing were awarded this quasi sporting event.
The concept of the games has long been forgotten, and we now have incidents such as a professional USA basketball team competing against amateurs – professional athletes being paid small fortunes by sports goods manufacturers set against some poor bugger who has spent everything he has just to buy training equipment and every spare minute when not working trying to train.
This is not to detract from the many men and women who have spent years, and their own money, preparing for it.
What would I do if I were an athlete taking part? So easy to talk when I can remain objective on the subject. Seriously. Yes, I would have to do one hel of a lot of soul searching; but feel sure that in the end I would decide against taking part.
Apart from anything else, there’s the pollution to think of, and that is not to make light of the BIG issue, a “sporting” event in a country that has trampled on human rights for far too long. Yes, there have been a few improvements; but to use a vulgar, if appropriate, expression, China has the West by the short and curlies. Governments may cry “foul” when talking about China’s human rights track record, but, when it comes down to it, business and trade are the name of the game.
They agreed to journalists being free to report when they signed the contract for the 2008 Olympics.
Now?
What do you think? A top spokesman said Falun Gong sites would be blocked – yet another official stated other, unspecified sites, would be unavailable.
And the IOC? “We’ll look into it”. How many times in your life have you heard that one?
Many journalists are on-site already, and were blocked from Amnesty International’s site Tuesday when it published a report critical of China’s human rights record.
The one thing that surprises me is how China were given the games in the first place. I guess the Olympics are, after all, a political, rather than a sporting platform today. Money has always talked, and it spoke loud and clear when Beijing were awarded this quasi sporting event.
The concept of the games has long been forgotten, and we now have incidents such as a professional USA basketball team competing against amateurs – professional athletes being paid small fortunes by sports goods manufacturers set against some poor bugger who has spent everything he has just to buy training equipment and every spare minute when not working trying to train.
This is not to detract from the many men and women who have spent years, and their own money, preparing for it.
What would I do if I were an athlete taking part? So easy to talk when I can remain objective on the subject. Seriously. Yes, I would have to do one hel of a lot of soul searching; but feel sure that in the end I would decide against taking part.
Apart from anything else, there’s the pollution to think of, and that is not to make light of the BIG issue, a “sporting” event in a country that has trampled on human rights for far too long. Yes, there have been a few improvements; but to use a vulgar, if appropriate, expression, China has the West by the short and curlies. Governments may cry “foul” when talking about China’s human rights track record, but, when it comes down to it, business and trade are the name of the game.
29 July 2008
A BLIND EYE
Just another little girl, only she’s treated as pariah in Italy. She’s 12 and her name is Rebecca Covaciu. Yes, she is Roma and has rights, the same as you and me. Only problem is her rights, (and the rights of all Roma), are being trampled on in Italy – a country that seems to have regressed to a past age– a country that seems to be unworthy right now of its EU membership.
I hope some of my readers are Italian, and some of you sympathetic to my blogs and the plight of the Roma people – if not, well either nobody’s reading it, or it’s too hot for anyone to care.
If, by chance, you are Italian and understand the current hysteria against the Roma, time to stand up and be counted – do you want to be accused of sitting by while this dust devil turns into a full-blown tornado?
And please don’t rely on Berlusconi and his Northern league, right-wing, cronies . They are using the so-called Roma problem to detract from other, more serious concerns. They are not alone either – TV news has major headlines covering 2 Roma caught stealing – shows how the media, like to jump on the Nazi-style band wagon. Of course, you must keep in mind the fact that the Belusconi family owns a large share of Italian commercial television, (45% audience share and over 60% of total advertising sales), and it’s fairly obvious they are going to dance to the tune of their main fiddler. Statistics show that 82% of Italians depend only on television for news, the highest percentage in the EU.
The Economist stated in 2002 that “Mr Berlusconi has yet to remove the ubiquitous conflicts between his private and public concerns. Because his companies are embroiled in almost every part of the economy, his failure to do so casts doubts on the motives behind so many of his projects, whatever their merits”. Plus ca change plus la meme chose.
So, what can you do?
If you’re Italian, make yourself heard both at local and EU level with your politicians, (sorry if your local politican is a member of “that” group).
Non-Italian? Write to your Euro M.P. if you’re European – if you’re not write to anyone you can think of. Support Everyone group as best you can – spread the word!
Becoming an activist doesn’t involve money – doesn’t mean travel costs etc. OK, if you have the money do it – I wish I did believe me. But I don’t – so I use the internet – my blog and e-mails to anyone I can find by doing a search. I may not be there with Roberto, Dario and Matteo; but they have my complete support as a member, and I’m proud to be a member too.
Everyonegroup IS non-political, and it does work hard to defend those who have no defence – have no voice. We should all have the same principles. It is so easy in our busy lives to forget the human rights abuses around us – turn a blind eye, or convince ourselves it is someone else’s problem.
IT’S NOT! It’s everyone’s problem, and the Roma, (as with many groups and individuals), have a right to be defended – a right to be heard.
For too long the Roma people have been lumped together with travellers and tinkers – they are a separate family, a different people. You want to know more? Then go here http://www.geocities.com/Paris/5121/patrin.htm
You can read about Rebecca there too. Remember her, remember all the Roma people – remember their suffering in the midst of what is supposed to be a civilised society.
See ya
I hope some of my readers are Italian, and some of you sympathetic to my blogs and the plight of the Roma people – if not, well either nobody’s reading it, or it’s too hot for anyone to care.
If, by chance, you are Italian and understand the current hysteria against the Roma, time to stand up and be counted – do you want to be accused of sitting by while this dust devil turns into a full-blown tornado?
And please don’t rely on Berlusconi and his Northern league, right-wing, cronies . They are using the so-called Roma problem to detract from other, more serious concerns. They are not alone either – TV news has major headlines covering 2 Roma caught stealing – shows how the media, like to jump on the Nazi-style band wagon. Of course, you must keep in mind the fact that the Belusconi family owns a large share of Italian commercial television, (45% audience share and over 60% of total advertising sales), and it’s fairly obvious they are going to dance to the tune of their main fiddler. Statistics show that 82% of Italians depend only on television for news, the highest percentage in the EU.
The Economist stated in 2002 that “Mr Berlusconi has yet to remove the ubiquitous conflicts between his private and public concerns. Because his companies are embroiled in almost every part of the economy, his failure to do so casts doubts on the motives behind so many of his projects, whatever their merits”. Plus ca change plus la meme chose.
So, what can you do?
If you’re Italian, make yourself heard both at local and EU level with your politicians, (sorry if your local politican is a member of “that” group).
Non-Italian? Write to your Euro M.P. if you’re European – if you’re not write to anyone you can think of. Support Everyone group as best you can – spread the word!
Becoming an activist doesn’t involve money – doesn’t mean travel costs etc. OK, if you have the money do it – I wish I did believe me. But I don’t – so I use the internet – my blog and e-mails to anyone I can find by doing a search. I may not be there with Roberto, Dario and Matteo; but they have my complete support as a member, and I’m proud to be a member too.
Everyonegroup IS non-political, and it does work hard to defend those who have no defence – have no voice. We should all have the same principles. It is so easy in our busy lives to forget the human rights abuses around us – turn a blind eye, or convince ourselves it is someone else’s problem.
IT’S NOT! It’s everyone’s problem, and the Roma, (as with many groups and individuals), have a right to be defended – a right to be heard.
For too long the Roma people have been lumped together with travellers and tinkers – they are a separate family, a different people. You want to know more? Then go here http://www.geocities.com/Paris/5121/patrin.htm
You can read about Rebecca there too. Remember her, remember all the Roma people – remember their suffering in the midst of what is supposed to be a civilised society.
See ya
24 July 2008
3 KINDS OF LIE
Ever heard of extrapolation? Basically, it’s when you take some figures and project forward as happened with the Salk polio vaccine – only their extrapolation went wrong, and kids developed polio after having received the vaccine.
And extrapolating is exactly what the Italian anti-immigrant Northern League party's Sandro Mazzatorta did when he addressed Italy’s Senate.
His figures stated that, (and I quote), "Foreigners committed 60% of the attempted homicides, 60% of the robberies (and) 82% of the muggings,"
These figures are based on the city of Brescia.
Now Brescia has a population of 190,000 – Italy has a population of approximately 59.5 million!
Now by my calculations Brescia has a population equivalent to 0.032% of the total population of Italy. I guess the figures he quoted were supposed to be applied to the whole country – sure that was what he intended Senate members to think.
I did try to find the crime figures for Brescia, but not being able to read Italian, was unsuccessful. However, seems to me this particular statistic from our learned Senator Mazzatorta was designed to inflame sentiments rather than give a real idea. As the old saying goes, there are 3 kinds of lie – a lie, a damned lie, and statistics.
So now illegal immigrants will receive longer prison terms in Italy, (and I am not agreeing with illegal immigration believe me).
The church and left-wing politicians claim that this move may well encourage racism – occurs to me there is little need to encourage racism – it’s fairly rife, even amongst Italy’s political leadership.
I do believe, (or at least hope) that the majority of Italians are non-racist. Such group are called the silent majority here in England.
Well, it’s about time the silent majority in Italy stood up and made themselves heard – otherwise it’s a case of them being tarred with the same brush and end up being called primitive backward provincials.
And extrapolating is exactly what the Italian anti-immigrant Northern League party's Sandro Mazzatorta did when he addressed Italy’s Senate.
His figures stated that, (and I quote), "Foreigners committed 60% of the attempted homicides, 60% of the robberies (and) 82% of the muggings,"
These figures are based on the city of Brescia.
Now Brescia has a population of 190,000 – Italy has a population of approximately 59.5 million!
Now by my calculations Brescia has a population equivalent to 0.032% of the total population of Italy. I guess the figures he quoted were supposed to be applied to the whole country – sure that was what he intended Senate members to think.
I did try to find the crime figures for Brescia, but not being able to read Italian, was unsuccessful. However, seems to me this particular statistic from our learned Senator Mazzatorta was designed to inflame sentiments rather than give a real idea. As the old saying goes, there are 3 kinds of lie – a lie, a damned lie, and statistics.
So now illegal immigrants will receive longer prison terms in Italy, (and I am not agreeing with illegal immigration believe me).
The church and left-wing politicians claim that this move may well encourage racism – occurs to me there is little need to encourage racism – it’s fairly rife, even amongst Italy’s political leadership.
I do believe, (or at least hope) that the majority of Italians are non-racist. Such group are called the silent majority here in England.
Well, it’s about time the silent majority in Italy stood up and made themselves heard – otherwise it’s a case of them being tarred with the same brush and end up being called primitive backward provincials.
Two little girls died last Saturday - just Roma, no problem. Pray to which ever god you worship that this trickle will not turn into a flood - the first witch-hunt of the 21st century right here in our own E.U. backyard.
If you doubt my word - connect to everyonegroup, ( a group of which I am proud to be a member), at the top right hand of this page - read the reports and search the news - see, then, if you can stand aside while a Roma pogrom grows in our midst.
See ya
23 July 2008
ATAVISTIC NAPOLITANS
Yes, that is a man chatting on his mobile just metres from 2 teenage girls who drowned, and, yes, they are Roma. If by any chance you are from Naples and know him - please tell him how despised he is - and not just by me I am sure.
Hang your heads in shame, Naples sunbathers. I really wonder sometimes if some Italians belong in the 21st century – how long before they commence witch hunts to aid them in their seemingly unending determination to discriminate against the Roma people?
Yes, I know, there are many good Italians, and, if that sounds patronising it’s not meant to be.
BUT, the events of the 19th of this month when 2 out of 4 girls drowned in Naples while sunbathers looked onis disgusting and an insult to 21st century society. The bastards even kept right on sunbathing while the 2 bodies lay covered close to them! Others were seen catching the moments on their mobile phones and cams. Lifeguards did attempt to rescue all 4, but only 2 survived.
The Italian newspaper Il Messaggero reported it took 1.5 hours for police to arrive, authorities say because of bureaucracy complications, due to the fact that the girls were not Italian citizens but immigrants from Eastern Europe – explains everything, the girls being Roma too.
There has been outrage in Italy sure – especially from Everyonegroup, of which I am a member; but many others too.
However, it reflects very badly on Italy as a whole, especially when the government adopts racist policies too – unfortunately, the majority of the population are probably hoping someone else will do something.
Until that happens, Italy will be looked upon as being on the outskirts of civilisation in Europe – a country set apart because of its primitive, racist outlook on life. Very sad for the many who do not hold such views – but, in that case, they should get up off their arses and prove Italy is worthy of E.U. membership, worthy of being called a great nation. Right now, looking in from the outside, it sure looks like Italy’s sliding backwards towards the 1940’s and beyond.
Hang your heads in shame, Naples sunbathers. I really wonder sometimes if some Italians belong in the 21st century – how long before they commence witch hunts to aid them in their seemingly unending determination to discriminate against the Roma people?
Yes, I know, there are many good Italians, and, if that sounds patronising it’s not meant to be.
BUT, the events of the 19th of this month when 2 out of 4 girls drowned in Naples while sunbathers looked onis disgusting and an insult to 21st century society. The bastards even kept right on sunbathing while the 2 bodies lay covered close to them! Others were seen catching the moments on their mobile phones and cams. Lifeguards did attempt to rescue all 4, but only 2 survived.
The Italian newspaper Il Messaggero reported it took 1.5 hours for police to arrive, authorities say because of bureaucracy complications, due to the fact that the girls were not Italian citizens but immigrants from Eastern Europe – explains everything, the girls being Roma too.
There has been outrage in Italy sure – especially from Everyonegroup, of which I am a member; but many others too.
However, it reflects very badly on Italy as a whole, especially when the government adopts racist policies too – unfortunately, the majority of the population are probably hoping someone else will do something.
Until that happens, Italy will be looked upon as being on the outskirts of civilisation in Europe – a country set apart because of its primitive, racist outlook on life. Very sad for the many who do not hold such views – but, in that case, they should get up off their arses and prove Italy is worthy of E.U. membership, worthy of being called a great nation. Right now, looking in from the outside, it sure looks like Italy’s sliding backwards towards the 1940’s and beyond.
They say a leopard never changes its spots - is it true of certain national characteristics too?
see ya
19 July 2008
PLUS CA CHANGE ETC. ETC.
So our dear friend, Interior Minister Roberto Maroni, has chosen to ignore EU criticism, (I hesitate to use the word condemnation, even if it was referred to as racial discrimination), of the Roma fingerprinting. Opposition leader, Walter Veltroni, called for an immediate end to Roma fingerprinting, not that Maroni gives a damn, because he now says the fingerprinting will continue.
Even better is the reason put forward by Belusconi, (our millionaire around whom there is a continual cloud of suspicion and doubt). He claims the fingerprinting was needed to ensure Roma children went to school and were integrated! Nice one Silvio – that has to be worthy of the BSOTY award, (Bull-shit of the year award), even for him.
I guess they also destroy Roma communities around Rome to encourage the kids to go to school and ensure integration - guess police beat up Roma to achieve the same ends.
Mention has been made of plans to fingerprint all Italians citizens and residents – I guess that’s being done to ensure they all go to school and feel integrated. It’s almost cosy enough to be a children’s bedtime story – who knows? They’ll all be living happily ever after next.
The EU has called on the European Commission to see if the move violated European law – I guess by that we can deduce that the European Union does not know its own laws.
But then, hasn’t discrimination been the Roma peoples' lot for a long, long time? Didn’t Hitler gas them? And wasn’t he just one in a long line of persecutors, (the current ones being Berlusconi and Maroni).Don’t people look suspiciously on them, just because their culture is different?
Yes, we do need to look at our own selves before we shout abuse at the Italian government – he difference is, they have power.
And so do you – lobby your Euro MP – send e-mails for goodness sake!!
How long do you spend on the internet each day just buggering about wasting time? It’s easier today than ever before to find addresses and send e-mails. If you use Outlook Express, demand a read receipt.
How many thousands, millions, sat by idly while the Nazis wiped out Jews, homosexuals, handicapped people and Roma? Has not reached that stage yet, but when governments can ignore a Union of which they are members, how long before we see the shadow of Mussolini fall across the landscape, and our consciences, yet again?
Get off your arse and do something – do a search and write to who ever you can think of – sign any petitions you can find.
See ya
Even better is the reason put forward by Belusconi, (our millionaire around whom there is a continual cloud of suspicion and doubt). He claims the fingerprinting was needed to ensure Roma children went to school and were integrated! Nice one Silvio – that has to be worthy of the BSOTY award, (Bull-shit of the year award), even for him.
I guess they also destroy Roma communities around Rome to encourage the kids to go to school and ensure integration - guess police beat up Roma to achieve the same ends.
Mention has been made of plans to fingerprint all Italians citizens and residents – I guess that’s being done to ensure they all go to school and feel integrated. It’s almost cosy enough to be a children’s bedtime story – who knows? They’ll all be living happily ever after next.
The EU has called on the European Commission to see if the move violated European law – I guess by that we can deduce that the European Union does not know its own laws.
But then, hasn’t discrimination been the Roma peoples' lot for a long, long time? Didn’t Hitler gas them? And wasn’t he just one in a long line of persecutors, (the current ones being Berlusconi and Maroni).Don’t people look suspiciously on them, just because their culture is different?
Yes, we do need to look at our own selves before we shout abuse at the Italian government – he difference is, they have power.
And so do you – lobby your Euro MP – send e-mails for goodness sake!!
How long do you spend on the internet each day just buggering about wasting time? It’s easier today than ever before to find addresses and send e-mails. If you use Outlook Express, demand a read receipt.
How many thousands, millions, sat by idly while the Nazis wiped out Jews, homosexuals, handicapped people and Roma? Has not reached that stage yet, but when governments can ignore a Union of which they are members, how long before we see the shadow of Mussolini fall across the landscape, and our consciences, yet again?
Get off your arse and do something – do a search and write to who ever you can think of – sign any petitions you can find.
See ya
17 July 2008
JUSTICE FOR THE ROMA I HOPE
OK, I am harping back to the Roma people in Italy – not a problem that has gone away, especially for the Italian government.
!950 – that was the year the Council of Europe introduced the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms – partially in response the the UN charter on human rights introduced in 1948.
The Council of Europe IS NOT the European Union. ALL member of the EU are members of the Council, but not all members of the Council are EU members, (Iceland and the Russian federation are members of the Council).
If you search the Council of Europe site you will find many documents and utterances over Roma – 100’s, 1,000 of pages – and not much else, in spite of the recent persecution of the Roma, especially in Rome.
However, the European parliament, (as a result of pressure and representation from European Italian Radicals, the ALDE Group of the European Parliament and the EveryOne Group), have, at last, as of 12th of July this year have passed a resolution against the census and fingerprinting of Italian Roma people.
The resolution mentions the fact Roma have been the target of discrimination and racism in Italy and Hungary.
I would like to think it will work – like to think something constructive will happen. Only time will tell, but the workings and wheels of the EU, (as with the UN or any oversized distant organisation), grind slow.
You can read the full text at our web site – www.everyonegroup.com
The saying “The spirit’s willing but the flesh is weak” comes to mind. I guess it is hard for someone sitting in Strasbourg with his or her comfortable office, good salary and pleasant life to imagine how it must be for someone who thinks they are Italian,(who IS Italian AND an EU citizen), to be subject to such abuse by their own government.
If left alone to pursue their racist policies, what steps next for this EU member government? Surely action is needed now to prevent yet another European genocide. Maybe I am being a pessimist, but based on past events involving what is, in my opinion, one of the most corrupt governments in the EU, the future does not look good – unless the EU takes firm decisive action now before it is too late.
Take Sicily –as much as Sicilians like to think of themselves as first and foremost Sicilians, Italians second. January this year the president of the regional government of Sicily was found guilty of assisting the Mafia and sentenced to five years in prison (final decision by the courts could take years, with appeals). The judges said there was no wilful intent in his actions – draw your own conclusions if you want.
History is full of “If only we’d seen…..”. Maybe a reasonable argument in the past when news was spread by men on horseback or the telegraph. Today? No excuse at all.
The problem is politicians are mainly in it for their own ends, not ours. How do you know when a politician is lying? You can see his lips moving. (I KNOW!! Not all, but seems more than most in the Italian government).
See ya
!950 – that was the year the Council of Europe introduced the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms – partially in response the the UN charter on human rights introduced in 1948.
The Council of Europe IS NOT the European Union. ALL member of the EU are members of the Council, but not all members of the Council are EU members, (Iceland and the Russian federation are members of the Council).
If you search the Council of Europe site you will find many documents and utterances over Roma – 100’s, 1,000 of pages – and not much else, in spite of the recent persecution of the Roma, especially in Rome.
However, the European parliament, (as a result of pressure and representation from European Italian Radicals, the ALDE Group of the European Parliament and the EveryOne Group), have, at last, as of 12th of July this year have passed a resolution against the census and fingerprinting of Italian Roma people.
The resolution mentions the fact Roma have been the target of discrimination and racism in Italy and Hungary.
I would like to think it will work – like to think something constructive will happen. Only time will tell, but the workings and wheels of the EU, (as with the UN or any oversized distant organisation), grind slow.
You can read the full text at our web site – www.everyonegroup.com
The saying “The spirit’s willing but the flesh is weak” comes to mind. I guess it is hard for someone sitting in Strasbourg with his or her comfortable office, good salary and pleasant life to imagine how it must be for someone who thinks they are Italian,(who IS Italian AND an EU citizen), to be subject to such abuse by their own government.
If left alone to pursue their racist policies, what steps next for this EU member government? Surely action is needed now to prevent yet another European genocide. Maybe I am being a pessimist, but based on past events involving what is, in my opinion, one of the most corrupt governments in the EU, the future does not look good – unless the EU takes firm decisive action now before it is too late.
Take Sicily –as much as Sicilians like to think of themselves as first and foremost Sicilians, Italians second. January this year the president of the regional government of Sicily was found guilty of assisting the Mafia and sentenced to five years in prison (final decision by the courts could take years, with appeals). The judges said there was no wilful intent in his actions – draw your own conclusions if you want.
History is full of “If only we’d seen…..”. Maybe a reasonable argument in the past when news was spread by men on horseback or the telegraph. Today? No excuse at all.
The problem is politicians are mainly in it for their own ends, not ours. How do you know when a politician is lying? You can see his lips moving. (I KNOW!! Not all, but seems more than most in the Italian government).
See ya
14 July 2008
STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
This is only a preliminary blog because I want to make sure of some facts before I write.
I am not so naieve as to believe our government has not done shady deals with many personna non grata, (or countries non-grata).
But it is strange reading that China, (our atheist communist state so bent on obliterating Tibetan culture, and now about to be host to the most polluted Olympics the world has ever seen), is heavily into supporting the Sudanese government, ( a rigid Moslem state having Shariah law), a gang hell bent on wiping out another group in Dafur.
I know! Governments do it all the time for political and financial expediency; but the depth of their involvement goes way beyond those two items from what I have read so far.
Man really is the most dangerous species ever to populate this earth - it's just that some of us, (embarrassing, isn't it, aligning ourselves with fellow "human beings" like Bashir, Chairman Wen Jiabao and others like them), have a sense of what is right and wrong - shame it is only some.
Prosecutors at the International Court have accused Bashir of war crimes in Darfur. Jiabao? Unlikely anything will happen to him - too much business involved to risk losing it. Also explains why the USA cuddles up to China and condemns Cuba - What profits to be made really from cigars?
Or am I being cynical?
WIll be back with more in Sudan and China in the next few days
See ya
13 July 2008
GAY DRIVING IN ITALY
If any of my readers doubt the almost retarded attitudes and beliefs of some Italian officials – if anyone doubts the ability of those officials to fly in the face of reason and throw caution to the wind, read on.
I have already talked about the almost Nazi-like handling of the Roma people, a subject covered extensively by my Everyone group family, and, (it would seem), handled about as effectively by the EU as Zimbabwe is handled by the U.N.
Once again, Italian government officials have proved their inability to act like 21st century citizens.
This time it involves a 26 year old man called Danilo Giuffrida of Catania, Sicily.
He told doctors during his medical for military service he was gay. They generously passed the information on to the Italian transport ministry, ,(why? DO NOT ask me because it's beyond the wildest imaginings of any reasonable man or woman), who dutifully told him to repeat his driving test or have his license revoked due to his "sexual identity disturbance"!
He repeated the test, passed, and was issued with a 1 year license instead of the usual 10 year one because of his being gay.
Fortunately, Italian judges have moved on from witch hunts and the horse and carriage, and awarded him damages of €100,000. The judge ruled that the Defence and Transport Ministries showed "evident sexual discrimination" against Mr Giuffrida.
Good on you judge!
It might be easier to comprehend if there was a link between being gay and bad driving, although there is no medical evidence to support this theory at all – any more than there is evidence to suggest gay people are out to turn the whole world gay.
An isolated incident such as this would not be so bad if it were not for the fact that Italian government departments continually show signs of living in the Dark Ages. I guess it is, to a certain extent, understandable given that Rome houses Vatican City – the mediaeval minds there obviously cast their nets wide.
I have already talked about the almost Nazi-like handling of the Roma people, a subject covered extensively by my Everyone group family, and, (it would seem), handled about as effectively by the EU as Zimbabwe is handled by the U.N.
Once again, Italian government officials have proved their inability to act like 21st century citizens.
This time it involves a 26 year old man called Danilo Giuffrida of Catania, Sicily.
He told doctors during his medical for military service he was gay. They generously passed the information on to the Italian transport ministry, ,(why? DO NOT ask me because it's beyond the wildest imaginings of any reasonable man or woman), who dutifully told him to repeat his driving test or have his license revoked due to his "sexual identity disturbance"!
He repeated the test, passed, and was issued with a 1 year license instead of the usual 10 year one because of his being gay.
Fortunately, Italian judges have moved on from witch hunts and the horse and carriage, and awarded him damages of €100,000. The judge ruled that the Defence and Transport Ministries showed "evident sexual discrimination" against Mr Giuffrida.
Good on you judge!
It might be easier to comprehend if there was a link between being gay and bad driving, although there is no medical evidence to support this theory at all – any more than there is evidence to suggest gay people are out to turn the whole world gay.
An isolated incident such as this would not be so bad if it were not for the fact that Italian government departments continually show signs of living in the Dark Ages. I guess it is, to a certain extent, understandable given that Rome houses Vatican City – the mediaeval minds there obviously cast their nets wide.
06 July 2008
LONG BREAK - I KNOW!!
Yes, OK I have not written anything for a long time I know; but I’m back again, and feel just as strongly as ever about human rights.
It’s a personal opinion, but seems to me that Italy, (part of, and the government especially), is falling back into a fascist state of mind, if not state.
The current inflammatory rhetoric, combined with violent acts by both individuals and councils, (presumably backed by the government, or at least not opposed by the government), reminds one of pogroms down the ages.
I do not intend to go into every recent report about victimisation of the Romas in Italy; but the latest finger printing of Romas indicates how far this has already gone. The excuse given by the Interior Minister, Maroni, (and supported by Berlusconi’s government), is that the move was needed to fight crime and identify illegal immigrants. Are the general population so dumb as to believe this? If, (and that is one hell of an “IF”), this is true, how come the population as a whole is not being finger-printed? Are the Roma people the only ones to commit crimes? Maroni did say Red Cross representatives would be present – no comment.
Yes, there is a long-standing of European distrust of “gypsies”, ( don’t equate the word gypsy with Roma), but moves like these have not been seen for a long time – like about 6-70 years? A poll, (size unknown), reports that 68% of Italians want the Roma deported – who cares many of them have Italian citizenship? Frightening isn’t it? Even more so given Italy is a member of the EU, and has a long rich history. I will not enlarge on which country or countries would produce a similar vote on such issues.
Want to do anything about it? If you live in the UK write to your Euro MP:-
http://www.writetothem.com/
Sign the petition on the everyone group page.
http://www.petitiononline.com/08041971/petition.html
To quote one British newspaper reporter “For anybody not swept up in the wave of anti-Roma fury, the campaign has a strong whiff of Mussolini and Hitler about it).
Before I go check this video out:-
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://thumbnail.search.aolcdn.com/vsthumb7/tn/CF/52/CF52CB00CD9A7EB19FA361.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.truveo.com/EC-warns-on-Roma-fingerprinting/id/230894490&h=90&w=120&sz=3&hl=en&start=8&um=1&tbnid=idUlR5X8HUIlLM:&tbnh=66&tbnw=88&prev=/images%3Fq%3Droma%2Bfingerprinting%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7HPID
Not so long this time before I am back again
One final reminder of what happens when civilisation turns mad and a country’s citizen’s pretend nothing’s happening.
See ya
It’s a personal opinion, but seems to me that Italy, (part of, and the government especially), is falling back into a fascist state of mind, if not state.
The current inflammatory rhetoric, combined with violent acts by both individuals and councils, (presumably backed by the government, or at least not opposed by the government), reminds one of pogroms down the ages.
I do not intend to go into every recent report about victimisation of the Romas in Italy; but the latest finger printing of Romas indicates how far this has already gone. The excuse given by the Interior Minister, Maroni, (and supported by Berlusconi’s government), is that the move was needed to fight crime and identify illegal immigrants. Are the general population so dumb as to believe this? If, (and that is one hell of an “IF”), this is true, how come the population as a whole is not being finger-printed? Are the Roma people the only ones to commit crimes? Maroni did say Red Cross representatives would be present – no comment.
Yes, there is a long-standing of European distrust of “gypsies”, ( don’t equate the word gypsy with Roma), but moves like these have not been seen for a long time – like about 6-70 years? A poll, (size unknown), reports that 68% of Italians want the Roma deported – who cares many of them have Italian citizenship? Frightening isn’t it? Even more so given Italy is a member of the EU, and has a long rich history. I will not enlarge on which country or countries would produce a similar vote on such issues.
Want to do anything about it? If you live in the UK write to your Euro MP:-
http://www.writetothem.com/
Sign the petition on the everyone group page.
http://www.petitiononline.com/08041971/petition.html
To quote one British newspaper reporter “For anybody not swept up in the wave of anti-Roma fury, the campaign has a strong whiff of Mussolini and Hitler about it).
Before I go check this video out:-
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://thumbnail.search.aolcdn.com/vsthumb7/tn/CF/52/CF52CB00CD9A7EB19FA361.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.truveo.com/EC-warns-on-Roma-fingerprinting/id/230894490&h=90&w=120&sz=3&hl=en&start=8&um=1&tbnid=idUlR5X8HUIlLM:&tbnh=66&tbnw=88&prev=/images%3Fq%3Droma%2Bfingerprinting%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7HPID
Not so long this time before I am back again
One final reminder of what happens when civilisation turns mad and a country’s citizen’s pretend nothing’s happening.
See ya
22 April 2008
SAUDI ARABIA - BEYOND THE THIRD WORLD
The Huam Rights Watch group have issued a report on Saudi women, and the way they are kept in "childhood" by overbearing male relatives.
It's not just Saudi wives either, and I know from experience how foreign servants are treated - I worked in Saudi Arabia for 17 years and saw many incidents of abuse and ill-treatment. Not every Saudi employer is guilty of abuse, and it is not just Saudis either - Sudanese and Syrian incidents too that I know of.
The worst case was a young Malaysian girl who was admitted to the hospital where I worked. She had been beaten by her employers wife, and received severe injuries to her back and arms - the wife having beaten her for laziness. We were asked to examine a sputum sample from the patient because she had a chest infection. She wasn't lazy, she had terminal tuberculosis, and died 2 days later.
Her employer was a senior police officer, and I was so incensed I set out to collect her details in order to foward the case to Amnest International, (the employer was very concerned about his family catching T.B.!).
All records were computerised, and all we had was the slide that had been used to diagnose T.B. I found nothing - she had ceased to exist in the hospital system.
I discussed this with a feamle Sudanese doctor who worked with me in Pathology - a certain Doctor Mona. Her father worked for W.H.O., and her 2 brothers were also doctors. She said it was a terrible case and continued by saying it was OK to slap servants!
A third case was an Indonesian servant who worked for a Syrian doctor in another hospital. The doctor and his wife had been banned from hiring any more maids, although such laws are rarely effective, especially when the doctor concerned was a brother Muslim. This second servant hired jumped from a second floor window rather than put up with the abuse she experienced very day.
These are just 3 of many, and I would never claim that all Middle Eastern people are like this; but there is a mentality that rates the importance of life and human rights based on both your religion and ethnic background.
To make mattters worse, the government and embassies of many third world countries value Saudi trade too highly to do anything when abuse of their nationals happens.
Don't put your daughter on the stage Mrs. Worthington? Don't send your daughter to Saudi to work.
20 April 2008
STILL AROUND
I have not abandoned my angry of Nottingham stance - not given up on human rights. it's just this sort of new heart of mine, (well, the old one with a titanium and dacron patch), has been giving me problems with outrageous regularity.
Whether the anaeasthetic made it lose its sense of proportion - who knows; but it's been failing to comply with the rules on when and how to beat.
I was told 1.5% of patients suffer "minor" post-op irregularities - those before the operation were what I call minor - I'd personally call these major, unless you call shooting up to over 100bpm then dropping to 40 bpm minor. I don't.
Anyway, better than it was a week ago when it was uncomfortable to the point of being almost painful. The GP knows and I'm waiting for a 24-hour monitor to be fitted.
That, plus nasty mouth ulcers caused by one of the arthritis drugs I am taking, means my attention has been somewhat more self-centred of late.
But, I'll be back real soon.
Whether the anaeasthetic made it lose its sense of proportion - who knows; but it's been failing to comply with the rules on when and how to beat.
I was told 1.5% of patients suffer "minor" post-op irregularities - those before the operation were what I call minor - I'd personally call these major, unless you call shooting up to over 100bpm then dropping to 40 bpm minor. I don't.
Anyway, better than it was a week ago when it was uncomfortable to the point of being almost painful. The GP knows and I'm waiting for a 24-hour monitor to be fitted.
That, plus nasty mouth ulcers caused by one of the arthritis drugs I am taking, means my attention has been somewhat more self-centred of late.
But, I'll be back real soon.
09 April 2008
BROWN COMES TO HIS SENSES!
Wednesday evening! Gordon Brown announces he WILL NOT attend the opening of the Olympics!!!
OK, typical politician, he claims he neer intended to attend the opening ceremony, although he never did state catergoricallt he woukd attend.
The point is, he is not attending.
GOOD ON YOU GORDON!!!!!!
Whatever his reasons, what ever brought about the decision, it is the right one. Will it change the opinions or outlook of the Chinese authorities? Doubtful, given their unyielding attitude towards human rights. The government of China is a dictatorial, ruthless regime, and one can only hope it succumbs eventually to its own inability to change, just as with the last race of dinosaurs.
Let's hope other world leaders follow Gordon's example.
07 April 2008
VIVE LES REVENDICATEURS FRANCAIS
There are reports of the events in London yesterday!
The UK’s top badminton player also pulled out of the torch ceremony in London – Richard Vaughan.
GOOD ON YOU TOO RICHARD!!!
The UK’s top badminton player also pulled out of the torch ceremony in London – Richard Vaughan.
GOOD ON YOU TOO RICHARD!!!
Beijing news reported Cathy Sing, a London resident, and apparently Chinese, she was puzzled by the protesters who said they were supporting the "independence of Tibet."
"Tibet has been part of China for several hundred years," she said, adding that the disruption had been well-planned to tarnish China's image.
China Daily said nothing, although a top article of note said China's top legislator Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao, top political advisor Jia Qinglin, as well as Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang, and Zhou Yongkang planted trees at the park next to the national stadium, the main venue of the Beijing Olympic Games.
China News in English was actually in Chinese – so have no idea what they said, if anything, although I did click on the headline – trouble is, there were no pictures only Chinese characters.
ChinaonTV headlines include he significance of tomb cleaning.
The People’s Daily Online said a a few "pro-Tibet independence" activists attempted to sabotage the torch relay in London today, which is a serious violation of the Olympic spirit, as the Olympic flame belongs to the world, the spokesman said. The act will surely arouse the resentment of the peace-loving people, and is bound to fail, he added.
The South China Morning Post also reported on the protests.
The IOC Chairman, (who has obviously had his head stuck up his arse for some time), Jacques Rogge this morning called for "unity" and a rapid resolution to the political unrest that threatens to engulf the global torch relay and overshadow this year’s Beijing Games. I think it’s called trying to close the stable door AFTER the horse has bolted.
The French ceremony has already attracted protesters – the same thing is going to happen in every country – with the exception of China of course.
The Chinese authorities are “scandalised” and spout empty rhetoric about the protests destroying the Olympic ideals – load of bullshit! They’ve done more to destroy those on their own without any help from us!
06 April 2008
THE LONDON FLAME - A LONG BLOG TODAY
Smaller print today so I can get more in as it happens!
I have always admired and liked Joanna Lumley - even more proud of her today protesting during the London run.
She has supported FreeTibet for some time, and in many ways.
GOOD ON YOU JOANNA!!
There has been a couple of disruptions, but most protests are peaceful.
Steve Redgrave, who carried the flame for a while, said he jumped at the opportunity to carry the flame, although he had received many e-mails complaining. He did not see that boycotting the games would benefit anyone, least of all the Tibetans. He said that he would not be drawn on the issue of the Tibetan situation - diplomatic guy Steve. He did say that carrying the torch did not endorse in any way what was happening in Tibet =- followed this by saying he was proud to live in a country where such protests were allowed, and he understood the reason for them - diplomatic guy Steve.
Our honourable Prime Minister Gordon Brown, happily accepted the flame at Number 10 Downing Street, (although he did not handle it - diplomacy, or the detour via No. 10 a sop to the Chinese?) - the Chinese authorities should approve of that and will no doubt show it on TV - unlike protest images.
Tessa Jowell, (Sports Minister), said the acceptance of the flame by her and Brown in no way condoned or made acceptable China's brutal regime - so nice being able to compartmentalise things.
More news as I receive it.
Qu Yingpu, spokesperson for the Chinese Olympic gang, said people around the world would see how China was working to improve peoples' lives in Tibet. So, there you go!!!
The police have, in general, handled the protests well when youe take into account past heavy-handed techinques. To be fair, it must have been a nightmare for them to arrange this.
The Sugar Babes have pulled out of the concert in the O2 arena - no indication yet why.
last news was one of the Sugar Babes has laryngitis.
There have been few serious incidents and plenty of peaceful protests in London. The first of many around the world I am sure
05 April 2008
RAISED VOICES IN THE WILDERNESS
This is Francesca Martinez, a British comedienne. She has chosen to NOT take part in the Olympic torch ceremony tomorrow, Sunday.
GOOD FOR YOU FRANCESCA!
Downing Street has an e-petition web site. OK, may not work, but the point is, you CAN register your disapproval. There is no point in mouthing off if you are not prepared to make some effort, and there is no excuse for NOT making an effort in this age of instant communication.
You can check out the list of Tibet petitions here:-
Futile? OK, maybe it is; but to do nothing is to condone what is happening.
04 April 2008
A BRIGHT LIGHT IN THE DARK CORRIDORS OF BRITISH POLITICS
Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrat party here in England, is one politician, (one outspoken politician), who stands out from the crowd in many ways. For the first time in a long time I reckon the Lib Dem party is a a viable alternative to Labour and Conservative, purely because of him.
Right now he is a shining light in British politics. He had the courage of his convictions and spoke out against Gordon Brown attending the opening ceremony in Beijing and attending the ceremony Sunday.
WELL DONE NICK!
He said in the letter, (some quotes here from his letter published now on the BBC web site), "I understand that on Sunday you will welcome the Olympic torch to London”.
"I urge you to reconsider your participation in this event and indeed any future events to mark the Beijing Games, including the opening ceremony on the 8 August”.
"Recent events in Tibet, broken promises over media freedoms, ongoing human rights abuses and intransigence over the humanitarian catastrophe in Darfur demand a response”.
"Serious concerns cannot be swept under the carpet for the sake of ceremonial duties."
GOOD ON YOU NICK!!
In the letter, Mr Clegg said Mr Brown must "take a stand for human rights". He continued by saying the prime minister could not attend the event in Beijing "in good conscience", given the country's crackdown on protests in Tibet.
If only more politicians, more athletes, would take a stand. Are human rights of so little importance? Is the suffering of the Tibetan people such a trivial matter? Doesn’t the persecution and denial of religious freedom count for something? (Tibetan students and government employees are NOT allowed to attend religious festivals and events).
I can only hope Nick Clegg shames others into taking some sort of stance against the Chinese tyranny.
Right now he is a shining light in British politics. He had the courage of his convictions and spoke out against Gordon Brown attending the opening ceremony in Beijing and attending the ceremony Sunday.
WELL DONE NICK!
He said in the letter, (some quotes here from his letter published now on the BBC web site), "I understand that on Sunday you will welcome the Olympic torch to London”.
"I urge you to reconsider your participation in this event and indeed any future events to mark the Beijing Games, including the opening ceremony on the 8 August”.
"Recent events in Tibet, broken promises over media freedoms, ongoing human rights abuses and intransigence over the humanitarian catastrophe in Darfur demand a response”.
"Serious concerns cannot be swept under the carpet for the sake of ceremonial duties."
GOOD ON YOU NICK!!
In the letter, Mr Clegg said Mr Brown must "take a stand for human rights". He continued by saying the prime minister could not attend the event in Beijing "in good conscience", given the country's crackdown on protests in Tibet.
If only more politicians, more athletes, would take a stand. Are human rights of so little importance? Is the suffering of the Tibetan people such a trivial matter? Doesn’t the persecution and denial of religious freedom count for something? (Tibetan students and government employees are NOT allowed to attend religious festivals and events).
I can only hope Nick Clegg shames others into taking some sort of stance against the Chinese tyranny.
The Chinese Ambassador has had a change of mind too, (I refuse to use the phrase "a change of heart" because she is a representative, and by definition, a supporter, of government politics back home), and WILL attend the flame ceremony on Sunday. Hope ir pours with rain.
03 April 2008
SOULS ARE CHEAP TODAY
So the Chinese Ambassador, Madam Fu Ying, to Britain will not be involved in carrying the flame through London. Maybe ashamed?
Highly unlikely!
It is a shame, though, that important U.K. athletes will be involved – a personal decision, I know; maybe I have failed to see the importance of this event.
Right now, though, Hu Jia, the 34-year old Chinese rights campaigner, has been sentenced to three and a half years for, “inciting subversion of state power and the socialist system”.
Socialist system? China is a brutal, dictatorial regime, and bares little resemblance to any socialist system as I understand the phrase.
UK address – send an e-mail to:-
culturaloffice@chinese-embassy.org.uk
subject attention either of these names Madam Fu Ying, Ambassador OR Mr. Zhang Lirong, Minister Counsellor.
For other countries search here:-
http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/2490/2496/default.htm
The U.S. and the EU have made official complaints to China.
Hu Jia follows Yang Chulin to jail – Yang was sentenced for the same crime of demanding human rights.
Highly unlikely!
It is a shame, though, that important U.K. athletes will be involved – a personal decision, I know; maybe I have failed to see the importance of this event.
Right now, though, Hu Jia, the 34-year old Chinese rights campaigner, has been sentenced to three and a half years for, “inciting subversion of state power and the socialist system”.
Socialist system? China is a brutal, dictatorial regime, and bares little resemblance to any socialist system as I understand the phrase.
UK address – send an e-mail to:-
culturaloffice@chinese-embassy.org.uk
subject attention either of these names Madam Fu Ying, Ambassador OR Mr. Zhang Lirong, Minister Counsellor.
For other countries search here:-
http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/2490/2496/default.htm
The U.S. and the EU have made official complaints to China.
Hu Jia follows Yang Chulin to jail – Yang was sentenced for the same crime of demanding human rights.
HU JIA
YANG CHULIN WITH SON
I am sure Bush, Brown, (and all those like them, including athletes competing in the games), sleep well at night. They speak fine words about the Olympics and ideals – what price do you pay for selling your soul to the devil in the name of political and commercial expedience?
01 April 2008
THE TWO FACES OF POWER
The Olympics may have brought Tibet to the world-wide public conscience, (or attention anyway), and, sad to say, it is highly unlikely there will be dramatic changes in China’s policies.
Most people know of the recent riots and protests by monks. How many know about the forced sterilisation of Tibetan women? How many have heard about the falling birth rate amongst Tibetans? How many care about the “China-isation” of Tibet with Hang Chinese moving in, especially into the capital, Lhasa? Who cares about the nomads having their livestock taken from them, and hence their living? Know how they are forced to live in concrete jungles far from anywhere? “Improved living conditions according to the Chinese!
Anyone know or care about the torture used against Tibetan protestors? Or the claim by some that it is the Cultural Revolution all over again – complete with all the human suffering and abuse of human rights that entailed. “Re-education” is another buzz word you don’t hear much about either. None so deaf as those that will not hear.
And who can honestly claim that politics and sport should be kept apart and then sleep well at night? Who can cast aside the human suffering in pursuit of contracts and “international relationships”? Governments, sure, because their interest lies in business and profit, leaving human rights bleeding by life’s road side. NGO’s sure because they sit aloof in their ivory towers – far removed from the sordid real world as they prepare reports and battle for position, (what action did the U.N. take to prevent or halt the slaughter of 800,000 Tutsis in 2004? Back at U.N headquarters in New York, the killings were initially categorized as a breakdown in the cease-fire between the Tutsi and Hutu. Throughout the massacre, both the U.N. and the U.S. carefully refrained from labeling the killings as genocide, which would have necessitated some kind of emergency intervention.
Sports bodies like the IOC fail to take any action because to do so would mean admitting that they were morally wrong to agree to this in the first place.
Yet there are people who care – individuals, human rights organisations such as Amnesty, Human Rights watch, Everyone group, to name but a few.
And how many remember the outpouring of many individuals that finally brought about some sort of positive result with the young gay Iranian Mehdi? Where are their voices now? Silenced many of them – as though that was the only human rights problem that existed.
There is an old saying – many hands make light work”. Then, how come, those many hands, (voices too), are silent now, hoping someone else will do something.
Sarkozy is now considering his options on attending the opening, although he is holding the current EU presidency.
I know, I am just a dumb man in the street, while politicians are ….. well, more dumb “men”, only they’re not in the street – they’re in power.
Power corrupts – absolute power corrupts absolutely, (quotation by John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, first Baron Acton,1834–1902). They don’t come much more corrupt than China’s leadership. And they don’t come much more heartless than all those political leaders, officials and U.N. personnel – personal opinion, of course.
Most people know of the recent riots and protests by monks. How many know about the forced sterilisation of Tibetan women? How many have heard about the falling birth rate amongst Tibetans? How many care about the “China-isation” of Tibet with Hang Chinese moving in, especially into the capital, Lhasa? Who cares about the nomads having their livestock taken from them, and hence their living? Know how they are forced to live in concrete jungles far from anywhere? “Improved living conditions according to the Chinese!
Anyone know or care about the torture used against Tibetan protestors? Or the claim by some that it is the Cultural Revolution all over again – complete with all the human suffering and abuse of human rights that entailed. “Re-education” is another buzz word you don’t hear much about either. None so deaf as those that will not hear.
And who can honestly claim that politics and sport should be kept apart and then sleep well at night? Who can cast aside the human suffering in pursuit of contracts and “international relationships”? Governments, sure, because their interest lies in business and profit, leaving human rights bleeding by life’s road side. NGO’s sure because they sit aloof in their ivory towers – far removed from the sordid real world as they prepare reports and battle for position, (what action did the U.N. take to prevent or halt the slaughter of 800,000 Tutsis in 2004? Back at U.N headquarters in New York, the killings were initially categorized as a breakdown in the cease-fire between the Tutsi and Hutu. Throughout the massacre, both the U.N. and the U.S. carefully refrained from labeling the killings as genocide, which would have necessitated some kind of emergency intervention.
Sports bodies like the IOC fail to take any action because to do so would mean admitting that they were morally wrong to agree to this in the first place.
Yet there are people who care – individuals, human rights organisations such as Amnesty, Human Rights watch, Everyone group, to name but a few.
And how many remember the outpouring of many individuals that finally brought about some sort of positive result with the young gay Iranian Mehdi? Where are their voices now? Silenced many of them – as though that was the only human rights problem that existed.
There is an old saying – many hands make light work”. Then, how come, those many hands, (voices too), are silent now, hoping someone else will do something.
Sarkozy is now considering his options on attending the opening, although he is holding the current EU presidency.
I know, I am just a dumb man in the street, while politicians are ….. well, more dumb “men”, only they’re not in the street – they’re in power.
Power corrupts – absolute power corrupts absolutely, (quotation by John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, first Baron Acton,1834–1902). They don’t come much more corrupt than China’s leadership. And they don’t come much more heartless than all those political leaders, officials and U.N. personnel – personal opinion, of course.
It wouldn't be the first time countries have boycotted the games - Netherlands, Spain an Switzerland in 1956. 65 nations refused to compete in the Moscow Olympics of 1980 becase of the Russian invasion of Afghanistan.
Hope whichever god you choose to worship forgives Gordon Brown and all those like him who choose to trivialise the events in Tibet and talk about "continuing dialogue bringing about change".
Continuing dialogue? A polite term for VERBAL DIARRHOEA.
31 March 2008
THE FLAME CONTINUES
Yes, for better or worse I am back!
I am happy to see the Czech Republic government have added their voice to that of Poland and said they will not send officials to attend the opening ceremony in Beijing.
So the Chinese authorities are worried, and so they should be. The Olympic flame reached Beijing yesterday and Tiananmen Square was closed off for fear of protests.
A Senior Chinese official claims that India acknowledges Tibet is part of China, which should not surprise anyone after seeing the way the Indian police, (famous for beating and torturing suspects), treated Tibetan protesters.
Mr. Narayanan, a National Security advisor in India, made the statement to State Councillor Dai Bingguo, (according to Dai Bingguo anyway). He continued by saying the government in Delhi did not support independence for Tibet or allow anti-Chinese actions on India's soil.
Once against the invasion of Tibet, the Indian government now seems fairly happy to cuddle up to its neighbour. Strange bedfellows for sure, especially seeing as Tibet’s government in exile, plus it’s spiritual leader, reside in India. I guess you could call it diplomacy – I’d call it hypocrisy; but then what would I know?
The Chinese government are not dumb, and right now are making pre-emptive strikes. In London, for instance, the embassy is rounding up supporters ready for Sunday when the flame travels through London. They know very well that protesters and activists will dog its progress from Wembley to Greenwich.
The “Overseas Chinese Students for the Olympics” Association, ( do you think there is a tiny chance this is run by Beijing?), is organising an unofficial guard for the flame, and that could cause some serious problems for the Metropolitan police.
It is travelling by bus and boat part of the way, but will be exposed when carried through the streets between Ladbroke Grove and Lancaster Gate, then London Bridge to Whitechapel in East London.
Matt Whitticase, from Free Tibet is urging the London police to keep the two groups of protesters apart to avoid a flashpoint, (Free Tibet has held a number of meetings with officials over this).
If you want to see the exact route visit this site
http://www.london.gov.uk/torchrelay/london/map.jsp
The group supporting the Olympics claim on their web site that they have the support of the Chinese embassy. Well, does that surprise you? I would reckon they are RUN by the Chinese embassy based on claims by an ex-official about another such group in the U.S. 2 years ago.
I am hoping to join the protests Sunday, but waiting for permission from my surgeon seeing as how I have just had heart surgery.
I am happy to see the Czech Republic government have added their voice to that of Poland and said they will not send officials to attend the opening ceremony in Beijing.
So the Chinese authorities are worried, and so they should be. The Olympic flame reached Beijing yesterday and Tiananmen Square was closed off for fear of protests.
A Senior Chinese official claims that India acknowledges Tibet is part of China, which should not surprise anyone after seeing the way the Indian police, (famous for beating and torturing suspects), treated Tibetan protesters.
Mr. Narayanan, a National Security advisor in India, made the statement to State Councillor Dai Bingguo, (according to Dai Bingguo anyway). He continued by saying the government in Delhi did not support independence for Tibet or allow anti-Chinese actions on India's soil.
Once against the invasion of Tibet, the Indian government now seems fairly happy to cuddle up to its neighbour. Strange bedfellows for sure, especially seeing as Tibet’s government in exile, plus it’s spiritual leader, reside in India. I guess you could call it diplomacy – I’d call it hypocrisy; but then what would I know?
The Chinese government are not dumb, and right now are making pre-emptive strikes. In London, for instance, the embassy is rounding up supporters ready for Sunday when the flame travels through London. They know very well that protesters and activists will dog its progress from Wembley to Greenwich.
The “Overseas Chinese Students for the Olympics” Association, ( do you think there is a tiny chance this is run by Beijing?), is organising an unofficial guard for the flame, and that could cause some serious problems for the Metropolitan police.
It is travelling by bus and boat part of the way, but will be exposed when carried through the streets between Ladbroke Grove and Lancaster Gate, then London Bridge to Whitechapel in East London.
Matt Whitticase, from Free Tibet is urging the London police to keep the two groups of protesters apart to avoid a flashpoint, (Free Tibet has held a number of meetings with officials over this).
If you want to see the exact route visit this site
http://www.london.gov.uk/torchrelay/london/map.jsp
The group supporting the Olympics claim on their web site that they have the support of the Chinese embassy. Well, does that surprise you? I would reckon they are RUN by the Chinese embassy based on claims by an ex-official about another such group in the U.S. 2 years ago.
I am hoping to join the protests Sunday, but waiting for permission from my surgeon seeing as how I have just had heart surgery.
25 March 2008
FUEL FOR THE FLAMES
One more blog before I am admitted for surgery Wednesday.
A Chinese government official has declared the protests at the lighting of the Olympic flame as shameful!
China's Xinhua news agency has described Monday's torch-lighting ceremony at Olympia as "flawless".
A Chinese government official has declared the protests at the lighting of the Olympic flame as shameful!
China's Xinhua news agency has described Monday's torch-lighting ceremony at Olympia as "flawless".
I’d like to remind all readers of my blog who wish to sign the petition to go to www.everyonegroup.com
The itinerary for the first legs of the flame’s journey to Beijing is as follows:-
Torch relay in Greece 24th-29th March
Beijing March 31st
Almaty April 2nd
Istanbul April 3rd.
I can only hope that there are peaceful protests at these, (and all scheduled ), cities as the flame continues its journey.
One more news item from China –Yang Chunlin has been jailed for 5 years in China for gathering 10,000 signatures on an open letter entitled, “We want human rights, not the Olympics”. The prosecutor claimed it “stained China’s international image” and amounted to subversion.
I think he wasted his time – the Chinese government have made an excellent job of staining their image, without any private help!
See ya soon - the sooner the better.
The itinerary for the first legs of the flame’s journey to Beijing is as follows:-
Torch relay in Greece 24th-29th March
Beijing March 31st
Almaty April 2nd
Istanbul April 3rd.
I can only hope that there are peaceful protests at these, (and all scheduled ), cities as the flame continues its journey.
One more news item from China –Yang Chunlin has been jailed for 5 years in China for gathering 10,000 signatures on an open letter entitled, “We want human rights, not the Olympics”. The prosecutor claimed it “stained China’s international image” and amounted to subversion.
I think he wasted his time – the Chinese government have made an excellent job of staining their image, without any private help!
See ya soon - the sooner the better.
24 March 2008
FAN TIBET'S SPLUTTERING FLAME
The Olympic flame was lit today amid attempts to disrupt it by Tibet supporters. Yes, I agree, the Olympics are a symbol of international cooperation and peace; but how can anyone consider this as such when the organising country is guilty of breaching such ideals. The word hypocrites comes to mind.
The president of the Chinese organising committee, Liu Qui, was disrupted by protesters as he spoke prior to the flame being lit, and more were awaiting it on its initial journey. The police moved in quickly, but not quick enough to prevent the images being broadcast world-wide, with the exception, of course, being China, who did not show the images on Chinese television.
I am sure these will not be the only protests as it makes its way to the Olympic stadium, and nobody should be surprised at such protests because the flame will be moving through countries that, (unlike China), allow free expression – some anyway.
The concept of the Olympics bringing people together in a combined act of brotherly love is a meritorious principle. Unfortunately, we live in the real world, and the real world has always had, and always will have, dictatorial regimes, who care little for world opinion.
The fact that many countries and companies are willing to prostitute their values in order to reap financial benefits shows just how much they truly care about freedom and human rights. God forbid that the people of Tibet should stand in the way of the mighty dollar,(or pound, rupee etc).
I hope and pray the flame’s path to China will be a rocky one, and that, even if the Chinese budge not one centimetre in their flagrant disregard for world opinion. They will at least know, (and hopefully sleep badly knowing that), millions around the world despise them.
There will be no blog for a few days because I am going into hospital tomorrow for a heart operation.
I’ll be back soon – I can only thank the supreme power(s) that be that there are others around the world, (especially Everyonegroup, of which I am a proud member), holding the torch high to shed light on abuse of human rights.
The president of the Chinese organising committee, Liu Qui, was disrupted by protesters as he spoke prior to the flame being lit, and more were awaiting it on its initial journey. The police moved in quickly, but not quick enough to prevent the images being broadcast world-wide, with the exception, of course, being China, who did not show the images on Chinese television.
I am sure these will not be the only protests as it makes its way to the Olympic stadium, and nobody should be surprised at such protests because the flame will be moving through countries that, (unlike China), allow free expression – some anyway.
The concept of the Olympics bringing people together in a combined act of brotherly love is a meritorious principle. Unfortunately, we live in the real world, and the real world has always had, and always will have, dictatorial regimes, who care little for world opinion.
The fact that many countries and companies are willing to prostitute their values in order to reap financial benefits shows just how much they truly care about freedom and human rights. God forbid that the people of Tibet should stand in the way of the mighty dollar,(or pound, rupee etc).
I hope and pray the flame’s path to China will be a rocky one, and that, even if the Chinese budge not one centimetre in their flagrant disregard for world opinion. They will at least know, (and hopefully sleep badly knowing that), millions around the world despise them.
There will be no blog for a few days because I am going into hospital tomorrow for a heart operation.
I’ll be back soon – I can only thank the supreme power(s) that be that there are others around the world, (especially Everyonegroup, of which I am a proud member), holding the torch high to shed light on abuse of human rights.
In fact, if you check our web site, (http://www.everyonegroup.com/), you will see the leaders of the group are proposing to award alternative medals to those athletes withdawing from the games in protest at the continuing Chinese aggression in Tibet.
I quote from the Official torch journey web site:-
The theme of the relay is "Journey of Harmony".
The theme embodies the Olympic ideal of 'placing sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity'. 'Harmony' boasts strong Chinese characteristics, and expresses the traditional Chinese philosophy in pursuit of a balance between man and nature, among people and between man's body and soul. It also supports Chinese people's wish of building a harmonious society of enduring peace and common prosperity.
The theme embodies the Olympic ideal of 'placing sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity'. 'Harmony' boasts strong Chinese characteristics, and expresses the traditional Chinese philosophy in pursuit of a balance between man and nature, among people and between man's body and soul. It also supports Chinese people's wish of building a harmonious society of enduring peace and common prosperity.
To use a well-known phrase - WHAT A LOAD OF BOLLOCKS!
See ya
21 March 2008
NO GOOD NEWS EXCEPT FROM THE USA!
The Chinese have admitted that unrest has now spread outside the so-called autonomous region to nearby provinces. Reports of 400 troop carriers moving into the area suggest that China is determined to crack down on these “mobsters”, (their words, not mine). They also blame the Dali Lhama for these problems. I guess it’s easier to blame him, (or anyone else come to that), rather than accept the fact they had no right entering Tibet in the first place.Their first concern now is damage control, especially with the Olympics coming up. An event I sincerely hope will be marred by disruptions and protests.
At least one country, (Poland), is talking about a government delegation not attending the opening ceremonies in protest. Good on ya Poland. Shame more countries don’t have the courage to stand up to the authoritarian communist bullies that make up China’s leadership.
The U.N. through its spokesman is calling for restraint on both sides – they are not sitting on the fence – they leave the gate open so as to run backwards and forwards! Other countries, such as New Zealand and Canada, have voiced their objection; but it’s only the U.N. that can really have any effect on the situation. That is the theory, but based on past cases, this lumbering dinosaur is either unwilling, or unable, to take effective measures at times like this.
Russia's UN Ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, said Tibet was "not a matter for the Security Council".
UN spokeswoman Michele Montas said that the body had no independent reports of what was happening in Tibet. "We have completely conflicting numbers in terms of how many people died," she added. Nice one that! Good let out! An accurate body count is required before any action is taken.
"With the Olympics ahead... they really will pay a terrible cost in international public opinion if they're seen to violently crack down on dissidents,". That was Mark Malloch-Brown, England’s Minister for Africa, Asia and the United Nations. Now, the dictionary definition of a dissident is, and I quote, “a person who publicly disagrees with and criticizes their government”. The point is, Tibetans do not, and should not, recognise the Chinese government as being theirs, so why call them dissidents? Religious suppression and denial of basic human rights have been the mainstay of the Chinese government’s policy for a long time. Why change their habits now?
India? I guess their affiliations with China are fairly strong judging by yhe way they handled peaceful Tibetan protesters the other day.
Some say Tibetan autonomy is not possible, sitting as it does between two rapacious giants, China and India. They sustained themselves before, and, if they choose to take the path of independence rather than opting for economic growth, who’s to say they are wrong?
I think this is all called pussy-footing and seems to go for most countries. Naive? Yeah, maybe I am; but if someone comes in and settles down in my house uninvited, I sure as hell am not going to sit there and accept it!
I suppose you could call what’s happened during the last week a dispute ending in collateral damage – trust the Americans to come up with such a friendly sounding phrase for dead people. Collateral damage is a great euphemism – rather like someone saying their relative has “passed away”, or that they’ve “lost their uncle”. Lost him where? Passed a what? Makes death sound almost cosy.
JUST HEARD THAT NANCY PELOSI A SENIOR U.S. LAW MAKER HAS CALLED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO DENOUNCE CHINA'S RULE IN TIBET!
GOOD FOR YOU NANCY!!!
See ya
20 March 2008
"THE U.N. IS A ASS ... A IDIOT"
The title? A “modified” Dickens quote by Mr. Bumble in Oliver Twist, (“If the law supposes that,” said Mr. Bumble,… “the law is a ass—a idiot. If that’s the eye of the law, the law is a bachelor; and the worst I wish the law is that his eye may be opened by experience—by experience.”).I am sure that many national representatives at the U.N. feel that they are doing a great job. The problem is, they are so removed from the real world, (ensconced as they are in their ivory tower), that they fail to fulfil their duties to the ordinary men and women they purport to protect and watch over.
Take the 1948 U.N. declaration of human rights. How many member states abide by those articles? And how many member states do anything when a fellow member abuses, or ignores, those rights?
Maybe I take too simplistic view, and I am convinced that were I to ask any representative, they would put forward what they considered a reasonable argument for their dereliction of duty.
Examples? There are so many. True, I will not touch on many cases or all articles because it would mean a blog so long most people would give up reading it.
Article 4. Slavery. Having seen the situation with Asian servants in Saudi Arabia myself, I would say that it exists there.
Article 5. and the U.S.A. Can we seriously believe that torture and degrading treatment is not being used during interrogations? This applies to many countries, not just the U.S.A; but, you have the greatest responsibility when you claim, and are acknowledged, (albeit grudgingly), to be the world leader.
Article 18. and religion. How many countries have no freedom of religion and continue to flout the U.N. declaration without comment? China for one and Saudi Arabia. The Pope is in the process of trying to persuade the Saudis to allow churches, (for churches read Roman Catholic churches) and open practise of religion. There is nothing in Islam, (th the best of my knowledge), that prevents this. The problem is, Saudis follow the Wahabi extremist view, and he religious police called muttawahs hold sway over the country.
Article 19. Too many countries to mention individually that flout this one.
The list goes on and on. How can we be asked to accept this leviathan of an institution when it fails to institute or take action over the laws and rules its members formulated?
Or is it me? Am I failing to see something important?
The latest incidents in Tibet – what have the U.N. done? Slumped, yet again, into a heap of inactivity.
Plus ca change, plus la meme chose.
18 March 2008
WOULD YOU TRUST THIS MAN?
It’s incredible! The Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao has accused the Dalai Lama of masterminding recent violence in Tibet's main city, Lhasa.
It’s like a bunch of thieves break into your house, and then complain when you start protesting about their presence. I guess you have to admire the authoritarian bull shitter. After all, he and his henchmen manage to suppress and intimidate their own people, so why not the Tibetans?
And the world community stands by, slaps his wrist and curses the Tibetans for giving them a headache.
My dearest wish is that there are many protests before and during the Olympics. The Chinese face of modernity and improvement in human rights can only be compared to covering up a massive crack in your house structure with some wallpaper. The trouble is, world governments and organisations seem to be fooled by the pretty design on this particular wall covering.
I’m convinced that companies “supporting” the Olympics care little about this oppressive, dictatorial regime. It is money that makes the world go round, and bugger where it comes from half the time.
See ya
It’s like a bunch of thieves break into your house, and then complain when you start protesting about their presence. I guess you have to admire the authoritarian bull shitter. After all, he and his henchmen manage to suppress and intimidate their own people, so why not the Tibetans?
And the world community stands by, slaps his wrist and curses the Tibetans for giving them a headache.
My dearest wish is that there are many protests before and during the Olympics. The Chinese face of modernity and improvement in human rights can only be compared to covering up a massive crack in your house structure with some wallpaper. The trouble is, world governments and organisations seem to be fooled by the pretty design on this particular wall covering.
I’m convinced that companies “supporting” the Olympics care little about this oppressive, dictatorial regime. It is money that makes the world go round, and bugger where it comes from half the time.
See ya
16 March 2008
A THORN IN CHINA'S SIDE
This is Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. He is 18 now, and has not been seen since he was “disappeared” by the Chinese government subsequent to his being chosen as the 11th Panchen Lhama. Where is he? And who is now the Panchen Lhama?
Gedhun is somewhere in China leading a “normal” life – somewhere safe for his own protection, ( The Chinese government’s words, not mine). Protection from what? Only the Chinese know that, because they are quite content with Qoigyijabu becoming Panchen Lhama – one NOT approved of by the Dali Lhama, but chosen by a committee established by our beneficent brothers, the Chinese government in residence.
Just another small step in the relentless march of reform started in 1949 when the Chinese occupied Tibet. The Dali Lhama fled Tibet in 1959 and has since led the life of an exile.
China’s has a burning desire to be recognised as a true member of the international community – even more so in this, the year they hold the Olympics.
The story if Tibetan history in the 20th and 21st century is a tragic one – the tragedy made worse by the seemingly indifference from the world community, especially governments and NGO’s.
The latest uprisings can be looked on as a good or bad thing, (depending on your outlook). The Dali Lhama has called it cultural genocide – latest count is about 80 dead last night.
A good thing? In one way because it has brought the smouldering resentment of he Tibetan people back into the headlines. Tibet has been, for far too long, shifted to the sidelines as far as human rights abuses are concerned. The Chinese government have since 1949, (and fo reasons best known to themselves), claimed Tibet as pat of China. In spite of the Dali Lhama maintaining a high profile, China has, in my opinion, worked it such their importance on the world business stage has ensured few really serious efforts have been made to remove them as overlords of this mountain kingdom.
China wants only to show the world what steps they are making to improve human rights. This is, of course, because of the Olympics. Many cry the Olympics should not be used for political purposes. I agree – only Tibet’s freedom is not a political matter – it’s a human rights matter.
I only hope many responsible people and companies will take the opportunity to voice their objections during this Olympic year – show the Chinese government for brutal oppressive regime it really is.Some links for you:-
Gedhun is somewhere in China leading a “normal” life – somewhere safe for his own protection, ( The Chinese government’s words, not mine). Protection from what? Only the Chinese know that, because they are quite content with Qoigyijabu becoming Panchen Lhama – one NOT approved of by the Dali Lhama, but chosen by a committee established by our beneficent brothers, the Chinese government in residence.
Just another small step in the relentless march of reform started in 1949 when the Chinese occupied Tibet. The Dali Lhama fled Tibet in 1959 and has since led the life of an exile.
China’s has a burning desire to be recognised as a true member of the international community – even more so in this, the year they hold the Olympics.
The story if Tibetan history in the 20th and 21st century is a tragic one – the tragedy made worse by the seemingly indifference from the world community, especially governments and NGO’s.
The latest uprisings can be looked on as a good or bad thing, (depending on your outlook). The Dali Lhama has called it cultural genocide – latest count is about 80 dead last night.
A good thing? In one way because it has brought the smouldering resentment of he Tibetan people back into the headlines. Tibet has been, for far too long, shifted to the sidelines as far as human rights abuses are concerned. The Chinese government have since 1949, (and fo reasons best known to themselves), claimed Tibet as pat of China. In spite of the Dali Lhama maintaining a high profile, China has, in my opinion, worked it such their importance on the world business stage has ensured few really serious efforts have been made to remove them as overlords of this mountain kingdom.
China wants only to show the world what steps they are making to improve human rights. This is, of course, because of the Olympics. Many cry the Olympics should not be used for political purposes. I agree – only Tibet’s freedom is not a political matter – it’s a human rights matter.
I only hope many responsible people and companies will take the opportunity to voice their objections during this Olympic year – show the Chinese government for brutal oppressive regime it really is.Some links for you:-
Groups supporting Tibet http://www.tibet.com/Address/tsg.html
In the U.K write to your MP and Euro Mp's
Free Tibet group http://www.freetibet.org/
Enough tiny stones can build a strong wall
See ya
13 March 2008
HOW EASILY WE LOSE A SENSE OF PERSPECTIVE
This photo is of Jokhang Square in Lhasa just 3 days ago. The harmless looking policeman shown here were, it appears from what tourists report, a publicity exercise as opposed to the real hard men in the background who arrested a number of Sera monks. This link is to a blog of someone who was there:-http://steve.ulrike.stivi.be/english/list.php?LijstNr=2&Item=55
This is a personal blog, and I am well aware that my views will upset some people. Fortunately, we live in a free society, and I would like to think that free speech is alive and well too – not so sure about that!
It’s almost impossible to know where to turn or who to turn to when the subject of human rights abuse is discussed. Without wishing to lessen the importance of the case, there is much coverage at the moment of Mehdi Kazemi – the young gay Iranian who’s deportation from The Netherlands to the U.K. is imminent.
If only his was the only case; but human rights must be kept in perspective, and no one case should be allowed to detract long term from the bigger picture. There are many people fighting his case, including me, and i have no desire to lessen the impoertance of what they are doing; but we musr never develop tunnel vision when it comes to human rights.
Without lessening the importance of other issues, I have been thinking about Tibet, and the prevailing acquiescence amongst the international community. Bjork spoke out during her concert, and I admire her for doing so.
Yet the international community, (especially large conglomerates who sponsor and profit from the Olympics), have little regard for a small country that China chose to occupy, and occupy without valid legal grounds.
China hopes that the staging of the Olympics will signal its emergence as a world power. This may well happen, and they will not be the first world power to scorn human rights – history is littered with nations that have made a mockery of the subject, and there is no reason the 21st century should be any different. China, in my opinion, is a far larger abuser of human rights than Cuba. And yet, the “West” snuggles up to China as its bed mate purely for financial reasons, while treating Cuba as a pariah, (the USA especially).
I am no babe in the woods, and know that business and profit make the world go round; but surely it is not asking too much that any company, no matter how big and powerful, has certain ethical principles? How long have companies such as Nestle and Maxwell House used the poor growers? The situation there has changed somewhat, and I like to think it is as a result of international public pressure.
One company I admire and applaud is the British Co-Op group. They started buying direct from the coffee and cocoa growers before it became fashionable – before it was “good business practice” to do so.
I will write more on Tibet soon. Having a scientist’s mind, I like to make sure of my facts first.
See ya
11 March 2008
MEHDI KAZEMI
I have just heard, (although yet to be confirmed), that the Dutch court has ruled against Mehdi remaiing in the Netherlands and mus be deported back to the U.K. I will confirm this with a new post as soon as I have more information from official sources.
There is talk about the case being referred to the EU court of appeals.
Mehdi is to be deported back to the U.K. within 72 hours. It's not over until it's over so SIGN THE PETITION
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/UKMADHI/
CONTACT THE HOME OFFICE
mailto:public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
mailto:indpublicenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
CONTACT JACQUI SMITH
The Rt Hon Jacqui Smith MP
House of Commons, Westminster,
London, SW1A 0AA
: 01527 523355
By E mail:
smithjj@parliament.uk
There is talk about the case being referred to the EU court of appeals.
Mehdi is to be deported back to the U.K. within 72 hours. It's not over until it's over so SIGN THE PETITION
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/UKMADHI/
CONTACT THE HOME OFFICE
mailto:public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
mailto:indpublicenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
CONTACT JACQUI SMITH
The Rt Hon Jacqui Smith MP
House of Commons, Westminster,
London, SW1A 0AA
: 01527 523355
By E mail:
smithjj@parliament.uk
IDLE THOUGHTS
I’m happy to see that Bjork registered her feelings on Tibet during her performance in China – good for her. If only more governments and “celebrities” had the courage to take the same stance over this and other issues. Needless to say, Chinese media DID NOT report the incident. Bit like the BBC really. I have searched high and low on their site for news about Mehdi – the only result for Mehdi’s name when searching the BBC web site was a link to the Independent front page last week.I guess it was Mehdi Kazemi’s case that really brought me back into the realms of activism. OK, I was biased, seeing as he is a young gay guy having serious problems, and I am an older gay guy who recently found true love. I’m not a sentimentalist though, and realise my ability to change things is limited; but to do nothing at all, (no matter how ineffective my efforts are), is, to me, a crime against humanity.
I’m busy working, leading a normal life – just the same as you; but none of us should ever be so busy that we can’t spare a few minutes to register our disapproval, our dissatisfaction, with governments and institutions far more powerful than ourselves, and who’s actions we disagree with. This is the age of instant communication. Those of us living in a country where free speech is a right have a moral responsibility to those less fortunate. OK, my efforts might be useless; but I at least try. What do you think would have happened if Schindler had turned the other way during WWII?
Ants are tiny creatures – almost powerless individually; but look at them working as a team! We could learn a lot from observing them. “What can I do? I’m only one person”, is no excuse at all.
Although I now teach English as a second language online, my training is as a scientist, and my scientific background has made me a life-long researcher. Having become a member of the Everyone Group, (an honour I do not really consider myself worthy of), I need to research many of the issues I intend writing about, and there are plenty, believe me. Apart from the current issues receiving attention, (such as Mehdi, and the Rrom and Sinti people), I have always felt the world powers-that-be turned, and turn, away from the problems of Tibet. I am well aware that the U.S. government have a rather distorted view of human rights and oppressive regimes. How come they cuddle up to the Chinese authorities, and condemn outright the Cuban administration? Seems to me the Chinese are far more oppressive than Cuba. It’s business and trade I know, and many would argue it is business that makes the world go round. There is a trend now towards companies being more aware of public opinion and stressing their commitment to fair trade etc., although this often stems from a desire to increase profits rather than any sense of altruism.
I have no idea where this blog will go – I’m as curious about that as, I hope, you are.
See ya
10 March 2008
MEHDI KAZEMI
Mehdi Kazemi – I’ve written a load about him on my other blog.
The UK government claims, and I quote from the Border and Immigration Agency:-
“To be recognised as a refugee, you must have left your country and be unable to go back because you have a well-founded fear of persecution.”
“The United Kingdom also adheres to the European Convention on Human Rights, which prevents us sending someone to a country where there is a real risk they will be exposed to torture, or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”.
Mehdi came here to study, (his uncle lives here), and had every intention of returning, (his boyfriend was back home – why would he not want to return?). During his stay the Iranian authorities arrested his partner, and finally executed him for being a homosexual, although only after he had revealed the name of his partner.
Now, I may be dumb, or stupid; but surely that places Mehdi in a position of being at real risk of “degrading treatment” as they call it above. The UK government is NOT adhering to the European Convention on Human Rights – in fact, they are flouting it. He does have a “well-founded fear of persecution”.
And yet, they make other claims that there is no hard evidence of homosexual men being executed, How about this?
These were two gay teenagers placed on the back of a lorry - the lorry drove off, leaving them to suffocate slowly while the crowds looked on.
The UK government claims, and I quote from the Border and Immigration Agency:-
“To be recognised as a refugee, you must have left your country and be unable to go back because you have a well-founded fear of persecution.”
“The United Kingdom also adheres to the European Convention on Human Rights, which prevents us sending someone to a country where there is a real risk they will be exposed to torture, or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”.
Mehdi came here to study, (his uncle lives here), and had every intention of returning, (his boyfriend was back home – why would he not want to return?). During his stay the Iranian authorities arrested his partner, and finally executed him for being a homosexual, although only after he had revealed the name of his partner.
Now, I may be dumb, or stupid; but surely that places Mehdi in a position of being at real risk of “degrading treatment” as they call it above. The UK government is NOT adhering to the European Convention on Human Rights – in fact, they are flouting it. He does have a “well-founded fear of persecution”.
And yet, they make other claims that there is no hard evidence of homosexual men being executed, How about this?
These were two gay teenagers placed on the back of a lorry - the lorry drove off, leaving them to suffocate slowly while the crowds looked on.
For your, ( and the Home Office’s), information, the Iranian powers-that-be do not use the long drop method of hanging. They use a short drop, and that means the victim does not die instantly – he or she suffocates slowly. That’s exactly what the sick people in authority want. All done in the name of religion.
The British officials are also reported as having said gays are safe as long as they are discrete. That is a load of bullshit, because even if he does deny his homosexuality and live a “discrete” life, Mehdi is marked purely because of his partner having named him prior to being executed. And why should he lead a life in the shadows purely because he was born gay?
They also misunderstand Iranian claims by the judiciary that the number of public hangings will be reduced - any idiot can see the Iranian authorities will hang them in prison beyond the eyes of the world.
He, I, we, did not choose to be gay – we were born that way, and it will be a terrible black mark on Britain’s reputation if the Dutch do deport him back here only for the UK government to deport him back to Iran.
I was accused by one Euro MP of wanting to bring all gay Iranians into Britain. I never asked any such thing; but I do ask for some compassion to be shown to this one young man who commits no crime in loving another man – who has done no wrong, except fall foul of a brutal, lying, totalitarian Muslim regime.
He, I, we, did not choose to be gay – we were born that way, and it will be a terrible black mark on Britain’s reputation if the Dutch do deport him back here only for the UK government to deport him back to Iran.
I was accused by one Euro MP of wanting to bring all gay Iranians into Britain. I never asked any such thing; but I do ask for some compassion to be shown to this one young man who commits no crime in loving another man – who has done no wrong, except fall foul of a brutal, lying, totalitarian Muslim regime.
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