Despite international pressure, Iceland continues to kill hundreds of whales each year. These creatures have enough challenges in their lives without having to dodge harpoons. Tell Iceland that you think whaling is unacceptable.
This year, Iceland whalers have killed 148 endangered fin whales and 60 minke whales this year. The fact that such a progressive country does not realize the detriment this process could inflict on our oceans is ridiculous. Whaling is a brutal practice. Being such large animals, whales can take up to a half an hour to die. How can we let this practice continue?
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Jack Straw on Cyprus
A divided islandI am currently dealing with the fall out from a statement made by ex Minister of Justice, Jack Straw who has, unfortunately, angered many in the British Greek community.
Jack Straw chose his words carefully following a visit to Britain this week by the Turkish President. But by making his 'double message' statement (something that politicians are very used to doing) he has annoyed many in both the Greek and Turkish communities.
The ex Minister gave the usual 'We want to help but never want to do anything' message which is standard practice but then went on to add that the international community might have to get used to the idea that partition of the divided island is the only solution. This is despite numerous UN resolutions making it clear that the illegal occupation of the island, a sovereign independent state, by Turkish mainland troops is not acceptable.
Jack Straw appears to be saying that given that a solution could not be found in 36 years (one that allows Turkey to have military control as the 2003 Anan plan did) the division of the island by an economically more powerful Turkish state (in other words one that could trade with Britain more successfully than little Cyprus) could be accepted.
The Greek community is up in arms and many are not happy with these irresponsible statements which can encourage the acceptance of a de facto military solution. So out of the window goes our moral standards in favor of economic benefits? The fact remains that Greece, Turkey and Britain guaranteed the 1960 Constitution of the Republic and their role in the event of the constitution being violated (as was the case in 1974 by a CIA coup) was to move in and restore the status quo which did not include the murder of 3,000 civilians and the creation of 200,000 refugees. So I have no idea where Jack Straw, a judicial genius (I think not) can be right on this one. Would he advocate the partition of Northern Ireland? The situation there being similar to the essence of the Cyprus problem? The answer is NO and he would be wrong to even suggest it. But it is ok to encourage the division of a small island because Cyprus is more and expendable! What double standards!!
The Cyprus problem is a chalenge to all of us in the West but the rule of international law must prevail and accepting the division of the Republic because the occupying power is stronger than the victim is a total disgrace! The people of Cyprus will not accept partition.
In praise of Euro Federalism
I agree that Europe is getting some of its financial planning policies wrong but advocating the withdrawal of Britain from the EU, as seems to be the norm these days, is wrong. The idea behind a united Europe comes from the need to move away from the small state mentality that dominated the 20th century and nationalism. A United Europe offers an opportunity for us all to move towards real integration. The way to fight against some of the regressive moves coming currently from Brussels is to campaign with other partner countries for a more socialist approach. Leaving will take us back to pre 1940s Europe and we don’t want that?
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Capuccino Anarchists and the X Factor
It is obvious that there is an anti Simon lobby consisting of a small number of 'Cappuccino Anarchists' as I call them, who are determined to discredit the X Factor show by getting as many people to vote for the worst ever act and by doing so keep the only man who can't sing, Wagner, in the show.
Now whilst I have some sympathy with moderate armchair type of anarchism, I think these people, who are obviously bored with life, are in danger of ensuring that this guy Wagner wins the X Factor. This will of course mean the end of the show and turn it into the C for crap Factor (in which case am entering as a singer next year!) It will be a great shame as the show allows undiscovered talent to shine and young people given the opportunity to follow their dream!
Now whilst I have some sympathy with moderate armchair type of anarchism, I think these people, who are obviously bored with life, are in danger of ensuring that this guy Wagner wins the X Factor. This will of course mean the end of the show and turn it into the C for crap Factor (in which case am entering as a singer next year!) It will be a great shame as the show allows undiscovered talent to shine and young people given the opportunity to follow their dream!
Creative thinking and the cost of higher education
First of all it is unacceptable that a modern successful society like Britain with huge wealth is making its young people start their working lives with huge debts around their necks. The average student leaving university will have to repay loans up to £70,000 after graduation. In addition a student who is today 22 would expect to work until she/he is 68 before retiring! This isn't right!
Saying all of that we do have a problem with sorting out the deficit this country has and we need to find creative ways to deal with this. I would assume that if the average student today will face a £70,000 bill for their education after doing a 3 year degree it means that they pay £23,300 a year to do this. If we could be creative and reduce the number of years a degree takes to complete from 3 to 2 years and reduce the fees then the same student will be paying £23,000 to £30,000 less to complete their studies.
In addition students here in the UK could be more creative and look at the option of studying elsewhere in Europe where the fees are much lower. A student, for example, who wishes to study in Greece or Germany would only have to pay around £15,000 (if not less) for the entire length of their degree.
And before anyone sends in comments saying that I am supporting the governments obsession with making students pay more I am making it clear that I am not. I am simply looking at the mess we are in and different ways to deal with the fallout.
Saying all of that we do have a problem with sorting out the deficit this country has and we need to find creative ways to deal with this. I would assume that if the average student today will face a £70,000 bill for their education after doing a 3 year degree it means that they pay £23,300 a year to do this. If we could be creative and reduce the number of years a degree takes to complete from 3 to 2 years and reduce the fees then the same student will be paying £23,000 to £30,000 less to complete their studies.
In addition students here in the UK could be more creative and look at the option of studying elsewhere in Europe where the fees are much lower. A student, for example, who wishes to study in Greece or Germany would only have to pay around £15,000 (if not less) for the entire length of their degree.
And before anyone sends in comments saying that I am supporting the governments obsession with making students pay more I am making it clear that I am not. I am simply looking at the mess we are in and different ways to deal with the fallout.
Burma's sham election results
Sally Hunt, UCU General Secretary and the TUC General Council's international spokesperson, called on the international community to reject the sham elections just held in Burma, at a rally in Trafalgar square on Saturday, 6 November 2010.
http://www.tuc.org.uk/international/tuc-18787-f0.cfm
http://www.tuc.org.uk/international/tuc-18787-f0.cfm
Monday, 8 November 2010
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