tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2013-05-26:/News, reviews and angerMokoFeed2013-05-26T08:42:11+02:00tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2012-06-26:/2012/06/26/packing-up-and-moving-on-13948917/rithompson2012-06-26T19:34:57+02:002012-06-26T19:34:57+02:00 <p>It's been a while since I last posted here. Just popped back to check the mail, and leave a forwarding address.</p> <p><a href="http://thinkinggirlblog.wordpress.com/">http://thinkinggirlblog.wordpress.com/</a></p> <p>Cheerio. I'll remember to visit. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2012/06/26/packing-up-and-moving-on-13948917/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2012-03-29:/2012/03/29/uk-plc-sale-the-shock-doctors-13335727/rithompson2012-03-29T22:07:56+02:002012-03-29T22:07:56+02:00 <p>A little poem inspired by the proposed road sell off, and subsequent twitter conversation with the question, "Is there anything the government won't sell off?" The subtitle is a little homage to Naomi Klein's "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shock_Doctrine">The Shock Doctrine</a>", if you aren't as interested in lefty literature as me.</p> <p>Right, that's the introduction, now for the poem.</p> <p>**Welcome to UK PLC.<br> Welcome to our Spring Sale!<br> With a deficit to cut,<br> Everything must go!</p> <p>Here's a library. Free<br> For the Big Society.<br> Fifty percent off all forests,<br> Loggers, Timber Merchants,<br> Welcome.</p> <p>Available to the lowest bidder,<br> A sixty year old health service.<br> Bupa, McDonalds,<br> Place your orders.</p> <p>Roads, the police.<br> Everything must go!</p> <p>We are The Shock Doctors,<br> In our uniforms of yellow & blue.<br> We are The Shock Doctors,<br> Cutting is all we do.</p> <p>We'll give you money,<br> Now set up a school.<br> Plan your curriculum.<br> Do what we should.</p> <p>Tax the rich? Havin' a laugh!<br> Slice disabled benefits in half!</p> <p>We are The Shock Doctors,<br> In our uniforms of yellow & blue.<br> We are The Shock Doctors,<br> Cutting is all we do.</p> <p>Moving on. Final lots.<br> Education, what I am bid?<br> Six thousand? Eight? Nine?<br> With five figure debt,<br> A well paid job.<br> Live with mum until forty eight.</p> <p>We are The Shock Doctors,<br> In our uniforms of yellow & blue.<br> We are The Shock Doctors,<br> Cutting is all we do.</p> <p>We are The Shock Doctors,<br> Selling everything soon.<br> We are The Shock Doctors,<br> Closing a library near you.**</p> <p>If you want something serious, here's a Guardian piece on <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/mar/29/short-history-of-privatisation">all the privatisation since 1979</a>. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2012/03/29/uk-plc-sale-the-shock-doctors-13335727/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2012-03-25:/2012/03/25/a-few-questions-for-the-coalition-for-marriage-13305642/rithompson2012-03-25T21:39:31+02:002012-03-25T21:39:31+02:00 <p>I've been very silent on the Gay Marriage issue. Partly because I know plenty of Christians who are steadfastly opposed to Gay people getting hitched, and partly because the whole subject confuses and amuses me in equal measure. Especially when both sides are complaining of being the ones that are persecuted. </p> <p>However, being silent means I haven't asked the questions that I've wanted to ask of "The Coalition for Marriage" and it's supporters. Before I ask, I'd just like to state that I consider myself to be an Evangelical Christian - but I'm not a supporter of the "traditional marriage" camp. Which brings me to my first question;</p> <p><strong>1) What is "Traditional Marriage" anyway?</strong> I've heard this phrase a lot recently, and find myself wondering what exactly it means. Why use the term "Traditional Marriage"? If you're opposing Gay Marriage on religious grounds, why use "Traditional" instead of "Biblical"? Because Traditional does not equal Biblical - maybe you couldn't find enough in the Bible to justify using the term "Biblical".</p> <p><strong>2) What damage is Gay Marriage actually going to do to families with Heterosexual parents?</strong> I'm waiting for an answer on this one.</p> <p><strong>3) If marriage is solely for procreation, then why do people over 50 get married?</strong> I've heard many times "marriage is for procreation" when discussing the subject of Gay Marriage. Well, if marriage is solely for procreation, what does it mean for all the people over 50 who wish to get married - Gay, or Straight? I'm waiting for the Coalition against Pensioner Marriage to start up.</p> <p><strong>4) God created Gay People, and he created marriage. So why would he deny some of the people he created the joy of marriage?</strong> This is the question where I get stuck. I'm currently trying to look for arguments against Gay Marriage, and all the answers in the Bible refer more to promiscuity, prostitution, etc, than to gay relationships, which leaves a very grey area for Christians to argue over. No matter how often I go over it, I'm still no clearer - in fact I'm less certain about it. </p> <p>Maybe - as the main theme of The Bible is loving each other - it doesn't matter about the gender of the two people involved, as long as they absolutely love each other. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2012/03/25/a-few-questions-for-the-coalition-for-marriage-13305642/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2012-02-09:/2012/02/09/nazi-warming-up-journalists-out-in-the-cold-12722697/rithompson2012-02-09T13:30:45+01:002012-02-09T13:30:45+01:00 <p>A couple of stories that roused me from my sickbed this morning, and inspired me to write a blogpost (because twitter just doesn't have enough characters). Both involve the far right, and both have me worried for different reasons.</p> <p>The first was reported on Radio 4's Today programme this morning, and concerns two journalists who tracked down a Nazi war criminal and are now facing trial in Germany for <a href="http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/07/dutch-reporters-face-trial-in-germany-accused-of-violating-nazi-war-criminals-privacy/">violating the war criminal's privacy</a>. Yup, lets overlook the fact that this was a splendid act of public service which all journalists should aspire to (better than photographing Pippa Middleton's bum) and the Nazi has now been convicted. It makes me fear for the future of journalism, when the reporters can't even investigate something that clearly has a public interest.</p> <p>The second story worryingly involves <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/09/world/europe/09iht-germany09.html?ref=europe">women active in Germany's far right</a>. It seems to be a trend in recent years, that the far-right have been re-asserting itself and adapting for the new millennium. From the BNP to the EDL to the National Front in France, the racists have become very vocal and comfortable spreading their hatred. Why anyone would join a racist organisation is already the subject of much debate, but why would women become so involved? What is the motivation for a woman to join a movement that has historically been anti women and held a view that women cannot be anything more than mothers and home-makers? The far right seem to be adapting so much and so well, that even the people they've traditionally discriminated against are attracted to their brand.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2012/02/09/nazi-warming-up-journalists-out-in-the-cold-12722697/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-11-09:/2011/11/09/remembrance-day-consumerism-will-not-tolerate-criticism-12142766/rithompson2011-11-09T23:16:32+01:002011-11-09T23:16:32+01:00 <p>It's that time of year again. No not Christmas - even though Sainsburys have been selling advent calenders since September - it's Remembrance Sunday. You've probably noticed it, what with all the related bling around.</p> <p>The latest news is that crystal studded (yes, you read that right) poppy brooches have been selling on ebay for <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/09/crystal-poppy-brooch-ebay-x-factor">over £100</a>. The original price of this particular brooch is £59.95, with only 10% going to the British Legion. Yes, consumerism is making a mint out of a sombre festival of remembrance.</p> <p>Now, I understand that the subject of wearing poppies at this time of year is an emotive subject - as criticism of newsreaders for not wearing one, pleas for England footballers to wear them (though I think it would be more respectful if they looked like they gave a toss) and the recent twitter reaction to <a href="http://www.stopwar.org.uk/index.php/united-kingdom/897-the-hypocrisy-and-showbiz-of-red-poppy-day-for-the-war-dead">this article by Laurie Penny</a> where she criticised the bling of remembrance. The poppy has become a national religion which will not tolerate any criticism. </p> <p>Perhaps its time to stop and think. On the 11 November we remember the dead of two world wars - the second of which thousands of British soldiers fought against fascist regimes whose preferred response to any criticism at all was to have the seditious ones arrested and executed. Okay, we're not arresting anyone who refuses to wear a poppy or criticises the industry around it, but by not tolerating anyone who doesn't wear a poppy without question we are suppressing freedom of speech. Not suppressing freedom of speech by force, but by subtly impressing on the population that its not PC to criticise the poppy. </p> <p>If we refuse to allow criticism of the poppy industry, then all the British soldiers who died fighting in World War One and World War Two are going to start spinning in their graves. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/11/09/remembrance-day-consumerism-will-not-tolerate-criticism-12142766/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-10-27:/2011/10/27/occupy-london-and-peaceful-protest-12080021/rithompson2011-10-27T21:08:35+02:002011-10-27T21:08:35+02:00 <p>For those living under a rock for the past two weeks, let me update you on the Occupy London protest near the Stock Exchange. </p> <p>1) Protesters try to camp in <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl">Paternoster Square</a>, but Capitalism's security guards move them along.<br> 2) So they pitch their tents outside St Paul's Cathedral.<br> 3) Initially, St Paul's welcome them with open arms, but soon the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+21%3A12-13&version=NIV">money-changers</a> start complaining that the tourists aren't coming in and paying their £14.</p> <p>Now, the Canon of the Cathedral - <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/oct/27/st-pauls-cathedral-canon-resigns">Rev. Giles Fraser - has resigned</a> as the church and police plan to forcibly evict the protest camp. Yes, you read that correctly, <strong>the church</strong> is colluding with the police to remove peaceful protesters from their camp. Where are we going as a society?</p> <p>Now, I stopped believing in protest when I realised that those in charge just carry on regardless (Iraq, Tuition Fees, Cuts, to name a few), but the right to protest is still an essential right in every free society. We demonise protesters in the media, and turn a blind eye when the police forcibly remove them, how does that leave the UK's standing in the world? How can we preach to Libya, Syria and China about human rights and civil liberties when our own reaction to protesters is "get a job"?</p> <p>When we start clamping down on legitimate protest, where does it end? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/10/27/occupy-london-and-peaceful-protest-12080021/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-10-13:/2011/10/13/a-dangerous-precedent-update-on-the-library-closures-12011387/rithompson2011-10-13T22:31:57+02:002011-10-13T22:31:57+02:00 <p>In worrying news for culture and literacy, a high court ruling has <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/oct/13/high-court-library-closures">backed a council's plan</a> to "rationalise" (that's corporate bullspeak for "close") library services. Despite a <a href="http://www.brentsoslibraries.org.uk/sos/">campaign</a> by residents of Brent, the council and courts have decided there's nothing wrong with closing a few libraries.</p> <p>Yes, they see absolutely nothing immoral with depriving poor kids of the joy of reading, and potentially condemning them to a life of illiteracy. Or even, an elderly lady who can't walk too far, a family who can't afford internet at home so rely on the free internet at the library, or even the teenager who has no space to study for GCSEs/A-Levels at home. No, these people don't matter to the man who holds the purse-strings - poor people shouldn't be reading or online anyway, because they might learn stuff.</p> <p>All this leaves young people in a world of no jobs, no hope and no cash, with nothing else to do except riot. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/10/13/a-dangerous-precedent-update-on-the-library-closures-12011387/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-10-10:/2011/10/10/monty-python-scared-of-a-few-bigots-11995455/rithompson2011-10-10T20:48:31+02:002011-10-10T20:48:31+02:00 <p>According to Terry Jones (of Python fame, not incendiary bigot fame), the glorious Monty Python's Life of Brian would be too controversial if made now. </p> <p>He said,</p> <blockquote><p>At the time religion seemed to be on the back burner and it felt like kicking a dead donkey. It has come back with a vengeance and we'd think twice about making it now."</p></blockquote> <p>While most people with religious belief would probably see the funny side, you'd expect <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Voice_%28UK%29">Fundamentalist Prudes</a> (note, Fundies are not the same as Evangelicals) and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westboro_Baptist_Church">Hate-Filled Homophobes</a> to come out in protest. Complete with placards telling us "God hates .........."</p> <p>Anyway, those people just remind of this scene from the film.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/10/10/monty-python-scared-of-a-few-bigots-11995455/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-09-02:/2011/09/02/gypsies-tramps-thieves-but-they-just-want-to-live-11770027/rithompson2011-09-02T20:20:25+02:002011-09-02T20:20:25+02:00 <p>The recent eviction of Gypsies at Dale Farm, which has now <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/sep/02/dale-farm-travellers-eviction-solution?INTCMP=SRCH">attracted the criticism of the United Nations</a>, reminded me of this song.</p> <p>Whatever settled people think of them (the Irish & Romanians especially), Gypsies are human beings too. They want to earn money too. Okay, some do it less-than-honestly, but sure there's people like that in every community. It seems unfair that all Gypsies should be labelled with the same brush, and victimised wherever they go. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/09/02/gypsies-tramps-thieves-but-they-just-want-to-live-11770027/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-08-21:/2011/08/21/uk-riots-evictions-are-not-the-answer-11704034/rithompson2011-08-21T16:51:37+02:002011-08-21T16:54:00+02:00 <p>So, with a little clear light between ourselves and the riots, some <a href="http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23979390-yobs-who-cross-london-to-riot-face-eviction-from-their-homes.do">corners of the press</a> (and government) are calling for rioters to be evicted from social housing. Even suggesting changing the law to ensure it. </p> <p>Stop right there. I mean it; stop.</p> <p>What good is evicting someone from their homes on the basis of one or two nights of violence going to do? The argument I'm going to get in return is "oh, they deserve to be punished", possibly followed by a description of rioters as "feral" "scum" and "rats". (Don't know about you, but describing rioters as rats just gives me the mental picture of a gang of rope-tailed rodents carrying a HD ready telly, but anyway.) </p> <p>Yes, if they've been convicted of a crime, they will be punished by the legal system. But, like a lot of the rhetoric, evictions just reinforce a view that the rioters are evil and beyond redemption, so the best thing for them is to be cast out of society. If that view point prevails, then we are in for a lot more trouble!</p> <p>1. If you've been cut off by society, you're unlikely to be wanting to follow society's rules. Just like the law of a country only applies to residents and those it does business with, so the rules of society apply to those living within society.</p> <p>2. The best way to deal with the violence of the last few weeks, is to look at our society. What has happened in our culture that has encouraged the riots? As some have (correctly) pointed out <a href="http://www.oakhill.ac.uk/commentary/11_summer/looters_them_or_us.html">consumerism has a lot to answer for</a>. (Though, it's all very well sitting in your ivory tower, you've got to get down on the ground and do something about it)</p> <p>3. Think about how much youngsters have to do in the long summer holidays. Is there a large gap where a bit of stimulation should be? There's nothing more frustrating than boredom. Think about their communities - what will be lost when the cuts come? </p> <p>Instead of casting families out of society for the misdemeanour's of one teenager, we need to look at ourselves and work to change society for the better. And, yes, it might be a good idea if the church pulled its finger out to help too! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/08/21/uk-riots-evictions-are-not-the-answer-11704034/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-08-11:/2011/08/11/panic-on-the-streets-of-london-and-birmingham-and-manchester-11652868/rithompson2011-08-11T23:17:44+02:002011-08-11T23:17:44+02:00 <p>So first Tottenham was set on fire - we thought it was funny and would probably be an improvement on an already sh*te area. Then the smashing, burning and shopping without paying spread to Enfield (way too close to home), the rest of London and England. Barnet went into panic mode on Monday evening - when every shop shut at 4.30pm - but recovered by Tuesday when they realised there isn't really much to attract a riot.</p> <p>The motivation of these kids to go out smashing and stealing is something that needs to be understood. I've noticed that people of a certain generation (cough, middle aged Daily Mail readers, cough) have been quick to point the finger at a perceived lack of discipline, the end of caning in schools, and needing National Service. At the other end of the spectrum, we have columnists blaming cuts to services, lack of jobs, and tuition fees. And then there's me in the middle still wondering how 14 year old's can afford Blackberries despite being at school full time.</p> <p>Understanding the background isn't going to be as easy as so many people think. It's amazing how people can be so quick to have an opinion, despite not being in possession of the facts. Suddenly everyone is an expert in how society does or doesn't work. I can't help thinking that a lack of anything stimulating to do over the long summer is a contributing factor, and that they are looting because they are bored. This is probably not helped by the cuts to libraries and youth services, but I don't think the riots were primarily political. </p> <p>The reaction from the media and the public has been way out of proportion. First the Daily Mail blamed twitter users for orchestrating the riots, then (when it was clear twitter had nothing to do with it) members of the public called for the army to be brought in and set up vigilante groups to "protect" their communities. Unfortunately, the problem with those solutions is that the army would have made England look like a war zone, and vigilantism just meets violence with violence which does not help anybody. </p> <p>The social media response made me smile. The twitter/facebook organised Riot Clean Up and Operation Cup of Tea, were wonderfully positive responses in an arena becoming filled with dirt from the constant media mud slinging. </p> <p>So, for the time being, I can't provide any answers for the trouble of the past week. There are no simple answers, and anyone who thinks they have the answer is a fool. It could be any combination of parenting, cuts, or boredom. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/08/11/panic-on-the-streets-of-london-and-birmingham-and-manchester-11652868/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-08-03:/2011/08/03/r-i-thompson-s-summer-reading-recommendations-11601203/rithompson2011-08-03T20:12:12+02:002011-08-03T20:12:12+02:00 <p>After hearing on Radio 4 this evening that Milipede Jnr is taking geeky economics (zzzzz) books on holiday with him, I've decided on my own summer reading recommendations for the more awkward of the two Milipedes.</p> <p>1. Brooklyn by Colm Toibin. For any politician really. Read all about the immigrant experience through the story of young Eilis, who leaves Co. Wexford to work in New York, and then you might realise that immigrants don't want to sponge off the state. (Will also recommend this to Mail and Sun readers, assuming they can read books without pictures of boobies)</p> <p>2. Martian Time Slip by Philip K Dick. If you've never read any PKD, what have you been doing with your reading time? Martian Time Slip is a great tale about political power and oppression of indigenous groups (with a striking similarity to the Australian Aborigine people). Haven't read it for a while, but it is a great read. (Being slightly geeky, it would be up Mili Jnr's street too)</p> <p>3. Jingo by Terry Pratchett. One of the Discworld novels. This one is about a war developing between two, previously friendly, nations. A great examination of how war propaganda needs to demonize the "enemy" country to convince the public that the war is a good thing.</p> <p>There's a few suggestions for Little Ed, should he get bored with trying to figure out a better way out of the economic mess. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/08/03/r-i-thompson-s-summer-reading-recommendations-11601203/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-07-08:/2011/07/08/phone-hacking-the-list-of-crimes-grows-11446110/rithompson2011-07-08T22:52:32+02:002011-07-08T22:52:32+02:00 <p>First the phone-hacking scandal was centred around finding out what Sienna Miller actually did for a living, and no one was too bothered about that. Except The Guardian, who can feel quite pleased with themselves now - like the fans of bands who were there in the underground days. Then it emerged that the "News" of the World's private investigator, ex-footballer Glenn Mulcaire, had hacked into the voicemail of Milly Dowler (shock!), families of 7/7 victims (double shock!) and even the families of slain British soldiers (absolutely disgusting! Ban this NOW!). </p> <p>Now everyone is taking an interest in the story, and even the other tabloids rounded on the NOTW. </p> <p>Well, the latest development - alongside ex-spin doctor Andy Coulson's arrest - is that <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/jul/08/phone-hacking-emails-news-international">News International execs may have deleted incriminating emails</a> in a bid to pervert the course of justice. So add that to illegal tapping of phones and bribing police officers, and Murdoch's empire is going down. Assuming these <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/09/world/europe/09britain.html?hp">two inquiries Vacuous Dave is launching</a> don't turn into whitewashes.</p> <p>Here's a clip from around the time the story broke in The Guardian. Nick Davies talking about how they do it and why they do it. It starts around 1.25 minutes.</p> <p>It's shocking that, if it's as widespread as all the evidence appears to tell us, Andy Coulson and Rebekah Brooks claim to have know nothing about the use of private investigators. That tells me they were either stupid, incompetent or lying through the teeth. I suspect the later. Another disturbing thing is that the people who should be sacked are the one's tonight sleeping comfortably in their big houses with big salaries, while many NOTW staff face an uncertain future over the actions of Brooks, Coulson, Goodman, etc. </p> <p>Hopefully this will end the love-in between successive governments and Rupert Murdoch. I hope, but I'm not holding my breath. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/07/08/phone-hacking-the-list-of-crimes-grows-11446110/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-06-19:/2011/06/19/a-good-man-who-stood-up-11342896/rithompson2011-06-19T20:56:36+02:002011-06-19T20:56:36+02:00 <p>Brian Haw, the iconic face of the Parliament Square Peace Camp died last night. He was 62 years old and had been suffering from cancer. For ten years he had sat opposite the Houses of Parliament reminding the government of the damage caused by sanctions - and later invasion - in Iraq, and the war in Afghanistan. </p> <p>He sat in Parliament Square, while world leaders hunted for cheap oil in the most dubious of ways. While elected representatives created draconian legislation designed to infringe on right to protest, and remove him from his seat. He fought on against government happily infringing liberties. His camp stayed even when the Mayor of London pushed him off the grass and onto the street.</p> <p>The numbers that passed him most have been in the hundreds of thousands. Visitors from America, Japan, China, all over the world, would have seen his camp and his message. The message that war and sanctions are not the way to rid the world of dictators. They only affect the most vulnerable, while the rich leaders still take all the money and food. </p> <p>There is a saying that goes, "For evil to flourish, it is necessary for good men to do nothing." Brian Haw was a good man who, when he saw the wrong of sanctions, was brave enough to do something.</p> <p>RIP Brian 1949 - 2011 </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/06/19/a-good-man-who-stood-up-11342896/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-06-18:/2011/06/18/you-want-the-disabled-to-struggle-philip-davies-11337716/rithompson2011-06-18T19:28:32+02:002011-06-18T19:28:32+02:00 <p>Looking to fast track himself to the coveted position of "Political Twat of the Week", Philip Davies - dyed in the wool Tory - <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13809620">told the Commons</a> that people with Learning Disabilities should be allowed to work for less than the minimum wage.</p> <p>He makes it sound like people <em>want</em> to work for less!</p> <p>He said;</p> <blockquote><p>"Given some of those people with a learning disability clearly, by definition, cannot be as productive in their work as somebody who has not got a disability of that nature, then it was inevitable given the employer was going to have to pay them both the same they were going to take on the person who was going to be more productive, less of a risk,"</p></blockquote> <p>What evidence does he have to back up the suggestion that people with learning disabilities are less productive? Sure, they may not learn as quickly, but everyone learns at their own pace and it doesn't make them less productive. </p> <p>Secondly, there are ways of dealing with workplace discrimination towards people with disabilities and paying them less than what is legal isn't the solution. (Try giving people a better understanding of mental health and learning disabilities instead)</p> <p>He goes on (oh great);</p> <blockquote><p>"My view is that for some people, the national minimum wage may be more of a hindrance than a help. </p></blockquote> <p>A hindrance to big companies who want as low production costs as they can get, perhaps?</p> <blockquote><p>"If those people who consider it is being a hindrance to them, and in my view that's some of the most vulnerable people in society, if they feel that for a short period of time, taking a lower rate of pay to help them get on their first rung of the jobs ladder, if they judge that that is a good thing, I don't see why we should be standing in their way."</p></blockquote> <p>A question for you, Mr Davies. How many disabled people have you spoken to in your political career? How many, in your ever so thoroughly conducted research [/sarcasm] have told you that they want to work for less than what is legal? If you're so sure that this is what disabled people want, then show us all evidence. </p> <p>When a Tory colleague of Mr Davies asked what why anyone would actually want to work for less than the legal minimum, he replied that it was "the real world". Well, if Right Wing Fantasy Land is what Philip Davies thinks of as the real world, then I think he needs a psychiatrist.</p> <p>This isn't the first time Mr Davies has criticised the minimum wage, two years ago he <a href="http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/mp_in_call_to_scrap_national_minimum_wage_1_2345170">called for it to be scrapped</a>, again using a vaguely social liberal argument. He has also proudly declared his <a href="http://www.philip-davies.org.uk/newsshow.aspx?id=12&ref=4">support for the Taxpayers Alliance</a>. </p> <p>It makes me wonder what is his motivation? Eventually scrap the minimum wage, and have the poor stuck on wages they cannot live on, as food prices go up due to crop failures? Whatever it is, I'm sure he isn't motivated by compassion towards the disabled. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/06/18/you-want-the-disabled-to-struggle-philip-davies-11337716/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-06-12:/2011/06/12/victim-blaming-thoughts-on-slutwalk-and-the-bailey-report-11305898/rithompson2011-06-12T21:51:17+02:002011-06-12T21:51:17+02:00 <p>Yesterday a few thousand people took to the streets of London for the Slutwalk (I wanted to be there, but I was at a swimming gala for people with learning disabilities). It sounded like a wonderful occasion <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13739876">according to the BBC</a> - with men marching as well as women to highlight the fact that clothes are not an invitation to rape.</p> <p>Good for them, I say. Rape is not about sex, rather about having a bit of power over the victim, regardless of what she is wearing. Just like paedophiles attacking children - it's not a sex thing, it's a POWER thing.</p> <p>And that brings me neatly on to the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13653165">Bailey Report</a>. The Bailey Report - rather than being a report on a cream liqueur, as the name suggests - is a government commissioned report into the "sexualisation" of children. Firstly, the use of the word "sexualisation" is interesting, because it implies that the process is unnatural. Hmmm. Really?! </p> <p>According to the font of internet knowledge (Wikipedia), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexualisation">Sexualisation</a> means;</p> <blockquote><p>the making of a person, group or thing to be seen as sexual in nature or a person to become aware of sexuality.</p></blockquote> <p>Okay, kids aren't aware of sex before puberty and most think that the opposite sex are an annoyance. However, eventually they will grow up and become very interested in sex. Basically, sex is very natural to humanity. Hey, without it there would be no kids - guess that will solve the problem of "over-sexualised" children.</p> <p>Secondly, as SlutWalk argues for rape victims, a short skirt or a bikini on a small child is not an invitation to a paedo. A paedophile (often in a position of trust and power - see Vanessa George case) will abuse a child no matter what they are wearing. Especially if the child in question is just a baby - don't tell me that a babygro and a stinky nappy are provocation to a paedophile!</p> <p>What strikes me about the attitudes that triggered Slutwalk and the Bailey Report is there is a lot of victim blaming. That is, "it can't be the fault of the attacker, they must have been provoked by the clothes". There is also an element of good ol' American-style Puritanism. What seems to be lacking is any emphasis on knowledge of what to do if attacked - something that is especially important for young children. Rather than let them suffer for years while trusted Uncle/Priest/Friend carries on, teach them some of the basics of sex and to complain when someone hurts them. </p> <p>Unfortunately, society seems to be becoming too conservative to see the obvious and sensible solution. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/06/12/victim-blaming-thoughts-on-slutwalk-and-the-bailey-report-11305898/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-05-27:/2011/05/27/the-living-dead-a-public-sector-poem-11226279/rithompson2011-05-27T23:15:02+02:002011-05-27T23:15:02+02:00 <p>The Living Dead,<br> Nearly bones,<br> Work public desk.</p> <p>Doing job of two,<br> Nearly sick,<br> No one else helps.</p> <p>The Living Dead,<br> Nearly everywhere.<br> Victims of bad decisions. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/05/27/the-living-dead-a-public-sector-poem-11226279/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-05-01:/2011/05/01/spiral-police-brutality-and-political-corruption-11084654/rithompson2011-05-01T21:11:19+02:002011-05-01T21:12:54+02:00 <p>If anyone has noticed my twitter timeline the past few Saturdays, they'll notice that I've been watching a fascinating French crime drama called Spiral. (They'll also notice that my tweets are few when this is on, because I can't juggle a tab for twitter and the tab for the show. But, anyway...) </p> <p>Spiral follows racist and homophobic French police and judiciary blundering through investigations into prostitution rings, corrupt politicians and a serial killer with a fondness for mutilating brunettes. All while beating the crap out of suspects - no surprises there, then. </p> <p>The cast includes miserable Laure Berthaud an inspector who, when she isn't sleeping in her car, is sleeping with the chief of the Crime Squad, Bremont. Her team includes Gilou (a man who believes justice is administered with fists), Tintin (an honest detective, presumably a rare breed in France) and Nadia (whose main role is the others bitch). Throw in the good-hearted judge with slightly dubious methods (Roban), an honest lawyer who's so clean he squeaks (Pierre Clement), and his partner in law whose not afraid of defending the indefensible (Josephine Karlsson), and you have an intriguing thriller where you're constantly wondering who will stab whom in the back first.</p> <p>Yes, you do wonder why the nice Pierre opened chambers with someone of as dubious morals as Josephine, but she's appearing to have some use now that Mr Wipe Clean has had a false allegation thrown at him. And yes, it is amazing how quickly they protect each other (actually, scratch that - it's obvious they would). Because when you think about it, it isn't all that much different to real life. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/05/01/spiral-police-brutality-and-political-corruption-11084654/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-04-30:/2011/04/30/the-scissors-an-anti-cuts-poem-11080422/rithompson2011-04-30T21:59:26+02:002011-04-30T21:59:26+02:00 <p>A poem I wrote about the Arts cuts a few weeks back, and I've only revisited today.</p> <p>-------</p> <p>The scissors hate<br> the rhyming word,<br> the written picture,<br> and visual story.</p> <p>The scissors hate<br> what encourages dreams,<br> what inspires ideas<br> and new inventions.</p> <p>The scissors cut,<br> at anything helpful,<br> at everything beautiful<br> and all that's fruitful. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/04/30/the-scissors-an-anti-cuts-poem-11080422/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-04-30:/2011/04/30/facebook-deletes-pages-of-political-groups-11079657/rithompson2011-04-30T18:22:51+02:002011-04-30T18:22:51+02:00 <p>While we were all drooling over Kate's dress, and cooing over the Royals (deny it all you want, but you were) farcebook were busying themselves <a href="http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/facebook-deactivates-protest-pages-in-britain/?partner=rss&emc=rss">deleting the pages of political organisations</a>. And did I mention that these were UK anti cuts groups, not Chinese democracy campaigners? Another reason to be suspicious of the motives of facebook.</p> <p>A Facebook <del>evil overlord</del> spokesperson claimed, </p> <blockquote><p>"the pages were disabled as part of a routine sweep because they were created with fake personal profiles, a violation of the company’s term of service.</p></blockquote> <p>Ah, come on! Facebook regularly tells me that the pages I have liked are my "friends", so for them to complain a group is using a profile instead of a page is a tiny bit hypocritical. Also, how is it that the only groups that have been affected are groups that are protesting the painful cuts the government is making to the arts and university funding? Come on, facebook, what is this really about?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/04/30/facebook-deletes-pages-of-political-groups-11079657/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-04-14:/2011/04/14/hospital-hierarchy-defined-in-bags-11005172/rithompson2011-04-14T19:51:49+02:002011-04-14T19:51:49+02:00 <p><strong>Briefcase:</strong> Consultants, or Managers. Consultants can also be seen carrying a plastic carrier bag in one hand, and briefcase in the other.</p> <p><strong>Rucksack:</strong> Every doctor - Junior Doctors, SHOs and Registrars.</p> <p><strong>Handbags:</strong> Secretaries and female admin staff.</p> <p><strong>Pockets:</strong> Male admin staff.</p> <p><strong>Notepad in hands:</strong> Medical students. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/04/14/hospital-hierarchy-defined-in-bags-11005172/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-03-28:/2011/03/28/my-friend-adrienne-hit-me-10906605/rithompson2011-03-28T22:07:14+02:002011-03-28T22:07:14+02:00 <p>Rules of this particular game are explained on her blog, <a href="http://ammorgan21.livejournal.com/109678.html">here</a>.</p> <p><strong>1. What superpower would you like to have?</strong><br> I would like to be able to unlock doors with my fingertips. </p> <p><strong>2. Do you have any allergies?</strong><br> Biological washing powder brings me out in a rash. Beer and white bread make my stomach hurt. Are they allergies or just irritations?</p> <p><strong>3. What thing about yourself would you like to fix?</strong><br> Would quite like to tone my tummy, and strengthen my legs. Thinking about kickboxing.</p> <p><strong>4. What are you planning on doing with your MA?</strong><br> Deliver knowledge into young minds. I mean, teach.</p> <p><strong>5. Have you had any weird dreams lately?</strong><br> Yes. People from the past - the nice doctor from the hospital dept I worked in, and the secretaries as well.</p> <p>If you want questions to answer, reply by saying "Hit Me". </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/03/28/my-friend-adrienne-hit-me-10906605/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-03-20:/2011/03/20/political-definitions-10862529/rithompson2011-03-20T19:28:36+01:002011-03-20T19:28:36+01:00 <p><strong>Big Society:</strong> Fluffy idea in Cameron's brain.</p> <p><strong>Alarm Clock Britain:</strong> Because Dave had a fluffy idea, Nick wanted one too.</p> <p><strong>Squeezed Middle:</strong> Ed felt left out without a meaningless phrase he could throw into a soundbite.</p> <p>As this is what our government and opposition are reduced to - help us all! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/03/20/political-definitions-10862529/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-02-18:/2011/02/18/why-you-should-vote-yes-on-may-5th-10627824/rithompson2011-02-18T23:27:02+01:002011-02-22T17:47:45+01:00 <p>As <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/feb/18/nick-clegg-alternative-vote-change">Nick Clegg finally disagrees with Vacuous Dave</a> in public, so us on the Yes to AV campaign must begin the difficult task of convincing the good people of the UK why the Alternative Vote(AV) is better than First Past the Post(FPTP).</p> <p>Under FPTP, the candidate with the most votes wins. However, this does not need to be a majority of voters and MPs are often elected on 33% of the vote. (See the result from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampstead_and_Kilburn_%28UK_Parliament_constituency%29">Hampstead and Kilburn last May</a> for an example) So the majority could vote <em>against</em> the winning candidate, but because their votes are divided up among several rivals the victor scrapes in on a third of the vote. </p> <p>Now, the way AV works the winner <em>has</em> to have the backing of the majority. It works like this,</p> <p>1. We, the electorate, number our preferences based on our favourite candidates. Under FPTP a vote for the Greens would normally be a wasted vote, so the voter may vote for a "winning" candidate rather than the one the actually like. AV is a system of preferential voting, meaning that we choose the candidate we like first, then two or three other candidates that we may like but aren't our favourites.</p> <p>2. After we've numbered 1, 2 and 3 against our preferences and have put our ballot in the box, the votes are counted. </p> <p>3. If after the first round of the count, 50% has not been reached by the winner, the candidate with the least votes will be eliminated (reminds me of Student elections at Uni) and their second preferences redistributed.</p> <p>4. If after all that, the 50% barrier still hasn't been reached, the new bottom candidate is eliminated and their second/third preferences will be redistributed amongst the others.</p> <p>5. So it goes on until a majority has been reached.</p> <p>Now, despite what the No campaign (and the Vacuous one in Number 10) are saying, AV is not complicated, it should not need an expensive change to the system, and is more suited to a multi-party democracy than FPTP. If you agree that FPTP is a decrepit system, vote yes to the Alternative Vote on May 5th. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/02/18/why-you-should-vote-yes-on-may-5th-10627824/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-02-11:/2011/02/11/book-re-spews-american-psycho-by-bret-easton-ellis-10567704/rithompson2011-02-11T19:16:58+01:002011-02-11T19:16:58+01:00 <p>Now, take the premise that bankers don't care about destroying human life and push it to a twisted conclusion. That sums up American Psycho in one sentence. It's appropriate to read now, even though it was written in 1989. It seems the bankers never change.</p> <p>The book follows our protagonist, Patrick Bateman, as he drinks in exclusive bars, has lots of casual sex (written about very graphically) and commits homocide for fun. The murders are either an innocent civilian that he's found in public, or one of his conquests. As the book goes on, you realise how much he enjoys the killing and the readers end up screaming at the female characters not to go home with him. But he's charming in public, so the girls usually want to.</p> <p>The thing is, he commits all these murders and just seems to get away with it each time. His victims disappearances seem to go unnoticed. When he confesses on an acquaintances answerphone, no one takes his claims seriously, suggesting "that he couldn't pick up a call girl let alone murder one". This makes you wonder how much of what you have read is true, and how much is a figment of Bateman's maniac imagination. That is left open, and like the bankers of today, he goes back to his life of viewing humanity like something that had the cheek to get stuck to his shoe.</p> <p>Gripping, but depressing reading. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/02/11/book-re-spews-american-psycho-by-bret-easton-ellis-10567704/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-02-02:/2011/02/02/this-saturday-is-save-our-libraries-day-10496244/rithompson2011-02-02T17:52:46+01:002011-02-02T20:32:14+01:00 <p>This video explains how libraries are important to communities - nothing much I can add to that. </p> <p>Anyway, this coming Saturday (5th February) is Save Our Libraries Day. Saturday is the day everyone has to go out into the community and show the councils (and government) that we love our libraries. It doesn't matter whether you find an <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/interactive/2011/feb/01/library-protests-map?INTCMP=SRCH">organised event</a>, or do one of the little things suggested on <a href="http://www.cilip.org.uk/get-involved/advocacy/public-libraries/Pages/savelibrariesday.aspx">this website</a>. </p> <p>If possible, attend your local library, withdraw a book or DVD. Ask your librarians for help - show that they are essential to the service. Use any service in there. </p> <p>And when you come home write a letter to <a href="http://www.theyworkforyou.com">your MP</a>, Councillors, local media, etc. Tell them about your library experience and how much libraries mean to you.</p> <p>Save The Library, Save Our Culture. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/02/02/this-saturday-is-save-our-libraries-day-10496244/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-01-30:/2011/01/31/now-how-did-that-get-there-10470797/rithompson2011-01-31T00:02:15+01:002011-01-31T00:02:15+01:00 <p>Whilst staying at a friend's house over the weekend, I noticed a collection of footballs on the roof of what looked like a storehouse. </p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rithompson/5402513420/" title="Lost Football 2 by R I Thompson, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5053/5402513420_d604f560f7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Lost Football 2"></a></p> <p>On closer inspection, I noticed one of the footballs hadn't quite made it up to the roof.</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rithompson/5402514412/" title="Lost Football 1 by R I Thompson, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5402514412_51bf749053.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Lost Football 1"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/01/31/now-how-did-that-get-there-10470797/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-01-28:/2011/01/28/save-the-libraries-the-beginning-of-a-long-battle-10453360/rithompson2011-01-28T17:42:53+01:002011-01-31T00:04:12+01:00 <p>Following on from my previous posts, I found <a href="http://falseeconomy.org.uk/blog/save-oxfordshire-libraries-speech-philip-pullman">this speech transcript</a> that Philip Pullman gave in defence of Oxfordshire libraries. It's good to see writers getting involved in politics, and Pullman is bang on the money.</p> <p>He criticises a "bidding culture" that comes from a love of markets, and the market belief that anything that doesn't make profit isn't worth supporting. This has long been a gripe of mine about the music and publishing business. The business aspect dominates artistic side, rather than nurtures it. I'll stop myself from going off into a rant about Simon Cowell right now. But I will say that when I read Pullman's words I was nodding my head in agreement. </p> <p>Pullman argues that libraries do not exist for money - they exist for people who love reading to borrow a book free. They encourage a love of reading in children whose parents can't afford to buy lots of books. They breed future writers like Philip Pullman, as well as teachers, academics, even politicians.</p> <p>Imagine now, a world without libraries. Instead we have High Streets of Tesco selling only bestsellers, possibly a Waterstones with a limited stock of History books, and if you're lucky, an independent bookshop. As much as I love bookshops, where would a young person with very little money get a copy of "Brave New World" or "Jane Eyre"? Where, other than a library?</p> <p>What would happen to the population, if the libraries closed? Less books mean a less enlightened citizenry, the public will believe whatever television tells them and the lessons of history and literature will be ignored. If you want to know what the lessons books can teach us are, browse <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/tags/book-re-spews/">my book reviews</a>.</p> <p>Unfortunately, as money doesn't appear to appreciate either love or knowledge, we're in for a long fight to protect culture. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/01/28/save-the-libraries-the-beginning-of-a-long-battle-10453360/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-01-13:/2011/01/13/council-priorities-cut-the-communities-save-the-manager-10359726/rithompson2011-01-13T18:51:47+01:002011-01-13T18:51:47+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rithompson/5351712645/" title="Barnet Museum by R I Thompson, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5087/5351712645_5fdb6c3481.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Barnet Museum"></a></p> <p>Today it occurred to me that while the Chancellor (you know, that evil-looking bloke in charge of the money) announced in the spending review that museums will continue to be free entry, and open to all, Barnet Council is doing something shocking to the Borough's museums. In December, we found out that they are withdrawing funding from both Barnet Museum and Church Farmhouse Museum in Hendon. Barnet Museum is free entry, like many museums in London, and staffed by volunteers. So part of the Big Society that fluffy brain in Number 10 is going on about. So funding a local museum should be a priority for Barnet Council.</p> <p>Oh no. This is Barnet - home of the Easy Council. They claim that they need to cut spending by 26% (a figure obtained from their Museums Consultation) and that the museums have a high cost. Now people, this is the same Barnet Council who;<br> 1. Voted a nice pay rise for themselves in May 2010, after the local elections.<br> 2. Charge an extortionate amount of council tax (nearly £2000 for my Dad, more than doubled in the last 10 years)<br> 3. When they hiked up council tax around eight years ago, they awarded council chief execs a pay rise.</p> <p>So, Barnet Council, instead of looking at valuable community assets to make your cuts, look at your wage bill and the excessive amount your chiefs take home. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/01/13/council-priorities-cut-the-communities-save-the-manager-10359726/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk,2011-01-10:/2011/01/10/poison-not-needed-in-politics-10342632/rithompson2011-01-10T20:56:37+01:002011-01-10T20:56:37+01:00 <p>First Salman Taseer was assassinated in Pakistan after criticising blasphemy laws. Next Gabrielle Giffords is put into intensive care by a nutcase - she had voted for Obama's healthcare bill, which enraged the Tea Party so much that Sarah Palin listed her as a target. (You may have meant target her seat, Palin, but naming it "Don't retreat, Reload" probably isn't wise)</p> <p>Now, Giffords shooting may not have been politically motivated, but it does remind us of the toxic animosity between Democrats and Republicans at the moment. They seem to think it's okay to view their opponents as scum. When you view people as scum, you're not going to be too bothered if someone does take their gun and "take them out". It's like we've missed the point of slavery, The Holocaust and Rwandan Genocide - that treating people like insects usually leads somewhere we don't want to go.</p> <p>I tweeted earlier that I hoped that poison wouldn't spread over to the UK, but as I was reminded, it's already has. Look at twitter, look at the Graunaid's CiF or The Daily Mail's comments - people on the left and right throwing insults back and forth like a game of Political Insult Tennis. Now, not saying you shouldn't joke about politicians - heck, we need to - but sometimes its more spiteful than jokes. Sometimes its "[insert political party here] scum", or even worse "scab". Both words dehumanise your opponent to the extent that, one day, someone's going to be killed and their opponents will just shrug and say "they were just scum, anyway".</p> <p>My message (which none of you are listening to, anyway) is please stop it. Please stop this referring to political opponents in terms of something you've just scraped off the surface of a pond. Please stop this nonsense of wishing death, and wanting to celebrate the death of, a politician you despise. Everyone is different. Everyone has their own political views. Not everyone agrees politically. Disagreeing with you does not make a person's views any less valid.</p> <p>The last thing we need in politics is childish insults thrown around because someone else has the audacity to disagree with you. Grow up. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-veryrandom.blog.co.uk/2011/01/10/poison-not-needed-in-politics-10342632/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>