Friday, 19 February 2010
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Ross Kemp Middle East: GAZA
From the beginning of the show you can tell that it is to present antiHamas / ProIsrael propagandha. Anytime Hamas is mentioned, he refers to them as "terrorists", despite the fact that they are a democratically elected governing body for Gaza. None of his sweeping anti Hamas statements are backed up with evidence or sources. He claims that the people he has spoken to do not like Hamas, but with no evidence of the conversations.
The first conversation shows only a man claiming he has no issues with Israelis, but only the opressive government.
He accuses Hamas of firing rockets into Israel continually. Despite the incredile decline in rockets and the fact that Hamas have yet to admit, or even be accused of firing rockets into Israel since the slaughter a year ago. He then talks to "Islamic Jihad", a militant organisation, and using Israeli figures claims that they have fired over a Thousand rockets in the past year. Independant figures claim it is alot less.
Israel has desimated the Gaza strip, starved the people and continues to leave them homeless, sick and dying. Ross Kemp's entire show belittles the entire situation. He focuses completely on the fact that militant organisations exist. He attacks the "smuggling trade". Now I can not see why this is a bad thing? Israel has blockaded the innocent people of the Gaza strip, doing all it can to make sure no aid, food or treats get into the refugee camp. So in this situation is it wrong that people smuggle in as much as they can to keep life going? The issue of the rising prices for smuggled goods is the fault completely of Israel. Stop blockading the people and this could not happen. Stop bombing smuggling tunnels. I will be as bold as to say, I fully support the smuggling of goods. Hamas have no control over these tunnels, according to the smugglers and actually stop Drugs coming in to the refugee camp. Of course the black propaganda of Israeli and American media will deny this.
However near the end he seems to have a slight change of heart as he realises that these "smugglers" need to do this to put food in the stomach of their Children.
He ignores completely the situation that is actually day to day life. Hundreds of thousands of Men, Women and Children left homeless, starving and dying because Israel has blocked the borders, and decimated the area with massive explosions, including weaponry so inhumane that it is illegal.
Over 50% of Gaza's population are under 18. Impressionable young people, who living under oppression become angry and obviously can see no other option but to Fight. On going Rights marches and protests through out Palestine, West Bank and Gaza, have failed time and time again. Even at these peaceful protests, Israeli forces have used heavy handed attacks on the people and have even killed protesters. What other options do these people see for themselves?
The only hope for these people is calling off the blockade of Gaza and allowing the people to live. Allowing the people to see that the people of Israel do not hate Palestinians. Justice will breed peace and without this what hope is there for the people of Israel and Palestine?
God Bless
Peace
Friday, 11 September 2009
William Frazer / Alan McBride / Fair
William Frazer’s father was a member of the Ulster Defence Regiment, the replacement of the B Specials. They were eventually amalgamated with the RIR. His father died when he was shot by the Provisional Irish Republican Army, the PIRA, on the 30th of August 1975. Over the next ten years four members of William Frazer’s family were shot by the IRA. William Frazer after applying for a firearm was rejected, as he was “known to associate with Loyalist Paramilitaries”.
Having lost family in the war in
Now at this stage I wish to discuss FAIR. This is William Frazer’s campaign set up to represent victims of the IRA in
The very top of the page has the very blatant image hyperlink that is titled “Attacks by Catholic Extremists”. This image takes you to a list of articles, with titles such as “…Armed Catholic Extremists on the street” and “Catholic Extremist Orange Hall attack” etc. There is even an article entitled the “Role and Responsibility of the Roman Catholic Community”, placing responsibility for those that died on the hands of any Catholic in the occupied counties.
Also on this site is a section entitled “The Hunger Strikers, The Truth”. Now the first thing that strikes me here is the complete irrelevance of this section on the site. This is merely a section of his site to paint those who died on hunger strike of being “Criminals, Murderers and thugs”.
As I said one can understand William Frazer’s bitterness towards the IRA but his blatant hatred of the Catholic and Irish communities is just so intense that I believe it clouds his ability to fairly represent anyone. The website FAIR blatantly harbours the kind of Sectarian hatred that has been tearing our society apart for years. I believe that it is ridiculous to consider his campaign when it comes to victim support. Not that it should be ignored, but taken lightly.
I am forced to compare his attitude with the commendable attitude of Alan McBride. Here is a man, whose wife, Sharon, lost her life in a
Evidence of this can be found, in recent statement by Alan McBride, where he recognises
“Questions have to be asked about who was arming the loyalists,” he said. “Other nations, including the British state, were involved in supporting acts of terror and I think that they too should be held to account. I think that if nations were involved in supporting acts of terror, it’s only right that they should compensate the victims of that terror. I wouldn’t want this want this to be piecemeal, I want this to be right across the board, victims of violence on all sides should be compensated”.
This is a strong comparison to the bigoted mindset of William Frazer who never got over the awful events in his life, and let them turn in to anger, which of course leads only to hate. He is clearly so overcome with hatred that he has recently made calls so ridiculous that they could only delve
On the FAIR Youtube page, in recent videos he calls for redeployment of the Army or SAS into
I commend people such as Alan McBride, who though suffered terrible loss during the on going Irish Struggle and the War, are able to stand up and recognise the similarities between two communities and the importance of letting them come together, as opposed to William Frazer who is constantly trying to create divisions.
God Bless
Peace
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Make up your own mind...
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Testimony 51: "We were told soldiers were to be secured by fire-power. The soldiers were made to understand that their lives were the most important, and that there was no way our soldiers would get killed for the sake of leaving civilians the benefit of the doubt… People were not instructed to shoot at everyone they see but they were told that from a certain distance when they approach a house, no matter who it is - even an old woman - take them down."
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT - ROOFS, CELLULAR TELEPHONES, NIGHT TIME
Testimony 49: "Among other things, he strictly forbade us to climb up to roofs. He explained in fact that the air force has the 'go ahead' to fire at anyone seen on a roof."
Testimony 41: "You can't identify too much at night and anything that moves you engage in order not to take risks. It was not defined this way officially, but it was obvious. Any movement on the ground at night was doomed."
Testimonies 13 and 14: These describe an incident where an old man carrying a torch at night, walking towards an Israeli-held building, approached from about 150 metres - and was allowed to approach to 25 metres with no deterrent fire, before he was shot dead.
Testimony 14: "Everyone is shooting and shooting and the guy's screaming. The commander comes downstairs, glowing. 'Here's an opener for tonight'. He was asked why he wouldn't confirm deterrent fire. He said, "It's night time and this is a terrorist."
HUMAN SHIELDS
Some testimonies described the use of Palestinian civilians as human shields, for example by making neighbours enter suspect houses ahead of troops. The use of human shields is prohibited under article 51.7 of the Geneva Conventions.
Testimony 1 "To every house we close in on, we send the neighbour in, 'the Johnnie'… Sometimes the force would enter while placing rifle barrels on a civilian's shoulder, advancing into a house and using him as a human shield. Commanders said these were the instructions and we had to do it…"
Testimony 2: "Part of the concept of razing was what the Israeli army calls 'the day after' consideration. Obviously this campaign would end at some point… The question was in what condition we'd leave the area, whether more exposed, a state that would afford us better firing and observation conditions, and far greater control. This was the principle behind all that razing - namely razing for our benefit.
Testimony 52: "Most of the destruction that went on there was not necessary.
AGGRESSIVE ATTITUDE
Testimony 43 : "One guy said he just couldn't finish this operation without killing someone… [describes the shooting of a man "apparently some sort of lookout"] … I can definitely say he was not armed. I can definitely say the soldier regarded this as some children's game and was delighted and laughing after this. I think that a normal person, even having killed an armed terrorist, would not be amused."
Testimony 50: "The atmosphere was not one of fear but rather people too eager to shoot other people."
VANDALISM OF PALESTINIAN PROPERTY
Testimony 39: "The guys would simply break stuff. Some were out to destroy and trash the whole time. They drew a disgusting drawing on the wall. They threw out sofas. They took down a picture from the wall just to shatter it."
Testimony 52:
Q: Was there boredom at any point during these two weeks?
A: Much boredom.
Q: So what does one do to relieve this boredom?
A: I told you, fire at water tanks, I don't know, out of boredom. When there's nothing else to shoot at, you fire at water tanks."
WHITE PHOSPHORUS
Testimony 8:
Q: Why fire phosphorus?
A: Because it's fun. Cool… I don't know what it's used for… I don't understand what it's even doing in our supplies if we're not supposed to use such ammo. It's ridiculous.
Testimony 11: "There was an area of about 200-300 square meters of glazed sand.... We understood this resulted from white phosphorus, and it was upsetting… in training you learn that white phosphorus is not used, and you're taught that it's not humane. You watch films and see what it does to people who are hit, and you say, 'There, we're doing it too.' That's not what I expected to see. Until that moment I had thought I belonged to the most humane army in the world."
RELIGIOUS RHETORICTestimony 15 [describing a talk by a military rabbi]: "Lots of pathos, the kind of religious discourse I'm a bit familiar with: war of choice, holy war - differing rules. He spoke less in religious terminology… and was much more into militant faith. He aimed at inspiring the men with courage, cruelty, aggressiveness, expressions such as 'no pity, God protects you, everything you do is sanctified'. The gist of these statements was perhaps to bring things into agreement with religion, with God and whoever this man was supposed to represent, that everything or nearly everything is permissible. "
Saturday, 1 August 2009
"Its a matter of deep regret..."
That is the text of a statement made by the "Secretary of State" Shaun Woodward in relation to the murder of Aidan McAnespie, by a British Soldier, as he walked through an illegal checkpoint in the occupied territory. At this moment it seems that as far as the British Government are concerned, they are happy enough. So I would like to say I am extremely pleased for the family. However personally I would not be happy at all with this "result" if you can call it that.
The first aspect of this statement that struck me, is the lack of an actual apology and the recognition of failure by the British forces. They have yet to acknowledge that this was murder; state murder. In my opinion this makes the statement from the British completely pointless. Who needs to be told that it is regretable for the British government that their soldiers got caught.
Secondly we have the fact that they have completely ignored the HET findings and are still acknowledging the lies of the original story, by use of the words "which ricocheted from the road". The HET have stated in their report that this is so unlikely that it can almost be disregarded completely. However as we see the British choose not to accept or comment on this report.
Thirdly, still no one is to be held to account for this atrocity. The soldier that fired this shot was charged only with manslaughter, but even this was dropped, the witness absent without leave. So even now that we have this "deep regret" from the British Government, we have no justice.
Aidan McAnespie was harrassed and threatened by British soldiers as he walked in his own streets. These were reported to the RUC, who obviously did nothing. Aidan McAnespie was not IRA or even Sinn Féin affiliated in anyway. Aidan McAnespie was then shot by a British soldier, in the back, as he walked through a checkpoint on his way to a Gaelic game. The murderer got away with it, and the McAnespie family were faced with what must have seemed like a neverending battle for justice. Aidan's sister never lived to see this statement from the occupying government.
The reasoning that the British government can not apologise is due to the fact that they would have to come out and admit that they are guilty of unacceptable heinous crimes against the Irish, that could amount to ethnic cleansing. Its no secret that since the occupation of our Island that the British have been nothing more than evil.
We see another example in the recent uncovering of a new document in the McGurk Bar Bombing. For many many years the British government covered up a loyalist slaughter on innocent people, murdered not for being Irish or Republican, but merely for being Catholic. The claims that the bomb exploded within the walls of the bar convicted the innocent dead of being part off a bomb making class and killed themselves. A new document, dated the day off the explosion, a document is possesion of the British army, highlighting that the bomb exploded outside the walls of the bar. With full knowledge of the innocence of the victims, the British governement allowed the loyalist murder gangs to once more get away with the attempted ethnic cleansing of the Catholics in the occupied territory of Ireland.
The people of Ireland can never have justice until the foriegn occupants make a full apology and fully accept their evil ways in Ireland and furthermore pull out off our country.
God Bless
Peace
Monday, 29 June 2009
You can't decommision attitudes (*Harsh Language*)
We are certainly in a period of less conflict, but is it peace? Well anything other than a physical peace? No, it is not. Still we see flags hoisted to mark ones territory from another, Kerbs painted and the typical traditional hate marchs that happen each year at this time.
Yes at this time each year the loyalist communities try to claim ownership of the month of July. The fresh flags are hoisted, the murals touched up and the sectarian bigoted activities begin. The Fenians are expected to stay either at home, or to leave for the month, at least until after the twelth.It's not hard to see that with all the talk of loyalist decommisioning, that little has been done
to decommision the attitude that the taigs don't belong. In recent years the "council" has hung signs stating "Glengormley; Its Your Town". However at the same time every year, in a completely hypocritical move, they allow the scrap metal to be erected that states "This is most certainly NOT your town; It's ours". The Orange arch cover in anti-irish and anti-catholic sentiment is erected right in the centre of the village, a s'posed public area.A year ago, at Easter a women was forced, by the PSNI, a s'posed impartial Police Service, to remove her Irish flag. The national flag of her country. And Yet with out any arguement, permissions or consideration for the lowly second class "tims", hundreds of anti-irish flags, UVF Flags and flags of the Foriegn "Union" are hoisted all around my village, where I live. Again to remind me, that I merely have residence there. I'm not part of the community. I'm second class.
Then begin the bigot hate parades. The "Loyal Orange Lodge", an organisation that claims to be religious, march through Nationalist area, all over the occupied state, playing songs such as "Kick The Pope" and lyrics such as "Up to our neck in fenian blood 'til the day I die", with band names such as "KAI: Kill All Irish" and waving more sectarian flags. They claim its their traditional routes. I guess they are right. Hate is their tradition. What has kicking the Pope, Killing fenians and harassing locals got to do with christianity? About as much as the "Christian" Ku Klux Klan who marched the streets of the south, harassing and harbouring hate against the "second class lowly niggers" and waving their flags to represent hate.
Then comes the enviormental nightmare of the bigoted Alcohol fueled hate fires. All over the occupied state once again, huge piles of wood are stacked, made ready to be set alight on the 11th night so that local hoods, loyalists and bigots can dance to sectarian music, flags wrapped around them and reminise of the old days where it was okay to hate fenians openly. Anyone that tries to argue these fires are anything other than a hate celebration, is undermined by the use of Irish Flags, Pope models and, horrifyingly, the names of children killed by loyalist bigots used as toppers for their fires.
Note the Use of Sinn Féin posters.
Note the use of a "Papal Figure" on the top
Note the use of many Irish flags, and a poster displaying the 10 men who died on the 1981 Hunger Strike, who died for the rights of Republican and Loyalist prisioners.
Note the writing on the flag. It says "Fuck Micky Bo". This is in relation to Michael McIlveen. A 15 year old boy, beat with Baseball bats, and had his head kicked and jumped on, by fully grown loyalist men. He was 15, and he died at the scene. Why? He was a Catholic. Mervyn Wilson Moon (20), of Douglas Terrace, had admitted murder at the start of the trial. Christopher Andrew McLeister (18), of Knockeen Crescent, who had been on trial for murder, was found guilty of manslaughter. Paul Edward David Henson (19), of Condiere Avenue, was convicted of affray and criminal damage. Man Slaughter and criminal damage?? The UDA then threatened the father when he tried to have the flag removed. Striking similarity can be found in the Robert Hamil and the Kevin McDaid cases. Police have accepted now that members of the UDA and the Pride of the Band Orange flute band were involved in murdering Kevin McDaid, beating up his wife Evelyn and issuing threats to his son, and the family of Damien Flemming.
So what do I make of the loyalist decommisioning? Not a dam thing. The UVF, the UDA, the RHC and the LVF were all involved in collusion cases with the British Army and the RUC, and nearly all of them, if not all, were members of the "Loyal Orange Lodge". Nearly every RUC member was also a member of both paramilitaries and the LOL.
The IRA decommissioned four years ago, and only now are we hearing of loyalists making the move. Not only that but they have been considering financial grants to help them do so. That is the biggest insult imaginable to the families of the 1,000 innocent people slaughtered by those bastards. The UVF have claimed to have decommissioned everything and the RHC claim the same. The UDA "have begun" the process. The LVF haven't made a mention, and it seems no one is gonna ask either. With the UVF/RHC, they had three witnesses, whom they chose, and now expect to move into a political role. This is a disgusting thought.
When the IRA decommisioned, the loyalists threw every possible road block imaginable. They demanded they chose the witnesses, and then refused to even consider decommisioning until the Army Council was declared no more. They did it. Four years ago. At this stage if the IIDC report the decommisioning of weapons I will accept that. But I will not accept the legitmising of their bigoted beliefs, by allowing their "army council" to remain.
Further more we have been reminded of the words of David Irvine, a loyalist paramilitary himself, that the "war is over". To even consider the actions of the loyalist paramilitaries to be a war is an insult to the intellegience of any Catholic, regardless of wether they are Republican or Nationalist. Most of the 1,000 killed had no involvement in either the IRA or even Sinn Féin. Most were working class Catholics just trying to live a life. Kidnapping Catholics, pulling them into a black taxi and slaughtering them with butchers knifes in an alley can in no way be called a war. They were not, and can never be legitimised as an army.
They were a band of armed bigots, out to kill anyone Catholic or Irish, and when that was no longer acceptable, they took their hate out on eachother and terrorised the normal, true Protestant people.
To call loyalist paramilitaries or the "LOL" a Protestant organisation, is an insult to the many great Protestant churchs in our world. It is also an insult to the Protestant history of the Irish people. Many of the Irish revolutions were led by decent working Protestant citizens, both in Political and armed arenas. Many men and women involved in the rebirth of Irish culture were of Protestant denominations.
The point I want to make is, its a simple fact that we are not in a time of peace because mindsets are the same. We only want peace, as long as its "our" peace. The loyalist idea of peace, is that we don't use weapons anymore, and that we Irish Republicans, just accept that this is "Northern" Ireland, and just forget about a United Free Ireland. To help us on our way to this thought process, they will of course hoist the flags, sing the songs and parade on the streets and continue to antagonise the locals.
You Can't Decommision Attitudes
God Bless
Peace
Friday, 24 April 2009
"Speaking for You" Maybe... Not for Me
I thought I would address what I read, and give my opinions.
On the main page, where he addresses the Economic Crisis, I would have to say I agree with his big words. It’s hard to argue against the fact that "restoring economic stability and prosperity must be the priority of all". He rightly says there is "no quick fixes, but there are certainly pitfalls to be avoided". However as said these are big words, but he does not yet address how he plans to rebuild the economy. However this section of these leaflets is to grab attention of readers and press them to read further, not to detail in-depth what they wish to do.
However upon opening the leaflet you get an immediate sense of what kind of Politics this man administers. The first section inside the leaflet is entitled “Consistently Resisting Sinn Féin". This displays the same dead-end politics that this part of country can no longer accept. It uses the same dead language of Unionist politics from the 70's and 80's relating Sinn Féin to terrorists, claiming they hold "affinity, not just with ETA and FARC, but closer to home with relentless pursuits of
issues such as the Northern Bank Robbery...". It further talks about IRA/Sinn Féin. Jim Allister refuses to move into the 21st Century, where the IRA have not only ceased fire, decommissioned but also disbanded. He refuses to recognise that Sinn Féin, on numerous occasions since 2009 started, have condemned violence within the current Republican movement, and even went as far as to call armed Republicans traitors. Furthermore he accuses Sinn Féin of a crime; A crime for which they
were not charged, found guilty or in anyway proven to be connected too.
Within this section Mr Allister talks of the "failed Marxist agenda to which Sinn Féin is aligned". Sinn Féin are a socialist party, that believe in workers rights, and that the people come first. Socialism, in the way Sinn Féin talk about, has not yet been tried on our capitalist island, and so how can Mr Allister claim it is a failed agenda. He accuses Sinn Féin of belonging to "the communist block". Sinn Féin are not a communist party.
Jim Allistar is stuck in a dead era, where he chooses to ignore the people with whom he has differences, and thus stops any advancement in the Peace he claims he wants, but discriminating against 50% of the population with the occupied territory. Jim Allister for example, would definitely not represent my views in
Lets move on to section two; "Opposing Foolish Legislation".
Jim attacks the EU for the Working Time Directive. It seems reasonable at first glance, as who would disagree that when "Families are struggling to make ends meet" that workers are no longer allowed to work more than 48 hours per week. I guess if we listen to Jim Allister, I would agree that this is a ridiculous ruling. However through reading the regulations you will see that there is an opt out clause.
"If you are 18 or over and wish to work more than 48 hours a week, you can choose to opt out of the 48 hour limit. This must be voluntary and in writing." - http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/WorkingHoursAndTimeOff/DG_10029426 Now to me this seems reasonable. It means that workers can not be forced to work overtime, which would be unfair treatment of staff. Now I will not make my mind up now, but I do not see this as foolish. It seems that it allows you to work overtime if YOU, the worker, choose too. One can cancel the opt out agreement at anytime the wish, by giving "one week's to Three months notice". This seems reasonable. As I said not 100% sure, but seems reasonable to me. Sorry Jim.
Section Three; "Peace-Funding A Wasted
In this short section, Mr Allister complains that "money has been wasted". If further says "No one has been more critical of the waste and direction of much of the Peace Funding than Jim Allister". Now I don't think that Jim Allister really means money should not be put into Peace, thought it sounds that way. However he does not explain how he believes this money should be sent.
Section Four; "Holding the Line against the
Finally something we can agree upon. Within this section Mr Allister claims he is opposed to "the haemorrhaging of national powers to
The back of Jim Allister's leaflet contains short extracts from his speeches made in Europe, entitled "Speak for You in
1. "The Antrim Murders"
Once again in the extract, Jim Allister uses this as an excuse to attack Sinn Féin as terrorists, due to connections in their past, to the Irish Republican Army. He complains about having "three convicted IRA terrorists as Government ministers" and makes reference to how Martin McGuinness was once referred to as "The Bogside Butcher". He is ignoring completely the real situation in which the "Antrim Murders" have brought the Peace process. Jim is very quick to attribute the term Terrorist to Sinn Féin, but I'm curious would he be as quick to say the same of the PUP, UPRG and the DUP, all of whom have had connections to armed Loyalists. I would say he would hold his tongue a little tighter at least.
2. Climate change and Political Correctness
"...the proposed climate change package, we have emission-reduction demands which, if met, would reduce food production when we need it most. Faced with the choice of feeding the world or ticking climate change correction boxes, I am afraid I am on the side of common sense".
How can you be on the side of common sense if you show little signs of having any? Climate change is a debatable topic. Some believe in it and some do not. What no one can deny is that we are mistreating our planet, and it is being left in a terrible state in some places. No one can deny that the planet is heating up, thought some believe it is a natural occurrence that has happened throughout global history. My theory is, even if that is true, there is no sense us helping it along its way, and thus we must protect our environment, which means "ticking climate change correction boxes.
The fact is simple, that due to global warming, many farm lands within the developing/third world have already been irradiated. This means two things. That food production that Jim Allister is talking about is going to suffer either way. What use is it to pick food over climate change, if you can no longer grow the food in the current environment?
However it alot means that many third world countries are going to suffer. We in the "developed" or rich capitalist countries, for want of a better word, create most of the problems, as we produce a lot more pollution; however it is the developing world that bears the brunt of the suffering. Like most things that affect the third world, our nations cause them. So to ignore climate change is to ignore the world’s poor. That’s a nice attitude to take Jim.
3. Same Sex Marriage
At this stage I am already pretty sure that Jim Allister will not be getting a vote from me, and this brings me one step closer to concreting that decision. I want to address two things here. The first is his opening quote, and the second is the topic of same sex marriage.
So the quote he chose to begin this extract from states that "A society consumed by rights is a give me give me society, which has lost its balance". It is clear that Jim Allister does not believe in rights, as he completely disregards any Republican idealism as terrorism. However this statement is ridiculous. If someone was to remove a single right from Mr Allister, I have no doubt in my mind he would shout foul about it, and so he should. Every single person deserves their rights, as all people are supposed to be seen as equal. So maybe society will "lose its balance" as Mr Allister puts it, but in the defence of Human rights then so be it.
Now to address the topic of same sex marriage, many would think is a predictable one coming from me. I am a Roman Catholic and I would be quite conservative about it for a young person. However, I have my beliefs and I have to disagree with taking rights away from anyone. Jim Allister says "The natural order is Man and Woman. We pervert it when we demand equality for its very antithesis". So basically what we have here is Jim Allister saying once again, that because he doesn’t agree with this particular group of people, they deserve no rights.
When I read the bible I am told two things. For me, it would be wrong to be Homosexual. However the bible tells me I can not judge anyone, and I am a firm believer in this. I have no problems with homosexual people, and in fact have friends who are homosexual. I don't even give it a second thought. If two people of the same gender wish to go to the registry office, and have a civil partnership or marriage, I don't mind. It is not costing tax payer’s money. It is not destroying the economy, or causing wars. I do not see why it is even considered a topic of importance to Politicians, in a time where the world is at war, the economies are failing and people in general are suffering.
4. On
This is another sticky topic. In this troubled part of the world, the two divided communities tend to disagree on things, even things that have little or no connection to our conflict. As many Nationalist and Republican people began to show growing support for the Palestinian people, we seen saw the Israeli flag popping up around Unionist and loyalist estates. We see people on both sides complain about the others view on the situation when they have no understanding at all about the
I am sure if you read my blog I have no need to reassure you of my opinions on
5. The Irish Referendum result
Hold the press folks. Jim says something here that makes sense to me. I disagree with his use of the term country but to hear that he publically said " The disrespect for the lawfully expressed opinion of a small country [It’s a partionist state Jim] on the treaty of
6. The Maze Shrine
Now frankly my opinion on Long Kesh isn't really in agreement with anyone. I would keep it as is, for museum and tourism purposes, like Kilmainham or Crumlin Road Gaol. However once again the word of Mr Allister, make me lose even more respect for his ability as a Politician. He refers to Long Kesh as a place where "the most vile and vicious terrorists were properly incarcerated". Does he even have the first clue what he is talking about here? The treatment of Prisoners in Long Kesh Concentration Camp was regrettable in a modern "civilised" society. This is not only republican sentiment; William Smith, the first Loyalist prisoner stated “Long Kesh was a dreadful experience for anyone who was there”. In reference to the guards in the Kesh he said “They would come in and for no apparent reason smash up things, destroy your property. That was just part and parcel of prison life.”
I would like to hope that in his sweeping statements about terrorists, that he was at least recognising Loyalist paramilitaries under the same title. However he goes on to say that "Irish Republicans - who love to wallow in self pity" would turn it into a shrine to "Some of the most evil terrorists known to this generation". Firsly, who does he think he is? What right has this Racist anti Irish man got to speak of 50% of the population of the occupied state like that? If I was to say "Loyalists - who love to wallow in hatred", he would publically shout foul once again. This man is not fit to be a Politician. How can a man that talks like this also complain about "Bully Boy Politics". Furthermore, although I do not see the IRA/INLA prisoners as terrorists, if he is going to paint them as "the most evil" he must also acknowledge that the Kesh held some evil loyalist terrorists also. After all William Smith also said “When the republicans went on hunger strike and the dirty protest, they were fighting for the same rights as we were”.
Conclusion
I could write a lot more, but I have shown here, that I can agree with Jim Allister on a few points, but that my disagreements out weigh them points completely. I can guarantee that Jim Allister will not be receiving my vote. He is a bigot and is clearly stuck in 1980's politics, where he still does not accept that Irish Republicans have rights. He claims to represent "
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Whats it all about...
The past weekend was great. I think the team worked so well together and I definitely know I bonded with some people. Anyway I decided not to write about the weekend until after our first catch up meeting as this is when you get a real sense off how well it went. By this stage all the hype has died down and you have a chance to sit back and reflect on it. I still think it was great. I've known it to happen before where you feel you have bonded but after the weekend you realise that you haven't bonded at all. I honestly don't feel that is the case this time.
More importantly, you judge how well the candidates enjoyed it, as this is the first time they can come along to weekly meeting. On Tuesday night. nearly all the candidate returned. They all seemed as interested as they did as the weekend came to an end. I wasn't expecting the turn out so obviously I was extatic. But in the end whats it all about...
The mission statement says "Search is a group of young people who enable other young people to explore, experience and share their faith in new ways". I feel it allows you to prioritise your life. It allows us to reflect on what is really important, and what we should put first in life. The main focus of this weekend is then God, however nothing is forced on you. I think this is why it works. We allow you to make your own mind up. I know if I had attended a weekend and it had been all bible and preaching, Id have never returned. The gentle approach allows one to accept God in his or her own time. As a friend once told me, even the Great Man of Galilee whispered.
However to me Search has brought so much more than just a realisation and an acceptance of God. I can honestly say any Holidays, Experiences or Events I have been attended have been as a direct result of Search. I'll tell my story now, its most likely of little interest to many, but I just wanna get it out.
Three years ago, on the 05th of November, 2005, My sister dragged me along to this weekend retreat, run by a group of Young people calling them selves Search. I literally didn't wanna go. I didn't want to sit and have the bible forced on me and be told I was wrong for not being "Christian", to their standards. However upon entering the doors I was met by a really friendly group off people, that seemed to genuinely love eachother. I loved the weekend. I realised it wasn't about being Christian to their standards... It was about being Christian, about accepting that God Loves Me; And So I Did. From here I have achieved so much. I met a group off great people, and though I may not keep them in my life forever I will always have great memories. If you read through my blogs, and find the ones about Friends, and days/night out with my friends you'll note I met most off these people through Search. Due to Search I had a friend in Germany I could rely on, to put me up when I needed a place to stay in Germany.
I have always had wonderlust, and my First holiday outside of Ireland came from being part off Search. I visited Medjugorje, in Bosnia Herzegovina. It was at the time one off the Best weeks of my life. I'll never forget how the Sun sparkled off the Diamond waters of the Adriatic Ocean as the bus rumbled along the Coastal Cliffs of Croatia, down into the green valleys of Bosnia. The following year I attended the Redemptrist European Youth Congress in Limerick. I met some amazing people, and I had a great time. This year I went to Lourde as part off the Clonard Youth Team. Again I met amazing people, and had a great time.
Although I never got the chance to visit the developing world, to do charity work, I got involved with Serve through Search. I was accepted to fly to Thailand as a worker. Although this never came to be, I have great memories, such as Flip Flop Friday. More Info here...
Although most off my first gigging band had met before Search I feel it was through the group we cemented our bonds at the time, strong enough to forge a band. Since then sadly the cement has cracked, and the bonds seem to have split. I picked up my Acoustic Guitar, after years of neglection due to Search.
I could go on and on and on... But I doubt you read all this so I'll leave it here
God Bless
Peace
Thursday, 2 October 2008
Im Sorry
Basically Europe was amazing. The indepth blog that I kept will never surface, by now its irrelevant. I flew into Paris, then visited Brest on the North West Coast of France. Its a lovely Maritime villiage. From here we returned to Paris. The City is beautiful, and is rife with Art, History and as much as I'd like to avoid the Cliché, it really is the City of Love. If your staying in Paris I would suggest the Montmartré area. It translates to the Mount of Martyrs. My reasoning is for the close proximity to the Sacré-Couer. It was my favourite Parisian site. If in Paris use their Metro. Its fantastic.
From here we crossed borders into Belgium to visit Brugge. Another beautiful place. The Camp sote we stayed in was beautiful, and was less than a half hour from the Square. We attended mass at the Chapel of the Precious Blood, and venerated the relic. It was all very overwellming. Before leaving Belgium we made the obvious stop in the Capital, Brussels. I don't want to talk ad about someones city, but I didn't get Brussels at all. Another border Crossing brought us to Germany, to the city that hosted the World Youth Day, previous to Sydney. Koln. It was a very nice city, and has a fascinating Cathedral and a great Zoo. From here we visisted a friend in birth place of Beethoven, Bonn. Then crossed borders again to the Beautiful city of Luxembourg. It really was a stunning place. Back into France this time to visit Strasbourg, before heading into Germany again for to ee Freiburg. We travelled back home through Paris, London, Holy head and Dublin.
Okay, I guess I'll talk about Lourde now. Lourde was amazing, and I have made memories that will last a life time. I met some amazing people, whom I hope to also have in my life forever. The whole place was amazing. The actual Sanctuary had me in awe. However the most special place in my eyes would have to be the Grotto. I stood in an area, that just 150 years ago, the Mother of Christ, and our Mother in Heaven stood. I was in absolute Peace the whole time I was there; Pray was easier than it has been in a long while. The Papal mass that I attended at 6am in the morning was great. The atmophere was fantastic. On top of the fact my Faith was given the boost I was looking for, the Craic was mighty also. Heres to the Jeanne D'Arc. Also it provided me with my first visit to the Basque region. It was a Beautiful Day.
In other not so great news, I'm not very happy in my current Job. I feel like I am no more than a glorified Technician or Secetary. Now I have no problems with said jobs; but after two years in a Industry specific course, this is not what I feel I should be doing. I know however I should not complian as many others have no jobs, and struggle with Cash flow. I pray for the strengthn to accept the work year ahead.
I believe that is all.
I won't be a stranger.
God Bless
Peace
Friday, 27 June 2008
Clonard Solemn Novena
The Clonard Solemn Novena for 2008 concluded at half one on Friday Morning, and it was great. I've done Novena's before, I've even done the Clonard Novena before, but this one was different. I didn't want it to end. I really loved it. The theme this year was "A Life Worth Living", which is a big statement to me. Anyway I was helping out a little at this years Novena aswell. I worked the camera at some sessions, and sorted petitions every night. Some of the petitions read out by the preachers brought me near tears, and the session I attended on Tuesday did. I was so glad to be in the Organ Balcony at the time so that no one noticed. I just thought the whole thing was fantastic. So much work is put into it. I am sad to say I missed two days, for Christy Moore and Def Leppard. I've made the Promise not to miss a single day next year.
In general I think there are so many great people involved with Clonard, and it really does feel like a community, of which I am not yet a member, but felt so incredibly welcome. I won't start telling stories, but I suggest you attend next year.
http://www.clonard.com
Rock N Roll + Folk
Well I never got them blogs up, and so I've just decided to mix them all up. I'll start with the Music side of things.
The first of the blogs was to be entitled "I forgot about roll", but needless to say it never surfaced. It was meant to describe my feelings after goin to see "White Lion" in the Rosetta Bar. I gone off the "Rock Rails" recently as it has been a while since a new band has come around that I have enjoyed, and as a result I commonly say these days I've gone off rock. However it seems I forgot about the Roll side of things; Alcohol Fuelled, Sex Driven Rock and Roll. Anyway the gig was great. The first band that came on were called "Crimes of Passion", and sounded like they wanted to be from the 80's. The next band, Stormzone, could rightly have been from the 80's, and of course White Lion ARE from the 80's. It rocked. Just a week later I went to see Def Leppard, Whitesnake and Black Stone Cherry. Whitesnake seemed to forget they had got old, and kept talking about how "big" they were, and they didn't mean the music. Def Leppard had got old, and just didn't give a dam. They Rocked.
Mid Week I journeyed to Dublin yet again. I have a soft spot for that city. In the words of Damien Dempsey its the "Apple of my Eye". Speaking of which the reason I made the journey this time was to see Christy Moore, Damien Dempsey, Jinx Lennon and Paula Flynn. I really enjoyed it. Though eating in that city will bleed you dry. I went down early on the morning of Thursday the 19th. I booked into my room in "Isaacs Hostel". If your looking for a basic hostel in the heart of Dublin, check them out. Great staff, but maybe abit more pricey that you would like. Too me it was grand. I spent the whole day wandering with my Camera. Stephens Green is a great place for amatuer photographers in the city to play about. I got some good shots. So come 5 I reckoned I should get food, and then off I went to the gig. I was using Google maps to find my way. Here is a little warning, aviod Google maps if possible, they do not work. I eventually found the gig after walking in circles, being completely ignored by Garda, and being heckled by kids. The show was great and I got some good shots, considering I've never done gig photography. The bar was dry, due to Christy being a "T Totaler". Jinx Lennon didn't impress the crowd, but I found him entertaining, though he should come with the warning, not suitable for the easily offended.
God Bless
Peace
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
I'm not sure...
There is so much going on in my head these days. I wish I could poetically put it down on paper. That side of me seems to have dried up recently. Musically I'm really inactive these days. I got a mandolin for my Birthday, which is amazing and for a while I was right back in there. It didn't last long. I just don't see a point anymore. It just doesn't soothe the soul anymore.
Further more I spiritually feel further from God than ever before. Its a weird thing with me, because I have no doubt in my mind about the existence of God. I just don't feel him anymore. The fault here of course is all my own. I constantly fail at living the way I should. But God I Try...
I currently don't understand my own thoughts. I just want a distraction from who I actually am sometimes.
Have you ever had that best friend, that you could tell everything too. Nothing was too silly, too embarrassing or too much? I currently feel like I need that. I use to have friends like that, but the bond isn't strong anymore. Again this is prob my fault, I'm terrible for keeping in touch. I'm not sure what I'd say to that friend, but maybe my spirits would be higher.
I had no intention of Blogging tonight, and I don't really know where this came from, but it seems a shame to delete it now. I think I shall post it anyway.
Song of Choice the past week: Laura Stevenson - Coming Home
On other news Barrack Obama seems to have won the Democratic candidacy. I'm glad. My only problem with him is his pro-Abortion stance. He's enviormental, plans stronger gun control and wants to end war in Afghanistan/Iraqi. The Republicans however are not Enviormental, Pro Guns due to the 2nd amendment and are pro Afghan/Iraqi/Iran war. But they are Anti Abortion. Judging from McCains website.
Is America ready to vote Black though? My faith in America isn't strong enough to think they will.
God Bless
Peace
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Saturday Celebration
Yesterday was, put simply, one of those unexpected days which upon reflection, you just have to thank God for. It did start as a fairly normal day, I got up and went to Work at half one like every Saturday. Afterwards I shared Lunch with my sister and then I went over to St Ann's Cathedral.
I had been looking forward to the Taize Celebration all week. It was to start with a procession from St Peters Cathedral to St Ann's Cathedral at 6pm, but as I didn't get out work until then I just went over to St Ann's for the service. I arrived at about 7pm, I entered the Cathedral, and had a walk around, sat down and had a quick prayer. When the Procession arrived I went outside to meet my Friend Martin, unaware that Brendan, Paula and Patrice were also there.
We went inside again, and myself, Paula and Patrice took a seat on the floor at the front of the cathedral. The Choir practised the Hymns and Chants for just under an Hour before the Service began. The Music was amazing, and though I only knew two of the songs, by the time the service started, I was able to sing a few. The Service was really beautiful, and we all prayed around an Icon of the Crucified Christ, before lighting candles and sitting back to sing some more. The service was really beautiful and I could have stayed there all night, however me and my friends had plans and people were starting to worry. So once the service ended we had to leave. So I found it really refreshing, and I really enjoyed every moment.
After a short chat with Chat with Brendan we made our way to Clonard. Paula gave a lift to me and Martin. We stopped at her house for a Pizza, and then up to our friend Michael's house. It was an amazing night. It was great to see some old faces, and some new ones too. We laughed for hours, sang for hours and had Craic all night. It was amazing. I especially loved the chance to hear a friend sing some of his old songs, that I always loved. The last song proved to be very emotional, and we left our friends house at half 4 in the morning.
As I said it was amazing, and very unexpected.
God Bless
Peace
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