Covering Up Abuse In The Catholic Church

Paedophilia is a "grave sin" the catholic church teaches, so grave accused priests were moved to another parish, while paperwork was buried. Just how many abuses must be reported before they stop being above the law? If you abuse a child you commit a criminal offence and you should face prosecution. It's beyond the pale that the church was not only more concerned for their reputation than protecting children, but church law is still in play with these cases. They are crimes, those priests should be put on trial, not prayed for.

Election Pre Budget

Never before has a chancellor said so little in so many words. T'is the season though, which is why it was far better to kick the Tories, than come up with a credible plan to pay off £167bn of debt.

The BBC have a handy summary of the key budget points. Must remember to buy a couple packs of cigarettes and a bottle of cider before Sunday.

Emmeline Pankhurst

I'm currently reading the biography of Emmeline Pankhurst and came across this wonderful photograph of her. She's being arrested after leading a protest to parliament, armed with a rolled resolution for women's suffrage and a few lilies of the valley. What really strikes me about it is, the look on her face, such pride and defiance.

We are here, not because we are law-breakers; we are here in our efforts to become law-makers.

Wonderful, I hope I always look as proud on my way to vote.

Poltical Posters Dog Tax and BA - Part 2

Having not been impressed with the political posters so far, I'm glad to see at last an interesting one. Based of course on those really annoying Churchill insurance adverts and Labours dog pat down which was announced, then retracted while doing a U-Turn, since people couldn't quite work out how taxing dog owners keeps people safe.

It's a good poster, makes a link with Brown's taxing love affair, portrays him as something annoying and is witty. Best use so far of a political poster.

Did they tell you about party funding situation? Ironically the poster was probably funded by Lord Ashcoft.

Jon Venables - Public Interest?

At long last Jack Straw and the government have put a stop to this media frenzy by not issuing different statements contradicting each other, but being clear about what's happening. This situation was so poorly managed by Downing Street. It was inevitable that given public interest the media will be seeking information. It was also inevitable that the family of James Bulger would be pushed into the spot light. Just saying you have nothing to say wasn't going to do anything under these circumstances.

All this media speculation was far worse than just providing some information. If becoming public knowledge that Venables had been arrested again, couldn't have just been suppressed. They should have managed the situation by giving a public statement from the onset, being clear that he was facing an investigation, thus until definite charges and a conviction are brought no information should be released.

What happened to James Bulger was an appalling crime, yet either everyone is entitled to a fair trial or we're left with that statement having a caveat. It is not in the public interest at large for the rule of law to be bent by politicians or newspapers selling papers. We cannot have trial by media. Jack Straw is right to stand his ground.

Brown In Afghanistan

Am I just a misanthrope or is Brown's "surprise" visit to Afghanistan the most cynical, distasteful, purely self motived stunt I've seen a politician do for quite awhile. Such shamefulness means there must be an election soon. You can always guarantee a politician will rise above their "principles" the nearer you get to one.

Oscar Predictions 2010

Last year I didn't do too badly at all in my predictions, this year isn't looking as difficult to predict. Oh and I'm wearing a Valentino chic dress, with Louboutin's “Differa” Heels.

The full nominations can be seen here.

Best Picture

Avatar. This year I think this category won't link with director, given there are so many nominations.

Best Director

Kathryn Bigelow, who would be the first woman to win this award, so fingers crossed.

Best Actor

Jeff Bridges in Crazy Heart, very American, he's not won before and the sort of film the Oscars love.

Best Actress

Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side is considered the favourite and is highly likely to win. Though Meryl Streep hasn't won for awhile so could steal the statue. I'll go against the favourite and say Streep.

Best Supporting Actor

Christoph Waltz in Inglourious Basterds is a clear favourite.

Best supporting Actress

Mo'Nique in Precious, the Oscars love a tear jerker.

Best Animation

Up, clear winner.

Best Foreign Film

The White Ribbon, I don't see the other nominations having the edge Michael Haneke does.

Best Original Screenplay

Inglourious Basterds, Quentin Tarantino isn't nominated often so is likely to win this category.

Best Adapted Screenplay

Up in the Air, as it isn't likely to pick up any of the other awards.

Dance Of Democracy

> Click on image to enlarge <

I went to the Saatchi Gallery's current exhibition entitled "The Empire Strikes Back: Indian Art Today". It was a very interesting exhibition, largely because I'm so used to seeing work that reflects western culture, it was fascinating to see eastern culture in this way. I was surprised at just how political a lot of the work was.

One artwork that stood out to me was "Dance Of Democracy" by Mansoor Ali, it's the picture above. A series of chairs precariously perched together. When you stand in front of it there's a feeling that it may fall any minute, if luck is what holds it all together. You start looking for logical reasons as to why it stays together, glue sticking it? A frame inside it? The chairs have notches that interlink? All to no avail. It somehow against all odds stays in place, as fragile as it is.

I really liked that visual interpretation of democracy, as it is also in it's nature bureaucratic, made up of seats, committees and departments. Thus the humble chair is a prefect choice to symbolise it.

Tory Situation is like......

>Click on image to enlarge<

Wonderful cartoon by Garland, I even think I see a "pooh stick".

A Future Fair For All?

There's a website launched called 'a future fair for all' that is about:

providing people with facts about the last thirteen years, helping you take a long, hard look at Labour.

It's actually quite alarming viewing their record like that, it reads like a judge reading a conviction out.

I Too Was Bullied and Beaten By Brown

It's always strange to me that it's the smaller things that take hold in the media and get whipped into a frenzy, perhaps it's the relatable that people latch on to. Bullying is something which so many have personal experience of, myself included. Which does make this a damaging story to take hold.

The revelations about the rage, despair and indecision inside Number 10, doesn't surprise me. It is shocking to me that Brown essentially has a big fat ego? No. Does it shock me that he doesn't like to take responsibility? No. Brown on his damage limitation rounds said about his "passionate nature":

I think the country wants someone that will push things forward, and not allow things to be stagnant and stale...

Yes that would be nice, where can we find such a person? His indecision is a far worse trait for a prime minster to have, situations don't stop and wait while he ponders what to do. He is unfit for being prime minster because he doesn't take responsibility, just control. His temper/bullying etc is just a by-product of his inability to do his job.

No doubt Brown will weather this as he always has, the only change this will make is if polls drop, then the mystery election date may move. Which is the key factor to this story, how people interpret Ms Pratt's intervention - a breach of confidence or outrage at Number 10?

Political Posters and Slogans So Far - Part 1

What delightful campaign posters from the Tories and Labour to date. In fact so much so I thought I'd take a look them.

• Labour's two face Cameron poster

So off camera Cameron has an even bigger forehead than a Ferengi. Worse still the man is plotting to scrap our right to see a cancer specialist within two weeks. Not something he's put into his manifesto, given the slogan does translate to - the Tories want to kill you - perhaps I'm looking at the wrong section, maybe it's the under reducing the population chapter?

Verdict - Bit rich from Labour, I don't know anyone that hasn't been on waiting lists longer than 2 weeks to see an actual Doctor. A "right" is not a word I would use, "luck" would be more accurate. Hypocritical at best.

• Labours election campaign slogan

"A Future Fair for All"

This slogan was announced along with a speech about knowing that they are inept, but the Tories won't let everyone ride on the roller-coaster at the forthcoming fair. Though given inequality has increased under a Labour government, perhaps they mean- some futures are fairer than others?

Verdict - Gimmicky and joins the ever growing list of slogans generated by the Labour spin machine. The only use it has is allowing Brown to keep repeating his new slogan at every opportunity and like a scratch on a CD, he will. An exhausted and exhausting election technique. Give us a break.

• Conservative "I've Never Voted Tory"

Like a dirty secret you wouldn't want anyone to know, these posters act as declaration, you're not alone if you are thinking of voting scum sucking pigs Tory. Like an alcoholic Julie states it openly for the first time, while her son comforts her and daughter looks like she might vomit.

Verdict - Too manufactured, vanilla and generic. What are they for really? Tell us your plans for families Dave, she may look happy, but does she really know? Does anyone know? Do you know? What a waste of paper.

• Tories - Gordon will even tax you when you die
  

Jumped the gun with this one, as it isn't Labour policy and apparently it wasn't under consideration. But don't let facts stand in the way of scaring people with death. Gordon will steal your money when you die and then bury you in an unmarked grave.

Verdict -"Brown taxing everything" narrative could strike a cord with people, as it is an expression about him so often used. Yet this just fell flat on it's face, badly judged. Another waste of paper.

• What do we learn?

Tories can't communicate their message, they're walking in the dark while hitting their shins on chairs and kicking out at Labour. They really need to be clear and a lot more finely tuned in their campaign. Stop trying to be everything and just be about something.

Labour don't have a lot of money and are it playing safe. Same battle lines as they always draw, evil Tories, cuts etc. Their attack on Cameron is similar to John Major's on Blair, asking voters to question what's behind the public face. This is a good attack, though with Blair being so associated with New Labour, there is only so far they can take this without it backfiring.

Electoral Reform - An Empty Vote

Gordon Brown has written a comment is free piece over on the Guardian subtitled:

I will do everything I can to secure a referendum to let the people decide on electoral reform.

Can't help but think he'd be better off not mentioning the words "referendum" in the same sentence as anything alluding to New Labour and promises. Tony Blair pledged to do exactly the same thing their 1997 manifesto and lest we forget the Europe referendum that repeatedly never was.

Faith and trust in parliament has taken a severe knock in the past year, but I do not believe people have lost their appetite for politics, or for the change it can bring.

Indeed politics at the moment is like a haggis, bon appetit. Yet when Brown speaks of reforming politics via the voting system, it's just pointless without addressing what has done the most damage - expenses, lack of transparency, accountability, over-powerful whips and party machines etc. Otherwise the only thing you're changing is the MPs, it's like painting over mould and hoping no one notices the smell. As though I support a change in the voting system, I don't at the expense of ignoring more important reform that is yet to surface.

The vote for Browns "election reform" is thought to be next week as he says:

I am determined to do everything I can to take on and persuade those who want to deny the people the chance to decide at a referendum, and I will build support across the Commons, the Lords and the country.

Support he created in less than a working week, now that would be a good use of whips "leadership". So perhaps he could use some of that "leadership" to get the basics right first, like what on earth is going on with expenses, everyone is paying something back while 5 Sirs report on the report, that 3 separate Sirs created and rules get changed but parliament doesn't vote, but everyone criticises everyone else including the Sirs? Certainly seems the best way forward for a clear transparent system.

Kraft Takes Over Cadbury's

Oh great, does this mean Cadbury's chocolate will now come in squashed flat processed squares, of a slightly odd luminous colour, that will taste a bit like chocolate but not quite enough for you to feel comfortable calling it that? Damn you sell out share holders, may you be made to eat Kraft toasted "cheese" sandwiches at every shareholder meeting from now on.

I'm not sure whether this take over will end up good or bad in the long run, that would be determined by what Kraft does with Cadbury's in this country. Potentially it opens a market in the US which could bring better investment for Cadbury's here. Yet my overwhelming feeling with this is just- is nothing sacred? This recession is like throwing stuff off a sinking ship, with industry in this country really taking the hit, that finance in fairness deserves.

New Labour Laptops On EBay

There's a wonderful satire of the Labour laptop give way announced earlier this week on ebay. It's listed as "the latest offering in the "class war" series and will be issued exclusively to "low income" families". It has a Labour election processor and it's primary drive is re-election.

According to the Q & A's it also comes with a CD containing the names of the 25 million taxpayers in this country.

You can read British contempt at it's best here.

Election Whistle Has been Blown

The Tories have dominated the starting agenda of the build up to the election, launching posters today of Dave "this is my honest face" Cameron, making a personal promise to you the voter, how thoughtful.

I do find it interesting that they're making the Tory party the Dave party. Though polls do show people like Dave more than the Tory party itself. It does leave Labour a lot of room for attacking them, which in turn could leave people disliking Dave as much as the Tory party. Certainly they can only distract from the party as a whole for a short while, I can't see it working as a long term tactic. Yet turning it into a personality contest is a fairly sneaky tactic. As it does remind people that the alternative is Brown.

Airport Scanner - Coming Soon

Who said this?

I think we all know what they are trying to do. They are trying to use the slaughter of innocent people to cow us, to frighten us out of doing the things that we want to do, trying to stop us from going about our business as normal, as we are entitled to do and they should not and they must not succeed.

When they try to intimidate us, we will not be intimidated. When they seek to change our country or our way of life by these methods, we will not be changed.

No not the words of a crazy blogger about the Labour Party, they are in fact Tony Blair's words after the terrorist attacks on London. As I now read about the full-body scanners that will be installed in airports, yet another terrorist necessity, I'll bear in mind those words as I head to the airport for my nude photo shoot. Because of course the only real choice here is between being groped or being stripped? Yet should people really be humiliated by their government like this? And for how much extra security, really?

Class Wars - Does Anyone Care?

There's been lots of continued talk in the papers about Labour's election tactic being based on 'classes'. The notion being that the Tories are elitist snobby Eton boys who want to bring back fox hunting, in order to use the hounds to hunt down coal miners and those that aren't millionaires that donate to their party. Essentially it plays on the Lib Dems narrative of the Tories sense of entitlement, but New Labour dust off their dead donkey like they always do, to beat it to the rhythm of evil Tories. Which I think must sound a lot like "Things can Only Get Better".

Though I do understand that if those in power had experienced what it's like to live on the poverty line, been unemployed, relied on the NHS/state schooling and so on, that they would have empathy, the idea that some things need to be experienced to be understood. Yet one person could never experience everything in life, the most important point here is having politicians that listen, that very simple notion crosses class, age and wealth. I don't care in the slightest what someone's background is as long as they listen and in doing so speak up for those that elect them.

Largely though it's a very desperate tactic. There is so little different between the parties they're creating the dividing line of class, just when did New Labour start routing for someone other than themselves and banks? Oh that's right, when faced with loosing the election because of that very fact. This election isn't about class difference, there will always be those that look down on others and those that look up with scorn. This election is when distilled down, just about how badly Labour will loose. As people are angry, that is what will define voters agenda.

Good Riddance Day

I'll be honest, I don't like new year's, the idea I have to be joyful that a) I'm older and b) I have to be happy at 12:00am on the dot when some over enthusiastic drunk cops a feel, is frankly beyond my happiness ability. Yet I came across this article on 'Good Riddance Day' and thought it to be a great idea:

It's time to line to up to say goodbye to everything from disappointing report cards to CDs with a song you never wanted to hear again to fattening foods you've sworn to renounce – anything with a bad memory from the previous year. A dumpster will be available for those un-shreddable items, and a sledgehammer will be on-hand to pulverize all those bad memories away. (read more)

I'm drawn not just to the idea of wielding a sledgehammer, but the idea of symbolically ridding yourself of memories, thoughts etc, that mark 2009 negatively. So thought I'd give it a go, the picture above is my good riddance to bad rubbish for year new. I can confirm it was very therapeutic, I would highly recommend shredding, tearing and smashing 2009 away.

Very happy new year to you all, may this year bring you happiness in whatever form that takes.

Tis The Season

I've been a terrible host of late and I offer my apologies for the lack of posting. Work and other factors will hopefully calm down from now on. Have to admit to apathy descending upon me too, polling is just scary at the moment, as scary as Brown's smug little smile. I hope too that the same old stories in the news will turn over soon as we start to enter election time. It's all been a little non eventful, with politicians going out of their way not to offend a single voter.

In the mean time, I take this opportunely to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a hung over free new year! May that enviable kebab late on new year not turn nasty on you and may it really be meat.