Just a quick thought about the situation in Libya - initially I was for the UN backed action, if for no other reason than to stop a massacre in Benghazi, but what they are doing now seems a little too much.
The NATO spokesmen said today that it is not about taking sides, it is about protecting civilians who come under fire and this is all that is happening. It is a consequence of this action that allows the rebels to strengthen their position and move along the coast towards Tripoli.
A consequence...
So, bombing tanks and other legitimate targets loyal to Gaddafi because of the threat to civilian life is OK according to the coalition of forces involved in the action - so what happens when the bombing allows the rebels to stand at the gates of Tripoli where they begin to shell the city - thereby endangering the lives of civilians?
If this happens, and there is no reason why it could not happen, will NATO forces drop bombs on the rebel troops?
Answers please, addressed to Dr Liam Fox, and in doing so we might remind him of part of the oath that many in his profession swear:
'I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings'...
Yes Dr Fox - even to those loyal to Gaddafi.
We may not like it but if we are not even handed in our dealings in Libya - it will just be another Iraq.
Just my view...
Monday, 28 March 2011
Sunday, 27 March 2011
A Week Is A Long Time....
...in politics. So said Harold Wilson, smoking his pipe and wearing his raincoat like a cross between Columbo and Monsieur Hulot.
Now you know me my children, I do have political views and I sometimes mention them but of course politics and religion are two of the things that always cause friction when debated - and I have been the cause of much friction over the years.
Talking of friction - this week I was approached by a man who asked me to do something I had never considered. He smiled nicely, he said lots of nice things and he did his best to persuade me that I should try it. If I didn't want to do it at home he could arrange for me to do it where no one would know me.
It didn't need to be a one off either, he had plans for the future.
I said that I thought Mrs B wouldn't like me to do it - and she didn't.
So, I had to let the man know that I would not be able nor willing to do the thing he had asked of me - and already I hear John F Kennedy yelling from the annals of history - 'what can you do for your country?'
Becoming a local councillor - couldn't do it. First of all, where would I get the time, it would mean neglecting you, my cyber flock.
Secondly, I think anyone looking at some of the things I have said in the past about...well, about everyone and everything really, they would have a field day throwing it all back at me. How can you take a man who writes this sort of shit seriously?
And perhaps that is ultimately the real reason I don't want to join the ranks of the motivated local citizenry - I would have to give up speaking my mind...I wouldn't like that. I'd have to start going to London and marching, and that just looks really boring and you'd miss Harry Hill's TV Burp.
I thought all about these things as I walked down to the bank in Mansfield - another cock-up ensued with the paying in machine but I expect that now from Nat West, useless bunch. As I walked out of the bank I spotted a performance artist, he was dressed in a totally gold costume, a cavalier get-up, and he was standing on a box like a big statue - not moving a muscle. I dropped 20p in his pot and told him there was a great job opportunity going at Nat West for a man like him - he would just have to learn to slow down a little.
Anyway, I walked around town, looking at my fellow travellers and thinking how could I represent these people? Most of them probably shop in Tesco and so they would never vote for me. The only time any of them put an X on a form is when they sign their names. Educashun, Educashun Educashun!
The best way I can affect change is to carry on being me - fearless in the crusade against all things and all people - perhaps I should start my own party - here is my slogan - Vote for the Guru, he won't make your life any better but unlike most politicians, he wont make it any worse!
I have had a brush with public service before, almost becoming a magistrate - same restrictions ended that really, I like to say what comes into my head and I don't like to be told 'you can't say that'.
No, I can do my best work from the comfort of my office chair, poking my digital digits into the metaphorical pies of others and then offering my opinion on their pastry...
I don't think I will be a great loss to the political world - I would be a loss to you, wouldn't I, my little gang of confused and bewildered monkeys. Sat in front of your computer screens, scratching your head and saying thank you dear Guru, thank you for not deserting us.
As if I would...
Finally let me say thank you to that certain gentleman who made the offer, it was flattering to be considered as almost normal enough to run for public office.
Now you know me my children, I do have political views and I sometimes mention them but of course politics and religion are two of the things that always cause friction when debated - and I have been the cause of much friction over the years.
Talking of friction - this week I was approached by a man who asked me to do something I had never considered. He smiled nicely, he said lots of nice things and he did his best to persuade me that I should try it. If I didn't want to do it at home he could arrange for me to do it where no one would know me.
It didn't need to be a one off either, he had plans for the future.
I said that I thought Mrs B wouldn't like me to do it - and she didn't.
So, I had to let the man know that I would not be able nor willing to do the thing he had asked of me - and already I hear John F Kennedy yelling from the annals of history - 'what can you do for your country?'
Becoming a local councillor - couldn't do it. First of all, where would I get the time, it would mean neglecting you, my cyber flock.
Secondly, I think anyone looking at some of the things I have said in the past about...well, about everyone and everything really, they would have a field day throwing it all back at me. How can you take a man who writes this sort of shit seriously?
And perhaps that is ultimately the real reason I don't want to join the ranks of the motivated local citizenry - I would have to give up speaking my mind...I wouldn't like that. I'd have to start going to London and marching, and that just looks really boring and you'd miss Harry Hill's TV Burp.
I thought all about these things as I walked down to the bank in Mansfield - another cock-up ensued with the paying in machine but I expect that now from Nat West, useless bunch. As I walked out of the bank I spotted a performance artist, he was dressed in a totally gold costume, a cavalier get-up, and he was standing on a box like a big statue - not moving a muscle. I dropped 20p in his pot and told him there was a great job opportunity going at Nat West for a man like him - he would just have to learn to slow down a little.
Anyway, I walked around town, looking at my fellow travellers and thinking how could I represent these people? Most of them probably shop in Tesco and so they would never vote for me. The only time any of them put an X on a form is when they sign their names. Educashun, Educashun Educashun!
The best way I can affect change is to carry on being me - fearless in the crusade against all things and all people - perhaps I should start my own party - here is my slogan - Vote for the Guru, he won't make your life any better but unlike most politicians, he wont make it any worse!
I have had a brush with public service before, almost becoming a magistrate - same restrictions ended that really, I like to say what comes into my head and I don't like to be told 'you can't say that'.
No, I can do my best work from the comfort of my office chair, poking my digital digits into the metaphorical pies of others and then offering my opinion on their pastry...
I don't think I will be a great loss to the political world - I would be a loss to you, wouldn't I, my little gang of confused and bewildered monkeys. Sat in front of your computer screens, scratching your head and saying thank you dear Guru, thank you for not deserting us.
As if I would...
Finally let me say thank you to that certain gentleman who made the offer, it was flattering to be considered as almost normal enough to run for public office.
Thursday, 24 March 2011
I Haven't Had Tomorrow
The above line is part of a response once offered by Elizabeth Taylor when she was asked what else could she possibly need out of life, she had it all - it's quite a wonderful reply and suits the image we all have of Dame Elizabeth.
I'm not going to write her obituary today, although it would be a great read, but they have spoken to so many people about her life and her legacy that I think it's all been said - she was a great movie star and an even greater human being.
I do have one nagging question though, who will comment on the death of Michael Winner when it occurs, because he won't be free!
I think my blog yesterday left some a little confused, my use of Star Wars as a base metaphor left you nonplussed, basically I was having a go at a miserable old Catholic priest (Darth Chris) - anyway he has been bumped down the scale of religious people I detest and the Westboro Baptists are back at the top of the list.
That bunch of bible wielding maggots should be thrown to the lions - can you imagine wanting to protest at Elizabeth Taylor's funeral because of her support for the American Foundation for Aids Research - free speech gone mad.
"The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues" - and in that quote Dame Elizabeth deals with these awful bigots, she was a class act.
Another class act is Phil Lavelle, and why the BBC has decided to let him go when they hold on to some so called talent is beyond me.
I have spoken to Phil, he is a very dear friend and we chat often, and passed on my best wishes for the future - and here's hoping he and all of my followers get the chance to live life as it should be lived and never give up hoping that they will get a chance to have tomorrow.
"I want it all quickly 'cause I don't want God to stop and think and wonder if I'm getting more than my share."
Elizabeth Taylor - National Velvet
I'm not going to write her obituary today, although it would be a great read, but they have spoken to so many people about her life and her legacy that I think it's all been said - she was a great movie star and an even greater human being.
I do have one nagging question though, who will comment on the death of Michael Winner when it occurs, because he won't be free!
I think my blog yesterday left some a little confused, my use of Star Wars as a base metaphor left you nonplussed, basically I was having a go at a miserable old Catholic priest (Darth Chris) - anyway he has been bumped down the scale of religious people I detest and the Westboro Baptists are back at the top of the list.
That bunch of bible wielding maggots should be thrown to the lions - can you imagine wanting to protest at Elizabeth Taylor's funeral because of her support for the American Foundation for Aids Research - free speech gone mad.
"The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues" - and in that quote Dame Elizabeth deals with these awful bigots, she was a class act.
Another class act is Phil Lavelle, and why the BBC has decided to let him go when they hold on to some so called talent is beyond me.
I have spoken to Phil, he is a very dear friend and we chat often, and passed on my best wishes for the future - and here's hoping he and all of my followers get the chance to live life as it should be lived and never give up hoping that they will get a chance to have tomorrow.
"I want it all quickly 'cause I don't want God to stop and think and wonder if I'm getting more than my share."
Elizabeth Taylor - National Velvet
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
The Soundtrack To Our Lives
Greetings one and all, sorry I have neglected you lately but I have been busy battling the forces of evil and if you turn your back on the buggers, they'll have you!
It is like Luke Skywalker and Goliath, little me tackling the might of the the evil empire, dark forces trying to prevent me from being the Guru you all love and trust. They even sent their nastiest agent, Darth Chris, to give me the evil eye...but here I am, and the battle will go on!
The ancient master, the emperor of this horde of black clad brigands, sits in his fortified palace in Rome surrounded by his own personal guard - but he has his tentacles feeling for new blood all around the globe.
They have to try and destroy me because they hate my message of light and freedom, they don't want you to know that you have a choice!
Darth Chris slithered into Mos Eisley Co-Op and tried to use his mind tricks on the staff telling them that a funeral is more than a eulogy and music, luckily my force was strong that day and they repelled him, very much as he repels all who meet him.
Which actually brings me to my point (Florrie will be saying 'what is he going on about'?!)
The use of music at funerals is so important, pieces that contain a message somehow relevant to the life lived or just a favourite track or one chosen to make people smile - freedom to choose, that's the key.
I note that Johnny Pearson has died aged 85, the arranger and composer was born just up the road in Chesterfield and he wrote many themes that have become part of the fabric of my own life soundtrack...
Sleepy Shores from Owen MD
News At Ten (With Bongs)
Superstars
All Creatures Great And Small
and as an arranger:
Cilla Black - You're My World
Thank you for the music Johnny, I hope some of it is played at your funeral, that'll be another dagger in the heart of the insidious and corrupt black clad brotherhood of misery.
PS - No Catholic Priests were harmed in the process of making this blog - but where there is life!
It is like Luke Skywalker and Goliath, little me tackling the might of the the evil empire, dark forces trying to prevent me from being the Guru you all love and trust. They even sent their nastiest agent, Darth Chris, to give me the evil eye...but here I am, and the battle will go on!
The ancient master, the emperor of this horde of black clad brigands, sits in his fortified palace in Rome surrounded by his own personal guard - but he has his tentacles feeling for new blood all around the globe.
They have to try and destroy me because they hate my message of light and freedom, they don't want you to know that you have a choice!
Darth Chris slithered into Mos Eisley Co-Op and tried to use his mind tricks on the staff telling them that a funeral is more than a eulogy and music, luckily my force was strong that day and they repelled him, very much as he repels all who meet him.
Which actually brings me to my point (Florrie will be saying 'what is he going on about'?!)
The use of music at funerals is so important, pieces that contain a message somehow relevant to the life lived or just a favourite track or one chosen to make people smile - freedom to choose, that's the key.
I note that Johnny Pearson has died aged 85, the arranger and composer was born just up the road in Chesterfield and he wrote many themes that have become part of the fabric of my own life soundtrack...
Sleepy Shores from Owen MD
News At Ten (With Bongs)
Superstars
All Creatures Great And Small
and as an arranger:
Cilla Black - You're My World
Thank you for the music Johnny, I hope some of it is played at your funeral, that'll be another dagger in the heart of the insidious and corrupt black clad brotherhood of misery.
PS - No Catholic Priests were harmed in the process of making this blog - but where there is life!
Sunday, 20 March 2011
The Fear Factor
There is logic I suppose, in killing civilians to protect civilians. There is a moral argument that bombing Tripoli and killing 50 might save Benghazi being bombed and thereby saving hundreds.
I listen to the likes of Bob Stewart talk about the regrets he has in not stopping what happened in the Balkans, the massacres that went on right under the noses of UN troops. It all seems sensible, and no one likes Gaddafi really, I suspect his supporters would evaporate once they realise his power has ebbed away.
So why am I left with this strange queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach?
Why am I concerned that this will not turn out for the best?
What do I fear?
Regret about the past stokes our fear for the future - not just in Libya, but in everyday life.
I recall a quote by someone slightly more famous than me, it was something like "Those who ignore the lessons of the past are doomed to repeat them", and this is the mindset that leads the UN to call for the action being taken in Libya - they don't want to be accused of standing by and watching the protestors wiped from the face of the planet.
I have lots of quotes for you today, "it is better to live with the regret of doing something than to live with the regret of doing nothing" - that's my bastardised version of a quote by Mr Anon.
Mr Anon was a very wise man, he has quotes for every occasion and I use this quote quite often but then again I also like to remind people of how corrosive and dangerous regret can be - because if we spend all our time wallowing in regret for the past we are wasting energy that should be directed at living today.
My thoughts are with several several people who reside in the tent of light that is my auspices - and they are facing battles of their own. The battles cannot be won by UN resolution nor the firing of missiles but they can be fought with a resolution to not let regret be the motivating factor in the decisions they make.
The past is past and cannot be changed, the future is an undiscovered country (a little Star Trek and Shakespeare there) but in our own way we are all time travellers, we can travel to the future that we want, we just have to travel there one day at a time.
A love of life, a realisation that no matter what we think waits for us at the end of a physical life, we only get one shot at it - make it count, try and have the courage to be happy - because sometimes we have to overcome our fear of the past and be brave enough to want a future.
I listen to the likes of Bob Stewart talk about the regrets he has in not stopping what happened in the Balkans, the massacres that went on right under the noses of UN troops. It all seems sensible, and no one likes Gaddafi really, I suspect his supporters would evaporate once they realise his power has ebbed away.
So why am I left with this strange queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach?
Why am I concerned that this will not turn out for the best?
What do I fear?
Regret about the past stokes our fear for the future - not just in Libya, but in everyday life.
I recall a quote by someone slightly more famous than me, it was something like "Those who ignore the lessons of the past are doomed to repeat them", and this is the mindset that leads the UN to call for the action being taken in Libya - they don't want to be accused of standing by and watching the protestors wiped from the face of the planet.
I have lots of quotes for you today, "it is better to live with the regret of doing something than to live with the regret of doing nothing" - that's my bastardised version of a quote by Mr Anon.
Mr Anon was a very wise man, he has quotes for every occasion and I use this quote quite often but then again I also like to remind people of how corrosive and dangerous regret can be - because if we spend all our time wallowing in regret for the past we are wasting energy that should be directed at living today.
My thoughts are with several several people who reside in the tent of light that is my auspices - and they are facing battles of their own. The battles cannot be won by UN resolution nor the firing of missiles but they can be fought with a resolution to not let regret be the motivating factor in the decisions they make.
The past is past and cannot be changed, the future is an undiscovered country (a little Star Trek and Shakespeare there) but in our own way we are all time travellers, we can travel to the future that we want, we just have to travel there one day at a time.
A love of life, a realisation that no matter what we think waits for us at the end of a physical life, we only get one shot at it - make it count, try and have the courage to be happy - because sometimes we have to overcome our fear of the past and be brave enough to want a future.
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