THE RED CROSS IS MAKING ONE EXTREMELY CROSS!

Thank you Daily Mail, for highlighting the re-forming of terminology used in everyday conversation for political and subversive purposes.  The Red Cross should think very carefully regarding public perception as it bulldozes its way through our time-honoured understanding of common-sense language.  Upsetting the very people who support the charity, both in deed and financial support, can be a slippery slope with grave financial implications in the longer term.

The charity, which received no less than £37+ million from government contracts and nearly £44 million from government grants in 2022, has launched a guide for its workers in order that common or garden descriptions and terms can be modified in accordance to their governing body's preferences.  Guide?  Indoctrination more like!  I wonder how the founders of this once august and proud organisation would feel 154 years on from its inception?  They would most likely be aghast at the time spent on telling staff and volunteers what to say in case offence is taken by a minority - and it always the 'minority' who are offended!  According to this 'guide', descriptions such as 'born a man or woman' or a 'biological male or female' should be avoided.  Why?  That is what they were born!  That's what they are!  Why this change?  Well, it might upset transgender or non-binary individuals apparently   So what?   Go-ahead, be offended, see if the majority of the population give a monkey's nuts about your insensitivities.  According to their new-speak, 'a trans-woman is as much of a woman as someone born with female genitalia'.  No they are not!  They were born a MAN.  That is, in old-fashioned parlance, the opposite to a WOMAN. No more 'he' or 'she' for the workers of the Red Cross, Oh no, it should be 'they' or 'them'. Actually, it cannot be so, as both latter words are plural, and grammar trumps ideology. Mr?  Mrs?  No, they'd like to see those two extinguished from our dictionary as well.  Their preference is 'Mx'.  Total bollocks - or should that be bollox?!

If the power and influence of these producers of such pointless and money-wasting phraseology wasn't as great as it is, the whole episode would be laughable, but these nameless ones are a cancerous disease permeating throughout our society, and to the detriment of everyday life.  The NHS is gradually succumbing to so-called 'inclusive' language and terminology.  Woe betide any individual that complains or queries any gender-based policy.  A  correctional programme will be available to rid you of common sense thoughts and utterances. '1984' springs mind...

The Red Cross have also turned their attention to 'Ladies and gentlemen', which is, in everyday usage known as a term referring to...  well, ladies and gentlemen.  They don't like that phrase either as it is not inclusive enough.  I would love to see their employees reaction to being told not to refer to women having periods as 'solely referring to women'.  Those in charge now prefer 'women, girls and people who menstruate', or 'people who have periods'. And there was me, Simple Simon me, thinking it was purely women that had periods. Ye gods and little fishes.  Who are these people?  Where do they come from?  Are they a product of artificial intelligence?  Do they crawl from under some left-leaning rock and spew out directives to be taken as gospel by those who make mischief, melodrama and/or money out of these proclamations?

'Illegal migration' is another area of phrasing that is ripe for change. they should be referred to as a 'person in search of safety'.  Strange that no mention is made of their desire to burden British taxpayers with their costly presence?  Describing someone as being from a 'minority ethnic group' is another term the Red Cross wish to see discarded.  These people are now from a 'minoritised ethnic group'. Someone spent time, and was ultimately responsible  and paid for that change of pointless wording, but will we ever know their name?   Not for the umpteenth time I ask 'Have you ever heard such bollocks, since you stumbled across the last example of bollocks that is, which was about three lines ago I suspect!  It is truly unbelievable.  The lengths these policy-makers go to in order to bugger up our language - language that has stood the test of not only time, but biological common sense.

Esther McVey, one-time Conservative minister for said Common Sense, commented,  'I am sorry that the British Red Cross has fallen victim to such woke nonsense'.  The gal's not wrong.  One final and ludicrous example of this wayward and dangerous guidance is where it urges staff to say 'pregnant women and people' so as not to exclude 'trans men and non-binary people'.  I suspect that we now have a cartload of bollocks to dispose of - along with the authors of this politically-motivated tripe. So there you have it,  tripe and bollocks served on a bed of grass that has been growing under our feet, accompanied with a side-dish of indigestible  political bile, prepared in a socialist kitchen inhabited by university graduates and others who have never led a life outside of anti-social media and a bubble inhabited by similarly self-unaware and perversely irritating loons.  

What's that?  'Loons' is unacceptable as well?  Dear oh dear...

                       A VERY EXPENSIVE ANTI-SOCIAL GATHERING

The Notting Hill Carnival is either a London-based institution or a complete waste of public money, depending on your point of view.  This colourful, or plain noisy and gaudy event was founded in 1966 by London's Caribbean communities.  Ten years on from its inception and rioting took place on the streets of London in a most unedifying manner.  Due to pickpocketing, assaults, varying other crimes and acts of violence perpetrated by some of those attending in 1975 the police decided it was time to toughen up.   They had been expecting a hostile reception and they received it.  The following year, 1976, the Police Federation asked for the introduction of riot shields.   Violence in one form or another has been a traditional part of this event for decades. Where would it be without a bit of 'rough and tumble' eh?  In 2008 there was rioting towards the carnival's end with violence and assaults leaving their marks once again.  This aspect of the so-called fun and frolics is especially aimed at the police however and has been a particularly nasty recurring feature throughout its history.  The cost of policing increased as ever, this time amounting to over £6million.  2011 was considered a relatively peaceful weekend as only five people were arrested over a stabbing, with 86 taken to hospital and 245 arrested.  2016 saw over 450 arrests and five people hurt in four knife attacks.   The wave of crime goes on unabated, in 2018 373 arrests were made, 36 weapons seized and more importantly, 30 police officers injured.

Regarding this year's offering, the Met Police issued a list of statistics at 10.45pm yesterday regarding Monday's crimes.  In short, it breaks down into the following:  4 firearms were recovered,  5 stabbings, 230 arrests for varying offences with no less than 35 officers injured. It was interesting to note some of the details of offences committed.  Among the more serious were 8 sexual assaults, 49 in possession of an offensive weapon, 8 violence by injury, 15 other violent offences, vehicle crime plus scores of drug related offences.  The worst statistic however, is knowing that there were 37 counts of assault on an emergency worker - I suspect they mean police officers in the main!  Add this to Sunday's figures of three stabbings and 104 arrests and you get an idea of why a policeman's - and policewoman's - lot is not a happy one!

The event generates an estimated £300 million.for the economy, so I read.  Really?  If so, how?  It is very easy to bandy around figures when there is no accurate way of justifying them.  What is not in dispute is that it cost over £12 million to police the event last year (2023).  Greater London Authority and Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council fork out a large amount of 'hard-working' taxpayers' income to fund this minority-leaning jolly.  There is sponsorship apparently, though I found it difficult to trace, despite an in-depth search that lasted for at least 30 seconds.  There is only so much time one can give to a seemingly minor irritation that surfaces annually like a boil that should have been lanced at its inception.  Sadly, we have not only welcomed with open wallets those arriving from the colonies, dominions, territories and empire in general, but we've handed over the keys to future policies that have ruined this nation. Years ago, a referendum on this annual event might have swung against its continuation, but with an ever-growing West Indian and fellow migrant population, any chance of an indigenous rejection has long since sailed - probably about the same time as the Good Ship 'Empire Windrush' was decanting its load upon an un-expecting native population.  

If I had my way, 2024 would be the last throw of the carnival dice.  Too much continued crime and assaults to make it morally palatable.  Why should the police have to endure the hostility, abuse and assault that comes their way year in year out?  Our esteemed left-wing leaders are quick to condemn and imprison thugs who abuse the police, vandalise shops, set cars on fire and create mayhem, and rightly so, they give free speech a bad name.   I wonder if those, whose forebears descended from foreign pastures will be afforded equal turnarounds and punishments in the courts?  As an aside, those faced with cleaning up afterwards collected six tonnes* of laughing gas canisters - over 6,000 in total.  I think that says a lot about the type of people who frequent this Bank Holiday extravaganza.  The good news is that it is half of what was collected in the previous two years, although, its legally restricted availability may have something to do with it?  Once again, an occasion where it would be difficult to find a participant or visitor one would wish to invite home for afternoon tea.

Just another observation...

*The 'tonne' is a metric weight equalling 2204lbs.  A 'ton', as we used to know it, before the days of continental interference was/is 2000lbs - so much clearer and easier to remember!

                                THERE'S NOWT AS QUEER AS QUEER FOLK

It is a funny old world and no mistake.  Now when I say 'funny', I mean that it's strange, odd, bonkers even!  Back in the days of Minis and winning the World Cup  the subject of sexual preferences was a thing discussed and practised, in relative privacy, between consenting couples of the opposite sex.  That's how we made and still make babies.  Homosexuals and lesbians practised their non-baby-making activities in even greater privacy until it became legal to do so openly and without fear of prosecution. Pandora's box was not only opened, but a veritable explosion of sexual preferences hit the streets and society was turned on its head.

As I've said before, and no doubt will again, I have no problem with anyone doing their own thing with their own sex providing it is consensual with both parties.  There, how much more liberal can I get!  What I can't get my head around is this continual pressure on society by those actively promoting or more commonly foisting their 'sexual community' on the general public, most of whom do not give a metaphorical toss!  If these sexually-obsessed souls think that by marching through streets dressed in bizarre outfits will garner support then they might wish to think again.  

Not everyone condones the adoption of children by same-sex couples.  Frankly, I feel it is one of the worst cases of betrayal and child indoctrination ever enacted, yet sadly, it is legally encouraged by those with a political agenda.  When I read or hear of a well-known singer or sports person whose 'wife' or 'husband' is supporting them, it truly makes me want to vomit.  Elton John and Tom Daley spring to mind - and I wish they wouldn't!  How have we, as a society ended up allowing children to be adopted by same-sex parents.  The very idea of a man marrying another man is quite ludicrous.  'This is my husband', they announce.  Makes the skin crawl!  As has been said on many previous occasions, by myself and, I'm gad to say, many others, children need a mummy bear and a daddy bear.  Both sexes, as parents, bring their own dynamics to the parenting table.  I suspect that's why nature worked it out that way in the beginning!

The situation is complicated even further by the proliferation of sexually-diverse sub-groups.  Homosexuals and lesbians are easily explained, one was either straight or queer.  Not good enough, I'm afraid, far too uncomplicated.  At some point in the ever-increasing past, a 'community' was set up, an umbrella, of I suspect a pink-ish hue, under which all those with various sexual sub-preferences could shelter.  Enter the LGBT band of like-minded souls who just can't keep their carnal deviations to themselves.  The  general public, who at best accept their activities, do not wish to know about it. They are plain fed up with these publicity-seeking souls parading, rallying, or encouraging councils to paint zebra crossings in the colours of their flags!  Why, they are not an endangered specie?  Frankly, it is a bloody cheek.  A bloody cheek matched by B&Q donating £1 for every rose sold during 'Pride Month'.  For God's sake, who do they think they are?  

Now, this is where it gets complicated, or laughable, dependent on your view.  LGBT - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender should, I would have thought, covered all of areas of sexual activity those of certain minds wish to involve themselves.  No, never so easy.  We now have LGBTQIA2S+!  ( The exclamation is mine, not another addition to their glossary of terminology.). The 'T' actually stands for 'Transgender AND Trans, with Q referring to Queer AND Questioning.  Didn't know that, did you?  I'm questioning what they are questioning, all seems a tad 'deep' to me, but who am I to question their use of language, though I suspect they don't spend a lot of time working in the real world. So, to the remaining letters etc. They stand for:  Intersex, Asexual or Agenda, and Two-Spirit.  The + sign signifies 'additional identity terms' apparently, though none of it is very apparant.   They also use the letter 'P' in some of their alphabetical meanderings, this refers to 'pansexual'!  Have you ever heard such bollocks?  Who are these people?

This gets either better or worse, certainly more head-shaking when you consider the role of the  'Demisexual Flag'. Its colours are Black, Grey and white with a purple border.  The black represents asexuality, grey represents demisexuality and grey-sexuality, (What is that all about?) with white covering that good-old standby -'sexuality' - the one we thought we could all understand. And it doesn't end there?  Oh no, no, no...  Were you aware that these prolific makers of the worlds most pointless acronyms have added yet another to their collection?  This is   'QUILTBAG':  Queer/Questioning. Undecided, Intersex, Lesbian, Transgender/Transexual, Bisexual, Allied/Asexual, Gay/Genderqueer.  You couldn't make it up, though someone else has, obviously.  A note alongside the explanation states that  terminology is evolving , so don't hoist your colours to a Pride mast as it could alter by the time it takes you to  change from Martha to Arthur, or Lily from Willy.

No wonder the summer months witnessed Pride flags cut down, destroyed and/or burnt. From Weston-Super-Mare, though Luton, Stamford to Congleton in Cheshire, locals, sick to the back teeth of the 'needy-ones' requiring ever greater publicity, took the law into their own hands.  One can quite understand why.  Earlier this week in Forest Gate, north-east London, Pride 'flags' were vandalised for the fifth time.  Are they not getting the message?  Rob DesRoches, founder of 'Forest Gayte (Geddit?) Pride' said, amongst other things, that 'we feel people have been traumatised by the repeated vandalism', adding 'a healing process needs to take place'.  A removal of painted flags on the pavement is what needs to take place!  Dear oh dear, what soft saps represent Newham Council. If this DesRoches fellow thinks the painting over of their pavement flag is traumatising, he needs to seriously get a life, preferably somebody else's.  Compare his idea of trauma to someone living in a town without a Waitrose?  Now that's where counselling should be mandatory. this strangely-named cove has no idea of real life deprivation, too busy rearranging letters most likely!. 

My advice?  'Do what you like, and with whom you like, but keep it to yourselves dearie!  No-one outside your culture/community/clan is remotely interested.  Your'e not special, merely a pain in the arse - which eases with practise - or so I'm told... 

 

                                          FOUR SLICES OF A NATIONAL PIE

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland form the United Kingdom.  The first three countries return MP's from constituencies fought over by the main three parties with a smattering of smaller, and newer parties filling the void for the disaffected.   In Scotland there is a fourth major group in the shape of the Scottish Nationalist Party.  This once tour-de-force, whose main aim is to cut the ties with England, was all-powerful, ruling the tartan roost until Labour resumed its traditional stranglehold at the last election when the tables were turned.  The SNP did not learn from the Tories. Infighting, mistrust and police investigations into nefarious activities by sitting MP's does not sit well with the electorate.  This is especially true when the party leader and her husband are the subjects of alleged 'misdoings'. Their case is ongoing.

In Wales, Plaid Cymru have been the fourth party, but never as dominant or influential as the SNP.  Welsh voters returned to the Labour fold in droves during the July election resulting in a large number of seats being gained or re-gained.  It was all there for the taking, a recently crowned First Minister, indeed, the first Black First Minister, was sworn in on the 20 March 2024.  Again, allegations, accusations and a loss of confidence in his leadership cost him his crown and Humphrey Vaughan ap David Gethin resigned his post after just 78 days.  Whilst his name would make you think of him as a native of Wales, he was born in Lusaka, Zambia. His father was a white Welsh vet, his mother was a black Zambian chicken farmer.  He moved to Wales when he was two years of age along with his parents and four siblings.  A photo of  the 'boy done good' shows him to be black, as opposed to half-caste as was, mixed-race as is.  His father's 'colouring genes' don't appear to have shone through, so to speak!  University, training as a solicitor, member of three trade unions made him ripe for political plucking.  His place has been taken by Eluned Morgan who is as Welsh and white as should be expected from a First Minister of Wales. 

Northern Ireland stands alone in returning representatives from parties within their boundaries and with a mandate that is, I believe, inward looking in the main.  This is not a criticism by any means.  It would be good to think that a British government looked - and listened - to the public they purport to represent.  The problem for Northern Ireland is the divisions that have plagued the country for years and show no real signs of abating.  Religion has played such an integral part of family life that generations on and little has changed.  Violence ebbs and flows, it is however just below the surface ready to ignite at any given opportunity.  The fact that there are now more Catholics than Protestants raises the question of just how long it is before debate on unification becomes the main focus of the nationalists.  I know I am going to sound like a Liberal-Democrat, but I can see both sides.  If I were Protestant, I would wish to remain part of the United Kingdom, if I were Catholic, I would want the six counties to be part of a united Ireland.  Fortunately, I am neither and do not have to consider such action or allegencies.  Any decision on Northern Ireland's future will not be an easy one. I do not profess to know too much regarding current views on the subject of unity, but I wonder what the feelings are of the majority of peace-loving citizens on either side of the political and literal divide?  At least those leading the various parties appear to be born and bred there with roots going back generations, so some good news! 

Eire, interestingly has had a homosexual Anglo-Indian at its helm on two very recent occasions - that must tick a few boxes, huh!   Leo Varadkar was born in Dublin to a father from Bombay, as was, Mumbai, as is, and a white Irish mother.  A not too-dissimilar story to that Gethin fellow.

Back here in what we once knew as England, the Conservatives blew their chances of survival ( as discussed in previous musings) by replacing Boris Johnson and Liz Truss with a man in short trousers.  Again, not a leader of quintessential English stock - and stock should be essential - a bit like Waitrose!  Rishi Sunak was born in Southampton to East African parents of Indian Punjabi descent.  At least his parents were from the same country and background. So much easier to get to grips with than those who, if you didn't know better, could have met on-line through varying match-making sites.  Asians-To-Go?,  Gay-To Go?,  Zambians-R-Us?  

Scotland...  Ah yes, Scotland.  Their political background seems to be more white in hue, but would you really want a leader who you felt certain doubled her income by treading the boards as a Krankie?

                   ... AND THEY WONDER WHY WE HAVE A RACE PROBLEM

Thames Valley Police have been found guilty of racial discrimination in a case brought by three  police officers.  The twist is that these officers are white, yes, unbelievable, isn't it - white and justice is being served! It is a rare example in a world known for minority fawning and bias that a decision falls on the side of a native.  The employment tribunal panel found in favour of the officers as they had clearly been discriminated against on the grounds of their colour.  One could understand it if  they were white policemen up against a black or Asian officer seeking promotion in Jamaica or Delhi -  but in their own country?  So desperate are authorities in industry and commerce to toe the race line and tick an ethnic black box, that errors of judgement not only cause dismay for the native white employee, but fuel the hatred we see on our streets during racial protests.  Successive British governments are responsible for this state of affairs for they cower in fear of a minority society that has grown like Topsy and is backed by lawyers champing at the bit to discredit and shame any company or individual that doesn't kow-tow to their demands.   All that before claiming compensation for hurt, trauma, lost opportunities, whilst adding that well-trodden tenuous link to the 'Good ship Empire Windrush', all thrown in for good financial measure!  It would certainly bump up the unearned lolly and the lawyers' cut.

Detective Inspector Phillip Turner-Robson, Inspector Graham Horton and custody inspector Kirsteen Bishop all applied for the post of  detective inspector for the force's 'priority crime team' in August 2022.  Unfortunately for the three serving officers, all of whom had been employed by Thames Valley Police for between 19 and 26 years, their collective experience, loyalty and dedication counted for nothing as they were the wrong colour and the wrong nationality at the wrong time of their careers.  If only they'd been black, black-ish,  swarthy, swarthy-ish, or Asian - as was the case for the fortunate applicant - they might have got a look-in, stood a chance, been considered...

Superintendent Emma Baillie was 'requested' to improve diversity in the force by appointing an Asian to the rank of Detective Inspector.  Such was the rush to tick boxes at the expense of 'fairness to all', which in actuality means 'fairness to all minorities', that there was no competitive process whereby all candidates are interviewed and assessed on their individual merits.  Oh no, before you can say 'Ku Klux Klan', a certain Sergeant Sidhu is parachuted into the role and hey presto, another three white officers are denied the chance of promotion.  SS, as I think we'll refer to her, had not even been promoted to Inspector at the time of her appointment to her new post.  Worryingly, Supt. Emma Baillie apparently never deemed it necessary to adopt a competitive process.  Did she really think no-one would mind being sidelined and insulted in such a manner?  Can someone explain to me how occurrences like this are supposed to make the native content and remain ambitious in whatever field  of work they undertake in life?  Thoroughly demoralised, I would imagine.  I have met ex-staff who worked for the Met. Police, the BBC (which is why I always refer to left-leaning behemoth as the BABC - Black and Asian Broadcasting Corporation) and been told similar stories over the past few years.  

The three officers' case rested on the grounds that they were overlooked by virtue of being 'White British'.  What an indictment! What of our loss of face, culture, heritage and pride?  We seem incapable of standing up for ourselves.  No public debate on race, no discussions on TV, everybody who could make a difference is earnestly battening down the hatches and hoping they do not get involved in a subject that could ruin their career,  A slip of the tongue, the wrong word, a mis-understood quote, it takes so little to bring the anti-social media collective down on those speaking or seeking the truth.  Baying like hyenas at a bloodiest, such is the venom of those who seek to quell freedom of speech.

I really do hope that this drive to 'improve diversity' will be questioned.  It doesn't help the ethnic 'winner' in these cases, it merely spreads division and derision.  Because their promotion was political and not attained through a fair process-  even if they were the best person for the job - the very fact that all those involved knew it was box-ticking exercise will do nothing for their standing and can quickly make them the 'farce in the force'.

Interestingly. an Employment law expert, Will Burrows, commented that: 'Cases of discrimination against white employees are rare, but we expect to see a significant increase over the coming years and there are some important cases due to be heard on employers discriminating against white candidates'.  A glimmer of hope maybe?

When will the country gain sufficient political confidence in order to cut the ball and chain of 'Empire slavery awkwardness' from around Britain's ankles so that we can hold our heads high once more?  My advice - Don't be ashamed, be proud of our record of colonising large chunks of the world.  Nothing and no-one is perfect, but for a small island we certainly gave plundering and subjugation a fair shot. (Time to expand chest and display outward grit and sniffiness in equal proportions).  Do I feel guilty?  Of course not!  The good times were had by those who went before us, it is our generation that is paying the price through our population increasing exponentially and a crime rate that rises with it.  

I wonder what the share price would be if the East India Company was still in business today?  They'd probably be a rival to P & O, though they might bring a few non-paying migrants on one-way cruises as a sop in order to avoid a bad press for sins committed by their forebears. Old habits die hard! 

            SWEEPING UNREST BENEATH THE MIGRANT CARPET

A week on from the rioting that swept across many parts of the UK and Northern Island, courts have been at full stretch dealing with those who give protesting an extremely bad name,  I have no problem with cases being dealt with quickly in order to send out the message that violent behaviour will not be tolerated in British society. It is the inference that everybody who sees mass immigration as being the catalyst for social division, therefore classified as a 'right-wing extremist'.  Frankly, it's a bloody insult!

The BABC couldn't wait to inform the viewer and listener that members of the public, sitting drinking in a pub,  had shown their support for young Muslim men fearing for their mosque and all who pray in her.  The King sent his message of support to varying communities.  I expect he was 'reaching out' to them -  everybody seems to 'reach out' to someone these days - more Americanisms!  Scenes of 'Pro-immigration' rallies, marches and counter-protests were constantly shown on our screens as the week progressed and the BABC virtually 'creamed itself' at the thought and sight of those on favour of delivering the final nail in Britain's coffin  were hailed as the  'embracing, accepting tolerant members of society'.  Funny that, because most English, and many in Northern Island, see them as selfish, misguided fools who are contributing to our lack of social cohesion and eventual demise.

The nibbling away at the very fabric of our society is no better illustrated than the row that has been made public this week concerning a small village in Norfolk.  Claxton and Carleton Parish Council made what many -  hopefully most - Brits would see as a 'supportive' move by suggesting three flags would be flown at different times for different occasions.  These are the Union Jack, ( now described as the Union flag in many papers - why?), the St. George's flag and the flag of Norfolk.  These fine examples of national and local pride would be no more than 6 foot x 3 foot flown from a mast to be erected in the grounds of the village hall.  So far,  surely non-controversial one would think!  Oh no, nothing could be further from the truth. For a population of some 300 souls it appears that consternation, division, and even anger has come to the fore - why?  

The decision, which only a generation ago would have greeted with support and deemed to be a worthy act showing patriotism in the mildest of manners,  is now seen by some in the brave new world as 'divisive'.  Some of the locals, if not yokels, have complained that the erecting of a flagpole flying our national flag could have 'connotations that could put people off moving there'.  One un-named resident stated that there was 'a fine line between patriotism and nationalism'.  They suggested that 'bunting' should be used instead.  Another of the un-named ones commented that the 'flag itself is still divisive'.  Ye Gods and little fishes. which stones do these people crawl out from, I ask?  One of these miserable residents, who I am thankful is not a neighbour of mine, a lady called Glynnis White, added her left-wing four-pennyworth by proclaiming:   'The flag is often seen as a symbol against immigration and it would worry me if it was being used in the wrong way'.  I cannot think of a  sadder remark.  I suspect from that nanny-pamby attitude that she is a Liberal-Democrat - it wouldn't surprise me!  I also suspect that the village isn't currently swamped with migrants.  They'll notice a difference when and if it is.  Give it time, remember, we have a Labour government hell bent on destroying the remaining vestiges of Britain's once green and previously pleasant land.  One and a half million new homes, new towns and cities planned, I wonder how the Glynnis's of the world would take to a new town  replacing their country idyll, with all the changes in social structure that  it would bring with it, not to mention the new mosque?

Whilst the riots may possibly have ceased, and the Government appearing to play the part of the socialist cat that's licking the morally-high-ground cream, I do hope it doesn't think that we, the majority,  are content with, or accepting of, their socially destructive policies.  Anger at not being listened to though it remains just below the surface.  I have no doubt that it will rise again.  Our elected masters and mistresses have only themselves to blame for any further disturbances.  I just wish that all those trampling over our monuments and sculptures in their quest to show support for Palestine had been given the same fast turnaround and punishment  in the courts as those labelled 'right-wing thugs'.  In the end it's a stick for the indigenous population and a carrot for the incomers...

                                            MISDIRECTED  PRIDE

Now when I say 'Pride', I am not referring to those of a needy, self-obsessed, sexually transient nature, but those currently causing mayhem throughout the country.  The past two weekends, stretching into last night, have seen organised protests and riots across the length and breadth of our dis-united Kingdom.

The continuing debacle has apparently taken many observers and politicians by surprise - why?  If there are still a number of surprised souls out there, their naivety knows no bounds!  Enoch Powell, the best Prime Minister we never had, foresaw the problem of mass immigration and the detriment to society that inevitably goes with it.  His 'Rivers of blood' speech was appropriate, his assumption of the timing of its enactment was however, wrong.  He thought what is happening now would happen much sooner.  The reason it did not is that native white Britons are, in the main, an extremely tolerant race.  We are a nation of accepters.  We accepted successive governments telling us that diversity is a good thing, despite not asking the natives, natives who would eventually become restless.  We accepted refugees from former colonies without a murmur.  We accepted those purporting to be discriminated against in their own country without fuss.  We accept boatloads of those seeking a 'better benefit' life here in our sceptic isles without anything more than the shrugging of a shoulder.  If it wasn't for the lure of British taxpayers' handouts, why travel through umpteen countries to get here?

There becomes a tipping point over which frustration boils to the point of anger.  The result is the basis of the current, aggressive situation the country is immersed in.  The problems are more deep-seated than just racial and social.  I do believe that the disappearance of our manufacturing industries, along with our motor engineering sectors, have caused a lack of confidence and pride in our once great country.  Enough that is to set the protest ball rolling.  Over the past fifty years we have completely lost our motorbike, car, bus and commercial vehicle industries.  What is left is in the hands of companies owned and operated from beyond our shores.  Gas, electricity, water  services are mainly in foreign hands as is our railways and energy - not to mention the Dartford crossing!  The soul has been ripped out of Britain along with the word 'Great'.  

It starts at home,  Never have we had so many dysfunctional families.  The family unit is a dying breed.  Truancy has never been so prevalent, it is almost epidemic.  Sadly, we do not appear to have the resources to arrest this problem that sees many youngsters go off the rails.  A lack of structure does not help.  There is a shortfall in the number of apprenticeships and further education courses that could help career paths.  Prospects for many do not even appear on the horizon, a bleak future is all many youngsters see ahead of them and for many, a life of crime, be it drugs, shoplifting, fraud are the easier choices to be made.  Easier because there is little deterrent.  If there is little pride in your work, your town, your country, many will look for an outlet in which their anger can be channelled.

Whilst I can easily understand the desire to 'sound off', to demonstrate, protest about something that we as a country should never have allowed to get this far,  violence against the police is thuggery personified.  It is counter-productive and gives newspapers such as 'The Guardian' the perfect excuse to label all protesters as 'Right-wing extremists'. 

It is interesting to note that the one voice that should be listened to has received an awful lot of flak.  Not surprising sadly, but typical of those with a left-wing, immigrant-supporting agenda. Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, stated the following:  'I've spoken to people from both sides of the spectrum and the only way to stem the tide of violent disorder is to acknowedge what is causing it.  Whilst the devestating attacks in Southport on Monday were a catalyst, the commonality amongst the protest groups appears to be focused on three key areas: the desire to protect Britain's sovereignty; the need to uphold British values and in order to do this, stop illegal immigration that has played out across France over the last 12 months.'  The lady is not wrong.  Will those with the power and ability to do something about it actually even consider doing something about it?  No, I doubt it too!  

A similarly interesting comment, though far more predictable and boringly typical, came from a chap called Neil Basu.  His real forename is Anil.  I wonder if he felt 'Neil' was more acceptable within the mainly white society in which he trod his chosen path - that within the Metropolitan Police Force. (Oops, nearly typed 'Farce', slip of the thought process!).  I've looked up this chappie.  He's mixed-race as is, half-caste as was, ie Asian father and Welsh mother. (There's lovely!) The fact that he has spent his entire working career in the Met. Police shows either dedication or a contentment in not getting out much.  Now, our Neil, (Anil as was), has thrown his hat into the commentary box by saying,  'I think we have seen serious acts of violence designed to cause terror to a section of our community'. (I suspect he means fellow Asians and other imported races).  He goes on to add,   'People should look very carefully at the legal definition of terrorism when considering some of the violence and actions seen since last week'.  He points to where his true colour lies when you consider that he was 'horrified' by the killing in America of that black chap George Floyd - a man who whilst obviously not being white was definitely not whiter than white either.  Charged with drug possession, theft and trespass over an eight year period, he, along with many, was not the sort of chap one would invite round for afternoon tea.   I'd be interested to know this Basu fellow's views on a certain 'community' with a history of setting off bombs and explosives on our underground system, buses and arenas killing and injuring innocent people who just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?  I think that might refer to a 'section of our community' as well?  Our Neil has also spoken out about his belief that British policing is institutionally racist and criticising other senior British police officers for their reluctance to agree.  But then he would do, wouldn't he?  Talk about bite the hand that feeds you.  Such is the extent of British policing discrimination that a total lack of it was shown to him when he was appointed Assistant Commissioner for Special Operations in the Met. Police as well as the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for Counter Terrorism Policing.  For someone with the usual racial chip on their shoulders, he added some braiding and a couple of pips.  Bless...

Interesting footnote is that The Guardian first broke the above story regarding his somewhat predictable comments and once again, I looked to see who had written the piece.  This time we have no less than three contributors - Vikram Dodd, Emine Sinmaz and Neha Gohil.  Is there any wonder their views are so biased in favour of the 'Offended, but still here'! Not one English name between them!

There are too many political heads in the coastal sand ignoring the feet of those seeking refuge in an overcrowded hotel of dubious reputation, patrolled and guarded by wardens of an aggressive and unsympathetic nature making their arrival as welcoming as a Japanese prison camp.  Well that's how I'd like to think it would be for whole bally lot of them - men, women and children.   Mind you, if pets are brought across, I would expect them to be well fed, well cared for, with oodles of money lavished upon them for their future well-being and quarantine, before they are re-housed with a joyous native English family - real mother, real father and two blonde children, a boy two years older than his sister, all happily living in a detached house in Bromley...

My advice to those with whom I have much in common, yet draw the line where violence against the police and the looting of  shops is concerned, would be to garner greater support from the middle classes.  Protesters who appear aggressive, prone to donning hoodies and obviously out for trouble, will never make the same impact as those with a point that is continuously rammed home across the country.  Hopefully, this would lead to those elected finding themselves working for the natives and not  grizzling incomers.  They may possss a British passport, but British?  Never!   A mass protest against the ridiculous level of migrants now in this country could kick-off a nationwide movement of nicely dressed, well-spoken chaps and chapesses being frightfully well-mannered, but as determined as a terrier to address the social divide before it's too late.  Large numbers protesting on the waters edge in Kent making those about to beach and breach think twice about setting foot on our soil would be a start.  Oh what I would give to see a BABC news clip whereby a boatload of seafaring - or channel-faring flotsam - has exclaimed en-masse,  'Sod this for a game of unearned benefits', before turning round and buggering off back to France.  Let them deal with the ongoing problem for once.  Christ knows, we pay the French enough to patrol their borders.  Mind you, they weren't that good at patrolling borders when Germany came calling - twice!

Well, that was fun, wasn't it!  Remember, if you wish to read more, books on our life and times as I see it, are available to purchase on-line.  Please visit our website:- www. trouser-press.biz for details of titles, reviews and price.  Tea and toast is next on the agenda.

Until the next post, bye for now,

                    THAT "SCOTTISH PLAY" - A SHAMATUER PERFORMANCE

If ever there were three ready-made recruits for a new stage version of Macbeth that will run for five years, then surely all three witches can be found in the shape and personalities of Angela Rayner, Yvette Cooper and Rachel Reeves.  

The rush to pass legislation forcing local councils to allow swathes of our already shrinking countryside for yet more housing along with the increased traffic that comes with it, shows a total disregard for our environment and the wishes of the native population.  Angela Rayner Hyphen Witch will have a lot to be remembered for in this Government sponsored farce!  

Changes to immigration rules, relaxing the system that allows more ready access to visas and citizenship for illegal migrants and dependents will only increase our population, swell the percentage of unnecessary and unwanted incomers and increase the need for yet more housing. Yvette Cooper has spent her political career crusading on behalf of those who contribute nothing to our country but will be a constant drain on our already stretched finances.  Another witch to stir the 'Cauldron of Misguided Idealism'.

A disputed £20 billion hole in the country's finances has led with great haste to our newly-installed Chancellor axing the winter fuel allowance for the majority of pensioners.  That move may well come back to bite the witch.  If there is a financial 'hole' of that magnitude that needs plugging, instead of cancelling rail and road projects that have cost fortunes in taxpayers money to get where they were in the pipeline of projects, why not just take the course that would bring joy and relief to every beating native heart - STOP OVERSEAS AID!!!

Why oh why are we still giving millions of pounds to despot rulers, third world countries who should be looking after their own burgeoning population, propping up economies and injecting taxpayers 'hard-earned' cash into countries that possess their own nuclear capabilities but still take our money?  All three hate the middle-classes, those who have worked for what they have and contributed throughout their lives to the betterment of this country.

According to the 2022 financial report by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, we no longer give 'aid'.  Oh no, nothing so divisive a word, it now comes under the all-embracing title of ODA - 'Official Development Assistance', such a benign and nebulous term, no-one would know it was there.  It could be taken straight out of 'Yes Minister'! We now have a 'development partnership with India based on sharing skills, expertise and development capital investments'.  This work reduces poverty, tackles climate change and creates new partners and markets for the UK.  Well that's the story they tell you on their website.  A site I'm sure they're very proud of. A site, not to mention sight, for sore eyes sadly. Larger chest expansion and tub-thumping comes from their statistic that £80.2 million of the UK's investment has already been returned to Her Majesty's Government (In 2022 we still had a Queen), This £80+ million 'payback' covers the period 2015 - 2020.  During that time we handed out the grand sum of £356+ million.  The disparity appears a little one-sided!  The amount received back from Pakistan, however, is not mentioned in dispatches, so no trumpets blown on that score, but the amount 'invested'  by the UK was, over the same period, £1,871million.  That not-untidy-sum would have been a lot better spent within the NHS, care, education, or getting that bloody tunnel built under Stonehenge!

My hope is for a lack of infighting and back-biting from the Tories.  They are past-masters, and I suspect past-mistresses, in the art of 'knifing in the front' let alone the 'back'! Please get it right, choose a leader that has genuinely listened to the publics concerns and realise that they are serving our country, not the other way round.  Do not wring your hands in embarrassment or awkwardness when challenged by a do-gooding woke-ridden leftie over the perils of immigration and racism.  If black lives matter, so do white ones as well.  What's good for the coloured or swarthy goose is good for the pinker-shade-of-white gander.  If all else fails in their search for a leader, they could do a lot worse than crawl back to Boris, give him their unswerving loyalty and having asked for his forgiveness, sought his leadership at the next election.  Michael Gove and that odious Cummings fellow are no longer in the stalls planning their next self-satisfying and destructive move.  The Conservative party is well shot of the pair of them.  What a pity one cannot say the same of the 'Witches of Westminster'!