A NEW DAWN BECKONS

It doesn't seem like two and a half years since my last posting.  A lot has happened however.  I have retired from the speakers circuit, a new book has been published, and sadly, we had to have our beloved canine companion, Chris, put down at the age of fourteen.  She did well, but in the end the tumour on her liver had spread and the balance between keeping her alive whilst still enjoying a modicum of good health and suffering tipped against her and so, on Friday, 3rd May, we said our goodbyes.  

2022 saw the passing of two cousins, my best friend of sixty-eight years standing and a very good friend whom I had known for over thirty-five years.  

With time to spare, well, not spare exactly, but without spending umpteen hours a day on the M25 travelling to and from talks, I can now afford the luxury of  time at the keyboard commenting on life in general, the bizarre, the surprising and that that makes you shake your head in disbelief and wondering if the world has gone completely mad, whilst leaving you pining for a past life when things were simple and common sense and reason were everyday occurrences!

As mentioned in the first paragraph, a new book - 'Of Mice And Mann' - has recently been published - and reprinted - details of which can be found on the revised Blog post dated 13th April 2021.  Do have a look, if any, or all, of the books or CD are of interest, they can be purchased via the website:- trouser-press.biz

Until shortly - or not too long anyway...

SIGNING OFF FOR NOW

                   

                                                      SIGNING OFF FOR NOW

'Tis New Years Eve and an appropriate time to say 'Cheerio' for now.  Dismayed by the events of the past twelve months I shall refrain from making comment for the foreseeable future.

The non-vaccinated, the covid protesters, the climate protesters, the 'Insulate Britain' protesters, the 'Anti-anyone who works' protesters, have all contributed, by dint of Human Rights, to our country allowing the minority to set the terms and conditions of everyone else's freedom, be it health or cost to taxpayers.

The erosion of freedom of speech has snowballed, the man and women  (Note:-Two genders only!) in the street are afraid to voice an opinion for fear of being shouted down by those with political, racial or gender agendas.  These self-indulgent, self-censoring humourless flotsam regard anyone not sharing their narrow views as right-wing extremists, racists or anti-transwhatevers.  Who cares about the vocal minority and the anti-social media world they inhabit - other than the BABC!  

I would have higher regard for them as members of this planet if they were protesting about the continual destruction of the rain forests, meadows, flood plains, habitat in general. flora, fauna, over-fishing, animal trafficking around the world... The list of frustrations, disappointments, earth-shattering catastrophes goes on unabated.  Wildfires, flooding, extreme temperatures are now part of our weekly world news, it is affecting every living soul on this earth...  And what do the vocal minority actually manage to achieve when so much is at stake?  They tear down our cultural past on the grounds that history, if not re-written should certainly be wiped out or skewed for future generations.  They seek financial compensation for colonisation and all that goes with it.  It happened hundreds of years ago and no-one living is personally responsible - GET OVER IT!!  

Controversy continually raised its left-wing ethnic head throughout the year. A white head-shaking moment was witnessed when the decision was taken by a TV channel to cast an English queen with a black actress. Farcical and pointless. Will we see a future biopic of Nelson Mandela or Desmond Tutu being played by Alun Armstrong and Toby Jones? Heaven forfend!

To celebrate everything that isn't normal in human relationships we now have zebra crossings, repainted at cost to the taxpayer, in the colours of the rainbow.  Unbelievable!!  I really do wish someone would throw a bucket of paint over these pathetic epitaphs to gender-bending and all who sail in her... oh, and him, naturally!  (Shouldn't that be un-naturally?) 

So, on the very last day of 2021, as the monkeys increase their grip on controlling the zoo, I would love to be optimistic and wish you a 'Happy New Year' but I'm of the opinion a 'Crappy New Year' will be more appropriate!  Until whenever...  Stay safe.  (That wish is for the vaccinated only. All those not exempt for medical reasons please look up 'Brain Transplants' and apply immediately and if successful join those who possess common sense and responsibility as standard.) 

WELCOME HOME PAUL FARTHING AND FRIENDS

                                    

                                   

                           WELCOME HOME PAUL FARTHING AND FRIENDS!

A day of mixed emotions.  Great news after these past days of tense uncertainty that this defiant and courageous man would achieve any success whatsoever in bringing out so many animals from Kabul. This news is tempered with despair that by the same mode of transport thousands of refugees have been airlifted to Britain.

What fools we are as a nation, what misguided amateurs we elect...  Ben Wallace, the UK Defence Secretary accused supporters of Paul Farthing of 'bullying, falsehoods and threatening behaviour'.  If Mr Farthing and his supporters hadn't caused a stir, I wonder if he and even one mutt would have been airlifted to safety? 

Mr Wallace nailed his colours to the mast when he stated that he was 'Not prepared to prioritise pets over people... You may dislike me for that.  But that's my view.'  Oh yes, Mr Wallace, I dislike you more than you could possibly know - and the sad thing is that you and people like you never will understand how the vast majority of us feel about animals when compared to the world's displaced...

I am incandescent with rage and frustration.  Has he not reflected for a second on just how taxpayers with any sense of justice feel about this embarrassing, hasty withdrawal and what it says about the western powers and our collective inadequacy?  The vast majority of true Brits are not interested in housing these incomers, they are only too well aware that another umpteen hundred acres of green belt will be quietly removed from the local plan and a corresponding amount of ghastly estates with their mix of 'social housing' quotas and ghettos will displace the badgers, foxes, barn owls and field mice.  We really are fools, short-sighted fools.

Dogs and cats airlifted to a safer environment in this country are welcome, they will cost little to house in the short term and at least have the chance to be re-homed in a loving, caring environment where they will become part of the family.  Umpteen thousand Afghans on the other hand will, as do all refugees, migrants -  call them what you will - cost the taxpayer a fortune in housing and services.  How the hell can we afford them.  Our schools are over-stretched as it is, we lack pre-school care, we lack after-school care, we lack youth clubs, we lack activity centres.  You can bet your bottom pound that all these newbies to our shores will be in need of trauma counselling - more taxpayer expense.  (I wonder how many recipients of our enforced welcome will consider suing the government for a lack of first class accommodation on the flight from Kabul, or possibly a lack of in-flight entertainment maybe, no vegetarian food option?). 

It is with despair and not a little anger that I noted Spelthorne Council in Surrey offering fifty plus stray Afghans accommodation!  Why?  What have the good citizens and ratepayers of Spelthorne ever done to deserve yet another financial burden?  At a time when councils throughout the land plead extreme poverty there is no stopping their collective generosity to the worlds displaced.  It is not our problem!!  People want post offices, libraries, banks, graffiti-free shopping centres, NHS dentists, health centres with doctors you can actually make an appointment to see.  This is a third-world state in everything but name.  Services have been pared to the bone.  We have a shortage of lorry drivers, we have a shortage of fruit-pickers, we have a shortage of nurses, doctors, care staff, social workers... the list goes on!  

Do not blame our leaving the EU, blame our oversized, over-generous welfare system. Blame those recipients of universal credit who have clung to the shirt-tails of a system designed to benefit those on benefit. There are hundreds of thousands of work-shy spongers idling their way through their life and our hard-earned income. When will we see a political party that isn't hell bent on destroying everything that was dear to our nation?  Parties of all political colours have spent decades  replacing all that worked well leaving us with a feckless, disrespectful and selfish society determined to look after themselves and bugger everybody else! And here we are, adding yet more Afghans to our collective financial and social burden. These aspects of life never affect those elected to represent us, the poor sod in the street.  An MP never wakes to damp walls in a northern tenement before making their way to work. They live in splendour, very often splendid isolation - remote family farms spread over hundreds of acres, grand mansions of grand design, it's a different world and they will never be at one with the view of ordinary people because their world is so remote, so contained, so relatively easy...

So, to Paul (Pen) Farthing, I raise my glass... well, cup of tea at this time of day!  Thank you Sir for your tenacity, your commitment and your perseverance, you've made a lot of people  proud.  If your dogs and cats could talk I'm sure they would join me in a toast to a very fine Englishman - a rare breed in itself! Well done that man!!

AFGHANISTAN - A DREADFUL JOB BADLY HANDLED!

 

                         AFGHANISTAN - A DREADFUL JOB BADLY HANDLED!

Here we go again, another war-torn country and another umpteen thousand refugees are to be allowed sanctuary in our already overcrowded island!  The BABC described them as being 'welcomed' to Britain in its Red Button news story, but then they would do, wouldn't they!

Have we recolonised Australia?  Maybe New Zealand or most of Africa is once again within our grip and they will be our dumping ground?  Could it be the Americas that are going to take the brunt of the souls fleeing tyranny under Taliban rule?  No, none of that appears to be the case unfortunately which means they will end up here in dear old Blighty, home for those sailing and paddling - as I write - from France  by the boatload.

Why?  Why are we taking one single soul?  They are not our responsibility, never have been and never should be!   Ten thousand over four years is apparently what we have initially agreed to. That is ten thousand too many.  The only native Afghans I would allow are those involved in the animal rescue centre run by an ex serviceman who stayed on to open a sanctuary. Afghans are not generally known for their warmth and care regarding animals.  In fact, the animals would be my only flight priority for a new life here with a caring home.

On the basis that our Islands are still the same size as they were yesterday, can somebody please tell me where all these refugees - women and children first - are going to be housed?  Can someone be honest and tell the public just how much more land still designated 'Green Belt' will be needed for housing as we are concreting at a vast rate of knots - about the same rate of knots as the wind brings migrants from France!

The twenty year intervention by the USA, UK and other allied forces has been a complete waste of time, lives and money.  What must the parents and loved ones think of the death, pain, life-changing injuries and general suffering caused to our troops over that period?  And for what?  Russia didn't win in Afghanistan, America didn't win...  No-one wins in Afghanistan.  To my mind you have two choices, you either avoid the country and let matters take their own course or you are there for a very long time. That means leaving only when change is complete and society is stable and government is strong and in full control.  What the west has done is to fall between two stools where there are losers both home and abroad with fanatics virtually handed the keys to the country.

Did those in charge of western policy really believe that the Taliban wouldn't return?  These people are hell bent on power and ruthless control.  Last Friday I heard a spokesman comment during a radio interview that whilst the Taliban had captured several cities it would be months before Kabul fell!  Unbelievable!  

As our Government announced the terrible news regarding the sheer number we will be allowing in, Labour was telling the country that we are not doing enough. I turned off the news at that stage.  Labour, and their Liberal Democrat sidekicks are hell bent on taking the assumed moral high ground and would invite the whole Afghan population to resettle here given half a chance.  I have only one comment to make on their 'grand gesture' - remember Brexit and why we voted to leave!  Luckily we have the 'Talking Pictures' channel where I can watch English actors in English scenes in an England I can still remember!  Aaaaahhhh...

THEY DON"T JUST THINK IT"S ALL OVER - IT REALLY IS!

 

                   THEY DON"T  JUST THINK IT"S ALL OVER - IT REALLY IS!

That's that then,  England lost on penalties - again!  I didn't watch the match, preferring to become immersed in a 1994 episode of 'Taggart'.  Two hours plus of drama matching that being played at Wembley but without the excruciating spectacle of an English team going down on one knee in embarrassing subjugation to black rights.  That white players should belittle themselves so publicly is shameful and does not bode well for racial harmony despite such fanfare of optimism displayed by the 'media of the left' and the BABC.

If the Italian team had not, out of respect for the opposition so I understand, followed suit and similarly caved in to the race lobby, I would have hoped they had won the match.  There are, as is often the case, several aspects that require a good mulling over.  For instance, the make-up of each team and the behaviour of the supporters. I read that half of England's squad was comprised of players with either a parent or grandparent not born in England, or even within the UK.  Indeed, out of the eleven players who started the match against Denmark last week, only four were actually 'English'.  Seven had either a parent or grandparent from overseas. These figures come from a 'spoke' on behalf of the Migration Museum.  I can't imagine such a museum being so politically incorrect to have a spokesman or a spokeswoman - though I have always preferred the notion of a 'spokeslady'. The form runs parallel to a 'chairlady' as opposed to the cold and impersonal 'chair'!  Regarding behaviour, thugs masquerading as fans caused havoc and mayhem at both Wembley and Leicester Square, with many policemen sustaining injuries.  Their mums will be so proud...

It was interesting to note that France had 17 members of its squad with overseas - or non-French connections.  Switzerland was second highest with 16, they must be desperate, trawling the world for wannabe flag bearers.  England was third (one place below last night's final position in fact) with 15, while Wales, with 14 appears to be following Switzerland in the race to dissolve their... well, race...  At the other end of the list, the low end in numbers, but the high end in heritage and national dignity, Italy only had 4, while Poland can stand proud with 0! Nil!  None!  Bugger all!  How good that must feel as a nation, but then, while we were conquering all and sundry over a number of centuries, Poland was consumed from both the left and right of its borders.  As England drowns in a sea of diversity, Poland produces home-grown talent giving vent to national pride.  How joyous that must feel in comparison to the  timid acceptance of an England moulded and populated to please the sandal-wearing dons of Oxbridge and all those students who follow their doctrines.

Dissolving my enthusiasm even further was the understanding that during one match, Harry Kane, England's great white hope wore a rainbow armband in support of LGBTQXI... or whatever, rights.  This was due apparently to the Hungarian prime minister bringing in legislation banning the subject of transgender rights, and all that goes with it, being taught in schools to under 18's.  It is Hungary's policy, not ours.  The European Union is up in arms, a situation that always warms the cockles of my genuinely English heart.  I have to ask, why get involved in another country's policies?  Why not just leave politics out of it, especially the more tawdry side of politics?  Going down on one knee is not going to bring harmony between races, more likely the complete opposite judging by the number of like-minded people who have had the guts to express their views though the media - the section of the media still believing in freedom of speech and opinion that is! 

There was an interesting comment from a lady called Lauren Tavriger who regales under the heading of 'executive assistant at Best of Britain', whoever they are.  Anyway this slightly thought-skewed lady stated that: 'The squad is a wonderful example of the benefits of immigration and is a celebration of diversity.'  She goes on, 'Cheering on football this summer will not just be about celebrating when the ball hits the back of the net.  It will also be to celebrate diversity, immigration and freedom of movement.'  I wonder how many football fans felt the same way as this sad, deluded, out-of-touch-with-the-common-man executive assistant?

What I do know is that when all was said and done, when push had come to shove and the 90 minutes plus extra-time and penalty shoot-out was concluded, Italy were the victors.  It appears that they were generally considered the better team on the night.  As far as I could tell they all had good old Italian names. Names you would identify with the players being Italian.  Maybe that helped their camaraderie?  Thirty-four matches unbeaten tells you something, the match going to penalties tells you that England's chances had dipped considerably by the end of extra-time.  Five England penalties, two taken and scored by white players, three taken and missed by black players.  Missing a penalty is one thing, the manner in which it is missed is another!  I watched a repeat of Mr. Rashford's woeful attempt. What on earth was he thinking?  All that posturing, playing mind games with the Italian goalkeeper, moving position, dance-like movements - and all before he struck the ball.  It must have been music to the goalkeeper's ears.  Every Rashford pre-kick move gave advantage to Italy.  The goalkeeper must have thought 'What a twat!' - or whatever the equivalent phrase is over there, probably Il Twatto?  I note that Dover's female Tory MP suggested that Sir Marcus of Manchester (my description) might consider practising penalties rather than getting involved in poverty politics. The lady's not wrong.

All three players have been subjected to on-line abuse for their penalty failings.  I do not condone that action for one minute, but it is not surprising when you step back and look at the role played by the authorities and the sycophantic cries on behalf of lives mattering for one colour but another not even getting a mention.  The hoot of all this kneeling malarkey is that the man whose death spawned the movement, an American, wasn't exactly someone you'd want as a neighbour, let alone a family member.  In short, he wasn't an overly-nice person, but the manner of his death gave those with spare time to conjure up yet another racial cause the inspiration for world division and derision.  Thanks for that!

If England had won, we could have looked on it as an example of the country's newly-found confidence having left the EU.  A sort of  'This is what independence from the stifling club means to us' moment.  It wasn't to be our greatest two hours, but who minds, we still have our never-fading memories of 1966 when we fielded a 'proper' England team that included eleven English men!  We won that afternoon as I recall...

THE 19th OF JULY AND ALL THE PRESSURE THAT COMES WITH IT!

 

                    THE 19th OF JULY AND ALL THE PRESSURE THAT COMES WITH IT!

So, after seventeen months we are (hopefully) going to see restrictions lifted and a sense of normality return.  Many false dawns along with many false starts have seen society accept, adapt and carry on regardless.  It is what the majority of us do because we have an innate desire to survive.  Sadly, it is the minority who for a wide number of reasons, make life awkward at best and dangerous in the extreme for those who have toed the line, followed guidance and been vaccinated twice.  

I understand there are those who, due to a medical condition cannot be given the jab, but in similar vein to disabled badges, 'vaccination exemptions' appear to be handed out willy-nilly.  I suspect that in many cases, the exemption holder feels, in the same way as a parent of a child with so-called 'special needs'... well, special!  It appears to be an achievement all of its own.  Something to be talked about, someone to be talked about.  We live in times when the needy are at their neediest. In a way - a very small way - I can cope with stories, or hearing word of these people, because they are basically sad under-achievers with little self-esteem and you're rather glad you don't know them personally.  I do not possess the greatest patience or time for those who do not help themselves, they generally blame everyone else for their situation and wallow in self-pity and helplessness.

Apart from the genuinely exempt and the needy exempt are those with agendas - the naysayers, disbelievers, conspiracy theorists, those who use their religion as a shield instead of a vaccination, the arrogant, the sheer bloody-minded and worst of all, the 'professional' protester, those incomplete wastes of space who drain our welfare system and contribute the square root of bugger-all to the country that houses, feeds and clothes them... (Feeling better now!)

However, cometh the 19th, cometh the implementation of our potentially new-found freedom, the finer detailed points of which are, at the time of writing, still to be announced.  It is expected that face-masks will still be necessary on transport and possibly when shopping.  I fully expect people to be keeping their distance for many a month yet regardless of any relaxation we may be afforded.  There are many who still do not wish to venture out, for the fear is palpable in many instances, especially in the older age bracket.

What I would like is a breakdown of statistics in relation to who exactly is defying advice and continuing to remain unprotected.  They obviously consider themselves above infection, or are convinced that Covid doesn't exist.  Either way they have complete disregard for others.  Ninety-nine per cent of all new cases are of the Indian... sorry, sorry... Delta variety, averaging 25,000 new cases daily, though with many fewer hospitalisations.  We've previously discussed the most infectious geographical areas and the make-up of those who live there, but is it race, religion or arrogance that deters due to information from mainly 'white professionals' advising you of both risk and protection.  A lot of professional, informed Asians work within the medical profession and encourage those within their fellow religion or race to protect themselves and others. The 19th should/will see greater numbers meeting in closer proximity.  Is it fair on those who have been responsible to have to sit next to, shop next to, have a meal next to someone who has flouted advice and therefore the opportunity of a jab? 

I still feel that a vaccination passport is the answer.  No playing the game, no freedom of movement. Arrogance fronting any perceived reason would mean being housebound.  Home deliveries only, no travel, no friends or family other than those living within that household.  Those within that household who enjoyed a modicum of intelligence and had been vaccinated would be forced to forego their freedom due to the stubborn or misguided soul(s) within their family who had made things bad for everyone.  How do we know who is a danger and who is not.  Pressure from the airline and travel industries isn't helping with more pressure heaped upon the government for one reason and one reason only - money!

I realise there would be hell to pay by the libertarians but you either play your part in society or you face the consequences.  It would of course give the rest of us a fighting chance but we sadly live in a world where rights are everything and responsibility comes a very poor second...

WHAT PRICE SUCCESS... AND FALSE PRIDE?

 

                                          WHAT PRICE SUCCESS... AND FALSE PRIDE?

Winning is everything, the taking part is essential, but the ultimate glory goes to the winner and all who sail in their moneyed fame and triumphal wake.  Agents take their cut, media invitations offering a myriad of celebrity opportunities arrive with remarkable ease and Britain's latest sensation has hit the headlines. Fame lasting from fifteen minutes to a lifetime beckons.

Not that I watch, for I have little interest in perpetual grunting, but one cannot be unaware that Wimbledon is back and taking up a lot of screen time.  Mr Murray has just been knocked out of the Men's Singles and our remaining hopes lie with... no, I do believe they have all gone, knocked out, defeated in the early stages.   So, no surprise there, but at least they took part, which is nice if you're not overly bothered about winning, but a complete bummer if you're of an extremely competitive disposition!

With the ladies 'our' collective hopes commenced this time round apparently with Johanna Konta, Heather Watson and Emma Raducanu... oh... and there is also Naiktha Bains and Eden Silva to add to the list of flag-flying hopefuls over the next few years... maybe.

The problem is, just how 'British' are they? Heather Watson was at least born here to parents carrying British passports.  That her British family history and lineage does not go back the five hundred years I would make a prerequisite for being 'British', I have to accept that this principle could be subject to discussion in certain left-wing circles.  Johanna Konta's claim to represent Britain is laughable.  She was born in Australia to Hungarian parents.  How on earth can she so readily trade nationalities and sides?  Could it be because she might, just might, win a few matches for her adopted country of choice?  And whose choice was it?   Did she make the move to become British and thus represent our mongrel land, or did the tennis authorities spot her and think 'We'll take a chance on this one 'ere!'   Who knows, but it does make you think... No it does, really!

With regard to Emma Raducanu, this seemingly talented young lady was born in Toronto to a Hungarian father and a Chinese mother.  The family moved to the UK when Emma was two years of age.   Other than living here for the majority of her still young life, what qualifies her to racket for Britain?   Hungary, China or failing that her country of origin, in her case, Canada all seem to be fair game, so surely her links to Blighty, other than residency are tenuous?  But... she might be a winner, and that's what counts!

In the case of Leeds born Naiktha Bains, her father is Indian.  She moved with him to Brisbane when she was eight years old.  Now, with the previously-mentioned thoughts in mind, she could play for GB due to her being born here, however,  there is a whopping great fly in a rather syrupy ointment.  From 2014 to 2019 she represented Australia.  She then changed allegiance and from that same year is now strutting her stuff for Britain, though she continues to be a resident of Brisbane and commutes between the two continents whilst contributing greatly to the worlds carbon footprint.  I have to ask, 'Is this right?'   Eden Silva, born in London is the offspring of a Russian father and a Sri Lankan mother.  Why is she not representing one of the two countries she is linked to by parentage as opposed to a city her parents have adopted for either work or personal reasons?  It appears to be a case of 'bugger the ethics, we need a  winner! '  Game, Set and Match to misguided and unwarranted national pride...