Turing pardon

The UK government has pardoned the deceased computer pioneer and cryptographer, Alan Turing for his 1952 conviction for homosexual related offences.

I can't but feel a sense of unease at this.  OK, so I know there is a large element of political posturing in this but .......

What's next?  Pardoning those that betrayed their country and spied for East Germany and the USSR, on the grounds that these entities no longer exist?  What about convicting people for acts that are now crimes but weren't when they were committed?  Remember, hate crime is now apparently not in what you say but is in how it is perceived by the recipient.  So, prosecute Enoch Powell for his 'rivers of blood' speech?  Posthumously prosecute all the 1930's supporters of the Communist regime of the Soviet  Union and the apologists for the show trials?  A pardon for Lord HawHaw on the grounds that he was an Irish nationalist and we now accommodate and treat with such terrorists?

Or maybe just leave things as they are and not apply 2013 'standards' to historical events and somehow think we know better than the people, at those times knew.

2013 Culture Review

Well, the title sounds grand!

Building on last year's review of books, I wanted to share the following:

Books
Last year I got heavily into Jack Reacher novels, by Lee Child and found them to be  quite engrossing but then, at the end of 2012, a movie was made of one of them.  Tom Cruise was cast as Jack Reacher.  Cruise's production company having apparently bought the rights.  If you have read any of the Reacher books you will have the same difficulty that I have in squaring the idea of Reacher portrayed by the diminutive Cruise.  In some books, Reacher's size - height 6' 6'' and weight 240 lbs, is actually an integral part of the plot lines so I find it hard to acquaint the visual film reality with the written variety.  Consequently, I have struggled with these books this year.   They are still well-written and gripping but...........  the image of the sofa-jumper keeps interrupting my enjoyment.

Best book read this year was Arguably by Christopher Hitchens.  This is a compilation of the late author's reviews and shows the depth and breadth of his knowledge.  Oh to be able to write like that!  If you love America and it's history, I strongly recommend this.

Also if you love America, I re-read Decision Points by George W Bush -  a fascinating read, which puts the lie to much of the media distortions.

Finally, Hiding the decline by A W Montford.  This was a Christmas gift that was truly enjoyed.  This book explores the ClimateGate e-mail saga and exposes the so-called climate change experts for the lying charlatans that they are.  A powerful book which clinically dissects the story and then onto the cover-ups, that were said to be investigations.  If you value truth, do find the time to read this book.

Films
Perseverance and patience is always recommended and I am glad I listened to this advice.  I saw two 2nd parts of trilogies this year.

Part two of the Hunger Games series was considerably better than the first part.  Gets one a little closer to some of the grim reality of the books and is promising nicely for the third and final part.

The middle part of The Hobbit was also better than the first part and is building well for the finale.  I saw this with family, as part of a newish tradition that has taken in all of the Lord of the Rings trilogy  on successive Christmas' past.  Generally the external reviews were mixed but from the family all on the positive side but there is a feeling that the whole thing was perhaps longer than it needed to be.

TV Series
Enjoyed House of Cards - US.  As with the original from the UK  this shows the everyday venality of politicians and their fellow travelers.  Also watched Hannibal series one.  Gory but a fascinating back-story for this fictional monster.

What's wrong with America?

I am forced to ask this question because the nation that was once seen as founded upon capitalistic principles and the land of opportunity is fast hurtling towards European-style socialism.

What's startling is that there is ample evidence of the failures of socialised medicine available and yet still America is accelerating in that direction. 

It all starts with education.  The USA's educational establishments have long been infiltrated by left-leaning academics and they now hold such sway that they set the educational agenda.  So it is taken for granted (and taught)  that the scientifically proven non-existent global warming, is somehow happening and it is man's fault.

These entryist fifth column seek to curtail the very freedoms that allowed America to become a beacon for wave after wave of immigrants.  They undermine debate by labeling any opinion contrary to the Left's as racist or reactionary or sexist or homophobic.  The products of this educational system litter the media and those that fail to get into that industry - one can't call it a profession, as it would demean, by association, the other members of the world's oldest profession - these people go into 'government'.  They become public 'servants' as they would style themselves.  Though, their idea of public service is oftentimes to drive forward a leftist, nanny-state agenda.  I would wager though that many of them wouldn't see their petty officiousness and anti-capitalist behaviour as leftist, such is the extent of their childhood brainwashing.   

The strange thing though, about the American Left is the one group that they do not attack.  They will attack Pro-Life people, who oppose abortion, in the most virulent way.  Likewise, Christians are pilloried for following their beliefs because these are founded on the Bible.  Anyone that suggests that the absence of live-in fathers in black communities, is immediately a racist - regardless of the evidence that shows the comparative consequences of this state of affairs.  Anyone who makes even a passing reference which might be construed as slightly negative towards homosexuals, is a legitimate target for abuse and a campaign to teach them the 'error of their ways' by getting them fired from their job or suspended from their TV show (look-up Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame!)

So who don't the American Left address their campaigns against?  The answer is the religious group that is most actively engaged in attacking all those 'issues' that the Left hold dear.  That is, Muslims.  Women's rights, Homosexual rights, these are non-existent in most parts of the Muslim world.  However, A&E, the TV channel that suspended Phil Robertson or MSNBC or CBS or CNN, etc.,  don't ever talk about the 'elephant in the room' - Islam.  In this they are not alone.  The European media is also scared to bring forward exposure of the practices prevailing in much of the Muslim world. 

Think back to any incident that was perpetrated by Islamists in the name of Islam.  What is the second thing that you see on TV or read in the press, straight after the pictures of the dead and dying and wounded?  It will be a 'moderate' member of the Islamic 'community' condemning the atrocity and saying how this doesn't represent the true face of Islam, which they then go onto claim is a peaceful religion.  What kind of peace is it that blows-up people, indiscriminately?  That beheads unarmed Christians in Syria and posts videos of their actions - say what you like about Syria's Assad but Syrian Christians were able to live and worship under him, something the Islamic militants (that President Obama wants to support) won't allow them to do.  A religion,  two of whose adherents, hack to death a British soldier on the streets of London, in broad daylight and in full glare of video cameras.  An orthodoxy that is funded by Saudi Arabian money - the same money that funded the 9/11 attacks on the USA.


A great man called Edmund Burke  once said that "the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing".  Had he been alive today, he would no doubt have added something that addressed the willful blindness of the media to the flaws in Islam, as currently practiced, while the self-same media viciously attacks anyone that promotes a Christian viewpoint. 

Edmund Burke also said "Among a people generally corrupt, liberty cannot long exist."  President Obama and his liberal predecessors have propelled America down that path.  Consider the corrupt activities of America's government in spying on its own people, targeting them with IRS audits and leaving it's representatives to die in Benghazi.  A government that allows Kermit Gosnell to murder unborn babies, with relative impunity as here.    I don't know about you but I call that fairly corrupt.   
 So Americans, look to that 'city on the hill' while you still can.  The light of hope, opportunity and freedom that was apparent to all your forebears is growing ever dimmer and unless American's take back their country, will soon be extinguished.

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/edmund_burke.html#yaYcH3ewqxpSXh6Q.99

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/edmund_burke.html#yaYcH3ewqxpSXh6Q.99

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/edmund_burke.html#yaYcH3ewqxpSXh6Q.

MPs pay

Regular readers will know that I couldn't let this topic pass, without commenting.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) has recommended that members of the UK parliament should receive salary increases equaling 11%.  At the same time, there would be cuts in allowances and changes to pension rights which, say IPSA, would make the overall impact a net zero cost.

I am quite okay with those proposed changes to allowances.  In my view they are already too high, so this little bit of pruning won't go amiss.  They are also largely tax-exempt - even in the socialist paradise that is today's Britain, some are more equal than others.

Similarly, the pension changes are merely 'tinkering' which bring the golden pensions that MPs currently enjoy, just the tiniest bit closer to those which other public sector workers have.  Note the comparison - public sector workers!  Not the poor benighted souls in the private sector.  They continue to have pensions that are far inferior to those of the cosseted civil servants, which they nevertheless, fund!

Maybe you disagree that MPs enjoy good benefits?  After all, why would so many of them be forced to 'fiddle' and cheat on their expenses if they were so generous?  I say fiddle and cheat because I have decided to mince my words and refrain from calling the activities lying and stealing, though that is what the courts in a few 'show trials' seem to have decided.

Consider this though, how many businesses could fund an 11% increase in base pay by cutting back on other benefits, without those 'benefits' already being way too high in the first place?

Ed Miliband, from the socialist Labour Welfare Party, remains true to form.  Being of the socialist frame of mind he cannot resist a free ride.  So when the 'this is outrageous' bandwagon rolls along he has to jump on it.  He has written to the UK Prime Minister requesting that all party leaders meet with IPSA and get the recommendation reversed.  My admiration for his ability to posture, while on a rolling bandwagon, is tempered by the biliousness his opportunistic hypocrisy, generates.

Let's think about this.  Miliband already knows that the UK PM, David Cameron opposes the increase - though I suppose there is no point in jumping on a bandwagon and not letting the whole world know by publishing a letter - but Miliband also knows that IPSA are trying to  establish a process for determining suitable levels of pay for MPs and that implementing such a process is always likely to result in one-off anomalies.  Don't get me wrong, I do not support the increase but neither do I support the hypocrisy that pretends that developing a systematic and transparent approach to the issue is somehow wrong.  I have posted here before on why I think MP pay should be lower and linked to a multiple of the UK National Average wage - one sure way to get MPs focused on improving the 'lot' of all the people.

Here is my suggestion.  The IPSA proposals would not take effect until 2015.  Let's assume that this means, after the May 2015 General Election.   Why don't we have all candidates for election in 2015, publicly declare in their election material,  whether they would accept the increase or if they would refuse it.  If the increase has to be awarded, for practical purposes, then they would commit to donating the increase towards the reduction in the National Debt.  Since they are so adept at increasing this National Debt, their contribution would be a welcome step, for once, in the right direction.

This would avoid a pointless fight between party leaders and IPSA and would give voters a chance to see if their candidate is really with them and recognizes what 'we're all in this together' really means.





 

Questions for Americans

Two quick questions for Americans.

Between Margaret Thatcher and Nelson Mandela, who of these was the greatest friend and ally to the USA?

Of these two, who did the President of America most honour when they passed on, by personally attending a memorial service or funeral.

Oh, and a quick, third question, of these two, Mandela and Thatcher, which was a firm supporter of capitalism and, along with Ronald Reagan, brought about the downfall of the Soviet bloc and which was a former (some say always) 'card carrying' member of the Communist Party and would under today's definitions be called a terrorist?

Answers on postcards to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and your local Congressman.

The UK may no longer hold much sway in the world but we do remember when we are slighted.  At least I sincerely hope that we do, when the present incumbent passes on.

Before everyone jumps on me for verbally shooting at Nelson Mandela, let me declare that I truly believe he was a special person.  I am sure I could never have found the forgiveness that he showed to his captors.  No my 'beef' is with the Obama administration and another example of how they treat their friends. See here for further  http://bit.ly/1fny5ka

Presidential conspiracy in the US

As a non-American, looking in from the outside, I detect a conspiracy surrounding President Obama.

Much as I dislike the individual and believe he is dangerous for both the USA and the free world, this isn't a conspiracy led by the former community organizer - at least I don't think it is, that's the trouble with conspiracies, you just never know!

No this is about what has happened to the American media.  Have they been so infiltrated by socialists that none have the courage to see that the emperor has no clothes?

Consider:

Benghazi September 11, 2012 - the American consulate is stormed by an armed and intent on murder mob of Islamist fanatics.  Those inside call for help.  US  military forces are available but are ordered to stand-down.  The commanding general balks at this order and is relieved of command.  Four American citizens are brutally abused, including it is said, sexually, and murdered.  One of the four is the US Ambassador to Libya.

The IRS is found to be targeting right of centre groups, and their members, such as the Tea Party.  Initiating tax audits of these people and clearly on the grounds of their political opinions.  In the ensuing investigation, news of profligate spending and waste, by the IRS, surfaces.

John Kerry and President Obama hail a temporary agreement with Iran, as a victory. This agreement allegedly requires Iran to stop uranium enrichment but post the announcements, it seems that some of the Iranian nuclear facilities are not included.  What is included though is that sanctions are lifted on $8 billion that was previously frozen.  So Iran gets what it wants - money and other relief from sanctions that were hurting (as was intended) - and they don't have to actually give-up anything for it!

And then there is Obamacare.  Some say it should be properly called the Affordable Care Act but since it isn't affordable, there is no additional care, it can be seen to be an act, as many conservative commentators have noted.

One of the things that the USA boasts about, is it's technological prowess.  No, really!  So, think about that.  President Obama gave the 'techies' and 'geeks' three years to come up with a website and registration system.   They didn't just fail, they failed abysmally.  Three years and $100s Million and it simply didn't work - and by all accounts still doesn't.  That wouldn't be a problem though because Obama said people could keep their old policies and such, except.....  they can't.  People would not see premium increases or be forced into this or that but...... they are!

There are other instances, such as the NSA spying on Americans, reading their e-mails and listening into their phone calls, as well as spying on supposed allies  (see here:  http://bit.ly/1fny5ka )  and the shameful shutdown of WWII memorials during the government shutdown but you should have the picture by now.

So, how does this super-teflon coated President get away with it?  The answer is because the main stream media is blind, deaf and dumb.  Even now, as some Democrats try to distance themselves from the train wreck that is Obamacare, the media still pushes the 'party line' from the White House.  Okay, you would expect Claire Shipman, ABC senior correspondent, to steer clear of embarrassing the White House Press Secretary, she is, after all, married to the same Jay Carney but what of the rest of the press corps?  Where are the putative Woodwards and Bernsteins?  Or do they only come out against Republicans?

I don't believe that Twitter and other social media is ready to replace the MSM but where else can an American go to hear something that isn't what amounts to propaganda from President Obama?   What has made the media, that were always so savagely anti- George Bush, now so toothless and un-enquiring?  Remember the outright lies put out by the media about Obama's predecessor?  Those are easier to recall than the half-hearted eventual apologies or retractions.

No the Left, and take it from one that has suffered under the yoke of UK socialism, make no mistake,  Obama is a true Socialist and he has fellow 'card-carriers' throughout the media.  The Democrats and the MSM are so in bed together (sometimes literally) that even the complete 'green' bilge spouted by Al Gore goes unchallenged as does his oh so blatant, hypocrisy.

So here's a prediction.  Watch, read and listen to the media in the coming weeks if you like or just know now, that the following headlines will provide adequate coverage of the next round of budget discussions.  'GOP, fearing Tea Party extremists, obstructs resolution of budget issues.'  or 'President Obama stands firm on budget in face of anti-progressive elements in division riven GOP'

2014 is just around the corner and presents Americans with an opportunity to start to take back their country.  Know though that this will be a very hard process.  The socialists move one yard to the left and then the 'right' manage to move one foot back to the right but America is still two foot further to the left, after this dance.  It's time for the 'right' to talk direct to the people and bypass the biased MSM and to move two or more yards to the right - incremental steps to sanity leaves a country too long in a state of madness.

Finally, consider that you won't read anything like this in the American media so make sure that you protect the freedom that Twitter allows us.