"HE GOT US INTO THIS POSITION BY ACCIDENT"

Welcome dear friends around our globe,

   The Mail on Sunday columnist, Peter Hitchens, commented recently on BBC one's Question Time that 'just call me Dave' Cameron with a big C, " has no intention of taking us out of the European Union." Gong further, speaking of the recent appointment of Jean Claude Juncker as President-elect of the European Commission, Cameron's shamefaced lone soldier stance together with Hungary, voting against Juncker, as such then lining Cameron directly in opposition with ally and arguably the most influential person in Europe,German chancellor Angela Merkel. Who, he had allegedly been wrongly briefed, was also against Juncker's appointment. It was then span by the spinners so as that Cameron 'looked' like he was bravely standing-up for British Independence, "It is all completely stage managed, it has no content at all." declared Hitchens."I'm amazed that this complete fake has achieved such success!"

   A fools parade then one may say, when listening to the rhetoric spewed out about the benefits of being a part of the European Union, whilst listening with the other ear to Cameron and the Conservatives age-old patriotism, the great days of the United Kingdom's domination over much of our globe and of course good old Britishness. Whatever this may be? Just don't mention Gove.

Perhaps it is just me that senses a spilt-agenda and a mask being veiled across our country? Perhaps!

   Scheduled for an EU in/out referendum in 2017 Cameron's so-called 'Bloomberg speech' of January 2013 outlined five ways in which he proposes to reform and amend Britain' relationship with Europe whilst remaining in the EU single market. Although, on closer inspection it appears we would only be removing ourselves politically and therefore still economically joined. His proposals are; competitiveness through less regulation, greater flexibility achieved by allowing countries [namely Britain] to opt out of EU rules, a return of powers to member states, democratic accountability with a greater role for national parliaments [see greater local accountability for UK schools and health services for clues as to Cameron's wider position ], and finally fairness.

   Ok so, whilst this may 'look' and sound like what we the electorate have been calling for, along with tighter controls over our borders, dare I write the unmentionable? Immigration.The operative word here is 'look.' In reality by the time of the proposed  EU referendum it is unlikely Cameron will still be leader of the Conservative party, less still he will be in office as Prime Minister. These proposals will  more than likely not have even made it to the table. Let alone been actioned. With discussions on this not starting until two years after the next General Elections in 2015, there is no time, or at least little time, for any tangible impact of these proposals to have taken affect. Under EU law any changes to the terms of membership requires treaty change. No mean feat. It must go through an Intergovermental  Conference, a conference Cameron will not have agenda control of, therefore this, if indeed we even get this far, is a very long and frankly uncertain process. So by logical progressive conclusion, Cameron knows this and is stepping onto a shattered mirror glass effect style of politics. Smoke and mirrors, blatant and obvious tactical manoeuvring and playing-up to the crowd.The crowd of course being us mere electorate.Which is precisely why, in my view, he is doing this. In the final year of parliament. Not too dissimilar to that good ol' English man, with a German wife, who is also his parties secretary, Nigel Farage. Upon deeper thought along these lines I conclude that Cameron with a big C and Nigel 'I'm all right Dave see you down the pub, oh and have you got a lighter' Farage share a similarity in goals. To return England to it's once regent splendour. Whatever this may be. Now this is dressed-up differently. Farage is at least, to his credit, more outspoken and direct about his views and intentions though as a result of this is viewed by large parts of  mainstream political parties and a noticeably high proportion of the electorate, as a bit shady. A bit of a man of two faces, also aligned through party affiliations to Nick Griffin's far-right BNP party. Although Farage has he claims already de-mobilized these members from his party. Mostly. Freedom of speech I guess.Whilst 'just call me Dave' appears to be playing underhand and frankly misleading tactics. I would even go so far as to write that this is stereotypical of the perceived 'old boys network' Conservatives, a branding they are so often lambasted for.

   To add to the double-standards I write on in this piece, unless quoted, views are solely that of this author and not expressive of public opinion, as far as I know, David Cameron with a big C is set to push ahead with a move that would give MPs a veto over the court of human rights rulings. Expected  to be a centre-point of Cameron's Autumn statement.

    As some national newspapers liken Cameron to Russian President Putin - Putin by the way is characterised by an unnamed source to be acting out of fear - as Britain calls for Paris to stop sending arms to the Kremlin amidst fears Russia is behind the recent shooting down of the Malaysian Airlines passenger jet over Ukraine killing 298 passengers. A man( Putin) who allegedly uses 'traditional' methods of communications, namely a pen and paper, rarely uses the internet though is one of the best informed leaders on the planet, a man who starts his working day at noon, after using the large swimming pools of his palaces to swim alone and work-out his strategies, and still uses old KGB style telephones.With suspectedly only his chief of staff and press secretary with an open door to him, the rest of his entourage press their backs hard against a wall as he walks past them, Putin is therefore characterised as a fearful and isolated man. Some  may say a feared man amongst his staff. His parents both dead and his two daughters living somewhere in Europe Putin still acts as if he were in the KGB. Bringing for example, a dog into a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel because he knew she has a fear of them.

 I strayed slightly from the point. As usual. Apologies. I am not likening 'just call me Dave' to a fearful and isolated Russian. Really, I am not.

Back to the human rights veto point:

   Recently reshuffled Dominic Grieve now ex-chief legal advisor to the government stated on Tuesday (July, 22, 2014) 'Britain would suffer "serious International reputational damage" if it went through with this move. It would mean Britain could  evade the standards already laid-out for it as a member of the Council of Europe signed to the European Convention on Human Rights, that Britain pushes so fervently on others, like Russia.
One such paper commenting  that afore mentioned ex-chief legal advisor Dominic Grieve - who is incidentally aggrieved by his reshuffle -  alleges Downing Street 'tried to hide' a paper by Chris Grayling, who is Cameron's justice secretary, on how exactly Britain can weaken our obligations to the Strasbourg-based court.

Grieve commented:

"What actually is being suggested is not that we will leave the ECHR, but that we will announce for our manifesto that we will pass primary legislation to use parliament to prevent the government from implementing its international obligations, except when parliament rules when we should."

So not in the least mumble-jumble, laughably convoluted and typically confused looking at all then.

   Cameron's sparring partner, Labour leader Ed Milliband, announced recently his ideas for turning PMQ's - Prime Ministers Questions - in to PPMQ's - Public Prime Ministers Questions - by which Ed means turning the traditional half hour or so slot in the house each week where opposition party members can put the current government on trial, to allowing the general public, you know, us mere electorate, into the chamber to grill, tease-out and test the government in a sort-of live public debate. A chance to put questions from 'the many not the few' to the man himself. Mr C with a big C.This could be, and in my view is, a great way to alter what I termed 'the falsities of Politics...' in http://rjwardle.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/the-fallout-of-hashtag-computer-speak.html  Why do I instantly think of the days where public hangings in this country were a public affair? A moment everybody and their neighbour came out to witness.

   Cameron is by many accounts, including from Alan Johnson, who openly stated the veto meant absolutely nothing, the 'Bloomberg Speech' is pro-Europe, "the bit at the end wasn't about what's right for this country. It was about what's right for the Conservatives," Cameron is a man of extreme pro-Europe beliefs who has " the words European Union running through him like a stick of rock."

   Hitchens commenting; "If it ever came to a referendum, one of the many post-dated cheques that he's signed which he almost certainly wont ever have to honour, he would almost certainly with out doubt  urge everybody to vote to stay in it."

   So, when all this is taken into consideration, it seems to my mind that whether we get a vote or not, we shall remain part of the EU.

   At least I shan't have to worry unduly about my travels. A favourite correspondent stroke man of words of mine, John Simpson, once recounted how upon losing his passport he was still able to trek right across Europe with a mere slip of paper saying British Citizen under his name. Oh the day's eh Dave.

   As ever and always, it is my primary concern this inspires, engages, challenges and stimulates your mind one way or the other. Offering some small pleasure to any who care to read

Until we meet again through the page,

Warmly yours

R J Wardle

CAMERON, COULSON, MURDOCH & A WOMEN NAMED REBEKAH

Welcome dear friends around our globe,

 As the Leveson enquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press here in the UK including in the second part, 'The Phone Hacking Scandal' of 2006 ploughed on, ex News Of the World Editor Andy Coulson and Rebekah Brooks, the youngest ever Editor of a British national newspaper at News Of the World, first female Editor of the Sun, have been becoming increasingly embroiled in hot water. 

  Back in 2006-2007 ex-News Of the World royal correspondent, Clive Goodman and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire were charged with intercepting voicemail messages left for members of the royal family and subsequently jailed. This sparked widespread public interest, not to be confused with 'of' interest to the public, into how deep and how wide-spread phone hacking was.

   In a recent interview it was commented that out of a readership figure of almost 15,000000 of our national and regional newspaper read every day in the UK, it was only one or two newspapers this 'scandal' centred around. The disbanded News Of the World sold some 2.8 million copies every week, and was one of our oldest newspapers. After the phone hacking revelations Rupert Murdoch, the owner of the paper as part of his News Corporation Group, disbanded it in 2011, in the aftermath of the Milly Dowler murder of 2002 and revelations her mobile phone had also been hacked.

   Also in 2011 the Metropolitan Police in London launched Operation Weeting. A new phone hacking investigation including looking at the previous 2006 investigation and eventually widening to include 'improper payments to public officials and computer hacking' allegations.

 In 2007 then opposition leader David Cameron, with a big C, hired Andy Coulson with a small c, the recently disbanded Editor of the News Of the World - Editor between 2000- 2006 - as his Communications Director. A decision Cameron has come under due scrutiny for over the last few day's. I mean, would you, really? Bring a man of this disrepute, under this intense scrutiny, innocent or otherwise, into the folds of the globally revered British Houses of Parliaments inner sanctum?  Words escape me. Or do they? The relationship between the British Press and Politicians has been a historically close one. In certain circles.

     Interestingly it was between the years 1926, specifically May 1926, when most newspapers were suspended during the 'General Strike,' our British Government publishes the British Gazette and the TUC publishes British Worker, and 1930, when British Government and the Trade Unions started printing newspapers and pamphlets to promote their 'own' agendas on a large scale. The British Worker latterly became Morning Star in 1966. Kelvin MacKenzie, ex-editor of the Sun newspaper (a Murdoch paper) recounted a key moment in every board meeting was always "who's going to ring Rupert then?"
Renowned for micro-managing his papers it is clear a relationship between Murdoch, Brook, Coulson and indeed some politicians was inextricably linked. Tony Blair is of course Godfather to Murdoch's daughter. And 'The Lady,' Margaret Thatcher, famously stated:  "I do not want to be loved. I am not interested in the media." And then promptly 'courted' Rupert Murdoch.

   2010: Outside of this the UK had just come out of a tumultuous final season of a Labour led Government, Prime Minister Tony Blair was and is continuously under scrutiny for his role in taking the UK to war in Iraq. The cheeky grin of his comrade in arms, or is that rival enemy? Gordon Brown, had been chomping at the bit to get his long awaited promise to lead his party as Prime Minister, and us mere electorate stroke British citizens were encapsulated by a growing sense of doom, deep within a financial meltdown and a first hung-parliament since 1974 leading us into a coalition government between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

   On the 6th September 2010 ITV launched a new breakfast news programme called Daybreak which replaced the flailing GMTV. So Eamonn Holmes was now 'otherwise engaged.'
The price of a loaf of bread was set to jump up as wheat prices rose after a 'scorching July in Russia and a calamitous flooding in Pakistan.'
And, in hindsight rather fittingly, top of the Top 100 UK singles charts for 2010 was Alicia Keys Empire State of Mind(part II) Broke Down. 

   So the frame within which we lived was if nothing else, a strenuous one.

Back to the present day. As Coulson and Rebekah Brooks faced charges of conspiring to hack phone calls, for which, rather unsurprisingly to this writers mind, Rebekah Brooks, Murdoch's 'key to British Politicians' - Brooks was Murdoch's chief executive officer of his News International Group between 2009- 2011, was cleared of all charges. Whilst Andy Coulson with a small c was found guilty and may also be facing two other subsequent charges should the jury be re-formed. Mhh  . . . Inner Sanctum.

 I strayed slightly from the point. As usual. Apologies.

   As we read today of both Brooks and Coulson (who enjoyed a six year love affair) both receiving  cautions in a corporate prosecution based on ongoing investigations originally instigated in 2012 into Murdoch's UK media empire for hacking and bribing offences. When asked about a romantic text message Brooks sent to Coulson during their affair Brooks reportedly originally remarked' I might have had a couple of glasses of wine.' Mhh . . .

   So, here we are, Thursday, 26th June, 2014. I think immediately of comments made during a BBC radio 4 debate entitled 'Post-Hackgate Debate' of Sunday, 09th, October, 2011. Within which Richard Caseby ,once Managing Director of Murdoch's Sun newspaper commented:

"The biggest issue at the moment for press is the Human Rights Act Articles 8 and 10" Freedom of Speech and Privacy.

   Perhaps as we continue to read, watch and hear of developments in this turning-point moment in time for the British Press and Government, we should take a moment to rejoice in the democratic free press we enjoy for the better not the worse. The rights of all UK citizens to freedom of speech and that oh so fine line between privacy and exposition.Sparing a thought for those countries who do not have free press but a censored Government controlled 'media-state,' and just cherish the democratically 'free' lives we are privileged to lead. We enjoy many world-class newspapers, we are privileged to read these and many other regional newspapers, online or otherwise,at our disposal for our information and leisure, any time, anywhere.

   Perhaps this perspective will inform perspectives over the recent scandals and revelations. It is but a small minority of newspapers and individuals that have tarnished for what is in fact a mere blip in time, what is an historically excellent, respectable and admirable UK printed news network.

  Let the words speak for the man.

'What is of public interest not what is of interest to the public'

As ever and always, it is my primary concern this inspires, engages, challenges and stimulates your mind one way or the other. Offering some small pleasure to any who care to read

Until we meet again through the page,

Warmly yours

R J Wardle

Ps:                                                   

THE FALLOUT OF HASHTAG - COMPUTER SPEAK - THEATRE OF UK POLITICS

Welcome dear friends around our globe,

Three months, four day's have past since last I wrote. Of which 'The House' has been on recess - not sitting - for 19 days.  Not that I have been counting.

Call me a socially sceptical man or call me a socially sceptical man but surely the mood of our nation is wearing weary of the current political mishaps, sorry politics? In our age of what I term 'computer speech,' the all engaging hashtags- trend setters - which look like this: #hashtag (In case there was any misconception) we are, in my view, somewhat fittingly wise'ing-up to the 'mess we're' in' and the ever monotonous line reeled off year after year after year after year after year after year after year after decade after century by politicians. 'The situation we inherited from the last government.' So, rather unsurprisingly then, no actual ownership of responsibilities. To the somewhat un-trained eye this shares remarkable similes with the American political set-up (pardon the pun if you please.) Drafted Constitution of 1787 laid a system split between three tiers, Judicial, Legislative and Executive. No one tier has any real control as it is possible to partially block any given tier via the other. Over the pond the President has no real powers, he is reliant upon  getting a motion - a bill - through all three houses if he wants to make the slightest impact. Frustrating. Interestingly most of the major motions put forward occur in the Presidents final year as a way of attempting to be voted back in the following elections. Writing nothing of the long drawn-out red-tape and dithering, as a direct result of afore mentioned tier system, taken to even get a motion to the floor of Congress. Ah, oh yes, and then all the aids to the President are immediately relieved of duties the very moment the new President becomes elected, so no real incentive for ownership here then either. Succinct longevity? Michael foot.

The falsities of Politics in our 21st Century Globe. Oh what larks. It really did used to be such fun.

 "Question 11, was it answered?"

 "Yes it was answered in questions 7,8 and 9 . . ."

 "Oh. Then it is my mistake."

( PMQ's: 1961)

Historically us electorate have voted Conservative more often than Labour since the end of the last war. With murmurings of a change to the structure of Prime Ministers Questions, originally instigated in 1961 - first microphones in the House 1975 - as 'it detracts from the reputation of politics' the Theatre of Politics moreover the theatre of PMQ's may finally be relinquished to the wings.

John Berkow himself coined the culture of 'computer speech' I suggest we reside in last week calling it 'The twitter of politics.' Going further Berkow remarked: 'It is possible to disagree without being disagreeable.'

Really does sum-it-all-up.

Seated in the Gods a warm breeze of change needs to occur. Both socially, politically and culturally. Here's a thought: Perhaps 2015's UK General Elections could be fought through the sphere of Twitter? Who has the most Hashtags? The most Facebook shares? Or even, dare I write, the most friends on Facebook? Although if in the event of some ghastly personal atrocity, like being made redundant, un-employed, and not allowed housing benefit as your spare room tax blocks this, it would be most interesting to see how many of these 'friends' actually came to help.

Us mere electorate have for some time now been on the hunt for something, someone refreshing. Perhaps a return to 'proper Politics,' not the Party Political wash of rhetoric and silliness displayed I would argue as a continuing fall-out from the scandals of the mid naughties. Rebecca Brooks was last week facing her fate in court, being asked about her alleged six year love affair with Cameron's ex-Communications Director, Andy Coulson. Saying about an email she sent to him within which she confessed her love for him: ' I may have had a few glasses of wine.' Mhh . . . we have all done this one way or other, this written it speaks volumes for the close relationship enjoyed by certain individuals in the press and politics. Now, as a passionate believer in the power of the press and in freedom of speech, I still read a proper newspaper, you know, the paper variety, I would argue with vigour the benefits of such a relationship. Insomuch as this is how the relationship between the two disciplines works best. Surely. A close relationship allows accurate and honest reporting of news which is 'of public interest', not simply 'of interest to the public' which seems to me to be the growing way of things. It has been this way for years, since before Thatcher, who's Press Secretary Sir Bernard Ingham famously stated ' she didn't want to be loved' and 'wasn't interested in the media' she then  promptly courted dear old Ruppie . . . Murdoch.

Just one part of the fall-out we are experiencing in 2014, to write nothing of the adding increasing levels of mistrust in our Politicians so as we end-up in the 'mess we're in' now. But it is a mess we inherited from the last Government. Would it be appropriate to name Boris Johnson at this moment? I shall. Boris 'I beat you once I could do it again given a seat' Johnson came as ever like a fresh breeze of positive enlightenment during the London Mayoral elections of May 2008. Although In typical irony of the theme of this commentary, London has two Mayors. The London Mayor, currently our 'National Treasure,' the  refreshingly engaging Boris. And the City of London -London's Financial District is termed The City - Mayor. Who generally prances about in a Gold leafed Carriage waving royally like the Queen once per year surrounded by 'the elite.' It is worth noting whilst sharing the playing fields of Eton with ' just call me Dave' Cameron, Boris - or BoJo as has been coined recently in-keeping with our age of 'computer speech,' 148 character reduction of the beautifully intricate English Language. I mean OMG, . .  Really? (stress the ea in really like the Australians)was a Scholarship student, head-boy, Captain of Eton, elected to the elite Eton group known simply as Pop. Whilst  just call me Dave was self-combusting his arguments from the' backbenches.' Now, surely an underlying tension must be present, a sense of 'by golly old boy I have something to prove what!' Boris has if little else, a resonance with society in our 'computer speech' age of Facebook and Twitter. He is in my view a physical characterisation of this, thus infinitely more in-tune with our society. Maybe this could be his USP in election campaign strategy? Copyright  RJ Wardle.

Add into this 'marriage' Harriet 'I've been ball girl on the side of this tennis court too long' Harman, we would in my eyes, begin to see a progression towards a formation within the house of  more 'believable ' politics. Harman, Johnson (although on opposite sides of the house,)' Straw, Milliband. Balls, Balls did anyone mention Ball's. I didn't.

As ever and always, it is my primary concern this inspires, engages, challenges and stimulates your mind one way or the other. Offering some small pleasure to any who care to read

Until we meet again through the page, #Peace

Warmly yours

R J Wardle

AN EVOLVING GLOBE?

Welcome dear friends,

 I write this grovelling with apologies whilst crawling along the floor offering to polish your shoes. Life has as always taken me by something of a surprise these last two months.

   I shan't bore you with personal adventures, none can compare to the events in our globe.

   Out in the far-flung-shores of the globe we read, listen and view at a daily rate of knots the horrific plights of our global comrades. Ten people have been killed across the ocean in Egypt by a car-bomb explosion targeted at Egyptian soldiers. Yet another twenty nine people killed in a similar car-bomb attack in the Shia districts of the Iraq Capital, Baghdad. Meanwhile the as ever chirpy news from Iran that they will not back down 'one iota' from their nuclear rights.

   'Ooh Betty' dear old Frank would say in the long since departed BBC sitcom 'Some Mothers Do Ave Em'.

   'Across the pond' in Toronto Canada, Mayor Rob Ford freely admitted to trying Crack Cocaine, then charged about his chamber directly at a women, knocking her over during a public meeting Tuesday 19th November 2013 evening, claiming he thought his brother 'had become involved in an altercation'.
Yes we believe you Rob, thousands, millions wouldn't.

 Back here in Blighty. Out of thirty nine months Cameron had been in power at the time this statistic was taken, for thirty eight of them people's standard of living has got poorer.
This falls-in-line as the (TPA) Taxpayers Allowance calls this week for a stamp duty cut in the Autumn statement due out next month. Matthew Sinclair, Head of the Taxpayers Allowance claims the levy on house sales raising 1% of taxes collected could be cut 'with little impact on the public finances'.  Well Mr Cameron, take heed dear man and listen to the professionals, after all it was you that said:

"I don't want to be the Prime Minister that say's you can only buy a house or a flat if you have rich parents...I am determined as Britain recovers all parts of the country benefit from that..."

   Ok 'Just call me Dave', we shall take you at your word. For now. Now let's see some action 'for the many not the few' dear man. The globe is changing as always and ever, only now it appears to be somewhat on the back-foot. So, action dear man, action is needed, and no, this doesn't automatically mean opening-up the flood gates to the entire globe to come and settle on our once green and lushes land known affectionately as England! We are one very small Island. Already over populated, under housed, seemingly under secured what with the closures of key Naval shipping yards, outsourced to some far-flung shore, thus adding to our 'un-employment crisis' as we now have more of our own boys out of work! But it is fine, you know, have a cup of tea and all that jazz. As long as we are seen globally as a key power. Or a soft-touch I would passionately argue. Look after our own first, then worry about inviting the globe to sip tea with us perched in one of the few remaining trees in a last remaining field by a dried-up stream because we have over-housed, over-populated, under-educated as a direct result of over population, over increased an already gastronomically obese debt, placing ourselves well and truly 'up the swanny'. But it's ok, as long as we still look good on the fake global stage of pomposity.

 It was leaked to the press  last week that the now ex- Chairman of Co-op bank, Paul Flowers, a man I hasten to write with no banking experience, sums-it-all-up one may be forgiven for seeing the irony and asserting, coupled with his consummate ability with Word Excel spreadsheets with pre-installed formulas no doubt, has been seen by a reporter immediately after leaving a Treasury Select Committee interview ordering Cocaine whilst boasting on another occasion about his use of other drugs.
Now, privacy and behind closed doors is arguably one thing. This written someone holding a key globally recognised position at a time of continuing sensitivity within the financial sector, opens the window on an evolving society, battening down the hatches amidst these times of austerity and perpetual 'we're all in it together' misery sprung at us from all angles. Can it really be that shocking to us that Flowers takes solace in this?

   For me personally it is in words, solace always wraps it's arms around me through words.

   For others solace is found in a pub, yet for others still perhaps solace is found in the gym.

   What may I ask is happening to our globe, to blighty?  Is this indicative of 'one big society' - 'One Nation' stepping back to the by-gone day's of grow your own vegetables, know your Bank Manager and their family, eat smaller, less 'robust' food? Simply, re-connect with what is important rather than what 'we must have' -bigger, better, faster than our neighbours. Winding the clock back one hundred years, as Blighties Government  prepared to send 'our boy's to battle in'The Great War', nothing great about it in my view. Delete the word 'Great', insert 'Horrific' and we may be some-way closer to capturing the depths of nightmares strewn across the globe as a direct result of this war for generations to follow.

   In other news:

   Kelvin McKenzie, the ever out-spoken and forthright ex-red top editor say's London and the South East 'props up the British Economy'. Coming from a man himself from South London this is quite a self-deprecatory statement. This written, one can be forgiven for understanding his point has some weight to it.

   Conversely, Yorkshire's Humber Estuary city of Hull has been named the next nations capital for culture due to take centre stage in 2017. Indicative of my suggested reversal back to 'traditional' values? I argue yes. You see, the north of England was at one time not so many generations ago, the capital of growth in Industries such as coal-mining, textiles, shipping and agriculture. I do of course allude to the Industrial Revolution during the 1800's. Since this time I put it to you society has shifted its' system of values to encompass technologies, trains, planes and auto-mobiles, more recently in communication technologies. App, app did someone say app? Tablet, I what? Leading us as a globe to realise we could have more! Then came the money. Class divides arguably enhanced, you know, the old-line about those that have, still have, those that have-not, never will. Well, I write in ardent humble passion this leads to greed, the banks got greedy, we jo public's became ensnared within our own mis-representations of ourselves, of the globe as being our's for the taking at no cost to ourselves. Go on you deserve it, never mind about the day the bill comes through your letter box. Leading to pomposity within the financial sector ultimately to our all encompassing down-fall. Back to reality. Back to true values of family and community importance. Is that really so bad? I argue it is somewhat of a god-send.

   In other more sprightly news:

   Harriet 'I've been ball girl on this tennis court too long' Harman stated back in October: ' we have come-up with the framework' when asked by Andrew Marr what she believed would be the outcome of the Privy Councils decision on the Royal Charter in to Press Regulations and standards might be. Harman of course referencing levels of controls being potentially imposed upon the press . . . by government. . . I mean, really.

   Is this a step-too far?

   Is this a political nanny state? Increasing expeditiously from the existing one we already reside within.

   Is it right politicians should come-up with a framework for a 'free' press?

   Is our press indeed 'free' as it is anyway?

   Enough written. I can hear the rebukes coming through already.

   It is only me, a technology frustrated Yorkshireman residing in London writing, posing hopefully a position stimulating thought, questions and giving in some small way, a moments solace.

   As ever and always, it is my primary concern this inspires, engages and stimulates your mind one way or another. Offering some small pleasure to any who care to read.

Truly your's

R J Wardle

SERVING-UP A SLICE OF STRATEGY.

 Welcome dear friends around the globe,

   It has been somewhat little more than a month since last I posted. Forgive me's requested in humble hope.

   As always our globe has been chasing the tail of its history.

   That written, Angela Merkel has achieved a landmark third term in office over the paddling pool in Germany. Her Conservative arm securing 41.5 % of the vote. She is the first female in our globe since Thatcher to achieve this. Indeed very few democratic leaders have ever achieved this. Back here in Blighty, Blair of course led his party through three consecutive elections, although as we now know, only to retire to the wings of far-flung shores soon after.

   Continuing in Blighties adventures this last week. Labour Party Conference landed with a bump, sorry brilliant bit of 'Balls'.

   'Fallen through a loop-hole in the system'

   A line often served-up by certain Government bodies when offering a line of defence against decisions not to offer state aid in housing, other state benefits.

Have Milliband and Balls 'fallen through a loop hole in the system' enabling them to secure the votes needed to resume office?

   Milliband pledged to freeze energy prices for the first twenty months after elections, should he be voted in to power. The announcement comes as part of a series of pledges laid-out/served-up, as part of last weeks party conference speeches.The following day share prices in some leading energy firms fell. Ironic? possibly.

   Reflective of Milliband cosy'ing-up to the 'every day British citizen', much like Blair, I suggest, yes. Keenly stepping-out on his stage as the man next door.

   Do Energy companies like it? No.

   Would we expect them to? No.

   Is Milliband really 'the man-next-door'? No.

   What is he doing then? 'I'm standing up for the British people' (Milliband, E)

   According to a poll by Populus,69% of those polled want to see energy companies taken back in to public ownership. 59 %  agreed with Millliband's pledge to repeal the bedroom tax, whilst 63% felt it important Labour retain strong links with Trade Unions.

 'It says on our card: Democratic-Socialism . . . and what is that about?' (Milliband,E)

   So, as a 'Democratic Socialist' party leader, does Ed ' I can do this can't I Dave' Milliband really value his pledges? Or is he shall we say, swimming at the deep end of a swimming pool clinging on to a life guard in Ed ' I can make it through this speech without burping can't I' Balls?

    Biding his time (in every sense), tactfully speaking/orating last-in-line behind Ed 'I haven't balls'd things up for years dear' Balls, Ed 'I beat my brother to the touch line' Milliband spoke un-aided for nearly two hours. Serving-up an impassioned call to arms. As ever constantly looking a little amazed by the circumstances he finds himself in Milliband delivered a rousing monologue delivering himself as a man of the people. Most notably through the pledges made to tackle 'real Britain's' concerns on housing, health and financial security through jobs. Nothing new then one may be forgiven for thinking.

   Is it just me or does it not seem long ago we cried for Labour to 'show its' cards' - tell the globe its' position and strategies?

   Watching ever intently upon the stage was Harriet 'I've been ball girl on the side of this tennis court too long' Harman. Incidentally Labour MP for Camberwell & Peckham (London UK) since 1982. One could be forgiven for arguing she is every bit the girl next door in 'real Britain'. Therefore dear Ed, watch out.

   Conservative Party conference in Manchester (UK) commences Monday 30th, Sept, 2013, setting out there stage.

   Forgive me's possibly needed if the dear man, Cameron, forgets his speech?

   What with the 'state we're in' and the seemingly fraught relations between coalition parties, I think specifically now of  last week's SPECTATOR front cover serving-up a suggestion UKIP and the Conservative party may form a new coalition if indeed voted for in 2015's General Elections.

   And so we wait . . .

   As ever and always, it is my primary hope this inspires, engages and stimulates your mind one way or another. Offering some small pleasure to any who care to read.

 Truly yours

 R J Wardle

THE STAGE IS BEING SET FOR 2015's GENERAL ELECTIONS.

 For once I  appear to have found myself writing a pre-monthly (ish) update. . . no forgive me's required on this unique occasion. . . for once.

    Life in our globe has as ever been on a roller coaster of a ride these last few weeks.Not least over in Syria.

   With an alleged Chemical Weapons attack towards Damascus, current death toll standing at one hundred thousand, a further one million children have been forced to flee according to UNICEF figures. It is also believed a further two million children are now 'displaced' within Syria.

   Hold-up hostage, ex-Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, has finally been released from Cairo's Tora prison only to be re-entombed within his own home under house arrest.
Within Egypt itself, rioting, violence and deaths are seizing the once rejoicing nation, turning Tahrir Square once more into a scene of angry protest. With police using live ammunition twenty deaths have been recorded . . . so far.

   Back here in blighty. Coalition lapdog, sorry Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has found himself in a confused state over his stance on  'reduced-state' control of us mere electorate.

   As he took his seat next to 'Just call me Dave,' Cameron, Clegg was adamant this coalition was going to "transform our politics so the state has far less control over you..." Great! One may be forgiven for rejoicing, about time! Yes, until we look at Clegg's recent history of backing the "snoopers'charter", reclining quietly into his champagne flute as evidence sprung to light over security services use of electronic surveillance, actively pushing for secret courts.

   Mmmhhh..

  Yes Mr Clegg you do seem passionate about empowering us lowly electorate to be independent of the state.

    Furthermore, This week Clegg has stumbled along in to another juxtaposition of himself. Stating he believed the destruction of the Guardians hard drive seized from David Miranda as he landed back in blighty, promptly to be arrested under a little known anti-terror law - schedule 7, was a 'reasonable' precaution. Whilst simultaneously stating he is 'keen' to protect the Guardians freedom of speech.
On this note, Miranda's lawyers stated within goods seized from Miranda, some contained"Journalistic sources whose confidential information is contained in the material seized". So Mr Clegg, I put it to you sir that your professed keenness to protect a newspapers (in this case the Guardians) freedom of speech, is somewhat compromised. The time to act is now Mr Clegg . . .  now dear man.

   Mr Clegg I put it to you, despite your seemingly affable personality, you do get in a muddle with yourself don't you dear man.

   Have we not learned the intrinsic rights to privacy, rights to report the truth, freedom of speech after the Hackgate scandal? along with others. Or is this going to be as with many other political mishaps, yet another party line 'whipped-up' and churned out that 'questions need to be asked,' 'lessons need to be learned.'?

   Newspapers are in my passionate view not just a delightfully traditional, but a intrinsic part of communication across our globe. A means of 'reporting' public-interest, globally significant activities, events, in short . . .  news. Ok so most newspapers have also gone electronic in some form or other. I think of the Guardian, the Times, the Spectator specifically, as means to communicate news to a wider audience more rapidly. As of course mobile apps play a key role in this. A brilliantly engaged with and moving with the times (no pun intended) means of ensuring citizens of England, Great Britain, indeed citizens of our globe,can be 'linked -in' to the rest of life on earth within a turn of a page, a click of a button, a touch-screen app away!

   So have we not realised the importance of privacy, anonymity, to utilise the flailing NHS's mantra, patient confidentiality? . . . RESPECT.

   Thus Clegg's every increasingly weightless assertions seem to contradict his initial introduction to office statements. By progression alluding to a slight scepticism, contradiction of self.

   Ed 'I beat my brother to the touch line' Milliband is also having 'a week of it.'

   Newsnight reported, with some mild amusement, on Tuesday 20th August 2013, a recent poll for the Mirror Newspaper showed the 'I always look a little dazed, because I am' opposition leader came out with 45% of Labour voters unhappy with him. 42 % are dissatisfied, 31 % don't like him, whilst 35 % of Labour voters DO like the work he is doing for the poor. . . Lord Prescott went so far as to say Ed Milliband has 'wasted the summer.' That said Mr Prescott, do remember nearly 20,000 Labour Councillors have won back seats, thousands of new members have joined the Labour party since Ed 'I can do this can't I David' Milliband became leader.

   So the stage is set. With General Elections set for 7th May 2015 that leaves just 18 months 3 weeks and 4 days (not that I am counting) for Ed and Clegg to reshuffle themselves.

   We can debate all year long as to the outcome of the forthcoming General Elections. It seems to me in my humble yet ardent perceptions, for what they may or may not be worth, with our schools GCSE grades A*-C dropping for the second year in a row by 1.2 %  to now 68.1%, 2013. Specifically English GCSE grades down from 64.1 % in 2012 to 63.6 % in 2013. Mr Gove appears to have conspicuously wandered back in to his filing cupboard. England is indeed ready for and much in need of a little feminine touch.

 We Brits, us English, do by tradition, especially the traditionally working-class northern counties, I think of Yorkshire and Lancashire specifically, favour 'the under-dog'. Could we see, just by some impassioned twist of the tennis rackets, a turn back to Labour?

   If we did would Ed storm through with his ever present grin to truly show the world and his brother HE CAN DO THIS? Or, I humbly pose thought over: Would  Harriet ' I have been stood as ball-girl on this tennis-court too long' Harman replace the once Tory Thatcher of the late nineteen seventies and eighties as England's 'New Look' Labour Prime Minister. . . ess?

  Mmmmhhhh. . . . And so we wait. Munching our calorie controlled popcorn, sipping our diet cola's with high rates of sugar in, waiting for the curtain to rise on the show of 7 th May 2015.

   As ever and always it is my primary hope this inspires, engages and stimulates your mind and thoughts one way or another.

   Until we meet again.

  Peace

 R J Wardle









 

SUMMER RECESS FOR POLITICIANS. THEATRE LOVERS ENGAGE 'WE MUST GET CITY HALL OPEN FOR BUSINESS-PLAYTIME'.

Forgive me, time has grown expeditiously hectic hence a slightly longer than seemingly normal (for what that word means is anybodies guess) time-scale between posts.

  Such a lot has happened in our globe - specifically our globe here in blighty, sorry, England.

  Most notably in recent times, our beloved Prince William and Kate Middleton are now proud parents to baby George. I hasten to write dear young Georgie will embody a world none of us mere adults will much share any natural affinity with nor dare i write, even be skipping about England to experience. What with 'the mess we're in', advancing technologies and what seems to be a weekly new mobile app, telephone syncing up every possible aspect of human life with another, a voice on Radio 4 announced last week about implanting micro- chips in eye-lids. Back to the Future, that remarkably Orwellian Hollywood 1980's blockbuster sporting a young Michael J Fox appears ever increasingly relevant and accurate.

 Egypt, although recently rejoicing in a democratically elected President are backward pedalling against an alleged Military Coup to overthrow Mohammed Morsi. Who ironically in an alleged democracy is being 'held' at an un-disclosed location. Why do i think hostage?

 Taliban forces, the 'arch enemy of peaceful democracy', those dear people who globally terrorise in-sighting, actioning and plotting what i write is nothing less than in-human - in-humane, evil, under alleged and in my view utterly false allusions of fighting for a cause, yesterday (Monday 29, July, 2013 15:00 GMT) Blew open the Pakistan prison in Dera Ismail Khan, freeing 243 Taliban Militants calling them out by name, including several Commanders. Abdul Hakim and Haji Ilas.

 Shakespeare's Globe is truly obliterated, indeed the globe of our dear Queen Liz and husband Prince Phil shaken to within an inch of being recognizable.

 I fear for baby George. Future King of blighties inheritance. I truly do. It is not a world i would care to be a part of, certainly at this moment in time. To comment on it is a source of great pleasure and honour, to be a part of it, well, that is a different matter.

Back here in Blightly, we have enjoyed a month of beautiful sunny summer sunshine . . .  The Old Lady of London, Parliament, are currently reclining on summer recess. . . although the dear souls are keen to tell us they are 'working in there constituencies'. Oh, i think to myself, that must be what Cameron was doing in Ibiza for a week back in June, of course, how silly of me, he was working. Not that he is our Prime Minister or anything as vital at a pivotal economic point in our globe.   No, he can live-it-up in a seven bedroom house being pampered.

At the risk of being mistaken for not believing he is entitled to a holiday, i feel a moment of clarity is needed. In my humble view if you are elected to the top post in British Government, to be a global leader as Prime Minister of Great Britain,  you should by natural act of decency forgo all thoughts of any time off in any shape or form. Particularly Mr Cameron, as it is you sir who keep telling us lowly electorate, you know, us that elected (or not) you to your post,  'We are all in it together'. . . Lead by example ever crossed your mind?

 So, as dear Boris busily burns bicycle beats across London, we read yesterday a fantastically forward and engaging piece by Art Correspondent for the Guardian, Mark Brown, reviewing and communicating to us that a report has shown London could do more to support small theatres. Up to and including recommendations dear Boris should be appointing an ambassador for small theatres, use City Hall as rehearsal and performance space all advertised (along with other forms) on London Underground. And i suggest the iconic-ally recognizable Red London Buses.

 Here here i write in all serious, faithful and passionate support of this.

 Why, when in this perpetually spun as miserably hard world we live in, you know, what with the 'Mess Were In' and the 'One Big Society' brigade perhaps, in-fact retract that word, insert instead, WE SHOULD, embrace every and all moment to rejoice in what pleasures we can.

 Theatre is an ever evolving medium. Continuously seeking to engage, inspire, tell and re-tell great story's, ' a spiffingly good yarn told time and again . .'

 Punch Drunk Theatre Company, in conjunction with the National Theatre recently told a spiffingly good yarn  as always. Played and told through staging synonymous with making the experience a personal journey. Metaphor for life. As an audience member you uniquely experience a world created through props, staging, production and performance in, i believe an old warehouse. Full permissions granted for purpose of use.  'Ambling along you never quite knew who or what would come round the corner' a reliable and trusted source has informed me.

 My point here really is this: If as Politicians are so dependant on, they are seen to be 'in it together' with us see the recent decisions to reduce politicians wages: Tax scandals and Expenses Scadal

Surely then to open City Hall will go down well with Theatre lovers, electorate, be seen as a transparent and community enhancing strategy by Government thus i suggest actually nodding in the direction of 'We are all in it together' with a modicum more of believability.

 Small Theatres are as we know the life blood of larger theatres, indeed the arts in general. Acting as feeders, indeed notably intimate performances specifically written for a slightly smaller venue. In my view more should be done, in-fact scrap that age old line by our beloved politicians, you know, closely followed by 'lessons need to be learned' as someone in the PR department tells the MP to 'admit nothing'. Insert MORE WILL BE DONE.

 Advertising using TFL's underground warren of tube lines, indeed why not utilize old redundant stations (see the immense community cohesion/comrade in arms atmosphere of WW2 during air-raids sheltering in said stations) as a rehearsal/performance venue . . .  If Government heed advice laid down in the report a whole host of opportunities, mutually beneficial to both small and large Theatres, MP's, Ministers, dear Boris and us Jo public's suddenly open up thus by progression helping promote small theatres, lift our spirits, good PR for a much in need of it band of Politicians, in short: Bally well cheer us all up lest we forget 'We're all in it together'.


Just a thought as some of us do not get the pleasure and luxury of a Summer Recess, but then again, would i want one? No. I love writing. It is not a chore it is a perpetual joy.

 My main concern is as ever and always solely that you may take some small pleasure from my words. Engaging, stimulating, and provoking new thoughts . . .

 Peace X