See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-27278039.
Gerry Adams has been released from custody following days of questioning over the 1972 murder of Jean McConville in Northern Ireland. A file is being prepared to decide whether charges will be brought later. Mr Adams has always denied involvement in the murder.
One thing is certain: if Gerry Adams is summoned, justice may be served, but the Northern Ireland peace process will be irreparably damaged . In some ways, a greater peace would be served if he was not prosecuted, even if the PPS believe he was involved. Sinn Féin are "engaged" in the peace process and alienating them would not be in the long-term interests of the province. The next six months will be critical for the peace process. I am glad this decision is not mine to make.
In an ideal world the evil past would be history. One good thing would be for both side to say where "The Disappeared" are buried i.e. those killed by the IRA and protestants but whose place of burial has never been known. For the families this has been a nightmare. I am a believer in a amnesty for past political crimes and realise some who committed real atrocities would be free men. Evil was done on both sides of the divide in the last 50 years. Surely better to bury the hatchet of history and to work constructively for a really long, peaceful future. One of the enduring images in recent years in Northern Ireland is of Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley - once sworn enemies - enjoying a laugh together (the so-called "chuckle brothers"). If they can make peace there is real hope.
Sadly, this is Northern Ireland and nothing follows sensible paths. We must now wait and hope.
Sunday, 4 May 2014
Saturday, 3 May 2014
Salcombe, Devon - where I came from years ago
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| Salcombe, S.Devon |
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| Looking out to sea - Salcombe |
Friday, 2 May 2014
Politics in Northern Ireland
Politics in Northern Ireland continues to puzzle me.
I am in no position to say whether or not Gerry Adams was in any way, shape or form involved in the murder in 1972 of Jean McConville. In many ways I hope he was not.
There is a kind of uneasy peace in the province. In many ways, the sectarian violence of a few years ago has gone, yet the fundamental sectarian bad feelings are still there simmering just beneath the surface. A visit to Northern Ireland still has reminders of the past: the barriers between Catholic and Protestant areas are still there in Belfast, the police stations still have huge barrier fences etc. The politics is divided on sectarian lines even now, not politics in the sense we know it elsewhere in the UK.
It seems to me very little would be needed to change the current (uneasy) peace back to violence.
Why cannot the ordinary folk of this most beautiful province cast the past aside and really embrace peace? True peace can only come when forgiveness has a chance to flourish. We are still some way from this.
I am in no position to say whether or not Gerry Adams was in any way, shape or form involved in the murder in 1972 of Jean McConville. In many ways I hope he was not.
There is a kind of uneasy peace in the province. In many ways, the sectarian violence of a few years ago has gone, yet the fundamental sectarian bad feelings are still there simmering just beneath the surface. A visit to Northern Ireland still has reminders of the past: the barriers between Catholic and Protestant areas are still there in Belfast, the police stations still have huge barrier fences etc. The politics is divided on sectarian lines even now, not politics in the sense we know it elsewhere in the UK.
It seems to me very little would be needed to change the current (uneasy) peace back to violence.
Why cannot the ordinary folk of this most beautiful province cast the past aside and really embrace peace? True peace can only come when forgiveness has a chance to flourish. We are still some way from this.
Max Clifford gets 8 years sentence
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-2725931 .
So PR guru Max Clifford gets a sentence of 8 years allegedly for sexual assaults on women. With good behaviour "inside" he will be out again in 4-5 years' time. What do I think? No real views, but he was tried on the evidence before a judge and jury and found guilty, so he must serve his time according to English law.
This is one of the Operation Yewtree trials that has led to a conviction. I assume the evidence must have been convincing, whereas in many other trials it depended on very old, and somewhat hearsay, evidence that was never going to convince a jury, beyond reasonable doubt, of the defendant's guilt. In English law a man is innocent until proven guilty: the onus is on the prosecution to convince the jury of the evidence beyond reasonable doubt i.e. it has to be good and solid evidence.
My view is that a lot of people are getting on the compensation bandwagon now and many cases should not be brought to court. If the evidence is strong and recent, then yes, but hearsay evidence that is 50+ years old, when our public morals were very different is not on. In my place of work 50 years ago, the moral climate was quite different. Many a girl had her bottom pinched or was wolf whistled. I am not saying this was right, just that our standards today are different. What was acceptable then may not be by our standards today.
I also have a problem that it is only now these cases are coming into the open. Surely if a person was a monster 40 years ago he should have been brought to justice then and not in 2014? The argument that people would not have been believed then are not that convincing in really serious cases
My views - you may well hold differing views.
So PR guru Max Clifford gets a sentence of 8 years allegedly for sexual assaults on women. With good behaviour "inside" he will be out again in 4-5 years' time. What do I think? No real views, but he was tried on the evidence before a judge and jury and found guilty, so he must serve his time according to English law.
This is one of the Operation Yewtree trials that has led to a conviction. I assume the evidence must have been convincing, whereas in many other trials it depended on very old, and somewhat hearsay, evidence that was never going to convince a jury, beyond reasonable doubt, of the defendant's guilt. In English law a man is innocent until proven guilty: the onus is on the prosecution to convince the jury of the evidence beyond reasonable doubt i.e. it has to be good and solid evidence.
My view is that a lot of people are getting on the compensation bandwagon now and many cases should not be brought to court. If the evidence is strong and recent, then yes, but hearsay evidence that is 50+ years old, when our public morals were very different is not on. In my place of work 50 years ago, the moral climate was quite different. Many a girl had her bottom pinched or was wolf whistled. I am not saying this was right, just that our standards today are different. What was acceptable then may not be by our standards today.
I also have a problem that it is only now these cases are coming into the open. Surely if a person was a monster 40 years ago he should have been brought to justice then and not in 2014? The argument that people would not have been believed then are not that convincing in really serious cases
My views - you may well hold differing views.
Stroke progress
When I came out of hospital in January I was expecting to get better very quickly. That was early January and we are now early May, almost 4 months later.
Although walking is much better I still have major balance issues best described as feeling like I've just had 8 pints of beer. My eating and drinking by mouth are not that different, especially drinking which I still find hard. However, I have much less liquid feed directly into my stomach and am eating a larger variety of foods by mouth though. I must be making progress without realising.
The lesson seems to be to measure progress in many months and not weeks and to be very patient. Progress is slow and in fits and starts. I have to "hang in there" and not expect to get instantly better. All in its own time. This is not as I expected. Some days I feel I'm actually sliding backwards and this can be disheartening. To be honest, I am very frustrated with the progress.
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Although walking is much better I still have major balance issues best described as feeling like I've just had 8 pints of beer. My eating and drinking by mouth are not that different, especially drinking which I still find hard. However, I have much less liquid feed directly into my stomach and am eating a larger variety of foods by mouth though. I must be making progress without realising.
The lesson seems to be to measure progress in many months and not weeks and to be very patient. Progress is slow and in fits and starts. I have to "hang in there" and not expect to get instantly better. All in its own time. This is not as I expected. Some days I feel I'm actually sliding backwards and this can be disheartening. To be honest, I am very frustrated with the progress.
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Thursday, 1 May 2014
Peaches Geldof
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-27242721
What a sad loss of a young life. Heroin was found in her body so she may have died, like her mother, from an overdose? Whatever, it is too young to die for any reason, especially with a child. Sir Bob Geldof lost a young wife and now has lost a daughter. My heart goes out to him in his pain. It must be dreadful for him, especially with a world watching, when all he wants is to be able to grieve in peace.
What a sad loss of a young life. Heroin was found in her body so she may have died, like her mother, from an overdose? Whatever, it is too young to die for any reason, especially with a child. Sir Bob Geldof lost a young wife and now has lost a daughter. My heart goes out to him in his pain. It must be dreadful for him, especially with a world watching, when all he wants is to be able to grieve in peace.
Carbon Capture
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-27063796 .
We seem to be sleep-walking into the future with no real attempts to move away from a carbon based energy economy. Oil and gas are very heavily subsidised I believe in many western nations, so there is no imperative to make a switch to more sustainable energy sources. This being so we need to either change (fast) or move to measures that will mitigate the effects of high carbon use.
The UK looks to have been granted EU money (300M euros) to support a pilot project (see BBC report linked). This takes CO2 from coal power station emissions and buries it under the North Sea. If successful, CCS could be a useful technique as we make the switch to a lower carbon energy economy.
We tend to forget the positive side of EU membership.
We seem to be sleep-walking into the future with no real attempts to move away from a carbon based energy economy. Oil and gas are very heavily subsidised I believe in many western nations, so there is no imperative to make a switch to more sustainable energy sources. This being so we need to either change (fast) or move to measures that will mitigate the effects of high carbon use.
The UK looks to have been granted EU money (300M euros) to support a pilot project (see BBC report linked). This takes CO2 from coal power station emissions and buries it under the North Sea. If successful, CCS could be a useful technique as we make the switch to a lower carbon energy economy.
We tend to forget the positive side of EU membership.
Just chilling
Yesterday one of our sons and a granddaughter came and this morning neighbours came for coffee.
This afternoon we are expecting no-one so we are just relaxing - chilling - in our cosy lounge. I am getting blogs up to date and my wife is reading her book. Perfect on a rainy day.
This afternoon we are expecting no-one so we are just relaxing - chilling - in our cosy lounge. I am getting blogs up to date and my wife is reading her book. Perfect on a rainy day.
Salt of the earth people
A couple of our neighbours, Margaret and Brian, came over for coffee today. When I was in hospital they were very kind indeed and supportive of my wife.
Strange how a serious illness brings out the worst, and very best, in people. A couple of our "Christian" neighbours (regular churchgoers and the wife a Sunday school teacher) have hardly wanted to know me - they have called to see me once since leaving hospital (we invited them) - whereas others have been totally and genuinely concerned and kind.
Two such are Margaret and Brian - genuine "salt of the earth" people, kind to the very core. Thank you.
I am not seeking kindness, but I can easily tell genuine love and kindness from "sham" kindness (doing good because it is a duty).
Strange how a serious illness brings out the worst, and very best, in people. A couple of our "Christian" neighbours (regular churchgoers and the wife a Sunday school teacher) have hardly wanted to know me - they have called to see me once since leaving hospital (we invited them) - whereas others have been totally and genuinely concerned and kind.
Two such are Margaret and Brian - genuine "salt of the earth" people, kind to the very core. Thank you.
I am not seeking kindness, but I can easily tell genuine love and kindness from "sham" kindness (doing good because it is a duty).
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Anglian Water - very impressed
Until we had a burst main yesterday and our water was off for several hours, I had no idea that if one needed water for a medical condition, as I do, that one can register to have bottled water delivered if the supply is off for a long period. Anglian Water was very good, ringing me several times during the day. As it happened, our water was back on after lunch at reduced pressure and the burst fully mended early evening. No bottled water was needed.
I have to say I was very impressed with the service and level of care that Anglian Water showed to its customers.
I have to say I was very impressed with the service and level of care that Anglian Water showed to its customers.
UKIP and European Elections
In a few weeks' time we in the UK vote in the European elections. UKIP is expected to do well, no doubt as an anti-European protest vote. As a voter, I am still undecided who to vote for, but it will not be UKIP. In my personal view (others may well disagree) UKIP is a single issue party - Europe in or out - and they have failed to demonstrate - to me - any other policies. In my personal view (others may well disagree) UKIP is a bit like a British National Party (BNP) but with enough respectability that ordinary voters can vote for them with a clear conscience.
No, the decision on who to vote for is unclear as yet except it will not be UKIP or the BNP.
No, the decision on who to vote for is unclear as yet except it will not be UKIP or the BNP.
Tuesday, 29 April 2014
Palestine - Israel talks, where next?
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27210263 .
Peace talks seem to be deadlocked, yet again, begging the question of just how to get these 2 sides around a single table involved in meaningful discussions on a long term peace settlement.
The sad thing is both sides need this but seem unable to take the bold steps required, especially Israel. The Palestinians are not blame free either. Think how history will remember you if/when you succeed.
Please, cast the past aside and make real peace for once - you know it makes sense. Years of war and uncertainty does no-one any good. Think about all the benefits a good peace treaty would bring.
Peace talks seem to be deadlocked, yet again, begging the question of just how to get these 2 sides around a single table involved in meaningful discussions on a long term peace settlement.
The sad thing is both sides need this but seem unable to take the bold steps required, especially Israel. The Palestinians are not blame free either. Think how history will remember you if/when you succeed.
Please, cast the past aside and make real peace for once - you know it makes sense. Years of war and uncertainty does no-one any good. Think about all the benefits a good peace treaty would bring.
More Ukraine
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27204009 .
Russia is getting upset by NATO "cold war" behaviour and sanctions - well tough! Reduce your 40000 troops on Russia's border with Ukraine then.
The small scale NATO moves are about re-assurance whereas Russian moves are pure threat to a free and independent nation. Cool it or expect yet more sanctions. You should have to pay for your intimidating behaviour.
Russian actions belong back in the Cold War days and have no place in a free and democratic world. Russia, act like a grown up and stop throwing your toys out of your pram. I know there are always at least 2 sides to any dispute but Russian actions are plain wrong. This is not the way to air you grievances.
Russia is a great nation that deserves to be treated respectfully, but only if it behaves like an adult nation. Russia is behaving like a spoiled child at present over eastern Ukraine.
I fear for the future of eastern Ukraine: The Russian "inner circle" is still living in the 1970s. The age of the USSR is long gone!
Russia is getting upset by NATO "cold war" behaviour and sanctions - well tough! Reduce your 40000 troops on Russia's border with Ukraine then.
The small scale NATO moves are about re-assurance whereas Russian moves are pure threat to a free and independent nation. Cool it or expect yet more sanctions. You should have to pay for your intimidating behaviour.
Russian actions belong back in the Cold War days and have no place in a free and democratic world. Russia, act like a grown up and stop throwing your toys out of your pram. I know there are always at least 2 sides to any dispute but Russian actions are plain wrong. This is not the way to air you grievances.
Russia is a great nation that deserves to be treated respectfully, but only if it behaves like an adult nation. Russia is behaving like a spoiled child at present over eastern Ukraine.
I fear for the future of eastern Ukraine: The Russian "inner circle" is still living in the 1970s. The age of the USSR is long gone!
Without water
Isn't it amazing how we get to depend on our essential services? Just after breakfast our cold water went off. Others locally are cut off too. I need water for my syringe (4 loads, 4 times a day) to keep my fluid intake up ( stroke). Our neighbour phoned the water company who seemed not to know of the issue quoting "4 hours" to fix which sounds like a standard answer and I guess it could be any time! Now told "6 hours" typical for a mains leak, but it could be longer. I have gone on the Anglia Water "Water Care Register" which promises to deliver bottled water if the supply is disrupted for long periods. You have to be disabled and have a need for regular water as I do (stroke 2L a day).
It is only when water and electric or even the internet goes off you realise just how much we take these essential services for granted. When we first moved last year we had no phone or internet for weeks - what a pain that was!
We are now having to be very frugal with the little water we have - just what is left in the system.
People in rural 3rd world countries have had to be frugal with water and electricity for years and years.
It is only when water and electric or even the internet goes off you realise just how much we take these essential services for granted. When we first moved last year we had no phone or internet for weeks - what a pain that was!
We are now having to be very frugal with the little water we have - just what is left in the system.
People in rural 3rd world countries have had to be frugal with water and electricity for years and years.
Monday, 28 April 2014
Out this afternoon and MH370 speculation again
This afternoon my wife and I went down the road to friends for a couple of hours. It was nice to "chew the cud" and talk about all sorts of things - to be normal in fact.
At the end we were speculating about flight MH370 again, and we all agreed there was something we are not being told. The rumour mills are working overtime but it is odd that not a single piece of wreckage has been found yet.
One theory is it was shot down and whoever was responsible does not want to own up. The other odd fact is that the USA has been remarkably quiet when the skies are riddled with US spy satellites. Surely, the USA would know where this plane came down? Or did the USA have a part to play in its end?
Has it been secretly landed at a US base in the Indian Ocean? Maybe Diago Garcia? Why no mobile phone traffic at all? See http://www.emirates247.com /news/missing-mh370-latest-air-search-called-off-only-underwater-now-2014-04-28-1.546548.
The Australian PM seems confident the acoustic pings detected in the search area off W.Australia were from the plane's black boxes.
Lots of questions but, as yet, no answers.
At the end we were speculating about flight MH370 again, and we all agreed there was something we are not being told. The rumour mills are working overtime but it is odd that not a single piece of wreckage has been found yet.
One theory is it was shot down and whoever was responsible does not want to own up. The other odd fact is that the USA has been remarkably quiet when the skies are riddled with US spy satellites. Surely, the USA would know where this plane came down? Or did the USA have a part to play in its end?
Has it been secretly landed at a US base in the Indian Ocean? Maybe Diago Garcia? Why no mobile phone traffic at all? See http://www.emirates247.com /news/missing-mh370-latest-air-search-called-off-only-underwater-now-2014-04-28-1.546548.
The Australian PM seems confident the acoustic pings detected in the search area off W.Australia were from the plane's black boxes.
Lots of questions but, as yet, no answers.
Sunday, 27 April 2014
Quakers in the UK
Although not a Quaker, I seem to hold views that almost totally align with them. You may want to read the latest copy of Quaker News which gives a good insight into Quaker ways. See https://www.quaker.org.uk/quaker-news .
The Quakers are to be found working quitely behind the scenes on all sorts of fronts. Their policy of total non-violence is commendable.
The Quakers are to be found working quitely behind the scenes on all sorts of fronts. Their policy of total non-violence is commendable.
Lawns and Green Thumb
At our old house we had our lawns treated regularly by Green Thumb. This is a franchise business. For several years and with very little effort on my part (apart from mowing) the grass was very green and totally weed free.
Last week they gave the first treatment to the lawns at our bungalow. Already, the weeds are dying, so the signs are promising. These days there are similar companies fighting for the lawn care business. I have only experience of Green Thumb, who are good. I could probably do the same lawn care treatments myself, but not sure the results would be as good. It is surprising how many people asked me how I managed to keep the lawns looking so good. I just tell them Green Thumb!
Last week they gave the first treatment to the lawns at our bungalow. Already, the weeds are dying, so the signs are promising. These days there are similar companies fighting for the lawn care business. I have only experience of Green Thumb, who are good. I could probably do the same lawn care treatments myself, but not sure the results would be as good. It is surprising how many people asked me how I managed to keep the lawns looking so good. I just tell them Green Thumb!
DAB radios
I am a fan of AM and FM broadcast radios. Coverage is so much better than my DAB radio which drops out half the time and is really a waste of money. Give me FM any day of the week.
Well, today I read that OFCOM is consulting on DAB+ which is a new DAB format, rendering old DAB sets obsolete. Personally, I hope they never remove AM on medium, long and short waves, and FM on Band II VHF.
Well, today I read that OFCOM is consulting on DAB+ which is a new DAB format, rendering old DAB sets obsolete. Personally, I hope they never remove AM on medium, long and short waves, and FM on Band II VHF.
More normality today
Although my stroke still makes me feel sick and wobbly, it was good to do more "normal" things today: after lunch my wife and I took turns to do a ticketing duty at our local Burwell museum and windmill ,and this evening a friend came around to erect some amateur radio antennas. Not yet back to normal, but more steps on the way back to "normality".
Saturday, 26 April 2014
Is war in Ukraine a certainty?
No, but the signs are ominous.
As in all conflicts, it depends on who you are listening to. The Russians believe they are in the right to send in troops if necessary to bring stability to the eastern cities. The Ukrainians believe Russian special forces are already at work destabilising the east of Ukraine. NATO is watching in the wings hopng the Russians will calm things, especially with the threat of more economic sanctions. Russia is already feeling economic pain.
I don't much like Mr Putin's stance. He clearly wants to re-create the Soviet Union in some form and is showing the world his flexed muscles. He is ex-KGB and doesn't sound a nice man. Maybe I am seeing a biassed view of the man? Could be.
This could all get out of hand so easily and lead to a major European war, or worse. At all costs, this conflict has to be defused and peace allowed to flourish.
And of course the Russian trump card is gas supply to Europe. Ultimately, the west wants Russian gas and will resist too much clout against Russia so they don't turn this off. On the other hand, the export of gas must help the Russian economy. See http://en.ria.ru/infographics/20090609/155206402 .
I don't much like Mr Putin's stance. He clearly wants to re-create the Soviet Union in some form and is showing the world his flexed muscles. He is ex-KGB and doesn't sound a nice man. Maybe I am seeing a biassed view of the man? Could be.
This could all get out of hand so easily and lead to a major European war, or worse. At all costs, this conflict has to be defused and peace allowed to flourish.
And of course the Russian trump card is gas supply to Europe. Ultimately, the west wants Russian gas and will resist too much clout against Russia so they don't turn this off. On the other hand, the export of gas must help the Russian economy. See http://en.ria.ru/infographics/20090609/155206402 .
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