I tend to see myself as a patient and quite forgiving person. I like to see even handedness in my dealings, and usually root for the weak, or the underdog. I am not alone in wanting to see justice and peace in the world.
Then there are child abusers, and child molesters, and child murderers. Like Ian Huntley in fact! He murdered two young girls, who trusted him, and he took their lives, and the lives of their families away... for ever!
This sub human is now planning to sue the prison authorities for 10,000s of thousands of pounds because, they did not protect him from the other inmate(s) in his prison, who tried to cut his throat. In fact, they did manage to wound him, but he survived, unlike his two young victims.
Actions have consequences. All of them. Some good and some bad. Maybe there really is some honour among thieves, but in any case, it should come as no surprise that Huntley is not liked, even in prison. This is a consequence of his actions, and although not a good one, it is understandable! The part I cannot stomach is that he is now pursuing legal action against the prison authorities for allowing him to be attacked, or to put it another way, for not standing over him 24 hours a day!
My solution is easy. Keep him locked up all day, and do not open the door to the cell, ever. Only provide whatever meals can be shoved under his door. A diet of pizza and pancakes should about do it. We have abolished the death penalty, so that's not an option, but he doesn't have to get 5 star treatment either. Let him breathe and eat. I think that would about do it. Then the other prisoners can't get near to harm him again. It's either that, or handcuff him to a prison warder in shifts for protection. Now that's going too far! I, and lots of people like me, will wonder how this will end. Will the lawsuit be successful? In our upside down, PC, Social Services driven society, I would not be surprised, but it doesn't make it right.
The aim is to provide a stimulating mix of personal opinions (from a mainstream Christian worldview), and associated comments, which will be accepted and published if they comply with the usual courtesy and decency.
Saturday 31 July 2010
Soaring!
I stood proudly, and quietly, in the drizzle of rain at Glasgow Airport, and watched my older grandson take to the skies in a small, single engined plane, for his first flying lesson. I held my breath, and then breathed again, time after time, as the plane, containing a precious passenger, dipped higher and lower in the sky after a flawless take off. They banked, circled the airport and occasionally disappeared out of sight, behind a cloud, or just too far off to see. I held my breath again for a while.
As the plane climbed higher and higher, I couldn't help but sense the feeling that as he disappeared from my view, he was closer again to, and in better sight of, his Gran, who would be smiling, encouraging him and saying, "..attaboy son, go for it. Follow your dream"!
The lesson was short, but will live in all our hearts and minds for a long time to come, and for many different reasons.
As the plane climbed higher and higher, I couldn't help but sense the feeling that as he disappeared from my view, he was closer again to, and in better sight of, his Gran, who would be smiling, encouraging him and saying, "..attaboy son, go for it. Follow your dream"!
The lesson was short, but will live in all our hearts and minds for a long time to come, and for many different reasons.
Thursday 29 July 2010
The American Dream
I have just returned from a holiday to the USA. I went with family, and to see family too, as well as do the parks and relax and take in the Florida 'experience'. It was a great time, and one which I have been able to do in previous years, as well as living and working there in different states for months at a time, so I understand the culture, and the people to a degree.
The 'American Dream' is often talked about with a sense of awe, and respect. The US is a country to follow your dreams, and find your full potential, but there is a fly in the ointment. It's not all rosy. There are many, many poor and disadvantaged people there who have never quite achieved the dream, and you can find a big gulf between the rich and the poor. The 'haves' and the 'have nots' are easily spotted.
An old uncle who emigrated to the USA during the 1930's depression to find work, and live the dream, once told me, "you are ok here as long as you are working and young. This country doesn't like the old and sick". He was speaking to me in his retirement home where all his hard earned cash was being sucked away by the State, until he was left penniless. I had another reminder of that same conversation recently. Apparently, it is still true.
I may get some comments from my American friends and family, but I have long given up with my complaints about the National Health Service in the UK. It has its flaws. Many of them, but our governments, whatever the colour, work to protect the NHS even in this age of cutbacks and austerity. Of course there is abuse of the system, but the alternative does not bear thinking about. While the US medical system is run by insurance companies, not the medical profession, and only about 20% of what is paid in insurance premiums actually goes to the medical staff (the rest goes into the insurance company profits account) for treatment, it is easy to see the truth of my old uncle's statement. My recent experience in the US confirms that the 'dream' still does not include the elderly and the infirm.
As I reach the 'autumn' years of my life, should I need emergency surgery, or long term care, I want to be looked after for in a dignified and yet professional way, in a system which is driven by health care and not insurance company profit. I certainly do not need, or want the added burden of cost at a time when I need that worry least. President Obama gets a lot of criticism for wanting to change the welfare system to a more compassionate one, and I find it hard to understand why. Unless, of course, those who 'have lots' do not want to compensate for those who 'have not', the aged or infirm. We will all be old and possibly infirm too someday, and in that system only the very wealthy will be able to afford it.
Lets keep working to hold and improve the NHS in the UK. Believe it or not, it is envied in the US by many.
The 'American Dream' is often talked about with a sense of awe, and respect. The US is a country to follow your dreams, and find your full potential, but there is a fly in the ointment. It's not all rosy. There are many, many poor and disadvantaged people there who have never quite achieved the dream, and you can find a big gulf between the rich and the poor. The 'haves' and the 'have nots' are easily spotted.
An old uncle who emigrated to the USA during the 1930's depression to find work, and live the dream, once told me, "you are ok here as long as you are working and young. This country doesn't like the old and sick". He was speaking to me in his retirement home where all his hard earned cash was being sucked away by the State, until he was left penniless. I had another reminder of that same conversation recently. Apparently, it is still true.
I may get some comments from my American friends and family, but I have long given up with my complaints about the National Health Service in the UK. It has its flaws. Many of them, but our governments, whatever the colour, work to protect the NHS even in this age of cutbacks and austerity. Of course there is abuse of the system, but the alternative does not bear thinking about. While the US medical system is run by insurance companies, not the medical profession, and only about 20% of what is paid in insurance premiums actually goes to the medical staff (the rest goes into the insurance company profits account) for treatment, it is easy to see the truth of my old uncle's statement. My recent experience in the US confirms that the 'dream' still does not include the elderly and the infirm.
As I reach the 'autumn' years of my life, should I need emergency surgery, or long term care, I want to be looked after for in a dignified and yet professional way, in a system which is driven by health care and not insurance company profit. I certainly do not need, or want the added burden of cost at a time when I need that worry least. President Obama gets a lot of criticism for wanting to change the welfare system to a more compassionate one, and I find it hard to understand why. Unless, of course, those who 'have lots' do not want to compensate for those who 'have not', the aged or infirm. We will all be old and possibly infirm too someday, and in that system only the very wealthy will be able to afford it.
Lets keep working to hold and improve the NHS in the UK. Believe it or not, it is envied in the US by many.
Knife Crime- Who Cares?
Anyone who lives in the Inverclyde area will know that we have a knife problem. A problem with victims, and offenders. We all live in a culture of the acceptability of young people especially carrying a knife, for so called 'protection'. Really it's to look good with their friends and peers, and look cool! It has to change to allow us all to live in a non threatening society.
Last month, the Scottish Government had a vote. To vote for, or against, the 'presumption of a 6 month automatic jail term for carrying a knife'. So far, so good. Bearing in mind the terrible record our area has with knife carrying, you would think that our MSPs would know where to cast their vote. After all, there have been many campaigns by the parents of folks who have lost a child's life to the abuse of a knife. The parliament vote was lost by 2 votes. Guess what? The same two votes were cast 'against' by 2 of our own MSPs. The same MSPs who paid lip service to the campaign to bring in the new law, and who told the families that they cared about their plight and grief.
I saw the reasons both the SNP and Lib Dem MSPs gave for not supporting the bill, and it almost seemed that they were using the same words, from the same press agent. These enemies were singing in unison. I hate it when a personal campaign, and family grief is hijacked by politics. This was a political manoeuvre and is deplorable. I think they are hoping we will forget it before the MSP elections in 2012. Not likely! These families and our area deserved better. They needed and deserved the support of their elected representatives, and were denied it. The postman delivered a nice glossy political flyer from the Lib Dem candidate yesterday. It covered a lot of local issues where the MSP had been busy, but there was not one word about crime, and knife crime in particular. How sad that our elected representative thinks the electorate are stupid, and cannot see the obvious. He couldn't put it on his flyer, because he had nothing to say on the matter. Perhaps saving the hospital tea bar was more important than saving young knife victims.
To state the very obvious, had these 2 MSPs voted FOR the motion, the law would have carried. These 2 Inverclyde MSPs are the sole reason the knife crime statistics will remain the same in our area for years to come. Sand dancing round the issue, and making it a political football did nothing for their reputation, and integrity. 2012 is coming!
Last month, the Scottish Government had a vote. To vote for, or against, the 'presumption of a 6 month automatic jail term for carrying a knife'. So far, so good. Bearing in mind the terrible record our area has with knife carrying, you would think that our MSPs would know where to cast their vote. After all, there have been many campaigns by the parents of folks who have lost a child's life to the abuse of a knife. The parliament vote was lost by 2 votes. Guess what? The same two votes were cast 'against' by 2 of our own MSPs. The same MSPs who paid lip service to the campaign to bring in the new law, and who told the families that they cared about their plight and grief.
I saw the reasons both the SNP and Lib Dem MSPs gave for not supporting the bill, and it almost seemed that they were using the same words, from the same press agent. These enemies were singing in unison. I hate it when a personal campaign, and family grief is hijacked by politics. This was a political manoeuvre and is deplorable. I think they are hoping we will forget it before the MSP elections in 2012. Not likely! These families and our area deserved better. They needed and deserved the support of their elected representatives, and were denied it. The postman delivered a nice glossy political flyer from the Lib Dem candidate yesterday. It covered a lot of local issues where the MSP had been busy, but there was not one word about crime, and knife crime in particular. How sad that our elected representative thinks the electorate are stupid, and cannot see the obvious. He couldn't put it on his flyer, because he had nothing to say on the matter. Perhaps saving the hospital tea bar was more important than saving young knife victims.
To state the very obvious, had these 2 MSPs voted FOR the motion, the law would have carried. These 2 Inverclyde MSPs are the sole reason the knife crime statistics will remain the same in our area for years to come. Sand dancing round the issue, and making it a political football did nothing for their reputation, and integrity. 2012 is coming!
Saturday 3 July 2010
Tradition or Sectarian?
Living in the West of Scotland has many benefits. The rugged countryside and heights of the mountains and Munros can be impressive and breathtaking. In good weather there are few places I would rather be! Except this weekend! There will be crowds in the thousands, dressed in red, white and blue, flocking to Inverclyde, to march, play the pipes, drums and flutes (actually piccolos). I am sure it will be a grand spectacle for marchers and supporters. I hope it stays peaceful and trouble free.
My concern is what brings them all here, from all over the UK and North America. It is a march to celebrate and relive a battle fought and won over 300 years ago in Ireland. The Orange Order has many followers across the world, many who are well intentioned and sincere in recognising their own 'tradition'. (That happens to be a convenient word to help describe a lifestyle which is not in keeping with today's society). This parade can also be described as 'sectarian'! There is a strong Irish influence in the West of Scotland, and other places in the UK, where many Irish immigrants put their roots down when they come from their homeland to settle in the mainland of the UK. I know, because my Dad was one of those who came to Scotland in the 1940's in search of work, and in so doing he met his wife, and stayed and raised his family in the same town! He taught us to keep a healthy distance from the Irish marching bands! He was a wise man.
The Irish influence has been great, and these same Irishmen helped build our roads, bridges and railways. Their effect on the UK economy would be impossible to calculate. However, the Irish influence has also caused problems. Religious differences run deep. Very deep, and often led to bitter fighting between the religious divide of Catholic and Protestant, sometimes within families as young men and women chose their life's partner in the communities where they settled. Anyone who lived through the 1950s onwards will recognise and have memories, some very sad, of that time of division.
The good news is that the Nation of Ireland has come a long way, and now embraces a peace process where Protestants and Catholics can live and work together in harmony. I suppose my question, and yes even worry, is why do we need to perpetuate the separation and celebrate the differences which caused so much trouble in Ireland, and around the UK? I like the thought of marching bands and music coming to Inverclyde, but not at the expense of progress in the fight against religious intolerance and prejudice.
To make this argument balanced, I do not think we can ignore the same effects achieved by the AOH (Ancient Order of Hibernians) who also have their equal, but opposite religious persuasion, with their own marching bands of green, white and gold, and who add to the whole mix of intolerance. Their own tradition goes back more than 300 years! We cannot continue to live in the past of 300 and more years ago. Surely, we will have to let go sometime? And come to think of it, maybe we will have to find that common ground to help us, should our combined traditions need it, to stand against another ideology and religious force! That may be closer than you think. What do you think of the idea of a united marching band, in say colours of green and blue? Now that I could handle!
My concern is what brings them all here, from all over the UK and North America. It is a march to celebrate and relive a battle fought and won over 300 years ago in Ireland. The Orange Order has many followers across the world, many who are well intentioned and sincere in recognising their own 'tradition'. (That happens to be a convenient word to help describe a lifestyle which is not in keeping with today's society). This parade can also be described as 'sectarian'! There is a strong Irish influence in the West of Scotland, and other places in the UK, where many Irish immigrants put their roots down when they come from their homeland to settle in the mainland of the UK. I know, because my Dad was one of those who came to Scotland in the 1940's in search of work, and in so doing he met his wife, and stayed and raised his family in the same town! He taught us to keep a healthy distance from the Irish marching bands! He was a wise man.
The Irish influence has been great, and these same Irishmen helped build our roads, bridges and railways. Their effect on the UK economy would be impossible to calculate. However, the Irish influence has also caused problems. Religious differences run deep. Very deep, and often led to bitter fighting between the religious divide of Catholic and Protestant, sometimes within families as young men and women chose their life's partner in the communities where they settled. Anyone who lived through the 1950s onwards will recognise and have memories, some very sad, of that time of division.
The good news is that the Nation of Ireland has come a long way, and now embraces a peace process where Protestants and Catholics can live and work together in harmony. I suppose my question, and yes even worry, is why do we need to perpetuate the separation and celebrate the differences which caused so much trouble in Ireland, and around the UK? I like the thought of marching bands and music coming to Inverclyde, but not at the expense of progress in the fight against religious intolerance and prejudice.
To make this argument balanced, I do not think we can ignore the same effects achieved by the AOH (Ancient Order of Hibernians) who also have their equal, but opposite religious persuasion, with their own marching bands of green, white and gold, and who add to the whole mix of intolerance. Their own tradition goes back more than 300 years! We cannot continue to live in the past of 300 and more years ago. Surely, we will have to let go sometime? And come to think of it, maybe we will have to find that common ground to help us, should our combined traditions need it, to stand against another ideology and religious force! That may be closer than you think. What do you think of the idea of a united marching band, in say colours of green and blue? Now that I could handle!
Thursday 1 July 2010
ABS??
Wimbledon is in full flow right now, and Andy Murray is doing well. He seems to be well liked around the country, and round the world's tennis fans too. I like the unity of sportsmanship which seems to be shown in this sport on and off the court. Opponents are undoubtedly real rivals when playing each other, and it is obvious, but (big BUT) when they finish, they speak highly of each other's play, and usually have a respect, if not a friendship, with their opponents. I find that refreshing, and the basis for sporting role models for our children and youth.
I scoured the crowds at this 'World Cup' of tennis for signs of any banners or T-Shirts bearing the slogan ABS, and didn't see any. If they were there, they were well hidden. When interviewed, all the fans had only good things to say about Britain's only hope, Andy Murray, and he is a Scot! He is playing in the 'All England Club' which is the sport's highest honour in the UK. The English are fulsome in their praise of a great sportsman, when they see it. They seem to recognise it for what it is, and don't get caught up in any ABS (Anybody But Scotland) nonsense!
What a refreshing change from the Scotland fans who cannot stand the sight of an English jersey, and have a club of their own to show their disdain. Sadly, the ABE club has a large following, and not just from the 'lower end' of the social spectrum, but from those you would think should know better, and a bit higher up the social ladder. So it has nothing to do with social standing. Put bluntly, the ABE crowd show themselves for what they are, unsportsmanlike and short sighted sectarian people (perhaps even bigots?), who are no example to our youth. Please, please do not insult me by saying it's all a bit of fun in the name of sporting rivalry. Sportsmanship and disrespect cannot be used together to describe any sport, at any time, by any sport lover.
I think we are in dangerous territory. What if there was an 'ABB' (Anybody But Blacks), or an 'ABM' (Anybody But Muslim) club? It only then becomes a matter of time before we see an 'ABC' (Anybody But Christian) group. Are we ready to let that happen, or do we sit isolated in our ivory tower, and hold on to the belief that 'It's only a bit of fun'? As a Christian nation, are we not directed to 'Love one another'? Not easy, but it would be worth it in the long run!
I scoured the crowds at this 'World Cup' of tennis for signs of any banners or T-Shirts bearing the slogan ABS, and didn't see any. If they were there, they were well hidden. When interviewed, all the fans had only good things to say about Britain's only hope, Andy Murray, and he is a Scot! He is playing in the 'All England Club' which is the sport's highest honour in the UK. The English are fulsome in their praise of a great sportsman, when they see it. They seem to recognise it for what it is, and don't get caught up in any ABS (Anybody But Scotland) nonsense!
What a refreshing change from the Scotland fans who cannot stand the sight of an English jersey, and have a club of their own to show their disdain. Sadly, the ABE club has a large following, and not just from the 'lower end' of the social spectrum, but from those you would think should know better, and a bit higher up the social ladder. So it has nothing to do with social standing. Put bluntly, the ABE crowd show themselves for what they are, unsportsmanlike and short sighted sectarian people (perhaps even bigots?), who are no example to our youth. Please, please do not insult me by saying it's all a bit of fun in the name of sporting rivalry. Sportsmanship and disrespect cannot be used together to describe any sport, at any time, by any sport lover.
I think we are in dangerous territory. What if there was an 'ABB' (Anybody But Blacks), or an 'ABM' (Anybody But Muslim) club? It only then becomes a matter of time before we see an 'ABC' (Anybody But Christian) group. Are we ready to let that happen, or do we sit isolated in our ivory tower, and hold on to the belief that 'It's only a bit of fun'? As a Christian nation, are we not directed to 'Love one another'? Not easy, but it would be worth it in the long run!
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