Another Mary Whitehouse - Please?

Mary Whitehouse was a household name some years ago, vilified  and mocked by many, but respected by others. She has had a film made in her 'honour' where she was put down as a bigot and a short tempered, unbalanced woman. I think the film makers missed the point, and may even be living to regret their bias against the greatest voice of the television viewer in the UK.


You only need to be one minute after the 9pm so called watershed of 'adult' TV, for it to engulf you. The producers seem to be in some kind of race to be the one who can show the programme with the most cursing, swearing, crudeness, vulgarity, profanity, gratuitous violence, and taking the Lord's name in vain! We have done ourselves no favours by going down the road of 'anything goes permissiveness' in our media. And it's not just after 9pm. Take the rose coloured glasses off, as you watch some of the content on the major channels BEFORE 9pm. We have now changed the rules on what is offensive, and tolerate more 'mild' swearing and pornographic innuendo when our children are watching, and the programme makers know it. TV in the UK has become a minefield for any parent who wants to keep an eye on what their children are watching. Gone are the days when you could leave a young one in front of the telly while you caught up on the jobs around the house.


Mary Whitehouse was branded as an old fuddy-duddy, behind the times, and standing in the way of progress. We have paid a great price in our quest for progress, and in my opinion, the price is too high. We have too few shows which can be classed as 'family entertainment' and instead, we have a diet of movies and shows which would never have been shown a mere five years ago. We have thrown the baby out with the bathwater, and are in danger of raising a generation who have lost their childhood innocence by the time they were leaving primary school. For all she was portrayed as, Mary at least stood by her convictions, and could see the time when we would be 'watching people make love in our own living rooms'. She was laughed to scorn, but how right she was, and are we any better for not listening? I don't think so.


So, please, can we have another Mary Whitehouse in the UK? Someone who is not ashamed of their stand on the moral rights and wrongs, and how we use our media, especially television. I am tired of looking for a programme to watch, which is decent (oh, am I allowed to say that?), and as I hop from channel to channel see and hear a tirade of bad language (so called comedians are the worst offenders) and inappropriate so called love scenes, where we have totally devalued the meaning of love? I have found myself giving the TV a black eye (turning it off) more and more, and listening to some music. The alternative is to throw it out of the window! Maybe if more people switched off, the advertisers would take notice, and then the programmes would be changed! Pressing for good morality might not change things, but the lack of advertising money does talk, and talk loud! A change is long overdue, and we owe it to our next generation to turn it around, because sadly it's too late for this one.

Moans and Groans

It is just something we do, and we do it so well. We complain, we moan, we groan, and we generally think we have a hard time of it, and our lives are tough. The kind of stuff we complain about, are things like, rain, drizzle, work or the lack of it. Not enough of a salary, or welfare. Kids too noisy or it's a school holiday, had to get up early, had a late night, a friend wasn't nice to you, and the list goes on. We seem to get wound up about some simple things, don't we?

I was reminded just how good we have it, and how comfortable we are in the UK. I think it was Harold McMillan who got into a lot of hot water (politically, in the 50's) for saying, "You've never had it so good", and the truth is, it has continually got better since then.

When you feel bad about your life, have a thought for the 100s of thousands of Pakistani people who have lost their lives, and millions of others who have been made homeless, destitute, desperately ill, have no clean water or clean clothes, and the clothes they stand up in, are all they own in life! All because of rain. The stuff we moan about, but this time causing flooding on a massive scale. Now that's something to complain about, but have you noticed that these folks are too busy rebuilding their shattered lives to moan?

We have no right to moan or groan, do we? Especially about our rain! We've never had it so good!

RIP Karen Woo

I didn't know Karen Woo. In fact, until today I had never heard of her. She was one of the many unsung, forgotten people who serve poor people in foreign countries where they have no hope of getting that aid from their own government. Karen Woo left a well paid job in the private health care service in the UK (BUPA) and went off to Afghanistan to help provide eye care in the remote areas of that forbidding country, and to those who could not afford it.


The group she was travelling with, were ambushed, and a total of ten volunteer aid workers, including Karen, paid the ultimate price for helping ease the suffering of the Afghan poor. The people who carried out the attack, were from the same Afghan nation they were trying to help. I couldn't help but wonder, why? Make that a BIG WHY?? No matter what I think or feel, I don't think we will get an answer to that 'why' question. I have asked it before, and never got an answer then either.


Maybe the better question would be 'what'? What makes a young professional lady, volunteer to go to a backward, war torn country, to help folks who she doesn't even know? What drives a person, like all those ten who lost their lives, risk everything to help the poor? Part of that answer lies with the group she was associated with. International Assistance Mission (IAM) has been in that country for many years. They travel unarmed, and without an escort. The other part of the answer is that Karen Woo, and many others like her, was a Christian. Called to give help to the poor, she listened, and went, leaving her family and a well paid job behind, prepared to take the risks to personal safety.


The other 'why' question is, 'why did she do it'? I think her conscience drove her. Being a Christian, she answers to a higher power than the terrorist. When I say, Rest in Peace, I mean it. These unsung heroes and heroines will inherit a special place in heaven, where they will be recognised for what they are.  Oh, by the way, anyone with a church, or bible background will not miss the initials of the mission she travelled with. 'I AM' in the bible is the name used for God. Almighty God. Karen Woo knew why she was there, and who she served, so I believe she will certainly rest in peace!   

Terrorism Support

David Cameron seems to have got himself into some political trouble by suggesting that Pakistan was playing a dual role in the cause of terrorism on the world stage. He is being criticised by many world leaders who seem more interested in Politically Correct Politics, than in reality, or truth. Without the truth, we will never be able to tackle the root of any problem.


Some facts. The US 9/11 terrorists were partly trained in the terror camps of Pakistan. The 7/7 London bombers were trained in the terror camps of Pakistan. Al Qaeda operates and trains in Pakistan. Bin Laden is holed up in Pakistan, near the Afghanistan border. The Glasgow Airport bombers were trained in Pakistan. Do you see a common thread here? There are constant reminders in the media of other terrorism activities within our own country, of terror cells funded, supported, with training provided, directly or indirectly, by Pakistan. We are talking common knowledge here, not some state secret!


It is also worth noting, or remembering, that the key goals of Islam are world religious domination, and the destruction of the country and state of Israel. Putting it plainly, that's the overthrow of the UK, and its control by Islamic Sharia Law. While we are cosying up to all things Islamic, and trying to understand the hearts of our 'brothers', lets not forget all that it means. As a nation, we are bending over backwards to accommodate elements of the Islamic tradition and religion, including the use of Sharia Law, and it being used alongside our own laws, which are based on a Christian tradition and foundation. We need to take great care as this will be a one way street.  


So, back to David Cameron. I hope he doesn't back down or apologise for his comments. They are truthful, candid, and a timely warning about a country which looks the other way while paying lip service to the cause of world peace, and the fight against terrorism. I do not think they can be fully trusted while so much terror is hatched on their soil, but seem so powerless to act against it. Maybe if we saw the Pakistan leadership and government coming out strongly against the terror camps, and extreme Islamic teaching which condones violence in their quest for world domination, we could believe they really were trying. As it is, there is no strong evidence that they want to change. I think it suits them to talk about being anti terrorism, while not acting against it. The bible talks about not being able to trust a double minded person. 


I would rather have the teachings of the bible, than the misuse and abuses of Islam and the excesses of Sharia Law.      

Forgiveness and Consequences

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.   

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.  

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.      

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! 

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!    

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!