Rearranging the deckchairs.

Two things on my mind today. Not true - lots of things on my mind today and not all of them about politics. But I'm only going to comment about my thoughts political.

An interesting editorial in The Guardian today made this observation about the way the parties are conducting themselves thus far in the false war before the General Election is officially called. According to The Guardian, yesterday's politicking could be summarised as "Everyone stuck to the script. Everyone was critical of everyone else. No-one said anything new. No wonder voters are unimpressed." A pretty depressing view at a particularly important time. We face a hugely important choice this spring. The size and role of the state may be about to change. The economy must be rebuilt. Voters know it but are they in the mood to do something about it?

The answer to the last question could be "no". Results of a national poll conducted by the National Centre for Social Research have been released today. What do they tell us? The survey suggests that the number of people who felt a pressing need to vote in general elections was declining. Some 56% of those questioned thought it was "everyone's duty to vote" - down from 68% in 1991. This fell to 41% among the under-35s. Meanwhile, 32% of people said they had "not much" or "no interest" in politics. The report's co-author, Sarah Butt, said: "Low turnout has been a feature of recent elections with just 61% of people turning out to vote in 2005. The decline in civic duty means it is possible that, regardless of whether the next election provides voters with a clear choice between parties or a more closely fought contest, we could again see large sections of the population remaining at home on election day."

My response to this is "no surprise there". And what are our politicians going to do about it all? Just rearrange the deckchairs on the Titanic!

A relaxed day

A nice relaxed day today. First, off to the Old School to have a cup of tea before the preparations for the Haiti Brunch start in ernest. The usual 'suspects' were already hard at it. Breakfasts will be served from 10-12 and then a light lunch from 12-2. I wonder how much money will be raised?
In the afternoon, we visited the aquarium in Plymouth with Ellen. I don't think she was really in the mood for it and we did not do the various exhibits justice. We'll have to go back on our own and spend more time.
In the evening I tackled my tax return on-line. After a false start which lead to a payment for £25000, I filled in the correct boxes and the completed form was successively submitted. It could be that I'll get a modest refund but we'll have to wait and see.
David and Emily are back from Brazil safely and we'll look forward to hearing all about their trip. Laura? Sounds like she had a good Ofsted inspection and has found a new rental property in Pembury.
All good with the family at the moment so let's leave it there.

A little light relief?

Today was the Amnesty International South West Regional Conference at the Goschen Centre in Plymouth. A very well attended conference with just under 100 delegates. What was heartening was the presence of so many young people, with The University of Plymouth, City College and Devonport High School for Girls being represented. A good programme and some interesting discussions.

There are some wonderful chat up lines at Amnesty conferences: "Hello, I'm into torture", "Is that so, I prefer the Death Penalty". It's great to see so much commitment from so many people. Long may it be so.

Retribution or restoration?

The violence of the attack by two brothers on two other young boys near Doncaster is comprehensible only within the context of the violence of their own family life. Not that this is an excuse for what they did but it does offer a partial explanation for their actions. Having been brought up in a dysfunctional ("toxic) environment, they are themselves completely dysfunctional. "A potential psychopath" was the way one of the boys was described by a psychologist. I really don't know what I would consider as an adequate sentence for these boys. Without diminishing the enormity of what they've done, common humanity dictates that society recognises that the boys are victims themselves. In the event, the judge sentenced them to indeterminate sentences, with them serving a minimum of 5 years. In practice, they will serve much longer sentences than this. Is this adequate or just? I don't know. What I do hope that the media will promote a sensible discussion on how such offenders should be treated and, perhaps, provide us with an insight into the treatment the boys would get. Fat chance of this as the news media are already moving on to something else.

What's more important? Who governs us or how we are governed?

The background political noise is increasing as the parties sharpen their claws for the General Election. The date for this is probably going to be May 6th but, as is the nature of the beast, events could affect this. For example, today an improvement in employment figures caused a frisson of excitement as an indicator of an upturn in the economy. This immediately lead to speculation that Gordon might go for an earlier date. Time, and events, will tell.

So far, the parties are all talking about what they will do and what their opponents aren't going to do. In short, the usual knockabout politics we would expect them to indulge in. What we are not getting is anyone raising questions about HOW we are governed. With the decline in participation in the democratic process by large numbers (not far short of a majority), no-one seems to be saying "is the way we are governed the best way for our times and the issues which face us?" I'm not convinced that it is. The first-past-the-post system has been around a long time and needs revising. Some sort of proportional representation would be a better way of electing those who govern us. What happened to all the recommendations made by Roy Jenkins many years ago? Who in the major parties is brave enough to put this on the serious political agenda? Who in the major parties is brave enough to suggest completing the process of reforming the House of Lords? In other words, working towards an elected second chamber. The answer to both these questions is 'no-one'. Too many vested interests in maintaining the status quo. I could very easily get depressed about all this but life's too short!

A list of things on my mind today

1. The crisis in Haiti and the harrowing tales still emerging. Given that people are still being found alive in the rubble, it seems that the operation is still at the rescue stage.
2. The heartening way in which our community is gearing its fund raising efforts up. We are lucky in Cornwall that we have a well respected local charity, Shelterbox, that has an excellent 'brand' with which the county recognises.
3. Getting the latest edition of the Old School News finished in time for the printer's deadline.
4. Thinking about preparations for the weekend (preparing a meal for friends on Friday, having Ellen for the first time, Amnesty International regional conference in Plymouth, baking bread for Sunday Haiti fund raiser at the Old School).
5. Jan's suffering with a sore throat and nascent head cold.

I think that's enough things on the list for one brain to tackle for the moment.

Comments on some comments on the Haitian crisis from the USA

I'll start with confessing that I love the USA, have visited there many times and have a lot of very good American friends. But I must say that there are occasions when the contrasts within the country bemuse me. No doubt the reverse is true. I'm prompted to write these comments by three responses to the Haitian crisis.

The first is a series of very thoughtful, and thought provoking, essays written by Father George Clifford and recorded on his blog 'Ethical Musings' Take a look at his entries on January 16th 2010.

Now compare Father George's analysis, if you will, with the views, widely reported in the UK, of two of his compatriots:

* From Pat Robertson (described by the Guardian as America's foremost evangelical radio broadcaster) suggesting that the deaths of the Haitians are a result of the country's deal with the devil 200 years ago in order to free themselves from French colonial rule.
* From Rush Limbaugh ('America's most popular talkshow host') saying that Americans should not give a penny to the Haitians. He thinks that Barack Obama is exploiting the disaster for political ends a nd using it to enhance the credibility of the black community in the USA.

Of course, crass remarks are not restricted to rightwing Americans but, sometimes, I do think they have cornered the market. Thank goodness, there are those like Father George to redress the balance and let what I think is the real USA shine through.

It goes without saying, of course, that as much as I dislike what they ((Robertson and Limbaugh) say, I'd support their right to say it. And the right of everyone else who takes them to task.

One person in a powdered wig = 12 citizens good and true?

Currently four people are undergoing trial in London for a bank robbery, the details of which escape me at the moment. There is no doubt that the four defendants are not very pleasant people and there is a long and well-documented history of witness intimidation from their associates. This sort of thing is not uncommon and must be something that the police and judiciary come across time and time again. There is nothing to suggest that the defendants are the most heinous ever to come before the courts. What is unique, in the true sense of the word, is the decision to try these men without a jury. A single judge will decide their guilt or innocence. I described this as unique and it is. It's the first time in some 300-400 years of our legal system that trial by jury has been suspended in this way. I'm not forgetting the Diplock Courts set up in Northern Ireland at the height of the sectarian troubles.

What concerns me is the fact that this can be seen, and I do see it this way, as yet another erosion of our civil liberties. In an earlier post, I mentioned the politisation of freedom of speech. I don't think for one moment that the two topics are in any way related under some grand anti-libertarian conspiracy but I am worried that we seem to accept these erosions so readily. Where is the justice in the opinion of just one person deciding the fate of defendants? Once the precedent is set, it becomes so much easier to do it a second time... and a third.....

And I have not forgotten the plight of those in Haiti. It gets worse and worse.

Communities at their best

The situation in Haiti goes from worse to worse as a fuller picture emerges of the devastation caused by the earthquake. Today's news concentrates on two aspects; the fact that the Haitian infrastructure, or lack of it, is hampering relief efforts and the great surge of aid donations from around the world. It's the latter aspect I'd like to comment upon.

Common wisdom says that the worst events bring out the best in people. Undoubtedly, there will be many individual acts of humanity between the Haitian people but I'm thinking about the wider community here. It is times like these that people really pull together and help each other out. We act as we should - we are all joined by our common humanity.

To a much lesser extent, we see the same thing happening in the UK when we have adverse weather conditions. Witness how people really came together and acted for the common good during our recent snows.

When we show our collective positive side, it gives me heart that it is possible for us to work together as a community - local in the case of the snow in the UK and internationally in the case of the Haitian earthquake. I wish I knew how this goodwill could be harnessed as our normal way of doing things. Whatever the answer, I'm convinced that the present free-market/consumerist philosophy is not it!

Devastation in Haiti

The news is rightly dominated by the terrible plight of the earthquake victims in Haiti, particulary the capital, Port au Prince. The current estimates of the number of dead are around 50,000. As in all such disasters, it is the poor that suffer the most. Again, as in all such disasters, the world will rally around and massive amounts of aid will flow into the country. At times like these, borders come down and the greater community shows what it can do.

Perhaps now is not the time to say that, if the world had been kinder to Haiti in the past, the impact of the earthquake might not have been so great? From what I read, the USA and other countries have consistently blocked UN requests to broaden its 'peace keeping' mandate in the country and get involved in humanitarian issues - basically to take part in 'nation building'. Over the years Haiti has suffered from colonial influences and brutal dictatorships. It has not had a chance to build any reasonable infrastructure; neither has the outside world fallen over themselves to assist in this process. It is a poor,unstable, violent country but its people deserve more. Let's hope that when this present disaster passes, effort will be made to take Haiti along the path of constructive development.

A couple of years ago we holidayed in the other half of the island - in the Dominican Republic. This was a very poor country and seemed to be falling apart but it was better than Haiti. Many Haitians worked in the tourist industry in the Dominican Republic and sent money back home to support their families. I have very fond recollections of a Haitian who took us fishing. A very gentle person. He and his family deserve our support.

Voltaire still gets my support

Voltaire's oft quoted maxim that "I hate what you say but I'll defend your right to say it" is easy to support when you agree with what is being said. It is much more difficult when you find what is being said morally repugnant. Such is the case now with the banning of the extreme Muslim organisation Islam4UK. Despite their views, I remain a Voltairian and cannot support the banning order. It is clear to me that this action has given them the opportunity to claim martyrdom and to say "see how much the UK dislikes Muslims". How much will this have boosted their recruitment? The issues are difficult, complex and highly emotive but I believe the better strategy would have been to let them run their course. Most Muslims in the UK are moderate and I just don't accept that this small group on the lunatic fringe would have any wider influence than, for example, the BNP on British politics. Sadly, I think this action is yet another example of our government going for the popular vote rather than adhering to the fundamental principle of freedom of speech.

Je ne regrettte rien

The ghost of Edith Piaf was alive and singing at the Iraq Inquiry yesterday as Alistair Campbell performed. Described widely as being 'typically robust and combative', Campbell claimed that he stood by everything that he had been involved in and every word written in all of the dossiers. Clearly, he believes it but nobody believes him. He probably did enough to leave his reputation unchanged. And he's acted as a good warm-up act for his master, Tony Blair, when he gives evidence in the next few weeks.

Turning to the weather, the thaw continues.

Not me guv!

Alistar Campbell is on the TV giving evidence to the Iraq Inquiry. Devious he may be but he is a professional communicator. I don't think we should expect him to make any startling revelations or give any ammunition to be used against Tony Blair when he comes up next week. Thus far, he seems to be keeping to the line of "I was a humble servant of the Prime Minister and everything we did, we did in good faith". The Inquiry seems very cold and clinical (could it be anything else?) and seems totally unrelated to the fact that countless men, women and children have been killed as a result of the decisions that Campbell was involved in. The whole spectacle is, in my opinion, a glaring example of the fact that being politically expeditious does not necessarily mean being morally or ethically correct. Was it ever thus? All of this supposedly in my name as a citizen of the UK? Not in my name, it isn't!

Meanwhile, in the real world, it's snowing but it does look rather wet. Perhaps it will not settle or perturb the general thawing that's going on.

Cold, cold, cold......still cold!

That just about sums it up. Snow still around and temperatures hovering around zero. More forecast tomorrow. Oh, what fun! Not a lot to report today.

David Cameron.................Grrrrrrr

We'll get what we deserve

It has been said (by whom?) that communities get the leaders they deserve. If this is the case, then out of the bunch presently vying for our votes, who will we deserve? The campaigning has started but precious few concrete details are available about policies. It is obvious that spending cuts are going to be necessary. Today we hear from David Cameron that the Tories will cut harder and faster than Labour. But with no details given of where the Tory axe will fall. No doubt we'll find out before the election, the most likely date for which seems to be May 6th.

Key issues for me today are:
* Regulating the financial sector so that their activities are more focussed on common interests.
* Removing tax havens so that companies and the rich pay their fair share of taxes. I think it's absolutely shameful that Britain has so many of these tax havens under it's control and does nothing about them.
* Using the Tobin Tax approach to tax financial transactions.
* Bringing 'public' utilities back under public control.
* Removing education fees.
* Maintaining NHS and school spending.
* Introducing financial incentives for those producing energy saving measures.

That's my list for today but it's not all-inclusive and I'll be adding more as time goes by.

Weatherwise? Still cold and snowy. A morning chopping logs and stocking up. Roads still iced up and we can't get out of our lane.

The Purple Mist hangs over Irish politics

I'm waiting for someone to come out with 'Knickergate' when describing the infidelities of Iris Robinson in Northern Ireland. Ooops, waitings over - I've used it. It would be a great shame if the Peace Process was harmed by Iris's loose knicker-elastic. Although quiet at the moment, no doubt the political vultures are circling to take advantage of the situation. Who knows what tomorrow will ring?

Back home from Coverack and the snow around here is a lot worse than it was further west. I managed to drive down our lane but it's highly unlikely that I'll be able to get out tomorrow. It will be Plan B to get Jan back: being dropped at the top road and using the sledge to haul her suitcase along the lane.

David Cameron - Grrr!

Of such things are dreams made...

I woke up this morning thinking "State socialism has failed. The Global Free Market has failed. Where do we go from here?" A rather depressing way to start the day and the issue must have been circulating in my subconscious throughout the night. Unfortunately, I did not wake up with some blinding insight which enabled me to answer the question. Where do we go from here? The politicians seem to think that the way to get us out of the present credit-crunch (what a benign way to describe it and a description that avoids apportioning any cause or blame) is to give us more of the same. Yep, that's going to work. It's rather like inviting the burglars back into your house to make sure that they didn't miss anything the first time around. The earth's resources are finite so let's encourage everyone to indulge in infinite consumerism. The mind boggles but the boggling mind still cannot come up with an answer. Where do we go from here?

Apart from ranting, a very pleasant last full day at Coverack. A day with low temperatures but brilliant blue skies and an undulating sea. A stroll along the coastal footpath into the village for a snack in The Wave cafe (highly recommended), returning a longer way on roads. Icy underfoot but wonderful to be out in it. Back to the apartment for some relaxation before heading back to The Wave this evening for a fish and chip supper! Fresh fish (haddock), hand cut chips and mushy peas - soul food.

Despite the rant in the first paragraph, it is really good to be alive!

Perhaps I'll close with a mini-rant: David Cameron.....Grrrr!

It's snowing on The Lizard

Serves me right for being so smug about our lack of snow yesterday. This morning it came down pretty thickly, making driving very hazardous. Being true Brits we decided to carry on with our planned walk but gave up when it became obvious that negotiating the coastal footpath in these conditions might prove to be a foolhardy venture. So, a spot of sight-seeing instead. Gunwalloe Cove (where it was unusual to see snow on the beach), Mullion Cove, St Melanus's church at Mullion (14th Century carved wooden pews and 11th Century door) and St ?'s church at St Keverne (mass grave to 98 people lost in shipwreck circa 1900 and helping a local who was having a bad hypoglycaemic episode), broken by lunch at the Old Inn in Mullion. Perhaps we'll be able to get our boots on again tomorrow?

Why Higher Downgate and elsewhere?

The blog had to have a title and 'musings from Higher Downgate and elsewhere' sums up what the blog will contain. I'm assuming that most of it will be written at home in Higher Downgate in Cornwall and some of it will be written elsewhere! For example, my posts this week are being written at Coverack, near the Lizard. We are renting an apartment on the headland down here and doing some walks on the Coastal Footpath. On the 5th we went due west and did a circular walk as far as Carrick Luz and yesterday, the 6th, we headed west as far as Lowland Point.

We are intending the complete the entire Cornish section of the South West Coastal Footpath and have plenty to do yet! The scenary is magnificent consistently and it's always a great pleasure to be out and about in the elements. This week we've had rain, hail, wind, ever-present mud, sunshine and very cold temperatures whilst most of the county and country have been experiencing the worst snow for some 20 years. It seems rather surreal to be watching snowstorms on the TV but seeing nothing like that when we look out of the window. The smattering we woke up to yesterday soon disappeared.

Day 1: the first of many?

January 6th 2010. The first day of my entry into the blogosphere. Why a blog? Certainly not because I think I've got anything particularly erudite to say. Certainly not because I want to inflict my views upon the rest of the world, although I will probably have a rant about certain things every now and again. Why? Simply because I've wanted to keep a journal for a while and keeping a blog seems to be as good a way as any of doing this. How often will I make an entry? As often as makes sense and with no commitment to make an entry-a-day.