7 facts about Workfare.

" There is little evidence that workfare increases the likelihood  of finding work.... workfare is least effective  in getting people into jobs   in weak labour markets where unemployment is high." This week their is a week of action against it, workfare profits the rich by providing free labour, whilst hurting the poor by taking away  welfare rights if people refuse to work. The government is misleadingly calling it now 'Help to work' but it is business as usual, it is draconian, exploitative, unjust and wrong, many charities are now refusing to have anything to do with it because :-.

1. There is no evidence that workfare schemes lead to employment.

2. You're  five times more likely to be sanctioned than get a job on a government work programme.

3. Workfare  is undermining voluntary and  charitable values.

4.Forced Labour is illegal.

5. Workfare is not just for the long-term unemployed.

6.Courts have repeatedly ruled  against workfare schemes.

7. Workfare is heading for collapse but we need  to  push for it.

Facts reblogged from here, where you will find more information.:-

http://realfare.wordpress.com/2014/10/07/7-facts-you-need-to-know-about-workfare/

Empty promises and broken 'pledges' lead folk to one conclusion:-

and its too late for Cable and Clegg to start sounding off now, they have backed the Tories throughout, we all know now what their party stands for, everything the Tories have done has been done with liberal democrat support. Milliband as for him apparently shifting his party to the left, come on, same as Blair,who created a version of the social democrats mark 2, under the guise of New Labour, where is their pulse, where is their opposition, their anger, their fiery direction.As for the Tories, unreformed unapologetic Thatcherites and UKIP more of the same. I feel political scepticism is more than justified, most people I encounter feel alienated from the lot  of them, and do not understand the need to rush out to vote for them. Its not that people are disengaged with politics as a whole, I think  people just feel let down by the so called democratic systems and norms that does nothing for them in return.Regarding most careesrist politicians as fraudsters and liars, a self serving elite, who carry on  wining and dining, fostering division, with empty gestures, carving and making scapegoats out of sections of the community, as austerity grippens,  is it any wonder  that people increasingly feel abandoned, and left with not much hope, pessimistic and more than a little dissillusioned. Many people feel nauseated with the lot of them and simply cannot be bothereed with their message.
To change this country for the better, me thinks, the only hope for us, is to start thinking outside of the box, but  people are still demonstrating, occupying, resisting with direct action, it is not a question of people simply apathetic, people are wide awake, change is happening NOW. Anger,does not reflect disengagement, and as we see, people are able to express their political dissatisfactions in so many different ways in our modern world. But the status quo carries on regardless, carries on not listening, as no confidence in their empty hollow words  continues to grow.
But out of their fading  embers, hopefully a fairer, system can be built, personally for me one that proactively is used to combat oppression, exploitation and repression, surely another world is not impossible.

How the ISIS theatre of murder was born - Heathcote Williams

David Cameron says he is 'standing firm  and will not be cowed" by ISIS brutality. Poet Heathcotte Williams  responds.

Montage and narration by Alex Cox.

Overgrow the system... Give thanks to the Mother

Tuira Kayapo is an indigeneous Elder Mama warrior  who showed the world  what happens  when Women   take  charge of their power. She walked  into the 1989 Altamira Gathering in Brazil  against the destruction  of Dams in the Zingu, in her war paint, naked and carrying a large machete. She then walked up to the President of Brazil's Light holding Company Petrobras  and running the blade of her  machette  three times over his cheeks, proclaimed his act  on her people and on the entire Amazon as an act of war. She then stated in Kayopa :-
" You are a liar - We do not need electricity. Electricity is not going to  give us our food. We need our rivers to flow freely, our future depends on it. We need  our jungles for hunting and gathering. We do not need your dam."
Everyone stood in absolute  awe  at her audacity, especially the President of Petrobras who looked quite afraid .. yet what I see in her is a true example of WHAT Mamas are capable of in their full  Power...
We have ALL become tired of this mess the world is in... It is time to reclaim our truth. Don't play with our good hearts and intentions. I am grateful  for women like  Chief Kayapo, who was bold enough  to say no to colonialist exploitation. Bravely demanding respect, to allow her and her people  to live as they want and choose, expressing the feelings of her entire nation.

Fly Kites not Drones : Poppit Sands, nr St Dogmaels, Cardigan, West Wales.

 

 

Over  the past couple of months we have witnessed drone strikes in at least seven countries -  Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Palestine, Yemen, Egypt and Iraq and Syria probably on the list soon. Devastatingly killing innocents it is now is clear  that  our political leaders  are  using  these
lethal forces  rather than look for diplomatic  or political situations.
Join me tomorrow, kites not drones at Poppit Sands near St Dogmaels, Cardigan, West Wales, in a symbolic, 'Stop the drones' demonstration supported by Drone Network Cymru/Wales and CND Cymru/Wales. We need to build a world where children can   play and fly  their kites safely, instead of spending their lives in fear.
Please  take a look at the following link:-

Child victims of drone warfare.

-http://childvictimsofwar.org.uk/get-informed/drone-warfare/

Moazzam Begg - Wronged Man is free again

Moazzam Begg a native born British citizen, family man  of  Pakistani  descent, spent three years incarcenated  in  the most notorious detention centre created, Guantanamo Bay without being charged with any crime.
Arrested  in Pakistan in 2002  he was transferred  to Bangram Air Force Base in Afghanistan, where he suffered torture and witnessed U.S interrogators  beat an  innocents taxi driver to death, he would spend the   next three years in   very tortuous uncomfortable conditions.
Throughout this time, Begg , now 45 was repeatedly, deprived of legal rights, but after public outcry  was returned to Britain in 2005. Despite the indignation and suffering  he encountered, he did not lose his humility or dignity.
He went on to become a prominent human rights activist, writing  books, advocating on behalf of other prisoners of conscience, whilst campaigning against the so called war on terror, and working with survivors of abuse and mistreatment across the globe.
But constantly  he was harassed and intimidated,  marked out  because he was probably seen as one of Britains most prominent muslims. Well known  to muslims and non-muslims alike as  a representative of justice, truth and human rights in the face  of oppression , and injustice.
Last December  at Heathrow his passport was confiscated, and told it was not in the public interest to retain it, then later   he was arrested  for having allegedly travelled to Syria  to assist Syrian rebels in terrorist activities, but had not visited this land since December 2012 and this was to assist in humanitarian relief and support.It seems that he may have become a victim of the government again, because of his continuing  outspoken criticism  of the British governments conduct   during the War on terror. The arrest  of one of the Wests most prominent  Muslim critics certainly raised alarms with many.  Using dubious charges against dissidents  has  been a hallmark  post 9/11. Though these tactics are routinely condemned, they still  continue to be implemented,  showing us the crude  corrosive measures our governments use, which ultimately undermine the foundations of western freedoms.
After 4 months in Belmarsh, Londons Central Criminal Court acquitted him yesterday of all charges, prosecutors saying "  there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction in this case.'"
"The more this continues, the more it's going to alienate people." Begg  said about his case. Campaigners are  now concerned that the governments new hardened line as spelled  out at their recent party conference  will result in  greater harassment and victimisation.
So  it comes that an innocent man, has been freed  for the second time in his life. Lets hope his voice can now be used again to speak out against injustice and to contribute to  our understanding of each other , and that the world knows now what was  always crystal clear -that this is an innocent man.
I am overjoyed by his release but outraged by the imprisonment itself.
Gareth Peirce Beggs solicitor said : "Moazzam Begg is a good and brave man. He is a rare individual who will talk to  everyone and listen to everyone, even to those he profoundly  disagrees. He has spent the near decade since he was released from the  the torture of Bagram and Guantanamo in attempting to wake the world up  to injustice  and to comprhehend its causes and effects. His intelligent  voice of reason and  intelligence is desperately  needed now. We are relieved he is free again."
Long may it be so.

Here is a link to CagePrisoners the human rights group founded by Moazzam Begg

http://www.cageuk.org/

Cassetteboy - Cameron's Conference Rap

Applause please for Cassette Boy , with another fantastic satirical mashup.
Cassette Boy has made him speak the truth for once. Seriously though Dave thanks for legalising parody videos.

poets for change - Cellar bards - watch out theirs a teifidancer about

Here's  the cellar bards and friends reading out their  poems on the theme of change in Cardigan West Wales UK at 4pm Saturday September 27th 2014 on the Quay on the banks of the Teifi. Oh and a rare  look at teifidancer  out in the wild.

Dannie Abse - Poet Doctor R.I.P (22/9/23 - 28/9/14)

' The human race is the only one that knows it must die and it knows this only through its experience. A child bought up alone and transported to a desert island would have no more idea of death than a cat or a plant .'  - Voltaire

It is with sadness that I  have heard of the passing of poet, playwright, doctor  and novelist Dannie Abse at the age of 91.
Born and  bought up in Cardiff, he  drew on his career as a doctor, his Welsh roots and his proud jewish inheritance to establish himself as one of Britains most popular poets. Many of his themes  were international  in outlook,  combining  elements  of loss, love, the passing of time, his rich medical understanding and its moral implications. This  gave him a compassion for  the suffering of the world. His awareness and humanity gave him  a conscious awareness.
The brother of Labour M.P Leo Abse, much  of his life was spent in loving devotion with his wife, Joan who tragically died in a car accident in 2005, and like many of us he struggled to deal with his grief, but managed to write elonquently a lovely collection called the  'the Presence' which won the Welsh book of the year award in 2008.
His two autobiographies 'Ash  on a Young Man's sleeve'  and 'Poet in the Family' are now rightly  considered to be classics. I recognised his account of his medical training  through my own fathers who was to become a G.P. Alongside a deep understanding of the world, ran an overwhelming sense of humour, awash  with  an experience of thought.. Like Dannie Abse I also undersood some  of his themes of exile, he moving from Cardiff to London  and personally me having at a very young age moved from Cardiff to here in West Wales.
There is a richness at the heart of his work  that  I will forever  cherish, which I also know will continue to endure.I have been fortunate to hear him read  on a few  memorable occassions.
He died surrounded by his family after a short illness. The Welsh  nation and the world  has lost a truly great poet of real conviction.
Dannie Abse R.I.P

from Anniversary

' What happens to a flame blown out?
What persists? Only the view,
never my  my magified hand  in yours.'

Dannie Abse - A Simple tribute

Dannie Abse reading poems for Oxfam

Specks of hope

Yesterday  I was  one of thousands of poets around the world  who participated  in 100-Thousands  Poets for Change day. I took part in a reading  organised by my local  live literature group, the cellar bards, in conjunction with   our local  community bookshop, Leafed Through   in an event   that took place between 4 pm and 5pm, at  Prince Charles Quay here in Cardigan, West Wales.In an inspiring event  we gathered to celebrate and promote peace and sustainability  and call for much needed serious social environmental and political change with poems written on postcards. It was good to be involved in something so positive, with hundreds of cities representing and  over 100 countries signed up to the 100 TPC global initiative.More details here :- http://100TPC.org
The poem I read is included below.

Specks of hope

With this pen
no walls are drawn,
unity's breath spins
cancels out division,
solidarity's comfort lifts
and a strong flame burns,
showering the earth with reason
releasing leaves of hope,
gently  painting the sky
in rivers of language,
opposing injustice
in whirling devotion,
planting smiles on an ugly world
spreading seeds of peace.

Why the UK parliament should say no to bombing Iraq

David Cameron  will ask MPs in the UK parliament to vote to join the US bombing campaign against Iraq, Chris Nineham from Stop the War coalition, interviewed by the BBC on 24 September 2014, asks, has nothing been learnt from the disasters of wetern inttervention in Iraq, Afghanistan  and Libya. He urges MPs to vote  no,  like they did last  year, when Cameron wanted a bombing  campaign against Syria. To save lives  and protect human rights the genocidal fundamentalists  of Isis must be stopped, whose barbarity shows no limits but surely there are other ways. Do we  repeat past mistakes, do we all become complicit in the end. Ultimately war is  not civilised, war is failure.
There are no  easy answers. But there is this certainty, killing people rarely kills peoples ideas.

The illusion of choice

The above chart might look  familiar, that’s because it originates from a well-circulated report that Oxfam International puts together to show consolidation in the mass consumer goods industry.
I am sharing it because I believe it is important for you to be aware of who is supplying the different brands and goods served on your dinner table.
Click to enlarge it shows that most products  we buy are controlled by just a few companies. Despite a wide array of brands to choose from, it all  comes back to the big guys.Ten mega corporations control the output  of almost everything you buy; from household products to pet food to jeans. These corporations create an illusion of choice, a chain that begins at one of  10 super  companies. Lets not forget that 90% of the media is now controlled  by just six companies,  down from 50 in 1983. Yes it is indeed a funny old world. Daily now I continue to consume and use social media platforms run by globalists like Google, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc but be switching off in bit and heading back to the garden, But Globalisation is just another word for monopolisation. Do we actually have a choice in choosing , or is it just the case of free market capitalism destroying any  real sense of freedom?  

Stand up for the Earth - Gary Snyder( b 8/5/30) on Ecology and Poetry Parts 1-4

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Throughout his life the poet and activist,Gary Snyder has used his work to act as a  strong voice for the planet, using a simple message, that is  beyond urgent,  it is so  necessary right now. Above he  talks about a great  number of issues and also discusses, some of his work and his beliefs. This week an international conference  for climate change meets. At the end of the day will anything shift, now is the time  the world needs to reorganise, I fear  though that it is already to late.
Because of this I feel, we cannot  fail to ignore  the urgent issues that Mr Snyder brings up. We must keep working together to put an end to the destruction of the Earth by forces  of human greed and ignorance, and remember too the devastating effects of capitalism  upon nature.

Threads

Poem  read out at above event, this afternoon where I joined  over 150 people gathered  at ParcAberporth to mark Intenational Day of Peace. A symbolic 'drape the drones' took place,   and we called  for an end  to militarism, no to drone warfare,  and a halt to plans to spend £100b of  taxpayers money on rplcing the Trident Weapons system.

Standing together
threads unwrapped,
impenetratable, not complicit
we  remember innocents lost
to remote controlled  killing machines,
from within sources of passion woven
richness of colour, keep us dreaming
stitches of time, spinning,
searching clearly for waves of hope.
As winter grows near
something already is being changed,
tomorrow will be time, for light to shine
together tracing unity's  breath,
touching horizons. North, South, East and West
from this place, like singing birds
faith is restored, love rekindled,
as voices  float freely through the sky,
we continue following paths of  heddwch, peace.

wonder who this could be

Sad... no not really

Well I  have not slept for a couple of days, better then, than the other week, in South Wales when I only managed in a week to get about an hour a day shut eye. And  oh that reminds me,  the  last time I put on the television  left me feeling a tad miserable. Yet despite  this, and what they are saying, there has been a huge vote for independence, despite media manipulation a large percentance of the population of Scotland  rejected the corrupt undemocratic Westminster system in an unprecedented number.
So though very tired, had a sublime night of dub music by the magical Maya Mitten  down  in my local, the cellar bar, I remain faithfully optimistic for the future. I think  that with  creativity and diversity  we can create a brighter future, beyond   the neoliberal consensus and bullshit, that says no   to cuts and austerity, to nuclear missiles, yes to the N.H.S, together we reject  political parties that offer us no choice, so wee keep on fighting for some real change, and will not rest until, the day comes, that we will win.

Give the Tories a benefit cut they will never forget.

Some final thoughts. The establishment is running scared, the government,  big business and the banks have bought  out their big guns to try to scare the Scottish people, but  its inhabitants seem to be wide awake, despite the propaganda being spewed against them, they have been taking to the streets, organising, winning hearts and minds. I really hope they have not left it too late, and that they are brave enough to kick Westminster in the guts and win their freedom, and  that they remind the rest of us , that it is ok not to be complacent.
We need to  remember that the Tory government has no mandate, was not voted in, least of all the Lib Dems, who are have been propping them up, a  government still fixed on austerity whilst lining their own pockets and that of their friends. So I really hope David Cameron gets a big message - Fuck off now. I really hope these seeds  of discontentment grow and the hope  for a fairer more caring  and prosperous  society spreads like a virus,  reflecting a growing  disillusionment with Westminster led policies, a river of change that leaves the status quo shaking  in its boots. A yes vote on Scottish independence would plunge Cameron  into a leadership crisis  that could force him to quit. It's up to the rest of us to finish the job.

Yes/Meh ( some thoughts on the Scottish referendum)

David Cameron thought he was being  clever when  he forced Scotland to take a straight yes or no vote in  laving the union. But smugness is his middle name and this could be the most political gamble of his whole tawdry career..
With a day to go, he seems to be panicking as the vote looks as if it could go either way. Lets remember this vote is not about nationalism, it is about redressing some balance. It is about a nation that has been violently supressed, a working class that has been binded in chains, that  has been ripe in exploitation and oppression. This for many is now being seen as a vote against the Conservatives and their friends who have for years mismanaged Scotland's economy. The same Conservatives   who in Scotland are more reviled than since the days of Thatcher, who many blame for the  poverty that wreaks  daily misery on peoples lives.
It would not be heartbreaking if the people of Scotland chose a new beginning,  it would  just be part of a journey of recovery that  often people need to take. If not taken now it could be centuries before the opportunity arose again. It is  interesting how his so called opposition  both the Labour Party and Liberal democrats   leaders joining Cameron in calling for a no vote,  see how much these abusers of power have so much in common.
Whatever the outcome Salmod as leader of the SNP  finds himself in a win win position, even if he loses his vote Scotland could be granted new powers,  but a no vote would leave Scotlands hands tied, when  like all small nations what is needed  is their absolute freedom. I personally  as a Welshman have never seen myself as being part of the UK, I also reject the class system that this institution  is based on, believe  no borders are actually necessary that power needs to be given back to the people, we need to say no to sham democracy, yes to more equality, more autonomy.
I like the fact that the yes vote has   garnered new strengths of feeling, a kind of anti-capitalist rhetoric, bravely dancing towards a future, not dancing to  the intruments of division that has kept many people downtrodden in yesterdays memories. A fight for a different society, a fight for fairness and social justice, a struggle that could in the end inspire us all. A new future that sets a template about how our different wealth is shared.
New hopes where imagination is recaptured, dreams are  nurtured, a  different form of society is experimented with, for the good of all. Sadly the fact remains that  like all  governments,  a future independent Scotland  will nor be able to maintain the promises that is is making,   it might be unable  to share its wealth, protect the NHS,  like other governments,  will seek to attack  the unemployed, the disabled, outsiders, night get stuck in the narrow contstraints of nationalism,  but in the end  like any new democracies, opposition to its policies will still be encouraged.  It's gotta be better than the template already in place, some say I'm a dreamer, but I am not the only one, and in all my hopes I  really do like the idea of Cameron and his coherts getting a real good kicking, and I support a new society that arises that creates   new possibilities, against the stagnation of the present system in place, a new era of radical change.
The Westminster  government   tells us we must   keep a 70 year old weapons  system called  Trident, operating from the West Coast Of Scotland, and Independence  threatens this,   but they don't say is that there are millions of pounds worth of oil and gas reserves here too, and that by removing Trident   these fields become more viable for the economic prosperity of Scotland as a whole, that could see it becomming one of the richest economies on the planet.
I truly wish more people were taking a stand and challenging the notions of the British state. A new politics that everyone is not afraid to engage with, that excites, and does not forget the power of the individual.more  power to the people. The powerful do not want to see anymore change, but the people daily are increasingly restless., and  with collective pressures for social, economic and political change, surely that can only be a good thing. Yes or No,  we need  people to  keep pushing  for a more caring society, some radical change, otherwise the status quo just sits back and smiles, carries on beating us, this political consensus and  our compliance I believe needs to be shattered, for the sake of us all.Voting does not  change thing, many of my friends say, but critical support for an independent Scotland is better than no change at all. This celtic cousin is holding his breath , hoping  for something that changes our political landscape forever, whatever the outcome, the way the UK is governed will  never be the same again, and the voters decisions in Scotland, whether they vote or not  will have a lasting impact on our lives here in West Wales too.

William S. Burroughs (5.2/14 -2/8/97) - We have a new type of rule now.

                                 Fabrizio Cassatta

In terms of   political philosophy, William Burroughs was never far from hitting the nail on the proverbial head. Hopefully these machines of order are finally losing their credibility.

' We have  a new type  of rule now. Not one-man rule, one rule of aristocracy or plutocracy, but of small groups elevated to  positions  of absolute power by random pressures, and subject to political  and economic  factors that leave little room for decision. They  are representatives of abstract forces who have reached power through surrender of self. That  iron-willed dictator is a thing of the past. There will be no more Stalins, no more Hitlers. The rulers of this most insecure  of all worlds are rulers by accident, inept,  frightened pilots at the  controls of a vast machine they cannot understand, calling in experts to tell them which buttons to push.'

- Interzone Viking 1989

Drape the Drones Event - Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September 11.30 Aberporth/Cardigan

Saturday September 20th -Sunday September 21st
Please keep  these dates in your diary!

We in Wales  will be joining  others across the world  to mark  this years International Day of Peace by  campaigning against militarism, war preparations and armaments with a particular focus on drones at Aberporth  and the Trident  nuclear weapons system and its replacement.
Drones are currently being 'tested' for the British army at Aberporth in Ceredigion, West Wales, and this will be the venue for the main protest on Sunday 21st September.
'Warm up' events in Cardigan town  will take place on the previous day.

Details:

1.Saturday 20th September
Vigil/leafleting

Following successful  anti-Nato vigil at Cardigan Town hall, this event will focus on   the military drones at Aberporth. Trident and its replacement, ant-militarism and war in General.
Contact Bob Doyle : bobdoyle70@yahoo.com

At 12. midday  there will be a special (and beautiful) 'Drape the Drones' focus at the same venue with 'Wool against weapons'  knitting will be on display, , singing and bubbles.

It is hoped that following these events, the good folk of Cardigan will  be better informed about these issues  and feel encouraged to  come to the main event on Sunday.

2. Sunday 21st September
Entrance  to Parc Aberporth Drones ' Centre of Excellence' ( from the main road A487. Post code sa43 2BN

11.30 Assemble
12.00 midday - 1.15 pm
This positive event will include songs, poems, speeches and music  followed  at 1.00 to 1.15   by a knitted  photo call around the roundabout at the entrance, and with your help a noisy finale.

Please come along and join me.
Bring shakers, drums, musical instruments for a noisy big finish and show - and feel our strength . Please come and join me.

Childhood under seige

This animation was made in response to the crises in Gaza. These drawings are original  pictures by Palestinian children from the area which depict both  the brutalities experienced in the 2008 war  and their hopes and dreams for the future.
During the most recent conflict one child died  every hour in Gaza and every child there, aged  6 and over has already  experienced 3 or  more wars.
Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli-imposed blockade  remains and  will ensure that children growing up in Gaza with continue to live  through extreme hardship.
The focus of this piece is to grow, spread and strengthen awareness of the Palestinian struggle for freedom so that there can be a positive and just future.

Animation by Plastic Horse
Sound Design by Giacomo Trivelli
Written and produced by Katie Clark

There are over 800,000 children living in Gaza, they make up more than half of the population. They  remain a source  of  optimism and much courage, the world should not forget them as they are forced to  live out their lives  in the ruins of a concentration camp. Their rights to education curtailed with closures and curfews of schools and classes, leading to insecurity and dermoralisation combined  with home demolishments, arbitrary arrests, checkpoints, and the wall, daily they are witnewss to injustices and oppression.Today it is these children  who are still paying the highest  price of this conflict.
Yet despite all this these children remain a source of optimism, hope and much courage.  My dream is that  they all  grow up and find their much deserved freedom.

Lessons

Lesson 1 :- Resist

Lesson 2 :- Rebuild

Lesson 3 :- Boycott

Lesson 4 :- Resist

Lesson 5 :- We build life

The B.B.C is like an advertising agency that makes us believe in distortion

According to the BBC,  the economy is growing, there are more jobs than ever and the banks are our friends, and they keep telling us  about some rich  individuals who are expecting a baby, that their mum is a bit cross, seemingly furious because opinion polls seem to suggest that the vote for Scotland's  independence is getting close,  hardly any coincidence.
Last week hardly a muster of the daily protests against Nato in South Wales, and nothing on the enormous protests that took place in defence of the NHS. Do they tell us that Corporal Clegg is a plonker, that his puppeteer Cameron seems intent on taking us back to the 1980's, to many of us his daily onslaughts as bad as is hero Thatcher. The BBC seems to waffle, waffle, waffle, then add some bollocks,  then waffle some more. Don't get me started on their pathetic reportage on the siege of Gaza, an illegal occupation that is still happening now. their reportage one-sided, another contortion in entirety.
There is  something rotten going on here. There hiding all the real news from us, we have become their stooges, they want us to stop questioning,  they just want to hypnotise us with banality and lies. The effect of their  manipulations, is that it produces distortions that are not characteristic on the fibres of truth in which we live and breathe.
So lets start ignoring them, I already have,  we have the internet, books and many other sources of  alternative media and information, so use  them. Time to switch the brainwashers off.
Rant over here's a bit of music.

The Weary Blues - Artie Matthews (1915)

Dream Strategies

 Poem written after attending Anti-Nato Peace Camp
 in Newport, South Wales 30/8/14 - 5/09/14
 where I joined  groups of individuals,
 gathered to say no to austerity, yes to welfare, no to warfare.

I used to be asleep
Forever I would dream,
Last week got lost in live stream
At a camp that awoke
Rushing and gurgling
With defiant necessity,
As art of communication
Was relearnt, again and again
Beyond consensus
In syncopated time,
A dedicated lifeforce
Beyond copyright
Every voice released
A beautiful gentle sigh,
No gods, no masters
The earth listened
As we sent out love letters
From our hearts,
And the sun shined
Whispered thanks.

Subcomandante Marcos - In our dreams we have seen another world

Marcos spokesperson and 'anti-leader' of the Zapatistas, has become an icon of the global anti-capitalist struggle - a 'postmodern Che Guevara,' as one journalist put it. He's refused to disclose his identity though the Mexican government says he is Rafael Sebatian Guillier Vicente, formerly a professor in Mexico City. He has written more than  two hundred essays and stories and published more than twenty books. His words have always bought me comfort and have been a source of much inspiration. Another world is not only possible it is inevitable.

'In our dreams we have seen another world, an honest world, a world decidedly more fair than the one in which we  now live. We saw that in this world there was no need for armies, peace, justice and liberty were so common that no one talked about  them as far-off concepts but as things were named in this world. And in this world there was reason and goodwill in the government, and the leaders were clear-thinking people; they ruled by obeying. This world was not a dream from the past, it was  not something that came to us from our ancestors. It came from ahead, from the next step we were going to take. And so we started to move forward to attain  the dream, make  it come down and sit at our tables, light our homes, grow in our cornfields, fill the hearts of our children, wipe our sweat, heal our history.And it was for all.  This is what we want. Nothing  more, nothing less. Now we follow our path toward our true heart to ask it what we must do. We will return to our mountains to speak in our own tonque and in our own time. Thank you to the brothers and sisters who looked after us all these days. May your footsteps  follow  our path.

1994


;;

Noam Chomsky (2014) "The Future of Humanity"

Reloaded

' If someone was watching this from Mars, they'd think this species was insane.'

Some aphorisms from the diaries of Mark Twain on my 47th birthday

                                                       Mark Twain

' The man who is a pessimist before 48 knows too much : if he is an optimist after it, he knows too little.
Good breeding consists in concealing how much we think of ourselves and how little we think of ourselves and how  little.
Good breeding consists in concealing how much we think of ourselves and how little we think of the other person.
There are several  good protections against temptations, but the surest  is cowardice.
Of all God's creatures, there is only one that cannot be made the slave of the lash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.

(um I've been cat sitting in Wood Green in North London.)

NATO comes to Wales to plan War : Join others from across the country to say no.

Next week, heads of governments from more than than 60 countries  will descend on Newports Celtic Manor Park for NATO's latest gathering.
I will be heading down too, on Saturday  to join a week long peace camp protesting against its plans. At the moment the two cities of Cardiff and Newport are in lock down to try to prevent  people opposing NATO's presence and dubious agenda, at a cost of millions  in this age of austerity.
A national demonstration will be held tomorrow Saturday 30th August http://bit.ly/1qhhA07

It is hoped that thousands of people  from Wales and across the country will  embark  on a series of protests across the two cities, and attend an alternative counter summit that will be taking place. I have packed my  tent to join others at this Peace Camp http://bit.ly/1libFb4
Hopefully NATO will receive  a clear message of defiance to their plans, saying no to a summit that takes place only weeks after the centenary of World War 1, which forever serves as a reminder of the bloodshed and horror that empire,militarism, nationalism, and yes organisations like NATO help to perpetuate.
It is heartwarming to learn that a  non religious/non partisan vigil for peace  in support of  the opposition to the NATO summit, will be taking place in my hometown of Aberteifi/Cardigan, West Wales from 11 a.m to 1.pm on the Guildhall steps.
An alternative message of peace must be delivered.

http:www.nonatonewport.org

https://www.facebook.com/events/478707445588453

Dear Darling

We can cite the tens of thousands of working families relying on foodbanks, the sick and disabled people commiting suicide because of benefit cuts, the rising numbers of children in poverty.
Britain on its  way to being the most unequal country in the world according to Oxfam, pensioners being payed the lowest pensions in Europe while the income gap rockets between working people and a super wealthy elite, who use their power and influence to maintain the status quo.
Alex Salmond smashed you to bits the other night, seeing you as an opponent  who sides with the tories, that would push us all further into poverty.
Your message appalling  for someone who is supposed to  be  in opposition to the Conservatives and their cronies. Darling, your message simply appalling. xx

Time to end todays modern slave trade.

For over 400 years  more than 15 million, men, women and children were the victims of the tragic transatlantic slave trade, one of the deadliest chapters in  human history.It is a sad fact  that there are more people in slavery today  than during the entire period of the International Slave Trade.
The United Nations defines slavery as " when someone is coerced against their will into making money for someone else.            
According to the International Labour Organisation, almost 21 million people are enslaved into forced  labour worldwide generating an estimated $150 billion in illegal profits each day, forced  into labour in the global economy.
They are exploited  by private individuals or enterprises,with economic self interest and moral convictions cast aside, many of todays' capitalist corporations, still turn a blind eye, still profiting from peoples misery and exploitation. Sadly too  4.5 million are victims of forced sexual exploitation.It is such an unfortunate fact that modern day slavery helps too, to fuel corruption and organised crime. Over 130 goods from more than 70 countries are still produced  by forced labour.
Despite being  remembered on the International Day for the Rememberance of the Slave Trade on August 23 every year, when  on this day  in 1791 the slaves of Saint Dominique (now known as Haiti) began an uprising. though courageous, it did not bring  down the slave trade, .
We must today provide safe harbours, make sure that victims forced  into illegal activities are not prosecuted
and that that are provided  with shelter,treated with respect and dignity  and the means  to escape their oppression, and given the means and assistance available to try and help them rebuild their lives.
We should continue  to be asking large companies to take action to ensure that as consumers we are contributing to the end of modern day slavery instead of propping it up.
Let us remember too as NATO meets next week in Newport, South Wales, UK, that its core member states play central roles, and are complicit in many of the causes of conflict that lead to slavery and trafficking.We should not forget that NATO is nothing more  than a war machine, whose entire raison d'etre, is to start wars ,and fuel the voracious appetite of the arms industry, acting belligerently like modern day slave masters, who only show contempt for their slaves.
It is time this distortion is stopped now. End the suffering and exploitation of people across the globe.

A couple of useful links:-

http://www.stopthetraffik.org/

http://walkfree.org/

Carnival Escapology

                                Image of  Notting Hill Carnival.
                                ( Where I returned from earlier, me old mate ken sent me)

Sometimes the weight of the world
feels like an inflatable balloon, filled,
                                      with tears,
leaving a permanent scar,
like a tatooists signature.

But cordial jet streams, pass upstream too
heaving with notations, admission price zero,
turning down streets, flowing with rum
the afternoon thunders along, with the pulse
                                              of adventure.

We join a carnival, follow sweet, perfumed air
a procession of celebration, high on hope,
dancing to the throb of bass and drum
voices laugh and sing, together we dance
as strong community spirit, is shared.

We drift, deeper and deeper
get lost in mists of perambulation,
to find  the source within to rekindle
                                        and save,
to store in our hearts, waves of spirit
that we hope, may never be erased,
from the rivers to the sea
in synchronisation we are free.
                       

Keep up the pressure on Companies that invest in killing Palestinians.

As news reaches us that the ceasefire has been broken again it is vital that we keep  on the pressure of Companies that invest in Killing Palestinians.
Sadly at least 2,0016 Palestinians including 541 children, 250 women and 95 elderly men, have now lost their lives so far, and as  many as 10,196 others have suffered injuries in Israels onslaught.

Please Watch :-

https://twitter.com/rustyrockets/status/499555155717914624

Please sign :-

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/israel_palestine_this_is_how_it_ends_loc/


Please sign :-

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/murder_made_in_britain_loc/

Please keep up the Pressure

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/israel_palestine_this_is_how_it_ends_pa_3

Many thanks

heddwch/peace.

His Hands Were in the Air, R.I. P Michael Brown; Let Justice be served

Song by David Roviks

R.I.P Michael Brown, unarmed African American teenager executed in broad  daylight by racist cops on his way to visit his grandmother in Ferguson, Missouri..For more than a week now, we have witnessed the rage on the streets of America, days of unrest as we see angry  confrontations between protestors and police, nighttime clouded in tear gas and anger.
Sad as all this is, the cops are now trying to lay the blame on the victim, spreading a dubious story that the young man, had supposedly shoplifted a cigar from a convenience store. Well the cop that killed him .knew nothing of this allegation, which as it turns out, happens to be completely false. The search for justice seems to be lost, with the Ferguson Police Chief,Tom Jackson  and his police department leaving the impression that they really don't give a damn.
I fear the rage will continue and many more flashpoints will occur, it has exposed the ugly underbelly and racism that still exists in American society, Ferguson just the latest in a long list of African Americans, being treated with suspicion, recklessly, unlawfully killed by the police.
If the end results, mean that the actions of the police on the streets are now being called into question, then that is good.
But before Obama jets over to us, to meet other World leaders, at the NATO gathering in Newport South Wales to apparently try and build some stability in this unpredictable world( but in many peoples eyes, a gathering of leaders, that are seen as solely responsible for the chaos of our times), perhaps it is time for Obama to look for a change in his own backyard, and start addressing the root problems that still  sees his one nation divided. Until he tackles his hometurf, the backlash of a communities anger will continue to rise.He has to try and overcome the appalling record of injustice that still exists in  today's America.
Until then  voices of condolences are just empty gestures, and justice is far from being served.

Never give up hope

Never give up. They were born to make life, and they are. Palestinian children  from Gaza, smiling  in despite of  the destruction all around them (13/9/14). In sad and desperate times, these children  still cling on to hope. Despite experiencing excruciating,  times of misfortune, they keep on smiling.
It takes great  courage to stay  delicate in a world this cruel.
They stay human, but lets not forget our silence allows us to consent to their dreams being torn apart.

Robin Williams ( 21/7/51 -11/08/14) R.I.P Some Personal thoughts on depression.

                                          Peter Weir Dead Poets Society 1989

Sad to hear of the passing of the comic Robin Williams,a sad loss indeed. My heart though goes to the many who have been effected by this story. The millions of individuals whose stories and voices are never heard. We can  never really know or understand  the suffering of others. But the reality is that daily people suffer, many in silence, with no support. We must keep working on our self-awareness, drop the shame and the guilt. I am sorry to have to say this, but there is no easy way of coping daily with an illness that causes exhaustion, physically and mentally. Many people  still live with undiagnosed  or untreated depression, often masked by self-medication of alcohol or drugs. There are no magic formulas, but I guess the strength of others can help, and it is always good to swim along waves of pride, love and hope.
 Often when we are alone and in despair  it is easy to get lost, find ourselves in rooms  that  offer no means of escape, so I can understand why some people choose to let go. But I remember too, that some of us find ways to cope, paths of living and endurity, and survival, but even then we are left to our own devices, have to do it all on our own.
I remember today all the victims, that this government of ours has caused  with blood on its hands, stopping essential services to those that really need it, the cutting off of benefits to the marginalised and the walking wounded. I remember the outsiders, the stigmatised, the branded, the unloved, the unwanted. The devastation  daily caused to lives already finding  it difficult to cope, their lives a daily battle, a continuing battle of the wits. We need to find ways to be there for them, if they talk, then we must listen, don't judge, give them your opinions. A hug perhaps, maybe some reassurance, but remember you are never in their shoes. But we should not give up on them, allow them to breathe in  a little hope. Personally the black dog still comes a barking, I can never  know when it will appear, in the meantime I try to engage with time, patience and kindness, find ways to express some of my inner angst, and at the end the day, I tend to think,that what the world really needs is a restart, some much needed compassion and peace.

For the children of Gaza - Onslaught Press

I am very honoured and privileged to be included  in this new book published by Onslaught Press, http://onslaughtpress.tumblr.com/trade for the children  of Gaza, with a poem published under my actual name in  an anthology of poems and art work. Great to be part  of a project that has been released so quickly, with  some well chosen  poems, all powerful and moving stirring in their own way. You can  contribute yourself by buying a copy here.http://onslaughtpress.tumblr.com/trade

Below is the preface written by the editors, Mathew Staunton and Rethabile Masilo.

preface

Operation Protective Edge, described  by US Secretary of State John Kerry as "Israel's  appropriate and legitimate effort to defend itself" from Hamas rocketeers and tunnel builders, is now in its fourth week. Unfortunately for the  civilian population of Gaza, however, there is little  in this operation that could reasonably be considered  defensive. The destruction of Gaza's civilian infrastructure and its only power station, the targeting of schools, hospitals, mosques, fishing boats, orchards, and the beach  is more about making life intolerable for Gazans than it is about ending  rocket attacks.
The civilian death toll, and the number of child casualties in particular, make  it difficult to see this as anything other than collective punishment. And yet we  are asked everyday to believe that these casualties are ' legitimate, 'unavoidable', appropriate', 'justified', 'necessary', and 'reasonable' and that children are dying because they are being used as 'human shields'.
Suffering is increasingly mediated by diplomats, official spokespeople, broadcasters, news corporations, community leaders, spin doctors, and legal tams, but  usually with no more than a passing commentary. We see more and more pictures of dead children on our screens and in our newspapers but the texts and speeches  that accompany them are  full of ambigious and misleading words, or words with no meaning at all. Sometimes there are so many dead children that it is more expedient to forget about words alltogether and simply use numbers.
The contributors  to this book are  telling the story of our anger and disgust and horror. You will not be surprised to discover that there is darkness in many of the texts that follow. But there is also joy and beauty. Its aim is much less to  accuse than to paint a correct picture of what most of the world seemingly does not see,  or chooses not to see, and we think that a right recognition of the reality  of Gaza today needs to be accompanied by the right remedial action. Such action is in the hands of all of us, even if the leaders of the world, who are indeed in the best position  to act, do not.
What is at stake in Gaza goes well beyond the politics of sides and enters the consideration of crime and of killing. There are many accomplices on both sides and as in any crime, they, too must be held accountable. Bishop Tutu has said that "if you are neutral in situations of injustice you have chosen the side of  the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality." The work presented here  by many artists and writers from all corners of the world attempts, unlike the non-actions of those who actually have political clout and power, to choose the side  of the oppressed.
Suddenly in the face of these killing, it does not matter that tunnels have been dug, or that rockets are being launched at Israeli cities. Even if you are right; what suddenly matters is choosing to kill your opponent, who is weaker.

Mathew D. Staunton & Rethabile Masilo

You can see much more on their facebook page

 https://www.facebook.com/onslaughtpress

I can send a PDF too anyone interested.

Link to poem of mine included, originally posted here on this blog:-

The Night is Long Faced

http://teifidancer-teifidancer.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/the-night-is-long-faced.html

The Case for Cultural & Academic Boycott of Israel with intro by Ken Loach

Solidarity with all those marching for Gaza and Palestine today.
Silence is complicity. The chance to be a force for good in the world is there for the taking. I hope more join Ken Loach and others willing to  speak their minds - movement and momentum is everything.

Long March on Newport

In September 2014 (4th and 5th) NATO will bring its summit to Wales. Throughout Wales  opposition grows, peace activists and members from a wide section of our communities are  already spreading an alternative  message across our land, with campaigners starting  of on a 192-mile Long March  On Newport  inspired by the Chartist Uprising.
We have a long proud tradition of standing up for peace, against injustice, this is what I hope the walkers will bring to mind. Ordinary people reflecting a different view, another path. Against militarism and institutions that perpetuate violence on a global scale. As heads  of governments from 60 countries head  to Newport, at Celtic Manor Resort I sincerely hope that the people of Wales, are joined in solidarity from people from all walks of life who  want to see an end to aggression perpetuated by alliances forged with imperialistic agendas, that seem to serve only their own self interests, profiteers of war and poverty, with the added obscene  costs of this summit in these austere times, a clear message of defiance and resistance must be delivered. To demand a world without bosses or bombs.
Marchers  plan to  start from the Eisteddfod in Llanelli today to arrive in Newport on August 29 ,the day  before a planned  demonstration in the city, I hope to make the journey at some later stage too.

More Details here:-

http://notonatowalk.org.uk/

https://network23.org/StopnatoCymru/en/whats-planned/

B.B.C Censorship at Welsh National Eisteddfod

While everyone  is crying for Peace and crying out for Justice and crying out for justice, heard about this worrying incident at the Welsh National Eisteddfod yesterday, a choir called Cor Seingar from Carmarthenshire was wearing pro-Palestinian badges and the BBC told them take the badges off or the BBC would not broadcast their performance.
The BBC has said that this was just a misunderstanding but the choir disagrees, and the choir is taking it further. All they were doing  is wearing badges as a gesture of support and solidarity.http://www.golwg360.com/newyddion/Cymru/158944-bbc-yn-rhwystro-perfformwyr-rhag-dangos-bathodyn-palestina
I'm not sure if I can  trust the Beeb at moment, because  this is the same BBC where Lyse Doucet said that the ceasefire in Gaza means that the Arab fishermen can go back fishing on  the sea normally again. What she or the BBC do not say is that  the Palestinians are not allowed to go out beyond 250 metres off the beaches, and have not been allowed to do this since 2007, because of the illegal blockade thrust upon them. Its all reported as if nothing  was wrong in Gaza prior to 4 weeks ago, and the same  BBC  that uses its news services to spread its messages of jingoism in support of things that only readers of the Daily Mail would want to hear about.

The Ballad of Rivka and Mohammed - Leon Rosselson

Leon Rosselson has written a powerful new song about Gaza. A song from the heart for all of us, which you might like to share.
A song which tells the story of two children in different wars.

We Never Forget

Contribution to letter to Unknown Soldier Project

http://www.1418now.org.uk/letter

We build anniversaries, to remember horror,
as genocide still brings its daily misery,
we should never forget, anybody's senseless slaughter,
all those tragically killed  in patriotic disguise.

The innocent victims, the fallen, the walking wounded,
all those that do not return home, those that mourn,
the many  voices, silenced and stilled,
their names and stories forever  touch and live.

We remember as long as dead names are coughed out,
as time moves on, locomotive  tracks of destruction still created,
as days stretch,  we  do not follow complicity with silence,
remind ourselves  of senses of humanity, left scattered and slain.

We remember too, all those who refuse to fight,
branded cowards, treated like an enemy,
as they battle for a world of peace,
against brutal threads that leave us numb.

With these memories, we continue to share,
spreading the fever  of anger, across many lands,
all loss  is  like a ruined tunnel of light,
a centenary later, we again chant words of peace,
swimming together, desperately under dangerous sky.

HUG A TERRORIST

In a video  meant to draw attention to innocents killed in Gaza violence.Two Canadian schoolgirls, described as Palestinian Syrians  are warmly embraced by Toronto strangers, when they hold up a sign saying ' HUG A TERRORIST'.
As Gaza and Palestinians   resist the  continual terrorist  attack  and brutal emotional and physical abuse, that has resulted in  a toll  of 1000  plus deaths, thousands  injured, nearly  all of them civilians,  and mostly  women and children,  the full destruction of the City, the world is finally experiencing a  rude awakening.
This war on  Gaza has been justified under the pretext of fighting terror, yet children are the main victims.
Only yesterday Israel  shelled  a U.N school in Gaza, killing 16. Where Palestinians had been sheltering after being told to  evacuate their homes. Women and children, killed while sleeping.
Clearly a crime against humanity.
Let me ask you,WHO ARE THE REAL TERRORISTS?