A Palestinian teenage Bassem Abdullah Siam aged 15 has handed himself into Jerusalem police on Wednesday to serve a 100 day prison sentence rather than carry out community service working for the occupation. The work is described as designed " to break the will of young men and boys" according to the Wadi Hilweh Information Centre. Bassem was originally arrested on 15 March last year on his way to school, after allegedly throwing stones at Israeli soldiers. A kid with guts, like many Palestinians nourishes the idea of living in freedom, dignity and a just peace.
( old unfinished poem just touched up, thanks Mr T.C)
Authority likes to shake its head, Find ways to stop us from doin what we want, Reasons to prevent us from enjoying life to the full, Creates legislation to dissuade us from being free, Turns us into puppets that they can move at will. Authority enjoys making rules, That leave us tumbling about in confusion, Acts as a catalyst that fuses unrest in rebellious minds, A turbulence in every turning page of history, An imprisoner of disobedient thought, But cannot deny you without being wrong, Unable to stop setting sun, a moving sea, paths of defiance. But remember we are all authorities in our own right, We can tell ourselves what we want to do, And when we don't want to, To be laws upon ourselves, Be your own authority, Cultivating different paths. That always, always questions.
Ian Duncan Smith is said to be furious about this billboard campaign from the 'Church action against poverty' charity which suggests people are using food banks as a direct result of his benefit cuts. The fact is Tory policies cause poverty and trying to divert us from this wont mitigate this truth. The Government and Ian Duncan Smith would prefer it if we do not hear about it's victims, the effect that their policies have on ordinary people across this land. As benefit sanctions continue to bite, the growing use of food banks show no sign of abating as we enter 2016, even though Ian and his chums keep saying there is no link with their welfare reforms or their rotten austerity ridden policies. It is a real scandal that Britain is still experiencing hunger in the Twenty First Century, but that's life under Tory's for you. Let's make him more furious by sharing this image as wide as possible. Link to campaign :- http://www.church-poverty.org.uk/news/britainisnteating
Saudi Arabia, Head of UN Human Rights Council executing political opponents. So far having killed 47 ,157 put to death last year. David Cameron's new chums on the world's stage. A barbaric country which the UK should not be trading with. Mass executions ok, if it serves our interests, he possibly ignores the injustice, because he likes to cosy up to an oil rich nation . Another top executioner and human rights violator ironically is a fierce critic of Saudi executions, which happens to be Iran. Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran are at an all time low after the execution of renowned Shiite cleric named Nimr- Bagr- al - Nimr. Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran are locked in a bitter rivalry, whilst supporting the opposite sides in the wars in Syria and Yemen. Both these " champions " of human rights are also claiming to be leading the fight against terrorism in the Middle East. People of the world - we are in safe hands. Postscript :- 4/1/06 The street in in Tehran, in which the Saudi Arabian Embassy is situated is now called after the cleric mentioned earlier. This is the tit -for- tat world we live in.
( I don't really celebrate the new year, just another day merging into another, but it does give me time to pause for reflection, in a gazing at the bottom of a glass kinda way. So happy/new year/ blwyddyn newydd da, hope the year ahead brings much hope and promise, I give thanks to my friends in what has been a difficult year, for their support, you know who you are. Continue to be awesome. Best wishes, heddwch/peace.
Here's a poem. Oh dear!
Time is precious, waste it wisely, as it flashes by in moments, testing faith and patience, this resiliant necessity, unavoidable essence, waits for no one, moves in constant rearrangement.
Time costs nothing, lets the world reveal itself, rattling with kaleidoscopes of change, acting as a catalyst for transformation. Time carries us in all directions, giving and taking in equal measure, allowing tomorrow to call, the past to fade gently away. Without hesitation or pause, time sets course and destination, as thoughts fly freely, enables us to find what we need, good health, friends and companionship, peace and hope for all mankind. Relentlessly engulfing, the wheels of time keep turning, allows dreams to restore, for love that exists in hearts, to last a whole life long. After the storms have gone, allows the sun to shine again, to chase away the darkness, can move what we see, in simple acts of believing, has the capability to heal. Time moves fast, though the hands of the clock seem slow, awaiting now for springs return, for life's renewal, new buds and leaves to grow. In my imagination, past, present and future is stored, sewn together in unity, poems arrive, take journeys on clouds, wait for injustices, to unravel, for time, to take away discontent, to drown me in seas of hope and love.
WARNING:- Hygiene problems in Cumbria, as a large turd is seen floating down the high street. Remember that it is on David Cameron's watch that funding for flood defenses have been cut, flood defenses that could have saved 2,000 homes and 400 businesses. Also while he's been in charge nearly 10,000 new homes have been built each year on flood plains, putting lives at risk and threatening misery and financial disaster for thousands of households. The weather has unleashed a wave of anger, a lot of it directed at him following widespread devastation that we have recently been witnessing. Perhaps if the floods had hit the home counties David Cameron would be seen there wading about with a gold bucket trying to hold back the flood, while Ian Duncan Smith would be lurking near him,blaming the welfare state and the poor for making it all happen. David Cameron likes to blame climate change, but what he and his government should be doing is spend more money on protecting people from floods. It is really inexcusable that the government has failed to learn lessons from floods in the past Well done to Syrian refugees though who have been helping to fill sandbags, as a small act of gratitude.They wont ruin this country but cuts to public services will. More money to be spent on planting trees please.At the end of the day my sympathies go out to all victims affected.
I will be raising a few glasses later, it's the least I can do, already had a few cans in the fridge, now they have Lemmy's name on them, who I first encountered in my teenage years, when I thought, wow what's all this then, tasty, think I better get a record player.My vinyl copies now battered and torn, but still spinning.This iconic heavy metal pirate, angel with his dirty bass has taken his final journey, after succumbing to an aggressive form of cancer, though it's been one hell of a ride. He'd just got to 70 as well. Life is short so will be taking the volume to maximum laters, crank em up past 11. We have sadly lost a legend of legends. What a life of excess and no limits. I used to think that one person who could live forever would be Lemmy, but death in the end comes for us all. Here's to Rock and Roll and to Lemmy. Rest in Peace. " I know I'm born to lose, and gambling is for fools, But that's the way I like it baby, I don't want to live forever
It's been a rather surreal year, what with my partners having spent nearly half of it stuck in hospital here in West Wales. Despite this there have been much musical pleasure that has been released in the last year, that have given me some kind of respite, thankfully. Most of the following I actually have copies of, some kindly copied for me, I do like to support musicians, the following are some of my musical highlights in no particular order.
1. Datblygu - Porwr Trallod
2. Sleaford Mods - Key Markets
3. Fundamental - A Philosophy of Nothing.
4. Suns of Arqa - All is not lost but where is it?
5. Asian Dub Foundation - More Signal More Noise.
6. Gwenno - Y Dydd Olaf
7. Cosmo - Hiraith
8. Selector - Subculture
9. The Ex - The Ex live at BIMHUIS (1991 -2015)
10. Efa Supertramp - Rhyddid yw y Freuddwyd
11. Sendelica - Anima Mundi
12. Killing Joke - Pylon
13. Seckou Keita - 23
14. Bjork - Vulnicura
15. Tinariwen - live in Paris.
All in all not a bad musical year roll on 2016. Sorry that this post was just a boring list, check the artists out, on the net, you will not be disappointed, well maybe.
Today on December 27th 2008, Israel began an intensive campaign that would last 22 days, combined with a ground invasion which they called 'operation cast lead,' It would lead to death and destruction and international condemnation and protests and would be met by Palestinian resistance in Gaza. The conflict resulted in between 1,166 and 1,417 Palestinians and 13 Israelis, most of them innocent civilians. The horrors inflicted remain indelibilly embedded in the minds of all Gazans. Crimes against humanity were committed with the use of chemical and biological agents, like white phosperous, leading to symptoms that medic al professionals had never seen before. Burning flesh to the bone. Also there was deliberate targetting of civilians and vital infrastructure. Six years later, Gaza still relies on international aid for day to day activities, including the most basic needs such as food and drink. 75% of homes destroyed are still waiting to be rebuilt. Leaving many people still displaced. The people of Gaza left with a legacy of poverty and economic injustice, 80% of the population lives under the poverty line. 1.8 million of people in Gaza still locked in like animals by Israels illegal blockade, that prevents them from access to essential goods that are needed to rebuild and sustain life. In a sense the war never ended. People still demanding justice, because without justice, peace will remain a distant illusion.
No apologies - stuff you Cameron , just like Tony BLIAR before you, and all the others who mouth about Christian values, whilst being the biggest hypocrites alive.
In the second year in succession Cameron has referred to Britain as a christian country, A privileged PM peddling platitudes to the poor with his Christmas message. He talked of the poor and homeless, the vulnerable, but forgets to mention how he punishes the poor with cruel sanctions and delayed benefits, or the thousands of families his government has condemned to homelessness, temporary accomodation or hostels, while new tower blocks are built for rich speculators. He also mentioned NHS staff and refugees, a really nauseating mixed bag . Reflecting on values like peace, mercy and goodwill, traits that he definitely does not possess. He failed to mention that is his government's policies that increase hunger, poverty and desperation, whilst destroying services that the poorest in society rely upon,all for the worship of money. May he heed the following words.
Luke 18: 24-34 (22 ) " When Jesus heard this. he said to him, " You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me." (23) When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. (24) Jesus looked at him and said " How hard it is for the rich to get to heaven." (25) Indeed, it is easier for a camel, to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of god.
So Mr Cameron may your Turkey give you salmonella,
and your Xmas lights all short,
may your presents all be socks,
and your sprouts as hard as rocks,
may your dinner guests all suffer wind,
and your quail eggs all be rotten,
let your yule log be too wet to burn,
and your sky box blow a fuse,
may you get so drunk you forget the company you keep,
and the party piece you re-enact with the pigs head centrepiece.
Apologies, as Tory government keep inflicting us daily with their inhuman policies. I truly find it hard to understand how anyone can continue to support them. Cameron and his party's policies, continue to be dangerous, , intolerant,and out of touch, continuing to serve vested interests that create added burdens to all those suffereing at the present time. But maybe their arrogance and their recklessness will be what eventually brings about their downfall. Maybe they might change direction, halt their miserly ways, I don't hold my breathe, we have to keep pushing them though. Anyway not sure how often I will be able to use or have access to computer in coming days, so as crimbo overtakes, lets reclaim this period for the masses, and remind ourselves that goodwill is the basis of mutual aid, let us follow the redistributive example of Kropotkin Claus, and keep on building and creating a future that we can all share. Oh and let the principles of solidarity remain for life, not just for one day, so in this season, lets us embrace this reason, lets not follow the whims of those who wish to command and control, keep spreading peace and goodwill to your fellow woman /man. Lets try not to forget at this time of year, those who have nothing to celebrate, allow them to overcome obstacles as they face hard times that lie all around. Thanks to all that have dropped on by, solidarity.... heddwch/peace, remember mutual aid, the gift that keeps on giving. lets forever decorate the future with equality and allow us to cherish the value of cooperation instead of following paths of greed. Lets hope too that all the worlds disorders somehow right themselves in the coming months ahead, as we continue to spread our messages of love and hope,and gather, renew our strengths.
Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating, happy holiday's, whatever you happen to subscribe to.
Today the great mother, gives birth to the sun king, in the middle of winter, the spark of life returns, releases chords of merriment, feelings of peace and goodwill, threads of hope glisten in the air, so take time, to magnify the light, we can share between ourselves. this earth so precious, rekindles, maintains the balance, breathe in, breathe out, love forever restores, keep heart wildly open, spread generosity and compassion, open portals of survival, on this shortest day of the year. ( happy winter solstice, heddwch/peace)
I remember 1984, when we fought for our lives, when the enemy within, were the rulers of the land, who took away our opportunities, robbed us of our jobs, so we fought back strong, for our communities, and our class. 30 years have passed, and politicians continue to plunder, bringing fear across the land, aided by right wing press, delivering austerity politics , designed to tear lives apart, it's all still out of order. as they return us to yesterday, slip us back in time. As miners bid emotional farewells, after working their final shifts, like those that walked before them, let their struggles continue to inspire, as the rich keep getting richer, because of opportunist interest, the poor get poorer, our government turns blind eye, tension fills the air again, because we're slipping back in time. And as they dismantle our sustenance, steal our dreams away, cut our welfare state, the ghost of Margaret Thatcher lingers, her legacy still doing the rounds, now is the time to seize close, all the hope you can find, bury the iron lady's memory, forever deep down a mine shaft, with strength we can move forwards, forge a new future bright, stop them from slipping us back in time.
Today would have been the birthday of the late great Phil Ochs. This was the gut who wrote all the political songs that people loved, that could have been written today, that people hoped Bob Dylan would write. He did all he could to change the world in the 1960's. With his plaintive voice and passionate opinions, best known today for the many protest songs he wrote on war, the championing of civil rights, pacifism , social justice and revolution.Most of Phil's songs were very political, some humorous and some very serious. He wrote about the topics of the day Viet Nam, hungry miners, and personalities such as Billy Sol Estes, William Worthy and Lou Marsh. In 1967 he signed with A&M Records where his first release was "Pleasures of the Harbor" in which he used heavily orchestrated arrangements for the first time. Some fans criticized this change, while others accepted it. Phil continued to perform and to travel around the world. While in Dar Es Salaam, he was mugged and lost the top three notes of his vocal range. This event seemed to send him on a downward spiral. His last years were troubled ones. He suffered from manic depression plus an affinity for the bottle. He committed suicide on April 9, 1976 at the age of 35. Many of Phil's songs have been covered by other artists. Some of his best known songs are: "Changes", "There But For Fortune", "I Ain't Marching Anymore", "Draft Dodger", "Small Circle of Friends", Crucifixion" and "When I'm Gone".
However depressed I personally get because of social injustices, the weight of the world, life in general , his songs that could have been written a moment ago, still have so much relevence, reminding us what we can do while we are still here.
Here was a man who while alive, did more for peace than any soldier did for war. Nearly 40 years after his untimely death he continues to influence with his beautiful haunting voice. "A good song with a message can bring a point more deeply than a thousand rallies."
As winter, takes effect, the impacts of the cuts are increasingly visible as more and more people struggle to make ends meet. The impacts of austerity on ordinary people is plain to see. Because of the tory's dangerous scroogeconomics policies, there is increased insecurity, as energy prices rise,and benefit cuts continue to have impact on peoples lives, combined with the the rising cost of living.
Combined with savage attacks on our welfare state, brutal new sanction regimes, Zero hours contracts, insecure work, benefit delays, this time of the year will be very hard for many.
There has to be a better way, there is a growing movement protesting and saying a loud no, to this governments cruel and unfair agenda.
As Christmas descends on us again, lets not forget the fact, that poor are getting poorer, the rich getting richer, so happy crisis and a happy new fear, bah humbug. Lest us forget that the seeds of a better society already lie embedded in the contradictions of the current one
Here's an alternative Christmas Carol that I've posted before, that I hope will keep your sprits warm.
Solidarity.
A Silent Night this Christmas : The City of Bethlehem prepares for a scaled down Christmas celebration in the face of continuing Israeli violence. Faced daily with a massive concrete segregation wall, that zig zags around Bethlehem, placing fertile Palestinian land on Israels, seperating Palestinian families from each other, from their jobs, hospitals, schools, churches and mosques. My heart and soul continues to ache for the people of Palestine. The impact of occupation daily bringing it's heavy burden. In Bethlehem now peoples journeys blocked by checkpoints and thirty foot high slabs of concrete. Nothing calm, nothing bright.
There have been heavy rains,
but a flame is burning as the planet rotates,
togetherness is far more than just a word,
it keeps us alive, keeps us afloat,
in each sky there is a sea,
and in each awakening there is a tear,
we roll on waves of uncertainty,
looking for reason, in every season,
in unity's dance, every drop of rain,
trickles down vessels of the heart,
releasing songlines to the spirit,
to allow the glow of love within to shine,
allow the afternoon to leap,
give strength as the world turns,
storming the impossible,
with sufficient precision,
from the declivities that surround,
our paths are level, we walk in union,
sharing dreams on the crossroads of forever.
( Jane incidentally is my partner, who has been stuck in hospital for last 5 months)
Errico Maletesa ,was a Italian anarchist militant, writer and thinker who was born on this day in 1853. Imprisoned many times for his revolutionary activities and his ideals, and repeatedly forced into exile.He was in fact imprisoned a total of 12 years during his long career. In 1876 he helped develop a theory of anarchist-communism. Active in the International Anarchist movement from the time of the First International in 1871, he was an organiser of numerous demonstrations, radical newspapers and workers insurrection in Europe and Argentina. He was also a dynamic speaker and propogandist.
He happened to be a wealthy man, but decided to put his entire fortune at the disposal of the cause, spending it all on radical endeavours, until he was buried in a paupers grave at the age of 78 after having been under house arrest by the fascists in Italy
Malatesa is still rightly celebrated today because above all, beyond being a writer of articles and pamphlets, he exemplified his thought in deed, his ideas backed up by action, and driven by his fierce commitment to freedom.
" By anarchist spirit I mean that deeply human sentiment, which aims at the good of all, freedom and justice for all, solidarity and love among the people, which is not an exclusive characteristic only of self declared anarchists, but inspires all people who have a serious heart and open mind." - Errico Maletesa (Umanita Nova; 13/4/1922)
An Afghan girl smiles, as refugees wait to enter Moira refugee camp on Lesbos Island Greece. When refugees arrive in Lesbos they are separated by nationality. Syrians go to Kara Tepe camp, where most people stay in shelters, while other refugees , mostly from Afghanistan , are assigned to Moira camp. People moving back and forth from these camps can cause delays and backdrops. According to Greek Law only the mother and father are recognised as legal guardians. Many underage children are thus seperated from their relatives upon registration. The seperation can last for as long as it takes for the minor to be transferred to an open reception facility for UAMs. This can take two weeks to a month on average. When people arrive they have nothing but the clothes they wear to protect them from the elements. Many having drowned in their attempt to reach Greece. Moira, where long lines, squalid conditions and limited supplies have created what many are calling the world's worst refugee camp a living hell, overshadowed by razor wire. A repositary for human suffering. Many forced to sleep out in the open, people in the 21st Century forced to lie on a few rags on the ground. Despite her dreadful conditions and the unknown future waiting for her ahead, this girl was still able to smile to the camera. I see this smile, and I want to return one back. I hope that all the other children around her on their long journeys of hardship, find a place of safety happiness and security, but these people are not ok, despite the smiles of innocence the future holds only uncertainty. Now among winter, with Christmas coming , young and old struggle to adapt to the cold nights, we cannot forget their plight and their desperate struggle. Photo :- Colleen Sinksy
The hauntingly beautiful picture above is by Syrian artist Tammam Azzam, with his personal tribute to Gustav Klimt's " The Kiss" which he has retitled "Freedom Graffiti. "Since seen by millions across the globe, as it has been virally shared across social media. It is superimposed on a bullet ridden, war torn building in Syria. Using Klimt's idealistic vision, from the ashes of destruction, the first thing to rise is creativity, the urge to overcome pain and heal. Love is stronger than hate. The struggle continues until the face of the earth becomes the face of love. This love needed so much now to lighten the pain and suffering of this country, this artwork a magnificent reminder of the power of the human imagination, leaving a glimmer of hope to those that remain. These shattered lives, need hope, and their homes to be rebuilt again, and an end to their suffering. No more bombs to fall.
Sad to hear that John Trudell that acclaimed Native American poet, recording artist,vietnam vet, actor and activist whose international following reflects the universal language of his words, work and message has passed away from cancer aged only 69. Trudell (Santee Sioux) was the son of a Sastae Sioux father and Mexican Indian Mother. After leaving the military he gave his life to one of full time activism, becoming a spokesperson for the Indian Tribes occupation of Alcatraz Island from 1969 to 1971. He then worked with the American Indian Movement (AIM), serving as Chairman of AIM from 1973 - 1979. He was part of a group of Native American activists who occupied Alcatraz Island in 1969. In February of 1979, however, a fire of unknown origin killed his pregnant wife, his three children and mother-in law. It was through this horrible tragedy that Trudell began to find his voice as an artist and poet, writing, "to stay connected to this reality".
The filmaker Heather Rae spent more than a decade making a documentary about him, which was released in 2005 Trudell.
The intention was to demonstrate how his political and cultural activities were tied to contemporary history and inspired people.
He has campaigned for the release of the Native American activist Leonard Peltier, who was convicted in 1976 for the 1975 shooting of 2 FBI agents at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Many believe this conviction was unjust and like many of his forefathers he has been treated abysmally so on February the 4th there will be an international day of solidarity for him
Leonard Peltier though imprisoned for over 35 years, aged 71 and in poor health, is still full of hope. Like Trudell he believes that they are stronger than the miserable conditions that unfortunately they find in their reservations, and the terrible poor conditions their communities live among.
A website dedicated to him can be found here. http://www.leonardpeltier.net/
Trudell himself used a powerful fusion of poetry and music to spread his message. A prolific poet who combined spoken word with music over 12 albums, and actor who starred in several films. Of himself he declares " I'm just a human being trying to make it in a world that is very rapidly losing its understanding of being human." His writings that started as therapy have become acts of war speaking out against injustice in humanity's name, through the experience of his community and that of his ancestors. He became a powerful champion of indigeneous rights and was part of a growing force for change. His voice empowering, inspirational and necessary.
John Trudell aged 25
"As human beings, we are given the power of intelligence. And, when we understand and respect that power by using it clearly and coherently as part of our thinking process, we will be able to create solutions to the problems that confront us individually and collectively."
- John Trudell, (Oct 12, 2008.)
.
Here was a man who felt and witnessed tragedy, who continued to act and think consciously, be a defiant thorn in the side of authority who refused to be shut up or let his independent voice be drowned out. It is people like him that for me makes me believe in humanity. With his soft spoken voice his words resonated, and echoed with wisdom, using words as weapons of survival. He also said when he was younger "he fought for a revolution that he believed would lead to freedom. " Well throughout his life he continued to do so, fighting against injustice, racism . he has burnt his nations flag, this dissenting troubadour waged his war, remained human, and free.
It is sad to have to say goodbye to this charismatic outspoken voice of passion and integrity.
So long brother, safe journey, humanity is strong because of voices like John's.
" No matter what they ever do to us, we must always act for the love of our people and the earth. We must not react out of hatred against those who have no sense. "- John Trudell
My partner has been stuck in Glangwili General hospital for last 5 months, looked after by an amazing compassionate dedicated staff. That help deliver a personal touch, that doctors have not the time to. It saddens me though that our cruel Tory Government are planning to force nurses into debt of at least £51,000 by making them pay the entire bill for their training, even though nurses at the moment spend 50% of their training time working for the N.H.S on clinical placements and their starting salary is £22,799 as spelled out in George Osborne's spending review last September. Ask your MP to stand up for the N.H.S and its nurses. This plan will make recruitment even harder for the N.H.S, and putting the N.H.S workforce under increased pressure, but that is probably the Tory's big plan. Already there is a crisis with more patients and less staff, with the service stretched to breaking point and running out of cash. Nurses are already underpaid for the life-saving work they do and now the Tory's want to allow them to start their career in debt, if they are not put of training altogether. These bursaries offer a lifeline, allowing individuals to attend university and meet their extensive and demanding clinical placement hours. It allows nurses to devote their ability to care, the plans will mean that many people from poorer backgrounds will be unable to fulfill their dreams. The Tory's are trying to destroy our beloved health service, their plans are simply unfair and wrong, we cannot allow them to achieve their aims, working with health workers and the unions we must fight together to stop this from happening. Their plans are simply unfair and wrong and disgraceful. Nurses are the N.H.S's pride, our lions, I am extremely grateful for all that they do.
Theresa
May is preparing to abandon plans for a British Bill of Rights after
Britain leaves the European Union, Government sources have suggested.
Ministers have confirmed that the Government's plans to scrap the Human Rights Act have been shelved until after Brexit. However sources say that the plans may
now be abandoned entirely because Brexit will significantly strengthen
the sovereignty of British courts. This could have huge implications for rights protections in the UK and across Europe, Theresa May plans to take the UK out of the European Convention on Human Rights.The Prime Minister plans to fight the 2020
election on a platform of leaving the European Convention on Human
Rights (ECHR). The PM plans to “lift and shift” rights protections so
people in the UK can only seek rights protections in UK courts. If
correct, this would be the first time that any major party has promised
to take the UK out of the ECHR altogether. The ECHR is an international treaty which the United Kingdom signed
up to after World War II. It contains a list of human rights and
fundamental freedoms necessary to live a dignified life. The UK was instrumental in drafting the treaty and was amongst the first signatories in 1950. It came into force in 1953. The government had promised to replace the Human Rights Act with a
“British Bill of Rights”, but those plans appear to have been put on the
back burner since the UK voted to leave the European Union earlier this
year. The Telegraph reports that May “has decided that she cannot start
that fight with the prospect of negotiating Britain’s exit from the
European Union set to dominate Parliament over the next few years.” The report goes on: A senior Government source said: “We would have been
looking at having a huge row with a Parliament to get through the
Cameron plan and we might even have failed. A clean break is by far the
best option and, if we put it in the manifesto, even those Tory MPs who
are squeamish about the idea will have to get behind it. A manifesto
pledge also means the Lords will have to let it through eventually. All
the signs are that the Prime Minister is up for this.”
The 2020 Election is still just
under four years away, and much could happen between now and then –
particularly given the uncertain politics of Brexit. This report could
be no more than a “balloon” being raised to see how people react. It
could also be no more than an attempt to address concerns to the right
of the Tory Party that the Bill of Rights plans seem likely to be
seriously delayed.
However, May has advocated ECHR-withdrawal before,
so this would be a consistent move. If it is true, then it could signal
a very significant change to UK human rights protections, as well as a
potential major blow to the Convention system which the UK helped
create.
Human rights do exactly what they say, they are rights that belong to all people by virtue of being human. We must continue to stand together for the protection of human rights, for the protection of all.
On December 8, 1987, 16 year old Palestinian schoolboy protestor,Hatem Abu Sissah is killed by Israeli soldiers, he had simply gone to join with hundreds of others, demonstrating against their ongoing occupation. On December 9th an Israeli truck crashed into two vans carrying Palestinian workers, killing 4 inhabitants. It would act as a final straw and catalyst for the days of rage that were to follow. It would ignite the first intifada in Israeli-occupied Palestine, a popular uprising that would see many Palestinians uniting in a campaign of resistance against the Israeli occupation. Spreading initially from the Jabaila refugee camp, throughout the occupied territories, the Gaza strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. It would lead to a general strike, refusal to pay taxes, a boycott of Israeli institutions and riots which lasted until the early 1990s. In Arabic intifada means to rise up or to shake off. It would embody the struggle of the Palestinians to win basic freedoms long denied by Israel, against policies of exclusion and domination, against a background of oppression.and the denial of basic freedoms. In the days and years that followed, almost daily clashes with Israeli soldiers would occur and would catapult the Palestinian cause onto the international stage and into the hearts of millions of television viewers across the globe as they resisted a colonial military power that had been occupying their land by force since 1967. While the First Intifada is largely reduced to images of Palestinian boys throwing stones at Israeli tanks, women were at the helm of resistance. It would result in a total of 1,489 Palestinian lives being lost along with 185 Israelis. Some years later on September 13, 1993, the uprising would end with the Oslo Peace agreement between the PLO and Israel, that would bring the Palestinians dream of Independence in the West Bank, and Gaza one step closer, but was followed again in September 2000, with a second intifada.
The intifada transformed relations between occupiers and occupied. As the resistance went on month after month . year after year, the Israelis came to realise that they could neither dominate nor expel the Palestinians.
This was not the first time that Palestinians rose up in protest, In 1935, when Palestine was still under British colonial rule, it was British forces that killed, injured and arrested thousands of Palestinians fed up with colonialism and occupation. And it was British colonial lawmakers who instituted practices such as administrative detention, detaining people without charge or trial a practice which was then adopted Israeli policy, that is still being used against Palestinians today.
Palestinians still have to take principled methods of non-violent civil disobedience, that includes general strikes, boycotts of Israeli products, refusal to pay taxes, hunger strikes, along with graffiti, and spontaneous demonstrations to allow their plight to be recognised by the world.
Many believe that it wont be long until a third intifada comes to call. How many more intifada's must be fought until real justice for the Palestinian people prevails and the world finally witnesses an end of illegal Israeli military occupation of the Palestinian territories.?
