I am fully in favour of us holding a referendum on the European Union's (EU) Reform Treaty AND I favour a "yes" vote in such a referendum.
On Having A Referendum
I have always believed in the case for having referendums BEFORE any significant changes are allowed to be made in EU Treaties, as these effect the very powers of the nations they embrace. We have never had such a referendum in this country. The one under Harold Wilson was organised only after we had already joined what was then the Common Market.
The only thing that would be better than a nationally based referendum, would be a European-wide referendum. But I concede we have some way to go before we can achieve that.
On Voting "Yes"
The major defect of the EU has always been its democratic deficit. In a democracy, decisions should be made by Parliaments elected on a Universal Franchise. This should apply to the European Parliament as well.
But despite a gradual increase in the role of the European Parliament over the years, the main decisions in the EU are still made by Councils of Ministers taken from the Executives of the Member States. There is only a limited control by national parliaments over the way their Minister's operate in such Councils. Finland probably operates the best model for this.
The main body which shapes the agenda of such Councils is the European Commission and not the European or national Parliaments.
Will The New Treaty Tackle The Democratic Deficit?
The answer to my above question is "not completely by any means". But it will provide a number of democratic advances which we can build upon in the future.
In a number of policy areas, such as justice, security and immigration the European Parliament will have the power to approve or reject EU legislation. National Parliaments will also have a voice in the making of EU laws for the first time.
They will receive EU legislative proposals and if a third of the national Parliaments reject a proposal it will be sent back to the Commission for re-drafting. If half the national Parliaments remain opposed, then the measure will be stopped.
Whilst these are obviously limited (but important) democratic gains, they are in the right direction. Democrats need to pocket such proposals, whilst pointing to the need for greater democratic gains.
A Democratic, Social And Confederal Europe?
I have always pressed for the slogan which I have used in the opening title above. But the Reform Treaty provides for the possibility of a country leaving the EU under conditions negotiated with the remaining members. If Nations or States have a right to secede from a Union, they are normally viewed as being part of a Confederation rather than a Federation.
Who knows even Dennis Skinner might like the idea of having the legal right to secede from the EU. I had, therefore, better widen my stance and now call for "A Democratic, Social and Confederal Europe" - seats in all parts.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
A Key Opening For Iraq's Trade Unions
The General Federation of Iraqi Workers and the Kurdish Federation of Workers (from Iraqi Kurdistan) have met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq to press for the repeal of Iraq's Anti-Trade Union Legislation.
Still in operation (and use) is Law 150 passed by Saddam Hussein in 1987 banning the operation of Trade Unions in the public sector of the economy, which covers some 80% of those who manage to have jobs.
Decree 8750 adopted in August 2005 by the transitional Government is also still in operation. Under it the Iraqi Government have sequestrated Trade Union funds, pending a decision in which they will determine who is to be recognised as a Trade Union. So much for free Trade Unionism.
It is, therefore, good to see that the Deputy Prime Minister has not dismissed the Trade Unions representations out-of-hand as has occurred in the past. This is, therefore, a key time for the Trade Movement throughout the world to press the Iraqi Government on this issue. It is an urgent and key matter to raise within one's own Trade Union.
I need to declare an interest, I am an honorary member of the Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions which form a key part of the General Federation of Iraqi Workers and the bulk of the delegation shown on the above link are friends of mine.
Still in operation (and use) is Law 150 passed by Saddam Hussein in 1987 banning the operation of Trade Unions in the public sector of the economy, which covers some 80% of those who manage to have jobs.
Decree 8750 adopted in August 2005 by the transitional Government is also still in operation. Under it the Iraqi Government have sequestrated Trade Union funds, pending a decision in which they will determine who is to be recognised as a Trade Union. So much for free Trade Unionism.
It is, therefore, good to see that the Deputy Prime Minister has not dismissed the Trade Unions representations out-of-hand as has occurred in the past. This is, therefore, a key time for the Trade Movement throughout the world to press the Iraqi Government on this issue. It is an urgent and key matter to raise within one's own Trade Union.
I need to declare an interest, I am an honorary member of the Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions which form a key part of the General Federation of Iraqi Workers and the bulk of the delegation shown on the above link are friends of mine.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Understanding Iraqi Kurdistan
Via Iraqi Mojo I have discovered this telling article by Michael J. Totten on Iraqi Kurdistan. It is something he wrote in the early summer which has just been published.
In it he calls for the establishment of a separate,independent and recognised nation to be set up in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. I don't share this viewpoint as (a) the region remaining as part of Iraq offers one of the few avenues for the spread of democratic and civic society values inside the whole country and (b) it would cause massive intervention from an intransigent Turkey who have always acted vigorously to contain the demands of their own Kurdish population, especially in relation to activities from Kurdish paramilitary groups who operate from the mountains in southern Turkey and northern Iraq.
Indeed, Totten himself has backed off somewhat from his initial conclusion about the need for independence and now calls it his plan "B". But his article is invaluable for his description of life in Iraqi Kurdistan. Where he points out that it is a region which suffers from fewer terrorist assaults than Spain does.
For anyone with a serious interest in Iraq, it is an important read. Soma, the Iraqi-Kurdish Digest published in Sulaymaniyah is then well worth an examination.
In it he calls for the establishment of a separate,independent and recognised nation to be set up in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. I don't share this viewpoint as (a) the region remaining as part of Iraq offers one of the few avenues for the spread of democratic and civic society values inside the whole country and (b) it would cause massive intervention from an intransigent Turkey who have always acted vigorously to contain the demands of their own Kurdish population, especially in relation to activities from Kurdish paramilitary groups who operate from the mountains in southern Turkey and northern Iraq.
Indeed, Totten himself has backed off somewhat from his initial conclusion about the need for independence and now calls it his plan "B". But his article is invaluable for his description of life in Iraqi Kurdistan. Where he points out that it is a region which suffers from fewer terrorist assaults than Spain does.
For anyone with a serious interest in Iraq, it is an important read. Soma, the Iraqi-Kurdish Digest published in Sulaymaniyah is then well worth an examination.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
7 Reasons Why I'm Not A Bennite
Although I was a member of the Socialist Campaign Group for the bulk
of my 18 years as an MP, I have never been a Bennite. In a similar way, I
have been a member of the Labour Party for 50 years, but I have never
been an uncritical fan of its "leaders" in that time. With both
organisations, I have attempted to be a loyal grouser. My words below
are said in this spirit.
The last time there was a significant left presence in the Labour Party, it was divided into two main camps - the hard and soft lefts. It always seemed to me that the latter could be outmanoeuvred or absorbed by the right and centre of the Labour Party. This finally happened under Blair. For the hard left, the prospect was that of being outmanoeuvred and isolated. This was again a Blairite achievement, aided by acts of self-destruction.
Unfortunately, my Goldilock endeavours (neither too soft nor too hard) never became part of an effective trend, so I was usually obliged to choose between whatever remained on the passing agendas of what was left on the left. Although I kept trying to spell out alternatives.
I give below 7 of my main reasons for not being a Bennite.
1. Northern Ireland. Even in the days of Provisional IRA violence, Tony was actively linked with Sinn Fein. At Chesterfield May Day Rallies, he was involved in fringe meetings which were supportive of Sinn Fein. In contrast, I firmly opposed all forms of terrorism in Northern Ireland and gave active support instead to those working for peace and reconciliation via such bodies as the local Trade Unions, the Peace Train Movement and New Dialogue. Tony and I once argued out our alternative positions at a joint meeting of the Constituency Parties of Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire.
2. European Union. When Harold Wilson provided a referendum as to whether Britain should continue its membership of the Common Market, I supported the "no" vote. But once this position was overwhelmingly defeated, I felt a need to adjust my position to meet the new circumstances. Since then I have always argued for the democratisation of the European Union, which is the proper fully fledged federal position. Tony's position became that of replacing the European Union with a loose treaty where common agreements can only be reached by a unanimous decision of the members' parliaments. I argue for feasible internal reforms to the European Union, Tony argues for root and branch transformation.
3. Leadership Contests. In 1988, Tony stood for the leadership of the Labour Party against the incumbent Neil Kinnock. Tony got 11.4% of the vote. His decision to throw his hat in the ring seemed to me to be mistaken. It was a counter-productive move, which led to the threshold for nominations being raised above the 10% level which existed for the 1988 contest. The debate inside the Socialist Campaign Group over whether he should stand lasted over several meetings, as I wasn't the only person with reservations about this form of politics. Hence my efforts to seek a defendable third choice to Brown and McDonnell recently.
4. The Break-up of Yugoslavia. This started when Milosevic played the Serbian ethnic card in Kosovo. Tudjman gleefully moved in to play the Croatian card and Izetbegovic was forced to defend the Muslim population in Bosnia. The case for effective intervention by the United Nations to stop the conflict was overwhelming. Yet in the end effective military action only emerged via a NATO-led response to the Albians of Kosovo being driven from their homeland. By that stage, there seemed to me to be no option but to support the NATO action whilst being ready to highlight any of its excesses. These soon arose in the bombing of Serbia when civilian targets were to the fore and it was only the Serbian military who experienced the collateral damage. My criticism of Tony's approach was that he saw no dilemma in all this for socialists. Seemingly we could put our faith in comrade Milosevic.
5. Afghanistan. The left was again faced with a dilemma over Afghanistan. If the Taliban and Al Qadia were to have their controls and bases removed, then action had to be taken. But a military dominated by the United States and its allies is liable to use unacceptable methods - especially over-the-top air strikes. I upset both Tony Blair and Tony Benn. That neither of the Tony's saw the dilemma I stressed, nor looked for means to bridge it seems to me to involve failures of vision. Seeking means to contain both Western Imperialism and the fascism of the terrorists, seems to me to be something socialists should have at the forefront of their minds.
6. Iraq After The Invasion. I was on the platform with Tony Benn at the launch of "Labour Against The War." I fully opposed the invasion of Iraq. For as hideous as Saddam Hussein's regime was I appreciated the complexities of Shia, Sunni and Kurdish conflicts and their internal divisions.Then there was the impact of an invasion on understandings elsewhere in the Middle East. Furthermore, I believed that there were clandestine forces in Iraq who had hopes of undermining Saddam's rules given support and understanding from outside.
But once the invasion took place, we were in a new situation. In addition to excessive action by the forces of Western Imperialism (including mercenaries) the Iraqi people were faced with the insurgency and the horrors of terrorism. I then resigned from "Labour Against The War" who continued with only a one-sided analysis. Alternatives to a "troops out" position (such replacement troops with Iraqi agreement) were never considered.
7. Local Experiences. When Tony won the Chesterfield seat in 1984, he achieved a fine victory in an adverse political climate. His public meetings were packed. People who went in order to "sort him out", left with leaflets and posters to try to spread his support. But after his victory, local attitudes changed over time. He developed a hot bed for the hard left with people coming from all over the country for the May Day celebrations. He made use of a section from Keir Hardie for one of his election addresses. His constituents saw him regularly on TV pressing a socialist revivalism. The problem with all this is that Chesterfield is into small town politics and comes out of an old moderate Lib-Lab tradition.
Between Eric Varley winning the seat at the depth of Labour's terrible national performance in 1983 and Tony's last victory at the height of Labour's electoral victory in 1997, the Chesterfield Labour vote only increased by a mere 2.7%. This compares with a national improvement of 15.6% in Labour's vote. Whilst in Dennis Skinner's nearby seat of Bolsover, the comparative increase was 17.7%. In North East Derbyshire which is a huge "C" shape encircling Chesterfield, the improvement was 19.7%.
It was little wonder that the Liberal Democrats went on to capture the Chesterfield seat in 2001. Yet it should be one of the strongest Labour seats in Derbyshire.
What Bennism teaches us is that we need a left strategy in the Labour Party which is directed to both (1) winning elections and (b) re-opening the long and difficult road to socialism. Bennism might be fun for its participants, but it isn't serious politics
The last time there was a significant left presence in the Labour Party, it was divided into two main camps - the hard and soft lefts. It always seemed to me that the latter could be outmanoeuvred or absorbed by the right and centre of the Labour Party. This finally happened under Blair. For the hard left, the prospect was that of being outmanoeuvred and isolated. This was again a Blairite achievement, aided by acts of self-destruction.
Unfortunately, my Goldilock endeavours (neither too soft nor too hard) never became part of an effective trend, so I was usually obliged to choose between whatever remained on the passing agendas of what was left on the left. Although I kept trying to spell out alternatives.
I give below 7 of my main reasons for not being a Bennite.
1. Northern Ireland. Even in the days of Provisional IRA violence, Tony was actively linked with Sinn Fein. At Chesterfield May Day Rallies, he was involved in fringe meetings which were supportive of Sinn Fein. In contrast, I firmly opposed all forms of terrorism in Northern Ireland and gave active support instead to those working for peace and reconciliation via such bodies as the local Trade Unions, the Peace Train Movement and New Dialogue. Tony and I once argued out our alternative positions at a joint meeting of the Constituency Parties of Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire.
2. European Union. When Harold Wilson provided a referendum as to whether Britain should continue its membership of the Common Market, I supported the "no" vote. But once this position was overwhelmingly defeated, I felt a need to adjust my position to meet the new circumstances. Since then I have always argued for the democratisation of the European Union, which is the proper fully fledged federal position. Tony's position became that of replacing the European Union with a loose treaty where common agreements can only be reached by a unanimous decision of the members' parliaments. I argue for feasible internal reforms to the European Union, Tony argues for root and branch transformation.
3. Leadership Contests. In 1988, Tony stood for the leadership of the Labour Party against the incumbent Neil Kinnock. Tony got 11.4% of the vote. His decision to throw his hat in the ring seemed to me to be mistaken. It was a counter-productive move, which led to the threshold for nominations being raised above the 10% level which existed for the 1988 contest. The debate inside the Socialist Campaign Group over whether he should stand lasted over several meetings, as I wasn't the only person with reservations about this form of politics. Hence my efforts to seek a defendable third choice to Brown and McDonnell recently.
4. The Break-up of Yugoslavia. This started when Milosevic played the Serbian ethnic card in Kosovo. Tudjman gleefully moved in to play the Croatian card and Izetbegovic was forced to defend the Muslim population in Bosnia. The case for effective intervention by the United Nations to stop the conflict was overwhelming. Yet in the end effective military action only emerged via a NATO-led response to the Albians of Kosovo being driven from their homeland. By that stage, there seemed to me to be no option but to support the NATO action whilst being ready to highlight any of its excesses. These soon arose in the bombing of Serbia when civilian targets were to the fore and it was only the Serbian military who experienced the collateral damage. My criticism of Tony's approach was that he saw no dilemma in all this for socialists. Seemingly we could put our faith in comrade Milosevic.
5. Afghanistan. The left was again faced with a dilemma over Afghanistan. If the Taliban and Al Qadia were to have their controls and bases removed, then action had to be taken. But a military dominated by the United States and its allies is liable to use unacceptable methods - especially over-the-top air strikes. I upset both Tony Blair and Tony Benn. That neither of the Tony's saw the dilemma I stressed, nor looked for means to bridge it seems to me to involve failures of vision. Seeking means to contain both Western Imperialism and the fascism of the terrorists, seems to me to be something socialists should have at the forefront of their minds.
6. Iraq After The Invasion. I was on the platform with Tony Benn at the launch of "Labour Against The War." I fully opposed the invasion of Iraq. For as hideous as Saddam Hussein's regime was I appreciated the complexities of Shia, Sunni and Kurdish conflicts and their internal divisions.Then there was the impact of an invasion on understandings elsewhere in the Middle East. Furthermore, I believed that there were clandestine forces in Iraq who had hopes of undermining Saddam's rules given support and understanding from outside.
But once the invasion took place, we were in a new situation. In addition to excessive action by the forces of Western Imperialism (including mercenaries) the Iraqi people were faced with the insurgency and the horrors of terrorism. I then resigned from "Labour Against The War" who continued with only a one-sided analysis. Alternatives to a "troops out" position (such replacement troops with Iraqi agreement) were never considered.
7. Local Experiences. When Tony won the Chesterfield seat in 1984, he achieved a fine victory in an adverse political climate. His public meetings were packed. People who went in order to "sort him out", left with leaflets and posters to try to spread his support. But after his victory, local attitudes changed over time. He developed a hot bed for the hard left with people coming from all over the country for the May Day celebrations. He made use of a section from Keir Hardie for one of his election addresses. His constituents saw him regularly on TV pressing a socialist revivalism. The problem with all this is that Chesterfield is into small town politics and comes out of an old moderate Lib-Lab tradition.
Between Eric Varley winning the seat at the depth of Labour's terrible national performance in 1983 and Tony's last victory at the height of Labour's electoral victory in 1997, the Chesterfield Labour vote only increased by a mere 2.7%. This compares with a national improvement of 15.6% in Labour's vote. Whilst in Dennis Skinner's nearby seat of Bolsover, the comparative increase was 17.7%. In North East Derbyshire which is a huge "C" shape encircling Chesterfield, the improvement was 19.7%.
It was little wonder that the Liberal Democrats went on to capture the Chesterfield seat in 2001. Yet it should be one of the strongest Labour seats in Derbyshire.
What Bennism teaches us is that we need a left strategy in the Labour Party which is directed to both (1) winning elections and (b) re-opening the long and difficult road to socialism. Bennism might be fun for its participants, but it isn't serious politics
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Music : My Top Dozen
I am adding a set of music choices to my profile, by using a similar method to that which I used when selecting my top dozen books. I have first turned to my favourite singers, composers and (in one case) orchestra. Then I have selected what I see as the best work from each of these. This means that no-one appears twice and that something which has appealed to me from outside my list of "favourites" is excluded. But no list can be perfect.
Whilst my list of books was shaped by my experiences from when I was 12, I was a late developer with music. My mother had attempted to turn me into a pianist by purchasing a piano and sending me for lessons immediately after I failed what were then known as 11+ exams. Despite 4 years of this, it was never going to work as there was no tradition of serious music (or otherwise) in our home.
There is another difference between my book list and my music list. Although my wife reads as regularly as I do, I doubt if she has read one of the books I listed. Yet in my music list her name crops up again and again on shared experiences. She also, of course, has her own alternative musical priorities.
1. Bob Dylan, "Blowin' In The Wind". Just after we became interested in Bob Dylan's music, Ann and I went to one of his concerts in Sheffield. I was around 30 at the time. Whilst the first part of his concert was full of the folk and protest music which had attracted us to him, things changed dramatically after the interval towards a type of rock and roll which has never grabbed me - although I can accept much of Dylan's version now. But "Blowin' In The Wind" is from what I see as the best side of Bob Dylan.
2. Joan Baez, "We Shall Overcome". Although Joan was part of the early Bob Dylan world, she retains more of the old folk and protest tradition. Given her musical abilities, she is therefore a continuing heroin. But it is only since I have retired that Ann and I managed to catch one of her concerts. Again In Sheffield. The song I have selected by Joan also allows me to give a plug a recent Bruce Springfield CD/DVD which has the same overall title.
3. Woody Guthrie, "This Land Is Your Land". The early Bob Dylan was influenced by the works of Woody Guthrie. So I was soon destined to discover the master of them all in this folk and protest field. "This Land Is Your Land" tells us what America could be. Just as Leadbelly's "Bourgeois Blues" paints the other side. These two singers worked together for it was the same wavelength.
4. Alec Glasgow, "The Socialist ABC". As Alec Glasgow came from the North East, I was bound to absorb his output. "The Socialist ABC" became my own party piece. My most popular performance being for a group of Young Socialists from Germany, who were visiting my home town on a twinning arrangement. It was also a favourite at a Labour MPs' Xmas meal at a pub near the Commons. Alec Glasgow's classical piece is, however, "The Tyne Slides By" - as is recognised as such by this Wearsider. Again, Ann and I saw him in concert in Sheffield.
5. Dominic Behan, "The Red Flag" (to its Irish tune). At Labour Party Conferences, Ann and I invariably went to an Irish evening run by the Workers' Party (although they used a cover title). Dominic Behan appeared at a number of these with songs such as his "The Leaving Of Liverpool". The evening wasn't completed until he led us in "The Red Flag". If anyone knows how I can get hold of a copy of him singing this, please let me know. The Workers Party also toured Ann and myself around Belfast at the height of the troubles, when I was over to address one of their meetings.
6. Johnny Cash, "The Gambler". Johnny Cash seems to have grown in my estimation over time. Whilst some of his early work are his classics, I also admire his later contributions which have shown me that age is no barrier - even to blogging. "The Gambler" isn't, however, one of his own songs, it is by D. Schiltz. It just seems to me to fit both Johnny Cash and his philosophy of life.
I now move into my interests in classical music. I have not deliberately kept this section separate from the above. It is just that my interests in classical music tended to come to me late in my life. Thanks to the lad next door learning to play the drums, in my mid 40s I turned in desperation to Wagnerian-style classical music in an attempt to muffle the sound. This led me into a new world. Not all of it noisy.
7. Smetana, "Ma Vlast". Vltava from Ma Vlast is the first classical work which bowled me over. It also got me away from just listening to concerts in Sheffield. Ann and I were in Prague when we first heard the works of Smetana and another favourite Janacek in concerts. This included a move into opera with his "The Cunning Little Vixen" and also Verdi's "Aida".
8. Wagner, the climax of "Tristan and Isolde" with Waltraud Meier singing. I only hold this on a DVD, but have seen a fine performance by Waltraud Meier as Ortrud in Wagner's Lohengrin at Covent Garden. My serious introduction to the work of Wagner arose via the writings of Bryan Magee (see my book list). I read Magee's short, but fine "Aspects of Wagner" when I had only heard bits of the relevant music. But when in 2000, Magee produced a lengthy book on Wagner entitled "Wagner And Philosophy" I felt that I had to get some Wagner under my belt before I could read it. Ann and I were then off to see "Rhinegold" when in Berlin. And I soon moved to a CD and DVD collection of Wagner's Opera's which give me a full coverage.
9. Chopin, "Prelude in D Sharp Major op 28, No 15 (Raindrop)". In 1839, Chopin went to Majorca with George Sand and her children. They ended up in a former monks' cell in the winter dampness of Valldemosa. Some claim that he wrote "Raindrop" there. I like to think this is true. Valldemosa is great in the summer and Ann and I have visited it several times. We also had a fine evening with the Chopin Society in Warsaw, when Ann grabbed us the best seats to watch the pianist perform.
10. Beethoven, "Fidelio Overture, op 72". "Fidelio" is Beethoven's only Opera. It is as good an Opera as you can find and shows that one can hold to noble sentiments and be brilliant. It isn't only the devil and Wagner that have all the good tunes. Then I went on to listen to all that wonderful piano playing of Beethoven by Daniel Barenboim, whom (of course) Ann and I have recently been to see conduct at the Proms.
11. Mendelson, "Symphony No. 4 in A Major, op 90 (Italian)". I like the version on CD by Giuseppe Sinopoli conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra. Whilst in Vienna, Ann and I saw the Ballet based on Mendelson's version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream".
12. West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, "The Ramallah Concert" conducted by Daniel Barenboim. The establishment of a youthful and highly talented Jewish and Arab Orchestra by Daniel Barenboim and the late Palestinian writer Edward Said shows how music can heal and further tolerance and understanding. The DVD of the performance in Ramallah could not be more telling. The music is by Mozart, Beethoven and Elgar. You will see from above that I am a fan of Beethoven. Whilst Elgar would always make it into a larger squad of mine. Yet although I listen to numbers of pieces by Mozart, I would not normally select him. Barenboim once explained as to why I feel as I do. He said that Mozart was "childlike, but not childish". I think that it is the childlike quality which leaves him in my reserve team. The piece in the Ramallah Concert draws upon the skills of those playing the oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn. It is a fine contribution - but to me an expection to the rule on Mozart.
Whilst my list of books was shaped by my experiences from when I was 12, I was a late developer with music. My mother had attempted to turn me into a pianist by purchasing a piano and sending me for lessons immediately after I failed what were then known as 11+ exams. Despite 4 years of this, it was never going to work as there was no tradition of serious music (or otherwise) in our home.
There is another difference between my book list and my music list. Although my wife reads as regularly as I do, I doubt if she has read one of the books I listed. Yet in my music list her name crops up again and again on shared experiences. She also, of course, has her own alternative musical priorities.
1. Bob Dylan, "Blowin' In The Wind". Just after we became interested in Bob Dylan's music, Ann and I went to one of his concerts in Sheffield. I was around 30 at the time. Whilst the first part of his concert was full of the folk and protest music which had attracted us to him, things changed dramatically after the interval towards a type of rock and roll which has never grabbed me - although I can accept much of Dylan's version now. But "Blowin' In The Wind" is from what I see as the best side of Bob Dylan.
2. Joan Baez, "We Shall Overcome". Although Joan was part of the early Bob Dylan world, she retains more of the old folk and protest tradition. Given her musical abilities, she is therefore a continuing heroin. But it is only since I have retired that Ann and I managed to catch one of her concerts. Again In Sheffield. The song I have selected by Joan also allows me to give a plug a recent Bruce Springfield CD/DVD which has the same overall title.
3. Woody Guthrie, "This Land Is Your Land". The early Bob Dylan was influenced by the works of Woody Guthrie. So I was soon destined to discover the master of them all in this folk and protest field. "This Land Is Your Land" tells us what America could be. Just as Leadbelly's "Bourgeois Blues" paints the other side. These two singers worked together for it was the same wavelength.
4. Alec Glasgow, "The Socialist ABC". As Alec Glasgow came from the North East, I was bound to absorb his output. "The Socialist ABC" became my own party piece. My most popular performance being for a group of Young Socialists from Germany, who were visiting my home town on a twinning arrangement. It was also a favourite at a Labour MPs' Xmas meal at a pub near the Commons. Alec Glasgow's classical piece is, however, "The Tyne Slides By" - as is recognised as such by this Wearsider. Again, Ann and I saw him in concert in Sheffield.
5. Dominic Behan, "The Red Flag" (to its Irish tune). At Labour Party Conferences, Ann and I invariably went to an Irish evening run by the Workers' Party (although they used a cover title). Dominic Behan appeared at a number of these with songs such as his "The Leaving Of Liverpool". The evening wasn't completed until he led us in "The Red Flag". If anyone knows how I can get hold of a copy of him singing this, please let me know. The Workers Party also toured Ann and myself around Belfast at the height of the troubles, when I was over to address one of their meetings.
6. Johnny Cash, "The Gambler". Johnny Cash seems to have grown in my estimation over time. Whilst some of his early work are his classics, I also admire his later contributions which have shown me that age is no barrier - even to blogging. "The Gambler" isn't, however, one of his own songs, it is by D. Schiltz. It just seems to me to fit both Johnny Cash and his philosophy of life.
I now move into my interests in classical music. I have not deliberately kept this section separate from the above. It is just that my interests in classical music tended to come to me late in my life. Thanks to the lad next door learning to play the drums, in my mid 40s I turned in desperation to Wagnerian-style classical music in an attempt to muffle the sound. This led me into a new world. Not all of it noisy.
7. Smetana, "Ma Vlast". Vltava from Ma Vlast is the first classical work which bowled me over. It also got me away from just listening to concerts in Sheffield. Ann and I were in Prague when we first heard the works of Smetana and another favourite Janacek in concerts. This included a move into opera with his "The Cunning Little Vixen" and also Verdi's "Aida".
8. Wagner, the climax of "Tristan and Isolde" with Waltraud Meier singing. I only hold this on a DVD, but have seen a fine performance by Waltraud Meier as Ortrud in Wagner's Lohengrin at Covent Garden. My serious introduction to the work of Wagner arose via the writings of Bryan Magee (see my book list). I read Magee's short, but fine "Aspects of Wagner" when I had only heard bits of the relevant music. But when in 2000, Magee produced a lengthy book on Wagner entitled "Wagner And Philosophy" I felt that I had to get some Wagner under my belt before I could read it. Ann and I were then off to see "Rhinegold" when in Berlin. And I soon moved to a CD and DVD collection of Wagner's Opera's which give me a full coverage.
9. Chopin, "Prelude in D Sharp Major op 28, No 15 (Raindrop)". In 1839, Chopin went to Majorca with George Sand and her children. They ended up in a former monks' cell in the winter dampness of Valldemosa. Some claim that he wrote "Raindrop" there. I like to think this is true. Valldemosa is great in the summer and Ann and I have visited it several times. We also had a fine evening with the Chopin Society in Warsaw, when Ann grabbed us the best seats to watch the pianist perform.
10. Beethoven, "Fidelio Overture, op 72". "Fidelio" is Beethoven's only Opera. It is as good an Opera as you can find and shows that one can hold to noble sentiments and be brilliant. It isn't only the devil and Wagner that have all the good tunes. Then I went on to listen to all that wonderful piano playing of Beethoven by Daniel Barenboim, whom (of course) Ann and I have recently been to see conduct at the Proms.
11. Mendelson, "Symphony No. 4 in A Major, op 90 (Italian)". I like the version on CD by Giuseppe Sinopoli conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra. Whilst in Vienna, Ann and I saw the Ballet based on Mendelson's version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream".
12. West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, "The Ramallah Concert" conducted by Daniel Barenboim. The establishment of a youthful and highly talented Jewish and Arab Orchestra by Daniel Barenboim and the late Palestinian writer Edward Said shows how music can heal and further tolerance and understanding. The DVD of the performance in Ramallah could not be more telling. The music is by Mozart, Beethoven and Elgar. You will see from above that I am a fan of Beethoven. Whilst Elgar would always make it into a larger squad of mine. Yet although I listen to numbers of pieces by Mozart, I would not normally select him. Barenboim once explained as to why I feel as I do. He said that Mozart was "childlike, but not childish". I think that it is the childlike quality which leaves him in my reserve team. The piece in the Ramallah Concert draws upon the skills of those playing the oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn. It is a fine contribution - but to me an expection to the rule on Mozart.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Why At Least A Million Are Missing From Electoral Registers
Are the BBC Correct?
Today on her blog, Louise Baldock throws doubt upon a BBC claim that a million people will be missing from electoral registers if a General Election is called in the near future. I think that she is mistaken.
She feels that the BBC's claim fails to take account of the system of rolling electoral registration which was introduced under legislation in 2000. This enables people who move, to transfer their registration to their new locality without having to wait for the annual update of the electoral registers.
When I was an MP I was fully involved in the events which led up to the introduction of rolling electoral registers. Jack Staw was the Minister responsible for the Bill and he stated that the measure would probably never have been introduced but for my efforts.
What Is The Problem?
But whilst the rolling register is an improvement, it does not tackle the core of the problem of non-registration. For those already registered, it is essentially a passive system which requires a person who moves to take the initiative in achieving the transfer of their registration. It is possible to imagine a much more pro-active set of arrangements being put in place to ensure this end.
There is, however, a much bigger problem which needs to be tackled about under-registration. Large numbers of people don't register to vote in the first place. So the rolling register does not aid them. This occurs in poorer areas, including those settled by ethic minorities. It is also prevalent in areas where people move about in a rootless way and often depend on bed-sitter accommodation.
Again we need a pro-active system to trace and register the BBC's missing million. Full canvassing by electoral registration officers needs to become the norm. A compulsory Identity Card system could also be constructed in ways to tackle the problem.
It May Be Worse Than The BBC Are Claiming.
When I was an MP, I periodically used the excellent facilities of the Commons Library to gain accurate estimates of the extent (and areas) of under-registration. I no longer have access to this service. But from my past experiences, I feel that the BBC figure of a missing million is likely to be a modest one.
Unfortunately, my efforts to amend the Bill in 2000 to take account of the above factors failed. But until this serious gap in our electoral registration system in filled, we will not have achieved the major objective of the Chartists and the Suffragettes.
Today on her blog, Louise Baldock throws doubt upon a BBC claim that a million people will be missing from electoral registers if a General Election is called in the near future. I think that she is mistaken.
She feels that the BBC's claim fails to take account of the system of rolling electoral registration which was introduced under legislation in 2000. This enables people who move, to transfer their registration to their new locality without having to wait for the annual update of the electoral registers.
When I was an MP I was fully involved in the events which led up to the introduction of rolling electoral registers. Jack Staw was the Minister responsible for the Bill and he stated that the measure would probably never have been introduced but for my efforts.
What Is The Problem?
But whilst the rolling register is an improvement, it does not tackle the core of the problem of non-registration. For those already registered, it is essentially a passive system which requires a person who moves to take the initiative in achieving the transfer of their registration. It is possible to imagine a much more pro-active set of arrangements being put in place to ensure this end.
There is, however, a much bigger problem which needs to be tackled about under-registration. Large numbers of people don't register to vote in the first place. So the rolling register does not aid them. This occurs in poorer areas, including those settled by ethic minorities. It is also prevalent in areas where people move about in a rootless way and often depend on bed-sitter accommodation.
Again we need a pro-active system to trace and register the BBC's missing million. Full canvassing by electoral registration officers needs to become the norm. A compulsory Identity Card system could also be constructed in ways to tackle the problem.
It May Be Worse Than The BBC Are Claiming.
When I was an MP, I periodically used the excellent facilities of the Commons Library to gain accurate estimates of the extent (and areas) of under-registration. I no longer have access to this service. But from my past experiences, I feel that the BBC figure of a missing million is likely to be a modest one.
Unfortunately, my efforts to amend the Bill in 2000 to take account of the above factors failed. But until this serious gap in our electoral registration system in filled, we will not have achieved the major objective of the Chartists and the Suffragettes.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
My Top Dozen Books
I have just added a list of favourite books to my profile. They are, in fact, the favourite books from each category of my favourite writers and they appear in the order in which I first read them. I list them below, with explanations as to why they are included.
1. John Buchan "John Macnab". At 12 the first novel I read which wasn't aimed at just a children's market was his "Mr. Standfast". In the next few years I bought and read many of John Buchan's works. To me John Macnab was the best. So Buchan started me into serious reading.
2. George Bernard Shaw "Man and Superman" (including the preface). From around 15, on my way to Sunderland football matches I started to purchase the Penguin editions of Shaw's plays. I started to visit the Theatre and enjoyed reading plays. Later I discovered Shaw's novels and his specifically political writings.
3. William Shakespeare "Hamlet". When I was 17 I went to the Theatre Royal at Newcastle and saw Richard Burton in both Hamlet and Twelfth Night. When I then undertook my National Service at 18, I purchased a book entitled "The Complete Works of Shakespeare" in Basra and continued with my habit of reading plays.
4. James Joyce "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man". During my National Service I was introduced to the works of James Joyce by a fellow airman, a Irishman called Murphy. He was an atheist. Many years later as an MP, I came to take a keen interest in matters on the island of Ireland.
5. GDH Cole "World Socialism Restated". I came across GDH Cole's writings in the forces in Iraq when I started reading the air-mail editions of the New Statesman. He wrote regularly in that weekly. Although he wrote numerous books, the work of his which I have selected is a New Statesman pamphlet first published in July 1956. After my National Service, I went to hear GDH at the setting up of the International Society for Socialist Studies (ISSS) at a Conference in London which was held 50 years ago. His pamphlet was influential in the move to establish this body. Unfortunately, the ISSS only survived for a short period - see here. His most lasting works are his early ones advocating Guild Socialism and his later five volumes of "A History of Socialist Thought".
6. John Stuart Mill "On Liberty". When I went to study full time as an adult at Ruskin College, the subject which influenced me the most was Political Theory as taught by Jay Blumler. The best essay I wrote was probably about "On Liberty".
7. Karl Marx and Frederick Engels "Manifesto of the Communist Party". I also first read this whilst studying at Ruskin and then started to examine Marxist writings. Other giants of political thought whom I then read included Rousseau, Locke and Hobbes.
8. George Orwell "Homage to Catalonia". Whilst I started to read Orwell before going to Ruskin, I first read what I feel is his greatest book just after leaving College. It is an account of his experiences as a militiaman in the Spanish Civil War. He moves between the military struggle against fascism and the internal political struggle against Communism.
9. David Hume, especially "Hume on Religion" as selected by Richard Wollheim. After Ruskin I moved on to Hull University to study Politics and Philosophy. In the first year I also undertook American Studies, which introduced me to some fine American Literature. And whilst there was plenty that was new in my politics reading, it was Philosophy which was opening up new horizons. I have picked out an area of David Hume's fine writings. There were, of course, many others who I was introduced to and have turned to since including Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, Russell and (see next) Wittgenstein.
10. Ludwig Wittgenstein "Philosophical Investigations". Wittgenstein's language analysis dominated the form of philosophy I studied at Hull. I now feel that this concentration was restrictive. I am, however, happy to included his major work here, even though it was mainly a repudiation of his only other work "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus": especially as I have a bookshelf of works about Wittgenstein.
11. Bryan Magee "Confessions of a Philosopher". It was after University when I properly came across the works of Bryan Magee, I now read whatever he produces. Whether it is on philosophy, politics, Wagner or the work-in-progress on his full autobiography that has so-far produced two volumes. Although he is a former Labour MP who defected to the Social Democrats, it is due to his influence that I now have CD's of all Wagner's Operas and DVD's of most - even though I know that Wagner was a terrible person and a fascist to boot. Wagner and Magee also both have had an interest in the Philosopher I list next.
12. Arthur Schopenhauer "On the Fourfold Root of the Principle of Sufficient Reason". In dealing with the question of causation, Schopenhauer provides a serious intellectual challenge to David Hume. That is saying something. Like Wagner he had his faults, as he was sexist. But as with Wagner, when you know a person's serious failings it is still possible to appreciate their positive contributions.
1. John Buchan "John Macnab". At 12 the first novel I read which wasn't aimed at just a children's market was his "Mr. Standfast". In the next few years I bought and read many of John Buchan's works. To me John Macnab was the best. So Buchan started me into serious reading.
2. George Bernard Shaw "Man and Superman" (including the preface). From around 15, on my way to Sunderland football matches I started to purchase the Penguin editions of Shaw's plays. I started to visit the Theatre and enjoyed reading plays. Later I discovered Shaw's novels and his specifically political writings.
3. William Shakespeare "Hamlet". When I was 17 I went to the Theatre Royal at Newcastle and saw Richard Burton in both Hamlet and Twelfth Night. When I then undertook my National Service at 18, I purchased a book entitled "The Complete Works of Shakespeare" in Basra and continued with my habit of reading plays.
4. James Joyce "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man". During my National Service I was introduced to the works of James Joyce by a fellow airman, a Irishman called Murphy. He was an atheist. Many years later as an MP, I came to take a keen interest in matters on the island of Ireland.
5. GDH Cole "World Socialism Restated". I came across GDH Cole's writings in the forces in Iraq when I started reading the air-mail editions of the New Statesman. He wrote regularly in that weekly. Although he wrote numerous books, the work of his which I have selected is a New Statesman pamphlet first published in July 1956. After my National Service, I went to hear GDH at the setting up of the International Society for Socialist Studies (ISSS) at a Conference in London which was held 50 years ago. His pamphlet was influential in the move to establish this body. Unfortunately, the ISSS only survived for a short period - see here. His most lasting works are his early ones advocating Guild Socialism and his later five volumes of "A History of Socialist Thought".
6. John Stuart Mill "On Liberty". When I went to study full time as an adult at Ruskin College, the subject which influenced me the most was Political Theory as taught by Jay Blumler. The best essay I wrote was probably about "On Liberty".
7. Karl Marx and Frederick Engels "Manifesto of the Communist Party". I also first read this whilst studying at Ruskin and then started to examine Marxist writings. Other giants of political thought whom I then read included Rousseau, Locke and Hobbes.
8. George Orwell "Homage to Catalonia". Whilst I started to read Orwell before going to Ruskin, I first read what I feel is his greatest book just after leaving College. It is an account of his experiences as a militiaman in the Spanish Civil War. He moves between the military struggle against fascism and the internal political struggle against Communism.
9. David Hume, especially "Hume on Religion" as selected by Richard Wollheim. After Ruskin I moved on to Hull University to study Politics and Philosophy. In the first year I also undertook American Studies, which introduced me to some fine American Literature. And whilst there was plenty that was new in my politics reading, it was Philosophy which was opening up new horizons. I have picked out an area of David Hume's fine writings. There were, of course, many others who I was introduced to and have turned to since including Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, Russell and (see next) Wittgenstein.
10. Ludwig Wittgenstein "Philosophical Investigations". Wittgenstein's language analysis dominated the form of philosophy I studied at Hull. I now feel that this concentration was restrictive. I am, however, happy to included his major work here, even though it was mainly a repudiation of his only other work "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus": especially as I have a bookshelf of works about Wittgenstein.
11. Bryan Magee "Confessions of a Philosopher". It was after University when I properly came across the works of Bryan Magee, I now read whatever he produces. Whether it is on philosophy, politics, Wagner or the work-in-progress on his full autobiography that has so-far produced two volumes. Although he is a former Labour MP who defected to the Social Democrats, it is due to his influence that I now have CD's of all Wagner's Operas and DVD's of most - even though I know that Wagner was a terrible person and a fascist to boot. Wagner and Magee also both have had an interest in the Philosopher I list next.
12. Arthur Schopenhauer "On the Fourfold Root of the Principle of Sufficient Reason". In dealing with the question of causation, Schopenhauer provides a serious intellectual challenge to David Hume. That is saying something. Like Wagner he had his faults, as he was sexist. But as with Wagner, when you know a person's serious failings it is still possible to appreciate their positive contributions.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Death In Iraq
There are indications that civilian killings in Iraq decreased by 50% in September. Yet it still reached a figure of 844, plus 78 police officers and Iraqi soldiers. Some 70 Coalition troops also lost their lives. Such deaths are currently down to "only" 30 a day.
The hideous methods used in murdering people is shown here for terrorists (but note the warning) and for mercenaries here.
On the Congressional investigation into the Blackwater Security Company, see here.
The hideous methods used in murdering people is shown here for terrorists (but note the warning) and for mercenaries here.
On the Congressional investigation into the Blackwater Security Company, see here.
Monday, October 01, 2007
One Blogging Oasis After Another
Suddenly we have links galore to political bloggers.
Iain Dale has now come up with his 500 top political bloggers - although only 300 appear here. You have to buy his book to get to the rest.
The fine service provided by Grant at "Political Opinions" is back up and running in a slightly modified form. It provides some 650 links.
Then "Socialist Unity" has come up with links to 101 top left bloggers, which is a valuable addition to Iain Dale's earlier 100 top left of centre blogs.
The fears I expressed in an item I posted entitled "A Blogging Desert" are almost overcome. All we need is an end to the block which Usmanov has placed on the operation of Craig Murray's blog. Chicken Yoghurt not only described this development, but produced his own list of links to most of the blogs who have campaigned on behalf of Craig Murray and others - currently providing another 302 links.
Even allowing for many similar links cropping up again and again, there must be around 1,000 separate links in the above lists. They should provide a few favourites.
Iain Dale has now come up with his 500 top political bloggers - although only 300 appear here. You have to buy his book to get to the rest.
The fine service provided by Grant at "Political Opinions" is back up and running in a slightly modified form. It provides some 650 links.
Then "Socialist Unity" has come up with links to 101 top left bloggers, which is a valuable addition to Iain Dale's earlier 100 top left of centre blogs.
The fears I expressed in an item I posted entitled "A Blogging Desert" are almost overcome. All we need is an end to the block which Usmanov has placed on the operation of Craig Murray's blog. Chicken Yoghurt not only described this development, but produced his own list of links to most of the blogs who have campaigned on behalf of Craig Murray and others - currently providing another 302 links.
Even allowing for many similar links cropping up again and again, there must be around 1,000 separate links in the above lists. They should provide a few favourites.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Umdumo Wesizwe
Yesterday on Fargate in Sheffield, I had the good fortune to sit down in the open air with my wife just as a busking-style performance commenced directly in front of us by the above group from Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. Having already given performances in the area at Buxton, Barnsley and Sheffield they are due to gives further performances at October's Black History Month at Sheffield Hallam University.
We bought a copy of their CD "nqi ngqo..." (i.e. the sound made by the ringing of a bell) which I am listening to as I post this item. A taster can be found on their web-site here.
Umdumo Wesizwe show what a fine country Zimbabwe can become if it is given half a chance.
We bought a copy of their CD "nqi ngqo..." (i.e. the sound made by the ringing of a bell) which I am listening to as I post this item. A taster can be found on their web-site here.
Umdumo Wesizwe show what a fine country Zimbabwe can become if it is given half a chance.
Counting In Afghanistan
Things have been peculiar with this blog over the past few days. I have just noticed that my profile has been claiming that I am an Accountant living in Afghanistan. So I have moved back into retirement in the United Kingdom. I hope there are no more outstanding problems. The glitches are, of course, due to the fact that "a" is the first letter in the alphabet.
Friday, September 28, 2007
That Man From Iran
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Can International Islam Resolve The Dilemma of Iraq?
The Badr Brigade and the Mehdi Army have been major disruptive forces based in the Shia areas of Iraq. They cover some 65,000 combatants and have directed themselves against (a) Coalition Forces, (b) the Sunni (especially those elements who are themselves organised into a variety of competing terrorists groups), and (c) each other. They have also infiltrated the Iraqi administration and what should be its forces of law and order.
The religious leader of the Shia in Iraq is the Grand Ayatollah Al al-Sistani. He has often seemed to be a respected figure in the background as the men of violence gained our attention. But there are periods at which his position comes very much to the fore. This started soon after the invasion when he issued a fatwa against Bremer's proposals to have the Iraqi Constitution written by outsiders. He stressed the need to transfer power to Iraqis as soon as possible.
He has now made a welcome appeal to Shiite tribal leaders to leave aside their divisions with the Sunni. His voice is widely revered.
Furthermore Shiite and Sunni tribal chiefs are said to be pondering the possibility of forming an alliance against terrorism around the 10 point "Mecca Document" which has emerged from the Organisation of the Islamic Conference which represents all 57 Islamic Nations. I have stressed this body's potential in the recent past.
The Mecca Document also has the approval of Sistani. He has also today had a significant meeting with the Sunni Vice-President of Iraq.
It would be quite something if it was International Islam who made the major move to give the Iraqi people the decent future they need.
The religious leader of the Shia in Iraq is the Grand Ayatollah Al al-Sistani. He has often seemed to be a respected figure in the background as the men of violence gained our attention. But there are periods at which his position comes very much to the fore. This started soon after the invasion when he issued a fatwa against Bremer's proposals to have the Iraqi Constitution written by outsiders. He stressed the need to transfer power to Iraqis as soon as possible.
He has now made a welcome appeal to Shiite tribal leaders to leave aside their divisions with the Sunni. His voice is widely revered.
Furthermore Shiite and Sunni tribal chiefs are said to be pondering the possibility of forming an alliance against terrorism around the 10 point "Mecca Document" which has emerged from the Organisation of the Islamic Conference which represents all 57 Islamic Nations. I have stressed this body's potential in the recent past.
The Mecca Document also has the approval of Sistani. He has also today had a significant meeting with the Sunni Vice-President of Iraq.
It would be quite something if it was International Islam who made the major move to give the Iraqi people the decent future they need.
6-5, Then And Now
I regret not making Sheffield FC's cup game at home to Gresley Rovers on Tuesday evening. It was a 5-5 draw at full time and Sheffield went on to grab the winner in extra time. Here is a report of what I missed.
When I was a youngster of 14 I remember being in the lengthy queue at a shop at Easington Colliery waiting for copies of the Football Echo to arrive by van from Sunderland to read about Sunderland's 6-5 defeat at Derby County. I remember someone moaning about the result as it meant we had fallen to 19th in the old First Division, which contained 22 teams in those days. Yet I thought that scoring 5 in a match could not all be bad.
The report said that Dicky Davis was unlucky not to get a late equaliser which would have given him a hat-trick. Besides we were handicapped, Shackleton wasn't in our team due to injury.
Things picked up as the season progressed. Sunderland got to the quarter finals of the FA Cup, losing in a reply at Wolves. In a cup game against Norwich, the great Willie Watson scored the best goal I ever saw at Sunderland's old ground at Roker Park. We also rose to end up 13th in League.
So even though I missed out on Tuesday, the result still revived memories from 57 years ago - with the help of a notebook I used to keep on our games. Unfortunately, it was probably these experiences of Saturday's game which deterred me from seeing Tuesday night's football feast.
When I was a youngster of 14 I remember being in the lengthy queue at a shop at Easington Colliery waiting for copies of the Football Echo to arrive by van from Sunderland to read about Sunderland's 6-5 defeat at Derby County. I remember someone moaning about the result as it meant we had fallen to 19th in the old First Division, which contained 22 teams in those days. Yet I thought that scoring 5 in a match could not all be bad.
The report said that Dicky Davis was unlucky not to get a late equaliser which would have given him a hat-trick. Besides we were handicapped, Shackleton wasn't in our team due to injury.
Things picked up as the season progressed. Sunderland got to the quarter finals of the FA Cup, losing in a reply at Wolves. In a cup game against Norwich, the great Willie Watson scored the best goal I ever saw at Sunderland's old ground at Roker Park. We also rose to end up 13th in League.
So even though I missed out on Tuesday, the result still revived memories from 57 years ago - with the help of a notebook I used to keep on our games. Unfortunately, it was probably these experiences of Saturday's game which deterred me from seeing Tuesday night's football feast.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Iraq : Which Troops Should Get Out?
The article I posted in July on Iraqi Trade Unions was subsequently covered in Harry's Place and this led to a lengthy debate in its comment box. As a consequence of the debate and under pointed questioning, I came to clarify my position about whether to have foreign troops in Iraq.
I argued (a) for the removal of mercenaries and (b) the replacement of Coalition forces by troops from Islamic nations (other than the nations surrounding Iraq). On the later it needs to be remembered that more than half of the world's Muslims forces live in South and South East Asia; whilst Islam is the world's second largest religion and isn't dominated by political extremists.
Since I represented my case the urgent need for point (a) has been furthered by the Blackwater's disgraceful operations in Iraq. I then dealt with this matter here, here, here, here, and here. The case for the replacement of American troops (in particular) is now advanced HERE. For such acts are in the style of Blackwater themselves.
I argued (a) for the removal of mercenaries and (b) the replacement of Coalition forces by troops from Islamic nations (other than the nations surrounding Iraq). On the later it needs to be remembered that more than half of the world's Muslims forces live in South and South East Asia; whilst Islam is the world's second largest religion and isn't dominated by political extremists.
Since I represented my case the urgent need for point (a) has been furthered by the Blackwater's disgraceful operations in Iraq. I then dealt with this matter here, here, here, here, and here. The case for the replacement of American troops (in particular) is now advanced HERE. For such acts are in the style of Blackwater themselves.
Football In A Time Warp
Is There Anybody There?
Sheffield FC's home game against Warrington Town on Saturday initially looked as if it would never start. Later it felt as if it would never end.
I had settled in my place at the ground just before the scheduled kick-off of 3 pm. A few Sheffield players were aimlessly kicking a ball around, but the strips they were wearing weren't the ones they use on match days.
Eventually, an announcement informed us that the Warrington team's bus was delayed. Around 3.10 pm we were told that it had now turned up and the match would start at 3.35 pm. Yet immediately a couple of their players rushed on the pitch to get some practice in. Perhaps they were an advance guard who had arrived by car.
Where Were You At 3 O'clock?
As matters finally got underway eight young men displaying a Sheffield FC banner were stood at the back of the small seated section whilst hammering the metal shelter with their hands. They shouted "Sheffield! Sheffield! Sheffield!" and then "Yorkshire! Yorkshire! Yorkshire!". They only dropped the later chant when it was pointed out to them that the home ground they were situated in is actually in "Derbyshire! Derbyshire! Derbyshire!".
They then took to shouting "Where Were You A 3 O'clock" at the Warrington team. This wasn't the wisest tactic as Warrington responded by almost scoring precisely at 4 O'clock.
Against The Run Of Play
Initially, Warrington seemed to be suffering from jet-lag, but then Sheffield began to look as if the long wait from the kick-off had overcome them.
It took almost 20 minutes for the game to come to life. Sheffield striker Vill Powell suddenly went into overdrive - smashing shots past the post, missing clear chances and setting up others who failed to take advantage of their opportunities. It was all goal chances and corners for Sheffield.
So the inevitable happened, Chris Moore of Warrington scored from a half-chance after 37 Minutes. His team led 1-0 at half-time.
Dug Out And Dug In
I dashed to the Coach and Horses for my half-time pint, but the delayed start must have wrong-footed the bar staff. Initially, there was only one person serving to deal with the crush at the bar.
Inevitably, I was late back for the second half. But being late was the order of the day.
Ten minutes into the second half, the referee fell to the ground. On rushed our trainer and eventually the referee was helped off the pitch. He was replaced by an Assistant Referee, but there was another hold-up as it had to be sorted out who would then substitute for the Assistant Referee for his line duties.
When someone emerged from what seemed to be the Sheffield dug-out on the far side of the pitch to undertake the task, it was decided to swap his place with the Assistant running the line on our side of the pitch which housed the Warrington dug-out. Presumably, they could keep an eye on what he was up to.
As you can imagine, this all took a considerable amount of time. But by now I had lost count.
When Will It Ever End?
The game lasted that long that the weather kept alternating between heavy rain and bright sunshine. For the last 10 minutes, the foodlights had to be switched on. I had to ring my wife on my mobile to tell her I might not be back until supper-time.
Although the game went on and on, Sheffield could not get the equaliser and the substitute referee finally blow the whistle at 5.38 pm. I think that he actually ended the match a little early. No doubt Warrington had a bus to catch.
Even so, the game ended a good 45 minutes after what would normally have been the case. It was as if we had played a third-half.
Before I caught a bus back up Wreakes Lane, there was just time to slip back into the Coach and Horses who now had a full bar staff. When I got home I discovered that my other team, Sunderland had managed what Sheffield FC didn't - a late equaliser. But then Sunderland hadn't been placed in a time warp.
Tonight Sheffield FC have a home Cup game which is scheduled for a 7.45 pm kick-off. I am in two minds whether to go. After all what if the Gresley Town's bus is late, the game might drag on way past my bed-time.
Crowd 280 - Click here for the authorised version of the Club's report.
Sheffield FC's home game against Warrington Town on Saturday initially looked as if it would never start. Later it felt as if it would never end.
I had settled in my place at the ground just before the scheduled kick-off of 3 pm. A few Sheffield players were aimlessly kicking a ball around, but the strips they were wearing weren't the ones they use on match days.
Eventually, an announcement informed us that the Warrington team's bus was delayed. Around 3.10 pm we were told that it had now turned up and the match would start at 3.35 pm. Yet immediately a couple of their players rushed on the pitch to get some practice in. Perhaps they were an advance guard who had arrived by car.
Where Were You At 3 O'clock?
As matters finally got underway eight young men displaying a Sheffield FC banner were stood at the back of the small seated section whilst hammering the metal shelter with their hands. They shouted "Sheffield! Sheffield! Sheffield!" and then "Yorkshire! Yorkshire! Yorkshire!". They only dropped the later chant when it was pointed out to them that the home ground they were situated in is actually in "Derbyshire! Derbyshire! Derbyshire!".
They then took to shouting "Where Were You A 3 O'clock" at the Warrington team. This wasn't the wisest tactic as Warrington responded by almost scoring precisely at 4 O'clock.
Against The Run Of Play
Initially, Warrington seemed to be suffering from jet-lag, but then Sheffield began to look as if the long wait from the kick-off had overcome them.
It took almost 20 minutes for the game to come to life. Sheffield striker Vill Powell suddenly went into overdrive - smashing shots past the post, missing clear chances and setting up others who failed to take advantage of their opportunities. It was all goal chances and corners for Sheffield.
So the inevitable happened, Chris Moore of Warrington scored from a half-chance after 37 Minutes. His team led 1-0 at half-time.
Dug Out And Dug In
I dashed to the Coach and Horses for my half-time pint, but the delayed start must have wrong-footed the bar staff. Initially, there was only one person serving to deal with the crush at the bar.
Inevitably, I was late back for the second half. But being late was the order of the day.
Ten minutes into the second half, the referee fell to the ground. On rushed our trainer and eventually the referee was helped off the pitch. He was replaced by an Assistant Referee, but there was another hold-up as it had to be sorted out who would then substitute for the Assistant Referee for his line duties.
When someone emerged from what seemed to be the Sheffield dug-out on the far side of the pitch to undertake the task, it was decided to swap his place with the Assistant running the line on our side of the pitch which housed the Warrington dug-out. Presumably, they could keep an eye on what he was up to.
As you can imagine, this all took a considerable amount of time. But by now I had lost count.
When Will It Ever End?
The game lasted that long that the weather kept alternating between heavy rain and bright sunshine. For the last 10 minutes, the foodlights had to be switched on. I had to ring my wife on my mobile to tell her I might not be back until supper-time.
Although the game went on and on, Sheffield could not get the equaliser and the substitute referee finally blow the whistle at 5.38 pm. I think that he actually ended the match a little early. No doubt Warrington had a bus to catch.
Even so, the game ended a good 45 minutes after what would normally have been the case. It was as if we had played a third-half.
Before I caught a bus back up Wreakes Lane, there was just time to slip back into the Coach and Horses who now had a full bar staff. When I got home I discovered that my other team, Sunderland had managed what Sheffield FC didn't - a late equaliser. But then Sunderland hadn't been placed in a time warp.
Tonight Sheffield FC have a home Cup game which is scheduled for a 7.45 pm kick-off. I am in two minds whether to go. After all what if the Gresley Town's bus is late, the game might drag on way past my bed-time.
Crowd 280 - Click here for the authorised version of the Club's report.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Great News From Grant
Grant has placed the following welcome news in my comment box. We are all in his debt.
Monday, September 24, 2007 4:58:00 PM, Political Opinions said...
Harry, largely thanks to your blog and the support received from other blogs and emails - I have decided to restart the Political Opinions site - albeit with a few modifications - I no longer hold articles for more than 30 days and no longer display the first 250 characters of an article - just the title.
Thanks,
Grant
Monday, September 24, 2007 4:58:00 PM, Political Opinions said...
Harry, largely thanks to your blog and the support received from other blogs and emails - I have decided to restart the Political Opinions site - albeit with a few modifications - I no longer hold articles for more than 30 days and no longer display the first 250 characters of an article - just the title.
Thanks,
Grant
Top 100 Left Of Centre Blogs
Here is Iain Dale's list, with links.. I have moved up from 70th position to 21st. All I now need are legal threats from Usmanov to get rid of the 20 above me! Oh, Sorry Bob!
For his other lists see elsewhere on Iain Dale's blog.
NOTE
This is the 200th item I have posted on this blog. But see item 201 above for the big celebration.
For his other lists see elsewhere on Iain Dale's blog.
NOTE
This is the 200th item I have posted on this blog. But see item 201 above for the big celebration.
Our Pipe Line Is Back
Good News. Bob Piper's Blog is up and running again. He had been caught up in the obnoxious legal threat issued on behalf of Usmanov (the would-be owner of Arsenal) which stopped the the operation of the sites run by Craig Murray and Tim Ireland. Unfortunately, Craig and Tim's sites are still down.
Bob provides an invaluable list of links in the first item he posted upon his return. Given the ending of Grant's site "Political Opinions", Bob's links are well worth keeping.
The return of Bob, plus his list means that the Blogging Desert which I referred to earlier shows signs of containing an oasis. There is an old Persian saying which comes to mind - "as long as the roots of the plant are in the water there is still hope." Welcome back, Bob.
UPDATE
Bob tells me his list comes from the site entitled Chicken Yoghurt, which provides a great service by even facilitating PC illiterates like myself to reproduce the following -
Curious Hamster, Pickled Politics, Harry’s Place, Tim Worstall, Dizzy, Iain Dale, Ten Percent, Blairwatch, Davide Simonetti, Earthquake Cove, Turbulent Cleric (who suggests dropping a line to the FA about Mr Usmanov), Mike Power, Jailhouse Lawyer, Suesam, Devil’s Kitchen, The Cartoonist, Falco, Casualty Monitor, Forever Expat, Arseblog, Drink-soaked Trots (and another), Pitch Invasion, Wonko’s World, Roll A Monkey, Caroline Hunt, Westminster Wisdom, Chris K, Anorak, Mediawatchwatch, Norfolk Blogger, Chris Paul, Indymedia (with a list of Craig Murray’s articles that are currently unavailable), Obsolete, Tom Watson, Cynical Chatter, Reactionary Snob, Mr Eugenides, Matthew Sinclair, The Select Society, Liberal England, Davblog, Peter Gasston Pitch Perfect, Adelaide Green Porridge Cafe, Lunartalks, Tygerland, The Crossed Pond, Our Kingdom, Big Daddy Merk, Daily Mail Watch, Graeme’s, Random Thoughts, Nosemonkey, Matt Wardman, Politics in the Zeros, Love and Garbage, The Huntsman, Conservative Party Reptile, Ellee Seymour, Sabretache, Not A Sheep, Bartholomew’s Notes on Religion, The People’s Republic Of Newport, Life, the Universe & Everything, Arsenal Transfer Rumour Mill, The Green Ribbon, Blood & Treasure, The Last Ditch, Areopagitica, Football in Finland, An Englishman’s Castle, Freeborn John, Eursoc, The Back Four, Rebellion Suck!, Ministry of Truth, ModernityBlog, Beau Bo D’Or, Scots and Independent, The Splund, Bill Cameron, Podnosh, Dodgeblogium, Moving Target, Serious Golmal, Goonerholic, The Spine, Zero Point Nine, Lenin’s Tomb, The Durruti Column, The Bristol Blogger, ArseNews, David Lindsay, Quaequam Blog!, On A Quiet Day…, Kathz’s Blog, England Expects, Theo Spark, Duncan Borrowman, Senn’s Blog, Katykins, Jewcy, Kevin Maguire, Stumbling and Mumbling, Famous for 15 megapixels, Ordovicius, Tom Morris, AOL Fanhouse, Doctor Vee, The Curmudgeonly, The Poor Mouth, 1820, Hangbitch, Crooked Timber, ArseNole, Identity Unknown, Liberty Alone, Amused Cynicism, Clairwil, The Lone Voice, Tampon Teabag, Unoriginalname38, Special/Blown It, The Remittance Man, 18 Doughty Street, Laban Tall, Martin Bright, Spy Blog The Exile, poons, Jangliss, Who Knows Where Thoughts Come From?, Imagined Community, A Pint of Unionist Lite, Poldraw, Disillusioned And Bored, Error Gorilla, Indigo Jo, Swiss Metablog, Kate Garnwen Truemors, Asn14, D-Notice, The Judge, Political Penguin, Miserable Old Fart, Jottings, fridgemagnet, Blah Blah Flowers, J. Arthur MacNumpty, Tony Hatfield, Grendel, Charlie Whitaker, Matt Buck, The Waendel Journal, Marginalized Action Dinosaur, SoccerLens, Toblog, John Brissenden East Lower, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Peter Black AM, Boing Boing, BLTP, Gunnerblog, LFB UK, Liberal Revolution, Wombles, Focus on Sodbury…, Follow The Money, Freedom and Whisky, Melting Man, PoliticalHackUK, Simon Says…, Daily EM, From The Barrel of a Gun, The Fourth Place, The Armchair News Blog, Journalist und Optimist, Bristol Indymedia, Dave Weeden, Up North John, Gizmonaut, Spin and Spinners, Marginalia, Arnique, Heather Yaxley, The Whiskey Priest, On The Beat, Paul Canning, Martin Stabe, Mat Bowles, Pigdogfucker, Rachel North, B3TA board, Naqniq, Yorkshire Ranter, The Home Of Football, UFO Breakfast Recipients, Moninski , Kerching, e-clectig, Mediocracy, Sicily Scene, Samizdata, I blog, they blog, weblog, Colcam, Some Random Thoughts, Bel is thinking, Vino S, Simply Jews, Atlantic Free Press, Registan, Filasteen, Britblog Roundup #136, Scientific Misconduct Blog, Adam Bowie, Duncan at Abcol, Camera Anguish, A Very British Dude, Whatever, Central News, Green Gathering, Leighton Cooke (224).
Bob provides an invaluable list of links in the first item he posted upon his return. Given the ending of Grant's site "Political Opinions", Bob's links are well worth keeping.
The return of Bob, plus his list means that the Blogging Desert which I referred to earlier shows signs of containing an oasis. There is an old Persian saying which comes to mind - "as long as the roots of the plant are in the water there is still hope." Welcome back, Bob.
UPDATE
Bob tells me his list comes from the site entitled Chicken Yoghurt, which provides a great service by even facilitating PC illiterates like myself to reproduce the following -
Curious Hamster, Pickled Politics, Harry’s Place, Tim Worstall, Dizzy, Iain Dale, Ten Percent, Blairwatch, Davide Simonetti, Earthquake Cove, Turbulent Cleric (who suggests dropping a line to the FA about Mr Usmanov), Mike Power, Jailhouse Lawyer, Suesam, Devil’s Kitchen, The Cartoonist, Falco, Casualty Monitor, Forever Expat, Arseblog, Drink-soaked Trots (and another), Pitch Invasion, Wonko’s World, Roll A Monkey, Caroline Hunt, Westminster Wisdom, Chris K, Anorak, Mediawatchwatch, Norfolk Blogger, Chris Paul, Indymedia (with a list of Craig Murray’s articles that are currently unavailable), Obsolete, Tom Watson, Cynical Chatter, Reactionary Snob, Mr Eugenides, Matthew Sinclair, The Select Society, Liberal England, Davblog, Peter Gasston Pitch Perfect, Adelaide Green Porridge Cafe, Lunartalks, Tygerland, The Crossed Pond, Our Kingdom, Big Daddy Merk, Daily Mail Watch, Graeme’s, Random Thoughts, Nosemonkey, Matt Wardman, Politics in the Zeros, Love and Garbage, The Huntsman, Conservative Party Reptile, Ellee Seymour, Sabretache, Not A Sheep, Bartholomew’s Notes on Religion, The People’s Republic Of Newport, Life, the Universe & Everything, Arsenal Transfer Rumour Mill, The Green Ribbon, Blood & Treasure, The Last Ditch, Areopagitica, Football in Finland, An Englishman’s Castle, Freeborn John, Eursoc, The Back Four, Rebellion Suck!, Ministry of Truth, ModernityBlog, Beau Bo D’Or, Scots and Independent, The Splund, Bill Cameron, Podnosh, Dodgeblogium, Moving Target, Serious Golmal, Goonerholic, The Spine, Zero Point Nine, Lenin’s Tomb, The Durruti Column, The Bristol Blogger, ArseNews, David Lindsay, Quaequam Blog!, On A Quiet Day…, Kathz’s Blog, England Expects, Theo Spark, Duncan Borrowman, Senn’s Blog, Katykins, Jewcy, Kevin Maguire, Stumbling and Mumbling, Famous for 15 megapixels, Ordovicius, Tom Morris, AOL Fanhouse, Doctor Vee, The Curmudgeonly, The Poor Mouth, 1820, Hangbitch, Crooked Timber, ArseNole, Identity Unknown, Liberty Alone, Amused Cynicism, Clairwil, The Lone Voice, Tampon Teabag, Unoriginalname38, Special/Blown It, The Remittance Man, 18 Doughty Street, Laban Tall, Martin Bright, Spy Blog The Exile, poons, Jangliss, Who Knows Where Thoughts Come From?, Imagined Community, A Pint of Unionist Lite, Poldraw, Disillusioned And Bored, Error Gorilla, Indigo Jo, Swiss Metablog, Kate Garnwen Truemors, Asn14, D-Notice, The Judge, Political Penguin, Miserable Old Fart, Jottings, fridgemagnet, Blah Blah Flowers, J. Arthur MacNumpty, Tony Hatfield, Grendel, Charlie Whitaker, Matt Buck, The Waendel Journal, Marginalized Action Dinosaur, SoccerLens, Toblog, John Brissenden East Lower, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Peter Black AM, Boing Boing, BLTP, Gunnerblog, LFB UK, Liberal Revolution, Wombles, Focus on Sodbury…, Follow The Money, Freedom and Whisky, Melting Man, PoliticalHackUK, Simon Says…, Daily EM, From The Barrel of a Gun, The Fourth Place, The Armchair News Blog, Journalist und Optimist, Bristol Indymedia, Dave Weeden, Up North John, Gizmonaut, Spin and Spinners, Marginalia, Arnique, Heather Yaxley, The Whiskey Priest, On The Beat, Paul Canning, Martin Stabe, Mat Bowles, Pigdogfucker, Rachel North, B3TA board, Naqniq, Yorkshire Ranter, The Home Of Football, UFO Breakfast Recipients, Moninski , Kerching, e-clectig, Mediocracy, Sicily Scene, Samizdata, I blog, they blog, weblog, Colcam, Some Random Thoughts, Bel is thinking, Vino S, Simply Jews, Atlantic Free Press, Registan, Filasteen, Britblog Roundup #136, Scientific Misconduct Blog, Adam Bowie, Duncan at Abcol, Camera Anguish, A Very British Dude, Whatever, Central News, Green Gathering, Leighton Cooke (224).
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