& I'm back!

After the most amazing, fun filled summer I am back in the UK to resume my studies. It is my final year of university, and I am highly anticipating graduation in June '11.

I have been a little bit disconnected from current events over the summer, as going to the beach seemed more important. However, David Cameron and chancellor George Osborne are making sensational headlines here because of the axed child benefit.

Allow me to explain this, according to the BBC, child benefit is allocated to all families, regardless of income, to the tune of about 20 quid a week. For the second child, you get an additional 13 pound a week. Come 2013, any single earner making above £42,225 will loose this benefit.

According to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the average income in the UK is £22,800. Therefore, those single earners loosing the child benefit are nearly double as well off as the median Briton. Furthermore, in a country where access to health care for all children and parents from cradle to the grave is virtually free, state education is free and higher education is inexpensive with grants/loans readily available to all who need it, I do not see a single valid reason why the government is obliged to pay out. Essentially, those that oppose the cut in child benefit believe they are entitled to money from the government for reproducing. According to the treasury, the government will save over 1 billion pound annually from these cuts.

Sounds good to me. I am happy to see the Conservatives rolling back and trying to balance the books, and what better and more efficient way then cutting silly benefits to people who don't REALLY need it. It is true that many families will feel the pinch, but if you can't raise a child with an income of 42,000 pound then it might be time to re-evaluate spending.

Any thoughts?

SUMMERTIME, WHEN THE LIVIN IS EASY

I love you, Sampo!!! Just a post dedicated to you. You have a wee slither of the internet, and of my life, just for you, just for this moment, just today.

America, the land of the free

American politics is so intense, it is comparable to a soap opera. The recent issues have been President Obama's religion, the point of his citizenship has been coming up again which is fueled by Republican propaganda and middle-America's overwhelming (and scary) prejudices and ignorance, as well as the NYC mosque issue.
My stance on the "mosque issue" is that it is not an issue. It should not be politicized, it should be a local issue within the neighborhood of where it is meant to be constructed, as if any shop was opening up on that block. It is pure, blatant intolerance to say people 'fear' the mosque, that it is a 'slap in the face for American's', and saying if the Saudi's do not allow churches then Americans should not allow mosque's is a disgusting statement. As with any other issue, the Republican party (sponsored by Fox news) stirs the pot and makes things into 'dividing American problems' all whilst fueling hatred. The Arizona immigration problem is another point in case where racist language ('wetbacks') is used by people 'defending their Americanism'. If being an American means being ignorant, rude, intolerant and afraid then the country has lost the fundamental purpose, and meaning of its establishment.

Summer days and passionate politics

Thus far, it has been an absolutely brilliant summer. I have had the best time in Portugal, Iceland, France, England, Ireland and the next stop is south Florida to reunite with old friends! Particular shout-out to blogspot: coolgurlkrew for a great time in Paris!

I haven't written in awhile but thought I would concentrate on two things in this post: passionate politics and a book review on Stieg Larsson's 'The Girl Who Played with Fire' (part 2 of his Millenium trilogy)

Firstly, I'd like to share two brilliant videos of passion in politics. I would like to applaud Congressman Anthony Weiner for calling Congress out on partisanship at its worst and politicizing even the most humble bills for the sake of it. Republicans gave 12 votes to the bill, and needless to say, it failed. At the last minute, perhaps due to the Arizona issue, Republicans wanted to amend the bill to make sure that no person who fell ill after helping out during/after 9.11 received health care who has an illegal immigration status. This is tricky because firstly, if it was amended to that point, all those 9.11 "heroes" are only so if they have documents to prove their status. They aren't "heroes" because they assisted in the effort to save American lives (and some illegal lives, as well). The Hispanic community is a traditional Democrat constituency and the D's cannot be seen to support an anti-immigrant legislation or they will loose thousands of votes.

Anyway, point is, this is the passion some politics has been missing. The Congressman has been criticized for loosing his temper in Congress and appearing unprofessional, however, he has attracted heaps of media attention to both bipartisanship and a bill that the majority of average Americans would have a hard time justifying not passing:

As he says ... "Its Republicans wrapping their arms around Republicans instead of doing the right thing for a hero .. its a shame, its a shame."

On the same note ... this fella is a cousin-in-law of mine and goes by the name of Paul Gogarty. He is a Teachta Dála (like being a member of congress/MP) for Dublin West for the Green Party. Despite being a spokesperson for his party on a number of issues, including Education, Gogarty was fired up on a particularly empty night in the Dála (as seen in the video) and said 'Fuck you Deputy Stagg, fuck you!'. Well. Needless to say, he has become a bit of a legend around these parts and continues to be one on youtube with thousands of hits!





Thats it for now. Maybe a book review tomorrow or in the next few days, which was going to be the second part of the blog but I am too tired and have been smoking Silk Cuts with the filter ripped off for the past two hours.... yuck! Also would like to write something about the Arizona immigration issue and include interesting interviews/commentaries from the governor and republican Congressmen on the topic. Very very interesting, especially the connection between economic downturn and support for far-right groups/people/legislation. History has a funny way of repeating itself, as we all say, but nobody seems to actually acknowledge or take into account when making decisions.

John Stuart Mill

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.

- - J.S. Mill

Inspired by Iceland!

Great new promotional video about Iceland. Have a look:

Inspired by Iceland Video from Inspired By Iceland on Vimeo.

Inspired by Iceland ..... Are you?

http://www.icelandair.com

http://www.icelandexpress.com

http://www.ice-taxi.com

http://www.icelandreview.com

Israel

I can just imagine Mahmoud Abbas giving his colleagues a high five right now and Israeli President and foreign minister punching holes in the walls right now over this HORRENDOUSLY undiplomatic, stupid strategic move. I've sensed faltering support for Israel here in Europe over the past few months, and have always felt people have been afraid to speak out against them. This is especially true considering I grew up in an extremely pro-Israel area in Florida. However, they have finally caught enough international attention and have had even the likes of Germany condemn their overly hostile (and illegal) actions. There was no reason for attacking, let alone killing, the humanitarian workers on the flotilla.

Furthermore, I am happy that this story has led people asking important questions like: why was it necessary for aid to be brought into Gaza this way in the first place?, Who are the people living in Gaza and why are they treated like untouchables because of tensions between Hamas and the Israeli government?, & perhaps most importantly ....why has Israel, and Israel's supporters (namely the U.S., U.K. and EU) let them go on and be the exception to the rule in the Middle East for this long? A crime is a crime is a crime!

Any country that wants to be respected within the realm of this elite club, this 'new world order', that runs the show should at least try to act with restraint and uphold their international obligations. I am not singling out Israel because I am aware that European and American countries have, in the past, not acted in accordance with international law (namely the Iraq and Afghan invasions), but Israel has been using extreme force and acted out of line too many times for it to be justified anymore. They have shot themselves in the foot this time and I can't see them coming back. Protesters lobbying support for Palestine and condemning the actions of the Israeli government and military have been labeled pro-terrorists and the media (especially in America) have always reported such gatherings and individuals in a dim light. Obviously this event has sparked global outrage and could be the catalyst for change in the Middle East. An Irish boat is en-route to Gaza with humanitarian supplies. and the taoiseach warned Israel that if any harm comes toward the boat, which contains eight Irish nationals, it will have "serious consequences." This is interesting because Israel has been defending its right to use violence on the first boat vehemently and made it clear in earlier days that it will stop all aid coming into Gaza.

For a different perspective on this story, visit http://us.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/06/01/frum.gaza.flotilla.israel/index.html

Fabulous debate on MSNBC featuring Glenn Greenwald. This man puts it into perspective and is a rare treat in the U.S. because of the constant pro-Israeli attitude in the media and government ... "the entire world outside of the United States is condemning Israel's actions"

A student from my university was onboard the flotilla and is currently being held captive in Israel. The local newspaper in Nottingham reported on the story and the comments left by readers are incredibly ignorant and difficult to digest. The student has a foreign name and suggestions that he is not British due to his name, that the story should not have been reported because it is not truly 'local' news (even though it affects a local person), and that he should have been in Uni studying rather then onboard the ship. We get educated by doing, not just reading and what a great opportunity to stand up for human rights and be a part of something great. If you ask me, that is far more important then studying for exams. Read more here: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/Nottingham-student-ship-stormed-Israeli-troops/article-2263309-detail/article.html

In other news, Germany won Eurovision and they weren't even that good. Also, this is the first time I have ever heard the word 'flotilla' .... I keep reading it as 'tortilla' ... hahaha

Cool Link

My friend just shared with me this link. Perhaps people know about this, I seem to be the last one in the loop all the time but it allows you to download youtube videos by converting it into an mp3 file. Just tried it and it works great.

http://www.video2mp3.net

Enjoy!

Burqa's in Europe

In relation to the Belgium government thinking of banning the burqa, does anybody find it ironic that these women hail from countries that, in some cases, make it compulsory (punishable by death) to wear these burqas and now they are living in a country that makes it compulsory to take it off? It is my understanding of democracy and freedom that we have choices, and amongst those choices is me covering myself in head to toe in a black sheet (for a lack of better word).

It is a personal choice, brought on by religion and custom. For me, it is the same as me making the personal choice to wear shorts and a tanktop - which I resent not being able to do in certain countries due to their customs. Why should Europe follow in their footsteps? Shame.

In other news, today is round two of the political leader debates in Bristol. It will be interesting to see if there will be more focus/attack on Nick Clegg/Lib Dem's due to their surge in popularity due to the first round of debates! Too bad I can't watch it live due to work.

Easter Holidays, Volcanic Acitivty, Polish Pres, Voting!

I have been too busy living my life to update this blog but SO MANY exciting, brilliant, crazy, weird things have been happening both in the world, and in my personal life, the past few weeks.

Before I begin ... please listen to this song whilst you read my post so we can share the same brain vibes ... its my 'on constant repeat' jam for the night...



Firstly, Polish president dead, first lady dead, top military officials dead, leader of central bank dead ... wow! (April 10, 2010) This sent/is sending ripples of shock through the eastern European community. I wrote a paper earlier this year about the Hungarian and Polish constitutions, and whilst doing research I came across a lot of information about Lech Kaczyński and his twin brother, the former PM of Poland. Oddly enough, he was up for re-election later this year and two others on the plane were set to run as well died. They are set to have an election in June of 2010 to re-elect a president. R.I.P. Kaczyński and the others that passed on with him in the plane crash in Russia on this unfortunate day.

Secondly, once again I must blog about Islandia. This is not only because I am from there, it is also because it must be the most explosive place on the planet right now (har har har .... pun intended) with all the changes in politics, economics and now seismic and volcanic activity. Check out these extraordinary photographs; This volcanic eruption is actually stimulating the economy a lot due to a large influx of tourists coming to experience and see this once-in-a-lifetime natural wonder. Although I am not a fan of this newspaper, here is an interesting story that provides more information about this (if anybody is at all interested.... which I kind of doubt ...:) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/iceland/7575220/Tourists-flock-to-worlds-newest-volcano.html

Some tourists have been a bit bold and going off on their own, despite warnings from local media and search & rescue, and getting themselves injured, lost, and there have even been deaths. People should remember that this is rough terrain and there is a VOLCANO ERUPTING UNDER A GLACIER, so flooding is to be expected. Also, the weather has been poorly and the continued pouring of ash is limiting visibility to the point that flights in Northern Scotland, Norway and of course Iceland are grounded today...... Payback!? ;)

Thirdly, I have just returned from Tunisia and Portugal. I had the most amazing time in both places. I am getting relaxed just thinking about it.... I did a lot, ate a lot, learned a lot, had a lot of fun, spent a lot of money, and sat a lot of sun. It was wonderful.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the trips:


L I S B O A :
P O R T O:



T U N I S I A:


(thats Monica in the parachute)And finally, today I registered to vote in the UK general elections to take place in May. So far, looks like I'll be voting Conservative (I am surprised myself, more because of my dislike of Labour than anything else!) Will have to see the results of the leaders debate this Thursday (will have to catchup via youtube due to work) to make a final decision.

These are exciting times, oh so they are!

"Icesave My Ass"

Marc 6th, 2010: What an exciting day for democracy!!!

History was made today in my home country. Iceland held its first referendum about the Icesave legislation proposed by Johanna Sigurdardottir's government. Early analysis of the votes reveal 98 to 99 percent of all votes said NO to the Icesave law proposed. I am assuming that tomorrow morning, or at least by Monday morning the British media will be going mental so I am looking forward to buying all the broadsheets on Monday morning to see what the 'experts' have to say about this. The government released in a statement that they are confident a the problem will be resolved with all parties involved satisfied (the British, Dutch and Icelandic). Will update tomorrow or Monday.

Democracy in Niger

Although I feel a tad bit guilty that this blog project of mine has somehow been put to the back burner, I am far too busy reading about analytical frameworks and the Danish welfare-through-work model for the U.K. Every-time I think I have caught up with life, another load of shiet lands upon my desk to read/write/do.

I actually don't even have a desk.

Anyway in more important news, my South Florida friends went and saw Against Me! at the Culture Room in Ft.Lauderdale the other night. It was meant to be a brilliant show, but what I think is even more brilliant is that my little brother, Shilah's little sister and Johnny's little brother all went and experienced their first truly great AM! show. The next generation of S.Fla as Johnny, Shilah and I move on to other places. Adorable :)

I have been glued to the news lately reading about the developments of the coup in Niger. I really do not know enough to comment properly, but as far as the recent coup (Feb 19, 2010) of the west Africa country Niger, I appreciate the international community calling for democratic means of transitional power. However, if President Tandja is going to modify the constitution to give himself an unlimited term time i believe that is strike one. Surely France, the United Nations, African Union and the other international actors that have condemned the military coup realize that is the first step to a dictatorial, undemocratic leadership. According to my five minute research, President Tandja has grown deeply unpopular in recent months by the people of Niger and there is a large support base for the military coup.

Tandja has been in power since the 90's, and there are somewhat founded speculations that he wishes to remain permanently in power due to the recent Uranium and oil deals with western countries and China. The several billion dollars in revenue gathered from the oil and mineral business will generate massive funds for the government, and then make its way into Tandja's pockets. The BBC reports that gunfire has seized and the correspondent on site reports there is not an obvious military presence and daily life resumes. This may not be surprising since they have had an inconsistent government since their independence from France in 1960 and have long struggled to come to face with true democracy ( but haven't we all?).

There is a really interesting article published in the summer of 2009 about the change in constitution in Niger written by Tommy Miles. If you are at all interested this should be your first port of call: http://nyc.indymedia.org/en/2009/08/106865.shtml

I always find it difficult to pass judgment about these kind of situations because I would love to believe the military coup leaders would like to be democratic and make a genuine transition of power that will be good for all of the people of Niger blah blah but many times they all tend to be as corrupt and greedy as each-other. I would like to point out that this story has been moved off the front page of the BBC world service website and replaced with a story of a former Olympic Luger being buried in the state of Georgia. How absolutely fascinating and relevant.

Alas, I am grateful that I get to sit in my flat on my mac book reading about this kind of stuff instead of experiencing it in real life. My biggest problem right now is weather or not I should iron my blouse for work. Hopefully everything turns out alright and the people of Niger get to experience peace and democracy in the coming days.

Here's to good luck and good governance.

**Photo courtesy of the BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8524924.stm

'It's always better where the Tories are!'

I find myself here again in the same position, the same clothes and the same state of mind as yesterday/earlier. However, although I had a somewhat unproductive day considering I have stayed up all night, I did manage to get myself to Waterstone's (and Primark!) to purchase Mary Wollstonecraft's Vindication of the Rights of Women (1792). It is a bit of a shame, really, that in all my years as an avid reader I have yet to complete that book. BUT, this week will be my time to shhhhiine! It is the first of its kind and she was the single most important figure in progressing the rights of women, although it is arguable that not that much has changed.Wollstonecraft argued women's 'complexity' set them back as they were emotionally needy but strived for independence, and I find this is still true today. Women must be equal players to men in the workforce and home if they want equal treatment and respect. I think we have a long way to go. I respect Wollstonecrafts position, placing blame on females for enabling men to think of them are the 'fairer sex' and allowing subordination to occur in both the thoughts of men as well as treatment by dressing like an utter tramp. This is not liberating for women, it is a massive step back because women become a slave to the fashion/cosmetic industry that preys upon their vulnerability and assists in men's view that women are sexual objects/things, therefore subhuman.

My reading list is stacked high with Vindication being number one (I have an essay to do on it), Thatcher's Statecraft number two and finally Halldór Laxness's Independent People. [Am listening to Thatcher's Iron Lady speech as am typing..... she is such a badassbitch!]

I will leave you with some E.E. Cummings because he is a man that is always good for the soul and stimulates the mind:

someones married their everyones

laughed their cryings and did their dance

(sleep wake hope and then)they

said their nevers they slept their dream



Signing off whilst sitting on the dock of the bay..... wasting time & resting my bones!
Analytical frameworks tomorrow, bllleeeaaahhhhh.

ATTN: Maria wheres my Diet Coke?

Goodbye world!

First Post!

Due to my recent, and absolutely horrendous, insomnia spell, I have decided to challenge this waste of time into something productive like recording and documenting my thoughts concerning current events, politics, daily life and random things.

Additionally, I have just joined the community of world wide web users due to my recent connectivity to Sky. Technology is fabulous.

Speaking of technology, I would like to leave you all (if there is anybody out there at all) with this YouTube video I discovered when I was in Florida over the summer. If you are impatient, no worries, fast forward to 1:14. This little child possesses so much passion for something he cannot possibly fully comprehend at his little age. Amazing to watch and to look at his eyes, facial expressions, tone of voice and raw emotion. Not only amazing, but also very strange ... have a look:



It is nearly seven in the morning and I think I will fix myself a coffee to ensure my suffering will continue. How will I work my shift this evening? Hmm...