ESCAPE TO THE DESERT

You never know who you might meet in the North African desert, I have heard rumours this week of a convoy of Gold heading south out of Libya. The last six months has been quite amazing in that part of the world and will certainly form the basis for many books and films in the future.  This was the first war wholly fought from the Air by outside forces without their own ground forces.  NATO and the western nations took a huge gamble, whether that has been truly successful we will not know for many years.  The greatest danger after dealing with the old Gaddafi regime will be in the possible de-stabilisation of the region, particularly in Algeria and Morocco.

I only wish that the British government were as concerned with our citizens democratic representation as they are in the peoples of oil rich foreign states.

Yesterday the government revealed that most young people involved in the summer riots were ex-offenders aged in their mid twenties.  This age group would be too old to be included in any outdoor boot camps or citizen training being proposed by politicians, to prevent future riots.

Overseas commentators have dared to suggest that all the British people may not be fully satisfied with their own form of democratic government (eg the rioters).  An example of bad government revealed at the Staffordshire health inquiry was demonstrated when the former Health minister admitted awarding Foundation Trust Status to the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust, on  the strength of one favourable paragraph that he read in a report.  The inquiry is the outcome of  revelations that 400 more people died under the hospitals care than would normally be expected.

ENGLISH RIOTS, LOOTING, RACIAL TENSION OR SIMPLY A PROBLEM OF YOUTH

This weeks "riots" in London and Birmingham will of course lead to some knee jerk legislation and reaction by politicians.  Parliament has been recalled to be seen to be governing or keeping the peace.

We can be certain that the debate about the causes of this weeks events will be the subject of endless journalistic opinion and far more dangerously will probably lead to a mass of university funding to posh academics; who have no idea what inner city life is like for the majority of poorly educated and housed,  first and second generation immigrant children of  differing  cultures.

One of the problems confronting sociologists in any analysis, will be primarily identifying a specific English youth culture.  Should we choose to label the majority of 13 - 25 year olds, we might call them working class, although the majority do not actually have full time jobs,  there appears to be a common fashionable language.  The roots of this language seem to be in American (US) Rap music, movement and speech, the culture reflects gang membership and this has been copied around the world and is associated with inferred violence.

American Film and Television celebrity culture seems to have a huge influence in western countries.  In addition to this dream "X-Factor" culture that anyone can be famous and rich, in the UK young people are exposed to the Lottery Culture another promised life chance to be a winner.

The electrical, phone and computer gadget's and games, have been around and available to this present young generation for all of their lives.  The absence of well paid jobs and affordable housing (the result of Thatcherism),  to the young working class over the past 30 years, has altered the old traditions of marriage and family.  A huge proportion of inner city youth come from single mother homes, as children they are the generation that demanded these luxury goods, often receiving them from officially absent or untraceable fathers.  Criminality and in the last week the "riots" have provided another means to get just what they want.

Racial tensions, discrimination or defensiveness should not be excluded from any analysis, the deaths that have occurred sadly do appear to have a racial dimension.  As ethnic groups have been left to take on the role of vigilantes trying to protect their own communities; they took on the risks that the police are trained and equipped to cope with. In Birmingham sadly and shamefully three lives have been taken by a very sick element within our society.

The film reports of looting clearly show many middle aged criminals, these are the role models for many of the youths, government is blaming the young as they always have and are at a loss to understand why youth always  seems to be a problem to society.

From garroting in Victorian London to the the 1960's Mods and Rocker riots.  We should never forget that politicians only survive by creating moral panics that get them votes at elections.

The breakdown of  law and order on the streets particularly in London during the riots, could be attributed in part, to cuts in the Policing budgets by the coalition government, or deliberate negligence by the Police to strengthen their case for greater funding.

Education will always be blamed for the ignorance of the masses, but basic primary school education remains as good or bad as it has for the last 60 years.  Secondary education is really a way to occupy the minds and interests of working class teenagers.  They have always formed that essential reserve in the capitalist workforce, labelled in the good old days of full employment as 'factory fodder' and now as the unwanted product of the 'underclass'.  Their materialism, addiction to drugs, binge drinking and pretending to have loads of friends on Facebook has made them into undoubtedly the saddest, most selfish, ignorant group that ever threatened any society with anarchy.

Our prisons are filled with over 80,000 inmates, locking up even more stupid people is not a solution.  Employment and responsibility is what our younger generation need, to build their self-esteem, their confidence and to have a future worth working towards.

The police and the politicians have been tarnished with corruption recently.  We live in a basically dishonest society, there really are no role models.  How many good English citizens would exaggerate an insurance claim I wonder, I fear far too many; how many bankers or business people are honest and ethical, not too many I guess.

This weeks events in England were not really "riots", they were an exhibition of the despicable behaviour of a broken greedy and sick society that may be beyond salvation !!!

A green and pleasant land ?

Pictures from the Raj

This is an example of the means of description that existed for families and friends in the Victorian era, long before the days of Facebook and photo-sharing.  In a collection found on Sotheby's auction site in Australia.

An example of a Colonial Interior at the Lucknow Residence in India of my great-great grandfather.  This watercolour was painted by his first wife Cordelia Ellen Thomas in 1855.  Cordelia died of smallpox during the mutiny and siege in 1857, the baby on the left of the painting Caroline Home Thomas, survived and spent most of her life in  Australia.

Memorial to the artist (guess no copyright on painting)
 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en)

Captain L F C Thomas of The Madras Artillery was responsible for the ammunition and explosives at Lucknow.  As the siege became more intense he was ordered to destroy the defensive fort known as the Muchee Bhowun and to bring the troops out to defend the Europeans trapped in the Lucknow residency.  He must have been quite proud of his actions there, because on  his retirement to England he was to name his house in Deptford after that fort.  

Lancelot was the second generation of our family linked to the Honourable East India Company, his father spent much of his military service in Afghanistan in the Bengal Native Infantry.  Interestingly the enemy and the politics were little different from the present day, the enemy included mentally unstable Bin Laden style Wahhabi tribesmen and the British mission failed due to the use of a puppet Afghan leader.

As for the Indian "Mutiny",  the struggle for independence was very slow and confused by politics and propaganda, the history of modern India was truly both horrific and fascinating.  India is the one place and society in the world that I would love to have visited before I died.

Does "incurable" or "inoperable"mean a CANCER condition is "terminal" ?

This is a question from the Macmillan Cancer Website, that I have attempted to answer.


Inoperable in the case of Cancer, I guess would mean that eventually the condition would be terminal.   When that happens depends on the individual and the treatment.  In December 2010, I was told that I had Inoperable Lung Cancer and secondary Spinal Bone Cancer.  There never was a prognosis, but I got the impression that Life would be very short.  I received six sessions of Chemo in 21 day periods, the result from the latest scan shows a massive reduction in the Lung tumour size and a major improvement in the spine area, alleviating for now the need for radiotherapy. 


I was never too keen on the hugely optimistic view that so many people try to tell us at the beginning of the diagnosis, we are all different, health wise and have to take each day as it comes.  Most importantly it is the patient who has to take control, particularly regarding the suitability of some of the drugs prescribed.  Every problem that arises becomes a new challenge to solve, for example finding food and drink that does not taste so bad that it makes you sick.  


I suppose the key to coping with that 'terminal' suggestion or label, is to accept it as possibly a long term prognosis. But there are more important issues to deal with in the present, like making the very best of our time, spending time with those we love, having holiday breaks or sightseeing or just writing a blog in the hope that it cheers someone up a bit !!!

Brimstone

MURDOCH - FREEDOM FROM THE GUTTER PRESS

Culture Media and Sports Select Committee       


            
House of Commons


In 1986 I had the opportunity of giving evidence to a House of Commons Select Committee, that was a great honour and at the time contributed a little to the saving of an important British Industry.  Quite why an Australian News magnate and citizen is equally allowed to give evidence to the British Parliament I am not sure.  As Margaret Thatchers favourite capitalist, Murdoch has been the most hated figure of our political left for the last 25 years, since the days of taking over the News of The World and moving the Sun printing operations to Wapping.


The media of course see this as probably the greatest story or scandal in the last 50 years, but to us, the general public if you like, the issues are more about celebrity culture than every day reality.  Personally I have never sent a voice mail or purchased the News of The World or Sun newspapers, these publications are aimed at the not so bright members of our society, impressed only by stories of celebrity and sleaze.


However the far more serious issues raised have been firstly the invasion of the privacy of the families of the victims of horrific crimes and terrorism.  The absolute and institutional corruption of the Metropolitan Police Force at every level it would seem.  The corruption and most threatening behaviour towards  politicians, that has clearly influenced recent general elections and policies.  


David Cameron has failed as the unelected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, to protect our government and civil authorities and his own office from outside influence infiltration and control by News International, a foreign controlled organisation.

MURDOCH WILL HAVE HIS BOOMERANG BACK !!

In the interests of our greater Democracy and freedom in the world, David Cameron would have been far wiser getting rid of the Australian Murdoch family from Britain than concerning himself with the Gaddafi's in their own country of Libya.

SIX MONTHS OF CHEMOTHERAPY-THE MEANING OF LIFE STAYED THE SAME

Vesuvius - because it was there!!

I have now completed six sessions of chemotherapy and swallowed a lot of drugs.  There were no promises or predictions, so I am pleased to find that that the tumours have reduced in size, not quite a miracle but some improvement at least. Unfortunateley in the last few weeks since giving up the steroid tablets I have been very ill.  I was quite shocked to be refused any assistance from my Cancer Unit and had to endure six hours in a casualty department, before being admitted to that same hospital.

There seems to be a shortage of advice or information for Cancer treatment.  I was quite amazed at the effect the drugs have on smell and taste, there are hardly any drinks cold or hot that I can now tolerate. The only food left now is soup or meat, mainly spicy.  Managing weight and bodily function whilst consuming so many contradictory drugs is a full time worry.  I am hoping in the next few weeks to improve my physical strength in order to walk and perhaps to do a few jobs in the garden.

I am still preparing for the end, never sure how soon that might be, for the present though, things seem a little better, at least I can once again stay awake long enough to use the computer, most of my thinking and alertness has now returned.

As for "the meaning of Life", well that does seem to be reproduction, however the best way to spend that time is never to become over-involved in issues, politics or religion.  Personally I found it more satisfying to take an interest in the surrounding environment than to live a selfish self-contained existence. Other people do matter and our attitudes can ensure the security of humanity.

We will always see governments take foolish action, I wonder if they do this just to intimidate the population sometimes (Greece is a good example of this). Two other perfect examples today are the Libya war (or Gaddafi hunt) and the huge increase in retirement age to 68 years, both of these will return to haunt any future administration and the British record for the protection of human rights.  Caring and speaking out about these matters is to me a very important part of the meaning of life in our modern society.

EXIT BIN LADEN

I took this photo in another popular Marrakesh tourist cafe, the recent bombing there has been blamed on Al - Qaeda, this will probably be the last terrorist act to be attributed to Osama Bin Laden before his execution last week.

View to Argana Cafe Marrakesh

The publicity controlled by the the US administration concerning the Bin Laden capture in Pakistan, is being very carefully moulded to leave a particular message about the man, his life and involvement with Al - Qaeda and the Taliban.  In reality he was little more than a figurehead, a vain, egotistical spoilt brat who liked to pose as a revolutionary fighter and perhaps dreamed that  he was some sort of anti-christ.

As the Pakistan government is quick to point out, the world has to move on, Bin Laden is dead he is history.  There is a dangerous ideology that was associated with the terrorist activities of Al-qaeda, the Taliban when in control of the Afghan government and other Wahhabi administrations around the Arab world.  That ideology was created out of hate, human life has no value, no respect, no purpose, the suicide bombers are dead they can not be caught or punished. 

In History it seems that far too much responsibility is attributed to leaders, when it is the followers who usually commit the actual war crimes.  Societies are far too complacent, in the 21st century you would expect people to question leaders of government, religion or political movement.  Surely the most simple question to ask of your society or religion is :-

"am I free to speak and to question ? "

if you do not have at least that freedom the leader must go !!

HOLDING OFF - the new fashion for Democracy

During the 2010 Westminster Election, much off the focus centred around the English Purple Revolution "Take Back Parliament".  The LibDems were at that time expected to take the lead in encouraging all politicians and voters to adopt proportional representation in future elections and an elected House of Lords.  As soon as the coalition was formed all these plans were to be abandoned, we are left with the referendum on the Alternative Vote system now on May 5th.  Labour had already chosen AV as policy knowing that it would never  be selected in a referendum and was less threatening to their mass support than PR.

Yes, for a short period last year there was talk of a new style of democracy, accountability and freedom emerging, even in little England.

All of this was only the prelude to the amazing mass movement towards democracy in the Arab World and Britains NATO action in Libya.  The problem for our own government is that everything to do with Libya seems to always go wrong and end in some form of embarrassment, usually at the hands of the mad Col Ghadaffi.

Britain has been forced to support the corrupt Monarchies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Morocco etc.

DIEU ET MON DROIT

With a huge royal wedding scheduled in April, Britain hardly looks like a land of democratic equality or free speech. The wedding ring alone is valued at £32 million pounds, the couple have been living together for years, so there won't be any nuptial surprises.  The groom does not have a surname, they keep changing the name of the royal household because of course they are mainly descended from German invaders, their desperation to identify with British (Englishness) means that the Brides decent from one convicted criminal confirms some kind of commonality with the establishment view of the perceived ordinary population (mostly Sun News readers and White Van Men).

Sadly, this celebrity culture has invaded every part of normal life in our country, when the citizens of a country are more interested in entertainment than the well being of others, we live in very dangerous times and are vulnerable to all manner of brainwashing and political manipulation.

MEDITERRANEAN DEMOCRACY AND THE NEW ARABIAN WORLD ORDER

I wish that I could  concentrate a little longer to write my blog, the chemotherapy and other drugs are making it very difficult to stay awake now.  Even in my drugged state of mind and body I still question the wisdom of the world powers.  That the US and NATO are now waging effectively a war against the Gaddafi/Libyan  Government Forces in support of a rebel army who are without known representatives, political aims or democratically stated ambitions seems slightly foolhardy to say the least.

In the greater Middle East, US hypocrisy is clearly evident in their failure to take any action against Syria, Saudi Arabia , Yemen, Bahrain and other Arab States for those governments acts of violence against peaceful  democratic protesters.

The reality of the new Arabian World Order which is emerging around the Mediterranean States marks the end of that long period of United States Control over Arab politics.  Pro Democracy protesters are bringing down the US backed governments, dictators and Monarchs one after the other; proving that there was an alternative to the  Al Qaeda style of terrorism as a means to challenge US financial dominance and control.

Recent events in these states have not caused great panic yet, western governments were caught a little unprepared and the Media, so confused, have chosen not to speculate about the future too much.  We all know what is coming next, but the order and outcomes are very uncertain.

Neither the Saudi or the Israeli regimes will survive this new world order because of their intolerance to democracy, freedom of speech and religious choice. They are by coincidence also the guardians of the holy sites, others will have to take this responsibility, the positioning for this role in the Arab world has already begun.

Diplomacy and negotiation are crucial to avoid the very real threat of a major conflict in the Mediterranean Countries. Let us hope that the new Arab World Order is fairer and less violent than the old United States Model.

Woodcraft to Statecraft

NATURE THE MIRACULOUS FORCE

I return for my third session of Chemotherapy today from probably my last overseas holiday, taken while still being able to get around.  As it is early in the year the closest warm place and shortest flight was the Canary Islands.  The old miner in me always takes me back to somewhere involving  rocks, caves, tunnels and few places are more interesting and exciting than old craters and volcanoes, so Lanzarote was perfect, had it not rained of course!

Totem Versus  Nature

As I chose to reflect on my own life through the apreciation of the creation of our planet in Lanzarote, nature had chosen Japan for that weeks event.  The facts of this earthquake and the resulting Tsunami are truly astonishing.  That a huge Island has moved eight feet and that, as in the smaller Chilean earthquake last year, the earth again moved on it's axis.  Every time the earth shifts on the Axis it of course affects weather patterns which really has made a total nonsense of the whole global warming, climate change panic about the effects of human misbehaviour on the planet.  There really is no argument nature is awesome.

wishful thinking, pilgrims and tourists

Lava flow stopped by a miracle and marked by this Cross

Natural Power a lava field

SAID DAMBAR AND THE SAHARAWI PEOPLE

CAMPAIGN FOR A FREE WESTERN SAHARA

I found this demonstration near the harbour in Arrecife, Lanzarote  this week.
This tent represents the struggle of the Saharawi People, that goes back 35 years, claiming the emancipation of their nation from the Moroccan Regime.  During three decades, they have been suffering all kinds of aggression in terms of human rights and the exploitation of their natural resources.   The Saharawi People call on everybody to support this campaign, to show to the whole world, the atrocities committed by the Moroccan Regime.  As well as informing people in respect of what has occurred on the African side of the Atlantic Shore and the case of Said Dambar, the 26 year old who was shot by the Moroccan Police in the  recent unrest and protests against the Moroccan Government.

IN HONOUR OF SAID DAMBAR

UK support for Libyan opposition and the House of Saud.

This week we have witnessed UK foreign policy formulated and implemented out of sheer ignorance,panic and old fashioned British self-interest.  I am not sure that any of the events were really related to the new emerging Arab movement towards freedom and democracy.

Gaddafi seems to have survived, although the military defence of his regime turned out to be unexpectedly, rather amateurish and small scale.

The British government was as ever ready to interfere in Libyan affairs and to make more embarrassing mistakes.

The British " Westminster Model"  of democratic Government hardly seems to answer the needs of the North African Arab Populations of Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen and Saudi Arabia in their search for freedom and participatory citizenship.

The Saudi absolute Monarchy stated again this week that protest is not permitted under religious law in Saudi Arabia.  This is a conflicting  policy for the UK government to accept, when they are requesting a no-fly zone and other military options to defend the rights of protesters in Libya.

The Saudi Monarchy and government  bears no resemblance to the British Sovereign  state, the British Royal family do not rule the United Kingdom, they are simply a family allowed to represent the people, as figureheads, by consent and precedent, their lineage to ancient British monarchs is not direct or unique to that family, it is shared by at least 10 million others in the population.

British democracy and government is stable because the institutions of state are well established and separately defined, the Welfare state  holds government to account in protecting people from homelessness, poverty and  ill health. The police are organised on an independent basis of protecting and representing all citizens from danger and crime.  The British military is representative of the general population, but allegiance is to the Royal Family in their role as protectors of the people (subjects), by consent of the people.  Military action is controlled and financed directly by government (representatives of the people).  Military personnel are not involved in politics and government while serving in the armed forces.  The greatest difference between the British Democratic State and the Middle Eastern and North African States is probably the taxation system, the high taxation system provides for the efficient maintenance of all state activity ensuring higher standards of life and security.  Probably one of the most beneficial effects of taxation is the incentive  for taxpayers to be involved in the politics of their own taxation and government.

British democracy and freedom has evolved, but it is culturally unique to our own history, new democracies will not be created overnight.

2011 has been a great year so far in the Arab peoples struggle for freedom and fair government, may it continue peacefully without interference.

Free to Grow

Confused Minds and Messages - Libya

chttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIqLsGT2wbQ

I seem to be suffering from a bit of Chemotherapy brain or drug induced fogginess this week.  I only wish that we could all see things a little more clearly.   Forgive me for attaching this wonderful tune, oh!  that those words would ring out to the world.  I am not alone in seeming somewhat confused or even unstable this week. Libyan revolutionary leader Gaddafi appeared on the world stage dressed and styled as only a great Shakespearean actor could, performing in the greatest story of our time.  The world press and politic seemed extremely eager to accuse him of being delusional, unfit to lead.  Gaddafi always had a very different style he was never one to sit at the top and hand out orders, his self view has always been as the empowerer one of the people and he believes that he was loved for his loyalty.  His political history seems to have developed through his rather strange world view, I think he wanted to support the downtrodden and the oppressed, but never fully understood why these groups (some were terrorists), felt oppressed by others or what their goals were.

The fact that hundreds of thousands of migrant workers have fled Libya, should be ringing alarm bells around the Mediterranean Sea.  Where do all those people go, how will they now survive financially? The Oil Companies still retain their production and refining bases, but how long will these remain usable and secure without labour?

The only military action threatened by the UK and US is to introduce a no fly zone, which is more about propaganda than effective protection for any protesters.

There is no European policy in place for this dire emergency on our own doorstep.  Someone needs to see more CLEARLY NOW .

LIBYA AND THE NEW WORLD POLITICS

A SIGN OF OUR TIME

I have been writing about my reflections on life for only a month now, it really does seem unbelievable how much has happened in the world of politics during that time.   I have always possessed that political interest, particularly about international issues, but thinking about  events over the last 60 years I could only have wished to leave this world as real change occurred or revolution seemed possible.   The dream always would be that such transitions would be peaceful and few people would be harmed.

I am not alone at being surprised by events, this is clearly obvious from the reactions  of the powerful nations of the world.  The United States government has been caught completely off guard, they have no idea what to do or say.  The US is clearly terrified, to abandon all of it's puppet leaders or be seen too aggressive towards those so called terror states, that have long been labelled dangerous on the grounds of the arms sales that propaganda has  generated.

The real dangers are clear, that present regimes will use state violence to subdue revolution.

That the government of one state may take violent action in another country.

That a new regime may destabilise the region, or act more oppressively  than in the past.

There are very few clear political leaders or even organised parties and the momentum for change may simply disappear over time.

The Libyan regime has taken the most violent and inhumane action to date.  This will not be forgotten or dismissed, the governments behaviour has clearly signposted the collapse of the present Gaddafi Libyan State.   

This is an emergency in North Africa that was not foreseen, I predict the repercussions and unfolding events will change the whole structure of Middle East politics for ever.  I only wish that I could devote the last weeks of my life supporting the fight for  people power, freedom from oppression and poverty, what a great way for my revolutionary spirit to exit this world !!

SOUTH CROFTY MINE - Speculation Heralds British Mining Boom

Western United Mines, the mining company involved in bringing Cornwalls last tin mine back  to production, has recently announced the discovery of  a variety of metals firstly gold and now the rare and valuable mineral Indium.

The variety of minerals present in the massive ore deposits of this mine are well recorded, as working in the numerous ore veins has been carried out since the middle ages.


I first worked in South Crofty in 1969 at the age of 19 years, the methods at that time were very old fashioned and the manual work and the heat were truly extreme.

South Crofty Mine - My little Eimco 12b Air Shovel - Complex Lode - 1973

Whether these announcements are to encourage funding or investment is at this time uncertain, but there are certainly some less popular minerals present.

Discovering beautiful crystals and collecting minerals to keep or sell is a  little bonus of working in a mine.  On reflection it sounds a little mad but one of those samples included Pitchblende (Uraninite), This could be cut out of a crosscourse in a Tin vein with a knife.

Pitchblende

 Before the 1980's there was no legislation about exposure underground from radiation, the mine environment it seems was far more dangerous than the actual rock samples.  Radon Gas is the second biggest cause of Lung Cancer in the world , in the Cornish Mines it is associated with the granite, poor ventilation and water particularly in old mine workings.

I recently posted to the Cornish Miners Association website to encourage older miners to have at least regular chest X-Rays. The type of Cancer I have is slow moving and is the type associated with Radon Gas.

The potential for a mining boom in Britain is far greater now and a wonderful way out of recession.  Metal prices are high, there are many areas where the metals used in new technology are certain to be present in old mining areas.   A natural resources and mining programme is required, to highlight areas for exploration, nationalisation of all mineral rights to include the Royal households control over Gold and Silver mining.  Britain probably is faced with a ten year window for the use of fossil fuels, until alternative technology comes on stream, it seems only commonsense to extract the maximum  amount of Coal and Oil in that period.

I do hope that South Crofty will be a successful and a safer mine very soon and that this will be the beginning of a great boom for mining in the United Kingdom.

Cotswold Links

Yesterday was a gorgeous sunny winters day, here in the Cotwold hills.   Two of my Daughters and two grandchildren came to visit.  These moments of being able to go out together are so valuable now, sadly my own organisation and anticipation of the outings seems the cause of some just criticism about my stressed behaviour, or in yesterdays case erratic driving.

ROLLRIGHT STONES - 5000 year old stone circle

I am trying to see as much of my favourite places in the outside world as possible and at that right unknown moment to have said goodbye and thank you to my dear friends and family.  Although the drugs are coping well, sleep is very difficult, always feeling that I should be talking or writing about life.

I recall attending the funeral of a friend a few years back, someone who had a wide experience of life and travel and a great sense of humour, yet the obituary read out by the vicar had very little descriptive comment.  I did see a memorial notice once in  a newspaper, where the widow claimed that "his bite was worse than his bark" !!  After living a relatively quiet life and being of that disposition, I still feel that I have things to say and a new overwhelming drive to write and that is the reason for this blog. I hope that no one finds it depressing or offensive and I hope that reading this will inspire and empower open debate.

Near the Rollright Stones and only 20 miles from where I presently live is the most beautiful village, which thanks to the inernet I have discovered holds some of our families ancestral roots.  The amount of free genealogical information on the the internet is truly amazing.

Who Do You Think You Are ?  - The Old Manor !!

This was the home of the Whitmore family, our last direct family ancestor, a four times great grandmother died in 1797.  In the aisle of the church my grandchildren were able to read the inscription of their very own 10th great-grandparents.  Genealogy is quite addictive and there are many brilliant web sites, one of particular interest is called - http://www.lostcousins.com, with a useful newsletter and a plan for everyone to register their relatives in the 1881 census online.  Another interesting feature of family history is the phenomena of pedigree collapse, without which the early population would be too large.  The above Whitmore family is a  very good example of how the rich preserved their wealth through intermarriage.  The Whitmore family intermarried at least six times over the 16th and 17th century, through cousins to the Weld family now of Lulworth Castle.

Congratulations to the Egyptian People.

This really has proved to be a momentous week in world politics, I will leave the world a happier person now.  I am amazed at the support for the freedom of Egypt and to think that so many of us were just praying for the same result, that really is people power.

We don't really want to rub it in too much, but more than just a peoples revolution occurred, few would dare to suggest that this was also a mass "Sandino" moment taken by the Egyptians.  US influence and control will never be the same in North Africa and the Middle East again.

                                                    
POWER TO THE PEOPLE

  As-Salāmu `Alaykum (السلام عليكم)

                                                     

The Google Communication Revolution - Egypt Style

Messages in Stone  - Obelisk to Internet

The Cleopatras Needle in Paris is similar to the one above at Luxor Temple.  The Needles in London and New York are a pair that originated from the Egyptian City of Heliopolis.  Google and the internet have already set the pattern for the  future of communication based on modern language, which we see changing politics by the minute, particularly in Egypt today.  Wael Ghonim has found himself propelled into near revolutionary leader status, simply because of his links to Google and the world of Facebook.

The Cleopatra Needles represent the Egyptians earliest writings, but the world of Google in the 21st Century is quickly shrinking the information and language divides that have existed for the last three thousand years.

I am amazed at this world of wonderful information, thanks to Google I discovered a volume of reminiscences written by my Great-Grandfather and published because the copyright has expired.  He was a Victorian Actor, in one chapter he describes a sea voyage to India where his theatrical appearances included performing at a royal  wedding for the sons of the Rajah of Tanjore.  As his ship passed Sicily, they caught sight of the vessel carrying the London Cleopatras Needle.  The passengers had an excellent view through telescopes, although it did later sink and had to be recovered from the sea.  He mentions in another chapter, one of  his American acting tours, that time he visited the masonic ceremony in Central Park New York, for the opening of the US Cleopatras Needle, the twin stone to the London obelisk.  How marvellous that my ancestor had observed these significant icons of language and communication; at that moment in history.   Google brings time, place and people ever closer together to share in the freedom of a new language; that of the internet.

What next ? - Setting gaols, dealing with the issues of life.

Anglo-Tunisian camaraderie at El Djem

Feeling good today, just a little hand cramp, I am getting used to the daily drugs regime now.   This has been particularly difficult because I have never really taken Doctors prescribed medications.

The above photo was taken  few years ago, I have been thinking that if well enough to fly for three-ish  hours, I would like to visit Djerba, because it allows access to the desert, some great history, interesting towns and the possibility of a quick look at Libya and the Roman Archaeology.

A cheap holiday seems a good goal, but I am uncertain about the effects of my treatment, insurance will be out of the question of course.  I do love North Africa and its people so much that it feels like a place of destiny, of belonging, perhaps my ancient roots are calling me home.

I am still concerned about the spiritual aspects of life.  This is not from a selfish point of view, dreams of heaven and salvation do not fit with my philosophy and my fatalistic experience of life, eg; stuff happens!, but I never was going to win the lottery or be a superstar.  I would rather leave this world a better place for those that follow.

I feel impatient now, as there seem to be  tasks that I have to complete, people to speak to, things to write, places to see.  Every day is so valuable, I hate to think that I am wasting time, but what is that task that seems so important ?

The foremost issue is my family, how they feel and how we all cope with the situation.  All the other issues I suppose are linked into my reflections of life, religion and politics, perhaps my very own legacy.  Bill Gates of Microsoft Corporation of course, can leave billions of dollars to help the poor, I can only leave a simple message, " Sort out the language and religious barriers to understanding each other and poverty will be defeated "

SHIFTING SANDS

The Pillars of Hercules - Africa to Europe

I began my first Chemotherapy treatment this week, that combined with a daily menu of other drugs , has been quite a shock to body, little surprise then at the nausea for a few days.  Thankfully I am now recovering and went out to purchase a walking stick today, the fashionable hikers type of course.

Those of us that follow world news have been captivated this week by the pro-democracy scenes in Egypt and other countries of North Africa.  I only hope this really does lead to shifting sands in that part of the World, power to the people.

From an observers viewpoint, I am surprised that the Egyptian population has tolerated the Mubarak regime for so long, but perhaps they felt more secure than with the unknown.  The Muslim Brotherhood  (besides a slightly threatening name) seem to have some hold and influence to sustain peace and order, therefore offering a moment for planning and for  representatives of the people to emerge from the shadows of oppression.

I hope that one day most of the looted treasures are returned to Egypt.  As an ex-miner I was fascinated by the tombs in Luxor,  I think a tomb for example; that of Tutankhamun should be restocked and a parallel tomb sunk with connecting passages and glass walls at intervals to view the scene as it really looked.

I worked in a gold mine in Sudan in the area where the original Pharaonic Gold for the tombs was mined, On the subject of feeling spirituality there are few places to rival a walk through the Nubian Hills.  There are more ancient sites in Sudan than Egypt, Hieroglyphics appear all over the old travel routes on the walls of ancient gorges and wadis.

LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO CHANGE THE WORLD

There is of course some advantage in finding out that you only have a short time to live, you can reflect on life and plan your demise. The advantage of the internet is that you could leave a message in cyberspace lasting into eternity or at least when the site (Blogger) goes down.

I was fortunate to be born in England just after the second World War, because never again would our people and friends in Europe have to suffer the horror of war or fear invasion from fascists and racists. The Welfare State, the homes for heroes the end of class war and poverty did not come quickly. The dark past of Victoriana was still hidden from view, the private was not to become public so easily, the Englishman's home remained that castle of abuse along with the childrens homes provided for the excluded and orphaned children of our nation.

The tri-partite education system failed mainly because the quality of teaching staff was so poor, the attitudes of teachers were truly appalling and their sadistic behaviour and neglect inconceivable in today's world.

I have lived mainly in West Country villages and cities and love my country. I am very proud to be English and of my heritage.  I would describe Englishness as being a person who would defend any other human being as if they were his own kin. Never to look the other way in the face of injustice, always to act to defend and preserve the peace. Extremes of religion and politics, those that censure debate or criticism are the enemies and oppressors of the free people of our world.

We need order, but have a responsibility to ensure that order is just, not corrupt or discriminatory.

My short time on Earth has been marked by some major historical and political events, particularly by the never ending Middle East Crisis and the Cold War. Little wonder that we teenagers went a little wild in the 1960's.

My father, who sadly died on a Triumph Speed Twin when I was a baby, had been stationed in Palestine to keep the peace. I think we grew up in England believing that we had failed to defend the Arabs in Jerusalem, probably because it was so hard to believe that the relatives and victims of the Holocaust could forget the evils of racism and inhumanity that they had suffered in Europe.

I never heard of a God worth dying for, I never heard of a God that anyone had seen, I never heard of a God who wrote a book.

The Totem pole is the most original place of worship, the forerunner of the mosque or the church. The ancient Egyptians worshipped many gods but realised the advantage in power and control of reducing this to one god the Pharaoh (part human/part god). After this Monarchs the world over claimed to be Divine and chosen by god, next came the prophets these were preachers and monks who somehow became claimed after there deaths, as either appointed or related to god. Oh!!what nonsense all of this religion has been, how many millions have died in the argument. Identifying with a religion in recent times (eg: Protestant or Catholic in Northern Ireland) had more parallels with gang membership or football team support, than spreading the good word for mankind!

Spirituality and superstition are basic human instincts, they are a part of survival behaviour. There is nothing wrong with saying a prayer, wishing someone well or goodbye, there is nothing wrong with a memorial to a departed loved one, there is nothing wrong with a community of people gathering in a place to show that they care about others and want a safe world. I have learned to respect the right of all people to be free to believe what they choose about life, that is freedom.

As for the Cold War, I worked for a short period in a Marxist African state, this was my first real culture shock. A country ravaged by war and its people so hungry and poor, yet like so much of Africa it is the greed of the powerful and the corrupt that causes the suffering of millions in our unjust world.

Life is also about having fun, falling in love, having children, perhaps the only real meaning of life is to reproduce, such a wonder of nature. With the human brain and intelligence we seek to protect our children. It is for this purpose that civil society becomes the construct of the human animal. The children inherit the world created by the people who controlled their parents world, the rules, the wealth, the property or lack of it. There is nothing fair or equal about human birth, all that is needed is security, shelter, food and most importantly happiness. Sadly greed and dishonesty have always seemed to be the traits of the most successful of humans.

I have always tried to see good in all people surely most would prefer friendship and sharing, to fighting and stealing. Perhaps the terrorist, the criminal or the sociopath without the ability to empathise, is the stronger person they have realised that life really is too short to be concerned about others.

I feel sad to leave a world so wasted, I love the history and have witnessed what those ancient civilisations created. Every time they were overwhelmed by the power of nature they wanted to control it, they seemed to miss the whole point, that no one ever would rule the world. We are but the product of nature and science, our purpose is to survive on the planet and to reproduce, that means that the only saviour for human intelligent life and of our planet is man and therefore man should recognise that God is humanity and humanity should be Godly. Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All.