tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9723932863483194762024-03-07T00:01:29.870+04:00All too Human “It terrifies me, the fragility of these moments in our lives.”Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.comBlogger2217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-80791657421191358352020-03-16T14:00:00.002+04:002020-03-16T14:03:04.164+04:00Kafka or Brecht ? Journeys in Oran via Port Talbot<br />
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A British Virus for British workers and other tales of
Port Talbot debate and argue... the system is cracking. It's hard
enough as it stands for the working poor in normal times let alone now.
Universal credit is not fit for purpose and the food banks are drying up
and closing. Over the last ten years we have axed warehouse and storage
facilities. 'Herd immunity" should come from vaccination rather than
mass infection. Yet the Brexit mentality runs on. On the well known
centre of humanity and compassion Port Talbot Arsehole and Dispair
Facebook group those of us who point out the reality and weaknesso f our
system are put under special measures where "politics" cannot be
mentioned..'Politics" of course means pointing out that the
price mechanism cannot fairly distribute vital resources, that austerity
has destroyed our resistance, reduced our numbers of respirators and
hospital beds and the ratio of doctors to people. There is no shortage
of food yet the system us in crisis. Yet we cannot publish these facts
without it being checked.<br />
<br />
I have seen a panic buying of Pasta and
Rice and people on this wonderful group are still celebrating the
wonders of British Independence day. I even saw them raving against the
£37 billion spent by the terrible EU in its battle against the virus.
It's there money the gammon raves yet it will not protect them against
the virus . A well known far right activist and his wife from the
football fraternity has become an admin of a local Swansea Coved 19
group. It sends a wonderful message of hope to ethnic groups throughout
Swansea. But hey naughty Martyn don't mention it at all... it's
politics not truth.<br />
We are underfunded in pharmacies and care
homes and it was the patriots who voted for it. There is no NHS
deliveries of medicine...the Tories left it to the market and the market
has let them down. The market never could solve it and those moaning
the most about the criticism has brought it on them selves. But hey I
should be kind to them and not pointit it out. .. <br />
I should
listen to Boris and be quiet accept my lot and know my place. Well all I
have to say is f**k you I will not go into the selfish gammon fueled
darkness.<br />
The bus is much quieter today. After today all therapy
will be done online, by Skype, by Zoom and on the phone or at my small
practice in Ystradgynlais. I shall still take the risk and represent
clients at Benefit Tribunals if they run.<br />
<br />
Real suffering is
about to happen, social isolation will create real suffering and real
poverty. Yet you can't say that on Port Talbot Debate and Argue it's
"politics" and we should all hide behind the mytg of patriotism and
Brexit. Of course the words I say simply come from a lefty; a remoaner
and so its fake news. We can't point out that's it's obscene that the
NHS must pay £2.5 million a day to rent private beds from private
hospitals.. it's obscene that statuary sick pay here us half of what it
is in Europe. We need mortgage holidays and rent holidays but hey
Martyn shut up don't mention politics . We are British and it's a
British Virus for British people ..but don't mention politics you lefty
just shut up.. is it Kafka or Brecht? You will have to decide. But
don't mention politics..<br />
<br />
<br />
On 'Herd Immunity" and waking up to the true conspiracy theory. .
How on earth can the vulnerable be protected by an economic system that
denies and exploits them? How can a philisophy based on the normative
individualistic narcissism of the Tory Party use the collective to
protect us from the Pandemic stalking the world.? As we stand on the
beach dancing to the myth and fiction of 'self :as the wave rushes
towards us. We are the "herd" waiting for group immunity at the<span class="text_exposed_show">
direction of the 1%And as the private planes allow our masters to
escape.and as the conspiracy theories grow and mutate we find the one
great true conspiracy theory that is based on power and wealth is
obscured. The perspective now is coll</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">ective and communitarian and it
dawn's upon us down amongst the herd that we have been fooled..</span><br />
The pandemic is carried in and on the clothes and the breath of
those of the international bankers and oligarchs. It did not come from
the refugees from climate and wars sold by the elite. Those labelled as
unskilled in the caring professions are the true front line warriors
against the virus. and so its now time for collective solutions. Those
who promoted austerity as reality destroyed the readiness of the NHS to
resist ad powerfully as Stalin's purges damaged the Red Army and it's
resistance to the Nazis. The purges run on now as the defences of the
market are promoted over people. It's time to take the private hospitals
and private medicine into the NHS and share the privilege of wealth
and power with all. It was socialism that gave us the NHS and it was
late capitalism that gave us climate change the solutions to both
pandemic and inequality are the same. We stand on the edge of socialism
or Barbarism. The normative demands of the narcissists hung in desire
and projection cannot save us now. I hear the chief medical officer use
the word "Herd immunity" and I wonder about the discourse and images of
"Herd Slaughter" come to mind. The gates of the slaughter house lead us
to the high altar to be sacrificed by the high priests of capitalism .
The "herd" needs socialism not slaughter....it' needs immunity not
isolation it needs inclusion and equality not exclusion and elitism. The
discourse of the 'herd" impies slaughter and alienation. The only
solution for us all waiting on the beach is collectivist and
socialist....i stand on tbe beach as tbe waves rushes toaards us and the
flocks of black swans swerp by good morning.... who will resist,
collaborate or deny as reality dawns upon us all? We don't need no
education ....we are waking up..<br />
<br />
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Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-51172721386167437702020-03-12T12:53:00.001+04:002020-03-12T14:17:12.807+04:00Parody, pastiche and post modernism......<br />
<br />
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These are strange times. I feel a sense of unreality there is a disjunct
between what I hear on the media and the daily experience of my life I
will see clients as long as possible and if necessary move on to zoom,
what's app, or Skype.. the blog will be written the tweets sent and so
on.. .these are post modern times ..I see parody, pastiche and
ignorance. ..as the Tory Party reaches 50% in the polls I feel that
something very odd is about to happen...<br />
<br />
<span class="mbs fwn fcg" data-ft="{"tn":"C"}" id="u_jsonp_17_7"><span class="fwb" data-ft="{"tn":"k"}"><a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard-referer="ARQwZLE6JwyaRzodnMoNR4f3wC24jVM3C-7d7Y3cJtqRjq94mg-ch3POnlzIR-WDBlU" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=1731826787048561&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdkCH-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARC7GSqRrF5w2Aqhh-JDU-G6hlZSfLRYNC6mel_Mxkxw9f9kBho66WtOVWDAnWMSZ0iY25XZ1z4Qp7n8%22%2C%22hc_ref%22%3A%22ARQwZLE6JwyaRzodnMoNR4f3wC24jVM3C-7d7Y3cJtqRjq94mg-ch3POnlzIR-WDBlU%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22nf%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/emlynpearceblog/?__tn__=kCH-R&eid=ARC7GSqRrF5w2Aqhh-JDU-G6hlZSfLRYNC6mel_Mxkxw9f9kBho66WtOVWDAnWMSZ0iY25XZ1z4Qp7n8&hc_ref=ARQwZLE6JwyaRzodnMoNR4f3wC24jVM3C-7d7Y3cJtqRjq94mg-ch3POnlzIR-WDBlU&fref=nf&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARB2VI_7ommDFp_m_vKMeSjS4BEbD1plIR7NfWF_GNQWDxonshKcCfqJ_qW0ZHHPaNPDmjcjFDSmr-Op7x3AUVx0mYqD6nh16liafmZRzDrEzazixq8HQp_cMeJVoxb254zTgMVT6IUueHilAd0lEmnEbTPvJb4qMyY-6ECgznt8WujuHDJHtyp2crVeidbV9ELgrWBUbyKE9Wcv9se6cnSAyaivU3_9Dx0Doi4MZrU7dMSPFE6G6_GPH7NZBNMIKGZa8HhqGKjuz3qYP8duOmk3agmb8KrR_Gb1oRufBmCV-goGxtIe4x81T7QjWkfY4ZA7W6Al4soGdz37E5EkNA">Emlyn Pearce</a></span></span><br />
<div class="_5pcp _5lel _2jyu _232_" data-testid="story-subtitle" id="feed_subtitle_2736079963289900:4:0">
<span class="b_1ojqesif0l"><span class="fsm fwn fcg"><a class="_5pcq" href="https://www.facebook.com/emlynpearceblog/posts/2736079963289900?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARB2VI_7ommDFp_m_vKMeSjS4BEbD1plIR7NfWF_GNQWDxonshKcCfqJ_qW0ZHHPaNPDmjcjFDSmr-Op7x3AUVx0mYqD6nh16liafmZRzDrEzazixq8HQp_cMeJVoxb254zTgMVT6IUueHilAd0lEmnEbTPvJb4qMyY-6ECgznt8WujuHDJHtyp2crVeidbV9ELgrWBUbyKE9Wcv9se6cnSAyaivU3_9Dx0Doi4MZrU7dMSPFE6G6_GPH7NZBNMIKGZa8HhqGKjuz3qYP8duOmk3agmb8KrR_Gb1oRufBmCV-goGxtIe4x81T7QjWkfY4ZA7W6Al4soGdz37E5EkNA&__tn__=H-R" target=""><abbr class="_5ptz timestamp livetimestamp" data-shorten="1" data-utime="1583929927" title="Wednesday, 11 March 2020 at 12:32"><span class="timestampContent">20 hrs</span></abbr></a></span></span><span aria-hidden="true" class="_6spk" role="presentation"> · </span></div>
Coronavirus has revealed painful political truths in a way that nothing in our lifetimes has done before.<br />
We were told that care workers were ‘unskilled’, that <span class="text_exposed_show">we didn’t need them in the way we need bankers or doctors. </span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
Now we see that they are one of our most important lines of defence in a global health crisis.<br />
We were told we could divide our country from other countries and thrive in splendid isolation. <br />
Now we discover that we are intrinsically connected to our neighbours,
and that if a vaccination is developed we will need the cooperation of
other countries to access it as quickly as possible.<br />
We were told
that a zero hours, gig-based economy where workers must continue to be
productive even if they are ill would be to the benefit of all of us. <br />
Now we see that putting work before health costs lives.<br />
We were told that refugees and migrants would bring disease into our country. <br />
Now we discover that wealthy travellers are much more mobile, and therefore much more likely to fuel epidemics.<br />
We were told that our National Health Service could be whittled away and dismantled in the name of money. <br />
Now we discover that without the NHS, we will have no money.<br />
Nothing reveals truth as powerfully as vulnerability.<br />
Whereas the right likes to think that we can build elaborate ivory
towers and separate ourselves from others, the left has now been proven
correct in its belief that - whether we like it or not - our fate is
always bound up in the fate of other people, even if they live on the
other side of the world.<br />
Human beings are not separate from each other, we ARE each other.<br />
Human beings are not separate from the economy, we ARE the economy. <br />
A robust public health service is not a luxury that we pay for if we can, it is the very foundation of wealth and security.<br />
Unfortunately, these lessons may have come too late to save us.</div>
Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-34574635347279407542020-03-11T13:02:00.002+04:002020-03-11T13:02:57.822+04:00Where there is fear there is power.<br />
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<br />
Where there is fear there is power...So the interest rate is cut to
0.25 %. Nadine Dorris tests positive as we stagger on into an unreal
dystopian future. At the full Moon we hear varying reports and a vast
swarm of fake news flows ever onwards.<br />
<br />
In America the Democratic
party seems to turn it's back on Bernie Sanders and embraces four mire
years of Trump I reflect as I wait for the bus to arrive if Jeremy
Corbyn was a Justinian figure in a long and prolonged decline of<span class="text_exposed_show">
Empire Those who came after Justinian were bland and ineffective. 2017
was the reconquest of Spain, Italy and North Africa before the decline
began again.</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
Perhaps he was
Julian the Apostate turning back to the old faith as the world became
grey from the toxicity of neo liberalism. I cling to the old faith and
party, sustained by Hegel and Gramsci. I feel like the old Pagan in
Swinburnes poem sure of my faith and loathing of the new ways. I am one
of Eliot's Magi returning home and finding society clinging to strange
ways and alien gods.<br />
Maybe Hegel will sustain me in these strange
times ...maybe history will turn on odd events and black swans.. My
shadow and Id arises as I fantasize rather cruelly on just who Nandine
Dorris infected and then i hurridly dismiss the thought with shame and
self dislike.<br />
<br />
I reflect that Italy gas twice as many emergency
beds and a greater ratio of doctors to people than we do here. I
reflect on how treatment will be distributed and who will be first for
the respirators. Then just below the surface I detect my own anxiety I
an asthmatic and of a certain age . If my own shadow and id drives me to
dark and unwholsome thoughts I wonder what fears and hate roams the
land. There are monsters in these time Leon Trotsky horrendous ones.. we
await events, dear boy, events as I prepare to teach Max Weber in my
philisophy class. We all await the unforseen circumstances of history as
Dylan the Dog from a Welsh rescue centre is to be sent packing. The
mask slips as we see behind it the monsters lurking in the
administration of the "People's ParlIament". Dylan like us all makes too
much mess for our rulers and we await the future. It is not Brexit
that is done .. I shake off my dark mood ...Spring is coming and my
resistance rises...where there is fear there is power...</div>
Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-6675459458819663452020-03-10T13:53:00.001+04:002020-03-10T15:38:30.235+04:00Give him a mask and I will tell the truth...<br />
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<br />
Lets remember when workd capitalusm collapseed in 2008 blamed Labour?
They cant do rhat now. ..the chickens are coming home to roost as we
are forced to develop collective sutions ..in the ultimate voice between
an 'i' or "we" society. Nothing bro gs it home more than the
wearing of a mask protects others rather than our selves.. which we will
choose?<br />
<br />
The crisis in the market rolls on....what matters more the economy or
the people? We learn now that the greatest creation of socialism the
NHS gives us a chance to battle on..while the greatest creation of late
capitalism global warming threatens our destruction.<br />
It's as if
the old gods via Mother Gaia tells us through flood and virus what we
have done to her. In the USA who will benefit from the antidote...who
will pay for it and will those who distribute it be given it free. The
contradictions of late capitalism reach a critical mass...never before
has so many anamollies pointed to the sheer stupidity of humanity.
.its ignorance and sheer brutality..Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-46367516254631701202020-03-09T14:18:00.000+04:002020-03-09T14:49:32.844+04:00Disability Labour AGM and Monday political musings..and radical uncertainty....<br />
<br />
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Disability Labour AGM and Monday political musings.... what does it
take to wake up to the reality of late capitalism? As the price
mechanism empties the supermarkets of anti bacterial wipes and soap, the
"free" market that makes us "freer" takes more from us and limits us
more. Marx was right he always has been. Since 2010 the first three
chapters of "Kapiral" finds perfect illustration in the economic
structure and policies of coalition and Tory governments where Exchan<span class="text_exposed_show">ge
value rather than use value is the order of the day. The myth of the
individual is clearly seen as we run from </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">collectivism into getting
Brexit done. As the culture wars rage on we stagger in early March
towards a virus fueled moral panic. The price of oil falls and the
global economy runs out of fuel . Yet while we fear corona we say
nothing of the arms trade and the poverty fueled by the World Bank and
the WTO that kill far more. And on the macro level we tip towards
recession as Dominic Cummings brave new world becomes cowardly, bitter
and parochially narrow. The walls are closing in....</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
On the micro level of political praxis Disability Labour holds its
first AGM online using the Zoom App facility. The meeting was a great
success and apart from a few glitches worked very well. <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1733912404&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARDcHu0XtznznTN7ZcYug9S-wYtd_GRSPXJiiVxW1rQsvZBZwYWKEYJ9Iymt41UNAszxz-NMMJJ6Dy5w%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/fran.springf?__tn__=%2CdK-R-R&eid=ARDcHu0XtznznTN7ZcYug9S-wYtd_GRSPXJiiVxW1rQsvZBZwYWKEYJ9Iymt41UNAszxz-NMMJJ6Dy5w&fref=mentions" title="Fran Springfield">Fran Springfield</a>
chaired the meeting effectively and well. The success of the meeting
offer a a way for Brecon and Radnor CLP to reach many members in the
constituency that is more of a continent. ZOOM offers a perfect solution
for those who are disabled or isolated because of geography or
circumstances. I was delighted to be re-elected onto the National
Executive of DL particularly as it was without coupon or recommendation.
Wales now has three members on the Executive and we will be bringing a
unique Welsh element to DL.. I will be raising many of the issues at the
Welsh Labour Conference in late March. It's a lovely sunny spring day
as the week begins... let's see what the week brings.<br />
<br />
Probability
becomes meaningless... the love of quantification pointless . Economic
prediction breaks down as all we can now do us defend our selves by
narrative and we return to the time of the parable... and of radical
uncertaknty...<br />
...</div>
Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-38543247436536657962020-03-06T14:24:00.000+04:002020-03-06T14:24:06.119+04:00The enemy of my enemy is my fiend.....<h1 class="entry-title">
I found this blog this morning. It's fascinating </h1>
<h1 class="entry-title">
<a href="https://wereasmadashell.wordpress.com/2020/03/05/starting-small-when-councillors-go-bad/?fbclid=IwAR20Bk0CCF3-nW19_vWaBfLZbFoTpDbxWNQdgh61PHhefqJJ7s49qOinNAY">https://wereasmadashell.wordpress.com/2020/03/05/starting-small-when-councillors-go-bad/?fbclid=IwAR20Bk0CCF3-nW19_vWaBfLZbFoTpDbxWNQdgh61PHhefqJJ7s49qOinNAY</a></h1>
<h1 class="entry-title">
</h1>
<h1 class="entry-title">
Starting small. When councillors go bad.</h1>
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<span class="byline"><span class="screen-reader-text">Posted by</span><span class="author vcard"><a class="url fn n" href="https://wereasmadashell.wordpress.com/author/tcpaulh/">tcpaulh</a></span></span><span class="posted-on"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="svg-icon" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" width="16" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><defs></defs></svg></span><span class="posted-on"></span><span class="posted-on"><a href="https://wereasmadashell.wordpress.com/2020/03/05/starting-small-when-councillors-go-bad/" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date published" datetime="2020-03-05T14:12:35+00:00">March 5, 2020</time></a></span><span class="cat-links"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="svg-icon" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" width="16" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></span><header class="entry-header responsive-max-width"><div class="entry-meta">
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The Welsh government was the first to declare a climate emergency.
Individual councils followed suit but Neath Port Talbot has held back.
Everybody has heard of climate change so I won’t labour the point here,
I’ll just use one example. The United Nations Secretary-General
described it as an “existential threat to humanity”.<br />
I started out concerned then the more hard science I read, then more
terrified and angry I became so I joined Extinction Rebellion. There are
a couple of hundred thousand of us in the UK and we don’t all go around
standing on top of trains. Far from it. Our local group started small
and we wanted to reach out to the local community. Where better to start
than the largest local online community Facebook group “Neath
Constituency Voice For Everyone” which has over 11,000 members and is
solely run by ‘independent’ councillor Stephen Karl Hunt.<br />
<span style="color: var(--color-text);">Mr. Hunt has certain duties
and obligations as a councillor e.g. the promotion of equality;
accountability and openness; selflessness; objectivity, propriety and
integrity. He must not conduct himself in a manner which could
reasonably be regarded as bringing his office or authority into
disrepute. </span><br />
The Neath Voice For Everyone group has enormous reach and influence
within the community, especially when run by a single partisan moderator
who can choose exactly which direction it takes, which posts are deemed
‘too political’, ‘too contentious’ or labelled as advertising etc.
Basically anything Mr. Stephen Karl Hunt doesn’t like. This hardly
represents his duty as a councillor to have integrity or to be selfless
or objective under the code of conduct. Indeed, I contend that Mr. Hunt
uses it as a medium to progress his own personal agenda, whatever that
may be on a day to day basis.<br />
One thing Mr. Hunt doesn’t like is discussion of the climate and
ecological emergency, the biggest threat humanity has ever faced. He
bans those who post about it and certainly anyone who posts about local
climate activist meetings or fundraisers.<br />
He also ignored my requests to rejoin the group to ask for help and
recommendations for tradesman following the recent flooding across
Wales. Something I was badly affected by personally. There’s no irony
here. First he dismisses discussion of climate change, then he refuses
to let one of his electorate ask for help following flooding due to the
increasingly severe weather we are seeing.<br />
Here’s my own personal experience with him. You can judge for yourself.<br />
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</footer>Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-43120011052739571102020-03-05T15:54:00.003+04:002020-03-05T15:54:45.608+04:00The lost pubs of Swansea<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnHpvRLO8UhuLRAzmOLrK4979mLIfhJqz6WE5eDfSmQxMqlHfF8t_kKATyH950EQDeVOeL_9Z79_ETA92o6pQF6w26i_xeLOzpAzEC6wzczvFByirwfLB2ZfXuuYzuZFd4DRbM_n7Ezit/s1600/pibs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="810" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnHpvRLO8UhuLRAzmOLrK4979mLIfhJqz6WE5eDfSmQxMqlHfF8t_kKATyH950EQDeVOeL_9Z79_ETA92o6pQF6w26i_xeLOzpAzEC6wzczvFByirwfLB2ZfXuuYzuZFd4DRbM_n7Ezit/s320/pibs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have measured out my last 45 years visiting these pubs it was a
shock to see virtually every memory, political, personal and dramatic
now condemned to history. I caught myself this morning musing on these
pubs upin who had been there with me, what was said and what happened
next. These are the days of memories now and there is a bitter sweet
sadness over some of them and an ecstatic celebration in others. The
interludes in bars and pub gardens run back to 1976 and as la<span class="text_exposed_show">te as 2008 in others. </span><br />
<br />
The decline of these pubs measures many things. They represent the
destruction of community and the semi independent landlord. These are
mirrored in the rise of the large company creating bland identical meals
prepared by micro wave I all its glory.<br />
"I grow old, I grow old
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled" T S Eliot calls out to
me as the bus reaches Godre Craig. These pubs take part of my history
with them and with it a generations memory. I shake myself out if a
maudlin mood and look out of the window...it's March and Spying is
coming...farewell the Rhyddings, the Cricketers, the Singleton, the
Rohin Hood. And many more...all things decay work out your own salvation
with diligence ..<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/pubs-closed-swansea-last-decade-17790159?fbclid=IwAR33aPkciiwh_obu20bdZ2jjnnCLcE7jJAMmZo8BMk25-dD4er0CYBgNuXU">https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/pubs-closed-swansea-last-decade-17790159?fbclid=IwAR33aPkciiwh_obu20bdZ2jjnnCLcE7jJAMmZo8BMk25-dD4er0CYBgNuXU</a><br />
.Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-67865042464223105672020-03-05T13:04:00.001+04:002020-03-05T13:05:16.621+04:00manor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-65631397459155248272020-03-05T13:02:00.000+04:002020-03-05T13:02:15.998+04:00The ruffian on the stiars..,,,,,.mortality and virus.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ClQcUyhoxTg/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ClQcUyhoxTg?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
The virus is
carried in the blood of the shark skinned suited men who run for power.
It's attached to the skin of the bankers and money nen . It's promoted
and sold by the arms dealers who follow those of the shark skinned
attire. The world bank has killed more than any virus ever will. Each
day those in the third world die because of debt, lack of water and
food. Since the Lib Dems and the Tories brought in austerity in 2010<span class="text_exposed_show">,
120,000 have died from its plague. The length of life is declining in
some cities the average age at which the poor die is 58 and the wealthy
85 The corona virus gives the Tories an opportunity to hide the bad
news, obscure their forgotten promises and create fear and loathing.
The plague comes in an education system determined to stop critical
thinking and make a docile low skilled and low informed voters except
the way things are. </span><br />
<br />
The
power of the state tips in support of the economy rather than it's
people. As Joe Biden prepares to become Hilary Clinton 2.0 we find the
plague promoted by certain right wingers and centrists. As Peter
Mandleson once said we are all Thatcherites now the Ruffian on the
stairs walks with them all. As the mainstream candidates of the centre
and right walk with the Ruffian explaining how things are and knowing
who they prefer. They simply desire the status quo and loath Sanders
and Corbyn more. <br />
We all wait for the Ruffian on the stairs and
thousands will meet him today. Yet it will not be by the Corona virus.
It will be at the hands of the system promoted by the centre and
political right. The smoke and mirrors of late capitalism covers our
eyes and blocks our perceptions. The Ruffian on the stairs looks at us
all and in the fullness of time we all meet him. It is our sharpness and
critical thinking and of love that gives meaning to the necessity of
death. There are worse things than death and life made stale and empty
is one of them. Those who have lost a faith and found a faith will fight
on even against the Ruffian on the stairs . Fear of corona fills many
and we avoid the question about an economic system that makes the price
of antibacterial soap rise and disappear from the shops when it is
needed most,,,when the invisible workers who are the cleaners, security
guards and social carers are not protected from illness and poverty and
are forced to work with broken bones and to hide ill health . This
plague is promoted by those who defend the system and they are the
allies of the Ruffian on the stairs. The corona virus is the least of
his allies but it pays many to promote the virus to equal status. There
is only one God and his name is death and all we can say to him is not
today. It's about resistance and the journey of life it's purpose. The
freer the market the more brutalized the people and the more devalued.
Don't fear the Reaper.. or the virus there are worse things and
individuals...Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-90848365855592609522020-03-04T13:15:00.000+04:002020-03-04T13:15:09.025+04:00The Coronavirus and the Ruffian on the stairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
The Coronavirus and the Ruffian on the stairs. The virus is
carried in the blood of the shark skinned suited men who run for power.
It's attached to the skin of the bankers and money nen . It's promoted
and sold by the arms dealers who follow those of the shark skinned
attire. The world bank has killed more than any virus ever will. Each
day those in the third world die because of debt, lack of water and
food. Since the Lib Dems and the Tories brought in austerity in 2010<span class="text_exposed_show">,
120,000 have died from its plague. The length of life is declining in
some cities the average age at which the poor die is 58 and the wealthy
85 The corona virus gives the Tories an opportunity to hide the bad
news, obscure their forgotten promises and create fear and loathing.
The plague comes in an education system determined to stop critical
thinking and make a docile low skilled and low informed voters except
the way things are. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
The
power of the state tips in support of the economy rather than it's
people. As Joe Biden prepares to become Hilary Clinton 2.0 we find the
plague promoted by certain right wingers and centrists. As Peter
Mandleson once said we are all Thatcherites now the Ruffian on the
stairs walks with them all. As the mainstream candidates of the centre
and right walk with the Ruffian explaining how things are and knowing
who they prefer. They simply desire the status quo and loath Sanders
and Corbyn more. <br />
We all wait for the Ruffian on the stairs and
thousands will meet him today. Yet it will not be by the Corona virus.
It will be at the hands of the system promoted by the centre and
political right. The smoke and mirrors of late capitalism covers our
eyes and blocks our perceptions. The Ruffian on the stairs looks at us
all and in the fullness of time we all meet him. It is our sharpness and
critical thinking and of love that gives meaning to the necessity of
death. There are worse things than death and life made stale and empty
is one of them. Those who have lost a faith and found a faith will fight
on even against the Ruffian on the stairs . Fear of corona fills many
and we avoid the question about an economic system that makes the price
of antibacterial soap rise and disappear from the shops when it is
needed most,,,when the invisible workers who are the cleaners, security
guards and social carers are not protected from illness and poverty and
are forced to work with broken bones and to hide ill health . This
plague is promoted by those who defend the system and they are the
allies of the Ruffian on the stairs. The corona virus is the least of
his allies but it pays many to promote the virus to equal status. There
is only one God and his name is death and all we can say to him is not
today. It's about resistance and the journey of life it's purpose. The
freer the market the more brutalized the people and the more devalued.
Don't fear the Reaper.. or the virus there are worse things and
individuals...<br />
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Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-82809694382622789692020-03-03T13:10:00.000+04:002020-03-03T13:10:06.986+04:00Of class and the Corona virus<br />
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<br />
Of class and the Corona virus....as the Tories tell us of their
preparation to defend us from the coming plague causes questions to rise
in my mind..<br />
<br />
Yet no preparation is made to sustain then as they
work and provide low skilled and low paid workers. Who will care, clean
and cleanse those in isolation and quarantine? It will be the working
class and those on zero hour contracts who will do that. On the cruise
ships those in isolation and quarantine were served by the staff <span class="text_exposed_show">who
were not. It was as if a chasm existed between those who served those
in quarantine.. without quarantine themselves. If you serve and sustain
you become invisible and beyond consideration of infection. We know
that the stewards and the servants of the passengers are treated as if
corona does not threaten them..will those who self isolate get paid?
Will the Tories show that they are a people"s government? The market
rules the concerns of the shareholders will always win. How will care
home workers be protected? Who will be the victims ? Yes you are right
the working class... </span><br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
The
truth is that simply the need of capitalism and the market trumps all
other considerations and concerns. It may be the greatest irony of all
that a virus destroys late capitalism and globalisation . It was not
peak oil that brought down late capitalism....it was the black swans of
Corona landing..and it will be the working class, the migrant workers
and those who work zero hour contracts that will be most at risk as they
serve those who "must" self isolate and protect their masters...the
bus drivers, the transport staff the street cleaners and the health
workers nothing new there....nothing new under the Sun.<br />
<br />
As I
age and become my grandfather I glance back over the 100 years of my
family history and the Socialist in me grows further and more powerful.
Beyond middle class moderation and class my illusions are burnt away
as reality dawns and Engels speaks out more relevant and brutal than
ever...The greatest struggle is telling the truth to the oppressor..<br />
<br />
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Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-30497590613096091862020-03-02T15:28:00.005+04:002020-03-02T15:28:56.573+04:00Victory over DWP after three years<br />
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Victory over DWP after three years...I had a seat news this morning.
Back in 2002 a client of mine was involved in a mini bus crash leaviing
him virtually the only survivor. He had undiagnosed Post Traumatic
Stress and was and still is In crippling pain. He contacted me back in
2017 to help with his appeal and both myself and his friend Will
represented him at the appeal as the DWP had rejected his claim.
Unfortunately the tribunal decides that PTSD was not similar to agorap<span class="text_exposed_show">hobia
and refused the appeal. His friend Will persevered with the case and
took it to a higher court that overturned the decision. The claim began
again but unfortunately was rejected by the DWP and at an further lower
court rejected. Once more Will and my client appealed to a higher one
and won.. Last week a lower court upheld the appeal and the DWP had to
pay out three years back benefit and granted my client the benefits for
life. Many people would have given up in that length of time and the
lesson is to be persistent. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
I remember this case rearly well as on the way to it the bus i was on
crashed into a car near Pontardawe . I was shaken by it and probably had
a some yes I.a from it. However I attended the initial appeal in this
condition. The irony was that it took till December of last year 2019
to settle my claim. Persistence is the key and though my injuries were
infinitely less than my clients we both won. There is an odd
synchronicity and an echo in these stories. As we face the horrors of
this Tory government there will be many cases like that of my clients ..
many will give up but the lesson is keep fighting...</div>
Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-31766561088674856552020-03-02T13:03:00.002+04:002020-03-02T13:03:27.225+04:00Ivan Monckton for the Welsh Labour Executive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ivan Monckton for the Welsh Labour Executive I am pleased to Support <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100002244498400&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARBGCrfjxgwX9Jan79Nv9Le_UP3K-kZMtMdW5oTnMDXi7h8ZylLTcEjiDQKp1NCmYX6e697mO-KnLGYi%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/ivan.monckton?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARBGCrfjxgwX9Jan79Nv9Le_UP3K-kZMtMdW5oTnMDXi7h8ZylLTcEjiDQKp1NCmYX6e697mO-KnLGYi&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBm85tzj-KwlOtbDoT1Zobuie-rtiYjdMdUWX1V3HEZACpvdKBNBzl3So-z2_mPfYQfwfSwnICccTSOWGLjQw5todlb2pivW8ytbN_9uASylwzwA_iNnwtNhiU0SDaFtyq7nNu0VUDPRWYkK4YH8xEBvteroNFG3hzY0CXTVpGIcOGZsPPWlzzcfm2VMKpseBML3ATFGnaYwGZ7kgV7Oare6mZV1IgNSPSiokbN-vSDyCurvATa-PnwkopMHy1ZgX8" title="Ivan Monckton">Ivan Monckton</a>
as the Left candidate for Mid and West Wales on the Welsh Labour
Executive . I have known Ivan for a couple of years now he is
delightfully blunt, yet politically astute and has a kind, heart of
gold. His political analysis is spot on and he dies not tolerate any
bull shit. Ivan is a member of my own Union Unite. It's essential that
Welsh Labour continues it's radical democratic reforms and that we widen
the party to reflect the diversity we truly need. I suspect that the
right of the party wish to slow down the process using the cover of the
leadership campaign as a smoke sscrern. Vote for Ivan Monckton .<br />
<br />
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<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-testid="post_message" id="js_5">
MID AND WEST WALES LABOUR PARTY COLLEAGUES<br />
As many of you will be aware, I am a candidate in the elections for
Welsh Labour’s Executive Committee (WEC), standing for one of the two
seats for Mid and West Wales. Having been a Labour Party member
continuously for nearly 40 years, I have held various positions at
Branch and Constituency level, and am currently chairman of Brecon and
Radnorshire CLP.<br />
I moved to Wales at the age of 21 in 1974 to
work as a Forestry Commission woodsman, having previously worked in a
children’s residential home in Stafford, and then on a Shropshire farm.
For the last 30 odd years, I have worked as a countryside contractor,
maintaining and opening up footpaths and bridleways, and latterly, back
in the woods during winter months coppicing hazel.<br />
I have been a
trade union member since my first working week, first with NALGO, but
then transferring to TGWU when I moved to Wales. I became a shop steward
and Branch Secretary in the early days and have been active at all
levels ever since, serving for 34 years as the Agricultural Delegate on
the Executive Council of TGWU/ Unite, and presently sitting on the Welsh
Regional Committee and chairing the Regional Political Committee.
However, as a lifelong Socialist, activism has always been about more
than just sitting on committees. I believe in supporting workers and
communities in struggle, whether in Wales, the U.K. as a whole, or
internationally in Colombia, Palestine etc. Whether it’s a bullying
boss, a Cabinet Minister or a Foreign Ambassador, I have confronted them
all about injustices.<br />
To be completely straight with you, I am
of the Left and currently chair of Welsh Labour Grassroots. I campaigned
to get Jeremy Corbyn elected leader, speaking alongside him at huge
rallies in Cardiff and Merthyr. I also campaigned to win the debate on
OMOV (One Member One Vote) elections for Welsh Labour leadership, and
then again to get Mark Drakeford elected.<br />
So, why do I want to be
part of WEC? I believe that the Welsh Labour establishment is too ready
to take a middle-of-the-road-approach to it’s affairs, often against
the better interests of us members, and sometimes of the leadership
itself! We need a more radical approach, and for that we need radical
WEC members. How is it possible that the Welsh Democracy Review is going
to be allowed to stumble on for another age before conclusions are put
to a future conference?<br />
I am plain speaking and occasionally
blunt, nevertheless, I am always keen to work as part of a team and
attempt to see others’ point of view. I am a capable public speaker,
have been dealing with TV and radio interviews for many years and
believe, absolutely, in reporting back to anyone I am in a position to
represent. I am always happy to be contacted by phone, mail or email,
and will accept as many requests to report back in person as is
physically possible.<br />
Last Years General Election result was
devastating for Wales and the whole of the U.K. we are going to need a
Welsh Labour Party that fights as never before to look after those who
are going to suffer under a Conservative Government in Westminster. We
also have the Welsh Assembly elections coming up next year, and we need
to start working on a strong Socialist manifesto that will show the
Nation we believe in equality, fairness and a decent life for all,
wether you are a Managing Director, a farmworker or one of the homeless,
and whatever your gender, sexuality, ethnicity or age.<br />
If you
want someone, as your representative, in a smart suit, tie and cuff
links, telling you how difficult everything is, pass me by. If you want
someone who will be YOUR voice, please vote for me.<br />
I also urge you all to vote additionally for my colleague CHRISTINE HARDACRE, another thoroughly committed Socialist.</div>
Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-43441695711819633192020-02-28T14:01:00.003+04:002020-02-28T14:04:48.469+04:00It's Friday in Oran...an interlude with Sisyphus<br />
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<br />
It's Friday in Oran...an interlude with Sisyphus.. The crisis of
globalisation begins as the economic slow down takes effect. An
unforeseen event shows exactly the effects of the black swan landing in
the backyard of Europe. As climate change bites and Heathrow expansion
is turned down we see a coming collision between conventional economic
growrh and the need to limit emissions. As we flirt with descriptions
of pandemic our: 'mature' democracy staggers towards panic . <span class="text_exposed_show">The
streets are quieter and brooding with a sense of anxiety. As we look
around we experience the continuation of culture wars as the western
mind undergoes rapid an ever becoming revolution of identity. </span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
Perhaps the greatest irony yet will be that the authoritarian state
capitalists of China will be far more effective in resisting the corona
virus. Would it not be odd if the myth of self and individualism was
the Trojan horse that slew capitalism. Within 20 years of the claim of
the victory of liberal capitalism we near an end to it's domination. It
was not peak oil that was it's assasin it was corona. <br />
The
structures of globalisation, it's facilities exposed unconscious beyond
comprehension are revealed as the fears of Ricardo, Malthus, Adam Smith
and Marx become prophetic. The hints in the texts and the footnotes of
the chroniclers of political economy move from the implicit to the
explicit. As I said on Monday we all live in Oran now and the
challenge to all is whether we are a resistor, collaborator or
other.....this is the age of Camus as absurdity points out the flaws in
the stassi capitalists of Johnson's government on Brexit Island....who
will be Tarrou or Dr Rieux or indeed Rambert? Perhaps Sisyphus will
have the last laugh as the corona virus stalks the market? Events, dear
boy , events ...the road ahead cannot be seen....cannot be felt as the
stock market staggers back to 2008 and all the logic of neo liberalism
revealed once more as false...on Radio 4 the PM programme discuss with
subtle seeding how we can cope in the age of pandemic...with
restriction, limitation and a tinge of panic..<br />
<br />
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Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-24270051414286679592020-02-27T12:59:00.001+04:002020-02-27T12:59:41.903+04:00The praxis of meaning on a Thursday bus ride.<br />
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<br />
The praxis of meaning on a Thursday bus ride.. It's nearly March as
a rain soaked and lashed Ystradgynlais staggers towards Spring. It's
light now as I reach the bus stop in the mornings now. As the days
lengthen and the cycles of existence weave and dance through events to
come with numerous unseen consequences and echoes. Yet still there is
still nothing new under the Sun. Freud, Nietzche, Marx and Hegel all
knew this yet each in their own way gave a new lens and perspect<span class="text_exposed_show">ive upon the praxis of history.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
There is tragedy followed by farce as the good old defence mechanism
are dusted down and brought out and as the dialectical process of thesis
and antithesis runs on into the death of God and on even to beyond
good and evil. All things that were solid melt intro air as history
moves on. As the bus travels towards Godre÷graig through out the world
millions of lives acting upon one another at both micro and macro levels
in numerous ways. I stare from the Bus window and think about the
clashing aims, ideas and purposes. I think of the vast unconscious
uncomprehending nature of world economics under late capitalism.<br />
<br />
As the Red Wall Tory MPs fail to comprehend that an expansion of
Heathrow will continue to destroy their local economies ... it is
revealed that London and the South East has grown nine times as fast the
areas of the North. I hear Airport Adonis champion the cause of
Heathrow as I wonder when our Prime Minister will lay down in front if
the bulldozers.<br />
As centrist and right wing Labour "big beasts"
dream of shadow cabinet glory I reflect on all of the possibilities and
events to come. I reflect that we now reach a point where prediction
becomes nearly merely a reflection of our own prejudices and blind
spots. There is nothing new under the sun...or perhaps we are just
locked in Baudrillard"s hyper reality....<br />
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Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-38631142996518910632020-02-26T13:06:00.001+04:002020-02-26T13:10:14.533+04:00Mercy me I am becoming Bill Brand or shall we call it " My friends in Ystradgynlais"<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-testid="post_message" id="js_7a">
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Tbe
Ystradgynlais Labour AGM is over.... Mercy me I am becoming Bill Brand
or shall we call it " My friends in Ystradgynlais". The greatest irony
of my political persona is that finally at the age of nearly 62 I become
my adolescent hero Bill Brand. The Ystradgynlais Labour AGM is over
and a new committee elected. Trish oncemors is chairperson and I once
more am the Secretary. <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100004807590140&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARB5sn3AW--N92kcNoksrKHkHRv1bAu7dwCZ_dvE57QUy-jboqpCwzN0410nbiINQtwxeA7ZUhnXKqMy%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004807590140&__tn__=K-R&eid=ARB5sn3AW--N92kcNoksrKHkHRv1bAu7dwCZ_dvE57QUy-jboqpCwzN0410nbiINQtwxeA7ZUhnXKqMy&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDUcykiLD8RHhrzl2bFa6vVNguk3pHQMRL6gJD4nxYWKqX3TluGmtoct7NMY4pk0H4DoQ53lEAJGkxvp05fSgHU7KVog-WPZLoXOqpWlcU6L_hzym_ZrsdQs1Rjh8SKyrHmCNlP80qFk8M-Xwtb-7F53D9qzikshsI4BOh5_wyv8QxvOMnwRPzoOmyFKcv7xPYF4--_TumnDDeG4yp78ymCw0CWWOjvuzJKg2ZJwydnKHjLlBjuLCIlnsu9DJv5mB8" title="Roger Maidment">Roger Maidment</a> becomes Treasurer and <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100010455581543&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARC9RZQsANefaSgWX4Yabdx-TD7YwZ1ISxmV043hMtdB4136hE6gbspz1_xS_JZQc0g2Ff-XR421erhM%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/josh.mogs172002?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARC9RZQsANefaSgWX4Yabdx-TD7YwZ1ISxmV043hMtdB4136hE6gbspz1_xS_JZQc0g2Ff-XR421erhM&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDUcykiLD8RHhrzl2bFa6vVNguk3pHQMRL6gJD4nxYWKqX3TluGmtoct7NMY4pk0H4DoQ53lEAJGkxvp05fSgHU7KVog-WPZLoXOqpWlcU6L_hzym_ZrsdQs1Rjh8SKyrHmCNlP80qFk8M-Xwtb-7F53D9qzikshsI4BOh5_wyv8QxvOMnwRPzoOmyFKcv7xPYF4--_TumnDDeG4yp78ymCw0CWWOjvuzJKg2ZJwydnKHjLlBjuLCIlnsu9DJv5mB8" title="Josh Morgan">Josh Morgan</a> the Youth Officer. We have <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1304527105&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARBniMjYui4cPdrMjkMOYKgG32bD0tnLgMH9adK5hwX2w210X35OBTD_W3NvXM4sLxP8xOBzCARMG9UE%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/lisa.rapado?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARBniMjYui4cPdrMjkMOYKgG32bD0tnLgMH9adK5hwX2w210X35OBTD_W3NvXM4sLxP8xOBzCARMG9UE&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDUcykiLD8RHhrzl2bFa6vVNguk3pHQMRL6gJD4nxYWKqX3TluGmtoct7NMY4pk0H4DoQ53lEAJGkxvp05fSgHU7KVog-WPZLoXOqpWlcU6L_hzym_ZrsdQs1Rjh8SKyrHmCNlP80qFk8M-Xwtb-7F53D9qzikshsI4BOh5_wyv8QxvOMnwRPzoOmyFKcv7xPYF4--_TumnDDeG4yp78ymCw0CWWOjvuzJKg2ZJwydnKHjLlBjuLCIlnsu9DJv5mB8" title="Lisa Phillips">Lisa Phillips</a> as Vice<span class="text_exposed_show"> Chair and <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=636698686&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARAhtYqc2yB96gLebd4-YbNaX72KRzDhmi2eTBOmyVfxhSQkDhTn3dJ4rnjJzJyDjaGujKQRfYzx2t2a%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/monique.craine?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARAhtYqc2yB96gLebd4-YbNaX72KRzDhmi2eTBOmyVfxhSQkDhTn3dJ4rnjJzJyDjaGujKQRfYzx2t2a&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDUcykiLD8RHhrzl2bFa6vVNguk3pHQMRL6gJD4nxYWKqX3TluGmtoct7NMY4pk0H4DoQ53lEAJGkxvp05fSgHU7KVog-WPZLoXOqpWlcU6L_hzym_ZrsdQs1Rjh8SKyrHmCNlP80qFk8M-Xwtb-7F53D9qzikshsI4BOh5_wyv8QxvOMnwRPzoOmyFKcv7xPYF4--_TumnDDeG4yp78ymCw0CWWOjvuzJKg2ZJwydnKHjLlBjuLCIlnsu9DJv5mB8" title="Monique Craine">Monique Craine</a> in a Job share with Roger Rees as Political Education Officer. Welcome to Vaughan our new Social Media Officer and <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1441475801&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARAJRiFKF9mYTyikzSn0G7CTxnCD372TYTO4sDQOoiTppq_SV1dwemD5xOQrPzdTgkLktkwXn9hCDLS8%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/stephen.gray.92560?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARAJRiFKF9mYTyikzSn0G7CTxnCD372TYTO4sDQOoiTppq_SV1dwemD5xOQrPzdTgkLktkwXn9hCDLS8&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDUcykiLD8RHhrzl2bFa6vVNguk3pHQMRL6gJD4nxYWKqX3TluGmtoct7NMY4pk0H4DoQ53lEAJGkxvp05fSgHU7KVog-WPZLoXOqpWlcU6L_hzym_ZrsdQs1Rjh8SKyrHmCNlP80qFk8M-Xwtb-7F53D9qzikshsI4BOh5_wyv8QxvOMnwRPzoOmyFKcv7xPYF4--_TumnDDeG4yp78ymCw0CWWOjvuzJKg2ZJwydnKHjLlBjuLCIlnsu9DJv5mB8" title="Stephen Gray">Stephen Gray</a>
as Campaign Committee member . It was one of the largest meetings I
have seen here . I say I feel like Bill brand as a voice on the Left as I
hear the plaintiff cry "We are a broad church" which effectively means I
accept the status quo but want to make it slightly less nasty. It also
implies that the broadeness is effectively used without the word
socialism and implies that our there somewhere are a secret group
plotting the revolution of which I am a representative. There is also an
inability to distinguish Momentum from Militant and forgets that 18
months ago the branch met bimonthly with an average attendance of 8 .The
episode of Bill Brand below carries echoes of what I have seen,
experienced and enjoyed. The Labour Party in all its glory and shadow is
a wonderful political education that attracts, at times repels yet
creates a fascination with the human psyche in all its glory and all of
its Id. Within it all the Freudian defence mechanisms can be seen and
experienced . I wouldn't miss it for the world and within it I often
glimpse my own frailties, strengths and perceptions. At long last I have
become Bill Brand....Venceremos comrades ...enjoy the first episode of
the series...</span><br />
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Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-38378452020632526282020-02-25T12:55:00.001+04:002020-02-25T12:55:04.237+04:00From the Cefn Saeson by election onwards to the Senedd elections of 2021.<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-testid="post_message" id="js_6">
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From
the Cefn Saeson by election onwards to the Senedd elections of
2021...There begins a long cycle now of the electoral processes within
the Labour Party, through its branches, Brecon and Radnor CLP, the party
leadership and onto a certain Town Council by election on Thursday in
the Cimla area of Neath. You may be surprised to consider the relevance
of this Thursday"s by election to the future of the Labour Party in
general yet it may be that it is merely an omen for the shape of things
to come if Labour moves to the right. The Cefn Saeson by election pits
the Green Party in a contest with Labour. This may well become a pattern
under a Starmer or Nandy led Centrist or right wing Labour Party. As
the Left within Labour battle for the party's future we may yet find
that any centrist nudge may find Labour losing up to one million of it's
December votes to the Green Party and other smaller parties. The
defection of <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=531831881&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARCIj1zX6GvU7mkEKdi-rTZU8P9j0p7JAElkxFhA2t1p6LN238tlK3UHmze7cLbGFkB23LEcs9Z8UsGk%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/soniaklein?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARCIj1zX6GvU7mkEKdi-rTZU8P9j0p7JAElkxFhA2t1p6LN238tlK3UHmze7cLbGFkB23LEcs9Z8UsGk&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDlEJfT_SI6sXloJj3jLE3EGxFacZmejN2KBEEDLX80E2wmeUeP6YAD3wUYx3oz66gmsV_9s7uPsOtPQnsuz7TOnPw8jcg9a3-zwWq9cHMEb8rP73Yod2VGsnredUL7TMgHeUI4EGLpMeYus_q2323XxvNHVu7mfwD7bIw7E4hMjtKNBYXdIWHIFrg3phqeb0JdAWkNa7aPXVkL619zE89vabTiLVskIN42N8EzIrwrNk61Kqa_RPp63lxsl2aTRjA" title="Sonia Klein">Sonia Klein</a>
to Plaid may well be another warning to those calling for centrism. As
the clarion calls of Tony Blair call for an arrangement between Labour
and the Liberal Democrats we see the trajectory of the Labour right and
centre. <br />
After the European elections and General Election of
December we saw a remain alliance between Plaid the Greens and the
Liberal Democrats..Labour must steer clear of such a development. The
sight of Greens in alliance with austerity supporting Liberal Democrats
was the ultimate in a lack of principle and ambition. Yet it will not
prevent social democracy losing millions of young people switched on
to politics by Jeremy Corbyn to the Greens and others.<br />
For Plaid
too must realise and understand that devolution for Wales only became
possible because of the conversion of Labour to it's cause. It took
Labour a long time to exorcise the ghosts of George Thomas and yet the
ultimate irony may be yet to come where in the end Welsh independence
becomes possible because of the conversion of Welsh Labour to it's
cause. It would be a strange irony and a Weberian unforseen consequence
of some surprise.<br />
<br />
For myself I see no possibility of a mass party
of ecosocialism outside of Labour. I see the present leadership
election within Labour as a Hegelian moment of struggle that will be
fought in leadership and General Elections to come. It may be that the
left will triumph on April 4th or it may come in 10 years or more. Of
course climate change and other unforseen events may well demolish the
seemingly monolithic Tory dominance giving the Left power very quickly.<br />
<br />
The Senedd election of 2021 will reveal much in Wales of political
trends. The Tory victory in December makes it impossible for Plaid to
ally within Wales with the Tories . Had Labour won in December Plaid
could well have surged in future elections . There is a Welsh political
axiom that suggest a Plaid only does well when Labour is in power at
Westminster. At best Labour will win the elections for the Senedd in
2021 or otherwise come to a similar arrangement of the one Wales
government of 15 years ago with Plaid. The sheer ignorance of Lisa Nandy
over Catalonia and Scottish self determinism offers some attraction to
certain elements within Welsh Labour yet offers us nothing more than a
narrow cup de sac haunted by the ghost of George Thomas. The British
state is cracking apart and the Labour Party must understand just what
is happening.<br />
The Cefn Saeson by election may be a warning to the
devotees of a centrist Welsh Labour future particularly with the
history of by elections in recent years in Neath Port Talbot. <br />
As for myself it's odd how my victory in the delegate election for
Disability Labour has an echo of both karma and schadenfreude that
perhaps only Neil Wagstaff and Lisa Phillips would understand over
certain events after the Uplands by election of 2014 in another party
and universe. We move on tonight to the AGM of Ystradgynlais Labour
Party and then in March to Brecon and Radnor CLPs AGM in March. The
battle with the right and centre moves onto other times and other places
for the soul of the Labour Party...the only way that eco socialism can
be made manifest is through a socialist Labour Party...</div>
Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-26364279132554621252020-02-24T13:58:00.002+04:002020-02-24T13:59:29.413+04:00We all live in "Oran" now........<br />
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<br />
We all live in "Oran" now as the pandemic comes... The borders begin
to close as the plague comes. We see the borders shut between Austria
and Italy. But where is it carried and how? Is it carried in our heads
and hearts, or at the biochemical or microbial level? The cruise ships
carrying right-wing gammon traverse the world as a pandemic nears. Has
the world become Camus' Oran? I wonder then where a new theodicy will
come fr<span class="text_exposed_show">om ? A woman raves on Question Time with bare-faced racism, unaware that her vile emotion lacks any basis in facts.</span><br />
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The plague is a metaphor and a metonymy for our times. It's closing the
borders for us and it forms a fog in the channel. Europe is closing off
to both the UK and to its respective states. The boring and bland voice
of Keir Starmer sounds in my ears from Radio 4 as Lisa Nandy celebrates
the uninformed reactionary attitudes as virtues to be listened to and
celebrated. The plague kills our critical thinking and makes us believe
that opinion without facts is valid. Ignorance carried in the blood
becomes a source of confidence in the psyche. The defence of right-wing
nut jobs with swivel eyes become a model to be aimed for. Hate speech
becomes free speech as white straight men cannot see racism, homophobia
and sexism as real and defend it as banter. The minds close as the
bacillus spreads in multiple ways. Farage, Trump, and others are the
epidemiological agents that spray us with it...<br />
Those of who live
in this worldwide Oran must choose how we resist. There will be many
who collaborate with the plague, and there will be those who are carried
off by it and those who resist and turn back. The choice is yours, and
be it coronavirus or conservatism the vulnerable are always its victims.
Will you collaborate, or resist? The choice is yours..</div>
Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-10728261397176241612020-02-21T12:54:00.000+04:002020-02-21T13:56:50.387+04:00Disability, the trains to Treblinka and economic activity.<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-testid="post_message" id="js_3">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Disability,
the trains to Treblinka and economic activity.. so we learn now that
work makes us free and that there are eight million economically
"inactive" people within the country. I watch on television an interview
with the 50 somethings in cafe in Stratford upon Avon , they think
that requiring the economically inactive to wipe bums and pick fruit as
wonderful Yet they do not ask why during the day they are at the cafe
and not being economically active. Like those 83% who believe that if
you go to live in another country you must learn the language yet never
apply this to the expats who are of course not economic migrants. When
an eugenicist has been an advisor to number 10 and believes that women
should submit to men you have a discourse that leads us to an
instrumentalist view of humanity. Economic activity is measured by
Pritti Pattel as simply working and ignores the spending in living that
we all do whether we work or not. It is not work that makes us free it
is the money we spend...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">And after this discourse will come an
attitude to the disabled . When Tories argue that the disabled should
be paid less and the DWP creates a taxonomy that denies psychological
definitions and confuses the meaning of cognitive possinluties with
actual ones. It won't be long before the eyes of the patriots turn onto
the clearly perceived disabled and then begin a witchuni upon the hidden
disabled. "Economic inactivity" opens the doors to 'work makes free'
and in the simplistic approach of the naive Tory's sinister outlook
threatens us all. The far right and the alt right fear disability, the rights of women; the trans person and those who do not look, work or
spend like them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I have been told in letters from the DWP that
it is not my job to comment on fitness to work.. I have seen a Doctor at
a DWP Tribunal shout at a client, telling her to speak up because he
has left his hearing aid at home. I have seen a client in a DWP
interview so terrified that he dug his nails so deeply I to his hand
that he bled u noticed by the health care professional I have seen the
disabled bullied in public and experienced it myself in December when my
magnifier bothered a bus traveller on the X6. All of these were not
done by fascists yet each action feeds the fascist within and without.
It empowers the fascist groups and those who practice and promote
emotional fascism. If you can create a system that would have prevented
your own parents coming here then you at best lack insight and empathy
and at worst a hidden psychopathy and narcissism. If you can bully a
high ranking civil servant that leads to their collapse...then you must
ask what could you do to the other, the disabled and the different?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">This must be the time we resist the fascist within and without. We must
understand our shadow, our id and our prejudices.. we must resist
those who would deny the expert and fail to understand the nature of
power..We must promote critical thinking and deny the simplistic
emotional explanation. We must concentrate on ideas and defend the
vulnerable and ourselves in and when we experience our own
vulnerabilities. We are all broken, disabled and at risk at
times...let's resist and fight back against those locked in denial,
projection and displacement. It's insight, critical thought and
empathy Pritti Pattel that makes us free and not work for fucks
sake...just tell me of the billionaires whose wealth makes them inactive
.....if you can be slain in a sleepy shiska bar by the far right, then
we open the doors to the gas chambers.. and catch the trains to
Trblinka....no paseran...</span><br />
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Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-17252706850079751152020-02-20T12:52:00.001+04:002020-02-20T13:13:17.640+04:00The Glanrhyd bus stop in the rain in February.. musings and reflections<br />
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<br />
The Glanrhyd bus stop in the rain in February.. musings and reflections..as news of a far right attack comes from Germany. We hear
that the attacker posted a video and had a hunting licence and attacked
two Kurdish bars frequented by guest workers. We hear that the German
state took away resources from observing the far right to observation of
Isis terrorism. Like the UK the far right flexes and stretches it's
muscles and few see the symbiotic relationship between the far rig<span class="text_exposed_show">ht
and Isis. Each has a similar world view, each share one another's
social media tweeting and retweeting one another's efforts and each
left behind in a globalised world.</span><br />
<br />
My mind turns to the nature of Februay and I reflect the on the tide of
misery, illness and mortality around me. I am Sissyphus pushing the
stone of my will and optimism up the hill each day and each morning it
has rolled down to the bottom so I begin the process again each day The
same inanities echo around social media each day on Port Talbot
arseholes and dispair the same unthinking prejudice babbled on ....<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
As Pritti Patel brings in a points-based immigration system we discover
that her own parents would not have been granted entrance to the UK
what us it about newsagents and the Tory Party? Is it the prejudice of
the tabloids entering into their souls by osmosis? Is it the grubiness
of selling cigarettes and booze to under age kids in the 70s? Is it
the crassness of the top shelf ? Or the inflated prices charged to poor
and desperate people?<br />
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<br />
This is February as three storms have
merged into days of rain and wind that never seem to end. I glance up
around the bus there are six of us as we move through Trebanos and
onwards towards Pontaradawe ...where are we going what are our stories? I
dreamt last night of a train journey Freud would have speculated on
mortality perhaps this bus is a metaphor for the train. Sissyphus
within all of us heading on the X6 to pick up our individual rocks?<br />
<br />
On Radio 4 I hear of the floods in Wales and throughout the country.
The reality of climate change comes down to us all. Yet denial is
everywhere...<br />
<br />
But the days are lengthening and the light grows
daily. In the USA Sanders goes on the attack and lays into the racist
Israeli Government and the theocracy of Saudi Arabia. As Bloomberg
stutters and staggers awkwardly into the Presidential election. The
potential for change is there and the small acorns and bulbs of hope
burst with energy. Spring is coming steadily as we all Sissyphus like
battle through existence . There is only one God and his name is death
and all we can say to him is not today. There are many Goddesses with
multiple views and perspectives and the rocks we push up the hill can
become tools of change and weapons of resistance ....but dare we rebel
that us the question. <br />
Meanwhile the ex Pats in Spain rail
against migrants and call for the economically inactive with the UK to
pick fruit and wipe a<br />
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Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-9534251331656772562020-02-19T12:54:00.002+04:002020-02-19T12:54:21.712+04:00"Even damnation is poisoned with rainbows"..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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...it's very quiet the
cafes, the shops and the businesses. Yes it's half term, but as I write
I notice that the bus I am on is emptier than usual. It's almost as if
the paradise of Brexit and the government of Boris Johnson exists in a
way that is yet to be perceived or understood. I feel as if the pages of
Hannah Arendts book on totalitarianism and fascism is being acted out.
As Kier Starmer bores the Labour into submission with<span class="text_exposed_show">
a stream of visionless words and Lisa Nandy has conversations with
socially conservative ex Labour voters who are concerned with "anti
western" policies and hung up on immigration and the threat of diversity
. Yet in the conversation she has she never states what values she has
or indeed those she supports. Her history is constantly revised,
adapted and reinterpreted .Anti Semetism as Corbyns sin is woven into
her narrative tapestry and coloured by ambition as great as Lucifers and
as cold as a Lizard she weeps tears for the blue Labour values that she
so sadly mourns.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
The Left
wrestles with the false binary choice between the electable centrism
option and the purity and relevance of Socialism. Late capitalism is
here and we cannot go back to Blair. 2008 destroyed for ever that world
has gone for ever. Neoliberalism has been replaced by benefit
capitalism in which large corporations and banks are the recipients .
The system has gone and only it's shell remains. The superstructure of
the state persuades many that we can go back yet automation, climate
change and the change of commodities and their opportunity costs slips
by their awareness.<br />
<br />
The Left must keep its nerve and battle on.
Whatever happens on April 4th is yet another state in a Hegelian
process. Blair led Labour to the arms of Bush and war where so would the
centrist pragmatists lead us now? Which right wing populist would
serve that role? There is no way other than to campaign, educate and
empower. Socialism is the only way now. Rosa Luxembourg long ago said
the choice was either Socialism or Barbarism. Never has the first three
chapters of volume of Das Kapital been more relevant, prophetic and
valid. The centre is dead but does not yet know it, the right off Labour
has no relevance or value to post industrial society. All that is solid
is melting into air and all that was holy is now profane. Socialism
calls to us as a faith to those who have lost a faith..keep your nerve
...the dialectic runs on as thesis and antithesis battles it out. Free
movement becomes essential as the crisis of late capitalism
nears.....it will come in an event, moment or episode that is yet
unforseen, unknown and shocking...:to all my architects let me be
traitor to those I cannot obey.."<br />
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<span></span></div>
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<div class="kp-header" data-ved="2ahUKEwiF96bYnt3nAhXIiFwKHRBwCp0Q3z4oAHoECA0QAQ">
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<div class="NFQFxe Hhmu2e viOShc LKPcQc mod" data-hveid="CA0QAg" data-md="16" data-ved="2ahUKEwiF96bYnt3nAhXIiFwKHRBwCp0QhygoADAAegQIDRAC" style="clear: none;">
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<div class="kno-ecr-pt PZPZlf gsmt i8lZMc sKbx2c" data-attrid="title" data-local-attribute="d3bn" data-ved="2ahUKEwiF96bYnt3nAhXIiFwKHRBwCp0Q3B0oADAAegQIDRAD">
<span>The Old Revolution</span></div>
<div class="wwUB2c PZPZlf" data-attrid="subtitle">
<span data-ved="2ahUKEwiF96bYnt3nAhXIiFwKHRBwCp0Q2kooATAAegQIDRAE"><a data-ved="2ahUKEwiF96bYnt3nAhXIiFwKHRBwCp0QMTAAegQIDRAF" href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&sxsrf=ACYBGNT1LbM-19mX7kbE21gTZKT837Geuw:1582102391413&q=Leonard+Cohen&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgVuLQz9U3yElOzlvEyuuTmp-XWJSi4JyfkZoHAMMeWQwcAAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiF96bYnt3nAhXIiFwKHRBwCp0QMTAAegQIDRAF">Leonard Cohen</a></span></div>
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<div class="SALvLe farUxc mJ2Mod">
<div class="i4J0ge">
<div class="NFQFxe siXlze yp1CPe mod" data-attrid="kc:/music/recording_cluster:lyrics" data-md="113" style="clear: none;">
<div data-hveid="CAsQAA" data-ved="2ahUKEwiF96bYnt3nAhXIiFwKHRBwCp0QsEwwAXoECAsQAA">
<div class="uHNKed">
<div class="Oh5wg">
<div class="PZPZlf" data-lyricid="Lyricfind002-172420">
<div class="bbVIQb">
<div class="ujudUb">
<span>I finally broke into the prison,</span><br /><span>I found my place in the chain.</span><br /><span>Even damnation is poisoned with rainbows,</span><br /><span>All the brave young men</span><br /><span>They're waiting now to see a signal</span><br /><span>Which some killer will be lighting for pay.</span><br /><span>Into this furnace I ask you now to venture,</span><br /><span>You whom I cannot betray.</span></div>
<div class="ujudUb">
<span>I fought in the old revolution</span><br /><span>On the side of the ghost and the King.</span><br /><span>Of course I was very young</span><br /><span>And I thought that we were winning;</span><br /><span>I can't pretend I still feel very much like singing</span><br /><span>As they carry the bodies away.</span><br /><span>Into this furnace I ask you now to venture</span></div>
<div class="ujudUb WRZytc OULBYb">
<span>Lately you've started to stutter</span><br /><span>As though you had nothing to say.</span><br /><span>To all of my architects let me be traitor.</span><br /><span>Now let me say I myself gave the order</span><br /><span>To sleep and to search</span><span>… </span></div>
</div>
<div class="bbVIQb">
<div aria-hidden="true" class="ujudUb WRZytc xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1">
<span>Yes, you who are broken by power,</span><br /><span>You who are absent all day,</span><br /><span>You who are kings for the sake of your children's story,</span><br /><span>The hand of your beggar is burdened down with money,</span><br /><span>The hand of your lover is clay.</span><br /><span>Into this furnace I ask you now to venture</span></div>
</div>
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<div class="j04ED">
Source: <a data-ved="2ahUKEwiF96bYnt3nAhXIiFwKHRBwCp0QMCgAMAF6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.lyricfind.com/">LyricFind</a></div>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd PZPZlf" data-lyricid="Lyricfind002-172420" data-mh="-1" data-ved="2ahUKEwiF96bYnt3nAhXIiFwKHRBwCp0QycMBKAEwAXoECAsQAg">
<div class="auw0zb">
Songwriters: Leonard Cohen</div>
<div class="auw0zb">
The Old Revolution lyrics © BMG Rights Management</div>
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Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-29728934242145806082020-02-18T12:57:00.001+04:002020-02-18T12:59:38.789+04:00 I am a Socialist......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wNvuTPoa4fh4oyE3GuLMfzNpx1LPjs1v9UVeQyGL5zdgdeZT3w_DGVdjIE90S_B-lBpFZ3KZo2fcEUfzFrbmh0lLax6AsXlZZ2dLm24AqoRtGGxEiUmer3kMbEkwPSGhHSvTo3oF-FFs/s1600/soc1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="556" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wNvuTPoa4fh4oyE3GuLMfzNpx1LPjs1v9UVeQyGL5zdgdeZT3w_DGVdjIE90S_B-lBpFZ3KZo2fcEUfzFrbmh0lLax6AsXlZZ2dLm24AqoRtGGxEiUmer3kMbEkwPSGhHSvTo3oF-FFs/s320/soc1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I
am a 1970s socialist because of 2010s 'liberals" austerity and policies of privatisation . I am a 1970s socialist
because of New Labour and it's tinkering with capiralism They adjusted
income but did nothing about the distribution of wealth. They promoted
Public Finance Iniatives and fought a hideous war killing millions. I
have always been a socialist from the 1970s because it was the only
analysis that made sense and offered an alternative. I am a 1970s
socialist because it was a criticism of the austerity and semi
monetarism of the Callaghan years. I hold it up as a badge of honour
because I want to solve the problem of those who work but do not own and
those who own but do not work. I want people to own the place they work
at and that they are the first responsibility of the business and not
the shareholders. I am a 1970s socialist because the health service and
education system is a service and not a business. I am a 1970s socialist
because I support an education system that is about critical thinking
and not about serving our corporate master. I am a 1970s socialist
becaus I believe that we must sweep away the Public Schools, the House
of Lords and the whole Honours system. I am a 1970s socialist because I
want a written constitution and a citizens income. I am a 1970s
socialist because I support the right of numerous ethnic, sexual and
gender identities. I am a 1970s socialist because of your austerity Jo
Swinson because while you are a woman you are not a sister. Your friends
will call me misogynist because I criticise you. Yet you were the
misogynist supporting welfare cuts, privatisation and the bedroom tax.
It was your policies Jo Swinson that through austerity killed 120,000
people. That's misogyny Jo, robbing families of mothers, suppressing
income and slashing services. I am a 1970s socialist because I have sat
with the victims of your policies Jo Swinson in DWP offices and
tribunals . And you have the fucking nerve to dismiss those like me on
an equivalence scale with the old Etonians bully boys of the
Bullingdon?.<br />
I am a 1970s socialist because I don't believe that
my attitude to Brexit is a litmus test of everything that matters. I am a
1970s socialist because I don't excuse homophobes and bigots because of
ambition and of being remainers.<br />
<br />
I am a 1970s
socialist because I don't believe that someone like yourself who is a
parody of the head prefect of a private school from a novel of the 1920s
or 1930s. I am a 1970s socialist because I believe in self determinism
of the people's of these islands. I do not look the other way Jo because
I deny the Scottish people a second referendum but want to deny the
reality of the UK European referendum of 2016.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
I
am a feminist and a peace maker and a supporter of the identity of all
enabled to discover who they are and to be able set out on a journey of
self discovery I am a 1970s socialist because I don't believe that
moderation is a virtue and is rather a statistical average of unthinking
and prejudice. There are no moderate positions when confronting fascism
and racism, poverty and injustice. I am a 1970s socialist because of
the Blairs, Swinsons and moderates that I meet.<br />
<br />
Since
2008 the economic system gas been cracking and breaking . We have had
years of Corporate Welfare with pay outs for the rest, we have bailed
out the bankers and the plutocrats. I am a 1970s socialist because we
can't go back to the way things were prior to 2008. The tragedy is that
Jo and her friends don't even realise what has happened or indeed have
the tools to analyse it. You don't even realise that your actions are
what caused Brexit and the rejection of neoliberalism. So I raise the
Red Banner and stand below it.. That's why I am a 1970s socialist...<br />
<br />
And
you Jo are simply a means by which the ruling class can keep on ruling.
You are the means by which the structure of the existing system would
be preserved. You are Jo with your party hooked into grandiosity and
narcissism and you are completely unaware of reality.<br />
<br />
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Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-17620020718147253332020-02-18T12:53:00.000+04:002020-02-18T13:01:41.077+04:00At a Dwp tribunal in Swansea a day in the life of Martyn J Shrewsnury<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
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<span style="font-size: small;">I have a very rewarding career, in addition to being a Psychotherapist I
represrnt people at benefit Tribunals. I love my job and I win about
90% of the cases. I am disanled myself and partially sighted. I have a
whire stick and have a deep understanding of both mental health issues
and persobality disotder. Some ten to twelve years ago i went through a
dramatic personal crisis in my life. Those who often dismiss me as a
trouble maler use the events of tjhis time to apply ad hominen methods.
So today I am going yo share with you a typical case from last year. I
think its easy to dismiss all nebefit claimants as lazy and idle. I
might have once but now I have experience of the reality ofbreadline
Britain. I will call this blog post `Doctor Bashton`s Tale; The Grand
Inquisitor and other tales of the Benefit Tribuna` the names have been
vhanged and other facts obscutred.
</span></h3>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If
you turn into the Fabian Way and head past Sainsbury's as you
approach Swansea you will notice on your right Swansea Civil Justice
Centre. I have been representing people there in benefit appeals for
well over ten years. A few weeks ago I was representing a particular
client there let's call her Eunice.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />Eunice is in remission after
reaching stage 3c or 4 bowel cancer. Back in 2016 the DWP had taken
away her DLA when it became PIPS. Eunice is incontinent in all ways.
She is anxious depressed and prone to severe psychological issues.
She can't cope with authority fears that they are out to get her and
needs constant support. I have been working with her since she had
her first diagnosis. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />As
we walked into her second appeal I felt a gnawing anxiety as I glance
at the Tribunal Member and recognise all the members if the panel. I
have seen the Doctor and the Judge before.. Let's call them Dr
Bashron and Judge Yardarm. The third member I recognise from my own
appeal . That appeal ruled that I was too eloquent to gain a Pips
award for my visual impairment and they once asked another client who
had dyed her hair. I guess she felt that those who suffer from
depression and a bipolar diagnosis somehow can't dye their hair
without it having a psychological significance.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />I
glance at Dr Bashton as he questions Eunice. The good Doctor thinks
he is a prosecuting attorney from a 50s film. He interrogates Eunice
his voice rising all the time. He tells her to speak up. Her voice
drops and she becomes paler and more afraid. Her voice goes quieter
and he shouts at her to speak up as he rants at her claiming that he
is deaf.<br /><br />Within me a voice begins to rise up. And I want to
shout out GET A FUCKING HEARING aid..My poker face breaks and he
turns to me telling me to show him respect. My voice hidden within
says *I will when you show behaviour worthy of it" and I think
of the Hippocratic Oath that Doctors swear. The words are to do no
harm. AND YET THAT IS ALL HE DOES.<br /><br />Inquisitor Bashton
continues to interrogate and my client begins to cry. Dr Bashton
rants once more at me and as I glance at the DWP representative he
looks worried and we suggest an adjournment. During the adjournment
they agree with me a set of descriptors that they will accept for
Eunice.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />When
we return we tell Judge Yardarm of our recommendations. S he snaps at
us that it's not our job to do that and that she won't accept it.
It's not your role she says and glares at the alliance of the
Psychotherapist and the DWP official. We are less than worms her
cold eyes tell us. We go for an adjournment and as we leave as the
clerk records the final words of the appeal I tell them in a calm
voice that have damaged my client and ask them what psychological
training they have.<br />Eunice is distraught.. Bashton and Yardarm
have put back my work with her by nearly a year. They have wrecked
Eunice. A few days later I get a letter saying that this particular
trio have ruled themselves out of all future appeals dealing with
Eunice.<br /><br />A few days later on still I run into Dr Bashton while
walking around the supermarket. He looks at me and remembers. I
look through him in contempt and walk away. If you have ever had an
appeal at the Swansea Civic Justice Centre and been treated by Doctor
Bashton in this way you have my compassion and sympathy..<br /><br />What
does it take for the Bashtons of this world to gain empathy,
understanding and a hearing aid.? I saw in the eyes of Yardarm and
Bashton a contempt for the appellant and with it the assumption that
as they had had it tough then so should all others. They were the
inquisitors of the sick and ill and would root out the shirkers and
the lazy.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Be
afraid very afraid if you run into these pair of Grand Inquisitors of
course any similarity to anyone living or dead is entirely
coincidental. You might think that but I could not possibly comment.
By the way Eunice went on to win the third appeal..I like happy
endings </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">If
you turn into the Fabian Way and head past Sainsbury's as you
approach Swansea you will notice on your right Swansea Civil Justice
Centre. I have been representing people there in benefit appeals for
well over ten years. A few weeks ago I was representing a particular
client there let's call her Eunice.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />Eunice is in remission after
reaching stage 3c or 4 bowel cancer. Back in 2016 the DWP had taken
away her DLA when it became PIPS. Eunice is incontinent in all ways.
She is anxious depressed and prone to severe psychological issues.
She can't cope with authority fears that they are out to get her and
needs constant support. I have been working with her since she had
her first diagnosis. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />As
we walked into her second appeal I felt a gnawing anxiety as I glance
at the Tribunal Member and recognise all the members if the panel. I
have seen the Doctor and the Judge before.. Let's call them Dr
Bashron and Judge Yardarm. The third member I recognise from my own
appeal . That appeal ruled that I was too eloquent to gain a Pips
award for my visual impairment and they once asked another client who
had dyed her hair. I guess she felt that those who suffer from
depression and a bipolar diagnosis somehow can't dye their hair
without it having a psychological significance.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />I
glance at Dr Bashton as he questions Eunice. The good Doctor thinks
he is a prosecuting attorney from a 50s film. He interrogates Eunice
his voice rising all the time. He tells her to speak up. Her voice
drops and she becomes paler and more afraid. Her voice goes quieter
and he shouts at her to speak up as he rants at her claiming that he
is deaf.<br /><br />Within me a voice begins to rise up. And I want to
shout out GET A FUCKING HEARING aid..My poker face breaks and he
turns to me telling me to show him respect. My voice hidden within
says *I will when you show behaviour worthy of it" and I think
of the Hippocratic Oath that Doctors swear. The words are to do no
harm. AND YET THAT IS ALL HE DOES.<br /><br />Inquisitor Bashton
continues to interrogate and my client begins to cry. Dr Bashton
rants once more at me and as I glance at the DWP representative he
looks worried and we suggest an adjournment. During the adjournment
they agree with me a set of descriptors that they will accept for
Eunice.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />When
we return we tell Judge Yardarm of our recommendations. S he snaps at
us that it's not our job to do that and that she won't accept it.
It's not your role she says and glares at the alliance of the
Psychotherapist and the DWP official. We are less than worms her
cold eyes tell us. We go for an adjournment and as we leave as the
clerk records the final words of the appeal I tell them in a calm
voice that have damaged my client and ask them what psychological
training they have.<br />Eunice is distraught.. Bashton and Yardarm
have put back my work with her by nearly a year. They have wrecked
Eunice. A few days later I get a letter saying that this particular
trio have ruled themselves out of all future appeals dealing with
Eunice.<br /><br />A few days later on still I run into Dr Bashton while
walking around the supermarket. He looks at me and remembers. I
look through him in contempt and walk away. If you have ever had an
appeal at the Swansea Civic Justice Centre and been treated by Doctor
Bashton in this way you have my compassion and sympathy..<br /><br />What
does it take for the Bashtons of this world to gain empathy,
understanding and a hearing aid.? I saw in the eyes of Yardarm and
Bashton a contempt for the appellant and with it the assumption that
as they had had it tough then so should all others. They were the
inquisitors of the sick and ill and would root out the shirkers and
the lazy.Be
afraid very afraid if you run into these pair of Grand Inquisitors of
course any similarity to anyone living or dead is entirely
coincidental. You might think that but I could not possibly comment.
By the way Eunice went on to win the third appeal..I like happy
endings </span>
</div>
Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-40363442624748433742020-02-17T16:36:00.003+04:002020-02-17T16:41:06.429+04:00The Rage the viscious circle of Islamist and Far Right extremism by Julia Ebner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xNAQ_qN-e0U/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xNAQ_qN-e0U?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">The early twenty-first century has been defined by a rise in Islamist
radicalisation and a concurrent rise in far right extremism. This book
explores the interaction between the 'new' far right and Islamist
extremists and considers the consequences for the global terror threat.
Julia Ebner argues that far right and Islamist extremist narratives '"
'The West is at war with Islam' and 'Muslims are at war with the West' -
complement each other perfectly, making the two extremes rhetorical
allies and building a spiralling torrent of hatred - 'The Rage'. By
looking at extremist movements both online and offline, she shows how
far right and Islamist extremists have succeeded in penetrating each
other's echo chambers as a result of their mutually useful messages.
Based on first-hand interviews, this book introduces readers to the
world of reciprocal radicalisation and the hotbeds of extremism that
have developed '" with potentially disastrous consequences - in the UK,
Europe and the US.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div id="industry-reviews">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div id="industry-reviews">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">
`Julia Ebner
shows how Islamist and right-wing extremism are two sides of the same
coin. Her analysis is compelling, insightful, and highly readable.' -
Peter R. Neumann, author of Radicalized, 'The Rage reads like a novel
but unfortunately its story is non-fiction: Islamist hotheads and
those on the far-right polarise our societies and the moderates in the
middle lose ground to populists who play politics with extremism.' -
Alex P. Schmid, Editor-in-Chief Perspectives on Terrorism, 'This book
brings alive the causes and consequences of far-right extremism and
Islamist radicalism in our midst. These two forms of rising bigotry
threaten to tear our societies apart -- Ebner exposes them both and
powerfully calls on us to defend liberal tolerance. The Rage is an
excellent master course for those seeking to understand the growth of
fanaticism.' - Ed Husain, author of The Islamist, `Julia Ebner has
written a fine book, approaching the vexing topic of `reciprocal
radicalisation' with admirable ethnographic empathy. Crisply written,
The Rage journeys through the leading and often intertwined forms of
extremism today: jihadi Islamists and the far-right. The mirroring of
these violent narratives is striking, and is revealed here through both
eye-opening vignettes and wide-ranging empirical data. Without doubt,
The Rage is the most important contribution to this burgeoning subject
to date, and surely will be of use to scholars, policy-makers and the
wider public alike.' - Matthew Feldman, Professor of Contemporary
History, Teesside University, `An original and highly informative book
on one of the core security issues of our time. The Rage demonstrates
powerfully how apparently opposite strands of extremism feed so readily
off each other and, in doing so, it illuminates the extent of the
problems facing us. Essential reading.' - Paul Rogers, Emeritus
Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University and author of Irregular
War, `An excellent debut: informed, well-researched and thoughtful.
Ebner traces the increasingly important interdependency of far-right and
Islamist movements, and offers humane, smart ways through the impasse.'
- Jamie Bartlett, author of Radicals, `Julia Ebner draws on the very
latest evidence to deliver important new analysis of two seemingly
opposing forms of extremism and their mutually reinforcing worldviews.
The perpetrators of most terrorist and violent extremist acts committed
in recent years have followed some form of radicalisation process;
Ebner's book makes an important contribution to our understanding of the
circumstances in which such radicalisation can take place.' - Rob
Wainwright, Director of Europol, `There couldn't be a more appropriately
timed book than The Rage by Julia Ebner. With an up close personal view
of two sides of the extremist coin, Ebner lays out the nearly identical
narratives between the extreme right wing and Islamists who align with
Al Qaida and ISIS. Locked at the hip, these two groups are in a
perpetual battle to destroy anyone who gets in the way of their
ideology. Both groups use remarkably similar techniques to radicalize
recruits preying up a need for identity, belonging, and purpose. The
personal narrative breathes life into the voices of those who believe
they are on a just cause even as that cause ends in terror for others.
The Rage is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the
interconnected nature of extremism.' - Chris Sampson, co-Author of
Hacking ISIS</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxpD_ShRAJQBc0JdnwYwB3-AW-tnDgMwZgzTDirTWA_WxlRvqFtbI1k2n-D5PVkCyAATMZ3l7pbhHrSn7AIwAS7WHrIArsfajDOb0vMNT9_f3E4JiMcuBlEnoRwsQiodiYhytUB1cSwEH/s1600/ebner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1046" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxpD_ShRAJQBc0JdnwYwB3-AW-tnDgMwZgzTDirTWA_WxlRvqFtbI1k2n-D5PVkCyAATMZ3l7pbhHrSn7AIwAS7WHrIArsfajDOb0vMNT9_f3E4JiMcuBlEnoRwsQiodiYhytUB1cSwEH/s320/ebner.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Any Human Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10281888738281031041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972393286348319476.post-33646579120505361512020-02-17T14:23:00.000+04:002020-02-17T14:23:35.008+04:00Everybody knows........<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-testid="post_message" id="js_62">
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5e4a67eaef16f0499645967">
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<a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1729759" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1729759">Everybody knows</a> that <a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1729725" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1729725">the dice are loaded</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1729785" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1729785">Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1730704" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1730704">Everybody knows the war is over</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1730729" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1730729">Everybody knows the good guys lost</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="8865542" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-8865542">Everybody knows the fight was fixed</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1729862" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1729862">The poor stay poor, the rich get rich</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="8865674" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-8865674">That's how it goes</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1729906" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1729906">Everybody knows</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Everyone
knows that the plague is ciming....and so as the virus from the far
East detracts and spreads fear. I hear anecdotal stories of a fall in
demand for Chinese food and abuse from people shouted and screamed at
those deemed to look Chinese. The reality is that more die from
pneumonia that the present death rate from the corona virus. A moral
panic i s created and the fog obscures the reality of political events
and motivations here of the Johnson government. As a Tory<span class="text_exposed_show">
advisor flirts with eugenics and racism we see what lurks beneath. As
Dominic Cummings concentrates power in a decreasing number of hands and
we find austerity booming again, while the north and the left behind
glimpse reality. As Lisa Nandy stands up for corporations and criticises
the right to strike we know that the deal is rotten and every body
knows...and on Radio 4 I hear Alistair Campbell accuse Dominic Cummings
of being a bully and of having an obsession with power and on Port
Talbot delusion and arseholes Adam Makowski who promotes conspiracy
theories of Rothchillds proportions tells me that I am full of
hatred...oh well..</span><br />
<br />
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<div class="header_with_cover_art-primary_info_container">
<div class="header_with_cover_art-primary_info">
<h1 class="header_with_cover_art-primary_info-title">
Everybody Knows</h1>
<h2>
<span class="drop-target drop-element-attached-middle drop-target-attached-middle drop-element-attached-left drop-target-attached-right">
<a class="header_with_cover_art-primary_info-primary_artist" href="https://genius.com/artists/Leonard-cohen">Leonard Cohen</a>
</span>
</h2>
<h3>
</h3>
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<section class=""><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1729759" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1729759">Everybody knows</a> that <a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1729725" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1729725">the dice are loaded</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1729785" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1729785">Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1730704" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1730704">Everybody knows the war is over</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1730729" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1730729">Everybody knows the good guys lost</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="8865542" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-8865542">Everybody knows the fight was fixed</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1729862" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1729862">The poor stay poor, the rich get rich</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="8865674" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-8865674">That's how it goes</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1729906" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1729906">Everybody knows</a><br /><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="16740987" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-16740987">Everybody knows that the boat is leaking</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="8865603" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-8865603">Everybody knows the captain lied</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1732150" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1732150">Everybody got this broken feeling<br />Like their father or their dog just died</a><br /><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1729764" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1729764">Everybody talking to their pockets</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1732817" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1732817">Everybody wants a box of chocolates<br />And a long stem rose</a><br />Everybody knows<br /><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="13888039" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-13888039">And everybody knows that you love me baby<br />Everybody knows that you really do</a><br />Everybody knows that you've been faithful<br />Ah give or take a night or two<br />Everybody knows you've been discreet<br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1732128" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1732128">But there were so many people you just had to meet<br />Without your clothes</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1732130" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1732130">And everybody knows</a><br />
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<br />Everybody knows, everybody knows<br />That's how it goes<br />Everybody knows<br /><br />Everybody knows, everybody knows<br />That's how it goes<br />Everybody knows<br /><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="12969430" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-12969430">And everybody knows that it's now or never</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="8865618" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-8865618">Everybody knows that it's me or you</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1730757" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1730757">And everybody knows that you live forever<br />Ah when you've done a line or two</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="8865631" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-8865631">Everybody knows the deal is rotten</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1732167" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1732167">Old Black Joe's still pickin' cotton<br />For your ribbons and bows</a><br />And everybody knows<br /><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1731924" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1731924">And everybody knows that the plague is coming</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1731955" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1731955">Everybody knows that it's moving fast</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1731989" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1731989">Everybody knows that the naked man and woman<br />Are just a shining artifact of the past</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="15633513" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-15633513">Everybody knows the scene is dead</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1731970" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1731970">But there's gonna be a meter on your bed</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1732144" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1732144">That will disclose<br />What everybody knows</a><br />
<br />And everybody knows that you're in trouble<br />Everybody knows what you've been through<br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1732058" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1732058">From the bloody cross on top of Calvary</a><br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1732063" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1732063">To the beach of Malibu</a><br />Everybody knows it's coming apart<br /><a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="1732204" href="https://genius.com/Leonard-cohen-everybody-knows-lyrics#note-1732204">Take one last look at this Sacred Heart</a><br />Before it blows<br />And everybody knows</div>
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