Great article in todays Daily Telegraph highlighting the misdemanours of current England captain John Terry.
I am a Chelsea fan, but even I think Mr Terry's constant wrongdoings have now reached the point where he should give up the England captaincy.
Footballers earn huge amounts of money; in return for this they have a moral duty to act correctly, given that they are role models for a huge young following. The disturbing thing about many footballers is their total disregard for normal behaviour due to the money they have - Mr Terry parking in a disable bay and paying a £60 fine rather than parking further away is a classic example.
Football in England is at a tipping point, levels of debt are huge and if Skt are forced to reduce prices to Virgin and BT, then the gravy train may slow. Compare with German football, where clubs are locally owned, ticket prices are much lower and there is a concensus that the game is run for the benefit of it's customers, not a few elite players and dodgy owners.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Education in the Uk
Had the pleasure of taking my daughter to her high school on Tuesday evening to discuss options for GCSE subjects.
It is common for the 'Daily Mail' diehards to knock state education and teachers, but I can only comment on my own experiences as a father of 2 children.
I was extremely impressed by the school, the teachers and the choice of subjects for the children. The enthusiasm of the teachers towards both the subject matter and pupils was refreshing and contrasts with some of my own school experiences. Children are no longer force fed facts; they are encouraged to discuss and think about the subject matter and form their own opinions. I am convinced that as a result they become more rounded individuals.
Sure the system is not perfect, but the far greater underlying issue is the lack of parenting and social responsibility in the wider population. Well done teachers!!
It is common for the 'Daily Mail' diehards to knock state education and teachers, but I can only comment on my own experiences as a father of 2 children.
I was extremely impressed by the school, the teachers and the choice of subjects for the children. The enthusiasm of the teachers towards both the subject matter and pupils was refreshing and contrasts with some of my own school experiences. Children are no longer force fed facts; they are encouraged to discuss and think about the subject matter and form their own opinions. I am convinced that as a result they become more rounded individuals.
Sure the system is not perfect, but the far greater underlying issue is the lack of parenting and social responsibility in the wider population. Well done teachers!!
Chilcott Enquiry
Having the luxury of some time away from work, I have been able to watch a decent amount of coverage from the Chilcott enquiry.
I feel a deep sense of sadness following these events. I supported the war in Iraq based on what was reported largely at the time. I am honest enough to say I was wrong and like many, I was duped. There was a conspiracy to go to war at any cost.
For the Bush administration with it's links to big business and the arms industry it was about money, oil and commerce along with the New World Order agenda, linked quite firmly to the Christian Right Wing.
For Blair and New Labour, it was another example of power corrupting. I will never know if I would be corrupted in the same way by the trappings of high office, but many of these people who gained poliltical status on their 'socialist' credentials changed markedly when in office. What happened to 'ethical foreign policy'? The only people who appeared to stick to any principles are Claire Short (belatedly) and the late Robin Cook. This moral failure has been repeated across government on many issues and has contributed to the general disillusionment in our politicans.
The overwhelming feeling of sadness is caused by the huge loss of life which is a direct consequence of US/UK foreign policy. From the initial sanctions which caused huge malnourishment amongst Iraq's population to the loss of life in both the military and the largely innocent Iraq population. I cannot imagine the grief of the families of the fallen.
Sometimes one despairs about humanity!
I feel a deep sense of sadness following these events. I supported the war in Iraq based on what was reported largely at the time. I am honest enough to say I was wrong and like many, I was duped. There was a conspiracy to go to war at any cost.
For the Bush administration with it's links to big business and the arms industry it was about money, oil and commerce along with the New World Order agenda, linked quite firmly to the Christian Right Wing.
For Blair and New Labour, it was another example of power corrupting. I will never know if I would be corrupted in the same way by the trappings of high office, but many of these people who gained poliltical status on their 'socialist' credentials changed markedly when in office. What happened to 'ethical foreign policy'? The only people who appeared to stick to any principles are Claire Short (belatedly) and the late Robin Cook. This moral failure has been repeated across government on many issues and has contributed to the general disillusionment in our politicans.
The overwhelming feeling of sadness is caused by the huge loss of life which is a direct consequence of US/UK foreign policy. From the initial sanctions which caused huge malnourishment amongst Iraq's population to the loss of life in both the military and the largely innocent Iraq population. I cannot imagine the grief of the families of the fallen.
Sometimes one despairs about humanity!
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