Current Affairs 2024

[Onelife]

Islam is perpetrating division

Islam, as such, is not perpetrating division - in fact Islam is the exact opposite and all for peace and harmony. The problem is that there are some Islamist zealots who try to interpret the Koran to suit their own agenda.

…and for suppressing a voice that doesn’t fall in line with its teaching…. then of course you could throw in its suppressing of women’s rights which still remains in the 7th century...we could then throw in Shari law which all practising Muslins are required to live by… over and above that of UK law. Yes, a peaceful religion that sees itself above all other religions.

I don’t dispute that for the most Islam portrays its self as a peaceful religion but I’m also not persuaded that it isn’t distracted from its ultimate goals.

Now I am treading on dangerous grounds.

[towny44]

Like you Foxy, I don’t see myself as a racist in any way shape or form, and yet, the mere fact that when posting I feel I have to clarify this position does demonstrate how lightly one has to tip toe around my belief that Islam is perpetrating division in what is otherwise a tolerant multicultural society.

Like you, I also don’t think multiculturalism has worked out how one would have hoped it would, that is not to say integration has been a failure but the concept that cultures integrating into the indigenous ways and values of this country is far from convincing.

That being said, we must all work towards creating a country where different communities and its cultures move in the direction of wanting to be part of a country that accepts different cultures and not live in fear of where some may wish to take us.

I have said many times on this forum that in my opinion all schools, no matter their religious ethos should be taught with secularism as its basis for its learning. Hopefully a more objective, scientific, informative approach would enlighten children to question all this religious crap being crammed down their throats…Oh! And while they’re at it, they could enlighten them as to why the Monarchy is such an outdated waste of space also

Opp’s, there I go again

It is not easy to find things in American culture that we would evaluate as being truly worthwhile adopting to improve our own. However the Olympics did highlight one feature that I believe would be of immense benefit in welding together a feeling of belonging together as a nation. I refer of course to how US citizens place their right hand over their heart when their national anthem is played. This starts in nursery school and continues throughout their entire education system, and it is especially poignant when you see everyone standing with their hand over their heart before a sporting event starts.

[Onelife]

I wholeheartedly agree with you John, I feel quite envious when I see this happening, especially so when athletes from poorer nations show the same respect for their countries. I say this with no malice toward your Monarchy but I think our national anthem should be replaced with something that is more representative of our country.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Like you Foxy, I don’t see myself as a racist in any way shape or form, and yet, the mere fact that when posting I feel I have to clarify this position does demonstrate how lightly one has to tip toe around my belief that Islam is perpetrating division in what is otherwise a tolerant multicultural society.

Like you, I also don’t think multiculturalism has worked out how one would have hoped it would, that is not to say integration has been a failure but the concept that cultures integrating into the indigenous ways and values of this country is far from convincing.

That being said, we must all work towards creating a country where different communities and its cultures move in the direction of wanting to be part of a country that accepts different cultures and not live in fear of where some may wish to take us.

I have said many times on this forum that in my opinion all schools, no matter their religious ethos should be taught with secularism as its basis for its learning. Hopefully a more objective, scientific, informative approach would enlighten children to question all this religious crap being crammed down their throats…Oh! And while they’re at it, they could enlighten them as to why the Monarchy is such an outdated waste of space also

Opp’s, there I go again

It is not easy to find things in American culture that we would evaluate as being truly worthwhile adopting to improve our own. However the Olympics did highlight one feature that I believe would be of immense benefit in welding together a feeling of belonging together as a nation. I refer of course to how US citizens place their right hand over their heart when their national anthem is played. This starts in nursery school and continues throughout their entire education system, and it is especially poignant when you see everyone standing with their hand over their heart before a sporting event starts.

And then they starting shooting one another!

[oldbluefox]

Personally I would like to see England having its own national anthem and reserve GStK for GB events particularly so since devolution has been granted to Wales and Scotland who now have their own anthems. Talking of which why doesn't England devolve with a government solely concerned with English affairs.

[Onelife]

If you see the pride and gusto that the Scots and Welsh put into their Anthems then why not give England its own national anthem.

My vote goes to “I Vow to thee my Country”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1auKiBFv2M

[Onelife]

If you see the pride and gusto that the Scots and Welsh put into their Anthems then why not give England its own national anthem.

My vote goes to “I Vow to thee my Country”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1auKiBFv2M

When I listen to this rendition of “I vow to my Country” it fills me with hope that the things we crave for are still in reach for our Country.

[Stephen]

Poor man.

Baby twins killed in Gaza as father registered births https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c985y78d0g1o

[screwy]

I’ve always been a big fan of Land of Hope and Glory.

[Onelife]

I’ve always been a big fan of Land of Hope and Glory.

Too many references to God for my liking Screwy, but a strong contender nevertheless.

[towny44]

I’ve always been a big fan of Land of Hope and Glory.

Too many references to God for my liking Screwy, but a strong contender nevertheless.

Love the tune, but far too jingoistic for me, and too redolent of our supposed glory days of Empire. However I do think our current one is a bit boring, but unless or until the Union goes its separate ways, I think we are stuck with it.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I’ve always been a big fan of Land of Hope and Glory.

Me too. Could rewrite the lyrics a little to suit the modern times. Get Ed Sheeran on it.

[towny44]

It seems that the rail dispute might soon be over, certainly the new Labour govt have shown us how they intend to handle threatened strike actiont, it's very simple, give in to all the unions demand.

[towny44]

Furthermore Labour have shown us the way they intend to handle violence, just as long as it can be shown to be associated with racial hatred or civil disorder.
I wonder if they will show the same speedy resolution and long prison sentences to the rising cases of burglary, shop lifting, sex crimes etc etc etc etc.

[Onelife]

Furthermore Labour have shown us the way they intend to handle violence, just as long as it can be shown to be associated with racial hatred or civil disorder.
I wonder if they will show the same speedy resolution and long prison sentences to the rising cases of burglary, shop lifting, sex crimes etc etc etc etc.

Whilst it does appear that the courts are taking onboard the stern approach Labour are advocating, there does have to be parity with crimes such as the ones you have highlighted...we will otherwise see challenges to the lengths of the sentencing being dished out.

[Ranchi]

It seems that the rail dispute might soon be over, certainly the new Labour govt have shown us how they intend to handle threatened strike actiont, it's very simple, give in to all the unions demand.

Which will lead to massive inflation reducing the value of savings held by the prudent and therefore achieving a form of levelling. If the level of available benefits lag behind the rate of inflation then that may be a driver to promote a movement of the economically inactive into employment. Remember; ‘the pound in your pocket will not be…’etc.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I see the economy has improved already. Aren't Labour doing well.

[Ray B]

Says a lot about American politics
Taylor Swift endorsed Kamala Harris for president moments after the end of Tuesday night's presidential debate against Donald Trump.
Wow, how exciting.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I see the economy has improved already. Aren't Labour doing well.

Hmm. I spoke too soon. Was doing well but in 2 months since the election the economy has now flatlined.

[towny44]

I see the economy has improved already. Aren't Labour doing well.

Hmm. I spoke too soon. Was doing well but in 2 months since the election the economy has now flatlined.

Ah yes but that will be down to the £22 bn black hole the Tories left behind.

[Mervyn and Trish]

And it would have been worse if they hadn't screwed pensioners. A run on the Pound they reckoned.

[david63]

Says a lot about American politics
Taylor Swift endorsed Kamala Harris for president moments after the end of Tuesday night's presidential debate against Donald Trump.
Wow, how exciting.

It is actually quite significant because where she goes so do her followers and there are millions of them, to the extent that they could influence the outcome of the election.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Okay I know this will not be a unanimous view, but am I alone in being cynical about the latest events in the Middle East?

Support was waining even among Israel's greatest allies for what was going on in Gaza. Now, following exploding pagers and walkie talkies, assassinations and military incursions into Lebanon, Iran has reponded, as it inevitably would, with force. And suddenly all the allies are back on side. Meanwhile the whole region and even the wider world are put at risk. Hmmmm.

[david63]

but am I alone in being cynical about the latest events in the Middle East?

No

Netanyahu has been looking for a fight for years and now he's got one or two or three. It is all about Netanyahu and nothing else. The antics of a man desperate to retain power.

It has been said for years that World War 3 will be about the Middle East and it is rapidly heading that way. All we need is the Russian dictator to throw his hat in the ring and that will be it.

[Onelife]

I don’t actually think Israel support has ever really waned, yes there have been many calls for ceasefires, etc, but when theses calls are translated into what the West really wants, it roughly translates... “Not in our name, but we support your actions”