The overruling of a European Court judgement to assert individual privacy, and the anti-democratic rushing of emergency legislation through parliament where no emergency exists, are the antithesis of liberalism. So of course is the jettisoning of all the Lib Dem manifesto pledges on civil liberties.
It is not news that Nick Clegg has become the poster boy for a politics utterly devoid of principle, organised purely around the desire of individual politicians for wealth and power. But even with all that background, I found Clegg’s enthusiastic ratcheting up of the fear factor over the “need” to protect us from virtually non-existent threats, utterly reprehensible.
At his press conference with Cameron, Clegg actually quoted the non-existent “liquid bomb plot to bring down multiple planes” as the reason these powers were needed. He even made a direct claim that telephone intercepts had been instrumental in “foiling” the “liquid bomb plot”. That is utterly untrue. The three men eventually convicted had indeed been under judge approved surveillance for a year. In that year, they made no reference to a plan to bring down airplanes, because there was no such plan. The only “evidence” of a plan to bring down multiple airplanes came from a Pakistani torture chamber. There never was a single liquid bomb. 90% of those arrested in the investigation were released without charge or found not guilty.
The three found guilty had done little more than boast and fantasise about being jihadis. That is not to say they were nice people. They may even have done some harm, though if Clegg were in any sense a Liberal he would not be supportive of imprisoning people in case they one day do some harm. But they had never made a liquid bomb or made a plan to bring down multiple airlines.
The point is, that while any ordinary member of the public could be forgiven for believing in the Liquid Bomb Plot, given all the lies of the mainstream media, Clegg has to be aware that he is spreading deliberate lies and propaganda to justify this “emergency legislation”.
Still more ludicrous was the failure to address the elephant in the room – Snowden’s revelation that the NSA and GCHQ indulge in vast mass surveillance, of the communications of millions of people in the UK, with absolutely no regard for the legal framework anyway.
In the last few weeks there has been a concerted effort to ratchet up the fear of the extremely remote possibility of a terrorist attack. We have seen, as first lead on the news bulletins and front page headlines, the jailing of two young men for “terrorism” for fighting in Syria, when there was no evidence of any kind that they had any intention of committing any violence in the UK. We have the absolute nonsense of the mobile phone in airports charade. We had days of the ludicrous argument that ISIS success in Iraq will cause terrorist attacks in the UK. Now we have the urgent need for this “emergency legislation”.
Why is the fear ratchet being screwed right up just now? What is this leading up to?
The western colonialists, in past, have a long history of creating religious fanatics among the followers of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism to serve their imperial designs. Since 9/11 and 7/7, Al-Qaeda is the most famous group to serve western imperialism.
“The truth is there is no Islamic army or terrorist group called Al-Qaeda. And any informed intelligence officer knows this. But, there is propaganda campaign to make the public believe in the presence of an identified entity representing the ‘devil’ only in order to drive TV watchers to accept a unified international leadership for a war against terrorism. The country behind this propaganda is the US….” Former British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook.
The latest “Islamic” bogey man, ISIS, according to many independent sources is nothing but an “American Apple Pie”.
http://rehmat1.com/2014/07/09/hizbullah-isis-terrorists-are-an-american-pie/
According to the FBI 2006 database, 7% terrorist activities against American were carried out by Jews, while Muslims were involved in 6% terrorist activities.
Mike to you Anon.
http://www.loonwatch.com/2010/01/not-all-terrorists-are-muslims/
Israelis eating popcorn while watching Palestinians burnt alive.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/israelis-pictured-eating-popcorn-clapping-3846801
Interesting interview with Jewish jazz musician, Gilad Atzmon, who reflects as Israel goes about its latest slaughtering of the innocents gig:
“GA: I am delighted to see that more and more people including my bitterest opponents now agree with me that there is something deeply troubling in Jewish culture and ID politics. Haaretz wrote an editorial a few days ago stating that “Israel must undergo a cultural revolution.” My bitterest Palestinian opponent, Ali Abunimah, who just recently denounced me for focusing on Jewish culture, seems to have adopted my philosophy. He now points to the morbid racism inherent in Jewish culture and politics.
And now, after praising myself and my ‘prophetic qualities,’ let me address the question. In Hebrew, the word ‘Shalom’ doesn’t mean peace, harmony or reconciliation. It means ‘security for the Jews.’ In other words, Israel does not have a proper word for peace or reconciliation. Hence it is not surprising that Israel is not a partner in peace. It can’t even contemplate the concept.”
http://dissidentvoice.org/2014/07/on-israeli-defeat-and-the-future-of-jewish-politics/
@herbie
“Haaretz wrote an editorial a few days ago stating that “Israel must undergo a cultural revolution.” ”
Too true – but then so do the Palestinians – especially if they subscribe to your last paragraph and have such a low view of Jews/Israelis that they believe that they cannot contemplate peace.
Mr Scorgie
The idea was to make you think not to do the thinking for you.
“And now, after praising myself and my ‘prophetic qualities,’ let me address the question. In Hebrew, the word ‘Shalom’ doesn’t mean peace, harmony or reconciliation. It means ‘security for the Jews.’ ”
I’ve looked up the various etymologies for the word and I don’t seem to be able to find one which agrees with your definition.
Habbabkuk (La vita è bella) !
12 Jul, 2014 – 9:32 am
“I agree that “rushing through” a bill is an UNDESIRABLE phenomenon and should not happen except in the most time-critical circumstances*.
* an example I can think of off-hand was when an immigration bill was rushed through at the time of the expulsion of Asians from certain Eastern African countries.”
So you agree, Habbabkuk, that the Commonwealth Immigrations Act 1968 was an example of a DESIRABLE phenomenon and rushing it through was a necessity of utmost importance.
The Commonwealth Immigrants Act 1962 had stated that citizens of the UK and Colonies holding passports issued by the UK Government had the right of entry to the UK.
The Commonwealth Immigration Act 1968 was rushed through parliament in three days. The new legislation subjected all holders of UK passports to immigration controls unless they, their parents or a grandparent had been born, adopted or naturalised in the United Kingdom.
The legislation was a response to thousands of Kenyan Asians arriving in the UK to flee political turmoil.
This Act took away the right of residence.
While the people coming from Kenya had British passports, many were not patrials.
The 1968 Act effectively revoked British citizenship and made thousands of people stateless.
The patrial clause in the legislation meant that people from the ‘Old Commonwealth’ countries of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa would be less likely to be affected by the change, prompting critics of the legislation to say that it was racially biased in that it would only apply to non-white Commonwealth immigrants.
Mr Scorgie
“Resident Dissident
11 Jul, 2014 – 10:39 pm
“Did anyone notice how many Russians with past or current connections to the Putin regime were involved in the recent Tory fundraising shindig?”
Yes we did, and…?”
___________________
Let me help you once more, Doug.
Eminences on this blog regularly castigate big donors to the Tories.
Except when those big donors are connected with the rasPutin regime.
Then they don’t.
Capeesh now, Doug?
Mr Scorgie
Faux-näif time followed rapidly by straw man time, eh, Doug?
I’m acquainted with the 1962 and 1968 Acts but thanks for reminding me.
“So you agree, Habbabkuk, that the Commonwealth Immigrations Act 1968 was an example of a DESIRABLE phenomenon and rushing it through was a necessity of utmost importance.”
I’m agreeing with what I wrote in my first post, Doug. The 1968 Act was seen as time-critical and this is the reason why it was rushed through.
What is it you don’t understand? Just put your question(sà and, as always, I’ll try and help you.
************************
La vita è bella, life is good!
Iain
You can see no alternative to our parliamnetary democracy that is not facism? Hilarious. You think the system we have is as good as it gets? Just one more tweak is all that is needed. Even more hilarious.
For all your half baked pop, literary and philosophy sneering you are still stuck with writing letters you know will be ignored.
Press Release from PCHR.
Chapter and verse.
On the 5th Day of the Offensive on the Gaza Strip, Israeli Warplanes Attack Civilian Facilities, Including Charities, Parks, Disabilities Rehabilitation Centers, Sport Clubs and Mosque, and Increasingly Target Houses
http://www.pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10474:a&catid=36:pchrpressreleases&Itemid=194
Saturday, 12 July 2014 00:00
Ref: 81/2014
114 Palestinians Killed, of Whom 94 Are Civilians, Including 26 Children and 18 Women, and 799 Others Wounded, Mostly Civilians, Including 249 Children and 165 Women;
149 Houses Targeted and Destroyed
~~~
Gaza is being flattened, again, and its people subjected to horror.
There was no sneering that I could see in Iain’s posts. What actually is your alternative, Phil? I have several, by the way, but would be most interested to hear yours.
Re: Gaza. I’m not able to do much apart from write, write to an MP, and either sing to the choir on Facebook, or inform the one person I know who seems to be rather confused about the merits of bombing a civilian population. Otherwise supporting those people inside Israel who find this as execrable as most of the UK found Iraq seems to be the only positive way to go, This is a very moving testimony:
http://www.comhlamh.org/profile/anne-deigan-quaker-peace-social-witness-palestine/
Thanks for that link Herbie to the interview with Gilad Atzmon.
http://dissidentvoice.org/2014/07/on-israeli-defeat-and-the-future-of-jewish-politics/
He is a refreshingly honest thinker and has humanity and warmth.
Ex Rami Almeghari reports from Gaza
‘RA: As the Gaza Strip enters its eighth year of an Israeli-imposed siege and blockade that has prevented the import of basic medical supplies and medicines, Palestinian medics in Gaza are calling for immediate assistance. So far, two ambulance crew members have been injured, as ambulances have come under Israeli army fire. Dr. Ashraf al-Qidra is the spokesperson for Gaza’s health ministry.
Dr. Ashraf al-Qidra: The type of injuries no doubt indicate that Israel has used new weapons that melt bodies. There are many holes in the bodies of dead and injured as well as dismemberment of the lower parts of the bodies, and the limbs.’
http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/nora-barrows-friedman/number-keeps-rising-dr-mona-el-farra-gaza-assault
~~~~~~
Nothing would surprise me. Gaza has been used as a testing ground for new weaponry before.
Cast Lead revisited. They really are a sick collection.
This is today, not 2008/9.
Arsalan’s link above.
Israelis pictured eating POPCORN and clapping as they watch deadly bombardment of Gaza
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/israelis-pictured-eating-popcorn-clapping-3846801
No, Mary, this is not representative of the Israeli people, any more than the footage spread of ‘Palestinians’ cheering at 9/11 was representative of the people in Gaza.
Do you never worry about reflexively enhancing hatred, without any added psychological understanding, as a ‘peace activist’?
Enhancing hatred with words beats the alternative.
http://rt.com/news/172316-israel-knock-roof-video/
“The IDF practice of firing a missile at a civilian home to warn the occupants to leave the building before a larger attack, has been caught on film. Amnesty International has decried “roof knocking,” saying it in no way constitutes an “effective warning.”
Tec
It is a representation of Zionism though. The belief that their race gives them a right to someone elses land.
That they are some how superior.
Zionism is the same idiology as Nazism.
Nazism is actually a copy of Zionism, Alfred Rosenberg the founder of Nazism doesn’t make a secret of the fact he has copied Zionism when he founded Nazism.
So what we see Zionist do in Israel is as accurate a dipiction of Zionists as concentration camps are of Nazis.
Gaza is just one big concentration camp, and every now and then the Zionists cover it with fire as a means of reducing its population.
Starvation is another means, we just not as humane.
“Enhancing hatred with words beats the alternative”
And how do you think that ‘alternative’ is encouraged, if not with words. It’s certainly not encouraged by the prowess of the opponents.
Arsalan, I’ve learnt a lot from you, but the fact is that the children inside Israel don’t just ‘feel’ they have a right; they were born there. Since on both sides, the majority will want peace, we should be supporting the voices of peace.
Answers Technicolour.
1. Disagree. Israelis, by virtue of living as occupiers of another people’s land, are ALL supporting a cruel militarized entity which has no borders and knows no law. They choose to live there in the Zionist construct.
Who said that Palestinians cheered 9/11? Thought that was Israelis in NY.
2. Nonsense. I have seen too much of the Israelis’ actions over many years. There is no changing their lack of understanding and humanity.
Where are you coming from btw?
Read Gilad Atzmon’s piece.
And there I was thinking you cared about children, Mary. So that six month old baby in Tel Aviv chose to live in the ‘Zionist construct’ is it?
Who said the Palestinians cheered 9/11? The same cheesy tabloid sources you choose to quote when it suits you, Later exposed as lies – but you won’t be looking out for fakery in that Israeli story, will you?
“Their understanding and lack of humanity”? Tell that to the Shminitsim, you hollow person. Or Uri Avnery. Or the Israeli Women in Black.
Mary
Attributing uniform characteristics to all members of an entire nation is usually seen as one of the key attributes of racism – why don’t you think that this doesn’t apply in your case?
Where are the people to run? A promise by the Israelis that Northern Gaza is going to be ‘hit hard’. An invasion is on the cards. Reservists are being called up and put in position.
Gaza Residents Told To Leave ‘For Own Safety’
Israel says it will hit the northern Gaza Strip hard in the next 24 hours as it steps up an offensive against Hamas militants.
http://news.sky.com/story/1299931/gaza-residents-told-to-leave-for-own-safety
Fact that Jabotinsky and his betar used to be parading alongside the Hitler youth bearing their swastika flag , and the zionist youth with their own flag (the lined prayer shawl depicting a minora in the middle) as the various archival photographs of the era convey.
However in line with the current oppressive measures that none dare to even hint at such facts without the usual slurs of “antisem……” getting slung even at the contemplation of such egregious “unfacts”.
The current onslaught of the rabid mad zionists scum on Gaza the worlds most densely populated concentration camp is explained away as;
(as seen on CNN)
This is in line with other explanations of; Palestinian parents push their children in the path of the zionist bullets!
Further the pernicious corruption of facts going unabated the medjia is reluctant to show the results of the thousands of explosives raining on such a densely populated concentration camp. 1m25s “
At 1:25 of the following the attack on a beach is on a boat that belongs to that of “freedom flotilla” the boat was supposed to be used for exporting the Gaza produce for other markets.
Technicolour
Sneering? Well he did call me a proto facist John Cleese type who aligns with Russell Brand. Not that I am in a position to complain about sneering of course.
But anyway. Basically I hope for radical decentralisation towards an egalitarian society. Cooperation over coersion. Anarchism. That type of thing.
What you looking for?
Sorry in a field on a phone so won’t be able to talk as much as I would like.
Reality of the Massacre in Gaza
There are 135 Palestinians murdered by Israel so far and most of them are children, women, and the elderly. Pray for Gaza
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=6bb_1405194002
Mary, and apologies, I take back ‘hollow person’, but I was cross; what did you do when your own government was inflicting similar horrors beyond imagining on Baghdad? Would you feel comfortable if, say, a German, categorised you as being lacking in ‘humanity and understanding’ as a result? Is your excoriation of Israeli people as a whole guilt at having not been able to prevent something vaster but equal in insanity? I would sympathise.
I am finding your updates and references, in a crisis, brave and useful, even if you don’t have time to check them out yourself, by the way. Thanks.
Uri Avnery managed to slip this sentence into his latest piece of fine writing – The Atrocity.
http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/07/11/the-atrocity/
‘Under Israeli law, East Jerusalem is not occupied territory. It is a part of sovereign Israel.’
There you have it. There is yet another Zionist exposed just as Technicolour’s true self has also been exposed.
PS I am the very opposite of ‘hollow’ incidentally. I love the way the invective comes into play from the defenders of ‘the only democracy in the Middle East’ on these occasions. RD chimes in as per usual.
Goodnight. I will be thinking of the people of Gaza as they face yet another night of bombardment and slaughter.