The myth of White Genocide

For those of you on Twitter, you probably know that I post a lot and I like to learn from the site.  However one thing has intrigued me, that being the term White Genocide.

I have encountered this idea in the past when I used to be more active on Yahoo! answers, there the Far Right, most of whom supported the BNP being active in spreading hatred and intolerance.  But that was several years ago while now, I am encountering intolerance and fear once more.

The term White Genocide is an emotive one. I live in the UK and there is a city where the white population is now less than 50%.  But, while it may appear to be so, it is not white genocide.

KILLING MEMBERS OF A GROUP - Violence occurs and this affects all skin colours, but I have yet to see selective ethnic cleansing of white people in the UK or elsewhere.  It has happened in the past, this being in Nazi occupied Europe in the Second World War as well as in Bosnia which sadly was more recently.

CAUSING SERIOUS BODILY OR MENTAL HARM TO MEMBERS OF THE GROUP - Again, no evidence exists of that happening to white people at the expense of others now in the way it happened in Nazi Germany before the Final Solution.

DELIBERATELY INFLICTING ON THE GROUP CONDITIONS OF LIFE CALCULATED TO BRING ABOUT ITS PHYSICAL DESTRUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART - Places like the Warsaw Ghetto.

IMPOSING MEASURES INTENDED TO PREVENT BIRTHS WITHIN THE GROUP - The Nazi's forced black people to be sterilised.

FORCIBLY TRANSFERRING CHILDREN OF THE GROUP TO ANOTHER GROUP - While genocide wasn't the aim, this has happened with Aborigines in Australia.

And one issue that white supremacists bring up is how the issue of forced immigration and assimilation in Tibet is viewed by many to be genocide.  There is no doubt to me that the intention of China is to destroy the regional identity and culture of Tibet.  However in Tibet, the people there have no choice in this matter whereas in the democracies of the west, people have a say and as yet, since 1933 no major democracy has voted to permanently end immigration. This means that immigration is not forced (though it may be against the wishes of a minority) and people have the right to retain their languages and beliefs.

If you read this and think I'm wrong, please comment so I have the opportunity to learn. x

Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder

Life has been interesting for the children, they are off school and at present they seem to love it. And most of the time they appear to be getting on.  Which is great for my amazing wife who has to look after them most of the time.  On Saturday, as normal, I went to work, but instead or working around East Anglia has I have been doing for the last few years, I am now catching up on paperwork in my normal job.  While it means that I am still working, it means that it is closer to home, which means that I can use the bike that I had bought years ago to ride to work.  Which I feel is great for me as this means that I am getting fitter.  While I still may have a heart attack or stroke, it means that statistically, I am more likely to survive it.  But it is the enjoyment at doing this as well which is amazing.  And of course, the children now ride their bikes, which means that they are becoming healthier, though I have not had the chance to ride with them recently.

So, on Saturday, after getting back from work, we went to a friends where we were going to have lunch, but for one reason or another, things did not work out that way.  Later that day, it was off to another friends.  There in addition to dinner, we did have wine and a drink that I have not had for ages, absinthe.  Come the morning, while my wife wanted us to have a day in Mersea, instead we stayed at home and did some much needed gardening.  The kids got to play in the inflatable pool, though I am not sure this is something that can be used again, and they helped us while the garden got some TLC (it needs a lot more).  Apart from one event where my daughter attacked my son, things were great between them.
 As I type now, the kids are in bed.  My mother-in-law has come to help us while we are working, and the kids have watched the BFG today.  Anyway, it is time for me to get some sleep, so good night!

Mrs. Green lived in two story house together with an elderly widow. After not hearing from her for a few days, she got a bit nervous. “John”, she called to her son “do me a favor and go find out how old Mrs. Robinson is.” So six year old John went down the stairs and knocked on Mrs. Robinson’s door. “So how is she?” asked Mrs. Green when John came back up. “How is she?” repeated John “I’ve never seen her so mad in my life, she said it’s none of your business how old she is.”

I am very grateful for what I have

It has been a bit of a traumatic weekend.  A friend of my wife died and it was her funeral.  I have had to deal with death in my job, but this year there have been two cases where it has struck too close.  One was the sudden and tragic death of a man who lives down our road who can not have been too much older than me.  His son goes to the school our kids go to, and we see his wife most days on the school run.  I was not able to attend his funeral with my wife and daughter, but I was able to attend his wake.  However, this Friday, thanks to my work being understanding, I was able to go with my wife to the funeral of her school friend.  We learned a lot about her at the time, and were reminded of the power of faith, and its importance.  It was great to see her friends, but it also reminded me of the importance of God and how we should try to make the world a better place, for loss will always occur.  But it also reminded me of just how lucky I am to have what I am blessed with.

Want to hear a Potassium joke? K

Well ignoring the Brexit vote, things have been good at home.  However I did not get to watch the kids at sports day which is a change compared to when they were in their infants classes.  In addition to this, they had a celebration day last week where the work they do was put out for show.  And I missed that as well.  So yesterday, while I would normally spend the evening at work catching up on paperwork, I came home at a normal time.  This allowed me to spend time with the children where we caught up with episodes of Modern Family which my wife had watched without us.  While I had watched a few before, there were some that I missed.  My wife meanwhile had some much needed time with a friend of hers.  The kids loved it, they got to stay up late and they got to watch telly.  While I was doing some paperwork (by going through my e-mails) it was great to be with them.

So today, I had to go in to do some of the work that I had not done last night.  My wife had to take her car in and she wanted to take both the kids in with her. I did not feel that would be a good idea as the two would no doubt squabble.  So I offered to take one to work.  And I cycle there.  And a lot of it is uphill.  Well, my son took this up.  Now to put this in perspective, when I first cycled to my work, I had to walk a few times, and when I got to work, I had to lay down for about half an hour.  My son on the other hand was amazing.  Yes, he had to walk at times, but he cycled most of the way there.  We was great at work, reading, playing on his iPad and drawing a few things.  And then he did really well on the way back, but I forgot an important issue with kids and bikes, sugar.  It was coming up to lunch, he had not eaten much at breakfast and then we were cycling up hill.  Now up until now he had been awesome, a model son.  But then he became Hangry, and that was bad, very bad.  Tears, temper, hatred.  It took threats to get him home, but really, it was not his fault.  It was mine.  And since then, he has been fed and is back to being adorable.

Which Way To Vote In EU Referendum

I think we are #BetterIn and I have made this decision despite the lies and half-truths that both sides have spread.  As those who have read by blog before know, I am not a huge fan of the EU.  I think that it needs less powers, not more, and when put to the vote, this is a view that has been present across Europe.  While not all agree with this, loads do and ideally, it would be great if all nations in the EU were offered more say in more or less EU integration.  Here are some of the reasons for my decision on this.

1: We will still have to pay into the EU or follow its laws - Of the nations of Western Europe, there are two who are out of the EU and do well.  Norway and Switzerland.  Norway has oil, and lots of it.  Switzerland has its financial sector.  Yes, they make chocolates, drugs and watches but it is a major banking sector.  But both pay into the EU, and neither have a say in how the money is spent.

2: Manufacturing - In the UK, we have falling supplies of oil and gas, our manufacturing sector is getting smaller and while Britain is great, our ability to export may not be enough to compete against China and other BRICS nations.  We are still making things, but we export a lot to Europe.  Cars for example are produced in the UK, but I can not see Honda, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and the many companies that make cars in the UK staying if we have to pay import duties into the EU.  And while Germany, with the interest they have in our car industry will want us in the EEC, I can not see France with Peugeot, Citroen and Renault, or Italy with Fiat and Alfa Romeo wanting us to export cars to compete with them. And for those who doubt this, remember the ban that France had against our beef even when the EU told them not to ban it.

3: Scotland - If we vote for Brexit, then many in Scotland will want another vote to leave the UK.  And if Scotland leaves, then we risk Wales leaving as well.

4: Unelected bureaucrats - While there are many who complain that the European Commission is unelected, they forget that the commission only proposes laws, and the elected parliament votes to say if they feel they are to be followed or not.  However, in the UK, we have the house of Lords, who are unelected and they have the power to block the elected members in The House of Commons.

5: Benefits - There is a claim that immigrants from the EU are coming to steal our benefits (and at the same time steal our jobs).  But as far as I am concerned, most of the EU migrants I have seen are working.  I have come across a few that are not, but they are few and far between.  In addition to this, EU migrants will have benefits restricted in the future.

6: Crime - Yes, there are criminals from the EU who live in the UK, but we export crime as well.  I am old enough to remember the term Costa Del Crime unlike many.  I want criminals brought to justice rather than being able to live abroad rather than be rehabilitated in jail.    

7: Turkey - The EU is probably to agree to visa-free travel for Turkish citizens inside Europe's passport-free Schengen area, but the UK is outside this so the swarms of Turks promised by the right are not going to come.  As for Turkey joining the EU, last year, there was a report damming the human rights record of Turkey last year, and things have got worse since.  Unless human rights improve there, I do not see Turkey becoming part of the EU.

8: Red Tape - Yes, red tape is hindering business.  Examples of red tape include the working time directive and other things that protects the rights of workers.  So yes, leaving the EU would allow red tape to be cut and allow workers rights to be removed.   

9: Immigration - It is a concern for many, but leaving the EU will not end immigration.  It will still happen, and we will not be sending immigrants home.  But bringing in border controls means that we will face border controls when visiting Europe.  Remember all those queues at airports for those who are not EU nationals?  Well if we impose border controls, that is what we will face.  And this will affect those who work abroad, and affect how competitive our various industries will be as competition in Europe will find it easier to attract the best people.

10: America - Not only did the US vote in Bush the second, they did it twice.  And at the time of making this post, Trump is ahead in the polls to be president.  I would rather be closer to Europe than the USA (though I would prefer to be close to both) because of this.

Anyway, what ever way you decide to vote, just remember to vote.

Leading not leaving Europe. Why I think that we are Better In the EU

As mentioned before, with the argument about if we should stay or leave the European Union both sides are spreading half truths and at times, lies.  However, despite the smokescreen from both, I have figured out my view and I think we are #BetterIn.
I am not a huge fan of the EU.  I think that it needs less powers, not more, and when put to the vote, this is a view that has been present across Europe.  While not all agree with this, loads do and ideally, it would be great if all nations in the EU were offered more say in more or less EU integration.  It is not just that.  I do not like the way there still appears to be corruption within it (though that is much less than before as it is taking action on it).  Here are some of the reasons for my decision on this.

1; We will still have to pay into the EU or follow its laws - Of the nations of Western Europe, there are two who are out of the EU and do well.  Norway and Switzerland.  Norway has oil, and lots of it.  Switzerland has its financial sector.  Yes, they make chocolates, drugs and watches but it is a major banking sector.  But both pay into the EU, and neither have a say in how the money is spent.

2: Manufacturing - In the UK, we have falling supplies of oil and gas, our manufacturing sector is getting smaller and while Britain is great, our ability to export may not be enough to compete against China and other BRICS nations.  We are still making things, but we export a lot to Europe.  Cars for example are produced in the UK, but I can not see Honda, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and the many companies that make cars in the UK staying if we have to pay import duties into the EU.  And while Germany, with the interest they have in our car industry will want us in the EEC, I can not see France with Peugeot, Citroen and Renault, or Italy with Fiat and Alfa Romeo wanting us to export cars to compete with them. And for those who doubt this, remember the ban that France had against our beef even when the EU told them not to ban it.

3: Unelected bureaucrats - While there are many who complain that the European Commission is unelected, they forget that the commission only proposes laws, and the elected parliament votes to say if they feel they are to be followed or not.  However, in the UK, we have the house of Lords, who are unelected and they have the power to block the elected members in The House of Commons.

4: Benefits - There is a claim that immigrants from the EU are coming to steal our benefits (and at the same time steal our jobs).  But as far as I am concerned, most of the EU migrants I have seen are working.  I have come across a few that are not, but they are few and far between.  I am more concerned about the pensioners who live abroad in countries like Spain.  If we leave, there is a chance that they may have to come back here to get the treatment they are entitled to rather than stay in the nations that they have retired to and be treated there as is the choice they want.

5; Crime - Yes, there are criminals from the EU who live in the UK, but we export crime as well.  I am old enough to remember the term Costa Del Crime unlike many.  I want criminals brought to justice rather than being able to live abroad rather than be rehabilitated in jail.    

6; Turkey - The EU is probably to agree to visa-free travel for Turkish citizens inside Europe's passport-free Schengen area, but the UK is outside this so the swarms of Turks promised by the right are not going to come.  As for Turkey joining the EU, last year, there was a report damming the human rights record of Turkey last year, and things have got worse since.  Unless human rights improve there, I do not see Turkey becoming part of the EU.

7; Red Tape - Yes, red tape is hindering business.  Examples of red tape include the working time directive and other things that protects the rights of workers.  So yes, leaving the EU would allow red tape to be cut and allow workers rights to be removed.   

8; America - Not only did the US vote in Bush the second, they did it twice.  And at the time of making this post, Trump is ahead in the polls to be president.  I would rather be closer to Europe than the USA (though I would prefer to be close to both) because of this.

I might get time to add to this list, but for now, good night!

Fathers Day 2016

My kids have been awesome today.  And my wife has been amazing as well.

In the morning, they gave me some presents which were great.  I had asked for ties, and they gave me them, but they came in wearing two t-shirts meant to me as well as bringing gifts (in addition to ties and the t-shirts).  After breakfast, it was a bike ride with the two of them.  Recently, I have been riding with my son more, for one reason or another, which meant that he has improved loads.  His sister however, while better appeared to be surprised at his improvement.  Like all siblings, the two are competitive, but despite them being much better than I was with my brothers I did not take full account of this.  There is a slight hill which the kids have issues getting up.  Yesterday when out on our bikes with my son (while my daughter was at a party) he made it up it (with a push), something his sister has not been given the opportunity to practice.  So today when riding around Abbey Fields which is near to where we live, my son made it up the hill.  To be fair to my daughter I had made her stop and wait at the bottom which took her momentum away, but the morning went downhill from there.

Later on they took me away for lunch to a place that we had not been before.  And we all liked it.  While I had wanted to sit next to the bouncy castle that the kids loved playing on, in the end we sat outside the front in the sun.  The food was good and the kids were entertained by a magician who came over to them.

Once home it was time to rest and watch Modern Family all together.