What have Anders Breivik and Rick Perry (State Governor of Texas) got in common?
They are both mass-murderers.
Fellow blogger Louis from Arizona has posted an entry about it, and its got to me, big time. Check out "On The Tracks".
It has made me re-read a couple of my older posts about the subject. 'Another murder goes unpunished' of 26 sept 2010 and 'when justice is tainted by revenge...' 20 sept 2010
Capital Punishment is evil and barbaric, it is legalised murder, it is State-endorsed assassination, it is inhumane, and most importantly it IS NOT a deterrent (check stats online)
Two wrongs will never make a right...
...but three lefts make a right?!
Thanks Louis for bringing up the old chestnut again
:)
Friday, 29 July 2011
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Bloodshed in the name of God
Anders Breivik, a 32 year old Norwegian Right-Wing Christian, unleashed the vicious and callous attack that claimed the lives of around one hundred people in Norway yesterday.
Breivik planned the atrocity over a period of 10 years. He also posted his 'manifesto of hate' on line the day before the attacks. It is unbelievable that those who knew him and his extremist views, failed to alert the police. I wonder how they're feeling now? Maybe they're OK, maybe they support his views and actions.
Breivik, the self-styled fascist-christian, is waging war on society in order to launch a new Crusade that will expel Muslims from Europe.
When extremism and religion meet, the outcome is always catastrophic. The Twin Towers, The Crusades, The Inquisition, Hitler's anti-Semitic war and so on. Same old story, different year.
The following is an extract from Breivik's diary, courtesy of The Aftonbladet Newspaper.
June 11, 2011
"I prayed for the first time in a long time today. I told God that if he did not want Marxist- Islamist Alliance and the Islamists to take over European Christianity altogether within the next 100 years, he must ensure that the warriors who fight for European Christianity will rule. "
**
Extremism + Religion = Evil
:(
Mass-murderer Breivik
Breivik planned the atrocity over a period of 10 years. He also posted his 'manifesto of hate' on line the day before the attacks. It is unbelievable that those who knew him and his extremist views, failed to alert the police. I wonder how they're feeling now? Maybe they're OK, maybe they support his views and actions.
Breivik, the self-styled fascist-christian, is waging war on society in order to launch a new Crusade that will expel Muslims from Europe.
When extremism and religion meet, the outcome is always catastrophic. The Twin Towers, The Crusades, The Inquisition, Hitler's anti-Semitic war and so on. Same old story, different year.
The following is an extract from Breivik's diary, courtesy of The Aftonbladet Newspaper.
June 11, 2011
"I prayed for the first time in a long time today. I told God that if he did not want Marxist- Islamist Alliance and the Islamists to take over European Christianity altogether within the next 100 years, he must ensure that the warriors who fight for European Christianity will rule. "
**
Extremism + Religion = Evil
:(
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Can sexism ever be funny?
As you are all by now fully aware, my blog is known for being anti-discrimination, anti-religion, anti-prejudice, anti-sexism, anti-ageism, and anti a host of other injustices. It is therefore hypocritical of me to laugh and enjoy reading a sexist entry by columnist Derek McGovern in today's Daily Mirror. Even more hypocritical for me to want to share it with you, but hey... hope you enjoy it.
" The next Metropolitan Police chief could be a woman according to Hills who make Sara Thornton their 2-1 favourite to replace Sir Paul Stephenson.
The former chief, caught up in the phone-hacking scandal, yesterday fell on his truncheon, though other cops who witnessed the event say he walked into a door.
Sara Thornton
Twice-divorced Thornton is believed to want stiffer penalties for men who commit violent acts, for men who abuse women, and particularly for men who leave the toilet seat up.
Thornton, who will advocate a size-zero tolerance policy, knows what it feels like to be a victim of crime. I hear she once got mugged and her drivers license was taken. She was gutted because it had a really good picture of her on it.
Earlier this year, a newspaper reported that the 48-year old had been in a relationship with a married colleague. She was furious and demanded to know who had revealed her age.
She has long been tipped to one day head Scotland Yard, which would be good news for her except it was me doing the tipping.
The selection committee will be looking for someone to rule Scotland Yard with an iron fist - Thornton said she could rule it with an iron..."
:)
*
" The next Metropolitan Police chief could be a woman according to Hills who make Sara Thornton their 2-1 favourite to replace Sir Paul Stephenson.
The former chief, caught up in the phone-hacking scandal, yesterday fell on his truncheon, though other cops who witnessed the event say he walked into a door.
Twice-divorced Thornton is believed to want stiffer penalties for men who commit violent acts, for men who abuse women, and particularly for men who leave the toilet seat up.
Thornton, who will advocate a size-zero tolerance policy, knows what it feels like to be a victim of crime. I hear she once got mugged and her drivers license was taken. She was gutted because it had a really good picture of her on it.
Earlier this year, a newspaper reported that the 48-year old had been in a relationship with a married colleague. She was furious and demanded to know who had revealed her age.
She has long been tipped to one day head Scotland Yard, which would be good news for her except it was me doing the tipping.
The selection committee will be looking for someone to rule Scotland Yard with an iron fist - Thornton said she could rule it with an iron..."
**
... made me laugh:)
Sunday, 17 July 2011
No 'nose' is good 'nose'
I read today that British actress Daniella Westbrook has found God in the USA. So that's where He lives?
Former Eastenders star and coke addict Daniella, now residing in LA, has joined an evangelical church run by ex drug-addict and pro skateboarder Jay Haizlip.
Ms Westbrook tweeted the following message to Mr Haizlip. "Pastor Jay, thank you for leading me to the Lord. I am forever thankful. Your preaching and church has changed my life."
How sweet Daniella, but I beg to differ. Quitting coke saved your life.
I've always said religion is a hospital for the sick, and Ms Westbrook is definitely a patient.
**
I am growing more and more concerned with the politicians reactions over the controversy surrounding the News of the World phone-hacking scandal.
We all know it is wrong and immoral for some renegade journalist to hack into voice-mail accounts in search of stories, but lets ask ourselves a fundamental question.
If the hacking had been done to uncover political scandal or terrorist threats, would we consider it wrong? If not, why not? How can it be right in some circumstances and not in others?
Its not like News International's actions have killed anyone. In fact the so-called victims in this case didn't even know their phones were tapped!
The lynch mob should retreat and drop the story or we run the risk of encouraging politicians to gain control of the press - what a dreadful thought.
Oh yes, and it was the free press that exposed the story anyway, so lets keep the press free, for all our sakes.
:)
Former Eastenders star and coke addict Daniella, now residing in LA, has joined an evangelical church run by ex drug-addict and pro skateboarder Jay Haizlip.
Daniella before undergoing surgery to repair
her coke-damaged nose
Ms Westbrook tweeted the following message to Mr Haizlip. "Pastor Jay, thank you for leading me to the Lord. I am forever thankful. Your preaching and church has changed my life."
How sweet Daniella, but I beg to differ. Quitting coke saved your life.
I've always said religion is a hospital for the sick, and Ms Westbrook is definitely a patient.
**
I am growing more and more concerned with the politicians reactions over the controversy surrounding the News of the World phone-hacking scandal.
We all know it is wrong and immoral for some renegade journalist to hack into voice-mail accounts in search of stories, but lets ask ourselves a fundamental question.
If the hacking had been done to uncover political scandal or terrorist threats, would we consider it wrong? If not, why not? How can it be right in some circumstances and not in others?
Its not like News International's actions have killed anyone. In fact the so-called victims in this case didn't even know their phones were tapped!
The lynch mob should retreat and drop the story or we run the risk of encouraging politicians to gain control of the press - what a dreadful thought.
Oh yes, and it was the free press that exposed the story anyway, so lets keep the press free, for all our sakes.
:)
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
If the world stops to pray, we'll all be late for work
This photo taken of a bus driver yesterday, has to be seen to be believed.
Does London Transport know this particular employee prays during working hours? And, if as I suspect they do, why did they employ him?
Madeleine and a small crowd had to wait while this backward and superstitious waste-of-time driver, decided to pray to his imaginary god.
If he wants to pray then he should do so in his own time. Just like if he wants to piss against the wind or swim against the tide, or even watch grass grow, then he should do it in his own time. And I bet he does that 5 times a day!
Don't these people ever question why the billions of prayers around the world everyday go unnoticed and unnanswered? That despite all their praying most of their countries are in a mess, socially and economically? The praying masses don't ask questions of themselves or others, they prefer to put it all down to god. How lazy and uninspiring is that? Praying means hoping, and hoping gets nothing done. Just take a look at societies that spend most of their time praying!
Can you imagine what would happen if in The Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Sudan or any other Muslim state, a Christian or Jewish bus driver did the same thing?
No, of course not, it would never happen. And if it did it would probably lead to imprisonment or even a public flogging. I know it is futile comparing our society to theirs - worlds apart- and maybe the compulsion to pray instead of work is the defining factor.
What possible good can come of prayer? Does it serve a social purpose? No. Does it bring races and cultures together? No, it divides them. Does it feed the poor and cure the sick? If only... Does it produce wealth? Of course not.
As I have said many times before in this blog, religion (and all other superstitions) holds back progress and causes wars, intolerance, poverty and, yes, even delayed bus services. The more religious a society the more backward the country. Fact.
If in doubt google the UN stats online.
I challenge his employers to do something about it. I doubt they will.
Maybe we'll have to put up with the E7 service being as efficient as some inner-city bus route in Mogadishu, Dhaka...San'a...
Rant over
:(
E7 Bus - Ealing Broadway 11/7/11 at 20:00
the driver on his prayer mat while customer wait.
Does London Transport know this particular employee prays during working hours? And, if as I suspect they do, why did they employ him?
Madeleine and a small crowd had to wait while this backward and superstitious waste-of-time driver, decided to pray to his imaginary god.
If he wants to pray then he should do so in his own time. Just like if he wants to piss against the wind or swim against the tide, or even watch grass grow, then he should do it in his own time. And I bet he does that 5 times a day!
Don't these people ever question why the billions of prayers around the world everyday go unnoticed and unnanswered? That despite all their praying most of their countries are in a mess, socially and economically? The praying masses don't ask questions of themselves or others, they prefer to put it all down to god. How lazy and uninspiring is that? Praying means hoping, and hoping gets nothing done. Just take a look at societies that spend most of their time praying!
Can you imagine what would happen if in The Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Sudan or any other Muslim state, a Christian or Jewish bus driver did the same thing?
No, of course not, it would never happen. And if it did it would probably lead to imprisonment or even a public flogging. I know it is futile comparing our society to theirs - worlds apart- and maybe the compulsion to pray instead of work is the defining factor.
What possible good can come of prayer? Does it serve a social purpose? No. Does it bring races and cultures together? No, it divides them. Does it feed the poor and cure the sick? If only... Does it produce wealth? Of course not.
As I have said many times before in this blog, religion (and all other superstitions) holds back progress and causes wars, intolerance, poverty and, yes, even delayed bus services. The more religious a society the more backward the country. Fact.
If in doubt google the UN stats online.
I challenge his employers to do something about it. I doubt they will.
Maybe we'll have to put up with the E7 service being as efficient as some inner-city bus route in Mogadishu, Dhaka...San'a...
Rant over
:(
Monday, 11 July 2011
blood sweat and tyres...
...is how I'd describe a job in the motor trade. Not saying that the bosses are whipping staff into shape, but the amount of hours expected are dreadful.
Working 60 + hours a week is not easy, ask any junior doctor.
There are perks and benefits and in my case a lot of job satisfaction. Selling is what keeps the world turning.
Despite rumours to the contrary, selling is the world's oldest profession. Some would say prostitution; but what is that if not selling?
Selling (or exchanging) should always benefit both parties. That's how I do it anyway.
**
The great Kahlil Gibran wrote, and I quote;
"It is in exchanging the gifts of the earth that you shall find abundance and be satisfied.
Yet unless the exchange be in love and kindly justice, it will but lead some to greed and others to hunger."
:)
Working 60 + hours a week is not easy, ask any junior doctor.
my new 'perk'
There are perks and benefits and in my case a lot of job satisfaction. Selling is what keeps the world turning.
Despite rumours to the contrary, selling is the world's oldest profession. Some would say prostitution; but what is that if not selling?
Selling (or exchanging) should always benefit both parties. That's how I do it anyway.
**
The great Kahlil Gibran wrote, and I quote;
"It is in exchanging the gifts of the earth that you shall find abundance and be satisfied.
Yet unless the exchange be in love and kindly justice, it will but lead some to greed and others to hunger."
:)
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Horoscope horror
I didn't like school for the first couple of years in London. Language was a problem, I had no friends and longed to return to my old school in Portugal.
The bus stop was heaving with the usual multitude of familiar faces. Faces I knew well but couldn't speak to. Faces too engrossed in their own lives to notice my sadness. Faces indifferent to my anxiety, gazing intently at the on-coming traffic like rabbits staring at the headlights of cars seconds before being run over.
Uxbridge Road was busy with rush-hour traffic and people scurrying around like ants out of a trampled nest. On their way to work, I figured, maybe even school or job centre; the latter the more probable in the days of high unemployment.
An old Ford Cortina drove past, windows open to the elements and blaring out "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder. Later that day I would remember that song again, in a very different context altogether.
I hopped on the bus and climbed the stairs to the smoke-filled upper level (smoking was allowed back then) and sat down among the emaciated faces of the nicotine addicts who constantly coughed and gasped for air between puffs. I remember deciding there and then I would never become a smoker. A decision I overturned some two years later and have since lived to regret.
I arrived at Shepherd's Bush Station and bought the Sun newspaper to read on the short journey to Ladbroke Grove. Aged fourteen, I always chose easy-reading, sports filled newspapers such as The Sun or Daily Mirror. Still do, come to think of it, for a different reason. Less news means less bullshit.
My eyes paused on the horoscope page and I felt compelled to read my entry. It read '...today you will receive good news from abroad...' and I smiled at the thought of messages from the extended family I so dearly missed. I also remember thinking how silly it was to take notice of horoscopes.
Some years later I remember listening to zany DJ Kenny Everett on Capital Radio, reading out his own version of the horoscope. He would say things such as " Aries, you will have your house burgled and on your way to the police station you will find £20...Libra, today you will lose £20 on your way to burgle a house".
Arriving home some hours later I witnessed a scene that still brings tears to my eyes. My poor dad stuffing some clothes into a suitcase, eyes filled with tears, telling me granddad had passed away and he was on his way to Portugal for the funeral. I so wanted to go with dad. I wanted to be with him, to comfort him for his loss - a loss I imagined far greater than mine, if that was at all possible. I loved my grandad and so did dad.
I remembered the horoscope's false and cruel promise that morning and vowed never to buy The Sun newspaper again. A decision never to be revoked.
As I fell asleep later that night, Stevie Wonder's words were ringing in my ears....'if you believe in things you don't understand, then you'll suffer...'
Horoscopes and superstitions have no place in my life.
And the greatest superstition of all is religion
:(
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Snap-shot of Evolution
This picture brought a huge smile to my face this morning as I was getting ready to go to work. It was on BBC News - later on I spotted it again in today's edition of The Daily Mail
Apparently this cute female monkey in Indonesia picked up a camera some wild-life photographer had put down and started to click away while looking at her own reflection on the lens. Most snaps were out of focus but this one is a real gem. How cute is that?
Had to share it with you
:)
.
Apparently this cute female monkey in Indonesia picked up a camera some wild-life photographer had put down and started to click away while looking at her own reflection on the lens. Most snaps were out of focus but this one is a real gem. How cute is that?
Had to share it with you
:)
Sunday, 3 July 2011
The Meaning Of Life
Life has no meaning. Life needs no meaning.
Life's meaning is living life.
And that is why scientists and doctors, philosophers and deluded religious thinkers, have failed to come up with the answer.
We are not here for any purpose other than living the life bestowed upon us by Nature. The gift of life comes with no conditions attached - never has and never will.
Nature has not given us life in order to indebt us to itself - it has no agenda.
Nature expects nothing more from us than to live life. And when staying alive is not an option, it will absorb and recycle our remains and turn them into new life.
Nature has no bias towards good or evil. It does not discriminate between the rich and poor, the giver and the taker, the living or deceased, the maker or breaker.
Nature did not favour Mother Theresa over Adolf Hitler - it simply recycled both in the same uncompromising way it will recycle all of us.
Nature expects nothing but continuation and ensures life's longing for itself is the ultimate driving force - without judgement.
We are here to live the life we inherited, and if in the process we send forth our DNA by procreation, fine, if not, fine, there will be no retribution. Nature bears no grudges and harbours not vengeful thoughts.
As social animals, we have developed laws and regulations likely to enhance our existence. Humans are inherently good natured and will continue to strive to improve the lives of all who share this great natural world of ours.
Nature has one commandment; 'Let there be life'.
Humanity should also have one commandment; 'Treat others as you want to be treated'.
Please let me know if you think I'm wide off the mark.
:)
Life's meaning is living life.
We are not here for any purpose other than living the life bestowed upon us by Nature. The gift of life comes with no conditions attached - never has and never will.
Nature has not given us life in order to indebt us to itself - it has no agenda.
Nature expects nothing more from us than to live life. And when staying alive is not an option, it will absorb and recycle our remains and turn them into new life.
Nature has no bias towards good or evil. It does not discriminate between the rich and poor, the giver and the taker, the living or deceased, the maker or breaker.
Nature did not favour Mother Theresa over Adolf Hitler - it simply recycled both in the same uncompromising way it will recycle all of us.
Nature expects nothing but continuation and ensures life's longing for itself is the ultimate driving force - without judgement.
We are here to live the life we inherited, and if in the process we send forth our DNA by procreation, fine, if not, fine, there will be no retribution. Nature bears no grudges and harbours not vengeful thoughts.
As social animals, we have developed laws and regulations likely to enhance our existence. Humans are inherently good natured and will continue to strive to improve the lives of all who share this great natural world of ours.
Nature has one commandment; 'Let there be life'.
Humanity should also have one commandment; 'Treat others as you want to be treated'.
Please let me know if you think I'm wide off the mark.
:)
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