Agape Love

 

I sweltered down to the kirk this morning, the weather not something I am used to.  It was good to spend a couple of hours not confronted with lying MPs trying to convince the Tory voter that they have 'Integrity, seek truth, and will pull the nation together.'  

All lies.  

One favourite is Rich Sunak telling us how he will sort out the economy, forgetting that he has been Chancellor for three years.  Paying his and his wife's taxes would have done that already.  Mourdant, (who she?) has made a video featuring a great many famous people.  Now almost all want to be removed from the video and are asking why she did not seek permission to use their image, music, whatever.  Hunt, the one time hated Health Secretary, offers 'truth,' which the NHS staff are finding laughable.  

Braverman, the inept Attorney General has gathered mostly weirdo's to her gate, as normal people keep indicating she was not fit for the job.  She wishes to leave the ECHR as this will set the UK 'free.'  However, the ECHR is part of the 'Good Friday Agreement,' the Scots/Welsh parliament agreements,' and she ought to have known this.  She is the 'top lawyer!

More lies and untruths from the hopefuls to come.

Jings!  I have just read Priti Patel has been asked by several MPs to stand!

Patel!  How low can they go? 

The sun shone inside the Kirk however, those late 1950s style church architects  always had light in mind so large windows were to be found.  Worship was plentiful, even if the words would not appear on the screen.  And we made it through without serious mishap, though I managed to offend three this week.  

I do begin to wonder sometimes is offering coffee before the service might be better rather than afterwards?  Maybe it was just me not concentrating at that hour? 

"Love one another," he said.  

This is a good idea.  However, some think this means 'feeling love' towards others.  This cannot happen.  Hunger, tiredness, sickness, and those strange up and down moods that possess most of us do not enable such feelings at all times.  Feeling warm inside when a pretty girl approaches is not always er, 'love.'  And when a man approaches it is often the opposite.  However, 'Love' means accepting them as they are and 'acting towards them' as we ought.  No mother 'loves' her child at three in the morning when he is playing soldiers in the living room, yet they 'love' their child, though the feelings may say different.

'Love' is an action, not a feeling.

The problem is the English language.  This, as you know, is inadequate.  Greek, in which the New Testament was written, had four words for love, the one used in scripture is 'Agape.'  This may be better as 'brotherly love' in my view.  The action we see from people daily.  For instance, someone drops something, another picks it up and returns it to them, a person asks directions and is shown where to go, someone without enough cash in a supermarket finds another willing to pay for them, all these are 'agape' love.  Usually for people we do not know.  No feelings involved, possible loss, time wasted, but all 'agape' love.  

Of course, it sounds easy but it is always so hard to do at the time, our feeling may go against it.

Hard Work and Tory Sleaze

 

The sun shone this morning, I did not see it, my was head down on the floor fixing the loo into something of a serviceable workplace.  Now it gleams, sort off, smells of disinfectant, and can be used buy non choosy members of the public.  I also dumped the rubbish, then the recycling, exercised and by the time I sat down to watch the cricket I was knackered.  The cricket of course had started early, not at 3 pm as I expected, and I only saw Scotland's vain but glorious effort to catch the enemies total.  They can come home with heads held high and with much hope for the next tournament. 

The work took a while today, what took ten minutes in the past took ages today, however, I needed to work, the execise was good for me, the job is done, nothing else went wrong, and a sense of achievement warmed me.  Nothing else bar the blanket around me was warm today.  In fact I even put the heating on at one point the temperature had fallen so low.  Rain clouds warmed the air later to a pitch of 'just freezing.'

 

Owen Paterson

 

Owen Paterson MP was caught by the Parliamentary Standards Commission fiddling things.  He took money, twice his salary it appears, to lobby on behalf of certain companies.  This breaks the rules!  The Commission banned him from the House for 30 days, very lenient in the circumstances, and today Boris led a rebellion against this finding.  A vote for an amendment opposing the ban was annpunced, the Tories put a 3 line whip on this, meaning all Tory MPs must support the vote as told, and in the end the vote was won by 250 votes to 232.  The 'Ayes' had it.  

There is more to this than meets the eye.  For a start 6 Tory MPs who supported the motion have been disciplined in the past, many others may be earning cash for similar law breaking, and if Paterson was banned he could suffer what is called a 'Recall.'  This may lead to a By-election in his seat that he could lose.  Indeed, under the Recall he might have to walk away.   So many actions of this government are corrupt Boris fears such Commissions will render his will unlawful.  Therefore he has a bright idea, he will amend the Commission and insert his pown peoiple into it.  The problem there is both the Labour Party and the SNP, meaning most of the opposition, will not join this Commission, and a Tory only Commission has no meaning.  Maybe Boris wanted this?  Certainly he has much to hide so he will not allow questioning of his illegal tactics and dubious behaviour.

The country is run by corruption and so many do not perceive this or do not care.

 

MPs Dump Sewage

 

Brexit strikes again!

Last night a majority of MPs voted against an amendment to the environmental bill attempting to stop water companies dumping sewage into the sea or rivers.  That bill would allow water companies to pollute the waters around England and Wales, Scotland's water companies work in a different fashion and this would not occur there.  

The problem, not admitted  by the government nor their MPs, is Brexit!  The water companies are struggling to find the chemicals required to clean the sludge we produce, therefore this is building up and cannot be dealt with.  Investment may help, but one water company is paying the CEO over half a million pounds plus payments to shareholders, and cannot spare any more, and to help the companies the government has allowed them to dump waste into the rivers and the sea.

MP's from seaside constituencies have voted according to government orders, thus are now unable to paddle in their own area as the brown stuff is spreading in their waters.  It has to be said the Corona Virus lasts 33 days at least in such waste, and now is flooding into the seas, also the such polluted rivers may lead to Cholera if it gets into the water supply.  

The 'Great Stink' of Victorian times may be returning under the freedom Brexit brings!  What's not to like?

 

I notice the BBC, SKY News and ITV do not mention this on their websites.  It did not appear on the front pages of any newspaper either, could it be a conspiracy is afoot to hide this from the people?

Just imagine, a free press that follows the government line rather than speak the truth!  'It could never happen here,' could it?

Anyway, people are noticing on Twitter, but the ones who will fall foul of this (if that is the right word) will know nothing unless the local council spend cash they do not have warning people not to play among the waters.  If heavy rain falls there will be fun for everyone! 

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

So I waited in. 

I waited.

I waited.

Eventually I looked at the tracker, it had not worked the last time I looked.

Collection attempted at 10:53.

NO it was NOT! 

I am sitting here at the window, I was packing another package, no bell rang, no sound.

Before 11, I took out the rubbish, no red van in sight.

Sign in and enquire.

Cannot sign in, do not recognise details.

Vitriol is now rising (or was that a type of motor oil?).

Several attempts made, no response, eventually it worked, why I know not.

I rebooked for tomorrow, grudgingly.

I then went onto Twitter and found their site and placed a far from gentle expression of irritation there.

Later an email helped me sign in, no mention of package.

I fumed, griped, declaimed, bemoaned, and expostulated.

I also expressed my annoyance.

I needed to go out, it was now too late, I had another packet to post.

Grrrrrrrrrrr etc was my mood.

 

My irritation worried me.

This year I have spent much time fumong over laptops, Boris, Trump and a variety of things near and far.  This ought not to be.  I am sure I was less keen to express myself before but I think age and Lockdown, tiredness and lack of self discipline are showing results.  Spending too much time alone is not helping, I must get out more.  

I get frustrated when things do not go my way, self importance I suppose, wanting it my way, just like a spoiled PM does.  It's not pretty is it.  I supsect the driver today, if he actually arrived, I saw no van, did not ring the bell, he may have tapped on the door, the drivers do this to avoid touching the bell and risking catching Covid from it!  The fact that all drivers tap the door means the door is less healthy than the bell, but never mind.  Wearing gloves is beyond them.

These things canny be the Good Lord trying to expose the corrupt being inside of me, I am all to well aware of that!  However, it is strange that so many things have gone wrong recently, small things, like laptops.... 

Anyway, next time I will use OPD, much more responsible, but dearer.

 

Last night, by a majority of around 60, the Conservative Party voted against enabling schools to feed hungry children over Christmas.  This to save a few pounds from a government that has wasted Billions this year alone.  Five Tories voted against this bill, one having to resign her position this morning. The rest, including 5 Scots Tory MPs voted for the bill.  One abstained, Cowardly Dougie Ross, the Scots Tory leader.

Here is, what I am informed, an up to date menu from the Commons Tea Room. Here, in similar manner, is the Dinner menu.

Many are asking why those MPs on £70,000 and more a year, not counting their expenses, bits on the side and newspaper writings, why are these individuals getting subsidised meals?  Drinks in the many bars are also subsidised and to end this would create a bad feeling in the House.  Personally I think that may be a good idea and pre Christmas a good time to do this.

 

Thursday Politics

BBC

Good old Yaxley-Lennon, not one to let an opportunity to show how crass he is pass by.  The good news is he has been imprisoned and off the streets for a while.  I suspect he will not be placed alongside the Muslim terrorist type but rather fond many shaven headed like minded 'Essex Boys' type who will regard him as a hero of sorts.  
It's all very sad.
What was funny however was him demanding asylum in the USA as going to jail could see him killed inside!  There must be many US rednecks who would sympathise.  For some reason Trump did not respond to his plea, he must have been on Twitter or the golf course.  
What does he get out of this?  Fame?  Self importance?  Money?  We all need a purpose but shit stirring as a purpose?  I wonder if he really has a 'intellectual' belief in anything, I cannot see him working things out from a particular opinion.  It appears that he just requires to be seen as a leader of something, anything, and this is all he is good for.  What a waste.

Gemma White QC has produced a cheery report, avoiding adding names, informing the world of the bullying, abuse and mistreatment of the staff by MPs and noble Lords.  How nice to see our leaders behaving in such a manner.  
Clearly many treat staff reasonably well but others hide behind position, power and fear of job losses and avoid criticism.  I would guess that unless you are 100% committed you cannot work in such an atmosphere.  MPs jobs, in spite of their weak heads, demand total commitment and as a researcher you will need that attitude.  It is no surprise to find some of them demanding, parliament is no place for the weak-kneed, but it is clear many take advantage of their help, others like some noble Lords consider themselves better than others and abuse staff because of this attitude.  It is a pity no names or political parties were mentioned here...  The Speaker has denounced this behaviour, he has of course been criticised for bullying his staff, and indicated some of the points mentioned in this report ought to be handed to the police.  I hope they are, that would be fun!

Flying Saturday

As I scribble high above me, at around 17000 feet a large aircraft heads towards China.  The many passengers have avoided delays by eco warriors (it now appears), passed through security checks, customs, many uniformed rude staff and now settle down gladly for the long trip across the world to the cheery despot now playing Emperor in Peking, sorry Beijing.  Another at similar height heads gracefully, I hope, towards Poland.  This reflects the air traffic above us as aircraft head for or leave Stansted airport or Luton just a wee bit down the road.  Those leaving Heathrow after mush airport stress pass over also.  At 35,000 feet we can occasionally note travellers from China, Canada, or further away above us as they seek a landing somewhere in Europe, Paris or Berlin perhaps.  This explains why our skies are filled with vapour trails daily, bright and clear against the blue above but unhealthy to eco warriors of various types. 

 
I wonder how many MP's are up there heading of to exotic (paid for) holidays?  I wonder also who is paying for them and what questions will they ask during the next parliament, if we have another one in this Tory rich kid dictatorship.  Hmmm... maybe going to China would not be so bad after all?  
Possibly Michael Gove and that Raab fellow will be aboard the plane looking for ideas?  
The 'Daily Mail' which can be trusted (note the sarcasm) has named two people as responsible for the drone attack without actually blaming them.  There is something about 'guilty until proved innocent' that does not appear to matter to the hacks, I wonder why?  Of course if this couple are indeed the people who have delayed 140,000 souls from flying off they deserve ten years no matter the cause.  Better that than being dragged into the airport concourse and greeted by those you have delayed I suspect.

   
Another Saturday, another pre Christmas show in the town.  Here an all male choir (are these allowed by screaming feminists?) entertained, although when I suggested to the security guard that he joined in he refused steadily.  Possibly he did not know the words of 'Little Donkey?'
I did not join in either having fruit and veg to collect...

The Future is, er.....

ITV NEWS

As I scribble this the House of Commons, the tea rooms, library and individual office spaces are filled with backbiting Tory MPs promising each and every candidate for tonight's 'No Confidence' vote that they are on their side!  Loud assurances to the media confirm MPs position either for or against the present PM.  Of course this reminds me of the last time Kenneth Clark stood for the leadership, after the vote (the numbers may be slightly out here) over a hundred Tory MPs shook his hand and said "I voted for you Ken."  He received around 87 votes!  Never trust an MP at such a time.  Tonight the votes will be cast either for or against Theresa May, this would lead to a leadership election in which several totally unsuitable candidates will be put forward, none of whom will put the country before their own personal ambition.  It might of course, if May loses, lead to a general election, possibly a hindering of Brexit and maybe even the desired second referendum, this time without foreign money.  By the time you read this the result will be known and the UKs future will remain as clear as mud!
Glory!

  
Having waddled down to the church for the morning advent prayer time it was lunch when I got back.  This meant I had no time to do anything else except fiddle about with chocs I bought for the kids and sort them out, the chocs not the kids.  A few tokens for Christmas just in case they don't get enough!  
The Dove squatting upon the aerial has little info regarding Theresa's troubles yet he appears not too worried about this.  This is a good sign as it indicates problems that fill the media may not alter the fact that the world keeps turning whoever is in charge.  We spoke to the man who is in charge this morning and left all this fuss with him, he has seen worse.  Tomorrow in spite of it all I will visit Sainsburys early just the same, though I might stock up on medicines, corned beef and beans just in case!  

The Sunny Chancellor

The UK budget occurred yesterday, I missed it.  Usually I sit through most of the hour or two while the man responsible for the British economy mumbles on, sipping whisky and water and supported occasionally by gruff cries of "hear hear," from his side of the House.  This year I just couldn't be bothered.  Whatever they say it is clear you will suffer.  This year it appear Gorgeous George has made a complete hash of things, lowering taxes for the rich and raising taxes for pensioners, good vote catching stuff Georgie!  When asked if he would benefit from lowering the top tax rate he claimed he did not earn enough!  Just his MPs salary. Hmmm I believe him, but he is lying in his teeth!  (Sue me George!)


This morning I jumped on the bike to avoid his smarmy lies on the radio and made my way, slowly, to Felsted station.  Actually this has been a private house for many years but the 6 miles and 12 chains distance was more than I have managed this year! That's 12 miles and 24 chains plus a bit more today.  I'm getting so fit I may soon be almost human. (A chain is 66 feet by the way.  Railways, estate agents and others still require to use this measurement today. 10 chains make a furlong (used in horse racing) and 8 furlongs make a mile, but you knew this.)  I almost went a bit further however the bridge at Felsted has been removed and this means a roundabout meander to continue.  Behind the old station house lies a Gypsy camp and I wandered into this by mistake.  The dogs were quickly awake at a strangers approach, one keen to eat my leg was a bother, and a chap standing by a huge bonfire, there is always a bonfire in such paces, pointed out the way to go.  As I made my way back, once again assaulted by the dogs, I was impressed by the amount of broken glass lying around.  One or two skips overflowed into the road, but the glimpses inside the caravans, mobile and static, through open doors showed a high standard from the women of the house.  No surprise there.  I would have continued on but at the beginning of the trail lay another pack of dogs so I decided to return home.  Just as well as I was knackered by this time.  Two slices of brown bread and cheese is not sufficient sustenance!


It impressed me that the dogs I encountered were all small 'yaps.' No big dogs to be seen.  Very good watchdogs, loud and aggressive, but the bites considered less dangerous and newsworthy than the bite from an Alsatian or Doberman.the fact is such dogs are much more likely to bite, just ask any postman!  Appearances deceive and these folks are no fools.  It is about ten years since I was last there, and the camp appeared very much tidier the last time, maybe it's just me?  Some folks complain about gypsies, the mess they leave when they camp unwanted, and I have endured that outside my door before now, the criminal element, and the all round trouble they cause.  Much of this is true of course, and gypsies, or 'travellers' as the media has decided we must call them now, do not do themselves any favours all too often. On the other hand I have seen similar conditions in this town, from the noble locals, and big cities have areas so 'deprived' no traveller would dare park a caravan there overnight.  There was a report that some in that camp were Christians and did a lot of good in the area, and a radio programme recently revealed a christian group composed of gypsies, and proud of it too, running an proper evangelical group on the outskirts of Edinburgh.


I wonder if it is within us all to make barriers between us?  What comes first, crime or rejection, being different or being bad?  The chap who gave me directions was friendly enough, although all the other eyes contained suspicion and glares.  Mind you I find that walking the streets everywhere I go, maybe it's just me.....


Anyway, do you like my style?  geddit?  Style, see....oh forget it.

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