Fourth plinth.

As a piece of artwork Marc Quinn's sculpture of Alison Lapper certainly provokes interest and on many levels. (Some puns are intended, that however was not one. It's more the case that if everything is edited for pc reasons then the subject cannot be properly discussed.(1)

If you 'Google' Alison Lapper there are about 40,000 references (possibly 40,001 now). And you've got to hand it to her she's got herself first on the list (2).

Alison Lapper has been very much in the public eye recently, due mainly to her condition(3). To most of us mere mortals, nothing is known of her art other than her being art. Although, couldn't it be said that her suffering is her art? To be sure she is now feted and her opinions may resonate for a while, there may even be an interest in her work. But it is largely a self portrait. In that case, Quinn's sculpture is like a chapter in a biography. And perhaps appropriate enough for the turnaround that is the 4th plinth project. Will we get to see chapter two?

Quinn's Lapper seems to stand in stark contrast to Nelson's column, well actually it squats. Now, I'm not sure what art is supposed to do other than be provocative and Lapper is certainly that. Is she a hero? I'm sure that even in the fairest of fights Nelson could kick her head in* but then I've never seen his artwork.

Lapper's though, I have (a bit). I was going to make some joke about 'Venus de milo' but hey, she's there already. And that is likely the crux of the matter. One couldn't argue that in selective shots she sure looks purrdy - if'n you go for a gal's looks that is. And for some blokes she has got the bits that seem to count - someone has certainly proven a point.# And there are microwaves. Ironing could be the scene of a domestic though . . .

Perhaps Lapper issues a challenge of what we look for in another person. Are we superficial in our tastes to want someone else's idea of perfection? Lapper says 'I can do it as well as you' and she can - up to a point. James Heartfield's article on Lapper points out that her survival and progress comes with a great deal of assistance - Ms. Lapper would not have survived in the wilds and as a mutation is not one that would see the human race thrive in her form(4).

One could criticise yet Alison Lapper in spite of her condition does many things and can inspire others that are wont to seek therapy in one form or other. I'm heartened by the likes of Beth Hamilton (5) and others that over ride their condition. Many a restless night has me watching niche Tv and I'm stunned by the capabilities of disabled athletes - one-legged slalom skiers going full pelt and achieving commendable times, for instance. Mayhaps an unfair aerodynamic advantage? Don't think there'll be a queue for the operation though.

I also recall the tale of a young german tank commander in WW2; shot some 5 times, left for dead, patched up and eager to return to the front after 6 weeks. Stirring stuff even if you don't agree with his cause (6).

Quinn's Lapper is notable in that it is a sign of the times - it comes to the fore in a culture uncomfortable with its past glories and seeking comfort in frailty. It will be something to celebrate when medical science can achieve limb grafting and the like so that the disabled can function as near normal as possible 7).

If 'the statue' had been created by Alison Lapper herself it would've been more impressive but l don't think it belongs on the fourth plinth.


(1)http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/closeup/lapper.shtml
(2)http://www.alisonlapper.com/
(3)http://images.google.com/images?q=alison+lapper&hl=en&btnG=Search+Images
*NB. Although she does have some fighting prowess. Read on - http://books.guardian.co.uk/extracts/story/0,6761,1561045,00.html
(4)http://www.spiked-online.com/Articles/0000000CAD61.htm
(5)http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&rls=GGLR%2CGGLR%3A2005-51%2CGGLR%3Aen&q=+bethany+hamilton+&btnG=Search
(6)World at War series (?)
(7)Hooray!
(8)See also - http://www.spiked-online.com/Articles/0000000CAEEF.htm

§Out-take

'. . It reminds me of a schoolboy fantasy involving a rope, RE teacher and a table (I'd've let her have one arm free) . . . etc.'

Originally removed as figured was kind of gratuitous but reposted in light of Welsh quacks. See F*cking Welsh! (this blog, Feb 2006). Like it says - schoolboy fantasy and not deed.


Lapper. Round 2

The devil within had far worse lined up for Ms. Lapper - and a sneaky chance to indulge some other penchants. I couldn't help thinking that 'Alison Lapper 8 1/2 months pregnant' resembled a lump of plasticine capable of being moulded into anything. Seeing as how I've alluded to raping her, giving her a kicking and sewing some arms on her then I may as well crucify and resurrect her as well

Why? Is it fun to pick on the disabled? Up to a point maybe. Maybe in as much as no-one would rightly choose to be disabled and we laugh at such concerns so as to cope with them or even in recognition that the disabled are still people and we interact as normal as possible, albeit perhaps patronisingly.

Call it a version of Tourette's syndrome but I imagined nailing some arms on Alison Lapper in my own blood-dripping bastard artwork creation but thought better of continuing l'enfant terriblisme. However, with all the hoohar surrounding religious imagery, particularly amongst some members of our muslim brethren and also to make a not so subtle play on resurrection and notions of Divinity versus human ingenuity and medical science (and what with easter coming up) then I may as well.

Why the cheap shot at religion? After all a great many good people have connections with matters of faith and to rubbish their icons maybe hilarious or just nasty, maybe even tonic for the troops, but without a plainer distinction between The Divine and Humanity it remains a small part of the argument.
Others have said, the story of religion is essentially a human one.
As is Alison Lapper's.

Whether it is the military icon, religious representation, science-fiction architectural or other, 'art' should provoke or stimulate thought. Quinn, Lapper and the 4th plinth project challenge the militaristic associations with Trafalgar Square - a pregnant, disabled woman, giver of life Vs. Nelson, disabled warrior, etc (et al).
If Alison Lapper was the stopper of war or harbinger of peace forevermore then she may be considered heroic and worthy of claiming a place at Trafalgar (am begining to like the idea of Trafalgar Sq as a cultural battleground).

The reason why Alison Lapper has become elevated is manyfold but she can be because society has developed to the point where disability can be accommodated, cared for and patched up. However, Alison as Goddess of beauty and disability is a poor reflection of what society accepts regards notions of a common humanity.

Perhaps she asks to be loved (and 'the disabled' by association), that we see through her disability and beauty and get to know the person within; capable of being loved and loving but also a thinking, acting and creative being. That's fine - that's the human part but elevating disability is to accept being part human.

Anyone can get cut by steel, paper or even grass but it's nice to know that we can generally patch ourselves up or have access to people and things that can. Likewise, if injured at work, in a crash, playing sport, etc we should feel safe in the knowledge that medical practice and science has developed to the point of being able to fix most injury. Of course, if better resourced and if that was the focus rather than overmanagement and too many a lightweight scheme.

There's a bitter irony revealed in Generation Kill where a Doctor/Soldier is torn between continuing his patriotic duties and tending to an injured Iraqi. He cites that if the man's injuries are attended to he can be saved, albeit with some lasting damage. Yet still an increase in survivability from earlier times.
The moral being that even in situations designed for death, destruction and serious injury medical technique, prowess and capabilty follow close behind.


' . . l'm only dancing'

I chanced upon a dance program called DV8 in which a guy with no legs, Dave l believe he's called, peers through the window of a ballet studio (this after mischief in a wheelchair at a bus stop which sets the tone). Mischievious and mis-shapen you wonder what he's up to as he watches the graceful ballerinas. Himself perhaps an object of ridicule or even repellance - an opposite of the dancers. He enters the studio and shuffles through the rising and falling legs of the ladies at the bar, approaches a seated ballerina whom he links up with to dance/roll about with - a work of some elegance.

The next scene is Dave astride his mate's back; his mate walking on all fours with arms and legs straight yet done in such a way that it is hard to determine which torso the legs belong to or if they are all as one.
Perhaps this raises further questions as to acceptance of what is, Dave and co 'wishing' he had legs or a play on homo-eroticism and love of one's fellow man as brother and reflection of self - room on my horse for two, he ain't heavy . . or putting yourself in his shoes and vice versa.

I wouldn't like to patronise Alison Lapper by suggesting she would be a better person if only she had arms, nor Dave some legs, merely to state that the alleviation of all illness as much as possible is more desirable than accomodating to it.





Round Three: Militant dwarf and pretty lady spend all day pestering shoppers. 19th. March'06.

Don't know what it was the other night but basically a programme about disability and how society accomodates it.

A section of the show was about people parking in disabled spots at supermarkets and featured a small man in matrix garb and a lady with a walking stick. The lady was quite pretty, which may not be significant (the man l couldn't really say). Basically, they proceeded to hassle people (predominantly asian - again, maybe not significant) who for whatever reason were taking the piss out of the disabled by ignoring their existence and nicking their carparking spots.

Oh, you bad people (coming over here and) nicking our carparking spots . . . There is a seperate, if not related issue of supermarket, and other, carparking design and one that affects everybody. Carparking for 'normal' people leaves a lot to be desired. Often cramped and just as awkward for the old and perhaps not so firm, those with children, large people, lots of shopping and even those on foot. My bad self has parked in the bay. Excuse? none, other than believing that the disabled should be treat no better or worse than any body else. Whether it's one of those things that have changed over time or not but it's recalled that many a time at busy hypermarkets, etc., these spaces have been empty and wasted. All the while us able bodied types have to weave our way with our laden and lopsided trolley on ramped causeway through everyone else's pride and joy.

EDIT. l knew at the time this was kind of wrong, it was just one Bradford supermarket where it seemed there was row upon row of vacant disabled spots and this at a time when putting up with disability and frailty seemed afore.


Haven't people got better things to do? This is an example of petty and selfish single issue 'activism' of the worst kind. It pulls on the heartstrings; who does want to see the differently abled abused and ignored? The better part of the show was 'Dave' (aka MD - sorry, don't know the names) interviewing 'Steve' - 25 years old, cerebral palsy, wheelchair bound, etc., and profoundly differently abled. Steve seemed to be something of a whizz on computers and wanted to work, contribute and attain a measure of independence but all too often got the knock back. The person without 'won' and Steve lost.

It's a tough world out there . . . and not just for the differently abled. Society does have a poor record in care for the infirm in many situations but also a substantial care sector running right the way through from the family and voluntary sector to hospital, lowest to highest wages and so on.

By percentage disability seems to have quite some say, albeit and like most things not one of open and honest discussion.



Round 4

Now playing - (My Baby Does) Good Sculptures - Rezillos . . .

Mark Harrop

23 April at 09:40 · 

Why I'm standing in the local elections.

Why am I standing in the local elections is a question I oft ask myself. It's a waste of effort said old comrades, “you'll not do owt!” laughed my workmates; I even had last minute doubts over aims and possibilities - enough to try and withdraw but too late, that deadline had passed.

Why stand?

One or two likes on a facebook comment and the past two weeks letters pages in the Wakefield Express were the final encouragement to stick to my guns. That and an existing conviction that this really ought be election season and time to get the ball rolling.

Our political class is in obvious crisis and us public are all too aware of this. People are angry and frustrated at the outward inertia of that lot in Parliament and their inner manoeuvrings. Myself and a small group of volunteers are attempting to focus that sentiment and provide some direction. A bit much for a local election maybe but with a political class using every procedure, every rule they can dig or make up to avoid the public it seemed like the best time to initiate a campaign for a full Brexit and a General Election.

Mighty aims indeed for the People's Republic of Horbury and South Ossett yet any doubts about the nature of the campaign disappeared as soon as we hit the trail.

Neighbours who know me good, bad and ugly readily took up the message, one man from just out of the electoral ward offered himself and his son to come out leafleting. Another after reading a leaflet left on his car windscreen approached me to deliver some 500 and rang the next day for more. I've had impromptu hustings at barbecues in back gardens, some of the rocknroll crowd at a local gig took leaflets away wishing we were standing for them. We are! 

All good stuff and much potential. So much potential that many who voted to remain in the EU agree with our aims - they've had enough of our politicians. The argument about leave or remain just doesn't come up.

This isn't to take the small influence gained for granted; credibility can so easily be lost – being misinterpreted, saying the wrong thing, bigging ourselves up further afield. That said, those approached know exactly what's at stake and are glad of this opportunity.

'That lot' have had nearly three years to come up with . . . nothing, in fact worse than what we started with. Three years plus an, at least, six month extension. An extension they were told to use wisely. So they went off on holiday leaving us a fascinating month of wrangling and scheming before they face the European parliament elections . . . and the Brexit Party.

If they dare. This situation has become far too important to leave to our panic-stricken, largely self-interested so-called representatives. The majority of them clearly don't want Brexit and clearly don't know what to do. It's time we told them 'time's up!' We need to limit their technical, evasive approach. And room to manoeuvre.

The electorate have been sidelined, taken for granted. This campaign aims to put us in the driving seat – have some of that democracy everyone goes on about.

We need to clear the decks - we need a General Election.

In Horbury and South Ossett we're moving to the next phase of our campaign – Nota . . ? None of the above? 'Nota' is a direct counterpoint to 'Tina' – there is no alternative (other contenders included the voncc – the vote of no confidence campaign, whatever, am open to suggestions.) This is a directed petitioning of the electorate to recall our local MPs Mary Creagh and Yvette Cooper – any in the crosshairs attempting to bypass democracy. Which is pretty much all of them.

We're going for it, recognising mistakes will be made and things perhaps a little messy but things become a lot clearer once you start getting involved.

Our politicians have had a barely earned fortnight off. I'm on holiday this week. I'm using it as candidate in the local elections promoting all the above.

Need to know more?

Want to join in?

Want to coordinate with a stall, petition, door-knocking campaign?

harrop.mark@gmail.com

Facebook

We need more power!

How gladdening to read a Guardian comment thread* that seems mostly supportive of something as progressive as Nuclear Fusion (I've yet to read all the comments tho . . 375 at last count).

As many have pointed out, much more money goes into warfaring, cosmetics and even mobile phone ringtones. The Manhattan Project sums are an interesting comparison; irrespective of the dollar cost apparently just 0.4% of US GDP brought the A bomb to fruition. If I recall correctly ( . . hmm?) 0.4% of England's GDP would provide 10 ITERs and fund them for a decade.
This is important as ITER is a research unit - a one-off - with each stage of testing yielding vast amounts of information requiring further investigation as well as complications and frustrations then lengthy shut down periods for rebuild.

At a discussion with the 250 New Towns Club, Robin Stafford Allen, Mechanical Engineer at Culham, yearned for such a scenario akin to Formula 1 racing where different teams developed their ideas based on a common vehicle so as to develop the project as a whole and speed the day when this awesome technology comes on stream. Instead we have scientists grubbing around on eBay for spares!

Unfortunately, too many politicians are short term in their outlook and lack the imagination to see society develop hence the rise of misanthropic snots . . erm . . greens.

When once we believed in space travel and humanity unbound current ideas have us cower beneath rocks and scared of the future.

We need more power; we need Nuclear Fusion or whatever new developments the process brings. After all, there's all those re-runs of Coronation Street (or Crossroads if you're Robin Stafford Allen . . )


(*Damn! - 'Comments closed')

Take it to the bridge.

There's no two ways about it - Horbury Junction needs a new bridge.
By coincidence, such matters were discussed at a recent WMDC cabinet meeting but disappointing, though not surprised, to see this is largely to do with the precautionary principle - eg, what if a member of public or business puts a claim in? - and wrangling over who is responsible for costs rather than the positivities of 'merely' having stuff that works and increasing mobility.

What was labeled as a temporary measure to alleviate pressure on a weakened bridge has become permanent. Traffic now crosses on one side with the other kerb-stoned off and traffic lights regulate the flow, kind of which begs the question: if the bridge is weak then does it make sense to concentrate traffic to just the one side?

The traffic lights are also problematic as they hinder the free flow of vehicles. Some may see this as a boon as it slows down people happy to get away from work soon as possible, those late getting to work and 'boy-racers' on their way to party at the lagoons. My house is some 30 metres from the road and what calm there is often shattered by trucks clattering past at all hours and must be hellish for those by the roadside.

The bridge and roads are well used due to the industrial estate with many manufacturers of large and heavy steel products, a road haulage company, council building depot and significant others. At one time Charles Roberts wagonworks then Bombardier Prorail had abnormal loads of complete train carriages meandering their way up and down the road.
There's also roughly 170 houses down here - and at one time a proposal for another 140 dwellings on the pallet yard site.

All in all a lot of traffic uses the bridge so there's a substantial case for its renewal. Will it get done though?

In this day and age the 'best' that can be expected is perhaps for strengthening of the existing structure and some cameras to stop us frustrated and impatient motorists jumping the lights. If anything at all - some councils have opted not to repair roads as part of a general campaign to slow down traffic rather than build the dreaded speed bump; maintaining infrastructure isn't quite the norm as our general mobility is under threat, as is our desire for material betterment. And successive legislations seem happier to go for flashier, attention-grabbing 'Regeneration' initiatives.

Maybe having the industrial estate on the doorstep could sway things in favour of a new bridge?

                                                      There's a blue heritage plaque on the wall of Charles Roberts' old office complex that draws attention to his pioneering railway wagon works and the manufacture of Churchill tanks during WW2 - the latter something the good people of Horbury are supposed to know chapter and verse about according to Yorkshire Life magazine - we're also supposed to go around whistling and singing 'Onward Christian soldiers' due to the author, Sabine Baring-Gould, having lived locally (the fact that the Luddites caused the most damage in the country as the factory system began to radically alter their lives happened here rarely gets a mention, neither that Chas. Roberts' factory produced still-standing pre-fab housing after WW2).

That tanks were built here is supposed to confer some sense of duty and sacrifice amongst the public - in a sense that while others have lain down there lives supposedly for us - then as now - then we could at least bear some hardships.
Like not having decent infrastructure.


It really ought not be too difficult to replace this bridge or any other large infrastructure. Although beyond the remit of this article the role the military play is interesting. In this case - bridge building - the armed forces have some pretty impressive equipment and vital experience in providing temporary bridges and could provide a much more progressive and productive role as, eg, an army of engineers, rather than 'a body of armed men' whose purpose is mostly destructive in maintaining the interests of the state and the few. Further to that is the military mindset of focus, overcoming difficulties and getting the job done - when not hampered by officialdom . . . ironically, the very thing they fight to maintain.

Heavy lift airships capable of lifting 1000 tonnes are on the drawing board with the capacity to revolutionise building and transport. Whole pre-manufactured units such as bridges, housing - even power stations in modular form - could be lifted into place without the usual disruptions with on site building and transportation.
Needless to say that the military are considering their deployment and not too hard to guess if and when they do come into service who gets them first.


The best way to predict the future is to invent it.

An exhibition by Leeds metropolitan University architecture and design students called Future Wakefield had an idea for a combined rail and airship station but set in 2090 as it's assumed that the public aren't ready for this kind of future just now. But serviceable airships have already existed for over a hundred years and it will be 200 years by 2090.                                                        

There is very much a case to be made for modern thinking, mobility and getting things done over the staid, traditional and stay put and rather think it would be considered preferable, inspiring, even, to progress than put up with dilapidated services and infrastructure.
And materials and design students as well as many others would find regular and engaging work.

Who will pay for this? In short, the public will, by either making do with a congested and badly-built environment or the long, drawn-out and expensive consultations that accompany getting anything done these days.

In real, practical terms repairing or replacing the bridge, although not entirely straightforward, should be a piece o' piss. If such necessary things as maintaining infrastructure was the norm, ie, we just got on with it.

ASD Westok, originators and manufacturers of cellular beams could provide two, perhaps three, 32 metre* long beams capable altogether of supporting, say, 100 tonnes load on a deck 10 metres wide. The existing bridge is 9m wide including footpaths either side but increasing the width to 10 or even 12 metres allows greater traffic flow and gives trucks better maneuverability.
(* all weights and measures are 'googled' estimates.)

Even though Westok are significant users of the bridge I'm not suggesting it's down to them to replace it although it would be a good leaving present when they relocate later this year and perhaps worthy of a blue plaque. Of course there are other manufacturers of similar products but just as a matter of sheer simplicity as Westok are on the doorstep (they're also previous employers but that's another story).

Not saying they'd want to, and they'd likely not thank me, but the lads/an inspired workforce could make the framework over a few dinner-times from left over stock and bits in the yard . . .

Stripping things bare: the actual cost of the raw material and its manufacture to finished product - say, if you were doing it for yourself - then the time it would take to install. Done to military efficiencies (on a good day . . ) and with skylifters that's likely: survey, make bridge, clear access, make temporary service connections, demolish old and remove, install new bridge, patch in, tidy up.

With skylifting capacity size and tonnage are much less of a consideration and newer methods and materials could be easier brought into use, eg., plate steel sizes, beam lengths, etc. would not be dictated by existing capacities of road or rail bound transport. Whole sections of slab steel could be profiled in one piece thus limiting the intensity of labour and the compromised solution of splitting and rejoining a universal beam.

Likely there's more to it than a fag packet sketch, maybe it's unnecessary as perhaps cheaper, less elaborate solutions do exist but far from seeing things as a gimmick the maintenance and improvement of the built environment - how and where we live - and the running of a progressive economy are paramount and well worth fighting for.

Pie in the sky?

While we're at it we might as well reinstall the train station that I assume gave Horbury Junction its name so that we have increased and speedier transport options - older neighbours happily recall using the service to get to such as Liverpool and Scarborough and that in Chas. Roberts heyday Millfield Rd had 'streams of workmen' using it to and from work.

Even though this may soon find itself obsolete should airships become commonplace and air travel, freight and other services replace conventional rail systems and much of how the road network is used.

Come to think of it, we might not to replace the bridge at all . . .           


(Not to make a specific case for Horbury Junction as there are many bridges in need of replacement from supposedly the world's most advanced economy as well as major projects in under-developed countries.)

BettaKultcha and Pecha Kucha

'The battle lines are drawn between the expanders and restrainers; those who believe that there should be no impediments and those who believe that we must live within limits’

Hammy's tales of the riverbank #1




Hammy #2




BettaKultcha.

Countdown is progressing . . . 

Letter to Wakefield Express re ongoing LDF discussion.

(Not published in Wakefield Express).

Whilst it should be welcomed that Wakefield district is to get thousands more households - there is a pressing need for more housing - it really needs serious questioning as to where they are built, the scale, quality, infrastructure and services but, most importantly, the ideology behind the proposals in the Local Development Framework, ie, environmentalism.

'Where they are built' is a case in point with Councillor Jeffries proving there is no depth too low for her to prostitute herself; namely her recommendation that we pooh-pooh any Health and Safety objections we may have when it comes to putting mass housing on a former chemicals plant. This is rich coming from her as her party did so much to enshrine Health and Safety legislation in the first place. One wonders whether she is as outspoken when it comes to the many public events and even day to day activities that are hamstrung by such legislation.

Current policy has very little to do with facilitating better quality living standards to the public and is much more about containing them or, at best, placing them within a binding framework. Even worse, should we mere ordinary folk be free minded enough to determine our own lifestyles and activities we are highly likely to fall foul of any number of Anti-Social Behavioural Orders.

The council may lay claim to having put their proposals to we public but as has been pointed out this has been consultation in name only; the council gets to tick the box marked 'public involvement' and they then carry on regardless. Truly, they put the con in consultation.

There was never any intention to reshape current thinking as it is cemented in place by the great and the good of the UN, EU, national and local Government as well as promoted by an array of well- and taxpayer funded quangoes. This pretty much gives the lie to Lead Councillor Box's jibe at a previous letter writer concerning democracy. Little wonder he's been given a lackey's badge by those he truly serves.

Lessons haven't been learned from the recent financial turmoil and soon to hit recession. Although it's popular to blame the situation on 'greedy bankers' the underlying message is that we all want too much out of life, that we've gone too far. Many of us my have genuine grievances against our financial institutions but when it comes to raised aspirations maybe we should all call ourselves bankers.

Equally to blame in this scenario are those excessive Americans. Yet they too mostly suffer from land use restrictions and the scrabble for scant packages of land pushes the price of housing up to levels that people just cannot afford. Hence the sub-prime mortgage fiasco - people are paying over the odds for compromised living standards.

The council may claim this part of the LDF to be closed, a done deal, but this is far from the case. These things are written by flesh and blood human beings and supposedly agreed upon by the demos - us - but, as witnessed, this is far from the case. We need a genuine public discussion as to how and where we wish to live, not some compromised version passed down to us.

It's high time our elected, so-called representatives and dubious authority were told to 'patronise off!' and we reclaim the idea of modernity; humanity unbound, free and progressive.

Ev'ry thing's broken?

Wakefield general election address.                                                                    Mark Harrop,

Broken Britain?                                                                                                  Independent candidate.

Despite the protest of Govt it's undeniable that the UK is in a mess, although, however much is 'broken' it generally means that people no longer care and need repair rather than roads, drains and misguided Regeneration schemes. Much noise is made about returning pride and a sense of purpose as in 'The Good Old Days' but this turns things on their head. The days of Britain being Great were not just through superior arms but in more progressive ways: the industrial revolution starting here, bringing advanced production methods to the world and changing an impoverished, illiterate peasantry into a better educated and aspirational working class.

Today, humanity's place on the planet is called into question. Apparently we've gone too far, become wasteful and destructive; knowledge no longer power but leading to unsustainable desires - for the masses, that is. When once the future was considered to be about jet-packs, colonising distant planets, unbound knowledge and a capacity to deal with any eventuality, these things now seem ridiculous. Today we are led to revere nature above all, limit our footprint and know our place. Babies are considered not so much bundles of joy but bundles of carbon emissions, the elderly as burdensome and all others in need of restraint.
Never before has humanity been viewed in such loathsome terms.

If we're broken and need fixing then who better to do that than Govt and their advisers? Yet, they don't make anything and rely on the productivity and compliance of the rest of society to keep them in their place. If people are wasteful in their ways then it's fairgame to enforce behavioural change - smoking bans, five-a-day, recycling, don't use lifts, leave the car at home, speed bumps and not repairing roads, get off the bus a stop early, voluntary work, ad infinitum. 

It is in these areas that Wakefield local government's rating improves from poor to fair with no end of agencies and govt departments urging the self-same advice. Irony being, the only growth area is one that wrestles with 'no growth' and no wonder the country grinds close to a halt.
This Govt remains immune to its faults and even after apologising manages to re-assert itself before claiming how bad things would be under anyone else.
Calls for transparency in politics seem unnecessary under such circumstances.

Britain is patched up and creaking rather than broken.

Maybe because it's Spring or an election but there has been some recent strategic public works. 'Strategic' as they are prominently placed: kerbs and drives being relaid close to main roads, some rural areas have new signs and street cleaners working on Sundays - someone needs seeing to be 'working hard for you'. These may be prominent works but are very much cheap and cynical window-dressing.

Most roads in the district are in an appalling state which is bad enough for cars and begs the question whether the great and good practice what they preach - 'leave the car at home' - and ever travel by bike. New Labour may now promise a considerable cash injection but why aren't these matters done automatically and without fanfare?

With the economy near collapsing and public services all calling for a bail out just where is the money to come from? Unwarranted and overstretched military campaigns, an Olympics on the way and New Labour's hardcore of embedded professional counsellors suggests a messy period ahead for anyone attempting to maintain this tired and tiresome approach.

Gordon Brown may talk of protecting 'frontline' services but given his Govt's whole approach is based on hectoring people to conform he may have a different idea of what public service means. It is not so much the people at fault but the intolerable circumstances lived under - if anything is broken it is current Govt thinking and policy. It's inconceivable that matters can be stabilised - let alone progress - without a complete abandoning of such a programme. The only thing in need of repair is the pioneering spirit and man's further grasp over nature and natural events.

For a life worth living there can be no other way.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       

(Tues 4th. May.)

Not the smoking ban, again?

The smoking ban is actually little to do with smoking. Neither is having a right to smoke the biggest issue facing us. Even so, not too many arguments for the ban stand up and, otherwise, simple arrangements can be made for those wishing to indulge the habit at their own risk. The ban is, however, indicative of wider trends in society.

For the most part, smoking is obviously unhealthy, it's expensive, smells, is disliked by many and others are glad for the ban. Some smokers even state that there has never been so much camaraderie amongst themselves. For now, outside, in shelters good, bad and ugly.

Why fuss over the ban?

Frail and elderly smoking customers hardly get out come the cold weather as smoking in a shed regulated to have less cover than a pigsty is no comfort. Govt legislation is creating more problems as people become less tolerant of others - the noisier beer gardens when neighbours want some peace and quiet or the gauntlet of smokers in pub doorways, for instance. There may not be an 'app' for that but there's certainly a law . . and a fine.

It's well known that many pubs are going to the wall. Publicans suffer variously from ill health, mountains of debt, over-regulation, excessive licensing and being tied to and having punitive get-out clauses with Pub companies, and they taking full advantage of the cull by squeezing as much money as they can from sitting-duck licensees.

Many pubs are barely hanging on under these conditions and it's fair to say that a significant part of public life is set to change, too. Stopping people smoking is among the many intrusions into behaviour: everything from alcohol, food, calling the barmaid 'love', telling jokes; everything. Even train-spotters are suspect terrorists and young boys playing war are labeled as racist.

The smoking ban expresses much that is wrong with the UK. Everything is subject to a risk assessment for the remotest thing that could go wrong or we can be bullied or hurt by a word or activity of another. Supposedly, we need guidance as we're deemed not adult enough to negotiate life without the many helping hands of govt, council officials, professional advisers or charities to regulate, fine or harass us into making the 'right' decisions.

Politics has become less about the best way forward and nearly all about manipulating the character of the public.  

A reversal of politics.

For politics, the rise of character and personality is a dead end but reflects what happens to individuals at ground level. If policy is based on character assassination then politicians can't expect to avoid being judged by the conditions they helped create. Hence, MPs are caught short with the so-called expenses scandal, Gordon Brown caught muttering what he really thinks of the electorate and vacuous leadership debates on TV.

There is no longer a progressive character to politics and things today are about how flawed we are, not the way society functions or could be made better.


A reasonable economy?

If this is bad enough for our personal and social lives then it has proved disastrous for the economy, now collapsing under the twin burdens of such over-regulation and notions of sustainability. In essence and practice both deny human capacity to negotiate daily life or larger problems. Yet, our future is being mortgaged to maintain the same problem so won't mean greater freedoms as we do our bit to rescue a situation not of our making.

The market system - capitalism - is far from perfect and to have it replaced with a freer, more productive and beneficial economy wouldn't be a bad thing but, even so, its dynamic character and our livelihoods are thwarted by the actions of a political class hell-bent on restraint.

A public vote?

On current track we can only expect more of the same as main electoral contenders are more like different brands of cheap soap powder. Whether we have a hung parliament or not there's going to be a mess. Unless we use the current election period to sort out some genuine democracy.

Now, while there's an election on is the ideal time to send a message to those who wish to represent us and have them pay attention to our concerns rather than take us for granted. Seeing as how the smoking ban is symbolic of further controls and the aim of politics should be a society where people are free to indulge their pleasures then we ought take a public vote as to whether pubs, clubs, cafes, etc can reasonably offer 'smoking or non-smoking' - part, throughout, occasionally, ventilated or not at all. Even those of us who hate smoking ought allow others to indulge their lifestyle choices as who knows what's next?

These days, tired and tiresome politicians are falling over backwards for votes but remain disconnected from the public to make other than superficial claims. Unfortunately, it remains that New Labour and their official opposition still feel the need to control most things public.
Allowing them to carry on unchallenged is dangerous for personal choices, wider society and the economy, too.

The smoking ban, then, is not just about smoking but us as individuals having the right to choose our activities and the company we keep. Politicians should butt out of private affairs and get on with their proper job - getting to grips with a progressive economy and getting the country working properly.

Mark Harrop. Independent candidate
Wakefield, general election.    

At the HoP . . .

                                            . . . the most Public of all Houses?

2010 Election proposals.

For the most part my candidacy will promote the Institute of Ideas' 21 pledges for progress as outlined below, to which I add -

• Full, meaningful and rewarding employment.

• An end to Carbon trading schemes and offsetting, promoting rather than curtailing development in underdeveloped countries and breaking out of constricting environmentalist schema in the UK and beyond.

• Decriminalising recreational drug use and ending all intrusive meddling in private affairs and lifestyle choices.

• Recognising that recent and ongoing warfaring by western leaders is much more about propping up their dubious authority,  right to rule over us and to cement their position at the top table of global affairs. On their own terms it has proven largely counterproductive and for those on the ground a disaster with no end in sight.

21 PLEDGES FOR PROGRESS 2010                

Policy ideas that would make candidates worth voting for; positions that voters should argue and campaign for.

Re FREEDOM

1. Repeal hate speech legislation, in the interests of free speech, with no ifs, no buts.
2. Repeal the UK's libel laws, in the interests of free speech, no ifs, no buts.
3. Stop bureaucratic CRB checks and vetting of adults who come into contact with children and vulnerable adults, in the interests of free association between generations and countering the climate of mistrust.
4. Repeal any equality legislation that interferes with the freedom of private organisations like churches and political parties to act on their beliefs, in the interests of free association.
5. Revoke unnecessary and nonsensical health and safety rules and guidelines in the interests of countering today's risk-averse, safety-first climate of fear.
6. Allow pubs and clubs the option of permitting smoking, and get rid of the new 'no drinking zones', in the interests of countering the over-regulation of public spaces.
7. Scrap the 'database state', including the ContactPoint database which holds information about every child in the country and the DNA database which includes details of criminal suspects without convictions, in the interests of civil liberties, the privacy of families and the principle that we are innocent until proven guilty.
8. Limit the police's power to detain people without charge to 24 hours rather than 28 days, in the interests of civil liberties and due process.
9. Declare an amnesty for all illegal immigrants presently in the UK, whether asylum seekers or economic migrants, in the interests of recognising the positive aspirations of those who seek to improve their lives by moving countries.
10. Open the borders, revoking all immigration controls, in the interests of the free movement of citizens.

Re CONSTITUTION

11. Get rid of police Tsars and unelected 'experts' from government decision-making in the interests of parliamentary sovereignty and democratic accountability.
12. Abolish the monarchy and the House of Lords in the interests of a fully elected legislature and executive.
13. Hold a referendum on the EU constitution and any subsequent treaties, in the interests of a national democratic mandate.

Re ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

14. Direct state expenditure into infrastructural projects such as power grids and telecommunications, increased facilities for road, rail and air travel, in the interests of productive economic growth.
15. Build new nuclear power stations across the country in the interests of ensuring we have more than sufficient energy to power a new round of economic growth.
16. Reduce the onerous regulation of new scientific and technological developments such as GM technology and biomedicine in the interests of increasing R&D and encouraging innovation.

Re PUBLIC SERVICES

17. Stop excessive centralisation and bureaucratic control of public services, enabling professionals to make judgements in the interests of those using the services rather than artificial targets.
18. Scrap the 'impact statement' demands on university research in the interests of valuing knowledge for its own sake and academic freedom from policy outcomes.
19. Support the arts financially, for their own sake, in the interests of liberating them from ever more prescriptive and politicised instrumental demands.
20. Direct state funding of health to biomedical research into cures, the latest drugs and equipment, rather than punitive campaigns to change individual behaviour, in the interests of public health and good cheer.
21. Direct state funding of schools into providing universal access to the highest standard of education in academic subjects, rather than politicised cross curricular themes like sustainability or citizenship, in the interests of passing on real knowledge to our children.

Late notice: Wakefield Salon.

Wakefield Salon is a discussion group formed to examine topical cultural and political issues.

Our first discussion is on Free Speech, *Thurs 22nd October 7.30pm at the Black Rock pub*, Cross square, central Wakefield.

This week the BNP are scheduled to appear on BBC's Question Time yet local MP and schools secretary Ed Balls calls for any teacher with links to the organisation to be sacked. The local library and education internet service bars some groups that question the accepted stance on environmentalism (now revoked but a Miliband once stormed 'the debate is over!' re climate change so still some way to go.)

Is this right? Should members of the public have the right to make their own minds up or is this an acceptable role for Govt? Can the public handle dodgy or challenging ideas?

Where can you build in the UK?

Knowledge is power?

It seems that the good people at Sp!ked have rubbed a few people up the wrong way as access has now been denied through the Yorks and Humberside grid for learning network citing "News/media, Adult themes".
Possibly a bit too adult for 'authorities' on a dumbing down mandate.

This link ought take you to the stop page and a questions box should you wish to task our defenders of the public realm.

Letter to Wakefield Express 21st August '09.

May I, through your paper, and hopefully so that it doesn't offend the Home Secretary too much, raise the issue of free speech? On the library's internet network I can now no longer access one of my favoured sites - www.spiked-online.com. A duty librarian informed she would look into it but had managed to come over all smug when informing a day or two later that 'it seems blocked by 'higher up', that she 'didn't agree with censorship too much' but 'that it was probably because of the environmentalist angle, y'know', lastly that 'if people want to read that sort of stuff they maybe should get their own computer'.

This is no complaint against a public servant having an opinion - no matter how veiled the delivery - but she ought be wary of the erosion of enquiry leastwise for her own profession. As it is, the good people at spiked are not deniers re human induced climate change and see that Environmentalism has become an all enveloping creed that brooks no dissent yet does not provide workable solutions. In short the green agenda is one of control and implementing austerity and this gives firm examples of how far that control is creeping plus the austerity in thinking amongst our non-elected betters.

Obviously everyone's favourite bogeyman - The BNP - have also been censored. I have little agreement with their brand of politics but far more respect for them than people that spend their time wanting to ban them. They are a legitimate party and address the concerns of enough people to gain an MEP in the area. Though it must be pointed out that was on a reduced vote even for them but a much larger disassociation from mainstream parties. The BNP's brand of politics is pale imitation mainstream stuff that needs engaging in free public debate. Who indulges in sneakier, more dishonest politics?

For interests of national security this govt wants access to our emails and phone calls whilst carrying on getting their message through but they've only to look at comments in the broader media to see what opinion is of them and their message. The mass of people seem to have had enough and it's merely the fact that official opposition are so weak that they can dither on. Given the vitriol and occasional deletes then it's safe to assume that what's said in private would keep an actual proper dictator busy. Even when us public are invited to have petitions to govt - let alone a referendum - then our response is reinterpreted to prove us wrong and more tax payer funded gush to get the right answers into our thick skulls.

Environmentalism - the last refuge of scoundrels.

(Long winded reply to Wakefield Express Green issue*)

We really ought reconsider Environmentalism. At its core it poses people as a problem; The Biggest Problem, not only to the planet and everything on it but also ourselves.
As it is the jury is still out that global-warming - also known as 'dangerous climate change' will prove detrimental or even that we are the main cause. And if it is actually warming. The climate is changing - always has, whether man's contribution poses a significant factor is guessed at via loaded models and 'the science' politically driven.

Even taking the disaster scenarios at their worst - which are the guarantors of our actions - then are we really to take our adaptive actions seriously? So many agencies churn out the same RRRRs but life goes on; we go to work, produce and consume; new technologies build on the capacity of previous and we always find ways to improve.

Environmentalism already greatly affects us - from restrictions on land for housing and the expensive and disappointing product to needlessly sorting through our rubbish and fairtrade schemes that may appease the consciences of liberals but entrap third world producers into western notions of sustainability.
Many claim that for the 7 billion+/- population of the earth to have developed lifestyles - or at least as developed as we in the west - would require 3 or more planets as we don't have the resources. This sees human achievement as static and destructive and fails to pay attention to our remarkable ingenuity eg increased yields in agriculture and even the ability to harness power from natural sources (perhaps just different versions of the same process). The lack of resources are to be found amongst our political leaders and the unimaginative.
Of course there are many shades of green and it's doubtful whether proposals from on high satisfy the eco-worriers amongst us - especially when it's almost business as usual and airports, power stations, roads and houses are still being built or proposed (albeit in dismal fashion) and we all go to work or indulge in activities deemed unsustainable.
Hardly a black and white issue let alone 'Green being the new Red'.

Traditional left vs right notions of the best way forward for us as individuals and as a society have collapsed and given birth to this seemingly radical ideology. Indeed, it is radical - radical in the ways we're going to have to adapt if we accept it as presented. From the spoutings of the green and good it doesn't look that rosy.
Despite the pontificating of our 'leaders' emissions targets haven't been achieved anywhere except in former Soviet bloc countries due to their industrial decline. It's telling that with the opening up of the North Pole - supposedly due to climate negligence - there was a rush to claim exploration rights. UK included. Much talk is made over environmental concerns yet it seems the green elite merely pay lip service whilst the rest of us pay through the nose - in guilt taxes and time wasting activities that actually do more 'harm' than good.

If we truly were to consider the environment then we'd contend ways of dealing with it resourcefully - in ways that benefit humans first. In this the UK seems to have lost its way with the days of great industrial pioneers gone and their contemporaries happier to indulge in the wistful and iconic - or go abroad.
It's only belatedly that sluices in Wakefield are being dredged - perhaps there ought be a major washout of the drains too as many of these are blocked with all manner of debris. These should be activities that are constant and upgraded; it's fine gentrifying the place but a bit more function over form seems necessary. And whilst we're encouraged to dwell on our history we ought remember that Wakefield has it's ings. Instead, and like everything else these days, the blame is laid at us for having patios or concreted drives - to the point that these are considered punishable in taxes.

It's naive and negative thinking such as this that's blighting the economy.

Yawn . . . .

(speech on Youtube.)

Manchester w . . .

(Online forum response to Manchester evening News - "Woman fined £700 in bins row')


I'm stunned that Victoria Clarke gets so much flak from equally affected citizens of Manchester. Rather than attack her character (seemingly assumed and maybe people in glasshouses . . . ) we should be demanding a proper waste collection service where binmen/de-waste collection operators, or whatever their called, pick up all the rubbish from a location principally convenient to the tenant. And taken as granted.

While we're at it we ought lay off the binmen too and develop some solidarity. They are no more guilty than the rest of us who work to schedule or even try to beat the clock. Who knows? - they might then be happier doing what is quite a crappy job and do it well.

Despite ever rising - and sneakier - taxes we're getting a much reduced service; in fact we're doing more of it ourselves. Worse than that, our volunteered efforts become expected, then ordered, 'offenders' pilloried and penalised.

It's shaming that we fight amongst ourselves rather than take this up with those that dealt the blow in the first place, or at least (and they quite possibly are the least . . . ) with the most prominent representatives - New Labour.

And wouldn't you know it? - the misanthropic twats are in town right now and enjoying some £18 million in expense accounts 1). For me they can keep 'their' money and maybe we should emulate the approach of MP barring publican Roger Hantulik and even the Police and give our 'leaders' some Northern Discomfort - make their stay as uncomfortable as they're making our lives.

They may even do something other than save their own skins and deal us up rubbish.

1) See Manchester evening News 'An £18 million windfall as Labour bandwagon rolls into town'.

What's red and green?

New Labour's long drawn out last gasp has fully latched onto sustainability's rise - if not played a huge part in building it.
For those who displace politics with pontificating 'environmentalism' has become a collective wail. Unfortunately for erstwhile radicals they forget how the market can accommodate social trends and even drive them - so, with everyone from boy wonder DiCaprio and his 11thouring, much of what calls itself left wing and BIG industry can flog austerity.

Less costs more and inefficiency celebrated. Cheers.

Cor, blimey!

This guy needs his lights punching out.





"One other book on the curriculum is written by Johnathon Poritt. Entitled Captain Eco and the fate of the Earth it includes the line 'your parents and grandparents have made a mess of looking after the earth. They may deny it, but they're stealing your future . . . . "

Quoted from The Enemies of Progress: The dangers of Sustainability (p82). Austin Williams

Someone ain't telling the truth . . .

Whatever happened to the heroes?

I've met Stuart Smith and he comes across as a likeable enough guy. Yeeah, perhaps a chip on his shoulder, brass neck, motormouth . . . dodgy? pft! - dunno. But as a guy who's put his mug about and been in-yer-face as regards the smoking ban he deserves a medal. Whatever was chucked at him he just kept going - even when people who should know better turned on him. He posted his number directly on The Morning Advertiser website so that his critics could contact him direct (only for his post to be removed), been on video, etc, etc. So he's not scared of facing his critics and believes he's done little wrong in this case.

Even the most outlandish behaviour he's been up for got him just a 6 month suspended sentence - hardly Mr Evil.

I hope the fella becomes a folk hero and would love to see his face on the t-shirts of radical youth, bands, on stickers, etc. I'm pretty sure he'd welcome the idea; I was with him when the above shot was taken (but gave a crappy false name 'cos I should've been at work - oooh!) and it was his suggestion for that shot. Being unafraid of any publicity I'm sure he'd have stuck one up his ass if he'd thought on.

Stu may be contacted at stuartsmithsmoker@live.co.uk. Or various other outlets.
Stuart's full trial is on May 13th.


It's still very much an uphill fight though - some small wins and many setbacks - and council and govt departments getting sneakier by the day. We really ought bar these people for good and demand compensation for those who've lost out at this govt's hands.

While we can still talk about it.

Of interest -

Smoking ban challenged in Germany and China

People in glasshouses . . .

Hmm.

Re Boons' meeting, 23rd April - Almost disappointing - 2 people and a news reporter but a good many well-wishers along the way and very good informal chats with smokers outside and then up town later on.

Crap organising on my part and working on assumptions meant that those who had expressed an interest went to the downstairs room whilst I was upstairs hastily writing spiel to an audience I 'knew' was never going to appear. (And ManUbleedinited were playing Barcelona - pfft! - see what happens when Ronaldo doesn't intimidate his opponent? (oi!, sidefoot - no!).

Success (credibility even) is a tenuous thing and there is no set way to achieve it. That aside, there is a process and we learn as we go along.

According to most reports some 67% of the UK are against an outright ban on smoking in public places and this figure is about the same with publicans. This shows quite a remarkable degree of tolerance given that some 25% is 'the figure' given for smokers ie. two and a half times the amount of smokers. And obviously pubs don't want to lose custom.

This is borne out on recent hasty visits to pubs. Many publicans are anxious about where this will lead, some figured they'd be able to manage whatever was thrown at them and the odd few were happy with the ban. However, most know there's more legislation on the way and that traditional pub culture is on the way out as things stand.

Although no-one was really happy about being coerced into an obvious unpopular measure there's been an air of resignation - until now. UKIP seem to be the only 'mainstream' party in the upcoming local elections with a libertarian bent, particularly with regard to the issue of our social lives. There is the possibility of a breakthrough, of sorts.

I don't give a rat's cock (sshurely a pub name there?) what else they stand for but on this I'll be a slag for democracy and promote them. It may even lead to political debate in pubs and put the wind up those that claim they're 'fighting hard for our interests' or whatever guff they're coming out with whilst they congratulate themselves and erode our freedoms.

Perhaps one of the reasons many daren't speak out is due to the enormous pressure heaped on individuals who dare stand up. Public houses, even under intense regulation, are still largely informal gathering places and there's an element of schwonky business goes off. This is mentioned occasionally on forums and in the news and is very likely something we all come across.
I should imagine that if 'they' are listening in on phone conversations then most of us would get banged up. They probably don't because it's the way things are. Given the volume of laws and regulation this govt. has introduced, we'll all be likely 'guilty' of something - and if not then soon will be . . . maybe.

And maybe not. Our political class are seriously adrift and seem to like to raid the coffers themselves. Of course, running for public office should be an honourable thing and well recompensed - as should we all be for our labours, after all we make the roads, schools and hospitals, etc. and run them and politics ought be about realising our aspirations. Trouble is that raising apirations has given way to restraint - at least for us hoi-polloi.

Given that the smoking ban was brought in undemocratically and based on a pack of lies then maybe that what should be the most public of our houses is the one that needs examining.

Of course there ought be choice in the matter - democratic wannabes can state their case for us, or something like that . . .






www.freedom2chooose.info

UKIP . . .











As requested by Wakefield publicans at first meet up.


















The lady wouldn't recognise a good night if she saw one.
Now playing - 'You think I ain't worth a dollar but I feel like a millionaire', Queens of the stone age.
(followed up nicely by The Rezillos - 'Somebody's gonna get their head kicked in tonight').

Just for you, Mary.

x




Downloads of other of our representatives available HERE.

pfff . . . some more.

TBC . . .















Initial inspiration from Tom Mower''s 'Attention Please!' photo essay and gallery at The Manifesto club site.