If only we were members of the EU!

Some of us said from the start that reliance on our 'special relationship' with the US was fraught with danger.

As a gay man, I've often observed over the years that some of those most strident in opposing homosexual lifestyles are those who suppress their own same sex leanings under a veneer of conformity to straight family life.

The UK should (belatedly) follow the lead of Spain and Italy to restrict US military access to our airspace. We also need to cancel the planned Royal state visit. And a boycott of the World Cup would not be unreasonable (and of Eurovision while Israel remains a participant).

Although I have some sympathy with the view that Netanyahu is the modern Hitler, and Trump the modern Mussolini.

Why does any nation elect a dictator? They appeal to their worst nature, weaponising fears and insecurities to target imaginary enemies as a smokescreen for their own agenda of self-promotion and domination. But the recent no-kings protests suggest the blinkers are being removed at last.

He certainly gives that impression - yet why does the international community allow him to continue his ridiculous threats, tirades and displays of petulance with impunity - whatever the consequences to innocent civilians?

Why have Trump & Netanyahu not been charged with war crimes breaching international law? Why has the West not unleashed a raft of sanctions against the US and Israel? If Trump makes good on his threats today, surely there must be major consequences? Call him to account like the despot he is!

Wishing you all a very happy Easter. And a blessed Pascha to those who celebrate.

Caravan of love - Housemartins YouTube video by Plata Design

Some day, somehow. Let it be!

Want to be remembered by future generations? Why not found a chain of affordable housing complexes? Establish a foundation to feed and care for impoverished families? Endow a new hospital, or a research project to find a cure for cancer?

It's amazing how today's billionaires and governments can always find the money for expensive glory projects, yet there are never the funds to care for our planet, feed the hungry, house the homeless or care for the sick and dying.

Unfortunately I am unable to see this article as I cannot access the website, even though I am a member, following moderator intervention which I am currently appealing.

I do wonder why there is any need - particularly for that age group - to segregate the sexes in scouting/guiding anyway!

When Will We Overcome? | Common Hymnal, Kierre Bjorn, The Aeolians YouTube video by Common Hymnal

I can't be in London today. But I stand with those who are filling the streets to reject the voices of the warmongers, the hate-pedlars and the self-serving power-brokers.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuCj...

I guess all in the tradition of cultural appropriation.

Many of my LGBTQIA+ friends have experienced this.
Churches may say they are welcoming and inclusive, but LGBTQIA+ people know to be cautious. It’s not the language that’s tricky. It’s how people use it.

The whole concept of making profit from essential public *services* is pretty immoral in the first place, Esp when that also means a monopoly... No motivation to provide a quality product, and a licence to extort money.

Tho if you're really my friend then you'll know better than to phone me! Drop me at text and arrange a video call - but don't just ring out of the blue 🤣

I am not just another piece of data to feed into your systems of control and manipulation. I am a human being with my own personal dignity and integrity and I will resist every attempt to take that away from me whenever and wherever I can, while defending the basic humanity of those around me.

Sometimes it takes something like a Trump and his ICE forces to galvinise local communities into action. I pray it won't come to that in the UK and what we see on the news elsewhere may serve to jolt us out of our complacency, recognise the dangers and stimulate positive action NOW.

I am beginning to realise that the only way out of the heartless politics of empire lies in grassroots community activism - practical steps to create a more equal, just & compassionate society from the ground up. For too long we have abdicated that responsibility to the state, but it doesn't work!

...join the likes of Brazil's president in denouncing the current war on Iran and calling all parties to declare an immediate ceasefire and sit down at the table to negotiate a lasting peace.

America may be one of our oldest and closes allies. But that does not mean we have to support or even acquiesce when their actions are clearly wrong! Harold Wilson refused to be drawn into the Vietnam War and the world did not fall apart. Starmer needs to grow a backbone and stand up to Trump...

Stop the Crime and Policing Bill Tell your MP to vote reject the proposals in the Crime and Policing Bill

Please consider emailing your MP to ask them to oppose further restrictions to our civil liberties through the Crime and Policing Bill currently before parliament. Maybe also join the mass lobby on 17th March. Remember, the UK has already been criticised by the UN for its approach to such issues.

Fun Boy Three - The Lunatics Have Taken Over The Asylum (Official Music Video) YouTube video by FunBoyThreeVEVO

Truer now than ever it has been.

Just because it is 'in line with international law', doesn't mean it is right, wise or justifiable.

Why, o why, has Starmer given warmonger Trump permission to use UK airbases, incl. RAF Fairford, for his attacks on Iran? For 'defensive' strikes!?!

Living in Scotland, I don't see it! There may be a lot of individuals walking naked in the hills or skinny dipping in deserted lochs and beaches. But there is very little 'organised' or 'official' naturism that I can see. Almost all BN stuff (not a lot!) is concentrated in the Central Belt.