The Queen And The Queer - Dedication, Passion, Service...

 Today is Peter Tatchell's birthday; his 60th. As someone I greatly admire and had done long before I met him and even got involved in the LGBT Rights struggle, something else struck my mind this morning...

Of course Mr. Tatchell is not the best-loved across the nation, but he is respected for his dedication, resilience and passion. It was while I try to think about this man who has selflessly dedicated himself to supporting the oppressed, to bring neglected issues to the fore, regardless of the cost to him, that I also thought of another personality I so greatly admire: the Queen, Herr Elizabeth.

It is then that it dawned on me, that while the later was to ascend the throne that year, Peter was born shortly before. Does it mean that the promise Elizabeth made 5 years before that time on her 21st Birthday, have a lot to do with Mr. Tatchell?

First of all, it is important to note that Peter do not agree to a hereditary monarchy as he publicly declares for a Republic. Funny for that, I admire him but disagree on that issue. I am a Monarchist and admire Her Majesty.

It does make it strange that this promise the Queen made on her 21st Birthday in far away South Africa: "I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.", seems to have replayed in Mr. Tatchell's life.

Peter has dedicated his life, earning nothing, living in a council flat and going across the world to show solidarity publicly... The Queen had dedicated her life, earning (inheriting) a lot, living in a palace and going across the world to show solidarity in calm. Very different?

Please also note, that Mr. Tatchell, started his most active protest for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Rights at the age of 21... The other coincidence is that he started it 'Far far away from his own birthplace too'.

Could Nigeria Govt Officials Be Behind Boko Haram?

Nigeria is synonymous with chaos; that's a fact. Nigeria is corrupt beyond reason and imagination; that's also a fact. Actually, social engineering is a political tradition in Nigeria used over the past 50 years to maintain corruption through chaos; this is more than a fact.

In the wake of the price increase of petroleum product due to an IMF engineered subsidy-removal - hence the removal of the only benefit-like gain from the State, Nigerians protested. Coupled with the increasing violence by Boko Haram, it was billed to be a self-destruction as the IMF must have envisaged... but wait for this; Nigerian politicians are versed in creating own Nigeria's self-destruction.

Hence it wont be totally wrong to think that the increased tension now in Nigeria has an artificial input engineered by some politicians who are well-horned in such all these years. I am of the strong premonition that the Corrupt State, in adhering the advice of the IMF which I suspect include a promise to help them hide their stolen wealth in IMF-controlled banks abroad, is unofficially and secretly involved in Boko Haram's attack. Yes, the rapid move of Boko Haram may not be without support from the high echelon of that corrupt-ridden country.

NHS In Limbo

Since the formation of UK Coalition government, one thing, amongst all cuts, that has concerned most people is the Health [Reform] Bill.

From the very beginning, only a fool would have thought that the proposed plan was what is needed to safeguard the NHS into the future. Of course, let's not make the mistake, the NHS and most of all public sectors, including the Executive arm of government needed a radical change. The problem is; what Change?

Well, for the NHS, from the inception of the Coalition, the wrong Change was proposed and worse still, applied without due and accurate consultation. Thus we are experiencing now the worse ever reform any that can could be implemented.

Is Nigeria Reaping the Seeds of Long Years of Corruption

The rise of modern terrorism in Nigeria is not shocking to Nigerians, it is only threatening and abhorring.

For over 50 years of self-governance, Nigerians who are old enough to tell of the country under colonial rule agree it's been a shameful 50years.

In all that years, the benefit of citizenship is a mere wishful thinking... In fact, benefits of citizenship is unknown to generations born after colonial governance. The first emotion was displayed immediately afterwards resulting in a civil war that lasted over 3 years and claimed millions of lives. That wound has never healed underneath; but worse still, corruption and bad governance increased ever thereafter.

The Course Ed Miliband Talked About Does Not Exist!

Today on Andrew Marr Show, Labour Party Leader, Ed Miliband put up what could be called a strong fight against critics, especially within the party by going on about how he will stay the course... what course?

What he seems to have failed to understand is that those criticizing him, especially within the party are those who really care. It is those who are honest and are genuinely concerned about the party and want the party to put up a real response as an opposition. This is not to deny that there some minute number of detractors within the party all the same.

What do we get? A party that is clearly groping and crawling in the dark, responding to every voice that comes across, in [what seems] a desperate move to reach light; any light. This is absurd.

Mr Miliband was, as far as I am concerned well received once elected Leader. Having witnessed him being announced Leader and speaking to many party members at the event in Manchester after the result and his immediate subsequent speech, it was clear, that majority of grassroot Labour party members wanted to move on and make a difference. One phrase was most common afterwards that day at the conference; "he's been elected, lets support him". To hear that over and over amongst a crowd that only just over 51% gave him the vote was spectacular.

Fuel Subsidy Made Simple - Tunde Bakare

A exposition by a Nigerian Pastor in his Church, 'The Latter Rain Assembly' today. Mr Bakare was a Running-mate to former Gen. Buhari on the presidential elections 2011 in Nigeria, the election that saw Goodluck Jonathan, the incumbent to the State house. According to this exposition, it seems Mr. Jonathan is yet, as we all suspects, to make amends and lead a modest, selfless government.

------------------------------------

Sermon:

FACTS YOU MUST KNOW: SUBSIDY MADE SIMPLE

1. DEFINITION

To subsidize is to sell a product below the cost of production. Since the federal government has been secretive about the state of our refineries and their production capacity, we will focus on importation rather than production. So, in essence, within the Nigerian Fuel Subsidy context, to subsidize is to sell petrol below the cost of importation.

May Be, Politicans in Homophobic Countries' Are To Blame After All

Recently in Jamaica, during the campaign for the December 29th election in 2011, Ms. Portia Simpson-Miller, who later won the election, surprised, not only Jamaicans, but the entire world when she declared publicly that if elected, her government will incorporate gay people into her Cabinet. Her bravity was suspected to become the mistake of her success... But the reverse was the case.

While her opponent, the then Prime Minister, Mr Holness barked away in response to the same question insisting that retaining homophobia in his Cabinet if elected is only a wish of the people, Ms Simpson-Miller proved him wrong without fear or favour.

The then ruling party, Jamaican Labour Party (JLP) harped on that sincere opinion to undo Ms Simpson-Miller, but Jamaicans turned a deaf ear. May be, after all, Jamaicans are not as homphobic as we have always thought. May, Jamaicans had played out homophobia because their politicians had ignored bringing in equality in actiona. May be, Jamaicans had only remained deeply homophobic because their politicians had been living with the fear of the unknown.

A Nigerian's Response to Nigerian Govt Irresponsible Approach to Fuel Subsidy

This is a response posted on Facebook on rant by Nigeria Minister of Finance, the Betrayer Ms. Okonjo-Iweala on her page. I have copied and pasted it here and you can see Ms. Okonjo-Iweala's ranting lies in the blog below
---------------------------------------------
The response
When a Nigerian pays N65 for fuel rather than N40, he is subsidizing the incompetence of Government by N25.

· When a Nigerian has to buy a Generator and buy Petrol and Diesel because Electricity generation is worse off, he is subsidizing the incompetence in Government.

The Traditional Lies Of A Nigerian Govt Official, Ms Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

The Nigerian Finance Minister, Ms Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is on her Second Missionary Journey in the governance of Nigeria. Like her first under the failed government of former President Obasanjo (1999 - 2007). 


Ms Okonjo-Iweala, through the text below, while discussing the on-going removal of fuel subsidy, signifies how she has been corrupted so much.

The truth about this matter is that it is completely disappointing that a woman who has lived and enjoyed life in developed Western countries is leading the encourage to remove the ONLY benefit Nigerians get from their State. The text below is not new, but the same type we have heard over the years through which many has gone to State House and Offices and enriched themselves. This shameless woman is now on this same path. What with the over-blown salary she collects...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FROM BUDGET 2012 AND SURE-P

Against the backdrop of the recent debate on the removal of fuel subsidies , and the calculated misinformation being peddled by opponents of this policy, it is pertinent to highlight, in more tangible terms, some of the significant allocations that have been made to essential sectors of the economy, both in the 2012 budget as well as the recently-launched Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P). This programme is a 3—4 year programme designed to mitigate the immediate impact of the removal of fuel subsidy and accelerate economic growth through investments in critically-needed infrastructure.

Saving Iranians; The New USA's Missionary Journey

Photo: AP

In the space of a week [or so], American ships rescuing Iranian citizens from [Somalian] pirates has become too common. In fact, since the advent of sea terrorism, never had it been so easily secure like we have seen in these recent episodes. And in spreading it, the Media painted the picture down to the tiniest events including how the rescued Iranians were given "water, blankets... and even 'halal' breakfast". (Do we need these details?)

But considering the time they are happening, as tension mounts between Washington and Tehran, one is tempted to wonder if there is more than meets the eye in this new missionary journey the US of A has suddenly heard the voice of [their] God to carry out; rescue [only] Iranians. Should we look under the boats? beneath the sea surface? Are we being fooled or is Iran being lured - or appeased, depending on how you want to see it - to a round table?

Jamaica Republic; Is This A Reverse Priority?

Portia Simpson-Miller

The new Prime Minister of Jamaica, Ms Portia Simpson-Miller announced one of her focus would be to relieve the Queen of England as Head of State of the Caribbean country by the end of this year. It is not a new case nonetheless but it is one of tiny relevance for Jamaica as far as governance is concerned.

Whilst Ms Simpson-Miller has been praised for her liberal stance on equality, especially for people with homosexual orientation, it is concerning that she would make the case of replacing a Head of State a priority.

Jamaica is independent of British rule for 50 years now and it is still distressing that the country has not improved beyond what Britain left it in 1962. Going by the ceremonial nature of the office of Head of State which the Queen occupies, it is almost useless to wrangle over the issue, especially not now that Jamaica's economy is unstable and dept is almost 130% of GDP.

UK Aid; A Tool For Corruption

In what seemed a big U-TURN today, the UK government, urged by Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Parliamentarian International Development Committee, has announced that it will increase aid to acknowledged corrupt countries. This comes as a shock.

The committee thought that this aid should be "conditional" on these countries improving governance.

In fact, for the soreness of corruption in these countries, ordinary citizens in these countries do not agree with huge funds being handed down to their rulers who accomplish absolutely nothing with it.

But looked at closely, one is tempted to wonder why this uncalled-for change of tone by the British government. Only [less than] 3 months ago while in Australia for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), David Cameron announced what seemed a sensible approach to UK aid giving. Although he tainted that announcement with the gay rights link, it was still a bold step which tax payers in the UK had long wished for.

Michele Bachmann: Is Her Bible Fulfilled Against Her?

"When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. (Psalm 27 vs 2; King James Version)."

Although I am not a Christian, I am not one to dismiss the Bible. In fact, I strongly believe that it contains an amount of good sayings as well as evil, awful, intolerable things. And in the case of Michele Bachmann, her dream for the presidency which she started off on a homophobic pedestal has just stalled according to the above verse in the Bible. I think so because she made herself an enemy to gay people...

What is funny is that Ms. Bachmann could not even go one-tenth of the way; what a shame? I feel sorry for her and can imagine the embarrassment she must emotionally be trying to suppress now. After all that fuss!

Nigeria: The Blessings And The Curse

Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil producer, but it imports refined petroleum...

That is the biggest shame. Nevertheless, it could also be a wise economic decision - to not own a refinery - if it was financially profitably so. But it is not. You know, if you live in places like London; and are single, not owning a car may be financially profitable.

In the case of Nigeria, due to the corruption of its leaders since independence, every economic decision made has been deliberately wrong, hence costly. Corrupt officials make these decisions because they benefit their own personal purses through it.

The IMF insists that Nigeria has to remove its oil subsidy, but it never insists Nigeria has to care for its citizens. With the IMF believe, it clearly is not asking for the later.

The Markets Or The Electorates; Who Do Governments Owe Protection?

Since the first financial crisis in 2007, it has become glaringly clear why governments brought us all to this knee-grinding position. A very excruciating position that we are all in [it] together only for the pain, but not for the support. The governments care only for the 'Markets' not their electorates.

When the banks and their cohorts in the financial trading industry across the world starting falling like the pack of their gambling cards 4 years ago, governments across the world rallied round, took what belonged to all of us and gave to them.

Although it made sense to stop the savings of the average man vanishing into thin air, it made no sense that what then followed was top bankers continuing to take home millions in wages and bonuses; even with increases. It is shameful.

Too Much To Do? To Much to Ignore?

Finally here we are. It is 2012 and the UK is set for a fever of landmark events. Come June, the Queen's 60years on the throne will be celebrated in style for weeks. And on the heels of that will be the Olympics which by obligation will draw people from across the world.

Since both events are world-class events or at least watched across the world, it definitely is a lot to do. the UK will therefore for over 10 weeks of this year, hold the world in attention... and no stones will be left unturned to make sure these impresses.

But in the midst of so much to do, the fear that so much would be ignored may not be an alien one. Just before Christmas, the charity Crisis reported the increasing incident of homelessness. It is not a very new issues, but unfortunately, Homelessness has rarely made it into any UK political party's manifesto in recently years.

Child poverty is spiraling out of control. However, most of Coalition government's policy would increase this as funds are channeled into organizing an impeccable Olympics and Diamond Jubilee events.

Would 2012 Political Moments Be More Crisis?

PM Cameron sacked his Comms Director Mr. Coulson

2011 was full of political moments; in fact, going by any means, it was mired in crisis of all types and shades. Here in the UK, the story was no different. From overlapping and never-going-away phone hacking to riots; biggest Workers' strike in years, comatous economy, or confused Coalition policies that are going nowhere slowly.

On the international scene, those flashes of victory that can be claimed all happened with huge losses of precious human lives and resources. The truth is that these victories are a deficit.

Osama Bin Laden was killed but after 10years manhunt that has contributed to sending America into economical doldrums. Saddam was unseated and killed but with thousands of lives of Libyans and infrastructural loss that runs into billions. And yes, America left Iraq after nearly 9 years but with a human balance sheet in the red of over 4,000 soldiers' lives and yet, not a mended Iraq.

It is another year now and we begin the count. What would the politicians do better or different? Have they learnt from their long list of mistakes or are their heads buried in the sands of their ego? In the UK, 2 positive events are on the bill, none a product of this year if you look at them squarely; but aside from them, what else?