THE Issue #16, February 2017..  Lincoln City age giant killers back p Whistle age 5  blowing on NHS p

£ 1 Peter

 35 Page EqualityW Democracy Truth CourageORD The people’s paper www.thewordmedia.org.uk Stefanovic Exclusive Theresa May: interview There have only been a “small number of incidents”

Corbyn says what he thinks about Donald Trump We have made it very clear that we don’t agree with Donald Trump on the Geneva Conven- tion, on torture, on his treatment of Mexico and Mexican people or his attacks on women we have made it very clear. I also think it wrong that he be given a state visit as a reward after only eight days in office. Would we have to work with the elected President, yes, in every country you have to work with them. It doesn’t mean you agree with them, you have to make a case, and so every Presi- dent and Prime Minister I meet, and I meet quite a lot of them, you have to raise human rights issues with and concerns about human rights in their country, you have to do that. We as a party believe passionately in the cause of human rights. Sometimes the circumstances are very difficult indeed but you have got to do it so you do it. KINHS murderedLLER by May 2 February 2017. POLITICS AND EVENTS www.thewordmedia.org.uk

THE PeterLoo Project

Starting in September of 2015 the project was put to - gether on the Peter Loo Face- book page and then in the “Together against the Tories” Facebook group. The idea is to create a popular and en- tertaining socialist hub with the involvement of as many people as possible from the left of the socialist move- ment in Britain.

As the project has proceed- ed it has become increasingly clear that the media in the UK is run for and by big business and as such will always need to oppose socialist values to keep such a position. The project was then crowdfunded to raise the money to be able to print and distribute this newspaper as a MURDERER prelude to a whole cross-plat- form media fight-back.

Editor Peter Loo

News Editor Guido Paine, Julie Stevens

Cartoonist Andrew Keir

Website George Christophorou

Advertising sales John Ball

Events Alex Taylor

Sport Ian Cockerham

Proof reading Steve Sutton

Picture editors David Edenbrow Charles Abrahams

Contributors Alan Davies, George Galloway, John mcdonnell MP, Jeremy Corbyn MP, Julie Ward MEP, Peter Stefanovic, Ian Cockerham, Phil Brown, Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, Tariq Ali, Jack Cornes, Charles James, Cliff Jones, Eileen Kersey, John Wilkins, Andrew Wallace, Derek Frazer.

Design Branko Pejovic www.thewordmedia.org.uk POLITICS AND EVENTS February 2017. 3

ew analysis links Medicine, the researchers from all targets were missed including has also faced severe cuts, with a the current A&E workforce ca- MURDENHS30,000 excess deaths the Londonkilled School of HygieneR & ambulance call-out times andE 17%by decrease in spending for oldRMay- pacity is unlikely to be sufficient in 2015 to cuts in health Tropical Medicine, University of A&E waiting times, despite unex- er people since 2009, while the to meet the challenges that high Nand social care Oxford and Blackburn with Dar- ceptional A&E attendances com- number of people aged 85 years levels of admissions of frail elder- wen Borough Council, tested four pared to the same month in previ- and over has increased by 9%.” ly people and others who are vul- Researchers exploring why possible explanations for the Jan- ous years. Staff absence rates rose nerable are likely to present this there has been a substantial in- uary 2015 spike in mortality. and more posts remained empty “To maintain current levels of winter and in future winters.” crease in mortality in England and as staff had not been appointed. social care would require an ex- Wales in 2015 conclude that fail- After ruling out data errors, tra £1.1 billion, which the govern- The researchers say that there ures in the health and social care cold weather and flu as main Professor Martin McKee, from ment has refused.” are already worrying signs of an system linked to disinvestment causes for the spike, the research- the London School of Hygiene increase in mortality in 2016. are likely to be the main cause. ers found that NHS performance & Tropical Medicine, said: “The Professor McKee continued: Without urgent intervention, data revealed clear evidence of impact of cuts resulting from the “The possibility that the cuts to they say, there must be concern There were 30,000 excess health system failures. Almost imposition of austerity on the NHS health and social care are implicat- that this trend will continue. deaths in 2015, representing has been profound. Expenditure ed in almost 30,000 excess deaths the largest increase in deaths in has failed to keep pace with de- is one that needs further explora- Commenting on the analysis, the post-war period. The excess Theresa May: mand and the situation has been tion. Given the relentless nature Professor Danny Dorling, Uni- deaths, which included a large exacerbated by dramatic reduc- of the cuts, and potential link to versity of Oxford, added: “It may spike in January that year, were There have tions in the welfare budget of £16.7 rising mortality, we ask why is the sound obvious that more elderly largely in the older population billion and in social care spending.” search for a cause not being pur- people will have died earlier as a who are most dependent on sued with more urgency?” result of government cut backs, health and social care. only been a He added: “With an aging but to date the number of deaths population, the NHS is ever more “Simply reorganising and con- has not been estimated and the Reporting their analysis in the “small number dependent on a well-functioning solidating existing urgent care government have not admitted Journal of the Royal Society of of incidents” social care system. Yet social care systems or raising the ‘agility’ of responsibility.” Doctors Condemn May May in Denial BMA chairman Dr Mark Por- hands of those who care for lots of people’. Theresa May has attacked the the health service. ter wrote: ‘I have been horrified them, in the face of titanic pres- Red Cross’ description of a “hu- She insisted that the Gov- to see the position which you sures across the system. She also said ‘it was clearly manitarian crisis” in the NHS as ernment had committed extra have taken in responding to the preposterous to keep surgeries “irresponsible and overblown”. money to the NHS. current crisis in the NHS in Eng- ‘The continual salami slic- open from 8am to 8pm, seven Her comments during Prime “We acknowledge that there land. ing, the presentation of cuts as days a week as Mrs May has or- Minister’s Questions were criticised are pressures on the health ser- improvements in the face of pal- dered.’ by Liberal Democrat leader Tim vice, there are always extra pres- ‘In playing down what is hap- pably deteriorating services and Dr Stokes-Lampard said it Farron who warned her she should sures on the NHS in the winter, pening in hospitals up and down the scapegoating of those who was ‘old fashioned nonsense’ address the NHS crisis “rather than but we have the added pressures the country – with beds at full work in the service have led to that GPs were overpaid and a picking on the Red Cross”. of the ageing population and the capacity, daily breaches in A&E this situation, one in which pa- ‘distraction from the real prob- Jeremy Corbyn also accused growing complex needs of the and critical operations being tients’ lives and well-being are at lem’. Mrs May of being in “denial” population,” she said. cancelled – and in then seeking risk. Tory MP Sarah Wollaston, a over the state of the healthcare Mrs May said the Govern- to lay the blame on general prac- former GP who heads the health system. ment was standing by the four- tice, your Government appears ‘This should not be accept- select committee, also said: ‘To Mrs May acknowledged that hour target for A&E, which says to be seeking deliberately to dis- able for any government.’ be suggesting that all of this there had been a “small num- 95 per cent of patients must tract from what is really happen- problem is due to GPs not seeing ber of incidents of unaccept- be dealt with within that time ing in the NHS. Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard, people is really stretching it, it’s able practice” in the NHS as she frame, after Health Secretary Jer- ‘Services are failing patients chairman of the Royal College of just not the case, it’s wrong to be sought to defend the Govern- emy Hunt suggested earlier in the and their families, tying the GPs, warned that May had ‘upset scapegoating them in my view.’ ment’s handling of problems in week he may water it down. 4 February 2017. POLITICS AND EVENTS www.thewordmedia.org.uk Where is the NHS?

Asks Ian Charles And there we have the big dif- ference between doctors and nurs- t your dentist’s, you fill in es: nurses treat you and doctors a form saying you are a tell them how; by diagnosis and ‘NHS’ patient. This means prescription, except at the Walk Ayou pay one of three in Centre, where a nurse, whom charges (bands) and the rest of the you think is a doctor because they cost is made up by the government never say Who or What they are, out of taxation. Your dentist is a rushes you in, hurries you out and business. sends you away with a ‘script’ be- When my Health Centre (a cause these people are authorised business housing GPs, nurses, to ‘write them up’ for you. Health Professionals, their practice My experience, and do tell me manager, and some other staff, and I’m wrong and then you can deal which can be set up with ‘govern- with the aftermath of these deci- ment help’) is closed for training, sions for me, is that these specially for the evening, weekends, bank trained nurses seem to have around holidays and so on, phone calls are three ‘Specialisms’ and start seeing fielded to a ‘Walk-In Centre’ which all patients as sufferers of one of the covers for them. This is ‘Nurse-Led’ limited conditions they’ve taken and supervised by just one doctor, responsibility for. Thus my family a Practice Manager, and adminis- have been sent away with diag- trated by receptionists. noses and medicines for: asthma, I know about nurses, doesn’t backache, depression, irritable bow- everybody? The word is synony- el syndrome, and muscle strain. mous with Angels, Healers, Dogs- These ‘Doctor-Nurses’ as the bodies, Unsung Heroes and (usu- proud mother of one of them ally) Heroines of the NHS. There describes her have thus missed: are Practice Nurses (No! I want a bacterial sinusitis, perforated ap- that no proper examination was Real One!) Mental Health Nurses, pendix, infection of the inner ear, carried out, that data such as tem- Health Visitors and District Nurs- osteoporosis, sepsis and thrombo- perature, blood pressure, do not es. There are Midwives and School sis. Scared yet? appear to have been stored on the Nurses, Children’s Nurses and Geri- The comedian Michael McIn- system, that you weren’t advised atric Nurses. Have I missed anyone tyre has a routine where his GP, to go to A&E should the symptoms out? There are also Healthcare As- baffled by any number of things, persist, that training and oversight sistants who do things that Nurses constantly ‘refers’ him to special- has been completely overhauled as are too busy to do, like routinely ists: leg doctors, bum doctors, ear a result of your letter, that it is com- taking blood. But the tradition has doctors, until one day he tells the pletely unacceptable you’ve wait- been that Nurses make you bet- doctor he has a headache. ed so long for a reply, and the com- ter, listen to you, tell you off and “Ah,” replies the GP, “I know the plaint has been passed through tuck you in. They hold the spoon answer to this one – Paracetamol!” many hands until it got to the GP, that tips the medicine down your The reverse is true of “Doc- the solitary, totally responsible GP, throat. They twiddle the taps on tor-Nurses” and now some GPs acting for this Private Healthcare the drip that carries the liquid I’m coming across; they ‘know’ Company, ‘Nurse Led’ but man- medicines, the salty water, potions everything, and you aren’t referred aged by an accountant; the staff that flow directly into your veins anywhere if they can help it; a com- policy now is to greet patients with through the cannula inserted for bination of arrogance, not listen- the phrase “Hello, my name is …” the delivery or removal of fluid. ing, and penny pinching. thin-air so they can extract a ‘mon- being ‘over here’ and called a ‘par- and explain what it is will be hap- The correct response when being So you stagger-out of the Walk- ey-flow’ from the NHS Trust for asite’ and you decide to complain pening to you and why. So that’s cannulated is to say, “Remarkable; in Centre and three days later are the next 25 years, and your life is to some Practice Manager about OK now, then. could you give me John Smith’s in- fighting for your life in the Inten- saved by some kids from all over the crazily wrong ‘diagnosis’ you Half of all care under the NHS travenously, then?” sive Care Unit of some big hospital, the planet, highly trained immi- got initially. You receive a letter of comes from ‘private providers’ – I You will be told, “If Doctor pre- built and equipped with money grants who will go home on the apology ‘from the company’ ex- understood this when I had my scribes it.” totally ‘invented’ by a bank out of train and be abused by a drunk for plaining that your points are valid, thyroid scanned by a friendly www.thewordmedia.org.uk POLITICS AND EVENTS February 2017. 5 A Whistle Blowers Tale

In the last few years there has been a change of culture within healthcare. ‘Shop floor’ profes- sionals are guarded. The shutters have come down. Free speech is no longer a given. By stealth, an unspoken tox- icity has spread by behaviours of Where is the NHS? those authority & lord of all they survey. The corporate psychopaths have been given power and have been given carte blanche to use it to suppress unchallenged by even higher powers. Those with ambition and with- out a moral compass know that in order to climb the corporate man- agerial ladder and be a part of the exclusive club of dictators they must develop a sense of superi- ority and ruthlessness. No-one and nothing can get in their way. CQC visits & colleagues high- will go on your record. And they will be protected in their light the bullying, intimidation & The patients kitchen is filthy. quest as casualties are merely oppression. They give a ‘poorly Patients who are immunocom- pawns in their game of ambition. run’ rating. promised and doubly at risk from But what about protection for Corporate psychopaths are poor hygiene. The kitchen manag- the shop floor workers against seething. They are above criticism. er refuses to supply lactose free this thuggery when the workers This is your fault. How dare you milk for a lactose intolerant pa- are charged with reporting, for not praise the management or tell tient. Dare you mention it to your example, misdeeds, illegal activ- CQC how supportive the environ- line manager for fear of reprisal. ity & concerns regarding patient ment is, how rewarding it is & how You know what will become of it care? After all, isn’t this the whole magnificent it is to work there. but as a professional how can this point of post Mid Staffs cover up YOU have got to go. You do be ignored. So in the spirit of post recommendations? not sing from the corporate hymn Mid Staffs you report it. And Whistle Blowing. Were sheet. You are not part of the busi- Wham. Another one to one. we not all told there was a new ness plan ‘going forward’. You The kitchen manager doesn’t want era of openness whereby any con- {despite the dire recruitment & you interfering with kitchen busi- cerns would be listened to? shortage crisis for health care pro- ness! So this goes on your record. That was the party line. But fessionals} Colleagues are aware that you has this translated into action in So how can they get rid of are being targeted. They sympa- practice ? you? thise. They have mortgages to Frighteningly the corporate Clearly just sacking you will pay, loans to pay & cant afford to psychopaths have had their get them in hot water with an in- lose their jobs. hackles raised. They who must dustrial tribunal so you’ll be tar- So whistle blowing becomes a be obeyed have to find ways of geted. Your social media will be lonely place & you learn that de- reflecting poor practice back on monitored. They’ll get the meas- spite what you witness and the the shop floor workers in order to ure of you. dangerous practices you see, you conserve the status quo & remain The CEO asks how things are. cant speak out. in the corporate club. ”Very low morale I’m afraid. X&Y, So the bullying, intimidating So the effects on the shop who have many years experience corporate psychopaths have the floor workers on highlighting un- & lynchpins of the work environ- pathway cleared for them to act in young woman in a unit on an in- people who own my local football safe practice. ment are leaving as they cant cope the manner to which they choose dustrial estate next to a warehouse club, bank or car showroom. I just “We are short staffed & cannot with the stress, the workload, we to be accustomed. storing phones and laptop comput- didn’t, is all. meet the needs of the patients haven’t seen a physio for months. You leave disillusioned. ers. I didn’t expect that my GP, the When did all this happen, and safely. We have 2 aggressive pa- Z was expecting a pay increment Knowing that you were a magnif- Emergency Doctor, and the build- why didn’t I see it before it hap- tients & have increased our bed but that was vetoed.” icent practitioner & a willing but ings and services of my cancer hos- pened? numbers by 4. Agency staff are CEO sniffs & discusses with oppressed advocate for patients pital would be owned by the sort of Where is the NHS in all of this? unfamiliar with x procedure. I’ve your line manager. One to one & colleagues. You say goodbye to only been qualified 6 months & time, intimidation time, bully- the profession you love but real- you’re leaving me in charge” ing & belittling time. It’s none of ise you must keep your integrity “Use your time more effec- your business if Z hasn’t got her and keep your sanity. tively, you’re not prioritizing, you pay rise. There is an ongoing ad- The corner green grocer ad- have the recommended staff ra- vert for the physio job. X&Y are vertises for an assistant. That is tio, blah blah blah”. replaceable. This outspokenness now your future. 6 February 2017. POLITICS AND EVENTS www.thewordmedia.org.uk

away from the excessive focus section of the political Right lobbying of the House of Com - on identity issues, and towards have consistently opposed the mons such that it defeated the the recognition that those exist- racist, militarist and imperialist Cameron Government over Syr- David Lindsay Column ed only within the overarching policies of the Clinton, Bush, ia. Therefore, it is not correct to and undergirding context of the Obama and Trump Adminis- say that, “They never did Stop Mr Speaker Bercow does not struggle against economic in- trations. For 20 years, almost the War.” want President Donald Trump The American Democratic equality and in favour of inter - completely ignored except in to address Parliament. Is Trump Party has been defeated in the national peace, including co-op- relation to the Iraq War, a sec - In the event of a State Visit a worthy successor to Nelson person of the most economical- eration with Russia, not a new tion of the political Left and a to the United Kingdom by Presi- Mandela? No. Is Trump a worthy ly neoliberal and internation- Cold War. smaller section of the political dent Trump, it is imperative that successor to Aung San Suu Kyi? ally neoconservative nominee Right have consistently op- those with that consistent, and Ask the Rohingya about that imaginable. The lesson needs The defeat of the Clintons posed the racist, militarist and not unsuccessful, record be the overrated figure. But is Trump to be learned. The workers are by a purported opponent of ne - imperialist policies of the Blair, organisers of what would easi- a worthy successor to Barack not the easily ignored and rou - oliberal economic policy and of Brown, Cameron and May Gov- ly be the largest demonstration Obama? Oh, yes, indeed. tinely betrayed base, with the neoconservative foreign policy, ernments. in British history, and that that liberal bourgeoisie as the swing although time will tell, has se - demonstration be addressed by By all means protest against voters to whom tribute must cured Jeremy Corbyn’s position, A steadfast stalwart has Corbyn. This would have the po- Trump’s actions. Up to a point, be paid. The reality is the other since he is undoubtedly such an been, and remains, Corbyn. His tential to politicise an entire gen- protest against his utteranc- way round. The EU referendum opponent. election and re-election as La- eration, thereby changing Britain es. But do not protest against ought already to have placed bour Leader have been signifi- in myriad ways over at least 50 his presence. His arrival in this that beyond doubt. For 25 years, almost com- cant victories for the movement years. But it would have to be led country would do us no end of pletely ignored except in rela- against liberal interventionism. by those who would have react- good. Provided that the reaction There is a need to move, as tion to the Iraq War, a section of Another victory was the social ed in the same way to a State Vis - were led by the right people. a matter of the utmost urgency, the political Left and a smaller media campaign that led to the it by President Hillary Clinton. www.thewordmedia.org.uk POLITICS AND EVENTS February 2017. 7

Where Syria is concerned reports What Do from Amnesty and Human Rights You Think Watch cannot be taken at face value By Joe Nagle One way to stop extra-judiciary abuse of pris- By Brendan O’Brien oners by guards and other prisoners, is to allow all convicted felons to keep their vote registered at Where Syria is concerned reports the local regions. Probably best to have their own from Amnesty and Human Rights Watch ministry of prisons, with representatives over a cannot be taken at face value. We have set number of secure establishments. Their vote been getting a stream of propaganda from could weaken or strengthen a governing party. our government, media and NGO’s since Also, to allow respected organisations such as the war started. Some of it is manifestly the Quakers, who are very active in prison reform, false, e.g. the claim by Boris Johnson that to have access to prison whenever they wish to ninety five percent of the deaths in Syr- check on conditions, the mood of the inmates and ia have been caused by Assad. However, to talk to individuals in complete privacy. regardless of the truth or otherwise of However it is done, to have people responsible the charges laid against Assad the over- for their welfare. whelming need is to bring peace. My point? Their punishment is set by the courts, which There is greater hope for peace in Syria is prison for a set time. The sentence does not now than at any time since the war began include having to endure abuse by guards or psy- and our government has officially sup- chotic fellow inmates. They are also wards of the ported the Russian led peace process at state, like orphans, and their welfare is the respon- the UN. However what is our government ly on in this war Barack Obama should course justice should be served, if there sibility of the state and the government of the day. doing in practice? Are we still giving non have engaged in talks with Putin over Syr- is justice for Syria many others, includ- That said, it is fairly obvious that most guards lethal aid to moderate rebels? I have been ia. The Daily Mail and others said David ing those who de facto supported Islam- just do their job as set by their remit; and most asking my MP that question for weeks Cameron should have used his influence ic State should be in the dock. There are prisoners just want to do their time and get out as with no answer. Have we pressed America to bring this about. Is Theresa May making times when justice has to give way to the soon as possible in one piece. Prison office work is and Saudi Arabia to stop giving arms to re- any effort to get Trump and Putin working need for peace, as was recognised in this hard and unpleasant. bels? There have been no reports that they together for the sake of peace in Syria? Is country and many others in recent years). By all means, if you want seriously angry peo- have stopped doing so in spite of a well our government doing the best it can to ple to eventually be free with extreme resentment supported ceasefire. Boris Johnson said make this fragile peace process a success The UK government has massive in- against the system that allowed them to be so that we have to accept Assad taking part or is it quietly working to undermine it, fluence over what happens in Syria and abused, just carry on in the same old way. in elections, recently he seems to have e.g. by pushing for Assad to be hauled be- has played a destructive role backing What do you think? backtracked on that statement. From ear- fore the International Criminal Court? (Of America all the way. It is time for change. Theresa’s Secret Theresa May is enjoying steadfast popularity among all sources of main stream media, and even the Tory Party rank and file. But the affection of her colleagues is not enough for Theresa and there is there is still one more heart she wishes she could win. If anyone finds out it’s Jeremy Corbyn’s, she’ll be ruined! 8 February 2017. BEST OF THE WEB www.thewordmedia.org.uk

The Tory Genocide Tories Stall On ‘Yellow Card’ Scheme Against Labour Voters For Benefit Sanctions – Because It http://stematthewmurray.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/the-tory-geno- cide-against-labour-voters.html Exposes Their Homicidal Activities http://voxpoliticalonline.com/2017/02/19/tories-stall-on-yellow-card- By Ste Matthew Murray scheme-for-benefit-sanctions-because-it-exposes-their-homicidal-activ- ities/ A damning report warns cuts to health and social care budgets were “possibly” 19 Feb 2017 to blame for the “unprecedented” 30,000 extra deaths in England and Wales and they are all in strong Labour held areas. By Mike Sivier

The Tories are accused of wilfully ignoring the devastating social care crisis Select Committee chairman Frank Field said vulnerable people are ‘wrongly that is gripping Britain with catastrophic effects. having their income snatched away’ A major study by academics warns cuts to health and social care budgets were This Writer agrees with social security campaigner Samuel Miller – the govern- “possibly” to blame for the “unprecedented” 30,000 extra deaths in England and ment won’t introduce a system that could curb benefit sanctions because they are Wales. doing precisely what the Tories want. Mr Miller writes: “From the DWP’s perspective, the benefit sanctions regime The 2015 figures mark the largest increase in “excess deaths” for almost 50 and the recent introduction of the reduced benefit cap are helping to drive record years. employment, forcing claimants to accept any work – including zero-hour contacts The total was largely made up of OAPs, who rely most on health and social and low wages. care, the report finds. It is the first time a direct link has been drawn between cuts and a surge in “About 1.5 million people leave the welfare system each year, and there is fear deaths - and the rise could continue without “urgent intervention”, experts fear. that many of them may be facing destitution and having to depend on food banks Missed NHS targets including ambulance call-out times and A&E delays were for their survival. among factors, according to the study published in the Journal of the Royal Soci- ety of Medicine. “But multitudes of people dropping off the welfare rolls actually saves the gov- Experts write: “The long-term decline in mortality in England and Wales has ernment staggering sums of money in benefits provision.” reversed, with approximately 30,000 extra deaths compared to what would be expected if the average age-specific death rates in 2006 to 2014.” It should also be mentioned that the reasons for removing many people’s ben- efits are completely false. The Scottish trial proved this when nearly 500 people were able to get their benefits back by demonstrating that they did not deserve to Saving Syria’s Children lose them in the first place. But the Tories don’t want that to happen. Most of their social security policy The Worst Case Of Fake News? over the last nearly-seven years has been about inflicting destitution on the poor https://off-guardian.org/2017/02/19/saving-syrias-children-the-worst- in unreasonable ways, being defeated by logic when people fight these policies, case-of-fake-news/ and finding new ways of inflicting destitution on the poor as a result, under a cov- We’ve talked about this topic many times on OffG, but at a time when “fake- er story of trying to balance the nation’s books. news” is a hashtag, it’s worth returning to this most egregious and worrying exam- ple of – at best – sloppy reporting, or – at worst – wholesale deception. If people are forced to visit food banks, or to leave their home, or to die, as a result… well, that’s of no interest to a Tory. What happened at the Urm al-Kubra school on August 26 2013? Was it a chem- ical attack, a napalm attack or some sort of drill/rehearsal that was passed off as It’s true: Your Tory government is cutting the national deficit – one citizen at a a real event? If the latter then where did the deception originate? Were the BBC time. What are you going to do when the Tories decide to cut you? Panorama crew, present at the Atareb hospital to film the aftermath of the alleged atrocity heroes, dupes or wilful advocates for a lie? Was the fact their program aired on the eve of a crucial vote in parliament that might have sent the UK to war against Assad merely a coincidence or a deliberate and calculated act of propagan- da to push public opinion to support a very dangerous escalation in the region?

In this program Mike Robinson, Patrick Henningsen and campaigner Robert Stuart take a look at what is quite possibly the worst example of mainstream me- dia fake news in history . Best of the web www.thewordmedia.org.uk BEST OF THE WEB February 2017. 9

Right-wing press INVENTED Edward Conteh: Deported for a Frankfurt refugee sex attacks murder he didn’t even witness http://evolvepolitics.com/press-invented-frankfurt-refugee-sex-attacks/ http://thejusticegap.com/2017/02/controversial-law-led-young-man-de- ported-murder-didnt-even-witness/ By Patrick George On Friday, Edward Conteh was put on a plane at Gatwick and flown to Bel- gium, deported as a convicted killer. German police are now investigating two individuals accused of faking stories But Conteh maintains he is innocent, that he did not kill 16-year-old Nicholas about refugees committing sexual assaults in Frankfurt. The reported “sex mob” Pearton in 2011. The courts agree – it was never suggested Conteh played any ac- of “Arab men” that attacked a market in Frankfurt turns out to be entirely false. tive role in the crime, but yet he was convicted of manslaughter, imprisoned for In a now deleted article, German tabloid Bild claimed that a “mob” of “50 Arab years and, now, deported. men” and “masses” of migrants had formed a “sex mob” and attacked woman all ‘It doesn’t seem right for them to send me away for something I didn’t do,’ said over Frankfurt. They included a quote from an unnamed 27 year old woman de- Conteh, whose case has been followed by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism scribing her assault. This woman is also now being investigated. The other wit- (TBIJ) for the last three years. ness, a local restaurant owner, claimed he wished to go to the press because he Trapped by the system disliked local politicians claiming it was a successful night. He provided most of Sixteen years old at the time, Conteh was convicted using a controversial law the details on the size of the crowd. Bild have now issued an apology and a retrac- called joint enterprise, which allows prosecutors to scoop up groups of suspects tion. and prosecute them for the same crime. The story was then reported on as fact by a number of right wing “news” web- The doctrine has been described as a ‘drift net’ and critics warn it can lead to sites including Breitbart. Breitbart went further however, attacking the Frankfurt those on the periphery of a crime being unduly punished by association. police for claiming that “the night went off without a hitch.” They went on to claim In February last year the UK Supreme Court ruled that the law had been that hundreds of migrants had travelled to the city to attend celebrations, offering ‘wrongly interpreted’ for more than 30 years, in a landmark judgment that gave estimates between 900 and 1900. hope that some convictions could be appealed. In a now deleted article the Daily Express also republished the story. They Conteh’s lawyer Raja Rajeswaran Uruthiravinayagan said that following the have since edited the story, publishing a correction and that there has been a re- ruling, ‘there is a very good basis to say that our client may have been a victim of traction but refusing to retract the original allegations. substantial injustice.’ Police have now reported that they believe the allegations to be “completely His case is being considered by the Criminal Case Review Commission, the baseless.” One of the alleged victims was not in the city at the time and interviews first step towards getting his conviction appealed. But for Conteh that might be with witnesses failed to hold up to scrutiny. In a statement they said “Masses of too late. refugees were not responsible for any sexual assaults in the Fressgass over New His family, who are originally from Sierra Leone but live in London, have Bel- Year. The accusations are completely baseless.” gian passports, so he was categorised as a foreign national prisoner. Only a single sexual assault was reported in Frankfurt on the night and the That meant that once he had served his prison sentence he was moved straight assailant was not a refugee. No immigrants have been accused or convicted on to immigration detention. He was detained there for a year, let out on bail only to New Years Eve. be picked up again. He spent a total of 17 months in immigration detention, until One of the more worrying details was an allegation that the assailants lived he was deported. at a refugee shelter in the centre of the city. This accusation was also untrue but created a specific target for people to blame for the falsified events.

Trump to Pull Out of the UN, Expel It from the US? http://www.ipsnews.net/2017/01/trump-to-pull-out-of-the-un-expel-it-from-the-us/ By Baher Kamal Barely 48 hours after his inaugu- H.R. 193 — known as the American Sover- ment that the U.N. headquarters will be ROME, Jan 24 2017 (IPS) - So far, ration as the 45th president of the eignty Restoration Act — was introduced housed in the U.S., ending peacekeeping Donald Trump’s first decisions as pres- United States, a shocking report was to the House on January 3 and referred to operations, removing diplomatic im- ident of the United States have left no circulated saying that “A bill was in- the Committee on Foreign Affairs. munity, and ending participation in the doubt that he intends to implement troduced early January that calls for While its official title says it seeks to World Health Organization. his electoral threats, while most likely the removal of the United States from end membership in the U.N., there are Should the bill pass, the Act and its not fulfilling the promises he made as the United Nations. several other key components of the bill amendments will go into effect two years a candidate. According to the Congress website, which include: ending the 1947 agree- after it has been signed.” Best of the web 10 February 2017. interview www.thewordmedia.org.uk

n Monday night MPs vot- ed by 294 votes to 276 to reject a plan for Britain Oto accept 3,000 unac- Nothing Wrong companied Syrian child refugees have ended up in mainland Europe without a parent or guardian. The amendment had been pro- With Clive posed by Labour’s Lord Dubs, who himself arrived in Britain as a child refugee fleeing the Holocaust in the 1930s. Here are the MPs who voted to turn away the 3,000 refugees who had travelled to Europe: Adams, Nigel Afriyie, Adam Aldous, Peter Allan, Lucy Amess, Sir David Andrew, Stuart Ansell, Caroline Argar, Edward Atkins, Victoria Bacon, Mr Richard Baker, Mr Steve Baldwin, Harriett Barclay, Stephen Baron, Mr John Barwell, Gavin I met young Clive Lewis this We chatted with him about Bebb, Guto summer when he was raising the bally-hoo-har in the Shadow Bellingham, Sir Henry money for the Party by speak- Cabinet, where people resigned Benyon, Richard ing in various places round the as a kind of drip-drip-drip to un- Beresford, Sir Paul country, writes Ian Charles. dermine Labour. Would they all Berry, Jake My buddy Charlie Abrahams, be back? Berry, James serious journalist and a very Clive thought that they Bingham, Andrew child-refugees good speechwriter, persuaded would, and that he’d be returned Blunt, Crispin me that we ought to try to meet to the back benches; he told me Bone, Mr Peter the MPs who voted to turn away up with other members as much who he knew had been ‘sniffing Borwick, Victoria Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Harrington, Richard as possible less the Party die of around’ wanting jobs back, and Bottomley, Sir Peter Dunne, Mr Philip Harris, Rebecca neglect while NEC closed down confessed to being both resigned Bradley, Karen Elliott, Tom Hart, Simon everything except campaigning and looking forward to learning Brady, Mr Graham Ellis, Michael Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan meetings, so we toddled off to how to be a constituency MP. Brazier, Mr Julian Ellison, Jane Heald, Sir Oliver a WMC in Woodhouse to hear He seemed to be telling us he’d Brine, Steve Ellwood, Mr Tobias Heappey, James Clive, eat food prepared by some had his education interrupted Brokenshire, rh James Elphicke, Charlie Heaton-Harris, Chris food rescuers, and talk about La- by Shadow Cabinet work, even Bruce, Fiona Eustice, George Heaton-Jones, Peter bour. The food was delicious. though it had been a marvellous Buckland, Robert Evans, Graham Henderson, Gordon Charlie and I managed to experience. That’s my second Burns, Conor Evans, Mr Nigel Herbert, rh Nick speak with Clive before the main reason for believing he’s not after Burns, rh Sir Simon Evennett, rh Mr David Hinds, Damian event (him) and ask advice about Jeremy’s job. Burrowes, Mr David Fabricant, Michael Hollobone, Mr Philip a friend who’d been kicked out Thirdly, his speech to us was Burt, rh Alistair Fallon, rh Michael Holloway, Mr Adam of Labour for reposting an idea very philosophical, almost theo- Campbell, Mr Gregory Fernandes, Suella Hopkins, Kris from the Greens, whom I think retical. It was lovely, but it wasn’t Carmichael, Neil Field, rh Mark Howarth, Sir Gerald would do very well to get inside a hustings or a statement of polit- Carswell, Mr Douglas Foster, Kevin Howell, John our party rather than flapping ical position. It didn’t sound like Cartlidge, James Fox, rh Dr Liam Howlett, Ben about outside of it. a guy who wants to lead a party. Cash, Sir William Frazer, Lucy Huddleston, Nigel Clive’s view seems to be that And that’s my third reason for Caulfield, Maria Freeman, George Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy we need to be less arrogant (OK disbelieving the Fake News com- Chalk, Alex Freer, Mike Hurd, Mr Nick touché) and recognise that there ing out of, for example, the BBC, Chishti, Rehman Gale, Sir Roger Jackson, Mr Stewart is wisdom elsewhere too. I said to the Sunday Murdoch, or the Dai- Chope, Mr Christopher Garnier, rh Sir Edward Javid, rh Sajid him that unless we had a decent ly Fail about a coup surrounding Churchill, Jo Garnier, Mark Jayawardena, Mr Ranil voting system then co-operation either Clive or Tom Watson. Clark, rh Greg Gauke, Mr David Jenkin, Mr Bernard would never work, and with pro- I’m sorry for old Tom; I’m sure Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Ghani, Nusrat Jenkyns, Andrea portional representation we’d he was good at coups when he Cleverly, James Gibb, Mr Nick Jenrick, Robert end up in coalitions where the was dealing with a man who had Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Johnson, Boris Centre, and by this I mean the no groundswell of National or Coffey, Dr Thérèse Glen, John Johnson, Gareth Liberal Democratic Party (sure- Party support such as T*ny Bl**r Collins, Damian Goodwill, Mr Robert Johnson, Joseph ly a triple misnomer that one) (are we allowed to use his name Colvile, Oliver Gove, rh Michael Jones, Andrew would sit permanently choosing yet Iain, or is it still a swear?) Costa, Alberto Graham, Richard Jones, rh Mr David who to help become the Govern- But Corbyn is a different Crabb, rh Stephen Grant, Mrs Helen Jones, Mr Marcus ment! phenomenon. He has support Davies, Byron Grayling, rh Chris Kawczynski, Daniel Mu point is that there can be from an area that none of them Davies, Glyn Green, Chris Kennedy, Seema Totalitarianism of the Centre, can touch, and he listens. Clive Davies, Mims Green, rh Damian Kinahan, Danny and then whoever you were to listens too. The people he wants Davies, Philip Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Kirby, Simon vote for, the Government would to listen to at the moment are Dinenage, Caroline Griffiths, Andrew Knight, rh Sir Greg get in! Clive doesn’t agree with his constituents; he wants to be Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Gummer, Ben Knight, Julian me, he’s far more idealistic and a small-town MP before he be- Donelan, Michelle Gyimah, Mr Sam Kwarteng, Kwasi possibly more reasonable. I think comes a national figure, and I Double, Steve Halfon, rh Robert Lancaster, Mark he sees the good in people, and recognise his sentiments. I can Dowden, Oliver Hall, Luke Latham, Pauline he’s clearly no cynic. That’s the find nothing suspicious or ma- Doyle-Price, Jackie Hammond, Stephen Leadsom, Andrea first reasonI don’t think he’s after leficent about this man. Be reas- Drax, Richard Hancock, rh Matthew Lee, Dr Phillip Corbyn’s job. sured. Drummond, Mrs Flick Hands, rh Greg Lefroy, Jeremy Duddridge, James Harper, rh Mr Mark Leigh, Sir Edward www.thewordmedia.org.uk interview February 2017. 11 Corbyn and McDonnell interview part 2

One of the problems that JEREMY: We have made it very we know is there are a lot of La- clear that we don’t agree with Don- bour members of Parliament ald Trump on the Geneva Conven- that would be difficult to bring tion, on torture, on his treatment of with you when you are Prime Mexico and Mexican people or his Minister. How would you go attacks on women we have made about getting them onside? it very clear. I also think it wrong JEREMY: my relations with my that he be given a state visit as a child-refugees fellow MPs are absolutely fine. “We reward after only eight days in of- have interesting conversations” fice. Would we have to work with the MPs who voted to turn away but it is also about the direction in the elected President, yes, in every Leslie, Charlotte Patel, rh Priti Stewart, Bob which our party is going to go. We country you have to work with Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Paterson, rh Mr Owen Stewart, Iain have to be the party of an econom- them. It doesn’t mean you agree Lewis, Brandon Pawsey, Mark Stewart, Rory ic alternative and that is what I with them, you have to make a Lewis, rh Dr Julian Penning, rh Mike Streeter, Mr Gary am putting forward. The disagree- case, and so every President and Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Penrose, John Stride, Mel ments are highly publicised, the Prime Minister I meet, and I meet Lidington, rh Mr David Percy, Andrew Stuart, Graham areas of agreement are not. On the quite a lot of them, you have to Lilley, rh Mr Peter Perry, Claire Sturdy, Julian NHS there has been no disagree- raise human rights issues with and Lopresti, Jack Philp, Chris Sunak, Rishi ments whatever. On the article 50 concerns about human rights in Lord, Jonathan Pickles, rh Sir Eric Swayne, rh Mr Desmond vote there has been no disputes their country, you have to do that. Loughton, Tim Pincher, Christopher Swire, rh Mr Hugo whatsoever. John’s economic strat- We as a party believe passionate- Lumley, Karen Poulter, Dr Daniel Syms, Mr Robert egy is very widely supported. ly in the cause of human rights. Mackinlay, Craig Pow, Rebecca Thomas, Derek A lot of people are find- Sometimes the circumstances are Mackintosh, David Prentis, Victoria Throup, Maggie ing that they are working full very difficult indeed but you have Main, Mrs Anne Prisk, Mr Mark Timpson, Edward time and can’t even manage got to do it so you do it. Mak, Mr Alan Pritchard, Mark Tolhurst, Kelly to keep themselves. What is How do you see the broad Malthouse, Kit Pursglove, Tom Tomlinson, Justin the first thing you could do as left coalition in Europe, do you Mann, Scott Quin, Jeremy Tomlinson, Michael Prime Minister to help? think we can really build on May, rh Mrs Theresa Raab, Mr Dominic Tracey, Craig JEREMY: Well one is the wage one? Maynard, Paul Redwood, rh John Tredinnick, David s, the second is the housing costs, JEREMY: Yes I do, I was hav- McCartney, Karl Rees-Mogg, Mr Jacob Trevelyan, Mrs Anne-Marie because our housing costs are, for ing a long conversation the other McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Robertson, Mr Laurence Truss, rh Elizabeth whatever form of housing except night with Antonio Costa, who McPartland, Stephen Robinson, Mary Tugendhat, Tom council housing, are amongst the is the Prime Minister of Portu- Menzies, Mark Rosindell, Andrew Turner, Mr Andrew highest in Europe. So it is about gal, they are a left government Merriman, Huw Rudd, rh Amber Tyrie, rh Mr Andrew building more places. It is also doing very well and I have spent Metcalfe, Stephen Rutley, David Vaizey, Mr Edward about regulating the private rent- a lot of time over the last eight- Miller, rh Mrs Maria Sandbach, Antoinette Vara, Mr Shailesh ed sector. This reduces housing een months, two years, building Milling, Amanda Scully, Paul Vickers, Martin costs. You are quite correct that a a relationship so we can defend Mills, Nigel Selous, Andrew Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa lot of people that are in work are workers’ rights. Look, it’s not go- Milton, rh Anne Shannon, Jim Walker, Mr Charles also poor. Poverty is unnecessary. ing to benefit anybody if aTory Mordaunt, Penny Shapps, rh Grant Walker, Mr Robin JOHN: Ten pounds an hour Government in Britain ends up Morgan, rh Nicky Sharma, Alok Warman, Matt living wage, straight away, 2020. with a low wage economy with Morris, Anne Marie Shelbrooke, Alec Watkinson, Dame Angela In addition to this restoration of deregulation of working condi- Morris, David Simpson, rh Mr Keith Whately, Helen trade union rights, restoration tions, safety standards, that actu- Morris, James Skidmore, Chris Wheeler, Heather of pectoral collective bargaining ally becomes a threat to people’s Morton, Wendy Smith, Chloe White, Chris and as a consequence of this peo- working conditions in Europe Mowat, David Smith, Henry Whittaker, Craig ple will achieve a better wage. and the United States. Driving up Murray, Mrs Sheryll Smith, Julian Whittingdale, rh Mr John Two further questions, and standards, as Len McCluskey has Murrison, Dr Andrew Smith, Royston Wiggin, Bill this is what people have got said, as Bernie Sanders has said, Newton, Sarah Soames, rh Sir Nicholas Williams, Craig together to ask in the groups… then improves the conditions and Nokes, Caroline Solloway, Amanda Williamson, rh Gavin JEREMY: I try this on Theresa living standards of workers every- Norman, Jesse Soubry, rh Anna Wilson, Mr Rob May every week. where. So trading agreements Nuttall, Mr David Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Wollaston, Dr Sarah Your thoughts on Donald that actually requires worker’s Offord, Dr Matthew Spencer, Mark Wood, Mike Trump, could you work with rights in the countries you are Opperman, Guy Stephenson, Andrew Wragg, William Donald Trump? buying from actually helps us all. Parish, Neil Stevenson, John Wright, rh Jeremy 12 February 2017. FORGOTTEN BANDS www.thewordmedia.org.uk

Bands#2 you thought SHOCKING you’d forgotten, or never knew, or perhaps you weren’t BLUE even there at the time. By Ian Charles, who was there and forgets nothing….

t was late 1969; I was 17 and had just come out of an unsatisfac- tory, innocent relationship with Ia schoolgirl named Theresa – no relation to Mrs ‘May / May Not.’ If I’d given her a nickname it might have been ‘Definitely Wouldn’t’ but this was ok because I had been for a while doubly infatuated with two of my fellow ‘Saturday Staff’ at C&A outfitters, where I earned £1 for the whole day. One of my fancies was a cash- ier who resembled Julie Driscoll, the other a thirty-something mum who was also coming out of a disas- trous relationship, and had plainly taken to me, bringing me books left by her husband at the family home he’d deserted, and because she ly; when her band Shocking Blue like the cashier’s, or the long black Gibson SG. I was completely sure, McShee or Melanie Safka, best bits thought I’d like them. performed an upbeat song about a hair, like the divorcee’s, the quite I told Sheila, that I could play it far of each, but with a gentler voice I was in a triangle of ‘lurve,’ ‘goddess on a mountain top’ which enticing mispronunciations, or better than him. It was clear that I more suited to serenading babies and could do absolutely nothing Mariska mispronounced as a ‘god- the little squeak she gave when was bored of the date and that she or young children, and whom I about it. I knew the cashier found ness’ at the beginning of the track. she sang “’tyour” I cannot say, but was bored of my obsession with married as soon as I could in 1974 me good fun and a ‘potential,’ and I There was a lovely riff, a suspended I suddenly saw everything a god- the guitar. and with whom I’m still besotted. knew my older woman was trying 4th chord, a guitar break that began ness, sorry, goddess should be, and I discovered later that Mariska ‘Venus’ has been covered by very hard to recapture her passing really excitingly but went nowhere, this lasted me right into 1970 when wore a long black ‘Elvira’ wig, and others, notably Bananaramara, youth, and I was determined not to and a hook line “Well: I’m your Ve- I had one catastrophic date with as she got a little older she began which I can spell but just don’t be that passing youth. nus, I’m your fire, ’tyour desire!” Sheila from Tesco, ruined by my to look less like the cashier or the know when to stop, in 1986. Shock- Mariska Veres, or as I knew her, sung over and over again, complete obsession with the guitar player divorcee, and more like Theresa ing Blue played many, many other ‘Venus,’ was my salvation at this each time with the “Well:” and the of a band we saw playing an early ‘Definitely Wouldn’t,’ but by then good songs, which I think are not time, and I was pleased to give “’tyour desire!” I was hooked. evening set at the legendary Fforde I was blissfully involved with a famous at all, but this track is the her my heart. I saw her on the tel- Whether it was the face, rather Grene and his even then vintage girl who looked more like Jacqui one I like best. Blue and Lonesome “All we wanted to be was the best R&B band in London (or was it Dartford?)” misquotes Ian Charles, who honestly doesn’t want to pittle on Mick and Keef’s bonfire. I could dig out my collection of Little Walter, Magic Sam, How- lin’ Wolf, and Jimmy Reed, but to hear the Rolling Stones emulating them is entertaining if not exactly ground breaking. Indeed, this al- bum challenges my conviction that since the demise of Brian Jones blues standards, at the time large- cool kids knew they weren’t, and of and I call two rhythm guitars. It’s a bit more prominence. Not since and the departure of Mick Taylor, it ly unknown here and on the other course the cool kids told me, thus inappropriate here; perhaps it al- Metallica deliberately hid Jason has been impossible to have more side of the Great Pond, and slow I was introduced to the work of Al- ways was. When Brian Jones knew Newstead’s bass behind Lars Ul- than two really good tracks on any them right down, let the bass come bert King, Muddy Waters and (here his days were numbered he used rich’s heavy kick drum has a bass one of the band’s albums. For here forward, make the kit play all the we whisper) Robert Johnson. to scour the music press weekly to player been so badly done to. Dar- there are twelve, just that none of notes between the notes while Yet the Rolling Stones were see if the rest of the band had sup- ryl Jones has been with the band them are Jagger-Richards songs. Jack wailed and moaned, and Eric enormously popular among my planted him with Eric Clapton yet. for around two decades yet the rest But listening to this first Stu- answered all that hollerin’ with peer group, and the band I played Instead they replaced him with an- (which might mean just Mick Jag- dio Album from the Stones since licks and fills of his own. I think of in could only manage to execute other Bluesbreakers talent named ger) won’t actually let him be a real Angus Young was in short pants Spoonful (Chester Burnett) and anything if it had previously been Mick Taylor on Lead Guitar. Rolling Stone. There’s probably a makes me realise just how good Sittin’ On Top of the World (Wal- performed by them, John Lennon On this album, two tracks work reason for that; if so, kick him out Cream, with Jack Bruce, Eric Clap- ter Vinson/Lonnie Chatmon arr. or Hendrix. When I use the word really well, ‘Everybody Knows and get someone who will play it ton and Ginger Baker, really were. Burnett.) I think of Crossroads execute you’ll know what I mean. about My Good Thing’ and Willie loud. This material comes from the song- and Born Under a Bad Sign, of The trouble with this ‘new’ al- Dixon’s seminal ‘I Can’t Quit You The Stones say they have book they used, two tracks here Skip James’ I’m So Glad, of Four bum is that the bass doesn’t lead. Baby’ which I truly believe it isn’t wanted to make this album since even have Old Slowhand on them, Until Late and Rollin’ and Tumb- The other trouble is that the guitars possible to play badly. On each of the 1960s; it’s great, admittedly, yet something vital is missing. lin’. These tracks might have been do that Stones thing which Keef these, Mr Clapton is playing, and I but that’s when they should have What Cream did was to take Cream’s very own, except that the Richards calls ‘the Art of Weaving’ do believe they’ve let the bass have made it, and before Cream. www.thewordmedia.org.uk SOCIALIST SONGS February 2017. 13

RED BALLOONS NENA Original German version English version

Do you have some time for me You and I in a little toy shop 99Then I’ll sing a song for you buy a bag of balloons with About 99 balloons the money we’ve got On their way to the horizon Set them free at the break of dawn Are you perhaps thinking of me? ‘Til one by one, they were gone Then I’ll sing a song for you Back at base, bugs in the software About 99 balloons Flash the message, “Something’s out there” And that something (like the war) Floating in the summer sky comes from such a thing (the balloons) 99 red balloons go by.

99 balloons 99 red balloons On their way to the horizon floating in the summer sky They thought they were UFOs from space Panic bells, it’s red alert So a general sent There’s something here from somewhere red A flying squad out there The war machine springs to life To raise the alarm if it was true Opens up one eager eye Yet there on the horizon were Focusing it on the sky Only 99 balloons Where 99 red balloons go by.

99 jet planes 99 Knights of the air Each one was a great warrior ride super-high-tech jet fighters Thought that they were Captain Kirk Everyone’s a Superhero There were great fireworks Everyone’s a Captain Kirk The neighbors didn’t understand anything With orders to identify And felt equally provoked To clarify and classify Yet there they shot on the horizon Scramble in the summer sky At 99 balloons As 99 red balloons go by.

99 war ministers 99 Decision Street Matches and petrol cans 99 ministers meet Thought that they were clever people To worry, worry, super-scurry Already caught wind of great spoils[of war] Call the troops out in a hurry Shouted: War, and wanted power This is what we’ve waited for Man, who would have thought This is it boys, this is war That one day it would come to this The president is on the line Because of 99 balloons As 99 red balloons go by.

99 years of war 99 dreams I have had Don’t leave a place for victors In every one a red balloon There are no ministers of war any more It’s all over and I’m standin’ pretty And No jet planes either In this dust that was a city Today I’m doing my rounds If I could find a souvenier Seeing the world lying in ruins Just to prove the world was here... Found a balloon And here is a red balloon Think of you and let it fly I think of you and let it go.

Gabriele Susanne Kerner (Nena) were being released. As he watched themselves. In the end, a 99-year war was born on 24 March 1960 in Hagen, them move toward the horizon, he results from the otherwise harmless North Rhine-Westphalia, West Ger- noticed them shifting and chang- flight of balloons, causing devastation many while her family lived in the ing shapes, where they looked like on all sides without a victor. At the nearby town of Breckerfeld. She spent strange spacecraft (referred to in the end, the singer walks through the dev- the earliest part of her childhood in German lyrics as a “UFO”). He thought astated ruins and lets loose a balloon, Breckerfeld and later lived in Hagen. about what might happen if they watching it fly away. She acquired her nickname, based on floated over the Berlin Wall to the So- the Spanish word “niña”, or “little girl”, viet sector. The English version retains the at the age of three, while on a vacation The lyrics of the original German spirit of the original narrative, but to Spain with her parents. In 1977 she version tell a story: 99 balloons are many of the lyrics are translated poet- left high school before graduation, mistaken for UFOs, causing a general ically rather than directly translated: and in the three following years she to send pilots to investigate. Finding red helium balloons are casually re- was trained as a goldsmith. nothing but child’s balloons, the pi- leased by an anonymous civilian into An end of the world song written lots decide to put on a show and shoot the sky and are registered as missiles at the height of the cold war. While them down. The display of force wor- by a faulty early warning system; the at a June 1982 concert by the Rolling ries the nations along the borders and balloons are mistaken for military air- Stones in West Berlin, Nena’s guitar- the war ministers on each side bang craft which results in panic and even- ist Carlo Karges noticed that balloons the drums of conflict to grab power for tually nuclear war. 14 February 2017. POETRY-LITARATURE www.thewordmedia.org.uk What is Dub poetry? Welcome to 4 pages of Literature

By Linton Kwesi Johnson

Dub is a type of predominant- ly performance poetry which first emerged in Jamaica and England during the early 1970s – so could and Art... still be considered in its infancy as a form.

Influenced by the rhythms of reggae music, (the rhythm is everything!) the term was initial- ly applied to the improvised ‘rap- ping’ of the Jamaican disc-jockeys known as ‘toasters’, who sang or re- Art is cited their own words over the dub versions of reggae records (i.e. the purely instrumental re-mixed ver- sions on the B-sides); however it has come to be adopted as a collec- tive label for a tradition of popular performance poetry in the Jamai- can (and black British) vernacular These pages are edited by Greater Manchester. and birthday boy Alfred Lord Ten- or ‘Patwah’. WILDthe WORDS – a North West As the W founders of WILD ORDIn each edition of The Word nyson. We will! be aiming to offer based art collective who are work- WORDS Chris Bainbridge and Eve we will be focusing on a literary you the beauty of their words and Early proponents of Dub were ing together to develop support Nortley are both writers and per- giant from the world of poetry a modern homage to their style Mutabaruka and Oku Onuora in Ja- for local writers, musicians and formance poets -this first offer- and getting us off to a stupendous and influences. maica and Linton Kwesi Johnson visual artists. ing reflects their “special” area of start today is a feature article on in England. Although Benjamin WILD WORDS are currently interest. We hope you enjoy your living legend Birmingham boy If you would like to contrib- Zephaniah is probably the most involved in a range of activities trip into the wild and wonderful Benjamin Zephaniah! ute to future editions please widely watched and read Dub including informal drop-in ses- world of poetry...and maybe feel Over the coming weeks we send copy to Chris and Eve at...... poet. sions for writers, formal workshop inspired to put pen to paper. Writ- will be featuring the poetry of (please fill in details ) original writ- days and writing retreats. They ing is after all good for your health Maya Angelou, Robert Burns, ing, reviews and your thoughts on Dub poetry includes lyrics and are based in and around Bury in – its official! Irom Sharmila, Edgar Alan Poe the pages are all very welcome. narrative poems on a variety of subjects but is grounded in politics and social justice. It also celebrates sex, drugs (ganja) and music and Q : How easy is it to get started Rastafarian religious themes. with poetry? A: Very! Primarily an oral poetry for There are lots of writes but no public performance, it has increas- wrongs in poetry...... WRITE OUT LOUD ingly appeared in print, notably in And a great way to dip your likely to be seen sitting drinking Simply go to the Write Out Loud events close to you – many librar- Johnson’s Dread Beat and Blood toes into the water is to go along to cups of tea in plastic chairs in jeans website.....click on the Gig guide ies offer readings by local writers or (1975) and Benjamin Zephaniah’s a WRITE OUT LOUD poetry night than lying on velvet chaise longue (immediately underneath Write host local writing groups. The Dread Affair (1985). Other and see what you think. wearing velvet smoking jackets in out Loud on the screen) and step You Tube is a veritable cornu- leading dub poets include Michael You will find that poets and opium dens! into a new and exciting world..... copia of poetry.....check out Benja- Smith, Jean Binta Breeze, and Levi lovers of poetry are real people, Robert Burns wrote his first po- Keep your eyes peeled in your min Zephaniah’s £Money£....truly Tafari. living real lives...... and are more etry whilst ploughing fields. local libraries for posters of free inspiring and heartfelt! www.thewordmedia.org.uk POETRY-LITARATURE February 2017. 15 Money By Benjamin Zephaniah

Money make a rich man feel like a big man It make a poor man feel like a hooligan A one parent family feels like a ruffian An those who have it won’t give you anything Money makes your friend become your enemy You start to see things very superficially Benjamin Your life is lived very artificially Unlike those who live in poverty Money affects your ego But money brings you down Money causes problems anywhere money is found Food is what we need Food is necessary Let me grow my food Zephaniah An dem can eat dem money Money can save us But yet we feel doomed Plenty money burns in a nuclear mushroom Money can make you happy Money can help you when you die An those who have it continually live a lie Children are dying Spies are spying Refugees are fleeing Politicians are lying An deals are done An webs are spun An no one keeps the third world on the run An the brother feels better than the brothers next door Cause his brothers got money an his brothers got more The brother thinks a brother’s not a brother cause he’s poor When a brother kills another that is economic war Economic war we call it economic war It may not be the east and west anymore But the north and south third world far lord Coffee an isle That’s what it’s about Economic war Economic war Shots fired from the stock market floor So we work for a livin’ An we try an we try With so little time for chillin’ Like we’re livin a lie Money makes a dream become reality Money makes real life like a fantasy Money has a habit of going to the head I have some for the rainy day underneath me bed Money problems make it hard to relax Born Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal the wall of a school building and He was said to be Britain’s Money makes it difficult to get down to the facts Zephaniah on the 15th April 1958, initialled it. most filmed, photographed and Money makes you worship vanity and lies Zephaniah was born and raised in Zephaniah began creating identifiable poet – thanks in no Money is a drug with legal highs Handsworth, Birmingham, Eng- poetry at an early age and staged small part to his TV appearanc- The parents of poor kids land and is the son of a Barbadian his first public performance in es alongside stars such as Dawn Some are not coping postman and Jamaican nurse. church aged 10. By the time he French and Jennifer Saunders, Some are just managing He describes himself as poet, was 15 he had a strong following his musical collaboration with Books that need balancin’ writer, lyricist, musician, Aston on the streets of Handsworth and The Wailers and associations Property is theft Villa fan and naughty boy – pre- a reputation for speaking out on with such political luminaries as No money means death sumably now a 58 yr old naughty local and international issues. Nelson Mandela. You pay for your rent boy! However Handsworth proved He has to his credits an im- An then nothing left The combination of an unset- too small to hold him and he pressive selection of books in- Some will pick your pocket tled home life and therefore dis- moved to London aged 22, where cluding poetry for adults and chil- Some will pay to stop it rupted schooling, together with his first book Pen Rhythm was dren, novels and music albums. Those who will pay to stop it his profound dyslexia, resulted published by a local publishing He has 16 honorary doctorates to They happy cause they got it in the production of an illiterate co-operative. The book sold well his name, a hospital wing named Some go out an fight for it and rebellious teenager with a going into 3 editions. after him, and is patron of a huge Some claim they got the right to it dislike for learning and school. However it was in perfor- amount of animal rights organisa- An people like my grandparents The family moved frequently and mance that his work really shone tions. He is a vocal vegan. Live long but never side it the longest time Zephaniah spent – with the reggae dub poet attract- He has and continues to be Money made me go out an rob in any one school was 18 months ing the interest of mainstream an active campaigner against a Then it made me go looking for a job – and that was a residential ap- publishers who had previously wide range of social injustices Money made the nurse proved school. rejected his work. and is a supporter of the founda- And the doctor emigrate He was expelled from one In the social maelstrom of the tion of a British Republic. He no- Money buys friends you love to hate school aged 13 for possession of 1980’s, when Punks, Rastas and tably refused to accept an OBE in Money made slavery seem alright pornography (another boy had the National Front were all 2003. Money brought the Bible passed him a copy of playboy un- making their presence felt on His driving passion has been An the Bible shone the light der the desk) and the following the streets of Britain, Zephani- to make poetry accessible to all Victory to the penniless school for graffiti when he spray ahs work was heard everywhere and help it shed its image of being The gospel shows us painted one of his poems about – from demonstrations to dance geeky and boring - in which he We come to mash those market forces how boring school was, across floors! has been hugely successful! The paper giant called market forces 16 February 2017. POETRY-LITARATURE www.thewordmedia.org.uk

By Chris Bainbridge, Wild Words Eyed Boys”, unleashed on an un- Collective,Forgotten February 2017. suspecting world in 1970. Classics Eddy Grant Black Skin Blue-Eyed Boys Singer, songwriter, musician I was one of those fortunate in- and music producer Eddy Grant dividuals who was musically aware was born in Plaisance, Guyana on from a very young age, thanks to 5th March 1948. Eddy’s parents the influence of an older sibling, in moved to live and work in Eng- my case my sister Mary, to whom I land while he was a child, but Eddy am eternally grateful for my com- continued at school in Guyana for prehensive musical education. For a while, his family sending back example by the age of four I was money for his upkeep. In 1960 listening to the newly-released Eddy moved to London to join his Beatles’ first LP. By 1967 I was a ful- mother and father. ly-paid-up Hippy – although it was Eddy was a big fan of Rock and not particularly easy to put flowers Roll pioneer Chuck Berry and af- in your hair on South Tyneside. In ter seeing Berry at a concert at the 1970, aged 11, I was into all manner Astoria in Finsbury Park, Eddy de- of pop music and had established cided music would be the life for the eclectic tastes I retain to this day. him. By 1965 Eddy had formed pop group The Equals, a band I remember being very taken which was immediately notable with The Equals’ record Black Skin as one of the first (and certainly Blue-Eyed Boys – it was somehow the most prominent) racially-in- “heavier” than their previous and If a song is a poem set to music, Reggae and Dub idioms. “Do You Who turn their heads to the city tegrated bands on the pop music very well-known hit “Baby Come then the music is - or can be – as Feel My Love” peaked at number sun, scene. Back”. I had liked that too – fantas- important as the words. To con- 8 in the UK charts in 1981, then in Jo’anna give them fancy money tic guitar hook, just six notes re- vey the message most effectively 1982 Eddy consolidated his bur- Oh to tempt anyone who’d The Equals peated over and over, very dance- a compelling tune will be best, geoning reputation with the iron- come”... After some minor album and able...but a bit lightweight, in my and in the case of BSBEB the mu- ically very danceable Reggae tune singles chart success, in 1968 The juvenile opinion of course! What sic achieves its task admirably. The “I Don’t Wanna Dance”, as well as The impact of this song was Equals hit Number One in the UK made BSBEB stand out for me were constantly-repeated five-note lead the monumental hit “Electric Av- huge – well, apartheid fell short- singles chart with their smash hit two main factors – the strong polit- guitar hook may at first have ech- enue”, which went platinum and record “Baby Come Back”, a staple ical message in the lyrics; and the oes of the heavy rock idiom which won a Grammy award. In 1982 of jukeboxes, playlists, party discos sheer, insistent power of the melo- was gaining popularity at the time, Eddy moved his base to Barbados but after a short while it becomes and concentrated on his Blue Wave more obviously tribal and hypnot- recording studio. ic, offering a timeless connection to African roots. The use of fuzz Eddy’s last big hit single came guitar later in the song is just one in 1988, the overtly political of the aspects of this piece which “Gimme Hope, Jo’Anna”, which places it well ahead of its time. It is was an obvious swipe at the appall- perhaps fitting that the next chart ing and murderous South African records to offer anything similar Apartheid regime, and all those came years later in Grant’s solo who supported it – for example work. musicians who took bloodstained gold to play concerts in Sun City - ly afterwards, so never underes- In 1971 Eddy suffered a health timate the power of music and problem - heart attack and col- “She got supporters in high-up words to change the world! Nelson lapsed lung – which may have places, Mandela was suitably impressed, been a factor in his decision to quit as Eddy Grant was one of the guest the band and pursue a solo career. performers at his 90th birthday He opened a night club and celebrations. a recording studio, and spent time and energy Rediscovering Eddy promoting the SoCa Grant and his work has and exercise classes to this day! dies and rhythms. musical genre (Soul been very enjoyable The song features the strong vo- Calypso), as well as and refreshing for cals and irresistible guitar riffs and Lyrically, the overall message inventing an en- me personally, and simple, repetitive hooks that went of this song is one of racial equali- tirely new genre I hope it has en- on to characterise the band’s best ty and integration. The title itself (Ringbang) as couraged you to subsequent work, and indeed the is a reference to a future where all well as produc- look into this, I most successful of Eddy Grant’s lat- people will be one race. The song’s ing albums for believe, some- er output as a solo artiste. A cover compelling chorus is “You see, the other artistes. what under-ap- version in a more mainstream Reg- black skin, blue-eyed boys, Ain’t In 1979 preciated artist. gae style of “Baby Come Back” was gonna fight no wars!”. Other ref- Eddy returned I hope that you released by Pato Banton and the erences include a call to peaceful to the public will take a few Campbell brothers from UB40 in rebellion – for instance, by being eye with the hit minutes to look 1994, which also reached Number spiritually and intellectually able to single “Walking his work up and One in the UK. rise above school discipline (“...But On Sunshine”, give it a listen – if the teachers beat you, When they which certainly has nothing else, I would Other chart singles followed – see that they can’t reach you...”). more of SoCa about suggest “Electric Av- the more pop-orientated, slightly Pacifism and the ideal of a peaceful it than straightforward enue”, “Gimme Hope bubble-gum “Viva Bobby-Joe” in future for the world are further em- Reggae. In the same year, Jo’Anna” and of course 1969; and then the piece of their phasised in the outro, repeated ad the powerful “Living On The the peerless “Black Skin Blue work which I feel is a true forgot- lib: “Baby, you know that we hate Front Line” also scored very Eyed Boys” are essential parts of ten masterpiece, “Black Skin, Blue- fighting...”. well, and was a powerful return to anyone’s musical education. www.thewordmedia.org.uk POETRY-LITARATURE February 2017. 17 Choice Feelings Straight and Strumming Narrow Love of Life Adopting the orchestra of life Away Love of life will be see me through Poetry Moving on hands, body and soul On the straight and narrow Stability will stop me being blue Enjoying moments as we thrive Strumming away in false hope Looking for the right furrow Appreciating the chocolate bar of We’re on a ubitiqous roll wondering if I am going to cope Your love shining through life In tune with my inner feelings Relieving me from feeling blue Devouring it without a knife Only Human We want to be noticed Yet in despair and reeling We need to be seen The road is long and wide Friendship will keep me grounded Life is what it is; pure reality I have nothing to hide An open mind stop me being I am only human Pulling strings in every corner Downgraded by relative obscurity Letting my emotion show hounded I have made mistakes I felt the need to warn her Measured by a laugh and smile our relationship the way to go Staying away from trouble I have hit brick walls of my love and movement of the mind’s dial which could break my living bubble I have taken a fall Looking near and far Time passes us all by Worry brings me down with a to raise love’s bar Life is special, life is cool I am only human We need to let go flurry Enjoying your love’s reciprocation I won’t ignore it like a fool My beliefs are not fake before we die My mood can dip in a hurry Celebrating with unrestrained Nature and circumstance will lead I am not on the take Speak our minds Yet I face up to the truth jubilation the way I am not on the make and let others find via the pretence of being aloof and get me through each single day personal secrets made to share On the straight and narrow I am only human Yes I love her, I care Strumming away until I have the Love hits my heart like an arrow Love of life will get me through I want to see beat You make me happy and content So will my respect for you I want to be free Moving in the rhythm of the night and can face external heat because you are Heaven sent I will live in the moment I want to be me My heart beat’s just right I deal with reality all the while Each instant will be heaven sent Not telling you how I feel by being one of the rank and file Copyright - Jules Clare - Jewelster I am only human yet feeling oh so real - Jewelster Productions Ltd - 30th Copyright - Jules Clare - JEWEL- I want to run a mile Copyright - Jules Clare - Jewelste January 2017 STER - JEWELSTER PRODUC- All the while Whom are we hurting - Jewelster Productions Ltd - 29th TIONS LTD - 30th January 2017 Yet also smile if we continue to conceal January 2017 The choice is ours all the while Strutting Stuff I am only human We have the power to reconcile A complex personality Discrimination Poets get together The Cold Dealing with reality Copyright - Jules Clare - Jewelster - in stormy weather Coming in from the cold Accompanied by obscurity Jewelster Productions Ltd Strutting their stuff Warming our hearts 21st January 2107 Wannna make me a bean and veg It’s not worth being apart I am only human stew Giving their voice a hike Life is too short Dealing with conditionality ingredients object in the friendship of the open mic Residing in duplicity The Dark Car What shall I and I do? Coming in from the cold Loving life’s complicity The veg say you are killing us cos we Raising emotion and inflection Putting an end to yearning are green, in the audience’s direction Lessons taken learning I am alive It comes at dead of night when You hate us for our colour Life is too short I breathe, I smile other vehicles long ago It’s obscene! West Jesmond Legion I cry, I feel Have left the scene and one police If we be black in the Tyne and Wear region Coming in from the cold I touch your heart van keeps watch, You would leave us untouched Sharing each other’s dreams I am only human Its engine running and with lights We really think you don’t like us We remember you Mark Not as easy as it seems ablaze, and curtains very much! With a smile we remember Life is too short Copyright - Jules Clare - Jewelster Move and move again as neigh- your smile - Jewelster Productions Ltd - 14th bours look then look away. The beans they were weepers and Coming in from the cold January 2017 Wailers. Poets strutting their stuff with a laugh and a smile The private man seems to have We can’t get enough We’ve missed this for a while gone; It’s because we’re not your sort Life is too short Life Is Like Whoever made the phone call sum- them shout out loud, It is good to be appreciated moning the green and yellow car We’re not peas in your pod Great to thrive Coming in from the cold And paramedic ambulance, has Not in with your crowd! and good to be alive Back where we were before Life is like a brick wall thus begun a sad and simple Now me a Quaker We miss you Mark In love, wanting more Remove a brick, the wall stands tall Promenade which leads in one And me like my oats Life is life Remove a few and it starts to fall direction only. I’m very free thinking Copyright - Jules Clare - Jewelster - Remove most, give it your all do a bit of drinking Jewelster Productions Ltd Copyright - Jules Clare - Jewelster And only yesterday it was we’d seen Erbal teas 21st January 2107 - Jewelster Productions Ltd - 28th Life is like a race him Them the ones for me January 2017 The fences are sometimes hard to Walk a yard or two then stop and But me massacred Mint and trace silently crushed Camomile It’s not easy to run with grace Begin again more slowly - on to All that “blood” shed "Chris Bainbridge is a Bury-based ful, mainly scientific, academic Running it at all can be ace make So me sleep well with a smile poet and activist who has been per- career, working extensively at a His final rendezvous, with what is On my lips forming regularly on the North West senior level in universities, hospi- Life is like a trial called No animal protein based calories scene since 2012- although he has tals and other public institutions. Obstacles there all the while The Private Ambulance. on me hips! been writing since his teens back Now a self employed teacher and Move a yard to move a mile Now I’m a vegan at the end of my in the 1970s. He has spent most of trainer, she is a politically active Trying hard to do it in style The man whom once I wished a tether.... his working life in health and social with a number of progressive pleasant day Wondering if being Fruitarian is care services, most recently with groups, including GJN (Global Jus- Life is like a stream And who responded with a fearful better? the Stroke Association in Rochdale. tice Network). Her poetry utilises It can flow like a dream look, a quicker step, Should me choose to live on pears A stalwart of demos and benefit lavish imagery, humour and in- Sometimes running out of steam Who would not look my way from and plums? gigs, including for CND, he has col- ventive twists to challenge stere- Not as easy as it first seems that day on in case I tried again, The powers that be laborated with surf-punk band Ad- otypes, encourage positive action Has gone without a word, without tell me ventures Of Salvador and has run and - last but not least - entertain!" Life is like a difficult test a name, The apple from The garden writing workshop with groups of Emma Lea - a writer, teacher and Questions never let you rest Alone and in the quiet hours. Is silent. stroke survivors. Now a grandfather, publisher - and Gordon Zola - a You’re always trying your best You see Chris's vibrant poetry reflects his vastly-experienced poet, perform- Each of us is only a guest Sleep well, old man, whoever you varied experiences and passion for er and qualified counsellor - make have been. But deadly! social and political change." up the rest of our happy team, and Copyright - Jules Clare - Jewelster "Eve Nortley hails from.The Mid- we will get to know them better in - Jewelster Productions Ltd - 28th Ian Charles © 2015 Eve Nortley and Christopher Bain- lands and has followed a success- the next issue. January 2017 bridge Feb. 2017 18 February 2017. POLITICS AND EVENTS www.thewordmedia.org.uk Government’s Brexit policy lacks the necessary energy By Matthew Clifton ment is trying to kill it off before it becomes cheaper than gas in a few rexit has been a complete years with the Treasury imposing omnishambles since the a tax increase on businesses with vote on the 23rd June last rooftop solar schemes. Byear, and until parliament The government’s own pro- voted through the Brexit White jections state that only onshore Paper the government lacked any windfarms could provide cheap- idea of a plan. However, with Royal er power within the next decade, Assent expected on March 7th the but the 2015 Conservative elec- UK is at the point of no return but the government’s climate change tion manifesto pledges to “halt how will it affect energy and tack- regulation, but there is no mention their spread”. The Great Repeal ling climate change? of the Paris Climate Agreement, Bill opens an opportunity to de- The UK government lacks any which is based on an improved regulate the markets and remove coherent energy policy, it only version of that law. It has been re- environmental protections, when looks to enact overpriced nuclear ported by the Green Alliance that the government should be looking deals and fracking policies that will whilst private spending on renewa- to radically change the UK’s energy hinder the UK’s ability to transition bles has increased, public spending infrastructure. over to renewable energy sources. has decreased drastically. The need to move onto renew- There was little to no mention This means that within the able energy increases every year of what government plans are for next years the UK could face an and the government’s current path energy, environment, and climate energy cliff edge if the government is destructive. The EU is one of the change beyond Brexit. Energy is doesn’t increase what it spends, leading organisations in tackling barely mentioned, only within a investment in renewables could climate change and environmental manner of trade deals and the only fall by 95% by 2020. To meet the issues, with drastic improvements real mention of climate change climate targets set out by the Paris made recently with the Common comes under ‘cross-cutting regula- Climate Agreement this needs to Fisheries Policy (CFP), Common tions’¸ the government want to use be avoided. Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the The Great Repeal Bill to cut climate However, the government con- Paris Climate Agreement. Many change and environmental regula- tinue a destructive path environ- commentators agree that after tions. mentally after cutting spending on years of work and mistakes made The bill claims the Climate renewables. Particularly the solar originally, the EU have finally be- Change Act 2008 will under-pin industry, after it claims the govern- gun to make great strides.

Female politicians as Good News TOP 5 voted on by our readers and Hope Angela Raynor: She also worked in call centres, black woman to have a seat in the Born Angela Bow- a furniture factory, and as a post- House of Commons. Abbott’s deci- en, she attended woman before eventually stud- sion in 2003 to send her son to the By Middleton Guardian Oldham and Scarborough. Avondale School, ying to become a solicitor. She private City of London School after Feb.2 nd.2017 Big Issue no.1166 Jan 2017. Stockport, leaving is MP for Salford and Eccles and criticising colleagues for sending Big-hearted bobby. PC Stu school as a pregnant the shadow chief secretary to the their children to selective schools, Continued optimism that Ockwell found two homeless teenager, and with treasury. which she herself described as Gambia will enjoy greater hu- men sleeping under a motorway no qualifications. “indefensible” and “intellectually man rights as new President, service bridge near Birch Servic- She is currently the Emily Thornber- incoherent”, caused controversy Adama Barrow, has promised to es on the M62 near Middleton. Labour MP for Ashton and the ry: Thornberry was and criticism. She is also famous free political prisoners, remove The vehicle towing their old shadow education secretary. She born in north Sur- for having an affair with Jeremy repressive laws and take Gambia caravan broke down and after terrifies the Tories just by being rey, the daughter Corbyn. back into the International Crim- several days the mobile home working class. of Sallie and Cedric inal Court. became uninhabitable. They Thornberry. She Mhairi Black: born 17 Angolan youth activists had been left begging for food at Rebecca Long studied Law at the 12 September 1994) who were convicted for holding the services and sleeping rough Bailey: Rebecca University of Kent is a Scottish politi- a political meeting have been under the bridge. Long-Bailey was before practising as cian. She has been granted amnesty by the Su- The bobby arranged for born Rebecca Long, a barrister. She is MP for Islington the Member of Par- preme Court. meals to be donated from Tesco in Old Trafford, to South and Finsbury. liament for Paisley In Venezuela opposition and KFC stores in Middleton. He Irish parents on 22 and Renfrewshire leader Rosmit Mantilla has been also arranged an appointment September 1979. Diane Julie Ab- South since 2015, released after being unfairly im- with Rochdale Council with a Her father, Jimmy bott: (born 27 Sep- when she defeated prisoned since 2014 for human view to finding the men a 'poten- Long, was a Salford tember 1953) She Labour Shadow Foreign Secretary rights activism. tial permanent' home. 'PC Ock- docker and a trade union repre- was first elected as Douglas Alexander. She is the only Amnesty Spring 2017 issue well said the men are victims of a sentative. She began her working the Member of Par- non-Labour politician on our list. 192 catalogue of unfortunate events'. life serving at the shop counter of liament (MP) for She is the youngest elected poli- Childcare investment of Well done to the kindly po- a pawn shop, an experience that Hackney North and tician to our Parliament since the £2million in pre-school chilcare lice officer and local people for she says “taught [her] more about Stoke Newington reform act. Although a Scottish na- for the Boroughs of Blackpool, their generosity! the struggles of life than any de- at the 1987 general tionalist she cites Tony Benn as her gree or qualification ever could.” election, when she became the first hero. www.thewordmedia.org.uk fun & Games February 2017. 19 Crossword Puzzle Word Search Puzzle N N R E L C T D N J R I A Q P O N Y U D T J F B S T O P G H T M E X W P T T A N G R E E O V E J Y W R R I Y C C C V L J L J E G A J J D K O B N M W T B T H N K L H A M U M T M K J N G A B Q E E B Q Z U H L C U D F P J H A V F S J G O R Q C D N A U O I E C N A N I F T R O P X E K U K T U U R I B H Y T R O P S N A R T R E A S U R Y A L C O B A W M Q T N E M P O L E V E D L A N O I T A N R E T N I V C I V N G Q A C P Q H H R C Q U T N U Z C L B V H K R U Z G T K I E O O L A Y R I T O Z V N N Z O N L E K X C K D F J M R B Y E O H H I M C E K F Y E J L F T L M F F E Z I U M N L P W T J O F T Z H B N A B F H H A O B N A E E V K Y H A J S E I I R W S N G C E T F H E V D H B E T P J N D W D J Q Y B G D D I C F R T L I O F P Z H C E R C S F P V A M W O T N I N O L A J N P H E B T I E H Z O G X J R S F H C F F D A T V B O J G F F G T L G Y P C B U H F E L F A N E S N O I S N E P D N A K R O W J O C I W I O D L W H R U X D H C T V I I Z T Z S L W M C C Z S P T N E C I T S U J F O Y R T S I N I M S E N P E J L O A A R X C L P T B L H Y I Y U R S U V O C L J R M L X S E M C R X T D B G N X E Q L T R Z N A I W M T S C O T L A N D O F F I C E R S T F F D W D P O H F W X M Y M U A F M V M G U F K J C H I E Z Z C M N V Y H K W J T W S D V T G L O Government departments CABINETOFFICE MINISTRY-OF-DEFENCE COMMONWEALTHOFFICE MINISTRY-OF-JUSTICE CULTURE-MEDIA-AND-SPORT NORTHERN-IRELAND-OFFICE EDUCATION SCOTLAND-OFFICE EXITING-THE-EUROPEAN-UNION TRANSPORT HEALTH TREASURY HOME-OFFICE UK-EXPORT-FINANCE INTERNATIONAL-DEVELOPMENT WALES-OFFICE INTERNATIONAL-TRADE WORK-AND-PENSIONS

Across take Labour legend (5,4) 35 See 19 Down 8 Former boxer after heading for 21 Be litigious girl! (3) Down Sudoku big apple is Labour legend (4,4) 22 Encountered royal observatory 1 With 25 at end this barometer 9 If lute is altered it becomes point- under Paris (5) sounds like a jumping event (4) less. (6) 24 Daniel upset over Eva in sin city 2 This can’t be write? (4) 10 What’s more everybody stitch state? (6) 3 Country losing direction at end of so to speak! (4) 27 Country musical by the sound read. (4) 12 By the sound of it, Northerner’s of it (6) 4 Quick election could be game (4) going to girlfriend’s place for Lords 28 I replace drug makes it sound 5 Embrace honorable Gaitskell. (4) and Ladies (5,5) like confrontations are enjoyable 6 Lie under city of angels gives leg 16 Ways to be heard on island from for parasitic plants (10) support (6) 27 (6) 32 This shade can be found in icy 7 Where has this true Labour lead- 17 Dull end to day (6) and wet conditions. (4) er been, cry joy Mr Crazy. (6,6) 20/32D We hear this chef likes to 34 Once-a-year bloomer (6) 10 Fashioned a bra even I, nun un- veiled this Labour legend. (7,5) 11 Quiet massage produces woody plant.... (5) 13 ...while quiet rent produces the magic word (6) 14 Lefty embarrased (3) 15 Horse exposed buttocks follow- ing cattle sound. (6) 18 Labour legend MacDonald in a ram’s eye view. (6) 19/35 Chopped up a gargoyle, we log this Labour legend. (6,8) 23 Infinitesimally small pair of youths (5) 25 What you are doing at 4 with 1 at start sounds like jumping event (6) 26 Tennis player Pat lost his top tree (3) 29 According to hearsay we should give these vegetables a chance! (4) 30 Inside way to go for this African country (4) 31 Uncle Napoleon was exclusive (4) 32 See 20 Across 33 Initially part of a case for negoti- ation purposes (1,1,1,1) 20 February 2017. JOKES www.thewordmedia.org.uk

A woman gets on a bus with her A man and a friend are playing baby. The bus driver says: ‘Ugh, golf one day. One of the guys that’s the ugliest baby I’ve ever is about to chip onto the green - seen!’ The woman walks to the when he sees a long funeral pro Jokes rear of the bus and sits down, cession on the road next to the fuming. She says to a man next course. He stops in mid-swing, to her: ‘The driver just insulted Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak takes off his golf cap, closes his me!’ The man says: ‘You go up were chilly. But when they lit a eyes, and bows down in prayer. there and tell him off. Go on, I’ll fire in the craft, it sank, proving His friend says: “Wow! That is hold your monkey for you.’ once and for all that you can’t the most thoughtful and touch- have your kayak and heat it. ing thing I have ever seen. You are truly a kind man.”

‘A woman has twins, and gives them up for adoption. One of I went to the Doctors the other them goes to a family in Egypt day, and he said, ‘Go to Bourne- and is named ‘Amal.’ The other ‘A group of chess enthusiasts mouth, it’s great for flu’. So I goes to a family in Spain, they checked into a hotel and were - went - and I got it. name him Juan’. Years later; Juan standing in the lobby discussing sends a picture of himself to his their recent tournament victo mum. Upon receiving the pic- ries. After about an hour, the ture, she tells her husband that manager came out of the office I’ll tell you what I love doing she wished she also had a picture and asked them to disperse. more than anything: trying to of Amal. Her husband responds, “But why?” they asked, as they pack myself in a small suitcase. I “But they are twins. If you’ve moved off. “because,” he said “I can hardly contain myself. seen Juan, you’ve seen Amal.” can’t stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.” ‘

www.thewordmedia.org.uk QUIZ February 2017. 21

20. Atlanta 20.

19. Alaska 19.

18. Chester 18.

17. The Waltons The 17.

16. Spanish 16.

15. Baton Rouge Baton 15.

14. December 14.

13. Mark Twain Mark 13.

12. Massachusetts 12.

11. Arkansas 11.

10. Los Angeles Los 10.

9. New Mexico New 9.

8. William B. Travis B. William 8.

7. Sarah Palin Sarah 7.

6. Condoleezza Rice Condoleezza 6.

5. Philadelphia 5.

4. Route 66 Route 4.

3. The Hoover Dam Hoover The 3.

2. South Dakota South 2.

Hawaii were not yet U.S. states) U.S. yet not were Hawaii

ANSWERS 1. 48 stars (since Alaska and Alaska (since stars 48 1.

USA Quiz Questions III

1. How many stars were on American flags in World War Two? 2. Sioux Falls and Deadwood are in which American state? 3. What great construction is located near near Boulder City, Nevada? 4. What is the Will Rogers Highway better known as? 5. Which American city is home to the Liberty Bell? 6. Who was the first female African-American secretary of state? 7. Who was governor of Alaska from 2006 until 2009? 8. Who was commander of the Alamo garrison at the Battle of the Alamo? 9. The 1947 Roswell UFO incident happened in which U.S. state? 10. In 1992, the Rodney King riots occurred in which American city? 11. Bill Clinton served as governor of which American state? 12. Harvard University is in which American state? 13. Samuel Langhorne Clemens is better known by what name? 14. In which month of 1941 did Japan launch a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor? 15. Name the state capital of Louisiana?

16. What is the second most common language spoken in American homes? 17. Ike Godsey’s Store featured in which classic television series?

18. What was the first thename U.S.S. of Fleet Nimitz Admiral is named Nimitz after? of which the supercarrier 19. Which American state has the longest coastline?

20. The Bank of America Plaza is the tallest building in a state capital and the tallest in the Southern United States - in which city is it located? 22 February 2017. RECIPES www.thewordmedia.org.uk

Brownies Yesterday, because I’m a bit like that, I thought ‘I wonder what would happen if I just blitzed all the ingredients for brown- ies in a blender, poured it into the tin and baked it’. What hap- pened was they came out exactly the same as when I’ve done it the proper way and I had brownies in under 30 minutes flat. The Aztec element – those discoverers of the cocoa bean who used it to make a bitter, spicy drink – was a good pinch of chilli and a quarter of a teaspoon each of cinnamon, ground star anise and ground caraway seeds added to the mixture. You can use any spices you fancy – cardamom would be nice -although I’d proba- bly steer clear of cumin. No-one wants a curry brownie.

To glaze the top I added water to my own home-made chilli jam (but you can buy it in most supermarkets), strained out the chilli bits and brushed it on while the brownie was still hot. The brownie recipe I used is below, but I reckon any recipe will work by just putting it all in the blender until it’s smooth, pouring it into the tin (I use those silicon sheets – you don’t even have to grease them) and baking at 170 or gas mark 3 for 20 minutes. That may not seem like long but it’s enough, as long as the egg is cooked it’s fine to eat and the less time it has in the oven, the higher the squidge factor.

Ingredients • 200g dark chocolate (I used Tesco’s 85%) • 200g sugar • 100g butter • 4 eggs • 60g plain flour • 60g cocoa powder • Pinch of sea salt • Spices of your choice • 2 tablespoons chilli jam/jelly

Method – as above. www.thewordmedia.org.uk POLITICS AND EVENTS February 2017. 23 IT WAS FIFTY YEARS AGO

ByTODAY!!! Jack Cornes different Lennon and McCartney’s songwriting gifts were but how ut- I have said before in this paper terly sensational they were when that The Beatles mean the world to combined together in the greatest me. They are truly one of the great- songwriting partnership ever. Pen- est pleasures in my life and are a ny Lane is the perfect companion creative inspiration both to my own to the masterpiece that is Lennon’s creative and personal lives. One of Strawberry Fields Forever; McCa- my most earliest memories is driv- rtney proves just why he is John’s ing through the dark nights to pick poetical brother with this psyche- my Mum up from work and my delic suburban opus. Like Eleanor The Beatles recorded as a band. Lennon would climb over the wall today but the majority of youth I Dad would be playing this extraor- Rigby beforehand Penny Lane is One very much feels that they are into and play) with so many lyrics see around me today don’t appear dinary music in the car. This music revered for taking the ordinary witness to a work in progress as of memories within the song. to be people who are conscious on was mysterious; the person’s voice and transforming it into a freaky, each recording seems to offer a new the current state of society. Their singing it was unlike any voice I had wondrous trip through the shores element and breakthrough in the What also ties Penny Lane/ perception has been compromised heard before. It was as though the of surrealism. Paul masterfully sonic experience of this piece of Strawberry Fields Forever so neat- by the mass hypnosis that is the Ip- waves of supernatural mysticism paints a picture that provides the music. The master track provides ly together is the fact that both hone and all manner of other mind that this song was marinated in were ultimate gateway into the streets the preeminent piece of Psyche- tracks hark back to the childhoods numbing media creations turning emanating from the speakers. This and memories of the young Beatle delic Rock Music ever created, the of both writers in their very own the populace into earphone wear- was the first time that I ever heard growing up in Liverpool. While the song is awash with rich, varied, unique and original writing styles. ing Ipad gazing zombies. Penny the song Strawberry Fields Forever feel of Strawberry Fields is that of surrealist imagery not just in the It maybe a crime that neither track Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever are and the person singing it was John a submersion into the murky wa- lyrics but in the instruments, in the made it to number one in the UK also examples of when music was Lennon. Many years passed and ters of clouded psychadelia, Paul sound and the very feel of the mu- but their immortality is secured in treated as a medium of art. The when I re – established my connec- achieves a feel of peering through a sic. What proves most incredible is the very fibres of our cultural her- lyrics, the sounds and the experi- tion to Beatle music when I was 16 clear glass reflection into a world of the fact that through this shamanic itage as a race in that they are some mentation were of upmost promi- the sheer originality and creative ge- ordinariness and routine yet tinted experience we get a glimpse into of the most prime examples of nence, they had something to say, nius of Strawberry Fields was one of in the embers of illusory, dreamlike the mind’s eye of John when he was what can be echoed from the very they meant something, even if any the main components which led to imagery. There are many different a child (as Strawberry Field was an perception of the human condi- meaning was ever intended. Music my constant love affair with the four versions of Strawberry Fields that old Salvation Army children’s home tion. These two tracks are now fifty is a totally different thing now. As a lads from Liverpool and their work Lennon recorded on his own and in the gardens of which a young years of age. The world from which 25 year old I feel like a man in the which changed the world forever- they came from is a very different wrong era of time music wise as more. Strawberry Fields Forever was one. Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields I simply don’t get what it is trying released as a single on the 13th Febru- and the album that followed were to do or say. Sadly I do sometimes ary 1967 in the US and the 17th Feb- written in a time when masses of feel music has become like a lot of ruary 1967 in the UK. But Strawber- people, not just politicians and ac- other facets of our culture. It is now ry Fields was only half the story as tivists, wanted to change the world a banal, beige platform for compa- Lennon’s masterpiece was released around them through whatever nies to simply spew out product along with McCartney’s equal opus means possible and art was no ex- which doesn’t say or mean any- Penny Lane as a double A-Side ception to this in 1967 with some thing but will have enough appeal ahead of the eponymous release wonderful creations across the to go viral or fly off the shelves. In a of, arguably, the greatest album of different genres. It was an era of time when the purpose and quality all time – Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts questioning ourselves spiritually. of music and talent is dying the im- Club Band on the 1st June 1967. The youth of this era could think portance of such genius music as for themselves and they generally The Beatles and Penny Lane/Straw- Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields wanted to get involved in peace- berry Fields Forever continues to Forever are two tracks of equal bril- ful, harmonious revolution. Of ascend in wondrous significance liance which both highlight how course this exists in mass pockets and originality. 24 February 2017. POLITICS AND EVENTS www.thewordmedia.org.uk Greenwald speaks Trump

we moving back to a more overt WarGlenn Edwardon Greenwald War on TerrorTerror like we saw un- and citizen activism (born March 6, 1967) is an der Bush? American lawyer, journalist, speaker and author. He is best I think Trump has demon- known for his role in a series strated, contrary to what people of reports published by The thought or were hoping, a readi- Guardian newspaper, beginning ness to act on a lot of the more rad- in June 2013, detailing United ical proposals he advocated during States and British global sur- the election. There is this sense that veillance programs, based on people in the military or the intelli- classified documents disclosed gence community will somehow by Edward Snowden impede him from doing things like targeting the family members of terrorists or even potentially using Trump slapped more sanc- a war even though they may not tactical or regional nuclear weap- tions on Iran after a missile test, want one. ons and I don’t think that’s a very we’ve seen him slam down the realistic hope. But I think you’re phone on the Prime Minister A few years ago former Brit- already seeing, whether it’s the raid of Australia but also strike up a ish Prime Minister Tony Blair in Yemen that killed Anwar Al-Aw- relationship with Taiwan to the called on the US and Russia to laki’s six-year-old daughter and this annoyance of China, is he look- settle their differences over Muslim ban, you see government ing for war? Ukraine and unite in a War on agents throughout these agencies Terror. With early signs appear- obediently carrying out these or- I don’t think he’s looking for ing to show Trump and Putin ders with no resistance, no objec- war. He actually ran on a platform getting on rather well will Tony tion, no dissent. And so I think that of avoiding war and criticising Blair’s wish now come to pass? he has the power to do the things Clinton and Obama for starting that he talked about doing. More too many wars or participating in If you look at at the likely ba- importantly and more troubling- too many wars. I think that in his sis of war cooperation between ly, both Obama and George Bush mind he thinks two things. One, the United States and Russia, it worked vigorously to defend and that the way to get better deals certainly begins with the threat expand the legal framework that between countries is by making they each perceive. I think a long Trump would be able to cite in or- them afraid of you because that time fixation of Putin and Russia, der to justify doing the policies he gives you more leverage. So by going back to the War on Chech- has advocated. So there is this bi- threatening them and showing nya, is this obsession with what partisan framework in place that them you’re a little bit crazy you they regard as Islamic radicalism. he can draw from in a very potent get better leverage and therefore They are obviously both fighting way. better agreements, ones which in Syria and shared targets include are more advantageous to you. Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Even president Do you think the American And that was a big part of his cri- Obama tried to create cooperative public will allow Trump to, in tique of Obama – [Trump said] he frameworks between the United his own words ‘load up’ Guanta- was terrible, his trade agreements States and Russia based on these namo with ‘bad dudes’? were disadvantageous to the US shared enemies. I think Trump is and all that. seeing an opportunity as well. The I think that the American pub- question then becomes: will this lic has proven fairly reliable that Then the other aspect is that I detente between the US and Rus- as long as certain abuses are con- think they think that being tough sia, if it happens, expand beyond fined to foreign nationals – and in and strong and showing that just national security cooperation? particular those they are told are you’re willing to fight, that actually Will they actually share this kind of terrorists – they are willing to tol- fosters more peace because when internationalist right-wing agenda erate virtually anything. There was people fear you they are less like- confronting China, uniting hard- very little public outcry when the is what happens if there’s a terrorist targeting CVE – the US’ coun- ly to take provocative steps. The right groups throughout Europe Bush administration opened CIA attack. The instinct of Trump and ter-terrorism policy – solely at problem with that kind of think- and even in other places? And will black sites and when they tortured his advisers, what they’re waiting Muslims. How seriously should ing, a lot of wars often happen there be this broader coalition, this people. If they’ve become a little for is to be able to demagogue that we be taking all of this? unintentionally because things broader agenda which they can embarrassing or too public such attack to raise fear levels and justi- escalate and spiral out of control pursue? as Abu Ghraib then maybe there fy even the most extreme policies I think we ought to take it very in a framework where there is high will be some public backlash, but that right now probably aren’t im- seriously both because it starts tension which is what happens Trump has said he will: ‘take in general as long as you’re confin- aginable. I think if he’s able to suc- with Muslims being targeted and when you start threatening coun- the oil’, ‘bomb the hell out of ing it to people that you’re able to cessfully exploit the fear in those then also because it will inevitably tries. And so I think that certainly isil’, ‘kill the families of terror convince the public are deserving emotions surrounding an attack on expand beyond that. If you look at when it comes to China and par- suspects’, ‘bring back torture’. or are terrorist or just Muslim rad- that magnitude then I think there the history of, not just the US, but ticularly when it comes to Iran, Some presidents have done icals there’s not a lot of opposition will be very little public resistance. the West in the post 9-11 era, it’s there is a serious danger that they these things, but few have spo- coming from the public. And I one programme after another from could stumble themselves into ken about them so crudely. Are think that a much broader concern Trump has spoken about law enforcement and government www.thewordmedia.org.uk POLITICS AND EVENTS February 2017. 25 Greenwald speaks Trump War on Terror and citizen activism

War Two American power wheth- – I think you’re going to see a lot of er its commitment to NATO, or that from each side. just a general position he has with regards to whether regime change We’ve seen that courts wars are justifiable and in particu- have presented a road block to lar whether the CIA proxy war in Trump’s Muslim ban. Are the Syria is something that ought to be US’s constitutional arrange- expanded or continued. In pretty ments robust enough to stop every one of those cases he’s ei- someone like Trump from in- ther taken the position that’s the flicting serious damage? opposite of what the CIA wants for its own power or ideology or he’s It helps. The idea of the con- asking serious questions about his stitution and of the courts and the commitment to continuing this reason why these judges have life bipartisan framework [between tenures is because they’re sup- Democrats and Republicans]. And posed to be immune from political so I think they regard Trump in par- sentiment. No matter how popu- ticular as a unique kind of threat, lar a particular abuse is (because and I think they’re much more these judges can’t be removed from comfortable with a standard, right- office, they don’t have to run for wing politician. Some of it is about election), the idea is that they will internal jockeying for power which defend these rights even when it’s you often see with governments. really impossible to do so. But that’s I think they also feel threatened the the theory! The reality is that by people like General Flynn who these judges have been nominated have a lot of hostility towards the by Republican Presidents and even intelligence community bureau- under Democratic Presidents who cracy, and will be worrying about knew that judges who were too what their place is likely to be if he pro-Liberty and anti-police state agencies in the name of stopping cases it’s used in are in non-terror- you think they are opening a gains too much authority. probably couldn’t get confirmed so radical Islam or terrorist attacks ism settings for drug crimes, for new front against right-lean- you have years or even decades of or whatever the nomenclature is. financial crimes, completely un- ing politicians similar to what But the FBI has the exact oppo- judges who have been confirmed And once those powers are vested related to national security. These we’ve seen in the past against site posture to the CIA in that they who have demonstrated a willing- they are almost expanded well be- powers take root but nobody cares left-leaning activists and civil were very favourable to Trump, ness to justify and defend really rad- yond the original targeted groups. because everyone’s told it’s only rights leaders with COINTEL- and so I think there is a very seri- ical police power, especially ones The Patriot Act is probably the best going to be Muslims who are af- PRO and more recently the tar- ous danger that Trump can and in- that have been put in place in the example. When it was enacted it fected, then eventually it starts to geting of Muslims as part of the tends to empower the FBI and use name of national security. So the was supposed to be temporary. We erode all basic liberties for every- War on Terror? it as his personal police force which practical matter is that you will see were told it was necessary because body. I do think can then start to reintro- some resistance, some push back, of the terror threat and it’s now 16 I think that they regard Trump duce dangers. I think we’re going some limits imposed from the judi- years old – it’s the opposite of tem- You’re adamant that the CIA as a particular threat to the the pre- to see a lot of dirty game playing ciary, but I certainly wouldn’t want porary, it’s a permanent part of our has in your own words ‘gone to vailing order. He’s questioned the whether it’s leaking or fabricating to count on the judiciary saving the fixture, and then I think 85% of the war with Donald Trump’. Do kind of foundations of post-World claims or just outright subversion Republic from Trump’s abuses. 26 February 2017. POLITICS AND EVENTS www.thewordmedia.org.uk NHS Editor Unity March

By Melissa Darcey place, at the right time” - which services is dismantling the NHS we pointment for, in some areas, 4-6 vertising “Push Doctor” saying it would make you think these re- know and love. weeks - people with disposable in- was wonderful that they paid £5 to ccountable Care” - Is this configurations are a good positive With fewer acute life saving come are ALREADY experimenting speak to a doctor on the telephone England’s version of the move forward.... and important services available with private healthcare. - when did this kind of healthcare American model “Me- locally, people are expected to trav- Private virtual GP’s are spring- become acceptable in England?? “A di-Care”? The Truth el journeys of over an hour or more ing up all over the place with “Push Cutting hospital beds, shutting whilst in emergencies such as giv- Doctor” and “Babylon Health” be- NHS England has split the The NHS is currently undergo- down A&E’s, maternity units, GP ing birth, experiencing a heart at- ing two of them: National Health Service into 44 ing some concerning reconfigura- surgeries, community pharmacies tack or stroke and GP surgeries are It was horrifying to see some- “footprints” called - Sustainability tion. In the news we are hearing of and centralising acute life saving unable to give you a face to face ap- one posting on social media ad- and Transformation Plans (STP’s). A&E closures and downgrades, GP These “plans” are set to make £22 surgery closures, community phar- billion cuts to the NHS in order macy closures, more focus on “care to reduce “deficits” and make the closer to home”, centralisation on NHS safe and sustainable for the important life saving services such future of our health as we are an as emergency care, maternity, ne- “aging population with complex onatal, stroke, vascular and heart needs”. services - the list goes on... All 44 STP’s include the creation This is being “sold” to us, the of either an ACO (Accountable Care public, as making the NHS safe and Organisation), an ICO (Integrated sustainable and encourages people Care Organisation), Vanguards or a to seek preventative care closer to MCP (Multispecialty Community home rather than leaving it until you Provider): are “really poorly” needing more The idea is to bring together all “specialised extensive treatment”. of the trust boards, health servic- We hear phrases such as “re- es, clinical commissioning group’s ceiving the right care, in the right (CCG’s) and local authorities (Coun- www.thewordmedia.org.uk POLITICS AND EVENTS February 2017. 27 NHS Editor Unity March

cils) within one STP (footprint) area or move around with ease - is this resa May and previously Andrew to create one organisation that will healthcare that is free at the point Lansley and David Cameron have commission the health and social of delivery, based on patient need? set in motion are already transform- care services. Was that decision taken with pa- ing the comprehensive, universal This is “sold” to us as reduc- tient need in mind or was it finan- NHS we know into an increasingly ing duplication in clinical and cially driven?? limited organisation that doesn’t non-clinical management which HAVE to treat everyone - which en- sounds very appealing as we know More importantly this decision courages people to seek alternative that too much money is wasted on is a catalyst in transforming health- help offered by - Private Providers. top tier management. care in England into a “Two Tier The fact is - this opens up the System”, just like the US have al- ADVICE opportunity for more “3rd party ready with their private healthcare Get clued up on the truth be- providers” to take over our NHS. and “Medi-Care” model. hind the crisis in our NHS - Join “3rd party providers” are pri- The restriction in hip opera- your local campaign group (there vate providers such as Virgin, tions will further encourage peo- will more than likely be one) - if Optum and Circle to name a few ple with a little extra cash to pay not, make one! - Find out what is - these companies own a lot of ser- for their operation privately out of going on with your local healthcare vices in the NHS currently. of people dying on trolleys in the ting patients quick enough and desperation but more importantly - Link up regionally and nationally corridor of an overrun A&E depart- also charging the trust boards for because they have the money to do with other campaigns (there are The Diversional Tactics - ment but unfortunately it seems the delays. so, whilst people who do not have plenty of us now)! Most people would agree that the blame is being angled at pa- Whist we get distracted with all extra cash around will be left to suf- Let’s pull together - in unison - the NHS could do better BUT the tients and front-line staff: the buck passing, the NHS is drasti- fer in pain - to the point where they to stop our beloved NHS becoming difference in opinion lies in the CCG’s blame hospitals and pa- cally changing as a whole! cannot sleep - surely is it a human a two tier system where safe and reason why people think it needs tients, hospital trust boards blame right to be able to sleep??? comprehensive healthcare will be to change. ambulance services for not being We are now hearing of hip oper- no longer available to those who In the mainstream media we able to cope, ambulance services ations only being available on the Plans that Simon Stevens (CEO are poor, vulnerable and cannot af- are now seeing shocking reports blaming hospitals for not admit- NHS if you cannot physically sleep - NHS England), Jeremy Hunt, The- ford to pay! 28 February 2017. POLITICS AND EVENTS www.thewordmedia.org.uk

TheBook Review Rise of the Righwhich is inimical to thet best in- terests of the majority. It’s neo-lib- By NEIL CLARK eralism that has destroyed entire working-class communities and “Economic reform, and in par- the spirit of solidarity that once ticular ending the dictatorship of fi- existed. It’s neo-liberalism that has nance capital must be the priority” created so much loneliness and In their brilliant new book, The anxiety. Rise of the Right, three leading Tony, like many interviewees, criminologists, Simon Winlow, Ste- looks back nostalgically to the Brit- ve Hall and James Treadwell, set ain of forty years ago: out to explain the rise of right-wing “Things were better then.. For nationalism in England. people like me it was better. We Although the book mainly con- had a right laugh at school and well, cerns itself with English society everything just seemed to work. and politics, there are lessons to be There was jobs then. Everyone learnt for readers in the US and in worked. People stuck together.” the rest of Europe too. In fact, I’d go as far to say that if the western left Going Back to Square One don’t pay heed to what Winlow et Instead of listening to work- al have to say, then it could be cur- ing-class people like Tony, too tains forever. many political representatives of The basic problem identified by the “left” prefer to take their cue the authors, is that the left, which from “liberal” middle-class media once put the everyday concerns of columnists, and focus on issues working-class people at the very which, said media columnists head of its program, has become believe, are of the most pressing liberalized. As neo-liberalism be- concern. This has to stop if the rise came hegemonic, the main parties of the far-right is to be checked. of the left and their representatives In chapter eight of their book, turned their attention away from the authors argue that the left economic reform and instead be- “must begin from the beginning gan fighting culture wars. Public again”: ownership and a commitment to “For us the left today needs to genuine egalitarianism was out — be returned to the working class. It identity politics was in. The talk is the working-class that must win was of “toleration” and not of “ex- the fight for social and economic ploitation.” justice. Middle-class liberals can- “The left lost interest in the tra- not and will not win it on their be- ditional field of political economy, half.” and instead opened up new thea- The authors say that leftists tres of conflict on the field of cul- need to acknowledge that what ture. Generally speaking, the left they call “hippy counter-cultural- accepted the capitalist horizon,” ism” was a “colossal error” and then Winlow et al explain. begin to undo some of the damage Political life in Britain became it caused. sterile as Labour and the Conserv- Culture should not be aban- atives converged to promote a doned, but “put back in its pro-capitalist, economically and sub-dominant place.” Economic socially liberal agenda. The work- reform, and in particular ending ing-class were excluded from this “Central to this was the aban- in Britain was at its lowest in his- support far-right political groups the dictatorship of finance cap- new, City of London-approved donment of class and the turn to tory, and the country still had a like the English Defence League ital must be the priority. A pub- consensus. language, cultural identity and manufacturing base — why, you (EDL). Here’s Steppy, who is 39, on licly-owned national investment In the 2001 general election, social movements… The Ameri- must be insane! The acceptable why he doesn’t vote Labour: bank, the re-nationalization of faced with a choice between Twee- can liberal-progressivist habit of parameters of debate have be- “Those posh white people… key industries, and the return of dledum Tony Blair and Twee- demonising socialism by placing it come hopelessly narrowed, with They’ve taken over the Labour jobs — proper, meaningful, well- dledee William Hague, just 59% of in the same breath as fascism was “liberal” media playing a key role party. They’re taking over every- paid, full-time contracted jobs to people bothered voting. Compare imported into Europe to provide in keeping alternative solutions, where. And look what they’re areas turned into wastelands has that level of engagement to 1950, more attractive and subtle support which would benefit the majori- doing. First thing they get their to be right at the top of Labour’s when turnout was 83.9%. But back to the conservative right’s demoni- ty, “off-limits.” mates top jobs. And then their agenda. then, the working-class was prop- sation program.” “The right-liberal and left-liber- mates get jobs for their mates. The rise of the far-right is not erly represented. The CIA got exactly what they al media can be distinguished by Your feminists are cut from the inevitable, neither is it irreversi- wanted. their approaches to issues such as same cloth. They talk about de- ble. But the left is doomed unless Demonization In the era of hegemonic neo-lib- welfare, multiculturalism and tax- mocracy, but there’s no democra- it campaigns on bread-and-butter of Socialism eralism, anyone who dares to chal- ation, but when faced with even cy. Not in this country…” working-class issues and makes lenge the liberal-left from a social- the remotest chance of the return Anti-Muslim prejudice was a clean break with elite-friendly Former carpenter Eric Heffer, ist perspective, can expect to be of anything like real left politics, widespread among the interview- neo-liberalism. If Labour leader who died in 1991, is cited as “one of denounced by Establishment gate- they become one voice,” the au- ees. Islamophobia is on the rise Jeremy Corbyn hasn’t ordered a the last honest and confrontational keepers as a “Stalinist” or even “far- thors declare. in Europe, as derogatory Tweets copy of The Rise of the Right yet, working-class heavyweights in the right.” Even advocating a return to Is it any wonder therefore, that reach an all-time high. Muslims then I recommend he does so very Labour Party.” The authors mention the much fairer economic policies with their voices ignored by those have become a scapegoat for the quickly. how the CIA played their part too in of 1945-79 is regarded as beyond who once claimed to represent anger, frustration and alienation *The Rise of the Right, English destroying the genuine socialist left the pale. them, the British working-class that many supporters of the EDL Nationalism and the Transforma- — as chronicled by H. Wilford’s book, has looked for other options? The and other far-right groups feel. tion of Working-Class Politics — Si- The CIA, the British Left and the ‘Liberal’ Media second half of The Rise of the Right But the big problem, as the au- mon Winlow, Steve Hall and James Cold War: Calling the Tune? which Back to the 70s? When the includes interviews with work- thors show, has been the rapacious Treadwell, published by Policy is referenced in chapter three: gap between the rich and poor ing-class men and women who economic system we live under, Press. www.thewordmedia.org.uk POLITICS AND EVENTS February 2017. 29 Thoughts on examining an education masters dissertation By Cliff Jones

he academic exploration of learning by educators is not always confined Tto what happens in the classroom. Contexts vary and may require us to make critical sense of a range of political issues. Why would we not? If, for example, two cousins are at schools on different sides of a wall erected in order to separate them we cannot write about their education and ignore the wall. Why is it there? Who put working in four languages. Births, it there? Why is it maintained? Nor deaths and marriages come with can we ignore the impact upon lots of paper. So do taxes and deeds the cousins, their classmates, their of property. teachers and the split societies in The quantity of this kind of liter- which they live and grow. ature is evidence of both family and Considering a physical wall re- official urges to record. When you minds us of other walls. The wall record you also classify. What are separating those, for example, the headings? How is it decided who attending Eton from those going or what comes under what heading? to Bash Street Secondary Modern A DIVIDED Israelis born there before 1948 have is no less tall, wide and impene- stated on their birth certificates that trable for being intangible. Tony they were born in Palestine. Blair told us his priority was Ed- The Ottoman and the Roman ucation, Education, Education. Empires depended upon bureau- His priority ought to have been government action. cracy when they controlled the Society, Society, Society. Can any- PALESTINIANIsraeli school textbooks are Middle East. Who, for example, one imagine Blair as Peace Envoy officially approved and, as Nurit had the rights to sell horses in a talking about this schoolteacher’s Peled-Elhanen showed in her ‘Pal- given region? It was recorded and deep research prompted by per- estine in Israeli School Books, Ide- so was everything to do with trade, sonal experience of a deliberately ology and Propaganda in Educa- property and people. Despite ef- divided society? tion’, the official national narrative forts to portray the Palestine past has been constructed to justify as empty of settled people, a land Experienced realities VILLAGE inhuman policies. ‘They’ not only criss-crossed by a few nomadic There are times when the re- hate ‘us’ but ‘they’ stand in the way tribes, this was not the case, as the ality experienced by students and of ‘our’ fulfillment. dissertation demonstrated. teachers tests academic conceptu- Internalising such views makes Is education a commodity to be al frameworks. I taught the student it easier to pull triggers. Children weighed and measured? Is it about whose work I examined but did not are born into different realities: accumulating scores and qualifica- supervise the dissertation. I was some have bullets to fire and some tions? Might it confront and explain the second marker (why do we still have bullets to dodge, if they can. the causes and consequences of cho- refer to assessing as ‘marking’?). sen inhumanity? Once grandmoth- The supervisor left the USA many Literature ers could hold newly born grandchil- years ago to live in Israel and had This dissertation went into un- dren. Now some are only allowed to worked hard encouraging collabo- charted territory. There were mass- approach a wall on special occasions ration across cultural boundaries. es of words generated by bureau- to touch a finger through a crack. Today that noble intent and effort cracies, in this case involving two Would you tell a student that has been negated by intentional countries and four administrations this is irrelevant to education? A man of the People – perhaps too good to be a politician? A tribute to the late Deyika would have had to do at least his rarely won because he was the work in the community in Hulme, Nzeribe – Green candidate for share of listening. only one who refused to cheat! Manchester. But he was involved Mayor of Greater Manchester and As for the other qualities I have Added to that he was very thor- in diverse causes inspiring crea- fine human being. the tributes paid at his funeral ough in scrutinising the finances tivity,fighting austerity, racism, Why should I ask The Word to service on Friday, 9th. February, of the organisation. promoting equality and defend- publish anything about a would-be at Brunswick Parish Church, Ard- Almost everyone mentioned ing the environment. politician, little known to people wick, Manchester. It was attended his smile and sense of humour When I met him I told him outside of Manchester? Simple, be- by over 400 people and over 20 and many commented how he how rare it was for me to meet cause he was the antithesis of many friends, colleagues and family gave avoided the limelight at events, someone from an African or Car- politicians we know. He listened to moving tributes to Deyike who even those he had helped to set ibbean background being in- people, he had a sense of humour, died aged 50 on New Years Eve. up. One of these was Natalie Ben- volved in politics. He was the type did not seek publicity for himself, Some memories were poign- nett (former Green Party National of person we need in politics. My did not cheat, and he cared! ant but tinged with humour. One Chair) he had organised an event plea is that Deyika’s legacy should Can I substantiate this? Well friend and colleague at Common- for her in Manchester when she be that many more from similar as I only met him once I can only word (www.cultureword.org.uk ), became chair, but stayed in the backgrounds get actively involved verify the first two. We met at an an writing project to help emerg- background. She said of him, “he in politics for the RIGHT reasons. African wakekeeping and we nev- ing BAME writers testified to his was a gentle, passionate and car- before himself. He was interested bright-green.org/2017/01/02/ er stopped talking for over half a honesty. With other friends he ing man...... He dedicated his life in people and he genuinely cared.” mayoral-candidate-deyika-nzeri- hour, and if anyone knows me he played poker with Deyika, who to others and always put others Deyika was known for his be-passes-away/ 30 February 2017. POLITICS AND EVENTS www.thewordmedia.org.uk

By Cliff Jones

ur level of political litera- cy is low. We are not citi- zens. We are subjects of Othe Crown and Theresa May likes the Royal Prerogative.

Lets re-examine our political vocabulary. POLITICS The inclusive discussion of and arrival at public values: a process that must precede the construc- tion of policy. FROTH

In 1962 Bernard Crick pub- lished In Defence of Politics to re- store the meaning of politics as be- ing about public values. Fifty years later Michael Flinders published Defending Politics with a similar in- IS NOT tention. Why do we have to be re- minded that politics is an inclusive public activity, not just a few peo- ple hoarding power, making policy and often cocking up bigly?

Look at The Blunders of our lishedBEER the supremacy of the elected peace treaty with an abstract noun? Shrugging our shoulders while most famous absolutist episode was Governments (2013) by Anthony House of Commons over the hered- What has all this done for democracy? saying that there is no point in vot- the Poll Tax: for Blair Iraq. Thatcher’s King and Ivor Crewe. How on earth itary House of Lords: democratic ing because “they are all the same” downfall followed quickly. Blair sur- did the devisers of disastrous poli- progress. Three years later we had SHAMOCRACY will do nothing for us. vived. His personal hot air balloon cies manage to a) escape the blame war: democracy suspended. The two The systemic partner of Ersatz has many holes but is kept aloft be- and b) give all the difficult jobs to are incompatible. The consequences Politics. Israel has been called (by LEFT WING cause he blows hard into it. others? Putting Michael Barber, of war make democracy uncertain, Israelis) an ethnocracy. Democracy The French Revolution gave us Tony Blair’s Mr. Deliverology, in transitory and weak. In 1945 Britain in Israel is racially ring fenced. Pales- ‘Left’ and ‘Right’, derived from where It will get worse with Brexit. We charge of implementing policy of- experienced a strong assertion of de- tinian schools (labelled ‘Arab’) have you sat in the Assembly. The further do not have enough civil servants ten made things worse. mocracy. It lasted (the ‘post war con- less funding. Belong to the wrong left the more you believed that power and hire companies instead. The sensus’) until Thatcher. But it took race and life is difficult. The benefits should lie with the citizenry and that House of Commons lacks the capac- ERSATZ POLITICS a body blow in 1950 when the USA of citizenship are unequally distrib- the values of government should be ity to scrutinise legislation so the ‘Ersatz’ signifies an inferior imi- pressured Britain to join in the Ko- uted. Our politicians claim Israel is liberty, equality and fraternity. unelected House of Lords does it. tation. The result of the referendum rean War. Military spending doubled The Only Democracy in the Middle on membership of the EU did not and our fragile welfare state suffered. East. Just up the road Lebanon real- Some think ‘left’ means en- Theresa May likes the Royal Pre- emerge from a political process. Lots ly does try to be democratic. forced change, albeit in the direction rogative. How many British voters of expensive advertising and unverifi- In 1951 the Labour Party gained of equality. Enforcement is not, I are aware of its existence? The Royal able claims countering other unverifi- the majority of votes in the gen- Our government talks a lot about suggest, a characteristic of the left. I Family is not the problem. The mo- able claims may have looked like a po- eral election but lost power to the British Values. The values they pro- worked in a city run by Militant Ten- narchical power used by politicians is. litical process but froth is not beer. Conservatives who obtained more mote widen the gap between rich dency. Discussion? Permitted dis- seats. We also call that democracy. and poor, disparage the different sent? Friendly disagreement? Forget Conclusion DEMOCRACY and commodify education. Our it! Suppression is not left wing. Brexit and Trump emerge A disputable and variable Since 1945 the USA has been al- school history books told us that the from long-term social fracking. To- concept. The message from John most continuously at war and now franchise widened. All we got was RIGHT WING day the shock they have given us Keane’s The Life and Death of De- waves its sabre at Iran and China. It an occasional vote that came with In1789 if you sat on the far right threatens cohesion. mocracy (2009) is that it is fragile. even declares war on abstract nouns. restricted participation. Restricted you preferred absolute government. The 1911 Parliament Act estab- Today’s is terrorism. Can you sign a participation means shamocracy. Blair is an absolutist. Thatcher’s Do we want froth or beer? Joint Trade Union Statement on Police Spies Joint Union Statement: es, the Pitchford Inquiry has failed police, in order to prevent future We the undersigned are out- to secure the documents that will destruction and avoid the entire raged at the news that despite be central to the investigation. inquiry descending into a hugely court orders to the contrary, the Trade union core participants are expensive cover-up on the part of Metropolitan Police Service has de- beginning to question whether the Metropolitan Police. stroyed evidence required for use the Inquiry team has the ability to SIGNED: in the Undercover Policing Public stop the police from obstructing Len McCluskey (General Secretary) Inquiry. State spying on trade un- the pursuit of justice. Lord Justice and Gail Cartmail (Acting General ions and political campaigns is a Pitchford needs to act now to re- Secretary) UNITE the Union, incor- human rights scandal that affects store our faith. porating UCATT millions of British citizens. We are calling on Lord Justice Matt Wrack (General Secretary) Despite continued reassuranc- Pitchford to announce an urgent Fire Brigades Union Inquiry hearing to examine the Chris Kitchen (General Secretary) destruction of evidence by the po- National Union of Mineworkers lice. The Commissioner Bernard Tim Roache (General Secretary) Hogan-Howe should be forced to GMB union give evidence under oath to explain Mick Cash (General Secretary) Rail why, how and under whose authori- Maritime and Transport union ty documents have been destroyed. Michelle Stanistreet (General Secre- Lord Justice Pitchford needs tary) National Union of Journalists to take immediate measures to se- Dave Smith and Roy Bentham (joint cure all documentation held by the secretaries) Blacklist Support Group www.thewordmedia.org.uk POLITICS AND EVENTS February 2017. 31 ROMANIAN PROTESTS Disturbance In The Deep Force? By MARA LEVERKUHN

p to 800,000 Romanians travelled Uacross the country to protest an emergency ordinance in 10 degrees Celsius below zero. They’re now into the third week of protests and still not going home, though numbers dwindled. The ordinance was a late night attempt by the crypto com- munist party to pardon corruption where the financial bribe/damage is below £37K. The criminal code was altered. Romanians, with a strong re- cord of standing against oppression, organised huge crowds in front of the Parliament that caused the govern- ment to withdraw. But the crowds didn’t withdraw. They want govern- ment to resign. This is evidence of the high level of sophistication among pro- testers, many of whom have partic- ipated in several waves of demon- strations in Romania since 2012 and become skillful at calling pub- lic institutions to account, commu- nicating and organising. During the 1989 revolution, then years against the hijack, but the West, if the West cares to lis- where we’re no longer represented. this new system and it’s ruthlessly in the lengthy protests that fol- they were squashed by violence ten: instead of protesting against But the Stockholm syndrome call eliminating anything that doesn’t lowed, during the mineriade, for and smeared as hooligans in the futile and vague causes in vagina for justice from the EU equates to lead to profit — this often happens Rosia Montana and during the last press. So the crypto-communists outfits, perhaps protest stubborn- jumping from the frying pain into to be lives of those on the econom- presidential elections, Romanians ensured power stayed in the hands ly against corruption. To my great the fire. Corrupt as the Romanian ic fringes. Austerity is eugenics. Let displayed a healthy inclination to of the same people, who were now chagrin, Romanian corruption government is, the EU holds un- there be known there is no natural take to the streets. In the murky oppressing not via communism, seems quaintly small beans com- paralleled status in stealth thieving law that assigns the presently eco- waters post december 1989, Iliescu, which is inefficient, but neoliberal pared to hi-fi, stealth UK corrup- capabilities. Over the past decade, nomically successful as the only the new unelected president from capitalism, the trusted tool of new tion that is sanctioned by all levels our natural resources have been worthy of life, healthcare and re- Ceausescu’s circle, had the students age tyrannies. of the establishment and disguised devastated by Austrian, American sources. We are all born of the same beaten and killed by miners who he They embarked on a mission to as ideology. Austerity kills. The and other companies that poison land, bankers and paupers. The Ro- then also subsequently betrayed. vandalise the national patrimony Romanian bribes amount to loss the environment and leave eco- manians, though, have been angry But since, these protests proved and sell national resources while of cash for the public pocket; the logical disaster behind. The fact for longer so better placed to iden- quite successful: the goldmines in the process of privatisation was Tory cuts amount to tens of thou- that they EU legislation protects tify threat and stand up against it, Rosia Montana didn’t receive clear- sold by the press as desirable pro- sands of deaths, an unabashed them so the theft is legal is no con- even in freezing snow storms, than ing, and the Canadian company gress. Intermittently in power, they cleansing of the poor, ill, disabled solation of mine or anyone with a the complacent British who have was sent back empty handed after never did loosen their grip over the and old. How far does this have conscience. If anything, makes the had their edges filed by a deceptive, it hoped to exploit our mountains economy. Voted back into the gov- to go before the British public re- process all the more monstrously lulling, pseudo economic success. and leave them bereft, ecological- ernment last fall, they passed an acts? So far, facts about the extent inescapable. The law is made by Romania’s national hymn says ly downtrodden. A nation of angry emergency ordinance to exonerate of the government crimes in this the thieves, for the thieves. These “Wake up, Romanians!”. I would people who have been so often themselves of corruption in office. country are met with milquetoast new thieves are corporations and say the same to the British, fol- oppressed, their eyes are open and Over the past decade Laura Codru- patriotism for a state that provides foreign governments with an eagle lowing from the Romanian exam- bullshit from the media sticks less. ta Kovesi, chief prosecutor of the 10,000 flavours of biscuits at the eye on our rich natural resources. ple — since the rest of the world re- Perhaps there’s a lesson here? National Anti Corruption Direc- supermarket, that is, if you work “No more division, Stop de- flects closely the empire, and what The newly re-elected social torate, has been prosecuting poli- 50 hours a week in an office or 10 forestation, renationalise natural happens here, concerns the rest. If democrats were most likely behind ticians at increasingly high levels in zero hour contracts. Look at resources, stop selling our land” a hundred years ago a state could the coup against Ceausescu that (even the former PM Victor Ponta), this recent analysis by the Royal The probable reason why the hope to liberate itself only by lib- hijacked the 1989 popular revolu- making the fight against old style Society of Medicine, counting the average brit voted Brexit is EU bu- erating from its local tyrants, in the tion. They were communists with corruption a promising triumph. cuts-related NHS deaths to 30,000 reaucratic corporatism and pan-na- world of today it all leads up on the Soviet support to steer communist A solid three decades of high lev- over the last year. The government tional undemocratic rule; the same global pyramid, so local liberation Romania away from Ceausescu’ in- el bribery gangster style is coming of the free first world is emerging as things that affect Eastern countries futile unless you reverse the new dependent direction. With a strong to an end. There is uncertainty the number one cause of unnatural whose membership went from pan-national corporatism. Read foothold in the Security services, over the purity of election results, death of its own people. longstanding aspiration to bitter Frankie Boyle’s last piece in the in the aftermath of Ceausescu’s ex- but fact is the first thing the social OLD TYRANT’S DEAD, LONG disappointment really fast. The Guardian until the end for his and ecution, when the newly rebelled democrats did once in power is try LIVE THE EU TYRANT relics of communist corruption mine proposed course of action. youth realised that their efforts to adulterate the criminal code to The more worrying develop- are on their way out for the Roma- P.S. While everyone was long- served as cannon fodder for the exempt themselves: decriminalise ment from back home is voices nians; the real common threat to ingly praising the rising Romanian new kleptocracy, the social demo- abuse in power. This alone is suffi- calling to EU for help. I have noth- both east and west is really the new civil society, 500 US troops and crats had no qualms to kill and hurt cient reason for Romanians to take ing against people protesting gov- globalism that writes the law and tanks were stealthily moved in Ro- dozens of protesters. Thousands of to the streets. ernment, in fact it’s a healthy last trumps human rights for profit. mania this past week. Hm. Wonder students protested for months and And it’s a good example for recourse of pseudo democracies Tory rule is just the British arm of what that is about. 32 February 2017. WORLD NEWS www.thewordmedia.org.uk

FLINT, MICHINGAN, U.S. (CNN) — A govern- QUEBEC, CANADA (Reuters) — Eight people flee U.S. WASHINGTON D.C., U.S. (Independent) — Donald ment-appointed civil rights commission in Michi- border patrol to seek asylum in Canada. Eight asylum-seek- Trump’s family’s trips have cost taxpayers nearly gan says systemic racism helped to cause the Flint ers, including four children, barely made it across the Ca- as much in a month as Barack Obama’s cost in an water crisis, according to a report released Friday. nadian border just in time... the latest in refugees pouring entire year. The US President’s three visits to his The 129-page report does not claim there were over the border as the U.S. looks to tighten its immigration Mar-a-Lago club in Florida since his presidential any specific violations of state civil rights laws, but and refugee policy. A Reuters photographer capturing inauguration, combined with his sons’ business says “historical, structural and systemic racism images of the group jumping a snowy gully on Friday, fol- trips, reportedly cost $11.3m (£9.1m). Conservative combined with implicit bias” played a role in the lowed closely by a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officer. watchdog Judicial Watch estimated Mr Obama’s problems, which still linger in the city’s drinking The four adults and four children - said to be from Sudan travel expenses totalled an average $12.1m in each water almost three years later. “The presence of - had arrived at the border in Champlain, New York in a taxi. of his eight years in the White House. “This is an ex- racial bias in the Flint water crisis isn’t much of The border patrol officer had seized their passports and pensive way to conduct business, and the President a surprise to those of us who live here, but the was questioning a man in the taxi when the eight fled. The should recognise that,” said Judicial Watch presi- Michigan Civil Rights Commission’s affirmation officer managed to catch up to one of the men fleeing. That dent Tom Fitton, speaking to the Washington Post. that the emergency manager law disproportion- man then appeared to grab their passports and cross into ately hurts communities of colour is an important Canada. All eight were helped through the snow and taken reminder of just how bad the policy is,” state Sen. into custody by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as the Jim Ananich, a Democrat from Flint, said. U.S. officer watched from south of the border. LONDON, UK (Open Rights) — Journalists and whistleblow- ers could be sent to prison for PALM BEACH, U.S. (NPR/Telegraph) — United 14 years for exposing corrup- States President Donald Trump is spending week- tion and government wrong- ends in Florida at Mar-a-Lago. It seems Trump doing. The Government want a enjoys spending time at the club he owns in Palm new Espionage Act to increase Beach, but since the election, his stays there have penalties, and allow journalists raised issues not seen when he was a private handling secret documents to citizen. They involve security and the impact his be treated like spies. Their pro- visits are having on people and businesses. At posals would stop investigative Palm Beach County Park Airport, the situation is journalism and public-interest dire. For the fifth weekend since December, the whistle blowing concerning the airport has shut down. Whenever Trump is in Mar- secret state. Whistleblowers a-Lago, Federal Aviation Administration restric- and journalists wouldn’t be tions ban all flights out of the airport. Along with able to use a public interest losing money at its airports, Palm Beach County defence to protect themselves is worried about the police overtime it’s racking if they were prosecuted under up while Trump is here: $1.5 million so far. Fighter the proposed Espionage Act. jets were scrambled to intercept an unresponsive Journalists would have to turn aircraft near to Trump’s retreat on Friday. The down requests to investigate incident took place at around 7pm. It took place and report—or risk jail. Jour- a matter of hours after two objects, including a nalists and whistleblowers rock, were thrown at Mr Trump’s motorcade on wouldn’t have to give the his way to his retreat from the airport. The alert documents to foreign powers, ended when the F-15 fighter jets were able to cause harm or even publish the establish contact with the aircraft. documents to be jailed for 14 years.

CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO (Telegraph) — Life forms sealed inside crystals for up to 60,000 years have been revived by NASA, rais- ing hopes that alien organisms could be found on other planets. BANJUL, GAMBIA (Belfast Tele- Penelope Boston, director of NASA’s Astrobiology Institute, and graph) —Gambia’s new president her team have spent years exploring Mexico’s Naica Mine, which promised greater freedom and an contain caves as large as cathedrals. “Much to my surprise we got improved economy as thousands things to grow,” said Dr Boston. “It was laborious. We lost some of attended a ceremony marking his them - that’s just the game. They’ve got needs we can’t fulfil. That inauguration after a tense polit- part of it was really like zoo keeping.” Around 100 different bugs, ical stand-off with the country’s which were mostly bacteria, were found inside crystals, where former leader. “This is a victory they had been trapped for between 10,000 and 60,000 years. 90 for democracy. It is a victory for all per cent had never been seen before. Gambians,” President Adama Bar- row said to a packed stadium near the capital that included dignitaries and several African heads of state. CAUCA, COLOMBIA (BBC) — The last 300 members of Colombia’s largest rebel group, the Farc, have ar- rived in their transition zone to disarm. Farc negotia- tors signed a revised peace deal with the Colombian PORTO NOVO, BENIN (Reuters) — Four government on 24 November to end more than five Christian priests from a Benin anti-voodoo decades of armed conflict. Under the accord, the cult were arrested and charged on Thursday rebels agreed to move into 26 transition zones. Most for their suspected role in five deaths during of the 6,900 rebel members arrived on foot, by bus prayers held last month in anticipation of and boat travelling long distances from jungle camps. the end of the world. The followers of the The rebels have been complaining that the transition “Very Holy Church of Jesus Christ of Ban- zones have not been finished yet and in some cases ame” died after they were instructed to seal the fighters had to set up camps themselves. off their prayer rooms, burn incense and ANCONCAGUA, ARGENTINA (BBC) charcoal and wait for the world to end, res- — At least 19 people were killed when a idents and a survivor told Reuters. Others coach overturned on a remote road in the were treated in hospital for severe breath- Argentinian Andes, near the border with ing problems. The four priests were charged QUITO, ECUADOR (Science Daily) — University of British Columbia mi- Chile, officials say. A survivor who was not with manslaughter in the capital Porto crobiologists have found a yeast in the gut of new babies in Ecuador that identified said that the coach had been Novo and were sent to prison pending trial. appears to be a strong predictor that they will develop asthma in childhood. travelling too fast, despite the concerns of The group’s young woman leader, Vicentia The new research furthers our understanding of the role microscopic passengers. The crash happened near Ac- Chanvoukini, known as “Lady Perfect” and organisms play in our overall health. “Children with this type of yeast called oncagua, the highest mountain outside of considered a god by her followers, was not Pichia were much more at risk of asthma,” said Brett Finlay, a microbiologist Asia. The Chilean company that operated charged. “Those who died are not really at UBC. “This is the first time anyone has shown any kind of association the vehicle says it is striving to ascertain members of the church, they are people between yeast and asthma.” the identities of the dead. who came to test us,” she told local radio. www.thewordmedia.org.uk WORLD NEWS February 2017. 33

GLOBAL HEADLINE – BLACKBURN, UK – (medicalxpress) Researchers exploring an increase in mortality in England and Wales conclude that failures in the health and social care sys- tem are linked to disinvestment. There were 30,000 excess deaths in 2015, representing the largest increase in deaths in the post-war period. Reporting their analysis in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, the researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, tested four possible explanations. After ruling out data errors, cold weather and flu as main causes for the spike, the researchers found clear evidence of health system failures. Almost all targets were missed including ambulance call-out times and A&E waiting times, despite unexceptional A&E attendances compared to the same month in previous years. Professor Martin McKee, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “The impact of cuts resulting from the imposition of austerity on the NHS has been profound. Expenditure has failed to keep pace with demand and the situation has been exacerbated by dramatic reductions in the welfare budget of £16.7 billion and in social care spending.” He added: “With an aging population, the NHS is ever more dependent on a well-functioning social care system. Yet social care has also faced severe cuts, with a 17% decrease in spending for older people since 2009, while the number of people aged 85 years and over has increased by 9%. To maintain current levels of social care would require an extra £1.1 billion, which the government has refused.”

SHEFFIELD, U.K. (BT) — Murder detectives are probing the fatal MUNICH, GERMANY (Reuters) — Russia was behind a false report of a rape by German soldiers in Lithuania street shooting of a 23-year-old man in Sheffield. The young victim that was intended to undermine support for NATO’s new eastern force, a senior NATO general said on Saturday, was said to have been shot in the chest while on his way to a family warning Europe to expect more such “fake news”. Petr Pavel, who heads NATO’s military committee, said he also celebration near the Upperthorpe area of the city. Named locally as hoped to hold the first telephone call in more than two years with Russia’s military chiefs in coming weeks. There Aseel, friends described him as a “decent guy” who was “always ap- he will outline why NATO believes its biggest military build-up since the end of the Cold War is not a threat to the proachable”. Detectives have appealed for information over the killing, Kremlin. Pavel, a Czech army general, said a claim that German-speaking men raped a 15-year-old girl last week the latest in a spate of shootings to hit the city in recent weeks. South in a Lithuanian town close to a German army barracks “was not based on real events”. An email making the claim Yorkshire Police said they were called at 1.35pm on Saturday to Daniel was sent to the speaker of Lithuanian’s parliament on Tuesday. “It is clearly fake news and I believe we should Hill, Walkley, where they discovered a man with a gunshot wound. expect more of this,” Pavel told Reuters in an interview, citing conversations with the German and Lithuanian defence ministers. Estonia’s Foreign Minister Sven Mikser also blamed Russia and said he expected more “hostile propaganda” over the troop presence. Pavel said Russia was “not pleased” by the deployment of NATO troops closer to its border. “It will likely use legal means, such as propaganda and they will try to influence public opinion against the deployments,” he said. “It will get stronger ... but we will be transparent, consistent.”

WENZHOU, CHINA (Reuters) — China will sus- pend all imports of coal from North Korea start- ing Feb. 19, the country’s commerce ministry said KANAZAWA, JAPAN (Reuters) — After prostate in a notice posted on its website on Saturday, as removal for cancer, men sometimes complain to their part of its efforts to implement United Nations doctors that their penis shrank, but a new study from sanctions against the country. The Ministry of Japan suggests they should not lose hope. Following Commerce said in a short statement that the ban men for up to two years after surgery, researchers would be effective until Dec. 31. The ministry did found the patients’ penises were shortest a few days not say why all shipments would be suspended, after their procedures. Penis lengths generally re- but South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported turned to normal after one year, however. The study’s last week that a shipment of North Korean coal lead author said the research was started after encoun- worth around $1 million was rejected at Wen- tering a few patients complaining of penis shortening zhou port on China’s eastern coast. after prostate removal, which is known medically as a radical prostatectomy. Past reports mentioned shortened penises after prostate removal, but the results were a bit different, said Dr. Yoshifumi Kadono, of Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine Science.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Reuters) – A United States aircraft carrier strike group has begun patrols in the South China Sea amid growing tension with China over MOSUL, IRAQ (CNN) — Iraq launched an control of the disputed waterway and concerns it could PARIS, FRANCE (Telegraph) operation to regain control of western Mo- become a flashpoint under the new U.S. administra- — A workmen’s café in central sul from ISIS militants weeks after it seized tion. China’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday warned BARCELONA, France was overwhelmed with the eastern part, Prime Minister Haider Washington against challenging its sovereignty in the SPAIN (Independ- gourmet customers and TV al-Abadi said Sunday. The Prime Minister South China Sea. The U.S. navy said the force, including ent) — At least crews after it was awarded a described the operation, which comes Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, began 160,000 protest- Michelin star — by mistake, it after Iraq recaptured eastern Mosul, a “new routine operations in the South China Sea on Saturday. ers have marched later turned out. Prospective dawn” in the liberation of Mosul. He urged in Barcelona to de- customers were astound- Iraqi organizations to provide humanitarian mand that Spain’s ed when they turned up at services and support to the liberated area. conservative-led the Bouche à Oreille, in the “Go forward with my blessing, heroic forces government small town of Bourges, to of Iraq,” he said on state television. The Iraqi increase its efforts find a cheap and cheerful air force dropped millions of leaflets over to take in refugees eatery serving a fixed price western Mosul late Saturday, warning from war-torn lunch menu with homemade residents of an offensive by ground forces countries like Syria. lasagne or beef bourguignon on the ISIS-held part of the city. The area has Spain has accepted for about €10 (£8.50). The been targeted only by airstrikes in the past. just 1,100 refugees Michelin Guide apologised, Iraqi forces have had control of the eastern of the over 17,000 saying it had confused the part of the city, which is divided by the Tigris it has pledged to café with a more refined River, since January. take in. Marchers establishment of the same held a large banner name near Paris. The listing and signs in Catalan was changed on its website, with the slogans but not until two days later. AUKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (Telegraph) — Geologists claim to have discovered a ‘Enough Excuses! Véronique Jacquet, who runs new continent to the east of Australia: Zealandia. At 4.9 million square kilometres Take Them In Now!’ the café, said it had a regular of land mass, 94 per cent of which is under water, Zealandia would be the world’s and ‘No More clientèle of local tradesmen. smallest continent. The 11 scientists behind the claim presented their findings in Deaths, Open The “Suddenly, we were rushed the study “Zealandia: Earth’s Hidden Continent” in Geological Society of America, Borders!’ as they off our feet. Reporters were making a case for Zealandia to be recognised as the world’s eighth continent in its made their way coming in and then my son own right. According to their study, the land mass comprises all the four attributes through the city phoned me from Paris, where needed to be considered a continent, including the presence of different rock centre to its Medi- he lives. He almost died types and crucially “the high elevation relative to regions floored by oceanic crust.” terranean coast. laughing.” “It was not a sudden discovery but a gradual realisation,” the scientists wrote. 34 February 2017. POLITICS AND EVENTS www.thewordmedia.org.uk

FAKEaul Nuttall is from Albania NEWS (OR IS IT?) and went to Charterhouse with Wayne Rooney’s cous- Pin Keith. Whilst there he played Isaac Asimov at chess, losing in 5 moves. As a waiter in the Bullingdon club he attempted to piss in the Soup, but missed. It was so foamy that Heston Blumenthal won his first Dunlop Star using it as a dress- ing for Trout with jam.

Across the Antarctic species of Elk, Reindeer and Eskimos are be- ing harassed by feral GNU’s. GNU is an acronym for German Native Unwashed. Further proof of the breakdown of international- ism and the fall of establishments. Bloody crusties, I mean its like the sodding 80’s all over again. If we still had a police force they should kick these GNU’s shirtless. Oh hang on its not in Britain, or is it? I’m off to Anfield/Goodison or Tranmere, depending on the bus I get on. Vote UKIP you daft blerts! P. Nutter.

I’ve just chinned my missus in Hanley Aldi. She suggested we try P. Nuttall the UKIP nobhead. Im- agine the laugh we had in the Am- bulance as the bottle of Peanut Oil was being removed from my anus. We are lifelong working class Tories......

Anna Soubry is sueing Waitrose over their 3 bird roast recipe, which she claims was her families secret recipe. She told me personally that it was uncanny the similarity and in fact she stated that not thrash- ing them to death whilst pissed up barely affected the taste. Stoke Central constituency push- Council chiefs in Southend On Oh and Stoke Central is a La- ing a leaflet through the door of an Sea have announced that three bour shitstorm, even if they win elderly lady then urinating on the beaches on the seafront will run a with an increased majority. wall of the house – and then, when trial this summer where ladies will John Piennars. Nantwich. the resident comes out to remon- be asked to cover up while sun- strate with him, trying to force his bathing. It has just been revealed to our way into her house in what must these so-called ‘Modesty Beach ace reporter, Scoop Taylor, that have been a terrifying assault. Areas’ will be set up to attract visi- Paul Nuttall did indeed lose close tors from all over the UK who may friends at Hillsborough. These The new USA government be uncomfortable with the sight were the two witnesses that could department that deals with fake of ‘excessive bare female skin’ for prove he was there. news is seeking jurisdiction over a number of either cultural or reli- Tony Blair has been spotted worldwide media. This will in- gious reasons. at the Baum pub in Rochdale clude all British newspapers and talking with Simon Danczuk and TV stations. It is to be controlled by Russia was behind a false re- Nigel Farage about the formation The Countries United News Topic port of a rape by German soldiers in of a new political party that they Service. The decision of this bunch Lithuania that was intended to un- hope will be both nationalist and will be final. dermine support for NATO’s new socialist. Footballer Christiano Ronaldo eastern force, a senior NATO gener- Tongues were wagging in the will be the first current top flight al said on Saturday, warning Europe house of commons bar as Theresa player to come out as gay at the end to expect more such “fake news”. May was overheard to declare rath- of the season. Our sources have re- Petr Pavel, who heads NATO’s er loudly that she quite fancied Jer- vealed that the homophobia over military committee, said he also emy Corbyn. Having interviewed this announcement was the real hoped to hold the first telephone JC last week it did seem strange reason behind David Beckham’s call in more than two years with that JC called her by her first name. not receiving a Knighthood. Russia’s military chiefs in coming This might also account for Dianne weeks. There he will outline why Abbot’s recent mood swings. The NHS has improved bril- NATO believes its biggest military Shocking CCTV video footage liantly under the Tories with mira- build-up since the end of the Cold has emerged of a UKIP leafleter in cle cures for everything. War is not a threat to the Kremlin. www.thewordmedia.org.uk POLITICS AND EVENTS February 2017. 35

By Peter Stefanovic

e live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world yet over Wa million people are forced to rely on food bank hand outs to survive. 400,000 children have to use food banks every year. Parents are going without a meal, sometimes for days at a time, so their children have enough to eat and GPs are prescribing nutritional drinks to starving patients as malnu- trition soars. Those with disability have been trapped in their homes, abandoned and forgotten and tens of thousands of disabled people have been hit by cruel benefit sanc- tions. The elderly are forced to sell their homes, to leave their loved ones and a lifetime of memories, and those who remain, heartbroken by a country that has forgotten both them and the sacrifices they made, must choose between heat for their homes or a meal for the table. Many cannot do even that! Thousands of sick have died after this Govern- ment has declared them fit for work and the homeless, cold and hungry, are now dying on our streets.

Seventeen million people have less then £100 in savings. Just think about that for a minute, that’s seventeen million people just a heartbeat away from being thrown onto the street with their families and children. This week we learned 19 million are on the edge of pover- ty even though nearly all have a job and its going to get worse. Research by the Joseph Rowntree Founda- tion has found that 30% of the population,19 million people, are SO MUCH FOR now below the “minimum stand- ard income” (MIS). The number below MIS has risen by 4 million since 2008/9. 11 million people are at least 75% below MIS and at high risk of poverty and 8 million are just about managing to get by! THERESA MAYS This Government is plunging the people in this country into a level of poverty not seen since the Vic- torian age and with it we’ve seen the return of diseases long thought eradicated like scarlet fever. The SHARED SOCIETY! number of children estimated to cally died after being turned away care according to recent research £10 billion extra funding for the singled out Mr Hunt as one of the now be living in poverty is four mil- from three different hospitals and we are talking 30,000 excess NHS has been proved to be com- most passionate advocates for pa- lion and what is the Governments because of a shortage of beds! In deaths in 2015 alone! It’s time for the pletely untrue! And let’s not forget tients and doctors. That’s sheer stu- response to that? Let’s disown it by spite of an ageing population and Government to face the Truth of the he plans a further £22 billion of pidity in light of his record and says abolishing the Child Poverty Unit! increasing costs of treatment, NHS deadly effects of its austerity cuts. cuts to local services by 2020! as much about her own judgement funding, no matter what the Gov- as it does his! The simple fact of the By stealth, erosion of Legal ernment says, is growing at its low- An analysis published by Age This is also the man who matter is that by reason of incom- Aid and an increase in court fees, est rate since records began in 1955 UK suggests almost 1.2 million peo- scrapped bursaries for student petence or design the Torys cannot in some cases to a staggering and 19 NHS hospitals face closure! ple aged 65 and over don’t receive nurses causing a huge drop in ap- be trusted with the NHS and public £10,000, the Government has cre- Even so it was revealed this week the care and support they need plicants at a time when we have a spending cuts, tax burdens at a 30 ated a two tier system of Justice in that hospital trusts are to be ham- with essential daily activities such desperate shortage of nurses and year high and a rising national debt the UK, one for the rich and one for mered by business rate rises whilst as eating, dressing and bathing. is still railroading through an un- rubbish any suggestion of Tory the poor, the latter offering little or web giants like Amazon see costs This figure has rocketed by 17.9% safe and discriminatory contract economic competence! no Justice at all. fall! The first overhaul of levies in in just a year and by almost 50% for 54,000 Junior doctors which seven years is expected to clobber since 2010! will see them working longer hours Homelessness soaring, child Nine out ten NHS trusts say NHS trusts and family doctors with at a time when a resent study has poverty soaring, malnutrition soar- their hospitals have been at unsafe a multi million pound hike! The Prime Minister continues found many are already falling ing! For Theresa May to suggest levels of overcrowding. A and Es to maintain she has every confi- asleep at the wheels of their cars that the Tory party is a party of have an average waiting time of 14 The NHS is facing a crisis in mor- dence in her Health secretary, Jer- driving home! So why, we might social justice is an insult to every hours and 60,000 people wait on al, funding and staffing and social emy Hunt which is surprising to ask ourselves, does May say she man, women and child in this trollies for up to 12 hours just to get and mental health services are at say the least given he’s the man has every confidence in Mr Hunt? country. She is guilty of grotesque a bed. Patients are dying on hos- the point of imminent collapse. An responsible for the longest A and Confidence to do what exactly? hypocrisy by pretending to care pitals trollies and within the past unprecedented rise in mortality in E waiting times since 2004, fewer The only logical answer appears about “ordinary working people.” week we’ve been told a mother England and Wales is likely to be beds and doctors then almost any- to be to break the NHS in order to SO MUCH FOR THERESA MAYS needing emergency surgery tragi- linked to cuts to the NHS and Social where in the EU and his claims of privatise it. Theresa May has even ‘SHARED SOCIETY!’ 36 February 2017. POLITICS AND EVENTS www.thewordmedia.org.uk

100%UR OMOVGENT & recall accACCountabilityOUNTABILITY 4 momentum constitution ccountability now- Pure tion breaching Labour conference OMOV means: 1) anyone rules to deny delegates a card vote can be on the ballot 2) in 2016. Corrective action is there- Aunions & minority mem- fore urgent. bers don’t get to vote twice. Recall The proposal here is that we means: - 3) withdraw your vote at separately accept principles listed any time to re-elect someone as rules 1 to 4 below. THE PURE OMOV RECALL AC- With sufficient support, we can COUNTABILITY ORGANISATION agree which of the other rules are Fully democratic control of an necessary. Or vote on this as a start organisation by the membership point for fully democratic consti- can ONLY be ended through “pure tution to be amended by further OMOV” where union and minori- OMOV ballots. ty and other bodies do not get ex- I allege that the fundamentals tra votes. Anything less than full below must be accepted and im- OMOV is open to gerrymandering plemented immediately in any as representation by unions is nev- organisation proposing to be dem- er perfectly proportionate to other ocratic. Including momentum. members and some unions suffer RULES demonstrably corrupt electoral A) FUNDAMENTALS processes. Unless officials are elect- “PURE OMOV” ed by OMOV (e.g. JC) members lose 1) “PURE OMOV” elections re- the ability to elect those who truly turn candidates only to commit- represents us at senior levels, and, tees and other representative bod- more importantly, have the bodies ies where every member on that they sit on behave in a representa- committee was elected by a vote tive way. only of individual members and/ Even where the membership or personally voluntarily paid up does elect by OMOV the elector- affiliated people. See Note 1 for an ate can become very disillusioned example. with a person (e.g. TW). Recall with “NOMINATION” maximum terms is therefore nec- 2) To prevent nomination essary rather than fixed terms. processes and disciplinary proce- OMOV and Recall makes de- dures denying entry to candidates mocracy responsive to its elec- who retain the confidence of the torate. These are minimum membership and therefore reduce standards for those who are truly the quality of candidates elect- candidate is supplied alongside committee must occur with an im- have been voted into the commit- pursuing democracy and not dic- ed, candidates do not need to be their name and surname. Mem- mediate OMOV re-election ballot tee had their withdrawn votes not tatorship. Anything less is vulner- nominated in a PURE OMOV pro- bers are entitled to vote for any where a majority of the elector- have been cast in the original vote. able to becoming a dictatorship. cess. Before an OMOV takes place, candidate and in the event that ate vote in support of a no confi- To do this members must submit Neither the Momentum nation- every member is sent an invitation their candidate is not on the ballot, dence motion. A no confidence the second half of their ballot pa- al coordination committee de- to nominate electronically at their the only thing required to make motion can be called by the lower per, which will be identifiable as scribed in Lansmans constitution registered email address. Every their candidate a candidate is for of 10% of all members OR 5000 genuine by a serial number, with nor Labour’s NEC would qualify person, even a non-member, who a member to write their name and members submitted to any stand- the mark by their candidate’s as democratic under these rules. declares themselves to be a can- date of Birth legibly onto a ballot ing pure OMOV committee. A no name on it. Labour democracy and momen- didate, or is declared to be a can- paper. confidence motion will also be “TRANSPARENCY” tum democracy has been system- didate, is a candidate. The only re- “RECALL ACCOUNTABILITY” automatically be triggered where 4) Once manual ballots select atically undermined including quirement to be a candidate is that 3) A fresh election for the post enough people withdraw their this committee of people, their the losing side in the NEC elec- a date of birth or photograph of the of a committee member or entire votes that that person would not meetings and every vote they take

Recently at 2016 Labour con- oppose the bundled stack of pro- who were voted off the NEC have bers who engaged in smear cam- tion in decision making and candi- ference the NEC was hijacked posals. Eventually, the proposed now been illegitimately added paigns like Jasmine Beckett from date selection. by the outgoing members acting bundle passed with A majority, by two unelected, unlawful NEC the NEC and replacing them with Therefore we need new struc- through Paddy Lillis. Paddy, in vi- meaning that the party officials members. Corbynite NEC members. The tures, fully democratic ones, to olation of the Rules and therefore could now claim they been passed Imagine if on the final day of CLPD are the forefront of helping unite people Inside OR outside the law by denying a card vote to by conference. Given that the pro- parliament, after losing an elec- Jeremy and John McDonnell per- the party, and highlight where delegates demanding one, sim- cess had been unlawful, this means tion, the Tories used their major- form this vital work and it’s criti- people have not won a Legitimate ply bundled an unpopular rule that conference had acted beyond ity to add more Tories to parlia- cal that people up and down the democratic mandate quickly, re- change with around a dozen very its powers when it ratified these ment before the new parliament country help they do it. sponding to members changing popular rule changes. The unpop- Constitutional changes. took office. That is pretty much However, it’s not only impor- views, encouraging compromise ular rule change added two Blair- However, the party is still pre- what happened here. tant to try to resurrect Labour’s and discouraging the endless ites to the supreme NEC which tending these rules are lawful be- It makes it clear that the de- democracy, It’s also important to splits the left is known for. decides almost everything in cause none has opposed them in mocracy in the party is a sham. prepare for the possibility that it FUll OMOV with recall powers Labour, including the critical ele- court. That is not to say that all is can’t be saved. In that event, the seems to be a sensible unifier to me. ment of who is selected as a Parlia- This means that hundreds lost. Many members of the NEC Labour party is merely a mecha- Here’s a proposed constitution mentary candidate. of thousands of votes cast in the are elected. If Corbynites can elect nism for hijacking people’s naive which work as well as a Labour The Corbynite majority got NEC elections were effectively more Corbyn supporters to the enthusiasm for Corbyn while de- constitution as it would as a mo- confused and eventually didn’t overruled. 2 corbyn opponents NEC, shifting illegitimate mem- nying them meaningful participa- mentum constitution. www.thewordmedia.org.uk POLITICS AND EVENTS February 2017. 37

EVENTS

Wednesday 22nd MHELO ons and IWW Incarcerated, - improve mental health ser- 12:00–15:00 HMP Berwyn URGENT ACCOUNTABILITY vices and support for people. 10 things you need to know 100% OMOV & recall accountability 4 momentum constitution 17:00–19:00 Barnwood Business about the Trade Union Act 2016, ers, shareholders and chief exec- 13) All motions proposed will, Centre, Work, GL4 3 Gloucester, 12:30–13:30, The Law Society of utives of any pure OMOV recall except where the PORASEC or a Gloucestershire Scotland, Atria One, 144 Morrison accountability organisation must handwritten petition of 10% or of Art for Refugees, 18:00–20:30 Street, EH3 8EX Edinburgh, commit to making his organisation the membership or 5000 mem- EBRD Broadgate, 1 Exchange Eyeless In Gaza London Screening, fully liable to legally enforceable bers, whichever is the lower re- Square, EC2A 2JN, London Public · Hosted by Eyeless In repossession by its members in the quires that the motion go straight The NHS crisis and STPs – Gaza, 18:30–20:00, Picturehouse event that this model of democra- to the PORASEC, be voted on in how should Labour respond? Central London, tickets - peatix. cy and its supreme PURE OMOV an electronic forum (e.g. MXV). 19:00–21:00, Quinborne,Rid- com TRANSPARENT ACCOUNTABLE Handwritten petition motions as gacre Road, B32 2 Birmingham Taxes for Peace Bill Rally, committee is not obeyed by the described above arriving at the 19:00–21:00, Friends House, 173- actions of the organisation’s legally published office of the organi- Thursday 23rd Social me- 177 Euston Rd, London NW1 2BJ, registered directors. sation will be added to the most dia campaign to disrupt Cuadril- Anti-Trump Appreciation “PORASEC” qualification popular online motions to total la Fracking. See “Rising Up” on Night, Hosted by FDT Brighton, 9) Anyone seeking election as a 6 motions. Where there are more facebook for details. 22:00–3:00, Brighton. representative to an external or su- than 6 motions, those with the RenationaliseTheNHS DEMO, perior organisation which does not most members signatures will be Hosted by Darlo Young Labour, Tuesday 28th PAA London qualify as a PORASEC must sign a the 6 selected to be discussed by 12:00–14:00Darlington Market meeting - Banner Making and declaration that in the event that the PORASEC. The PORASEC will Square, Darlington, Co Durham NHS Privatisation debate they do not submit to and enforce discuss 6 motions each month Save NHS, Fight Austeri- Public · Hosted by Psycholo- the published mandates of the or- and take 3 hours to discuss each ty, Hosted by Socialist Party - gists Against Austerity, 18:30– ganisation’s PORASEC elected in motion before voting on it in its Portsmouth19:30–21:30,Fratton 21:00 this way (e.g. Labour NEC/ parlia- unaltered state. Trades Club, Fratton Road, PO1 ment), that they will resign their Changes to implementation 5AB Portsmouth Wednesday 1st Stop the seat at that organisation immedi- rules Arms Fair Communications Block- ately where this would trigger a 14) Changes to the rules above Friday 24th Birmingham - ade on the day! Na i’r Ffair Arfau, re-election of the seat from which may only be by OMOV ballot. Love Music Hate Racism, 19:00– Defnyddiwch Eich Llais ar y dydd! they resigned. Appendix A 1:00, The Crossing Digbeth, High Cardiff, Everywhere / Pobman External representation or elec- SUGGESTED SPECIFICS OF AN Street Deritend Digbeth, B5 5SU NHS Crisis Public Meeting tions INDIVIDUAL INITIAL IMPLEMEN- Birmingham. 20:00 Lewsey Farm Learning 10) Only a committee set up in TATION Centre in Luton accordance with the above rules 1) A PORASEC shall normally Saturday 25th Moortown can set up votes or subordinate consist of 11 members. Labour Campaign Day - Auster- Thursday 2nd Manchester bodies on purpose, principles, poli- 2) Counting of manual ballots ity Isn’t Working 10:00–12:00, Stands Up To Racism, 19:00 Me- cy, structure, budgets, promotions, should be done in many places to Waitrose Meanwood, LS6 4RJ chanics Institute in Manchester communications, expulsions, oth- prevent vote fraud, no individual Leeds The Big Housing Conver- er disciplinary procedures, and count venue being more than more Revolution: Russia 1917 - sation, Hosted by ACORN Bris- must be recorded and published. electronic votes on motions. Only a than 2% of the electorate or 100 one hundred years on, 10:00– tol17:45–20:00. City Hall, Bris- “CHAIR” committee set up under the above people, whichever is the greater. 18:00, Rich Mix London, 35 - 47 tol College Green, BS1 5 Bristol, 5) The committee member in rules may be accurately labelled 3) Postal votes should not be Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA www.eventbrite.co.uk attendance with the most votes “The PURE recall accountable allowed under any circumstances London, United Kingdom, www. Friday 3rd The Anti Auster- is the “chair” of the PORASEC and OMOV Supreme Executive Com- except where the organisation can eventbrite.co.uk ity Club presents Funky Fridays has executive control of meetings mittee (PORASEC)” reasonably afford the time and in- Stop Britain First, Telford, 20:00 The Hole in the Wall in while they remain so. Constitutional fundamentals vestment required to identify and Shropshire Antifa and Midlands Shrewsbury, Shropshire “Maximum Terms” change verify a representative sample of Anti-Fascist, 10:00–18:00, Telford. 6) Where there are no recall 11) Change of the fundamental not less than 5% of the votes as March to save the Minor In- Saturday 4th It’s Our NHS elections, Pure OMOV Recall ac- rules listed above can only be per- true before an election result is an- juries Unit, Clacton Labour Party, - National Demonstration to countable members must stand formed after 1 year’s written no- nounced. 12:00–14:00, Sea Front CO15 1RH defend the NHS 12:00–17:00 for re-election every 2 years or a tice to all existing members of the 4) Personal compensation for Clacton-on-Sea Tavistock Square, London, WC1, duration specified by a Pure OMOV intent to change the wording in a work on either committee will not Leeds Stand Up to Racism marching to Parliament Square. vote to be not longer than 4 years pure OMOV YES/ NO vote set up by exceed the mean wage in the na- Rally & workshops, 12:00–15:00, We’re Not Leaving Un- or shorter than 6 months. the PORASEC. tion in which it is based. Leeds Civic Hall, Portland Cres- til We Save Our NHS! Occu- “Membership Resurrection” B) MOTIONS of a PURE OMOV 5) Basic membership and affil- cent, LS1 3 Leeds py Parliament Square. Host- 7) In the event that a recall elec- RECALL ACCOUNTABILITY OR- iation fees shall be no more than ‘Noam Chomsky’s The Re- ed by Anon UK TV, 4 March tion is not called within 3 months GANISATION one ten thousandth of the mean sponsibility of Intellectuals, at 17:00 to 18 March at 17:0 of the time required, a petition of 12) A separate committee is waged salary for the country where Noam Chomsky (live video link Our NHS Cornwall, 14:15–15:00, 10% of the membership or 5000 elected by the same pure OMOV the member or affiliate wishes to from Arizona, USA) Hosted by Lemon Quay, Truro, TR1 members, whichever is the low- and pure recall process, again with join. Jacqueline Walker, 13:00–18:30, er or a recall trigger as described published meetings and votes. No Appendix B) The Cruciform Lecture Thea- Monday 6th Honno & WEN above can authorise control of the member of the PORASEC may be NOTES tre, University College London, Wales: International Women’s election to a person nominated by elected to the second committee 1) e.g. A union who had 30,000 WC1E 6BT. Day 2017, Aberystwyth Arts Cen- the petition as having the neces- the second committee’s purpose is members but only 300 voluntary Ulusal Sağlık Servisi NHS’de tre in Aberystwyth, 19:00. sary equipment and support to ar- solely to administer the discussion, paying affiliated people to the or- neler oluyor? Halk Toplantsı, range the vote in accordance with ownership, prioritisation and vot- ganisation, would enjoy only 300 16:00–18:00, North London Tuesday 7th End the Tory the rules. The executive must at ing on proposals for the PORASEC votes (one per member) in the Community House, 22 Moore- Austerity Assault on Women, this point provide that person and to assess the following month. This election for the committee in ques- field Road, N17 6PY. 18:00 SOAS University of Lon- subordinates he appoints access to committee shall be labelled “The tion, not a guaranteed place and don in London, membership data reasonably re- motions censorship committee”, therefore would have to be more Monday 27th Protest Na i Chesterfield Stand Up To Rac- quired to run the election. it will also have 11 members with popular and perceived to have Garchardai - No New Prisons! ism Public Meeting 19:30 Saints “Legal control” the one with the most votes being more value by those in support of Hosted by Manchester No Pris- Parish Centre in Chesterfield 8) The directors, trustees, own- labelled “chairperson”. momentum. 38 February 2017. SPORTS www.thewordmedia.org.uk

he village of Nieciecza in the firepower of the striker Emil southern Poland is not a Drozdowicz. place you would expect Tto find a top-flight football For a team backed by con- team, surrounded as it is by rural struction companies, it is apt that cornfields, the pretty river Duna- their success appears to have been jec and a huge factory that manu- founded on having the right tools factures paving slabs and building for the task at hand. Most clubs materials at its northern end. But would have stuck with a man who up at the north-eastern corner is had achieved such a stunning feat the home of Bruk-Bet Termalica but after Mandrysz guided Nieciec- Nieciecza, a club that are defy- za to a respectable 13th-place finish ing all expectations by occupying in their debut top-flight season in fourth place in the Ekstraklasa, 2015-16, he was let go. In his place where they sit just six points be- they appointed Czeslaw Mich- hind the leaders, Jagiellonia Bialy- niewicz, nicknamed the Polish stok, before the league resumes on Mourinho due to his tactical nous 10 February. and preference for focusing on a well-drilled defensive system (Bol- Their recently renovated stadi- ton-era Sam Allardyce would per- um is an incongruous sight, with haps be a better fit). Given that he its modern shiny facade and new- has taken the club to within sight ly built car park set against a vil- of European football thanks to his lage that consists of no more than unlovely but hugely effective style a handful of streets and just over the move appears to have been 700 people. But it is also a source a well thought through upgrade. of great pride for a group of people Pragmatism is something the club who can now safely say they hail does very well. When there was a from the smallest place in Europe problem with Pogon Szczecin fans to host a major nation top-tier foot- attempting to start trouble outside ball team. the ground some years ago, the police gave chase and lost them There are echoes of Hoffen- in the overgrown corn fields that heim in the Polish club’s rapid surrounded it. Witkowski now en- rise but while Dietmar Hopp used sures nearby land is well kept so money he made in the software there is, quite literally, nowhere for business to fund the German club’s hooligans to hide. ascent, the owner of Nieciecza, to hold such a lofty position at a it is far from the cultural attractions huge way, investing in drones to re- Krzysztof Witkowski – who grew But it is not Krzysztof who is Polish club – and let’s be honest, of a major city (Tarnow is 20km cord positional patterns in training up in the village – has backed the the chief decision-maker on foot- it’sPolish not the norm at most football away and is home to just over sessions soFootball they can give players club with cash he has generated balling matters at Nieciecza. His clubs wherever they are – but she 100,000 people) is not an attrac- videos to analyse at home. from Bruk-Bet, the building mate- wife, Danuta, is the club president has earned great respect for her tive option for players but agents rials company he founded around and it is she who pulls the strings no-nonsense approach to business are increasingly recommending In an interview with the Pol- 30 years ago that still stands there and handles transfers, contract and, in a league in which corrup- Nieciecza to clients due to Danu- ish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, today. He began with a mixer and negotiations and discussions with tion and golden handshakes have ta’s blunt reliability when it comes Michniewicz was repeatedly asked his own bare hands and built it up the manager and staff about what been rumoured to take place, her to discussing wages and paying questions about his modern meth- into one of Poland’s most success- is needed for the team to succeed. above-board approach has been players on time (something that is ods and he admitted that if results ful businesses. Now he appears to It is not the norm for a woman welcomed. The club, based where not always guaranteed in Poland). go badly he risks ridicule by con- be doing the same again with his servative commentators who see local team, who little over a decade The appointment of a smart his approach as being a bit gim- ago were amateurs kicking around young analyst in Kamil Potrykus micky. But he believes the small in the sixth tier of Polish football. (who spent time over Christmas details have made a big difference. studying Aitor Karanka’s meth- “We train as much using our heads Having raced through the pyra- ods at Middlesbrough and is the as our feet,” he said. “This is, as mid between 2004 and 2010 they former managing director of the the Americans say, total immer- reached the second division, where International Professional Scout- sion, total immersion. Footballers many thought they would do well ing Organisation) has helped in should devote themselves to their to cling on to their status. But with matters of reporting back in detail work. Without having the biggest additional sponsorship from the on opponents and has given Mich- budget or the widest staff and the insulation company Termalica and niewicz the ammunition to target best coach, we are in fourth place some shrewd signings the club sur- weaknesses among the league’s … drones can’t score goals, but they passed all expectations. In 2015, established clubs. It is an approach can help us win a few matches. I they finished second and gained that is the norm at big clubs but recently bought a programme for entry to the Ekstraklasa thanks to Nieciecza have had to catch on analysis, LongoMatch, specially promotion specialist Piotr Man- quickly – and they have. They have prepared for us in Spain. Now we drysz’s expert management and also embraced technology in a are the forerunners with it but in www.thewordmedia.org.uk SPORTS February 2017. 39

number) and lack of atmosphere. But since then there has been a growing admiration for the team’s acclimatisation. Far from being an enlivening experience, a visit to the countryside has been a stifling ordeal for big city guests. Nieciecza 5th Round reports do not score many but when they do they make them count. Games were often won in the final minutes, but not by City, In August and September they whose players were thinking about what they could #tweet after beat Lechia Gdansk 2-1 and Legia the game. Warsaw by the same score (they’re unbeaten in three matches against Burnley 0 Lincoln 1 Poland’s most successful club) Stanley Acrimonious said: This could be a fantastic game, and a and they’ve held two other major warm winter stew made with all the bits that are left when the knee clubs, Jagiellonia Bialystok, and kicking is over. fifth-placed Lech Poznan – who The Reality: Burnley spurned their chances; obviously not they face on Friday when the sea- fancying a trip across the cabbage fields, and following a corner son resumes – to 0-0 draws. Thor- Tom Heaton pushed away centre-half Sean Raggett’s header, but ough match-by-match preparation was behind the line when he did so. appears to be working. They have successfully scouted the Slovaki- Middlesbrough 3 Oxford United 2 an market with Samuel Stefanik Stanley said: OK Oxford, it’s been fun; but it stops here, right? and Patrik Misak among seven The Reality: It really was fun, with a couple of spectacular Slovaks on the club’s books who goals, but it ended here; despite the visitors pulling it back to have impressed this season and 2-2 in the second half, the hosts scored in the 87th minute to end in their top-scoring Latvian striker Oxford’s Cup run. Now others are talking about ’Boro as possible Vladislavs Gutkovskis they have a winners of the competition, so I might go cool and start to tip talented 21-year-old who will only someone else. improve and has been likened to Romelu Lukaku by Michniewicz. Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 Chelsea 2 They even have a Brazilian, the Stanley said: This depends on whether Chelsea turn up thinking full-back Guilherme, who helps they’ve won already. If Costa is playing, there will definitely be some add just a smidgen of flair on the knee kicking, or rolling around, or both. There might even be some left flank and the centre-back Ar- goals. tem Putivcev got a surprise call-up The Reality: Chelsea turned up and had to work; goals from by Ukraine early in the season and Pedro and Costa won the game, despite a fierce performance from is one of the main reasons Nieciec- Wolves. za do not concede many goals. Huddersfield Town 0 Manchester City 0 On top of this, Krzysztof has It was City who didn’t turn up today; and Pep has to hope he rebuilt the stadium to meet the can pep them up for the replay. But don’t count on it. If they do league’s licensing requirements in manage to win, try not to look at the expressions on their big less than six months. If a challenge silly faces as they take their lowly opposition to pieces at home is put in front of the Witkowskis, while their fans celebrate as though the large amount of someone they rise to it. When the village else’s money spent purchasing some overpriced lazy-bonesies school closed due to a lack of mon- hasn’t helped to buy all their success in the recent past. All over ey they built a new one and Danuta to Manchester on the 28th, and back to Huddersfield to celebrate has since been awarded the Medal whatever the score. of the National Education Commis- sion for the philanthropic gesture. Millwall 1 Leicester City 0 The stadium is also home to a state- Stanley said: Leicester will struggle through the replay with of-the-art 5D cinema for public use Derby and with another away tie. Someone you’ve never heard of and the couple regularly make char- will score a cracking goal. Then I’ll tell you about it. itable donations to a range of causes. The Reality: Struggling against ten men at Millwall, Leicester, in red, might have fared better against Double Gloucester, after Polish Football The symbol on the village crest defender Cooper played a pooper, kicking the ball out of the – inherited by the football team – is keeper’s hands (the ref’s never going to allow that Jakey, even for that of an elephant. Nobody knows Millwall at home) and then knee kicking Musa right up in the air, why but it dates back to around resulting in his second yellow card. The ‘cracking goal’ was scored 1870 and is apt for a village that has in the 90th minute by Shaun Cummings whose run in the penalty never let its size prevent it from be- box foxed four opponents. Cummings reminds me of me at the ing culturally on a par with much same age; beats you close in. bigger towns and cities. In the ear- ly 20th century the villagers stood Fulham 0 Tottenham 3 apart for their interest in the arts Stanley said: Let me not intrude on what is going to be a bit of and amateur dramatics in particu- private grief; but I do hope there will be some token knee kicking, just lar, with Krzysztof’s family being to show that it isn’t entirely fixed. keen enthusiasts – his father took a The Reality: The grief was entirely Fulham’s. They might five years everyone will use this. the team meets with the president course in set design. Now it is the console themselves that only England Centre Forward and Spurs However, I hope that then we’ll [Danuta]. Thanks to this she knows football team that is flying the flag captain ‘Hurricane’ Harry Kane managed to score against them. have something else.” about all our problems and she is for this small community. That he scored three completely buried them. easier to work with. She asks about Michniewicz believes that with the wellbeing of all the players with If Nieciecza do surpass all ex- Blackburn 1 Black Sox 2 the family-orientated approach of the care of a mother.” pectations and qualify for Europe Stanley said: I cannot see Manchester Black Sox losing at the Witkowskis and the close ties this season, don’t expect the Wit- Blackburn, but this one might go to a replay. between players and staff – many of The club’s arrival in the elite kowskis to rest on their laurels and The Reality: Black Sox dominated play, and although them live on the same estate – the league was at first met with be- view it as an achievement that they Blackburn took the lead, Marcus Rashford equalised fifteen positive atmosphere at Nieciecza musement and they were deri- can sit back and admire. The cou- minutes before half time. Sox’s bench had more talent sitting on is a chief strength. “At bigger clubs sively called the “peasants” by ple who made their money in the it than in the entire Blackburn team, and on the hour Pogba and relationships with owners are dif- rival fans who snorted at the low concrete business, will want to mix Ibrahimović came on to ensure appearance bonuses. Ibra scored ficult but here they are available gates of around 2,000 for home it with the big boys and continue after 75 minutes to put Blackburn out. at any time. At least once a week games (they are still averaging this building. LINCOLN

incoln City, backed by over saw his first time effort fly over Southwell replaced Jack Muldoon corners and when the second was 3,000 noisy fans, gave the bar. up front. Quarter played deep by Habergham, the FORthe players a rapturous In the 55th minute THE Tarkowski In the 73rd minute Ashley CUP?unmarked Waterfall headed back Lreception as they took to somehow escaped a yellow card Barnes replaced the ineffec- final draw into the mix and there at the back the field and once the pre-match after flattening Rhead and a cou- tive Sam Vokes up front for the post was SEAN RAGGETT to send Chelsea v Manchester United formalities were done and dusted ple of minutes later Power was Clarets and five minutes later the Imps into raptures by heading Burnley kicked off. grounded by a Barton elbow a foul on Gray by Raggett gave Middlesbrough v Huddersfield over the line. It was a quiet opening as both which the referee deemed to be a the hosts a free-kick but Far- Town or Manchester City Lincoln City held out sides settled into proceedings but fair challenge. man claimed Barnes’s header though and when referee Scott Tottenham Hotspur v things almost came to life in the An off the ball incident involv- following Barton’s chipped de- blew for time, the history mak - fifth minute when good work by ing Rhead and Barton saw referee livery. Millwall Sutton United ing Imps booked their place in Nathan Arnold saw him create Scott speak to both players in the With a minute of normal time or Arsenal v Lincoln City the QUARTER FINALS of the space and find Muldoon but he 63rd minute, just before Dayle remaining City forced a couple of FA Cup!