Leila's blog

Wed, Dec 26, 2007

Merry Christmas

Nadolig Llawen

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas, Solstice or which ever festivities you may be celebrating to brighten these long winter nights. I was particularly pleased to hear in the Queen's and Pope's speeches that we should remember the poor, those in need, or at war. However, I had even greater pleasure to hear that Dr Rowan William's (Arch-Bishop of Canterbury) used his Christmas address to press home the need to stop plundering the planet and destroying its beauty. This tied in well with the final in the Planet Earth series on the BBC. Again the wonder and fragility of this precious home was shown. Let's hope that I won't be alone in my New Year's resolution to do more to preserve our future on this rare Earth

Thu, Dec 20, 2007

We Saved Our Sea, for now

I am in a cautiously optimistic mood following the news that Cardigan Bay is unlikely to see any exploration for oil and gas in the near future. Today the newly formed Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform released a draft environmental report that said not enough was known about the dolphins in the bay to grant licences. It states 'On account of uncertainties about the size, distribution and location of the resident population of bottlenose dolphins within the Cardigan Bay Natura 2000 site, this assessment does not presently support the granting of consent...This conclusion may be revisited once new data becomes available.' The assessment on Cardigan Bay concluded that lack of knowledge about the dolphins living there meant that it would be hard to put in place measures to avoid disturbing them. The only other bottlenose dolphin population in UK waters were not so lucky. The assessment for the Moray Firth was in favour of allowing licensing on the basis that the dolphins there were better studied and so measures could be made that would reduce the impact.
Naturally I am delighted that all out hard work appears to have paid off. However, this is still a draft assessment and it is possible they could overturn this decision. I am disappointed that rather than accept that oil and gas exploration causes environmental damage and contributes to climate change, they have halted plans for now due to lack of information. I won't celebrate until we have a firm NO to drilling, not just now but into the future.

So, before I crack out the champagne (if only I believed in decadence, or had the wealth to do so) I should explain my long absence from the blog. Holiday. New Job. Christmas. Will that do? Oh, and before you worry too much about your Christmas overspend, spare a thought for the Chancellor. The UK's deficit is the highest its been since, um, just before the last recession. Maybe we should start hoping for a Christmas in the black before we dream of a white one. Sorry, I forgot, white Christmas's really are becoming a fantasy with that lovely climate change to warm us all up. (I know it's all a bit gloomy but we're not used to winning)

Fri, Nov 30, 2007

It won't wash

I was amazed when I heard that 77% of Green Party members who voted said yes to a leader.. Truly gobsmacked. Being a democrat who likes the party's policies I will admit defeat gracefully and won't resign like some I know. However, I think it is a bad day for democracy when a party is defined through a single figure, when media coverage determines elections, when personality is worth more than substance. But good news for Greens comes from Australia, where they have increased their number of Senate seats from 4 to between 5&7; have supplanted the National Party as Australia's third largest political party; and reached a new record high percentage national Senate vote (9.02%). Congratulations.

Although I was somewhat more amazed by the positive coverage given to a consortium of the big, the bad and the ugly (that the world calls transnational corporations) for calling for international agreed targets on greenhouse gases. These beauties are asking world leaders to make binding decisions on climate change. Presumably so that they can figure out how long they have and how far they will have to travel to keep polluting. The obvious fact that this is green-wash to help them win back the 'ethical consumer' seems to have passed most news outlets by (but read this this story. These very same corporations have in many cases spent decades and $$$$$$'s doing their best to scupper and weaken every environmental and socially just policy put forward in every country in the world. And now, I am expected to read an article that says they care and believe it! Green-wash doesn't stick, it slides straight back off again.
The observant among you will have noticed that despite their favourite buddies asking for legal targets the good ol' USA is still refusing to submit. Happy days.

Mon, Nov 26, 2007

Still here and still steaming

So I spent Saturday getting soaking wet all in the name of dolphins... I was in Aberystwyth with two other hardy soles having greeting cards signed by members of the public. The cards are now going to be sent to Malcolm Wicks, Minister for Energy, as an ironic Christmas surprise. Lets hope he gives the wildlife of Cardigan Bay an excellent present - the right to live in the sea free of disturbance from oil and gas exploration.

Admittedly I was not overly enamoured by the idea of an early election when it was being seriously considered this autumn. However, I am loosing patience with the government. First they have made no attempt to really consider public wishes; then they loose 25 million child benefit records; Gordon has yet to sack Alistair Darling despite his obvious incompetence; they try and tell us that identity theft can be stopped by entrusting them with even more personal data (including DNA); and they are going to try and persuade us that they can expand airports whilst 'meeting their targets' on combating climate change. Excuse me, but I would have thought that any government serious about this threat (arguably larger than that of identity fraud) would not merely be aiming to meet targets but to exceed them by having a radical rethink about structures and lifestyles in this country. I also have major misgivings about how they intend to meet their targets - by building new nuclear power stations and probably giving planning permission to any renewables application outside Labour constituencies. I like renewable energy but it has to be spread across the country and sited appropriately alongside a real push on energy efficiency, better public transport, lower consumption of goods and more small scale local schemes. Rant over.

Mon, Nov 19, 2007

Between a Rock and a harpoon

There's not a lot I can add to the various comments and opinion already on offer about the Northern Rock debacle. As always it is the entire notion behind financing that hasn't been given enough consideration. That is why there is surprise and anger that humans trying to make judgements about the best way to make money in the globalised markets muck up, and then why government intervention also doesn't do much to salvage the situation. How can the Government bargain effectively when the very companies that they wish to buy Northern Rock have turnovers of a similar scale to most nations, and whilst these companies might be gambling with their profit margins our government is spending taxpayers money that could be benefiting millions in the UK. Whatever the outcome many people will be left unhappy and quite possibly it will be the average taxpayer who hadn't even heard of Northern Rock six months ago. The lesson that I think has to come out of this is that the entire notion of markets and stock exchanges where billions, trillions, in pension funds and savings are gambled daily only genuinely benefit the very few.

The Chief Constable of my local police force has resigned amid allegations of financial misconduct and use of the police database for private research. Our local AM Nick Bourne comments that few people within the area would complain about the local policing. I think he hasn't met many of the people I know. Dyfed Powys police are well known locally for having an over-zealous approach to drug offences. Whilst it is only right that dealers in heroin, cocaine and suchlike are found and prosecuted they have continued to arrest and charge those found with small quantities of cannabis after it was downgraded to Class C. Whatever your beliefs about cannabis, the purpose of downgrading was in part to free up police time and resources. Similarly I am not sure the local force can be credited with low crime levels. This is a low crime area because it has an ageing population and no huge disparities in wealth. What's more there are few places with high levels of deprivation, which are often associated with high crime rates. So, I am happy to see him depart and hope his replacement may take a firm stand on the crime that really affects those around here - speeding, drunks, and petty theft.

p.s Apologies I had a fact wrong in my last blog - I wrote about the fresh hunt for Minke Whales, but the Japanese whalers are also planning to catch up to 50 Humpback whales and they are the ones most critically endangered.

Fri, Nov 16, 2007

Globalisation - a pirates treasure trove

As if to prove the fears of SOS are not unfounded a disturbing story was released today. In Russian waters an oil spill is killing dolphins (read full story here). Efforts to clean up the spill are being delayed because it occurred in disputed waters. Cardigan Bay borders the Irish controlled part of the Irish Sea, and though spills or pollution would be seen as an urgent threat by both countries there is no way of being sure that the two countries services would be able to work coherently. The dolphin deaths from the spill also destroy the notion that as intelligent creatures dolphins will simply avoid pollution hot spots. It would be madness for the BERR to grant licences. To help the campaign you can come along to the meeting this Saturday, 12-2, or sign a Christmas Card to send to the Minister for Energy on Saturday 24th November in New Quay, Aberaeron or Aberystwyth.

The wildlife of our oceans had another devastating blow with the Japanese announcement it is going to carry out more whaling. The plan is to hunt for various species including 1,000 Minke Whales which are recognised as being at particular risk of extinction. The International Commission on Whaling has to show some teeth and stop this slaughter. The only way that can happen is if it stops rich whaling countries effectively bribing poorer ones through offers of aid (or threats of withholding aid) if they vote in favour of allowing whaling to resume. The international community also needs to decide on how to prevent and prosecute countries that don't respect the environment. There are no incentives to protect wildlife and ecosystems at present. I think it is time our elected politicians used less words and more action on the environment.

Fri, Nov 09, 2007

Fancy a million?!

Yes a million pounds could be yours, all you have to do is answer one, simple question. Groups of entrants only. And the questions is? (drum roll) Your ideas on how to tackle climate change. So nothing big then. I am not sure whether to laugh or cry over the initiative. We already have thousands of innovative ideas around for tackling climate change. They aren't being used because they are 'unpopular' or 'unfeasible'; that means in plain speak, too likely to work. I am not dismissing the eco-fund out of hand, anything that encourages debate about how to tackle climate change has to be good, especially if it involves those who would otherwise leave it to the 'experts'. Lets face it we know what needs to be done - we need to use fewer fossil fuels and fast. Which means, travelling less, consuming less, heating less, and thinking more. The reward will only go to the group that actually makes the biggest impact in their community which is good, but climate change needs everybody on board and being a sceptic I wonder if it will actually engage enough people. It's worth a shot though, so if you are part of a group (P.T.A, charity, or such like) and fancy having a go at grabbing some of that million you can find details at this site.

Nadolig - Christmas has begun to creep over the horizon again. The (wasteful) street decorations are up and the shops are already pushing their dubious goods at hapless shoppers. However, it can be an good excuse for making a difference. I am a big fan of alternative giving. For the last 3 years my family and friends have been the 'lucky' recipients of toilets, dung, and condoms through the Oxfam Catalogue. However, the reason I am writing this now is that I have just finished reading my youngest son a beautiful story that would make an ideal gift. It is an alternative take on the three little pigs, that eloquently shows how violence doesn't work. The book in question is in Welsh and titled Y Tri Blaidd Bach a'r Mochyn Mawr Drwg (The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig - it might be available in English). It deserves to be widely read.

Tue, Nov 06, 2007

Response to the Queens Speech

Rather than blog today, I refer you to this page which sums it all up rather nicely.

Mon, Nov 05, 2007

The enemy of your enemy is your friend

The actions of President Musharraf of Pakistan are blatantly politically motivated. The reasons are obvious: influencing any elections that are held by displaying his strength; frightening opponents; securing his candidacy through exerting pressure on the judiciary. The question is, therefore, not why he has called a state of emergency but how he can get away with it internationally. He clearly believes that the powers that be (USA, EU, China) are not going to hold him to account. He has this immunity due to "mutually beneficial business" with these countries and from his "cooperation on the war on terror" (BBC Radio 4, 6pm News). Musharraf is advertising the insurance policy for all other dictators and wannabees - cooperate where it matters, back it up with a nuclear arsenal, and the west will turn a blind eye to what you do at home beyond some pitiful bleating.

Meanwhile, hubby is rubbing his hands with glee at the financial news. Seeing in it an impending international collapse of the 'debt economy'. I don't blame him, but do suspect the the world economy and supporters of neo-capitalism have more tricks up their sleeves. Either way, enjoy the fireworks.

Wed, Oct 31, 2007

Alco-frolics

A petition to curb anti-social behaviour fuelled by alcohol has been launched in Aberystwyth. I support this because I know how hard life is when you live in the middle of a town surrounded by pubs. When I first moved to Ceredigion I lived in a small flat with my husband and our 1st born, then 6 months old. We lived next to a pub with a couple more round the corner. I was constantly being woken up at 2am by fights happening outside our window and was occasionally concerned for the safety of my son if someone were to be thrown against the window and break it with him sleeping nearby. So I sympathise with others in the now worse situation with 24 hour licensing. I am not convinced that penalising drinkers for bad behaviour will help much as I think the availability and relative cheapness of alcohol encourage excessive drinking. There is also the cultural aspect, whereby being drunk is seen to give, if not permission, at least an excuse for behaviour that would otherwise not be tolerated. If we are to take full responsibility for ourselves and expect others to do the same, society has to have a shift in thinking, towards saying that individuals are always responsible for their behaviour - drunk or sober.

Mon, Oct 29, 2007

Time to pay old debts

In my opinion Britain is still a racist society, although it is often cleverly cloaked. I don't mean by this that British people have a racist attitude on the whole, but that policies discussed and implemented have race implications. The most obvious are ones regarding immigration, with David Cameron making it clear that to him the level of 'unskilled' people coming from outside the EU needs an 'adult conversation'. This is doublespeak for "too many (Black) African and Asian people are migrating to the UK, how can I suggest this without being overtly racist". Then we have climate change, the Millennium Goals, and world trade talks which collectively act against the poorest of the world (again, mostly African and Asian, but not forgetting South Americans). Therefore, reforms are not made on these issues because it is perceived as being political suicide to actively favour 'less-developed' countries at the expense of the more developed. Restricting car use or trade so that it benefits others whilst 'harming our interests' has become taboo. Then, there is an outcry in the gutter press that many people want to leave difficult and degrading lives for a comfortable one here. Before action is taken to restrict or minimise immigration from anywhere, some serious action has to happen on those factors that make life abroad hard. My suggestions for us developed places:

• Exceed or at least meet the Millennium Goals
• Atone for slavery, including payments to the countries from where slaves were illegally taken
• Make substantial cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, partly by curbing economic growth
• Compensate countries who suffer catastrophic damage that is likely to have been caused by climate change
• Help with expertise and materials, if desired, to prevent climate damage
• Reforming trade rules to favour poorer nations (e.g. by allowing restrictions on imports and subsidies)
• Reform trade talks so that lobbyists are excluded and all nations have an equal number of participants
• Turn the World Bank into the World Credit Union, wiping all debt in the process
• Completely overhaul the UN, including removing permanent places at the Security Council

Fri, Oct 26, 2007

Lofty questions

I was going to blog on climate change, racism, and possibly the inoculation of girls against HPV. However, this has all been frivolously displaced by a search into the difference between a loft and an attic. Does anyone really know? The definition on Wikipedia was not in line with my own ideas, all talk about the amount of floor space the room covers. You what? Surely it is more about whether there are stairs, or if the space is tall enough to stand up in. We probably all have a picture in our heads of 'loft' and 'attic', but can you define the difference. Please post if you can! In the meantime, hubby has delved through the internet and discovered the excellent term 'Supralacunar', which is Latin for 'above the panelled ceiling'. Far more fun as a term and much less confusing.

Mon, Oct 22, 2007

The solution is not black and white

Relaxing this evening after a busy weekend with family and campaigning it was a shock to turn on the 5pm news and hear that a massive cull of badgers was being recommended to the government. I'll put in some links to sites that refute the 'science' behind culling rather than argue the case again, because I consider the impact on farming and farmers to be important as well. I live in a farming community, so I know how important it is that government policies work in the interest of farmers. The unions are in favour of culling because it has the least impact on farming practices, however, it will damage British farmers reputations as countryside custodians. When farmers are trying to retain and regain space in the UK market (which is good for food miles and the economy) they can ill afford to be portrayed as blood thirsty slaughterers of cuddly animals, regardless of the justification. Secondly, culling could well end up causing more TB in a wider area than present, so more farmers would loose out than if more stringent testing measures were applied to cattle and cattle-movement. I suspect that the application of tighter controls on cattle movement would be less unpopular within the farming community if they were under less pressure from artificially depressed prices and international trade. If we were not trying to appease EU or WTO trade rules and could actually properly regulate supermarkets and have tighter borders, farmers would have a stronger voice and could get a fairer price. I think this would give them the breathing space to cope with animal diseases without resorting, to (often unnecessary) culls.
Links to reports following the Independent Scientific Group study here and here. A good summary of TB and badger-cattle infection can be found here.

Fri, Oct 19, 2007

Referendum NOW

If you are a regular reader you will know I am not enamoured of leaders. Two stories this week have backed up this view. Firstly, poor Ming, hounded out because he failed to fit the preconceived image of a leader - not dynamic, charismatic or young enough, apparently. When a leader is used to define a group of people it causes these problems because no one person can encompass the diversity of a group or give full scope to the range of views they hold. This leads me on to that eminent leader Gordon Brown, who has wisely decided to deny the country a referendum on Europe. This can't be because he doesn't himself believe in what he has signed, surely, but because he doesn't trust voters. A growing trend of his.

Europe is a contentious issue and I think it is good that we are always debating our relationship with it in this country. With globalisation and growing interdependence a dynamic relationship with other parts of the world has to be essential. I do not agree with close integration with Europe on certain matters, like trade and economic dependence. I think that in these cases countries can, and do, end up harming both people and the environment because the rules were written without the freedom to adapt to differing needs. We cannot all be the same and what is good for one isn't necessarily good for others. We all know this from daily life but at a high political level it is ignored because of the desire to simplify the world. By merging countries a demand is created to manage the complexity with a basic set of rules; including economic growth is always good, open borders are always better. Are they? Why and for whom is it 'better' that Wales and France can exchange lamb carcasses? However, Europe can be a beneficial idea. We can cooperate where it matters - on human rights, immigration, environmental protection. But these are my views in a blog, that do not make a difference to millions of lives. When Gordon's views do have such a wide impact, why should he deny me, or you, the right to vote on them?

p.s. Sorry, again, for the erratic nature of my blog's availability. Technology is great, isn't it?

Mon, Oct 15, 2007

Is the problem over-eating or under-thinking?

It was with some incredulity when I heard yesterday that Alan Johnson (Health Secretary) was comparing the threat from obesity to be on a similar level to climate change. The research on obesity did raise some real problems, but only in the rich countries of the world. Clearly Alan has a limited understanding of how climate change has already caused an estimated 150000 early deaths. Climate changes impacts can be measured in the numbers of deaths to which it will contribute, but it will also have far wider consequences. One of these is food shortages caused by unpredictable weather patters, migration of entire populations, flooding of productive land, and an increase in pests and diseases (see The Atlas of Climate Change, 2005). I am unsure how obesity is going to continue to rise while the food chain collapses and people are forced to make more use of human power as carbon intensive fuels are rationed / depleted. A very good explanation of the link between over-eating and over-carbon consumption is made by the writers of this article:

"Now we offer one example of a health problem and its connection to the ecology. Our health care system has in some ways mirrored the suburban experiment that took limitless amounts of energy and land for granted: central-city hospitals built regional, suburban hospitals and clinics, which seemed sensible at the time but nonetheless made sub- and exurban populations virtually dependent upon cars and interjected a degree of alienation from nature. The concept of a "walkable community" was rarely realised -- and certainly not valued -- in the suburbs, be it to go to the store, get a hair cut, visit friends, or get to work. This reliance on the automobile reflects oil dependence and has health consequences"

"[in the] USA, which currently consumes c. 27% of global oil production and produces c. 25% of global carbon emissions, and where c. 65% of adults are overweight or obese. ...widespread substitution of driving with distances travelled during recommended daily exercise could reduce the USA's oil consumption by up to 38%."

Thu, Oct 11, 2007

No half measures here (well maybe)

I have to admit to being a bit to busy to blog this week. I am in the process of starting up an ethical event management business after 5 years of running Green Party conferences. However, this meant a trip to Reading catching a train at 5.10 am (yes am, not a typo). But now I am back and feeling fed up with politics. Why? Because after being marched halfway up the election hill and back all the coverage is about politicians playing snap with their policies. As one commentator put it - there is no democracy when the parties are offering the same choices. Those of you living in Ceredigion may therefore welcome the opportunity to meet the local Green Party, including myself, in Aberystwyth this Saturday 13th, 11am-1pm, Merched-Y-Wawr, Vulcan Street.

In this week's Big Issue Cymru there is an interesting article on the Commission for Racial Equality, which has been breaching its own guidelines. An astounding 97% (131 out of 134) of their polices that required Race Equality Impact Assessment had not had one carried out. But, going back to the Commission, what matters is trust and judgement. Racism can lead to poor treatment at work in society, and in the worst instances violence, even death. Given this the public has to trust that the Commission is going to abide by its own guidelines, that the policies it suggests are not divisive or inflammatory, that people of every race are in safe hands. The commission needs to clean up its act.
In my experience Wales is a country with hidden racial tensions, in addition to those elsewhere in the UK, especially regarding English / Welsh relations and the Welsh Language. I firmly believe that Welsh needs to have an equal treatment to English across Wales. I also believe that to achieve this and prevent discrimination against those who have moved here free Welsh lessons should be available to all who want them. The author's of the report suggest transferring the Commissions powers to Wales. This would allow Wales's unique situation to be dealt with closer to home but as the example of the Commission shows anyone taking on their role would have to consult widely and tread carefully.

Fri, Oct 05, 2007

The waiting game

Obviously I have been listening carefully to all the election speculation. It is likely that I would stand in Ceredigion as our candidate should a snap election be called. However,I think that this is the wrong time to be having an election. In much of the country many activists are only just recovering after the May elections and I am unconvinced that the voters are keen. Cold, wet nights are not going to reduce voter apathy. Elections should be about choosing people who will put the interests of the people and the country first, not those of their party (and its backers). I don't care if Gordon Brown has dug himself into a hole, he should of held an election immediately after taking power, and as he hasn't the fairest thing would be to wait until the spring. From what I can tell an election will not be called so that Brown can legitimise his Prime-ministership but because he would loose face if he did not. It reminds me of the old admonishment 'you wouldn't jump of a cliff if your friends told you to', so why have an election because the Tories are saying we should.

Fairness isn't a concept in the political system though because PR is as far from being implemented for the Westminster elections as ever. The Greens do have a strong chance of finally beating the first past the past system, whenever the election is held. In Hove Caroline Lucas has been chosen as their candidate. She is currently one of our MEPs who has demonstrated her ability to make a strong case on important issues such as traffic problems in the south east and on world trade injustice. She can do so again because the people of Hove and this country can't afford to be without a Green MP any longer.

Tue, Oct 02, 2007

Breaking the mould?

I thought sustainability was a core foundation for Welsh Assembly policy. It may still be in principal but in practice, as always, we get something else. What has riled me are the planned 'improvements' to North-South transport infrastructure. So they widen the roads (what's new), and suggest cutting back on rail journeys. I am not in total disagreement. Some sections of the road could arguably be widened to improve safety, but if the purpose is to improve journey times then there is no incentive to get out of the bloody car. To reduce the number of stops on rail journeys so that there are fast trains also makes sense, but only if they widen the track and add in passing places so that the number of services increases. Most frustrating of all is that if they are going to carry out major works on the A470 then perhaps they could seriously investigate laying a new rail line at the same time. No need for air-links, heli-links, dual carriageways, or buses, just a straight forward green public transport solution we have been calling for, for years.

Hurrah for the Conservatives! Well I never thought I would be saying that. However, they clearly and publicly rejected ID cards today on the basis of cost, practicality and human rights. Yes it may be opportunistic but it shows that they have slightly more backbone than I had given them credit for as they have now found a policy area (that I agree with) where they are clearly different to Labour. I wonder if the boot would be on the other foot if they were in power and Labour in opposition?

Sun, Sep 30, 2007

Risk aversion

It has been a beautiful September day, and a fine ending to summer (unofficial). My sons, hubby, and I spent the afternoon in the garden on our bikes. My eldest was trying our his new bike and his younger brother taking his first wobbly journeys without stabilisers. We had such fun it encouraged me to consider using my bike again as a serious form of transport. As a real green it is a constant source of shame that I live in a two car household who rarely catch a bus. I justify this internally by moaning about lack of services, dangerous drivers, and steep hills. These are all true but as a relatively fit and relatively young woman with a fair amount of time on my hands I cannot truly justify not cycling and walking more. Who knows I may even cycle into Aberystwyth tomorrow for the weekly shop.

A Welsh campaign I have been watching is that opposing the LNG Gas pipeline being constructed in south Wales. The campaign there has been based on a mixture of environmental and health and safety grounds. There was a report in the Western Mail today, based on a freedom of information request, which has shown that the health and safety fears are well justified. The report highlights the risk of a leak causing and explosion near the pipeline, with the potential for the loss of life. Understandably nearby residents are scared, yet they seem powerless to stop the pipeline despite legal challenges. They haven't given up and nor should they because as always those who will profit from the development are miles away from those it will affect. To give your backing to the campaign visit www.fightthepipe.co.uk.

Fri, Sep 28, 2007

Last chance saloon

I am the proud owner of a 'George Bush Wanted' T-shirt and I am beginning to wonder if I should donate it to a charity shop. So George W has publicly acknowledged climate change is happening and needs tackling, but not with binding targets. Instead he announced a new international clean technology fund for developing countries. Here are what some others have had to say on today's speech:

• Australian Foreign Affair's Minister Alexander Downer - "Probably you won't do much better than getting them to commit to some sort of an aspirational goal"
• Britain's climate envoy John Ashton - "I think that the argument that we can do this through voluntary approaches is now pretty much discredited internationally."
• South African Environment Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk - "What they placed on the table at this meeting is a first step, but is simply not enough,"
• Presidential candidate Barack Obama - [Bush's] "voluntary measures reflect neither innovation nor leadership."
• Senator Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico (co-author of a bill to curb emissions) - [The USA] "will lack the credibility to negotiate any serious international climate agreement unless it can come up with a credible plan to limit greenhouse gas emissions domestically."

Maybe I'll keep the t-shirt for the time being.

Meanwhile, the SOS campaign has revived after a summer break. In July 2006 there were reports in the local press of renewed attempts to grant licences for oil and gas exploration in Cardigan Bay. Three blocks have been applied for in Cardigan Bay, all three are wholly or partially within the Special Area of Conservation. The SAC gives extended environmental protection under the European Habitats Directive. The one in Cardigan Bay was granted due to the presence of Bottlenose Dolphins, Harbour Porpoises, Sea and River Lamprey, and Sea Caves. The habitats directive states that a competent authority must carry out a full impartial assessment of any risks from proposed development before consent can be given. Consent may only be given where it can be shown that no detrimental impacts will be had on the listed features / species. Where this cannot be shown the impacts must be mitigated and consent can only be granted where the development is necessary in the interests of protecting the environment, human health or public safety.

An appropriate assessment for the 24th Seaward licensing round was released in January 2007, it excluded the three blocks in Cardigan Bay and one in the Moray Firth due to concerns raised about the impact on the resident dolphin populations. A further Appropriate Assessment was scheduled to take place for these sites. It has yet to be released. Any exploration in Cardigan Bay could result in rigs within 2 miles of the shore from New Quay. The campaigners fear that debris and waste materials from drilling could smother the seabed and release toxic chemicals into the sea. As well as dolphins, harbour porpoise and grey seals could be affected. Any harm to these local populations could have a wider impact, with recent news of a decline in the dolphins in the Bay of Biscay.

Now the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (formerly the Dept. of Trade and Industry) is reported to be close to deciding on licence applications for oil and gas exploration. So I am urging other people who are worried about this proposal to write to Malcolm Wicks. Large organisations are doing their best but Ministers also have to know that there is strong local opposition. We have tried to enlist help from our AM's, our Euro MP, our County Council, the Welsh Tourist Board and Countryside Council for Wales as well as from lots of celebrities. We are still waiting for a discussion date from our County Counci1. Now CCW [has finally] responded in a more negative manner to the DTI's original Appropriate Assessment, resulting in Cardigan Bay's blocks being removed until another assessment is done. As the new environmental assessment is expected to be released soon it could be now or never to save the bay.

Wed, Sep 26, 2007

Silent witness

The events unfolding in Myanmar / Burma are both inspiring and tragic. They show clearly how when denied democracy and good government even the most peaceful will raise their voices and risk their lives. If I were religious I would pray, as I am not the most I can do is send a message of support across the internet. On a more local note, I wonder how this reflects on our society. In theory Britain has a democracy, so where have all the voters gone? There are some interesting perspectives offered in this months issue of New Internationalist. They argue that the people who are the product of capitalism and Thatcher no longer care, sitting back and hoping that others will take responsibility for the country while they are absorbed in candyfloss for the brain. Has this apathy now condemned us to a dictatorship of two parties? Has globalisation rendered so many people comatose, that there will be no popular uprising? Should our 'leaders' applaud the brave people who fight for democracy overseas whilst constraining it in their own homes by denying us PR? Poll after poll says politicians are not trusted. If you didn't trust someone with your children you wouldn't leave them with them. So what I fail to understand is how these untrusted politicians are left to run the services that everyone relies on to stay alive.

Mon, Sep 24, 2007

Brown by name, Brown by nature

Whilst mainstream media attention is focused on how well Gordon Brown would cope with his first speech as leader, fellow environmentalist Gordon James, (Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru) has made a stinging criticism at the Labour government. The mid-Lothian question in some respects has more impact in Wales than England because Scottish MPs with cabinet positions in Westminster are able to scrutinise and effectively veto Welsh Assembly policies. They can do this because of a new arrangement - Legislative Competence Orders (LCO). The latest proposals from the Assembly would bring in wide ranging measures to tackle environmental problems, especially climate change. Peter Hain and colleagues are delaying these through the LCO system. No reason has been given. Read the details in the Western Mail here. This delay leads to a number of questions:

• Why devolve power, if it is then, effectively, revoked?
• What is behind the delay?
• Have any businesses lobbied to stop the legislation?
• Climate change is causing a spate of problems - so why delay this legislation and not others?
• Is the intention of the delay to weaken the legislation?
• Why should Scottish people with their own Parliament have any say over another devolved institution?
• Will the Welsh Assembly stand up for itself?
• Will the media outside Wales pay any attention to this issue?

I suspect like so much environmental legislation that there is a strong business / corporate lobby aiming to weaken the legislation in Westminster. Profiteers that don't care about the impacts of a poor environment on the people of Wales. In Britain alone today there were two confirmed cases of Blue Tongue, a disease spread by midges, that has migrated north with the warmer temperatures, plus a large number of mini-tornadoes damaging homes across SE England. These instances will have a huge impact on thousands, if not millions of people.

Now we see that climate change has become the final battleground between people-power and big business. Those in power often see it as a choice: jobs or the climate. Those of us who go beyond superficial choices know that climate chaos will harm all the people while 'boosting the economy', because every time something has to be replaced more money goes round.

It is clear to me that the UK must act. The UN is holding a summit on climate change and George Bush is conspicuous by his absence. Why is Gordon Brown also not criticised for pandering to the crowds at home in preference for doing the job he was, um, ushered in to do? He proclaims how much he cares about the poor children of the UK and how much they deserve a 'better start in life' but what every child on the planet needs, really needs, is a viable planet to live on.

To complete my rant (for which I apologise) please check out the excellent letter by Ann Were in the Western Mail today.

Fri, Sep 21, 2007

Right off

I was furious when I heard that the (thankfully outgoing) Office for Equal Opportunities were recommending a moratorium on new Employment Tribunals which involved equal pay for women. I agree that they are overloaded with tribunals, I agree that low pay for women is a systemic problem but that disagree that this should mean withholding women's rights to a tribunal whilst overviews of pay structures are held. It would make greater sense to put more resources into tribunals and changing the law, while ensuring this sole legal recourse is upheld. Imagine if it were another area of law that was being discussed here, such as drugs. 'Too many people are being prosecuted for dealing heroin. We shall stop prosecuting them until we have fully implemented more rehabilitation centres and better anti-smuggling measures.' It is a nonsense, and, rightly, there would be a major uproar. If this 'solution' is how the Equal Opportunities commission thinks women's rights should be upheld, I will not mourn their passing.

Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Poll-itics

A recent poll shows that the most favoured option for the future of power sharing in Wales would be to have a independent Parliament, similar to Scotland's. I really welcome this news as it reflects a core element of Green Party policy; decisions should be taken at the level closest to the people they effect as possible. Therefore, were the Plaid-Labour pact to result in a referendum n this issue I would be backing the other 43% of people in Wales asking for a form of government that recognises the ties between Wales and the rest of the UK but also the need for the Welsh to exert more control over legislation.Devolving power can create more interest in democracy in general as voters can witness better how they can have influence over the outcome of policy. The people who know best about how legislation affects them are those subject to it, therefore they are best placed to have a real say on what goes on locally, which a Parliament would give them. The Assembly as ti currently stands does not give much autonomy to Wales, especially with regards to budgeting. Being able to choose where and how finances should be spent and what Welsh priorities are could make a major difference in social policy in particular. Here I am thinking of health, education, elder care, social services. Wales, through its' politicians, needs to be able to have a voice not only on how they are run but on how they are funded.

Secondly, the debacle over Northern Rock is a prime example of how the current economic system is failing the general public. Tax payers money is being given as surety to blameless savers because corporations are being badly run. Corporations are badly run and take risks with our money because that is what liberal capitalism says they should do to maximise profits for shareholders. The general public is no longer king, the voter is no longer king, the shareholder is now king. You could argue that anyone with a pension or savings is part of the shareholding community and stands to benefit from increased profits. This is not the case when in order to make profits, companies gamble with their money, or pollute the environment, or contribute to instability around the world. Communism wasn't a panacea, capitalism isn't a panacea. There may be no perfect economy but there is bound to be something that works better and I think the Green Party has some interesting answers.

Mon, Sep 17, 2007

The BIG debate

If you heard or saw anything about the Green Party conference it was probably covering whether the party should have a leader or not. There are many facets to each argument but basically it boils down to the following:

• Pro-leader: Clear, accountable head of party; good for media; more trustworthy for voters; it won't fundamentally change the party.
• Anti-leader: Leaders are disempowering; supporters and the public distrust single heads of party; power corrupts; the media will knock leaders down when it suits them.

So beyond the leadership debates what happened at the conference? We adopted a media and sports policy, voted for a stronger climate change policy, discussed strategies for a snap general election, elected some more folks to various committees, and heard some excellent speeches - you can catch some of them on YouTube. My personal favourite was Sian Berry's 'change your government not just your light bulb' speech. I am also hoping to put somewhere on the web the 'conference mix', a delightfully irreverent take on plenary sessions.

Finally, to close today's blog. Lib Dems. Green? How dare they!

Tue, Sep 11, 2007

A day to remember

The date above will be on every school child's lips as momentous in history for decades, probably centuries to come (presuming such a thing as civilised humans still exists). I heard little media coverage though the grief and sorrow that has affected many millions of people following the attacks cannot, should not, be ignored. I don't agree in pruriently delving into others grief but now enough years have elapsed for questions to be asked about the motives for the attacks and the lack of intelligence. Collaboration and US government involvement have been put forward by a number of groups although I am not inclined to concur with these theories an independent investigation that considered all the evidence and looked at, at least, some of the claims put forward would help the families and the wider public. Conspiracy theorists are unlikely ever to be appeased but an understanding of all the mistakes made, the reason the attacks were so deadly, and the psychological impacts on survivors and rescue workers could harm no-one.

Did you know that the Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain is urging people in Wales to have their say on the Government’s proposed programme of legislation for the forthcoming year? He has invited members of the public and organisations across Wales to email and write to with their views on the UK Government’s draft legislative programme. Of particular relevance are the draft Climate Change Bill (new targets, no real action) and the Local Transport Bill (new targets, not enough funding). Send your views to: wales.office@walesoffice.gov.uk or by letter to: UK Legislative Programme, Wales office, Gwydyr House, Whitehall, London. Comments should reach the Wales Office by no later than 30 September 2007. Get writing!

Finally I am off to the Green Party's national conference in Liverpool on Thursday. I will try and blog whilst there, but if not, a full round up of the decisions, the news and the gossip is promised next Monday.

Sun, Sep 09, 2007

Keeping it personal

Suddenly with the boys back at school, life has become incredibly busy without any concrete outcomes, including any blogging. Friday a friend of mine just a couple of miles away told me that the 'woofer' they had knew us! This friend moved to the area just over a year ago and is now firmly convinced that everyone knows us. Which was kind of how it felt last night, we were at another friends 50th birthday party and there were plenty of people there we didn't know but they all said they had met me before or knew my face. I guess that makes me a very minor celebrity (ha ha). Somehow in this whirlwind of socialising I haven't caught much of the news, although what I have heard has been dominated again with the sad story about Madeline McCann. I have no idea if her parents were in any way responsible for her disappearance but if they are ever shown to be guilty the public backlash against them will be huge. I hope, like all the missing children out there there is a happy ending, but my gut instinct tells me otherwise.

I also caught a snippet about the BBC climate change awareness programme being cancelled for being too political. I didn't know the survival of humankind on the planet was more political than their continued coverage of world markets and big business without question. Political is a hard definition - everything is political, the personal is political, including topics that at first glance are not - disaster relief, endangered animals, crime, the arts. The range and location of topics covered in news and current affairs programmes is political - media now dominates the information available to billions of people around the globe. If the decisions made in the European Parliament and the Welsh Assembly are not mentioned than a clear message is sent to the public; these institutions are not important and can be ignored. So much for enfranchising the voters who bothered at the elections for them.

Tue, Sep 04, 2007

Hokey-Cokey

No one seems to know if their coming or going, or in or out today. This includes our web server, that has been on and offline for plenty of urgent reasons today, my apologies for the inconvenience. Like the tube strike I am not certain when normal service will be resumed. David Cameron isn't quite sure where he is either, his popularity swings wildly in the opinion polls and he gets cajoled and pummelled from every side of his party without actually having firmly positioned them anywhere. I wouldn't like to bet as to where he will be after the next general election. The wall that fortifies the division between Israel and Palestinian territories now also has a shaky future with farming land that was outside Palestine now going to be inside. A relief for the village and farmers who are going to gain but does it herald a new mindset within broader Israeli society towards some recognition of injustices on their side as well on the other? British troops in Basra are also now neither in or out and the tension over what seems to signal their imminent departure is growing. I have always had mixed feelings as to whether the troops bring more violence than they curb. If the Iraqi's are left to themselves I fear another genocide as seen in Rwanda, Serbia and currently in Darfur but I hope, fervently, that the average citizen will show the strength for peace and forgiveness. So, probably no more than usual, the air of uncertainty hangs overhead and the change it heralds always holds within it the possibility of a brighter future.

Sun, Sep 02, 2007

The power is ours

The recent pronouncements by General Sir Mike Jackson and Major General Tim Cross on Iraq are mere echoes of the warnings made by the anti-war movement both before the war and after. We have said that focusing on military might and reconstruction based on multi-billion dollar hand outs to corporations and the forced opening of Iraqs' markets to international companies would breed discontent, strip Iraq of it's resources and leave the country in a worse state than it started. It has been clear to us that this was a war about oil and wider control of the middle east. The USA did not draw up a good strategy for after the invasion because that was not the aim of the war. Belated regrets about 'security issues' and how the 'reconstruction' has gone are pointless exercises in hand wringing. Lessons have to be learnt, that means that the war mongers have to be controlled and that human life and dignity has to be put before the perceived benefits of cheap resources. This type of thinking has to be put into practise not only in open conflict situations but also where proxies are being used, such as in Nigeria, to create instability and draw attention away from resource stripping, environmental damage and human rights oppression. Democracy is said to be dead but voting is the voice of the people, everyone where there is a democracy can choose to vote for, support, and finance political parties that stand for what they believe in; everyone can lobby for change and convince their friends and family that there are alternatives. Parliaments make the decisions to go to war or not, politicians can make radical shifts in how the economy operates and the controls in place on companies but ONLY if they have the electorate behind them.

Fri, Aug 31, 2007

Trimming down

As what summer there has been recedes and autumn quickens, the council and farmers have been out in force trimming hedges and verges. Whilst this flailing and trimming does have an impact on wildlife and ecosystems it also reveals a far greater legacy. The huge amounts of crap thrown from cars onto roadsides. Not only is it unsightly but it also poses a threat to wild animals and birds who get tangled up and trapped, sometimes suffocating to death. Plastic debris don't decay and return to the soil but sit there until someone else picks it up. For me this kind of senseless behaviour (after all it isn't too burdensome to keep rubbish in your car until you reach a dustbin) just typifies the total disregard for the planet that has been instilled in society. I would like to see rubbish collected from streets, beaches, and roadsides to be analysed and the companies who made it fined proportionately. Then they might think harder about the amount they make and the messages they send to their customers. I've also been toying with the idea of making a sculpture from rubbish along our lane and placing it prominently...

Wed, Aug 29, 2007

Doing our best for the children

I spent a really enjoyable day today at the pilot session for Saplings. Saplings is an alternative education project I have founded along with some others in Ceredigion. Saplings aim is to use the outdoors as a way of enabling young people aged 8-16 (who for whatever reason are currently not in school) to have a part time education. The idea has had positive response from all the public who we have consulted including foster carers and home educators but the Local Education Authorities are apparently not convinced. We invited a number of LEAs to attend today but sadly not one turned up. Saplings is the type of project that is urgently needed to help those children most at risk and most in need but it seems that the LEAs in Wales do not have the vision to support it. Whilst their lack of support is dispiriting for those of us who have put many hours effort into it, it will be the youngsters who continue to have little or no education that will suffer.

Meanwhile Jane Hutt, Children's Minister in the Welsh Assembly, has announced that she is starting a drive to recruit more people into childcare and as teaching assistants. This is claimed will lead to a better start for children. It seems a rather bizarre conclusion that families will be helped if the women (lets be honest here) drop their children off in one childcare setting for 7-8 hours before going to a different one down to road, working at the minimum wage, to bring up other peoples kids. If we value families this should be shown through paying parents to do the parenting with extra support where needed. In almost every home, parents are going to give greater love and support to their children than anyone else, no matter how well trained they are. These policies are not designed with the interests of the family but the economy at their heart. Children can be hot-housed for employment from a young age whilst their parents contribute to economic growth. Happiness, fulfilment, and valuing women's labour are not part of the plan.

Sun, Aug 26, 2007

Seeing is believing

If I lack coherence today it's because I am recuperating after a weekend of parties. The last one I went to was at my friends who have a small-holding where they grow organic vegetables which they sell at their shop in Aberystwyth (Maeth y Mesydd). It was the first time I have been to their house and it was lovely to see the place our food comes from, such a change from the norm in Britain. It's not just food where we often have little contact with the supply chain - I honestly couldn't tell you where the parts were sourced from for this computer and what the conditions are like in the factories where it has been made. This lack of knowledge is, I suspect, due to consumer disinterest in how their goods are made and manufacturers desire to keep us ignorant. It is harder to spend hundreds of pounds on something when you find out it cost barely a tenth of that to make, and in order to maintain these profit margins workers in another part of the world have been exploited.

I will be going to a Save Our Seas awareness raising day in New Quay tomorrow. If you are in the area you are welcome to drop by and find out more or give us some moral / financial support. That's it from me now until my brain is fully functioning again.

Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Stupid Letters Explained?

I have just spent 20 minutes in my bath contemplating the meaning of an acronym on my shampoo bottle. 'SLE free' it proudly proclaimed, yet despite reading all the text I could gain no further hint as to why I should congratulate myself on washing my hair without SLEs. Surplus Lemon Extracts? Satisfied Loose Electrons? Squidgy Elephant Lungs? It could stand for anything. Then it occurred to me that this is a common game, even among 'ethical' brands and people, language is used to obscure and avoid, so rather than allowing me to contemplate if I wanted a shampoo with or without these mysterious SLEs I am instead presented with this fact as of universal benefit. This approach also serves politicians and large corporations, by pointing the finger and shouting loudly they avoid having to confront deeper causes. Two examples spring to mind - the controversy over imports from Africa and the ongoing wave of gun crime.

In the first of these we are presented with the problem as if there is a stark choice, pay starving Africans or reduce climate change emissions. No mention of surplus food from Europe and the USA flooding these countries, the unfair trade rules, or the whole economic structure that leads to these choices. Politicians, corporations and the media would rather we didn't contemplate these factors, as to do so undermines their power.

As for the second, I have discussed before the need for arms industry control. But with each new crime we collectively feel shock and anger and this pain is used to drive forward more and more state control and persecution of the sectors of society it is blamed on. Yet again this is a means of avoiding considering the root causes of the problem. Prevention is better than cure, yet the reasons behind youth disaffection, poor parenting , high unemployment and low achievement are again only ever looked at on a surface level. Run-down council estates are widely blamed, yet the original vilification of the poor, the unwillingness of richer people to have mixed housing or share their wealth are not examined. We seem to have moved away from wider societal debates about the way society operates and it is time that we collectively start to make these discussions happen. By the way, my Google search just found that SLE is short for Sodium Laureth Sulphate (which I had guessed it might be) a common 'soap' that has been linked to cancer, but a brief explanation of this might have stopped lame excuses.

Tue, Aug 21, 2007

Dog Days

Have you noticed how news seems to just follow a perpetual cycle? The same stories but with different protagonists endlessly repeat themselves - A level results, threats to the NHS, incompetent leaders and so forth. This explains in part why I have been lax recently in blogging. I guess I am hoping to help drive and record a positive transition to a new society. Occasionally there are glimpses of this happening, the G8 protests and the recent Camp for Climate Action being amongst these. However, it is frustratingly slow, and here in the 'Welsh sticks' the progress seems backward. I have regularly commented to friends that Ceredigion is in many ways 50 years behind the rest of the UK, they agree and reply 'but that is why we like it'. True, the lack of development has contributed to the slow pace of life, the relatively strong communities, friendly atmosphere, and low crime rate all of which I really appreciate. However, for myself at present the lack of development is creating a quandary. I want a job but because of the un-industrialised nature of mid Wales there are very few on offer. In principle I oppose economic growth and certain types of development because they have a tendency to destroy the very things we cherish around here, but without these the region also has a high rate of unemployment and many people like myself - well qualified and unable to find work in their fields. Competition for every position is high, and non Welsh speakers have a double whammy. The council and Welsh Assembly want to rectify this situation by attracting big business to the area, expanding manufacturing opportunities and 'improving' the transport infrastructure. I have to disagree - yes we need more jobs around here but mid Wales has a unique opportunity to demonstrate enlightened development; embracing the worlds shifting needs by considering how all the talented locals can create a self-reliant and semi-independent region, transiting away from a reliance on fossil ways.

On a lighter note, in a desperate attempt to brighten and fill my dog days I have created a MySpace page, everyone welcome. Well, I love my boys very much but after 3 weeks of entertaining them it seemed sensible to find a place to use my social skills...sob, sob, poor me (honest).

Wed, Aug 15, 2007

Plaid-Green coalition?

Whilst I was away, Adam Price (Plaids election coordinator) suggested that Plaid should form election pacts with the Greens with the aim of gaining two MEP's in 2009 (read story on icwales here). A suggestion that brings up warning bells in Ceredigion after the 1991 coalition agreement. I was not here when that happened but the repercussions of having a joint candidate, and the subsequent failure of the pact are still being felt. Whilst I personally like many Plaid members and supporters, such a pact could cause problems specifically for the Greens, as we already have two MEPs in Europe from Britain. I am not clear on how a Plaid MEP, elected on a joint ticket would work with (or against) them. Standing on a joint ticket is not the same as forming a coalition after elections, because anyone elected under this double bill would have to try and make all their decisions to please their masters in two parties. Now although the Greens may have much in common with Plaid there are certain fundamental beliefs held by the Greens, such as on economic growth, that are not on the wider political agenda. I would not like to rule out working with others because that is part of making progress in society and politics but I think these types of deals cannot be purely election focused. Winning seats is hard, but juggling too many balls afterwards might just be setting up for failure.

Sat, Aug 11, 2007

Mortgages - the Grip of Death?

I happened to catch radio 4's Any Questions this lunchtime and the very first question surprised me. The question was about the stock market crashes and was this a good thing because it would curb our greed. The panelists gave a series of interesting answers so it's worth having a listen if you haven't already heard it - follow this link to listen again (until 16th August). The reason this question stunned me is because it put into words my own thoughts on the situation. I certainly don't want people to have a low pension, however, I am not convinced that stock market speculation is a good way of providing secure pensions as these crashes demonstrate. I am not a raving communist either but I don't grieve at the thought of the very richest loosing a few million; they already have vastly in excess of what is needed to live comfortably. Far more interesting is that the crash has been caused by selling debts. You may not be aware that debt is money 'created' by banks; for some economists this is a good situation, by 'creating' money the banks increase economic growth. The big flaw in the situation is that real growth relies on extracting more resources from somewhere, and when the resources begin to deplete the money stops trickling down and so the people at the bottom get hit and are unable to pay their debts. Debts they have been incentivised to get through advertising and cultural pressure. It is these last two pressures that are propagating a system that needs a serious rethink as time after time it has failed to live up to expectations and the problems directly caused by it become ever more apparent. To find out more on the debt economy you could read 'The Grip of Death' by Micheal Rowbotham.

Fri, Aug 10, 2007

Selection of photos from Big Green as promised.

Thu, Aug 09, 2007

Rural Idyll?

So here I am back home, snug and comfortable. It is amazing how much we fail to appreciate the small comforts like running water on tap, more than one pan to cook in, and a dry bed a night. Even now after 3 days home I have quickly forgotten the more intensive way of living that camping requires - the trek through the rain to get to a toilet etc. We are so cushioned from nature and the seasons - we need calenders to tell us when the next full moon is, and tables so we are not 'caught out by the tide'. Everything is controlled and managed, we keep ourselves safe and away from harm. Living in buildings might be more comfortable but society seems to forget that outside living is part of survival, farmers are not some oddity, and traditional ways of working can make more sense than modern ones.

I am already pretty much convinced that the Purbright laboratories were behind the foot and mouth outbreak. With this sort of facility accidents are bound to happen, but from the sidelines it appears that they have not developed contingency plans or done any risk assessments for extreme events such as earthquake, fire, flood and so forth. When are lab is handling potentially lethal organisms they have a duty to make escape an absolute infinitesimal possibility. When re-emerging from the news-less void that is Big Green, on learning that this site might have been responsible, the first thought I had was 'has anything else got out?' and I am I sure I am not alone in this. Flooding is a tragedy but it can and has been planned for - this kind of 'accident' only causes misery and I hope the companies or agencies responsible are not allowed to wriggle out of taking responsibility.

Finally, for those of you waiting for my snaps from Big Green - they will be coming, but not just yet, I am waiting for hubby to sort me out with a gallery.

Sat, Aug 04, 2007

Tired but happy

Well I've been here over a week and worked my socks off! I am enjoying myself but working a festival is very different from just visiting. I honestly haven't made a single workshop but everything looks very vibrant. I also have no idea as to what is happening 'out there' apart from that there has been an outbreak of foot and mouth. Fingers crossed it will be small but another reason to reconsider factory farming. Big Green is a real display of how else we can live. If you haven't been, come next year.

Thu, Aug 02, 2007

Weather is going wild here

I don't know how it it in west Wales but here at the Big Green the weather can't make up it's mind. Yesterday we had a heat wave this morning a monsoon!. However, everyone is happy and determined to enjoy themselves no matter what the weather. I have been here almost a week but we only officially opened yesterday, so I haven't really seen much. I am hoping to go to an Arabian dance workshhop this afternoon and perhaps catch a speaker on 'Researching the Enemy'tomorrow. I have just found this beautiful solar powered internet cafe, so will be back tomorrow with updates. Cheers x.

Thu, Jul 26, 2007

Off to see the wizard

Well that's a lie actually but I am going off to do my bit helping out at the Big Green, so I might have trouble posting entries for a while (don't hold your breath). However, please come back again as I promise I will put up some pics when I get back. I have been so busy the last few days packing and with my mother-in-law that I haven't heard the news, but I gather I am set for a pretty wet time. I understand the comment from James to my last post but think that not travelling abroad so much will be something we all have to adjust to. Apologies, but I have no time to write much more, so it's goodbye from me (for now).

Tue, Jul 24, 2007

Trading in Poverty

An interesting day in politics. On the one hand we have some emergency experts saying that floods are dealt with better in the 'developing world', then we have David Cameron saying how unfair trade is hindering Africa's development, after he has flown to Rwanda and left his constituents knee deep in climate change-induced floods. It was good to hear a mainstream politician acknowledging that trade barriers in Europe and America are preventing Africans from exporting freely, however the same rhetoric about increasing trade as a way out of problems has been heard before. If Africa relies on trade to improve infrastructure it will be hit harder than we will as fuel prices rise (see my post on peak oil below). A greener approach would be to enable Africa to move towards total self-sufficiency. The continent has the resources and brains to do so; these are what we have been stripping from them for the last few hundred years. Increasing trade around the world cannot help but worsen climate change and whilst some people in the UK are pretty miserable now after the worst of what the weather can throw at us, the suffering from extreme weather is only going to increase. Yes, David Cameron should be thinking internationally, but he could have avoided flying and set a clear example by using technology to give his launch in the UK instead.

Sun, Jul 22, 2007

Perfect start to the summer

I know the weather has been nothing short of foul for the last 6 weeks but today the sun shone and I had the luck to spend a beautiful afternoon at my mum's. I picked raspberries whilst my youngest son helped cut brambles for the goats and his older brother cleared weeds from the veg patch. There we all were out in the sun, with nothing more than the odd vehicle going past to disturb the peace. Later we walked up the road and fed the neighbours pig then relaxed with a cup of tea whilst watching the diving beetle in the pond. It is hard to put into words just how relaxing and enjoyable times like these are; no need to tax my brain with complicated math's or doom filled futures, just the simple joy of honest work and being part of a loving family. It can be hard at times to remember that there is more to the world than the horrors heaped on daily in the news but when life gives a chance to do this I find I can truly be, no aeroplane or resort required.

Fri, Jul 20, 2007

Going, going, gone

I have just finished listening to the excellent play on Radio 4 about Peak Oil. It was fictional but based on real world events and I hope it has the impact that the authors clearly intended it to. Peak Oil is the 'theory' that the world has already drunk more than half the available reserves of oil, and as we are using it up faster than ever, the amount left will only decline faster. Like when you are drinking a glass of water with ice in, perhaps you are only a little thirsty to start with and so you sip at it, but then you begin to gulp it down, and fairly soon more than half the water is gone. Once you have drank over half the glass you still have some left plus the ice which is harder to use and takes longer to get to. If you sip what is left the water will last longer. We are still gulping it down, and even though this was a huge glass of oil, once it has gone, it really has gone.

I was angered and amused to hear that (typically) the Crown Prosecution Service were not going to press charges on the 'cash for honours scandal', and please note, this was not because they had found no evidence of any crime, but because there was "insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction". Then we have a whole flock of government ministers queueing up to tell us how naughty they had been as students, but they had realised the error of their ways, and so now must prevent other, mainly youngsters, from doing the same thing. I have yet to see proof that cannabis is more dangerous than alcohol, so I think the law should apply equally and dependent on harm. If cannabis causes mental instability because of new and stronger forms than legalising it would be one way of preventing this,as the strength being used could then be regulated. I am not saying this because I am some crazed druggie but because it makes sense. Hypocrisy and double standards only make for poor laws and a lack of respect for the powers that make and enforce them.

Wed, Jul 18, 2007

Brand new focus?

I am a member of YouGuv, well not so much a member as one of a group of self-selecting people who have signed up to complete on-line surveys. I joined because I'm the sort of person who frankly has too much time on their hands and is happy enough to waste some of it ticking boxes and feeling important. Today I filled in a 'Brand Index' survey, where I an invited to give my opinion on various well known brands (or over-advertised products from multi-national corporations) and the major political parties. This is great as it means I am able to mark all the products of the big bad wolves as poor value for money, whilst giving a boost to the more ethical guys. It's good fun. It's another small tool in the fight against globalisation because no ones getting a high rating out of me until they clean up their act. You can sign up too - and what's more you'll get paid for it.

Whilst I write my hubby is playing flamenco guitar. Live music is so beautiful, and so hard to make a living from. The recent laws requiring anywhere that live music is performed to get a licence is just another barrier to small independent musicians as it has limited the number of places they can perform. I don't normally complain about regulation but in this case it was certainly designed to make life hard for small venues such as our local pub. They no longer host live music, another loss to village life. Please take 10 minutes of your time to write to your MP and ask them to have this law changed, thank you.

Mon, Jul 16, 2007

Fun for all the family?

My sons went to the zoo today on a school trip. They returned tired and full of excitement about the animals they had seen. That is until my eldest came round to talking about the Snow Leopard there. Snow Leopards are his favourite animals in the entire world, he goes to bed with a cuddly toy one every night. There was such sadness in his voice as he spoke about the real Snow Leopard there, likely to be the only one he will ever see alive, sat cowering in the corner of its cage. 'It didn't want to be there, it was miserable' he said. I was so sad that his image of this beautiful, wild, powerful, and graceful animal had been dented by such a distressing sight. One argument put forward in defence of zoos is that they give people the chance to see real animals that they might not otherwise. I think that the animals our imagination provides are far better than a few specimens behind bars.

Sun, Jul 15, 2007

Watching TV without a TV

We don't own a television. Both my husband and I grew up without one and found it a liberating experience. Today's world is very visually focused, so we have sated our small appetite for seeing the world through an excellent, free, open-source programme called Democracy Player. They have no restrictions as to who can put up a channel or what content it can show (bar the obvious), so you can choose to download short films and video pod casts from an eclectic mix. Yesterday evening for instance hubby and I watched amongst others, a programme on Giant Tarantulas (National Geographic), a hilarious interview with Tory defector Quentin Davies (BBC Newsnight), and uncensored coverage from Iraq (Live from Iraq). You can watch shorts from all corners of the globe and choose when to watch them. Nothing short of a brilliant idea. Give it a try and download it here .

Had a big chuckle at the news that poor hard done by Tesco had to close 14 stores on Saturday because (an as yet unspecified) threat had been made. Doesn't your heart bleed for those shoppers forced to look at what other options are available in their area, if any are left that is, or for the bloated shareholders who will doubtlessly have had their bank accounts broken by loosing out on a few extra quid. I don't approve of making violent threats against anyone, but I couldn't give two hoots if Tesco were ever forced to shut their doors for good. To get some idea of the horrors behind the shiny Tesco image, have a gander at Corporate Watch or alternatively 'check out' Tescopoly.

Fri, Jul 13, 2007

One Wales, Two Parties, Our Future.

Like the Brown government, the pro's and con's of the new coalition government in the Assembly will take a while to air. As I said in a previous post I can't see Labour and Plaid being happy bedfellows for long. I am happy for Rhodri that he is recovering from his operation but I wonder if his health might become a convenient excuse for a sharp exit if the going get tough. I think that Plaid will finder the harder of the two parties as Labour knows that it can always try and cultivate a new coalition with the Lib Dems, therefore Plaid will have to take care fighting its corner. In the Cambrian News Elin Jones has put a shine on the coalition, pointing out how much Bronglais will gain from the One Wales agreement (One Wales incidentally was the Green Party's title for our last Manifesto). Without having been party to the negotiations I can't help but wonder how much both had to compromise to reach any agreement and how willing the party faithful will be to accept these compromises. Like most members of a party I could swallow some things I wasn't keen on to get others I was passionate about through, but based on what I had read so far this coalition document is bland and designed to avoid confrontation at all costs. I think we are not going to see any radical change anytime soon.

I had an uplifting experience today. I went to my kids school to give a talk to the Key Stage two pupils (that's 7-11 in everyday language) on the Green Party and how politics works in general. The kids were so engaged when they had a chance to fill in a sheet looking at their own ecological footprints; remarkably they were all very green. We talked about things they could do at school and at home, also about the difference between what you want and what you need, and I am not sure many of the parents will be happy with some of my suggestions. I think the biggest hit was when we all got in a group and looked at the amount of space we took up when we made ourselves big or small. Sometimes it is the simplest things that have the most impact.

Tue, Jul 10, 2007

Humble bumble in trouble?

It's been in the news for a few years now but I hadn't given it much thought until I heard a Radio 4 programme on the dramatic bee hive collapses hitting the USA. Bees are just a background in my life, something I have always taken for granted, like most people I guess. Even as an ecologist I haven't given a second thought to the crucial role these small, beautiful insects play in keeping us fed. They are, of course, essential to the future of many plants and therefore the animals that rely on them. Plants have evolved over many thousands of years to attract certain insects that will pollinate them ensuring the plant can fruit, therefore preserving the cycle of life. Without an abundance of bees and other insects the very future of insect pollinated plants is at risk. What or who are posing such a threat to the bee? Apart from the usual pests and diseases it seems that bees in particular are facing extra sources of stress. Large scale, monoculture, industrial farms are having a big finger pointed at them - herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, stripped hedgerows, low biodiversity, and the practise of transporting hives hundreds of miles between crops are all implicated. Personally I wonder about what role genetic modification may be having, though this wasn't mentioned in the programme I heard. An interesting (and possibly harder to tackle) villain in the piece could be mobile phones and other sources of diffuse electro-magnetic radiation have been shown in one study to disrupt the bees ability to navigate. The severe decline of the bee would not only be sad and a catastrophic blow to food production it would be symbolic to me as to how in our rush to overpower nature we find that our reliance is even deeper than we thought.

Up at the top of politics, Brown's proposed constitutional reforms are interesting but I don't trust him as far as I could throw him. If you haven't already, take a look at this. The Conservatives plans to turn everyone into compliant safely manipulable family units through bribery show a complete lack of understanding of real life and love. I am happily married but if it were not I would not want to feel socially stigmatised for leaving and find myself unable to cope financially for doing so. Domestic abuse, over-long working hours, pools of poverty, poor education, sexual drives in teenager, gross disparities in power and wealth, will never be resolved by a pitiful £20 a week. Politicians shouldn't interfere with how people live their lives but should try to give everyone real and meaningful chances and opportunities. If that means raising taxes at the top to achieve these goals - so be it.

Sat, Jul 07, 2007

New cabinet - new climate?

Today is the day of the Live Earth concerts - the much publicised popular music festivals aimed at getting action on climate change. To carry out these a huge amount of fuel will be used. So I am giving my backing to the alternative Live Earth - far more eco-friendly, just listen and watch it on-line. The performers have all been chosen by that top democratic form, the on-line vote. Still it's well worth visiting, Seize the Day one of my favourite groups are top of the bill. One or two concerts can never change the world, but as today is apparently the luckiest day, hope springs eternal.

Something else I highly recommend is visiting the Corporate Watch website and reading their analysis of the links between Brown's cabinet and big business here. Gordon seems to view running the country as just another business opportunity. Rather than reining in corporations that are already out of control he has opened the front door and is being widely congratulated for it. I haven't heard anyone questioning how wise it is to have given powerful positions to unelected individuals, only back slapping because his approach will apparently reinstate faith in politics (ha ha) or petty squabbling about who who asked Digby Jones first. Time to reclaim the English language so that words like trust, openness, democracy, transparency, opposition can no longer be used as smokescreens for poor judgement and blatant unfairness.

I am going to end with a paragraph of silence

...in memory of the anniversary of the tube train and bus bombs in London, and all those who have suffered from violence in the world.

Mon, Jul 02, 2007

What are you really afraid of?

I have to be honest and admit that the latest terror scares left a tight knot of fear in my stomach. Having been nowhere near the car bombs I can only conclude that this anxiety is at least in part due to the media hype around the events, in which no innocent bystanders were injured. Despite this already my radio is full of politicians and commentators blasting forth more and more punitive punishments and anti-libertarian measures to put on terror suspects. If punishment is related to actual harm, rather than provoking fear, I hearby suggest my very own anti-terror 'manifesto' (any government wishing to use this manifesto please contact me to discuss royalties first):

• Identity cards for all; any car being driven must be activated with one.
• Arbitrary stopping and searching of any red vehicle, at any time
• Tracking devices in every car
• Speed cameras in every urban area
• A new scheme where you can shop any suspect vehicle
• A law requiring anyone who has ever been accused of speeding or dangerous driving to report to the police before undertaking any journey over 5 miles
• Removal of all vehicles from anyone convicted of any motoring offence
• Confiscation of passports for anyone convicted of death by dangerous driving (to stop them driving dangerously overseas)
• Absolutely NO white vans

Would I feel safer on the roads, especially as there is a far higher death toll on them than from terrorism? Of course not, and I can't see many motorists who would take it lying down (civil liberties are, of course, essential for the white middle-classes). I am not against punishing people who it can be proved intend to kill and maim, but the case must be made in a court of law. The right to a free and fair trial is a keystone of our society, yet the perceived threat from terrorism allows the government to provoke a state of fear whereby loss of freedoms are justified. Many people will back the changes, because 'they will only affect terrorists', but who defines a terrorist? Any law passed can be applied to anyone, at any time. Hands up for three months detention without trial...

In Wales, the parties in the Assembly are slowly moving nearer a coalition. However, the forthcoming 'Red-Green pact'/ Labour-Plaid union I can't see being happy bedfellows for long. Labour has moved too far from it's socialist roots and Plaid will only compromise so far. I think that if the pact succeeds the environment will probably be a big loser from this as Plaid were probably the strongest opponents to some very bad moves by Labour in the last Assembly. I suspect that those Plaid members who have a strong environmental voice will be tempered by the need to avoid upsetting Rhodri and his cronies. This coalition could act as the strongest demonstration by far that whether Wales has an Assembly or Parliament we need Green members, and for that we need PR.

Fri, Jun 29, 2007

Not waving but drowning

So, Blair and Brown have finished playing musical chairs with the most important roles in the country whilst the flood waters lap around their feet. The change over is apparently a really big deal but I suspect like most of the country I have tried to care about it, really I have, but I can't see how it matters which middle aged white male runs the country. Nothings going to change, there will be no shift in focus and no alterative economic policy.

Of more immediate concern are the buffoons at the council who keep slashing the wrong budgets. Now they're threatening the Farmer's Markets whilst publicising their plans for the future which envision sustainability at the core of what they are doing. They'll say anything to keep us quite but it wont work. Ceredigion County Council doesn't just need to play musical chairs, the members need to take their party-bags and head home.

Mon, Jun 25, 2007

Business is usual - teenage virginity is not?

I spent a couple of busy days at Ceredigion Business Centre last week, and two more to come this week, being versed in the ins and outs of running your own business. A lot of it is common sense but I found that I am definitely not cut out to be a hard nosed business woman. I am not sure that for every business the best model for pricing should be get as much as you can, rather than cover your costs plus a bit extra. To always be looking for that extra buck is how come we have such megalomaniac transnational corporations right now. If business was run along the lines of making whatever you are doing work, expanding to meet demand I think the world would be happier; however, I can't understand the motivation behind artificially creating demand for products that damage the environment (such as 'the golden arches'), unless what these people are really seeking isn't money but power. I watched Hotel Rwanda for the first time last night and it vividly illustrated what hunger for power can cost - 1 million dead. In this cosseted corner of the world, can we truly comprehend what horror is?

I was asked what I thought about the vaccination for young teenage girls against cervical cancer (oh and thanks for the lovely birthday present Bethan). This is a tricky one in the respect that on the whole I am not in favour of the immunisation culture, although I am not against immunisation per se. I would not like to return to having children crippled by polio, I am against the multiple immunisations routinely offered in infanthood against what are mainly low risk diseases. Returning to the vaccination for these girls, I think that it would not act as a trigger for precocious sexual behaviour as some people have claimed. I think it should be offered to girls alongside full information on the potential risks of having the vaccination, the chances of getting cervical cancer that remain, and advice on how to protect themselves against STI's and unwanted pregnancy, plus the opportunity of having confidential meetings with a fully qualified counsellor. I would like to see this service offered to both boys and girls as a springboard into a more mature way of treating our teenagers when it comes to sex and relationships. I think that this could do more for the health and well-being of the next generation than emotive campaigns for virginity until marriage (though I defend the right to express this belief).

Tue, Jun 19, 2007

A good woman always knows her place

In May, a women's rights campaigning MP in the Afghan Parliament was suspended. Malalai Joya compared other MP's to animals, in particular former warlords, who she said were of less use than donkeys. The BBC has described her as 'a ceaseless critic of the warlords in parliament'. It seems more likely that her suspension has had less to do with the specific remarks she made and more to do with her prominent stance for women's rights and her willingness to stand against those who will continue to use their position f trust in Parliament as a way of justifying oppression of women and corrupt practises. Malalai Joya is now in hiding, she lives in a country where expressing freedom of speech and being a woman in a public position leads to threats on your life.

Contrast to how in the 1950's women in the UK were treating each other through articles like the following:
The Good Wife’s Guide (selected extracts from an article in a 1955 issue of Housekeeping Monthly)

Have dinner ready, plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs.

Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.

Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper etc and then run a dust cloth over the tables.

Minimise all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first – remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

Don’t complain if he’s late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as a minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

Arrange his pillow and offer to take his shoes off for him. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.

Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

A good wife always knows her place.

We can laugh here, where women on the whole are free from such overt misogyny, but it is important to remember as the attempted silencing of Malalai Joya and the tragic case of Banaz Mahmod show that female persecution is still rife (2 women a week in the UK are murdered by their partners). Those of us of both genders must do all we can to change attitudes and liberate everyone who is oppressed by not being afraid to tackle prejudice wherever we see it. I am going to finish by seriously urging all women who think they may be suffering domestic abuse to contact groups like Women's Aid (see side link) for confidential support and advice.

Sun, Jun 17, 2007

Father's day - self-esteem boost for dads (or kids)?

I know Father's day is viewed by many as just another consumer fest. My two boys have really enjoyed it though. They made cards, cooked breakfast, and washed up to show their dad they loved him. He really appreciated it and it is these gifts that show love far beyond anything that can be bought. The media are very critical about the increasing number of children being brought up by one parent, for whom days like today are presumed to be difficult. As someone who had two dads from quite early in life I find this viewpoint harder than the break up of my parents. It is more of a problem (in my opinion) as to how 'single' parent families are treated by society than single parenthood per se. Children and teenagers I have heard interviewed in the media seem to trot out the phrases expected by the 'experts' rather than giving their own responses, which I suspect would generally be far less negative.

If being a lone parent really contributes to less well-being (feelings of being loved, wanted and valued) rather than less social worth (income, economic contribution, voting power) then we should be considering what is at the root of the problem. This will not be simple but the following need serious consideration as factors leading to single parenthood: high rates of accidental pregnancies; domestic abuse; economic and social stresses on relationships; even the lack of free counselling services available. The last item in this list I think is of high importance as I believe that low self esteem play a role in so many problems. The hot house and pressurised system that both children and adults live in with expectations of success but only in a limited realm (jobs, sport) cannot be healthy for a whole society where not everyone can be a doctor, a high flying chief executive, and a premier one footballer. I want to live in a society that understands and celebrates the worth of the everyday, the normal, the female. Ironically, that is why days like today are worthwhile, as they are a day when men can feel loved for just doing their best as dads.

Wed, Jun 13, 2007

I want to write about the situation in Palestine but it is hard.

The media coverage tells us about the innocent civilians suffering and the possibility that this is a rapid descent into civil war. I have heard nothing on the responsibility of the international community to the Palestinians, no discussion of a UN peace keeping force, refugee camps being set up, or safe exit routes being negotiated. Maybe that isn't necessary yet, maybe it is unclear about who any negotiations could be carried out with, or maybe there is no political will to help these people. After all Palestine has pretty much been abandoned to it's fate since the six day war. I hesitate to comment on Israel in relation to what is happening in Palestine but think it has to shoulder some responsibility for creating the ongoing suffering and oppression that has bred the conditions. Many peace activists have argued that Israel has systematically curtailed Palestinian freedom and ability to earn income. Israel was set up for a people who were decimated in the holocaust, who know what it is like to be persecuted. How can they perpetrate this, how? I am not alone in this view and I understand that many Jews around the world oppose Israeli policy on Palestine.

As with every conflict I just somehow fail to grasp the drive to gain power, land, wealth and that in doing so there are humans prepared to shatter the lives of others. Where are their souls, their empathy, their love. Sometimes I hear people like me dismissed as bleeding hearts. I am proud to have a bleeding heart, to say that I side with the victim, the survivor; and that human life, human integrity is worth more to me than anything else.

Some news on my attempts to grow vegetables. I am being like a little kid - it works! Not only did the seeds sprout but they have grown and were planted out last week in out new raised bed. I know this is late but I hope we do get some peas, courgette, and sweetcorn. Helpful friends and family are already giving us advice and hints but I am so proud when I see my big little seedlings. They give me hope for the future.

Finally, a reminder to everyone in the Aberystwyth area - Transition town Aberystwyth are hosting a movie about peak oil (The End of Suburbia) at 7pm in Y Morlan. Please make the time to go and see it if you haven't already.

Sun, Jun 10, 2007

It seems my village is famous. For having a visit by the three leading actors (Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, & Matthew Rhys) from the new Dylan Thomas movie. All they wanted was a pub lunch, but wherever they go someone recognises them and boom privacy lost. However, they have chosen this, they have opted to being in the most well known people on the planet. But when we look at these celebrities and possibly sympathise on one level for their loss of privacy and freedom, how often do we think that we, ourselves are also being deprived of these very same rights.

The government recently announced (over the bank holiday weekend) that it intended to 'strengthen' the 'anti-terror' laws by, amongst other things, extending the time anyone in Britain could be detained without trial and changing the stop and search laws. Alongside ID cards, extensive CCTV, and protest restrictions ,the 5 pillars of a free and democratic society are gradually being eroded. The Labour government is becoming well versed in Orwellian as it tries to explain that by removing our rights we are actually becoming more free. Soon, we will find that not a single person in Britain can visit a pub without it being filed somewhere what you had for lunch. Watching Taking Liberties a film by Chris Atkins about the terror state is highly recommended.

Thu, Jun 07, 2007

So, the G8 have finally acknowledged the climate change is a problem. Even Georgie porgie. Finally some good news - although of course whatever they finally agree to won't be enough...

Perhaps I should apologise again for the delay, what with half term and trips to Cornwall and such like but that's enough of blathering excuses. To start with the positive side, we spent an excellent 4 days in Cornwall at the LEAF festival. This was a children focused couple of days on a 400 acre organic farm. The festival had been set up and run by students studying Steiner education at Plymouth university. They put on workshops on mallet making, fire lighting, clay oven building, as well as music and drama. My two enjoyed themselves - the freedom to be able to work with tools, to be able to get a usable end product and to be spoilt by all the adults. We were actually there so that hubby could play flamenco guitar - although not as well as Paco Peña who we saw last night at the Art Centre.

Looking back at what has dominated the news recently - grammar schools, missile defence, new 'security measures' and so on I have come to the conclusion that pretty much all the elected politicians are mad. Why is it that whenever faced with a problem they always choose the wrong course. "Oh look, these people hate us so much they want to blow us up. I know why don't I persecute them and provoke them". Um, what is wrong with, "what could have provoked this, are we acting unreasonably, can I find a way to talk to them, can we compromise". Inequality, injustices, feeling powerless, all contribute to savage responses - from as small as being horrendous neighbours to as big as turning into a suicide bomber. The six day war series on Radio 4 this week is fascinating as it really illustrates this point. Some of those in power in the middle east then wanted a war because they wanted to 'clear the air' and finally 'settle who owned what'(as if land is ever truly owned). The end result, years of bloodshed, grief, and fear with no one content. OK I know this might sound like a simplistic approach to very complex problems, but I still think the basic premise stands - unless you understand why people feel the way they feel, you will never understand why they behave the way they do.

Finally, I have been pondering the following philosophical question for the last couple of days - what is the ultimate purpose of government? Answers on a postcard please.

Thu, May 24, 2007

I believe in privacy and the right to be free from oppression and state interference. That is why I am opposed to identity cards. Yet the very same people I suspect are in favour of having their name, address, date of birth, biometric information, national insurance number, any convictions, cautions, maybe even health problems stored in a form they can't read on a card and in a central database , throw up their hands in horror that someone might weigh how much rubbish they put out. But you can't do that they splutter, it's intrusive (and well it might mean I have to take responsibility for what I consume). So, intrusion is fine when you think it will not affect your life (I have nothing to hide = the police won't be stopping me) but a human rights abuse when those with invisible blood on their hands have to step out of their cosy world.

As for me? Tag my bins all you like, but leave my person alone.

Ceredigion Environment Partnership's Environmental Linkage Framework (Ceredigion 2020) has just been released for consultation. Below are the 'Shared Key Environmental Priorities':

• Improve energy efficiency and increase use of renewable energy in Ceredigion
• Protect and enhance the natural and built environment of Ceredigion
• Reduce the impact of pollution on the Ceredigion environment
• Support the Environmentally and Sociably Sustainable Economic Development of Forestry, Fishery and Agriculture Sectors in Ceredigion
• Ensure that development of built environment is to high Environmental Standards
• Encourage business in Ceredigion to be more environmentally sustainable in their practices
• Encourage people to value both the Ceredigion and the global environment
• Ensure the sustainable management of waste in Ceredigion
• Ensure that transport in Ceredigion develops in a sustainable way
• Provide opportunities for enjoying the Ceredigion countryside
• Reduce the impact of environmental crime in Ceredigion

As this is a consul