The Luton protesters were angry men.
And I’m angry too - but in a different way.
Even now, looking back, it’s hard to believe I was that trusting of our politicians.
I really believed the news reports in the papers and on TV about Saddam Hussein’s Weapons of Mass Destruction. I took at face value the Ministry of Defence’s “sexed-up” intelligence dossier about scud missiles hitting British bases in Cyprus.
I felt British interests were under threat.
I decided to act.
In February 2003 I decided to reenlist in the Territorial Army.
Within months of the cessation of hostilities it became obvious that there were no scuds, no weapons of mass destruction, no nothing to be found in Iraq.
Then we had the Hutton enquiry, followed a few months later by the Butler report.
The Great British public had been conned.
Taking the country to war, in my view, is the gravest decision a British Prime Minister can take, but to take us to war based on a false premise?
To say it rocked my faith in the British political establishment is understatement.
I joined the Conservatives and stood in the 2005 General Election.
I could not believe Labour was returned to office and I left the Tories soon after.
Later that summer I was horrified by the 7/7 London bombings.
I can’t help but wonder what were the victims’ views on the Iraqi invasion – were they supporters of the war or protesters against?
Either way, the British public have never been influenced by acts of terrorism.
Anybody familiar with the Provisional IRA 30 year terror campaign referred to, with typical British understatement, as “the troubles” will appreciate this.
Despite this, I was convinced that the greatest threat to Britain’s security was not terrorists, foreign and domestic - but warmongering politicians, Labour & Republican.
And, lets be honest, I'm not the first person to refer to them as warmongers. Plenty of the newspapers have said the same.
Like many Britons watching Barack Obama’s election campaign I was filled with a desire and hope for, to borrow the phrase, “change we can believe in”.
But what of Britain – who is going to provide the change we need, the Tory party?
Having stood for the Conservatives last time, I would say no - I don’t think so.
This is why I have put myself forward for nomination to stand as an independent MEP at the European elections on June 4th with the Jury Team.
My message to young British Muslims is simple: “Don’t get radicalised, get politicised”.
I would ask those that share my views, my concerns and my anger to support my nomination with the Jury Team and text Mevbro01 to 86837.
Thanks.
But does politics actually work?
As for Obama, his message sounded nice to most, but lets see how its carried through.
So far he seems to have been pretty... naive where a week does not go by without an appointee of his into one role or another does not resign/is forced out due to some infractions of the past.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
We have seen the damage dysfunctional and detached politicians can do as home and abroad.
Doing nothing is, in my view, not an option.
Obama copied his campaign slogan from Bob the Builder - 'Yes we can!'
But seriously though, where's the cold, hard evidence of politics 'working' recently?
Over a million people marched (that was just in London) against the Iraq war, and the government didn't listen to them. I think that this was, for many, the moment that 'positive political action' stopped becoming a reality and was consigned to the history books.
So these dissilusioned people could (very broadly) fall into 2 camps: the
"I don't care about politics, they'll only do what they want anyway regardless of what I say - so sod the lot of them"
or
"mainstream politics has failed me, I want radicalism (of any sort: violent OR non-violent; 'Islamist'/BNP/Socialist Worker/[enter other group here])!"
So what can we do? Is being ignored while standing for European election going to help anything other than your ego?
Don't just do something! Stand there.
Let's forget the past for a bit and look to the future.
In reality there are only two options to govern the UK - the Conservatives and Labour.
The Conservatives are not any better (probably worse overall) than labour, so where is the alternative to vote for?
Voting for Respect, even the Lib Dems (not that they have policy heaven either) is probably a waste of time.
None of the parties are looking out for the people. over the past 5 years, local councils have used the snooping powers given through RIPA to catch terrorist activity TEN THOUSAND TIMES. for things such catching dog fouling, people who overfill their bins by an inch or so and other moronic things.
And New Labour is pushing for even more snooping powers that are basically evil. The tories will probably do the same anyway.
Further, the new definition of extremists/terrorists that is being considered with "contest 2" brands all muslims as such. Ofcourse this will be done to appease people with prejudices to show how they are acting.
There is no one rooting for me, so taking part is IMO a waste of time.
Politics don't work.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
Ya'qub, you are right in some ways.
If you told me there would be a Scottish Nationalist administration in power in Scotland I wouldn't have believed you. And all the polls show that Scots don't want independence, they wanted Labour out of office. The Tories are finished in Scotland and the Lib/Dems remain a fringe party. Scots have a fourth choice and they used it. England NEEDS another credible alternative.
Had YOU heard of Barack Obama 2 years ago? It can be done.
Fewer and fewer people turn out to vote at each election, so both parties fall back on their core voters. Doing nothing serves Labours advantage.
As for my ego - I wouldn't be doing night shifts with the homeless if I had ego issues.
That's the cynical view.
Just because politics don't work doesn't mean to say politics CAN'T work.
Do you remember that old guy, Walter something, the guy that shouted "Rubbish" at a Labour politician at the party conference a couple of years back?
He was arrested and detained under the anti-terrorism laws for heavens sake!!!
Labour is using the politics of fear to stay in office.
It's what they do. It's how they work.
...but you would be boasting about it on the internet.
Don't just do something! Stand there.
Sigh...
The main benefit of democracy is it allowed for a change of leadership without resorting to violence - however what is the point of that if the new guys do the same as the old.
Holding up Obama as a flame for politics working is too little too early. We need to see that he actually does something good before hailing him as the true saviour of mankind.
How do you see that changing? Like really changing? I doubt any mainstream party will propose anything other than strengthening the anti terror legislation. No one wants to look weak when it comes to terrorism.
I do not see anyone offering alternatives on policies that matter.
And then there is the UK extradition treaty with the US where people can more or less be extradited with no evidence presented. This is not something that only affects Muslims (Like Babar Ahmed who is still fighting extradition), but others too like that "hacker" who "hacked" into US DOJ computers. By hacked I mean he found that he did not need to enter a password and decided to look and see if they had contacted aliens...
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
I was using Obama as an example of how change can become reality, as you say early days.
That is my point. There needs to be a new political option in England.
In Scotland there is the SNP - England has nothing! There is no obvious alternative to the 3 main parties. I suspect that is a large part of why voter turnout is colapsing.
Few people could differentiate from the Labour party, the Tories or the Lib/Dems anyway.
The choice is about what colour you want your neo-conservatives, blue, red or yellow?
To underline my point: the politicians are the problem - not the solution.
We need new thinking, not more of the same.
When they introduced internment in Ulster the Home Secretary of the day was generaly considered to be the terrorists biggest and best recruiting sergeant.
I see the same stupidity in the current crop of politciian (Labour & Tory) as we had in the 1960's.
As they say, if you don't learn from history, you are doomed to repeat it.
Salam
But radicalisation is the only way Wahhabis know.
They do not know what politics is.
Infact, they hate taking part in election,
and take democrasy as a mockery.
You see to them anger, violence, and mayhem is a religion duty ordained by God.
Its the classic Wahhabi way. Even Holy Prophet Mohammed used
to warn them against this sort of extremism.
Radicalisation will go on until we take proper steps to address the issue.
So far, official responce has been a one big farce. Hence, it has failed.
Until our bumbling government tackle their basic beliefs of
resorting to the bullet, they will never take to the ballot.
I am sure you already know that there are a few effective
ways of transforming Wahhabis' furious attitudes into civilised behaviour.
But the fools at Number 10 dont seems to going down that road.
Downing Street makes a mess and keeps trying things that upset the
rest of the 3 million citizens who are muslims,
not to mention destroying our great reputation in the world.
Omrow
That is my point. We have to take proper steps.
Radicalisation plays into Labour's politics of fear. It strengthens their position and help create a police state and a "them and us society".
How can anybody hate politics? How can anybody hate wanting to build a better society?
That is what politics SHOULD be about. Labour (leadership) is a menace to peace both at home and abroad. The ultimat ehypocracy was appointing Tony Blair as a peace envoy to the Middle East.
And as for the incredible damage Labour does to our society on an ongoing basis. Look at Law & Order, family values, education, the NHS, civil behaviour, the list goes on.
At the risk of breaking copyright laws, I will paraphrase from Robin Cooks (the Foreign Secretary who resigned over the Iraqi invasion) book 'Point of departure' - "This June [2003] the local elections delivered a kicking. This is a far cry from the fabled 'Baghdad bounce' which was predicted last year, when Downing Street expected military victory in Iraq to bring in a host of votes from an admiring nation".
It shouldn't be that difficult to outwit Labour, and politics is the only way.
I think they have done well with the NHS - they inherited a mess and have pumped loads of money in.
Their biggest problem is wanting to be a big government - all control freaky and stuff.
All the problems aside, I have heard big talk, but no actual proposals. How change? what change?
(PS I HAD heard of Obama more than 2 years ago... granted it did seem unlikely)
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
In some NHS trusts the number of administrators has overtaken the nurses. Lots of new money, very true (and typical Labour spin) - but how does that help patient care?
I don't know - had it not improved?
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
I have to take things one step at a time - and I need ALL the help I can get, and will be happy to take any help offered.
Grass roots support is essential in any political campaign.
All that I ask at this point is you vote for my nomination as a candidate with the Jury Team.
Text: mevbro01 to 86837. Ask you friends to do the same.
There will come a point were the mass media can no longer ignore what I am saying.
And when I get my message out to the media, you know something? Most Brits will listen and accept my message and think twice about voting for Labour.
It is just a 25p call.
Look at my website for other issues I am campaigning on: www.mevbrown.org.uk
I will add to it regularly. And there is so much to add - did you know Britain has one of the best benefits systems, but one of the worst state pensions in Europe? What does THAT tell you about Labour and the Tories?
There is so much to be done, but I have to start somewhere.
Iraq go me into politics, so this is where I start.
If I may borrow the expression, inshallah
The person that nominated me for the Jury Team is a Doctor in the NHS...
Having a look at your website - I disagree witht eh policies on there.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
and in his/her opinion, have things got better or worse since 1997?
If his complaint is thta things are not ideal, I think idealism is evil - things will never be perfect.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
The point is, what is fair and reasonable?
My campaign focuses on the policy issues where the main parties ignore public opinion.
The politian don't care about the public's (or your) view on Europe, fishing or red tape. If you agree with them, wonderful, but really they couldn't care less one way or the other.
They [Lab/Con & Lib/Dem] all have the same policies on these issues - and they certainly would not give the public a referendum regardless of any manifesto commitments they make.
Once elected as an independent, I would support the overall public view on these issues on a case by case basis. I would be elected to represent the constituants views, not my own views.
I stood for a party called NHSFirst in 2007 - check the NHS sites if you're really interested in NHS issues.
Again, all three main parties ignore public opinion by pursuing policies to commercialise, privatise and Americanise the NHS.
The majortiy of the public don't want this, but the politicians simply are not interested.
Salam
Labour is destroying our nation's values and reputation.
Britain is not so great under Labour.
I think we need to punish them at the next election.
I love Britain and it hurts me to see it harmed
whether by terrorists or by tyrants. Both damage our beautiful society.
I suggest that if you spread the message for next general election
that Labour is bad for Britain, then I am sure Downing Street will
stop its stupid and failed policies and perhaps listen to the voices of reason.
Omrow
Can I just say to those who believe that the anti-war demonstration is proof that politics doesn't work, let me tell you that even though we still went to war with Iraq, Brown has to tread very carefully now because of that, if it wasn't for the anti-war demonstration, we would be at war with Iran by now. Giving up, doesn't work. Apathy doesn't work. The main reason why Obama got elected (and shut down Guantanamo Bay) is because people were bothered to register and vote, if it wasn't for them Obama wouldn't have got in. If you don't get the results you want immediately, you try again and hope for the best, with a slightly different strategy if necessary.
I think it says somewhere in the Quran that "Allah will not help those who do not strive and work for things to happen." That's not the direct quote but it does say something very similar to that in the Quran.
“Before death takes away what you are given, give away whatever there is to give.”
Mawlana Jalal ud Din Rumi
By doing what? chopping off your own arm?
It's not like there are any better alternatives out there.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
More about logistics than anything else.
Besides, the UK has has slightly more civil relations with Iran than the US.
Problem would have been if the US had the logistics and stomach to go to another war. Would Britain have stood on the sidelines then? I seriously doubt it.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
If Bush was in power then he would have found the logistics in some way or another. So challenging and being active DOES have an impact. Plus isn't there a Revival Article that promotes involvement rather than extremism?
And if nothing seems to work, then at least you can say to Allah (swt) that you tried.
“Before death takes away what you are given, give away whatever there is to give.”
Mawlana Jalal ud Din Rumi
If Bush was in power then he would have found the logistics in some way or another. So challenging and being active DOES have an impact. Plus isn't there a Revival Article that promotes involvement rather than extremism?
And if nothing seems to work, then at least you can say to Allah (swt) that you tried.
“Before death takes away what you are given, give away whatever there is to give.”
Mawlana Jalal ud Din Rumi
The next elections are the European elections on June 4th.
That is why I am seeking nomination as an independent candidate with the Jury team. Nominations close on April 25th. To nominate me, text mevbro01 to 86837 before then and the calls cost 25p.
Part of the problem is the politicians represent the interests of their party, NOT the community which elects them.
The point I was trying to make with 'you', is that while he may not agree with everything I say, I hope he recognises that I'm representing the views of the overall community - something which the main three parties have no interest in doing whatsoever.
One thing, for example, is I would like to see Gaza with its own, independent, water & electricity supply. Why doesn't Britain get together with Egypt and set up a join venture?
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
As I said earlier, just because politics isn't working, doesn't mean to say politics won't work. We have to change the politicians - not the system.
As Edmund Burke once said: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing”. I'm not suggesting for a second Labour is evil, the point is if we do nothing - nothing will ever change.
The elections are an opportunity for "regime change", perhaps not in the same way as at a General Election - but a big step forward on that road.
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