Watching recent events, in light of history, has been key to me taking the stance I now have regarding Israel. Before embracing Islam ten years ago, I neither understood the situation in Israel, nor was particularly interested. My view was simply that I wished people would just get along… After embracing Islam, I was given leaflets and videos about the Palestinian cause. I have since watched the news and developments in the region more closely, as well as reading up on history…

History testifies to the fact, that the Jewish people have been one of the most persecuted peoples and religious communities, throughout the history of human civilisation! Why then, should they be denied a state? Some may well note, that since 1948 they have had a state… Well, it’s true, at present they do. But isn’t that precisely what others are ganging up on them, to deny them?!

Why are other countries scared of the success of Israel? Why do so many, wish to bring the struggle of this tiny country to an end?

To tell a state it’s not allowed to defend itself, which is in effect what the United Nations are now doing, is to deny it the right to exist! Whatever mistakes Israel has made during it’s short history, this is an unjust and very worrying move!

There are only 13 million Jews in the world, roughly 6 million of whom live in Israel. On the other hand, there are many times as many Arabs, 1.5 million of whom actually live in Israel too! Jews make up only a tiny minority of humanity, there were around 6.8 billion people living on Earth in 2006…

Surely, it’s plain to see, the Jewish people are not a threat to anyone! So, why all the propaganda and conspiracy theories about them? Now, Israelis are the one’s being accused of war crimes, when they were only trying to defend what’s left of their much reduced country… Isn’t this a disgraceful and shameful situation?

The UN clearly does not understand the dynamics of Middle Eastern politics, either that or they do not care and are willing to turn a blind eye to a potential bloodbath in the region! If the latter, what was the point of their creation in the first place? If Israel’s not safe, bear in mind none of us are, whatever state we’re living in!

I’m glad to see Mr Wilders has been allowed into the country. British culture is based on certain principles, including liberty and freedom of expression. However, inciting hatred is not a constructive course of action, whoever is responsible!

Unfortunately, it’s true, some Muslims are stuck in the mentality of the dark ages; to point this out, is fair enough… But to state the Holy Qur’an is a fascist book; to imply that Islam is an anti-libertarian religion; is to aggravate many Muslims who are otherwise working to resolve some of these issues!

The protesters who were holding banners, come from certain groups, who by no means represent the majority of Muslims in the UK or Islam! To focus on them, misses the point that the majority of British Muslims were absent. While we may not agree with Mr Wilders views, the majority of us certainly wish him no harm.

I almost still can’t believe this actually works! My 2 year old daughter found one of my permanent marker pens and being somewhat artistic, redesigned my computer case and desk… I didn’t have any isopropyl handy and white spirit does not work either…

At this point, my wife did a Google search and came across the attached YouTube video… I thought this was a prank at first. Yes, sure, toothpaste cleans permanent ink… How come I haven’t heard that before? But what did I have to lose? So I tried it and surprise, surprise, toothpaste does the trick!

So, if this happens to you, and you don’t have any isopropyl in your house, try toothpaste…

Of old sat Freedom on the heights,
The thunders breaking at her feet:
Above her shook the starry lights:
She heard the torrents meet.

There in her place she did rejoice,
Self-gather’d in her prophet-mind,
But fragments of her mighty voice
Came rolling on the wind.

Then stept she down thro’ town and field
To mingle with the human race,
And part by part to men reveal’d
The fullness of her face –

Grave mother of majestic works,
From her isle-alter gazing down,
Who, God-like, grasps the triple forks,
And, King-like, wears the crown:

Her open eyes desire the truth.
The wisdom of a thousand years
Is in them. May perpetual youth
Keep dry their light from tears;

That her fair form may stand and shine,
Make bright our days and light our dreams,
Turning to scorn with lips divine
The falsehood of extremes!

Conservatives.TV

Telling really; a roof beam of the church in which William Shakespeare is buried, is rotten and in danger of collapse…

Why has the final resting place, of one of the most inspirational of historic Englishman, been allowed to get into such a state of disrepair in the first place? English speakers everywhere, owe an immense debt to William Shakespeare and many of his contempories, who did so much to develop English language, culture, art and civilisation… Yet, today, their great contribution is sadly unappreciated by many, who do not realise or comprehend the depth of our debt to them…

Surely, not only is a structural beam in this church rotting away, but instead is symbolic of the more serious erosion of English civilisation… Yet what attention is this far greater crisis recieving…?

Telegraph.co.uk : Shakespeare church roof in danger of collapse

Paul Salahuddin Armstrong (right) talking to Sunny Dhadley about the work of Wolverhampton Drugs Services, at the City Show 2009.

Drugs not only destroy the lives of those who become addicted, they have far reaching impacts on our communities – especially the level of crime. Though most addicts never intended to start out that way. Once hooked, it’s difficult for them to overcome their addictions and make something worthwhile of their lives. As this is the case, it’s important we do more to increase awareness among teenagers of the damage that drugs do, to prevent them getting involved with drugs in the first place.

www.havenrefuge.org.uk

I pray Michael finds in the next life, the peace that so eluded him in this one, by the grace of the all encompassing, most compassionate God…