Faststream

Just a short little post about me and to say that I have passed the first stage of the internal fast stream assessment - the policy exercise. I now move on to an all day assessment centre in mid July for round two.

Several more hoops to jump through, but I got through the first one and had some very helpful feedback on where I need to improve.

I saw S last night and she was delighed, and her mother bought a bottle of champagne to celebrate. When I explained that there are seven more stages she laughed and said we would be piss heads by the end of the process!

VC & GC

Every time I read about these men I am in awe.

I mh humble opinion the media should stop using the terms of hero when talking about over paid sportsmen who complain about a twisted ankle - they are simply paid performers

D

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Plain medal still honours rare mettle, 150 years on
By Michael Evans, Defence Editor

THEY were the youngest ones there but the respect and awe for Private Johnson Beharry and Lance Corporal Christopher Finney was none the less undiminished.

The pair were among Britain’s most courageous men and women who gathered at Westminster Abbey yesterday to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Victoria Cross and the 50th anniversary of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association.

The service was in honour of their outstanding courage but, as the Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, put it, acts of selfless gallantry were often performed by ordinary people. He said that the medal instituted by Queen Victoria in January 1856 and described by The Times as “plain” suited “the modesty that often accompanies great courage”.

The service and the reception at St James’s Square were attended by 8 of the surviving holders of the VC and 22 of the 24 surviving holders of the GC. They were joined by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall and families of medal holders who had died or been killed in action.

Most holders wore suits and some came in wheelchairs, including Captain Peter Norton, GC, who lost a leg and an arm in an explosion near Baghdad last year. Only Private Beharry VC, 26, and Lance Corporal Finney GC, 22, were in uniform.

A Victoria Cross (Edmund Terakopian/PA)

The old boys were happy that there were new ones still joining their unique and dwindling club and, to a man, spoke in awe of Private Beharry and Lance-Corporal Finney. “He’s the new one, such a sweet guy,” Lieutenant-Commander Ian Fraser, VC, said of Private Beharry. Commander Fraser, now 85, was the man who slid his midget submarine under the Japanese cruiser, Takao, in 1945, fixed limpet mines to the bottom of the ship and was then almost crushed underneath as the tide changed.

Lance-Corporal Finney said: “These guys are amazing. We have a good laugh when we meet for dinner. Me and Johnson (Beharry) and Pete Norton have all been made welcome.”

Private Beharry said: “When we all meet, I don’t ask what they did (to get the VC) and they don’t ask what I did, but they are all great people and they give me good ideas about how to deal with things.” He admitted that winning the VC had changed his life.

Private Beharry and Lance Corporal Finney carried a wreath down the aisle of the Abbey and handed it to the Prince, who laid it on the VC, GC memorial. At the reception in St James’s Square, the Prince met all the VC and GC holders.

“Circumstances may change, technology may change, but the capacity for some very rare human beings to act in an utterly exceptional and selfless way remains unchanged by the passage of time,” he said in an address to the 1,600 guests.

NONE BUT THE BRAVE: THE SURVIVING 12

Private Johnson Beharry, of the 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, who saved the lives of 30 comrades in two individual acts of heroism in al-Amarah, southern Iraq, in May and June 2004

Havildar Bhan Bhagta Gurung, of the 2nd Gurkha Rifles, who cleared four enemy foxholes on his own in Burma in March 1945

Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank, of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No 210 Squadron, who attacked a German U-boat in July 1944, while piloting a Catalina flying boat, persisting with the assault despite being seriously wounded.

Lieutenant-Commander Ian Fraser, of the Royal Naval Reserve, who commanded a midget submarine in a daring raid on the Japanese cruiser Takao in July 1945

Private Edward Kenna, of the 2/4th Battalion Australian Imperial Force, who, under fire, destroyed a Japanese machinegun post in New Guinea in May 1945

Havildar Lachhiman Gurung, of the 8th Gurkha Rifles, who single-handedly fought off wave after wave of enemy attacks on his position in Burma in May 1944

Warrant Officer Class 2 Keith Payne, of the Royal Australian Infantry Regiment, who defended his men and rescued wounded while under fierce attack by North Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War in May 1969

Captain Rambahadur Limbu, of the 10th Princess Mary’s Own Gurkha Rifles, who saved his men during an enemy attack in Sarawak, Malaysia, in November 1965

Private William Speakman-Pitts, of The Black Watch, who led a grenade charge against the enemy in the Korean War in November 1951

Lieutenant Tulbahadur Pun, of the 6th Gurkha Rifles, who charged a Japanese position on his own in June 1944 in Burma

Lieutenant Sir Tasker Watkins, of The Welch Regiment, who charged two enemy posts in August 1944

Lieutenant-Colonel Eric Wilson, of The East Surrey Regiment, attached to the Somaliland Camel Corps, who managed to beat off an enemy attack in Somaliland in August 1940

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2244429.html

US soldiers killed in Iraq

The BBC and Sky News reported earlier today that the two US Soldiers that had gone missing in Baghdad earlier in the week had been found dead, and there was the suggestion that the two had been tortured.

Not good, but I fail to see why this is newsworthy. Soldiers get killed in battles, and at times in unpleasant ways, but I am not sure this is front page news.

The Economist had a good lead article on Iraq and America this last week, which suggested that Bush's recent visit was a really counter productive thing to do for the Iraqi government and just made them look like even bigger quislings in the eye's of ordinary Iraqis. I think that might be over egging it slightly, but I think the Economist's basic argument was correct. Bush and Blair would we well advised to stay away from Iraq now, unless invited by the local politicians, but I guess neither man can.

They are drawn like moths to the fire to the country that will forever be against their names. Both men have failed domestically, and when a politician realises that their domestic agenda has run in to the sand they usually turn to foreign affairs to try and look the Statesman. In Bush's case I would add another reason for criticising the recent visit - it was clearly political and connected to the mid terms.

Hurumph!

Body World

The surprise S had for me - that I mentioned in a previous post - was to take me to see the Body Worlds show in London. For those who have not yet seen the website it is at http://www.bodyworlds.com/en/pages/home.asp

Opinion on the exhibition is split amongst the people I have spoken to on whether it is science or art. Personally I don't think it is either. I didn't come away from the exhibition having learnt anything about the human body I didn't already know, it does not not push the boundaries of knowledge. Neither is it art in the sense of a Da Vinci anatomical drawing. In addition I also felt there was something disrespectful in terms of how the bodies were treated.

However, my biggest concern with the entire Body Worlds programme is one of consent versus informed consent. At least when the show is in Europe the bodies shown are all from China where the Body Worlds lab is. At the start of the show Gunter Mad Professor states that all bodies were donated by the people for medical research and education. However, I would like to see the consent forms as I doubt they would hold up to the informed consent standard that is applied in the US or UK.

Rant aside, S didn't take me to change my mind but because she felt I would approach it with an open mind - which I did.

Coffee Shop Shuffle

S's coffee shop is now open for business, and after a slow first two days has taken off. The neighbours are all thrilled with the place, but more importantly S is happy with it and how it is being received.

I had Thursday and Friday off work and spent them working in the shop with S - almost went back to work for a rest having worked for almost four days in the shop helping to serve and make people welcome. But it was all worth it.

Things with S are going rather well. I have met her parents - of which I was very nervous but don't think I did or said anything wrong - and at some point in the next few weeks she will meet mine. I think S is a little nervous about meeting Mum and Dad, but I don't think she needs to be. They are chilled out aging hippies!

The Big Project Concluded

So we finally published our annual report last Wednesday. Great to get it all done and out there, but 14 June was something of a trying day with regards to the media. Work, and the Director in particular, were the focus of a 24 hour media fire storm with all manner of critics of the government giving us a kicking by way of getting at the government in general and the Home Office and PM in particular.

In terms of being on the receiving end it was a little brusing, but it was also a wonderful development opportunity in terms of how to deal with hostile press etc.

For those interested the annual report, business plan, and summary document can be found on our website.

Now I foolishly thought work would calm down slightly once the annual report was cooked, but so far this week has been heavy and I haven't got done half of what I need to. Some how I think this will be a week of long hours and little sleep.

The Big Project

It has been a while since I last posted, and that has been because I have been rather busy at work and outside.

So to work. The big project, aka the annual report, has finally been finished and shipped off to the printers. The report has dominated my work for the last two months, and the last two weeks have been very heavy indeed. Constant checking and rechecking of the figures, and the concern that the criticism being dished out to the HO will also be directed towards our good selves. We can rebut any negative press and show where we have been making a difference in the community, but it is a harder sell than the negative headlines.

Apart from the annual report I have been busy working on equality issues. I have joked that a white middle class privately educated Jewish boy is perhaps not the best person to be the policy lead on equality training and impact assesment, but I am enjoying the work and it is a good development opportunity.

We have discovered a grand smoothie place around the corner from the office - Tantric Tonic on Carter Lane - so do check it out if you are ever around St Paul's in the City of London.

Outside of work life has been fairly busy. Things seem to be getting serious with S which is grand, and she is opening her coffee shop on Thursday. As I have Thursday and Friday off work I will be there showing support. Downside is that one of her neighbours doesn't seem to like the idea of a friendly coffee shop in the neighbourhood and has started trying to intimidate S by pissing on the doorstep. Very childish, but at the same time it just isn't cool.

The apartment purchase is moving along slowly, so will give my lawyer a push tomorrow to find out how we can speed the purchase up. I should, however, not complain as it has not taken as long (yet) as C's purchase of his apartment did. He has only just exchanged - 9 months after having the offer accepted! Talk about a long gestation period.

My sis is back from DC tomorrow, so am looking forward to catching up with her and hearing about her trip - well in edited high light form! She will be pleased to feel that London is as hot as DC is right now, although not as humid.

I realise this post has had little to do with politics, but due to concentrating on the annual report and one or two other work things I haven't had much time to think through some of my opinions on the latest political developments that interest me. Will do a longer post from the coffee shop on what my thoughts are.

Final thing for this post is that I sat the first part of the fast stream assessment this morning. Will find out in ten days time how I did, and get feedback.

World Cup (dis) interest

So England is appearing to gear itself up for another world cup in disappointment. Talking to people at work who know about these things, and throwing my penny in as well, I will be pleasantly surprised if the team gets out of the group. If it does I doubt it will progress much further, before flying home in disappointment.

The truth is the team just isn't good enough to make the final - in particular the team's goal keeping and penalty taking skills are poor by international standards.

Will I watch the final if England some how make it - probably. Will I care - not at all.

Coffee Shop

Spoke to S last night and she told me the great news that her coffee shop will be opening to the public next Thursday - hoorah!

S is surprising me this evening with something - all I know is where and when I am to meet her. Am intrigued.

DC Sniper and the NRA

The DC sniper - or one of them - has just been sentenced to life inprisonment. I can't quite believe how quickly the last four years have gone since I helped my little sister move out to DC for the start of her internship at the Smithsonian.

When we arrived in October 02 DC was gripped by fear if you read the media, or just pissed that someone was causing havoc at the gas lines if you listened to my friends. We all felt sorry for anyone who looked foreign and drove a white delivery van.

Even the cab drivers were concerned, and they are normally the least scared people on the planet.

The day I left my sister to fly home to London after ten days in DC the cab driver needed to stop and pump gas around the corner from the apartment block. I have never seen someone duck down and look around so often whilst pumping gas as that cab driver. He took off out of the Mobil station like he had just robbed the place!

What I can't remember is what the NRA's position at the time was. I am sure they were saying that guns don't kill it is people, and that the sniper showed why one needed to be allowed to carry a firearm.

The NRA scares me - not in response to Heston's insensitive comments whilst waving a rifle above his head - but more in how otherwise intelligent people can spout such inconsistencies and believe them.

Last Friday's Economist had an article on how the NRA are now opposed to the UN's disarmament programmes in Africa which aim to disarm child soldiers and reintegrate them in to mainstream societies. Anyone else would see this as a highly laudable programme, that should be supported. The NRA in contrast see it as the first step as an attack on the American way of life. Urghhhh!!!!

Am posting the Economist article below:

The coming threat to gun-owners - UNbelievable

May 25th 2006 | MILWAUKEE AND YEKEPA, LIBERIA
From The Economist print edition
The NRA takes aim at global bureaucrats

AFP New-look Security Council

DUKU PAUL does not know how many people he has killed. Though still young, he is a veteran of one of West Africa's nastiest civil wars. For more than a decade, he helped to burn, loot and bloody his homeland, Liberia. Then, in 2003, the United Nations, with American backing, brought peace. Bangladeshi blue helmets took Mr Paul's gun and gave him $300. Interviewed last year, he said he was sorry that he ever became a soldier, and that he wanted to get back to school.

Mr Paul was enrolled in what the UN calls a “disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration” programme. The world body is keen to promote such programmes wherever appropriate. The National Rifle Association (NRA), the lobby for American gun-lovers, does not like the sound of that.

“So, after we are disarmed, the UN wants us demobilised and reintegrated. I can hear it now: ‘Step right this way for your reprogramming, sir. Once we confiscate your guns, we can demobilise your aggressive instincts and reintegrate you into civil society.’ No thanks,” shudders Wayne LaPierre, the indefatigable executive vice-president of the NRA.

Why does the UN want to take away Americans' guns? Because it is a club of governments, some of which want to “strip opposition forces of the means to challenge their authority,” argues Mr LaPierre. During the 20th century, governments murdered 169m people in various parts of the world, he says. Individual gun ownership is the “ultimate protection against tyranny”.

Mr LaPierre was signing copies of his new book, “The Global War on Your Guns: Inside the UN Plan to Destroy the Bill of Rights”, at the NRA's annual convention in Milwaukee on May 19th-21st. What do rank-and-file members think? Joe Carlson, a rifle salesman, is serenely unaware of the threat. “I'd not heard about that,” he says. “I've been so busy selling these [award-winning semi-automatic weapons]. I'd better take a look.” Others are better informed. “All these pirate governments want to take from people their rights. That's wrong,” says Greg Johnson, who runs a lodge in Michigan where you can shoot imported Russian wild boars.

For both men, their livelihoods are at stake. Mr Johnson's customers can, it is true, hunt wild boars with “stick and string” (ie, a bow and arrows). But most would prefer to bring their favourite firearm, for those “raging Russian” boars are fierce. “If you hunt him, he'll hunt you,” says Mr Johnson, adding that it is the kind of beast that was running around in the Dark Ages. Yes, “It's one primordial pork chop.”

Mr Carlson's position is even more precarious. The guns he sells are more powerful than the M4 rifles that the army uses. (As any gun-lover knows, with the M4 “there's a problem with one-shot kills,” says Mr Carlson: ie, soldiers are finding it tricky to take out distant targets with a single shot.) Under Bill Clinton, they were labelled “assault rifles” (inaccurately, in Mr Carlson's view) and banned. Congress let the ban lapse in 2004. If “the wrong people” are elected, says Mr Carlson, they'd ban them again in a heartbeat.

The NRA, like so many conservative American groups, has long detested the UN. But Mr LaPierre's claim that it is “the biggest coming threat” to gun-lovers represents a new emphasis. It reflects, in part, his organisation's astonishing success at home. The second amendment is in “the best shape it's been in for decades,” says Mr LaPierre. “Gun-haters” consistently lose elections. The president and both houses of Congress are solidly pro-gun. Last year Congress passed legislation protecting gun manufacturers from “frivolous” lawsuits. Of the 50 states, only two—Wisconsin and Illinois—refuse to let law-abiding citizens carry concealed firearms.

Challenges remain, of course. During the post-hurricane lawlessness in New Orleans last year, the police confiscated a number of legally-held firearms from civilians. Last week, the NRA urged every mayor and police chief in America to pledge never to disarm law-abiding citizens. The governor of Wisconsin, Jim Doyle, has twice vetoed a law that would have allowed licensed citizens to carry concealed handguns. Gun-owners are urged to “Dump Doyle”, among others, at the mid-term elections in November.

For a truly all-embracing threat, however, the UN is hard to beat. Mr LaPierre predicts that the “global war on guns” will boost the NRA's membership from 4m to 8m, and reduce Hillary Clinton's chances of becoming president in 2008. This last point is crucial. The UN, whatever its evil aims, is hardly in a position to push Uncle Sam around. To disarm Americans, it would need Congress on its side, plus an American president willing to sign an anti-gun treaty and appoint Supreme Court justices willing to rule it constitutional.

Mr LaPierre anticipates that some people might find this far-fetched. “I can hear some readers now: ‘Oh, Wayne's just over-reacting’,” he writes. But that is what they want you to believe. “Just how sure is the United Nations that it can take your guns?” he asks. His answer: “The UN chose the Fourth of July to hold its global gun ban summit on American soil!”
http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=6980071