Calais Migrants Crisis: Analysis

An on-going issue currently is the Calais migrant crisis affecting not only France and England, but also the wider realms of Europe – who have to deal with the knock-on effects. For the past few days, several thousand migrants have been attempting to pass through the Eurotunnel, with the aim of making it to the United Kingdom – where an attractive benefits scheme for the migrants lies in wait.

PC: Wikipedia

After talking to several others about the situation, it is near-shocking now negatively the migrants are being seen. It is arguable this is because how they have been portrayed in the media. I had the misfortune of hearing one person’s view at my workplace, a customer suggested the Police should “shoot them all.” But of course that would never happen thankfully, and never work, after all, Europe is a highly civilised continent, with integrity at the heart of their values. We hear so many grizzly stories about events in Syria and Iraq, and yet it is people trying to flee these war zones that are the migrants. It isn’t just Iraqi’s and Syrian’s, people from the likes of Libya and Somalia are doing the same.

We in the United Kingdom are so fortunate to live where we do. These migrants risk their lives to make it to the UK. What is most important to remember is – they are humans too. I am sure any of us British people would attempt to do the same thing if the crisis was the other way round, and the UK was in disarray with other nations safer. One person even died in the chaos, going to show how dangerous it is for the migrants once they reach Europe, let alone the travails they go through to get here in the first place.

However there is no avoiding the chaos that has come as a consequence to the migrants crisis. It is understandable the resentment towards them for the closures of the channel tunnel at times, and the mass queues on British motorways. But in response to this, the same idea is prevalent – they are human and deserve better. Hopefully attitudes towards them will change in the coming times, all it takes is a bit of consideration of what they have been through to get to where they are today.

It is just so difficult to imagine the pain they have been through – and how happy, and relieved they must be, to have made it to Europe. The pictures I have seen have painted the story that the migrants are tired and struggling, but that their faith has never dwindled and that they continue to hold belief that they can make it to their intended destination. They seem relieved to be surrounded by the French Police in that they feel safe – something I am sure they haven’t been able to feel for some times – after all, that is what we all yearn to feel – safe.

Overall, the migrant crisis is a very difficult situation to analyse, with no real true solution. Of course, there simply isn’t the space for all of the migrants to be housed in Europe, though it would be totally inhumane to send them back to where they came from, as hurt and pain, perhaps even death, is all that they would go back to. But hopefully a strong solution will result from this crisis. We shall have to wait and see, but I hope safety awaits the migrants, regardless of what is decided for them.

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Apologies for the lack of posts recently, more to come soon, thanks for reading!

UK Election 2015: Summary, Reaction and Perspective

The 2015 UK Election is complete, with the Conservative Party, led by David Cameron, set to stay on in power, with The Labour Party and Liberal Democrats among those to suffer disappointing results. This election was being touted as one of the closest in decades, however in the end it was a landslide victory for the Conservative party. Many thought another coalition would be required, though in the end, the Conservative Party will lead with a majority.

The election also seems to mark the end of a political era. Many big name politicians have lost seats, while many parties have had their influence shredded. Gordon Brown, ex-Prime Minister, was just one of the huge amounts of Labour MP’s to lose their seats to the Scottish National Party (SNP). Many believe it was the fear of the SNP engaging in a Labour coalition that led to such a high amount of Conservative votes. Vince Cable and Ed Balls were other high profile politicians to lose their seats.

Meanwhile Ed Miliband leader of the Labour Party, has stood down, ending his time as leader. Miliband received a lot of praise for his efforts – though it does appear it was the right time to change. Miliband did, however, hold on to his seat and will therefore be a part of the House of Commons. Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, also called time on his reign as leader of his party. The Liberal Democrats lost a huge amount of seats, with their student fees decision coming back to haunt them, though again, Clegg held on in Sheffield Hallam. Finally, Nigel Farage, leader of the controversial UKIP party, also resigned, though his party did manage one seat.

It certainly marks the end of an era for UK politics, though it is surely the dawn of a new beginning. Whenever an election arises though, it is a time for perspective. It is a time for everyone within the 650 constituencies to be thankful for the fact the UK does have a democracy. It means that realistically, everyone has a voice. Many people don’t have this sort of a privilege, and in light of the various controversies that have arisen in this election, the fortune of being in a democracy must not be forgotten.

So overall, another election has passed. Conservative remain in power, with now a coalition government no longer required. Many big name politicians have lost their seats, while the SNP have gained an incredible amount of influence in Scotland. It will be interesting to see where the Labour Party will go from here, while the Liberal Democrats need a huge re-think. Only time will tell if Britain has made the right decision in re-electing the Tories, it shall be interesting to sit back and view the consequences.

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The review of the 2015 UK Election will continue with the next post – which will look at whether or not it is time for a political reform, with a “proportional-representation” system required.

The Value of Anything: It’s only known when Gone

“See you Again” is the hit song by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth that acts as the soundtrack to the end of the famous “Fast and Furious 7” movie. The movie acts as a tribute to the now-deceased Paul Walker. The movie has been a huge commercial success and fans of Walker have found the ending to be incredibly emotional. However, one You Tube comment that gained particular attention was one talking about how only now Walker is appreciated. This is true of anything in life – something is only truly appreciated when it is gone.

Paul Walker was a well-known actor who passed away in 2013 at the age of 30. The cause of death was a car crash, before flames engulfed the car. Walker had completed much of the filming for the movie Fast 7 before his death. However, in a fitting touch, the Director changed the ending to accommodate a tribute to Paul Walker, where his character meets with actor Vin Diesel’s character, the two sharing a final drive together before driving in their separate ways, followed by a “For Paul” graphic. The scene has garnered rave reviews, with many finding it incredibly emotional. I mentioned in the Introduction that there had been a comment on You Tube that had inspired this post, written by a user dubbed “Austin K” – take a look at what he had to say:

This comment does beg the question – why is it that something is only appreciated when it is gone? But it is also quite a sad question, which I am sure many people can relate to in many different ways. Supposedly the answer is quite simple – when someone or something is no longer around, only then you realise you never had the chance to say all of those things you wish you had been able to say.

Moreover, it is interesting how the comment talks about being “nice and compassionate.” This also begs the question why society can’t be like this all of the time. There are always so many meaningless arguments in life, disagreements which shrouds friendships in disarray. It looks as if it would be near-impossible for society to always be compassionate about one another, until sadly the person isn’t around any longer.

As I said earlier, I am sure many people can relate to the messages in this post. As sad as it is – it is true that the value of something is only known when it is gone. It is highly possible that anyone reading this has lost someone or something that they wish had been treated differently. But sadly that is life, but it doesn’t mean that  the good times shared with the person can be forgotten and the happy times treasured.

Overall, the 2013 death of Paul Walker led to an outpour of grief, perhaps his true talent was only appreciated then. We often see with celebrity deaths, such as Michael Jackson and other famous singers, that only then are they appreciated. But it isn’t just celebrities, it is the friends, brothers, sisters of people who too are only truly appreciated when they are gone. A final message would be to therefore cherish every second of life, as we never know what lies around the corner – make the most of what life has to offer.

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This is my 50th post. Thanks for all of the views up to this point. All the best for the forthcoming times, here’s to the next 50! Keep the Faith all!

Radicilisation in Britain: The Problem

With the proverbial unmasking of “Jihadi John” – now being reported as Mohammed Emwazi, together with the disappearance of three young girls from England to Syria, England, the UK and the world in general continues to become more and more at risk of radicalisation.

The advancement of ISIL would have been near-impossible without the influx of foreign fighters into Syria and Iraq. It has been estimated that 30,000 foreigners have travelled to the war-torn areas to join the so-called caliphate. A few days ago, three schoolgirls based in England fled to Syria. For the families it is horrible, yet you would have to question the motive for anyone who is radicalised. First, to leave a successful life in England for a war-ravaged area would be near unheard of, this suggests that anyone who has done this is leaving little behind. While you could also suggest that there is always a choice in terms of choosing the radical ways of ISIL or staying with Western Values – this suggests people that are radicalised are weak.

As if three schoolgirls fleeing the country wasn’t bad enough, it has been reported that “Jihadi John” is the pseudonym for a man named Mohammed Emwazi. Emwazi was born in Kuwait, though spent many years in the UK, even graduating from the University of Westminster with a degree. It is such a shame, what could have been a highly successful life has turned into a horrible one, with the blood of so many innocent people on his shoulders. Though the real issue is how he became radicalised.

It could be argued that more needs to be done to help people that feel withdrawn from society. The more withdrawn they are, the more likely they are to be swayed by radical messages. However a bridge to that stage would be to shut down public speaking’s from known Jihadists. Incredibly, the University of Westminster were due a talk the very same day as the unmasking of Emwazi from an infamous Islamic preacher. Some would suggest you are just asking for trouble with events like this being held.

Overall, the fact is that radicalisation is not going to stop anytime soon. It is a shame, as in some instances people leave good lives behind to go and fight against freedom. What has happened to Emwazi is a shame, there have been many before him and many after him. Britain and the rest of the world needs to do something to stop radicalization, or things will only get worse.

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Woeful British Justice System summed up: Imran Khawaja Sentenced

A growing problem at the moment is the conflict in the Middle East, where the so-called Islamic State have been claiming large swathes of territory. Thousands of foreign fighters have joined them, many coming from Western countries like England and France among others. A related problem is those very same fighters attempting to return to these countries after spending time in Iraq or Syria. Imran Khawaja is an example of someone who faked his own death before trying to return to England. He was caught – however he has received a shambolic sentence of just twelve years (or 6 as it is England).

Footage of Imran Khawaja holding up severed heads were shown in front of court, with his disgusting acts clear to see for all. The problem with the Islamic State is going to only get worse if there is no deterrent. By handing a twelve-year sentence – what message does this hand out? It means first of all, provided he has good behaviour, he will be released early in 2021. 6 years, how would you feel if you were family of one of the many people shown in the footage, only then to see someone toying, disrespecting the memory, to only receive a short sentence.

While Jordan reacted to the death of their hostage by the Islamic State with their own executions, compare that to England and again, problems exist. A simple “strongly condemn” message does little to harm the Islamic State. This is one of just many gaping holes in the British Justice System – paedophiles, perverts and sometimes even murderers, get highly-lenient sentences, before being released, often re-offending. One would imagine that the Justice System has a duty to its citizens to protect them, but when you see sentences like this handed out, it makes you question the system.

As mentioned there is a danger to the UK, brought on by the radicalisation of many youngsters. However, nothing will help stop this until tougher sentences are handed out. While in other countries Treason is met with the death penalty, in England a menial sentence of six years is handed out, it simply doesn’t work.

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Life After Life: An Interesting read

Having just completed Raymond A. Moody’s timeless classic “Life After Life”, I feel more philosophical than ever! Life After Life was first published in 1975, focusing on the endless question – what happens when we die? With the advancements of Science in recent times, the practice of religion seems to be on the decline. With many believing that there is no life after death, this book gave me plenty to think about. The book is essentially recounting the stories of over 100 people who have technically been declared “dead”, only to have gone on to lived.

Some of the more interesting accounts from those considered “dead”, included being able to see their lifeless body. One of the best accounts was of a patient who had been aware of an item placed on a cupboard after they were given anaesthetic. The patient was due to have an operation – the question was how did the patient see the item if they were out cold. The patient said that they had been floating above their body.

Many other accounts included being able to see a “bright light” or a “tunnel.” This is something often heard – that when a person “dies”, they often see a bright light. Many also spoke of the peace they felt – it certainly sounds nice. Others revealed that they also saw their deceased loved ones. Perhaps what was most remarkable was how consistent the stories were with each other.

Of course life after death is something we will never know certainly exists. Many sceptics call the idea of Heaven a “coping mechanism” – an idea pioneered by Sigmund Freud. Although there seems to be a lack of belief of the afterlife – the stories in this book are enough to get anyone thinking about the ideas explored. Near death experiences are fascinating to hear about – this groundbreaking book is a must read for anyone interested in philosophy!

“It is research like Dr Moody presents in his book that will enlighten many and will confirm what we have been taught for two thousand years – that there is life after death.”
-Elizabeth Kubler Ross

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