Terry Lloyd's Blog, page 2

Missing Children.

The plight of missing children is probably one of the most horrific and horrendous experiences that a parent can have to go through. Just imagine that sickening feeling when just for a moment your attention has been diverted only to realise that your child is gone. You start calling their name and running frantically because in those few moments it must feel as if everything has come to an end. The panic might abate if in some cases the child pops out from where they had been concealed or temporarily out of sight. However in the UK, it is estimated that about one hundred thousand children and young people go missing every year. That figure includes repeat runaways that regularly abscond from care homes. Sometimes children think after an argument with their parents that disappearing for a while would be a good idea. Usually cold and hunger may cause a change of ideas and returning home seems a better choice. That is a good outcome, but unfortunately unforeseen incidents can occur such as getting lost or worst of all meeting someone that has an ulterior intention offering food and shelter in exchange for a terrible fate.

One of the most publicised cases of child disappearance was the highly speculated abduction in Portugal of the English three year old little girl Madeline McCann, someone who did receive headline news. It was because of the intense publicity that the case was discussed and attracted huge support. The individual case was funded by a huge pouring of money from the public and even the financial and publicity endorsement of famous figures. The Portuguese investigation was reported to have been severely hampered by political pressure from England and the parents of the child were criticised in several press allegations about hostility towards the Portuguese police investigation. The mother was claimed to have refused to answer basic, fundamental questions that would have been asked to discover what had happened to Madeline. There were criticisms about friends who had been present at the time who had refused to take part in a reconstruction of events leading up to the disappearance. Despite huge efforts on the part of official investigations, there was no sufficient evidence of a third party entering the apartment and frustratingly no leads that provided a positive outcome.

In the Madeline case, theories have been widely reported and a potential suspect questioned but nothing has led to a successful answer. Portuguese officials have suspended inquiries but they have not closed the file on Madeleine's disappearance.

Sadly, the plight of missing children is not one that receives ample or equal attention. In the USA and across the world large numbers of black children disappear without trace regularly. The media coverage is lacking and does not always translate the cases for so many missing children. Urgent cases of missing black children are so often left untold. It is terrible to think that so many children are left unrepresented and not highlighted in the same way if they come from a different background of race or privilege. Coming from poorer or black communities can determine how much attention a missing child might receive.

Demonstrating Wisely.

Recently there has been what seems to be a crackdown on protests. While protests or gatherings of this kind do require certain conformities in the interest of safety and legality, the issue of free speech should not be lost to bureaucracy. Free speech is important and a recent demonstration in London against what is taking place in Gaza has been one more in a line of what appears to be unwise authoritarianism.

Unfortunately the present government has made it possible to be criminally prosecuted by showing any support or association to a legitimate cause. Any sign of public backing for the name of a place that was being displayed on posters has become a contentious dispute of its own. Being labelled violent or anti a certain religion has become a weapon wielded by some and it serves to cause disarray and divert attention. It does not enable people to have free speech or feel that they have a right to speak out for a whole nation of civilians who are being violated.

Many people may be of the mind that using a steam roller to crack a nut is not the best way of treating the British public. The Home Secretary gave an interview in which she stated if the general public knew what plans this organisation had they would have a totally different idea of the aims and support the government in its action. Meanwhile in Gaza six members of the press have been murdered and left to be the latest victims of what has become a brutal authoritarian and extremist rule. It does not look proportionate or in the interest of what matters.

Given the atrocities and unfair events that are happening across the world, many feel that they have to show opposition to what is taking place. I think it is important not to lose sight of what the aim is and why people have been moved to protest. Of course assessing actions are imperative and given the recent protest, the law enforcement seemed to far outweigh any unrest. For that reason, a large number were arrested even though all they had been doing was carrying signs and collating to show their distress for a dire humanitarian situation. It is the responsibility of the governing body to tell the public clearly why measures are being taken and listen to concerns. It appears as if neither of these aims are being fully met, allowing for messages not to correlate with action or representation.

Demonstrations have been important and integral throughout history. It is through people power that policies have been shifted, actions avoided and lives saved. I think it is fair to say that many people would like action for Palestine but if the name is a legal bureaucratic challenge, it could possibly be circumvented by picking a name that reflects demonstrators views and circumnavigates the controversy, such as Palestine hope. The name has a wide scope of meaning. I hope for Palestine people in Gaza there is a much better prospect than the proposed full occupation and what that entails. I hope for humanity there is a far more positive way forward.

There are many areas wherein protests done wisely can work. Lobbying for change, improvements and for people in power to listen does take some people power. At the moment, neither mass protests in Israel or the UK seem to have struck those in rule but they have with the hearts of the public. People are what matters and protests can be a vehicle for other people to think and assess.

Gaza Update.

The facts relating to Gaza are that two million people are unable to access food and water. They have to rely on a meager and chaotic air drop in the hope of survival. Air drops which have already been deemed unsafe and unsuitable. A few lorries that do not meet the needs of a starving population are being shot at and drivers assaulted when aid is so desperately at the heart of the population. People individually and collectively risk being shot, killed or severely injured as the daily scrum for food takes place. This is not humane, sane or justice.

Thoughts of releasing the hostages are no longer a priority and plans of total occupation of Gaza are being put in place. The consequence to the population would be catastrophic and internationally this could threaten diplomatic societies all across the world. Concerns are not being adhered to or taken into account. Serious arguments about legitimacy for escalating the occupation and brutal warfare are being ignored in favour of political power and self-interest.

The logic and humanity in this conflict so vastly decimating Gaza appears to have been thrown away. This sentiment has been echoed by many leaders, the public feeling across the world has had no real success in action on the ground and as inaction seems to continue, lives are being lost.

The situation in Gaza is deplorable. However there are several leaders who have the power to change everything and they could stop the war in Gaza. Institutions and organisations that have been set up to supposedly help to combat actions condemned by so many, have not had any effect and I do not understand how in this day and age, such a terrible atrocity can be allowed to continue.

With the menace and military support of the USA and the backing of the UK many countries condemn what is taking place in Gaza but do little else than help with air drops of food that are potentially dangerous and nowhere adequate.

The conflict in Gaza is continuing and no successful outcome can be seen while extremists continue to assert their dominance. Meanwhile the effects of malnutrition increase daily, affecting the young and sick and depriving so many of family and friends. There are more than enough criticisms of what is happening in Gaza and so long after such violence has been seen taking place against vulnerable people multiple times, this stain against justice has not been halted or helped in any viable way.

Violent Confrontations.

Why are so many celebrations and public gatherings a target for violence and senseless murder? Ranging from stabbing to driving vehicles into the pedestrian public, sadly this carnage is an almost regular activity. The perpetrators often have been of varied ages and from different backgrounds. It seems there is a common association in that of a lack of priority for other people’s wellbeing regardless of age or ability and that they have a total disregard for their own welfare. In many of the aforementioned situations, clearly the individual offenders are intent on harming as many of the public as possible.

I think it is imperative that in a day and age when violence does seem indiscriminate, there are trustworthy institutions that people can turn to and have conviction in. However horrifyingly, it looks that even seeking help from the police could be a gamble. The police, I must say, have a very difficult job and often do exemplary work in aiming to protect the public. I have been shocked though by a recent specific example when a local police authority has been accused of having themselves been involved in crimes against underage individuals. I am referring to a district where much debate has erupted about young girls who were targeted, assaulted and violated. It is horrifying to hear that instead of helping, there have been accusations that the police also took advantage of the young girls. When police go rogue they could use their authority to perpetrate a series of crimes and while damage is of course done in terms of the human cost, there is also a degradation of the trust people have in the police force. The decision that the same police authority should investigate the crimes of their own police officers does for me cause concern about conflict. There is a conflict of interest and with recent investigations into potential issues of bias, I would argue that even in the interest of loss of trust for those involved and the public, this should not be the way things are enacted.

What is constituted as reasonable? When dealing with violent situations, the point of what is reasonable force is an important factor for everybody’s rights and sense of what is fair. In the heat of the moment and even if difficult, the police should be objective and aim for a professional response. Emotions can become embroiled and of course police are human beings but what is important is that people can see that police are held to a high account. Standards of investigation have not always recently shown that people are being listened to or that the force is being, when or if needed, appropriately supervised.

At one time one could view the police as a reliable point of contact. Growing up I became accustomed to the image of police with an almost Dixen of Dock Green approach, a pillar of the community. There have been incidents lately that have led people to feel as if the police themselves are not being regulated and policed. Of course it would be unfair to ignore the diligent and honest members of the police force who do serve the community well. They are too let down, I think, if standards are not upheld. When appropriate response and conduct is not conveyed, everybody loses.

A healthy society needs reliable and trustworthy representatives of law and order. Therefore it is a shame that there seems to have been several outstanding examples wherein a high standard of procedure has not taken place. The police have to work amongst the public to protect the public and it is so integral to success that trust in law and policing is not lost.

Current Affairs.

With ever increasing bills, the terrible state of many issues including public service and the economy, many people might have viewed a new political party as the answer to their troubles. Particularly, people had been optimistic given the aforementioned political party had long been in opposition and anticipated them to have been prepared and ready. Many had hoped they would have gotten into government and started to act on all of their well voiced and thought out plans. Once in office however, Labour's first economic actions were to introduce change but unfortunately it did not produce a boom in the economy of the UK. In fact, increasing the cost of employing people resulted in many businesses reducing their level of staff.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer at one time, when asked about her decisions on recent economic matters, stated that she did what she thought was right and she had not heard anyone else put forward any other ideas. I think a good idea would be to enact the change that her government had promised but with a more radical and pro growth mentality. It is vital, even more than managing the books, to bear in mind that every economic decision will have a repercussion and sometimes not a desirable one.

Water and energy bills are the main worry for most people so it is surprising that a report on the water industry recommends scrapping the previous system of regulation only to come up with the idea to reintroduce a similar organisation. Would it not be a good idea that targets of efficiency are set by a specialist authority and there is an integrated overall plan? Flagrant dumping of sewage is a constant activity. There are ways that sewage can be turned into a viable commercial product and help reduce the cost to the consumer of water bills. I am not in office but I have an awareness that problems in the water regulatory systems will not be put right by a similar outlook of bureaucracy.

The UK is an island surrounded by sea. Surely more use of tidal and wave motion should be capitalised and help with reducing the carbon footprint. The government has a position that it is neglecting to make use of and I know that many people would like more pragmatic policies to be known and felt.

I look forward to Labour getting their act together and introducing progressive policies that stimulate increased investment and increase the economic viability of the UK. I would like Labour to show that they are on the side of the people, they are responsive to what is a priority and they can put the public in a more reassured position.

Outstanding Documents.

What does a statement, declaration or piece of writing say to the public? It depends on what it contains, conveys and how it is addressed. Over time and across the world there have been some outstanding and notable documents that throughout history have shaped people's ideas and aspirations.

Across nations there have been multiple documents that have shaped history. In the UK the Magnacarter is probably the most famous piece of writing to have been credited with the start of distributing publicly acknowledged rights and for some, more freedom of action. The Americans upon gaining independence, drew up the Constitution and contained within it is the Bill of Rights. It is a living document that means amendments can be made. Some documents take the form of outstanding speeches, such as the Gettysburg Address read by president Abraham Lincoln at the dedication of the National soldiers cemetery at Gettysburg. In the UK was the announcement of the start of the Second World War over the radio by Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. Later, Prime minister Sir Winston Churchill gave several rallying speeches to bolster the morale of the country. A concluding speech of notable importance because it spoke of passion, was a thank you to the RAF.

What makes writing come to life, I believe, is not just the words but the personality and charisma of the reader. Timing and emphasis are crucial in making a good speech. The type of thing I am talking about is Martin Luther King and I have a dream. The speech in Germany was well received and given by President J F Kennedy. There are notable counter examples of very famous characters that have a reputation of mistating the facts repeatedly but the surprising result is many of their supporters energetically perpetuate those untruths.

Documents are important for ideas but the true power comes from the delivery and in politics being able to speak well publicly is a major asset. King George the Sixth had a speech impediment but he put a lot of effort into remedying the situation. As King and leader, he felt it necessary that he could speak clearly and confidently to his people.

Sometimes it is the occasion rather than the content that are outstanding, for example the time
that King Edward the Eighth gave up his throne to marry a divorcee. At that time a King could not retain his crown and marry a divorced woman. King Edward the Eighth read out a proclamation over the radio. Some thought that it was touching and romantic whereas others took a less charitable view and cast Edward the Eighth as a traitor to his country. The hierarchy and status line of the current Royal family is due to the fact of the abdication and speech that historically marked that juncture in history.

Speeches, interaction and representation can be everything in terms of public interpretation. It can inspire, demoralise or challenge what people think and go on to do. The power of such documents can be several times more significant when individuals implement courage, conviction and the right phrasing of words.

Electric Cars.

In this modern age thoughts have turned to the environment and reducing the carbon footprint. While at first glance electric cars appear to be the ideal solution to the problem, a certain amount of investigation might reveal one or two potential problems. Take charging for instance. A home charging facility may not suit or be possible for everyone. Then comes the important question of how extensive are public charging points? The issue of appropriate infrastructure is relevant when charging duration and pragmatic concerns come into the equation.

The array of different electrical vehicles might have gotten bigger but the development has meant that less popular plug in options have become obsolete in certain countries and having the right connection may be a problem.

The range a vehicle can travel on one charge is an issue as ideal sales numbers to everyday practical driving realities might well differ. The way an electric car is driven can have a severe impact on the distance travelled. Then there are unexpected diversions as well as traffic jams that could all influence range and capability. The vehicle emergency organisation has a near constant demand for help from stranded electric vehicle drivers.

There is another option of having a dual petrol battery charging facility and running on electric power vehicle. These are referred to as Hybrids. There are two types, one that just relies on petrol recharging or the option of directly recharging the battery from a charging point.

Vehicle manufactures state demand for electric cars is increasing. There are owners of electric cars who report they are pleased with their purchase and yet I think that to meet the requirements of an increasingly environmentally aware consumer, infrastructure in many places needs to be augmented to suit their personal needs.

There is a huge range in the price of electric vehicles and although China can offer a vehicle twenty five percent below the average price, this can sometimes be offset by various kinds of added charges.

Will the next step in motor vehicles be the flying kind? That would certainly be interesting. Early ideas on supplying energy for vehicles touched on a central power source that distributed energy directly to the vehicle, something like a radio transmitter. Ideas seem more and more plausible in today’s industry and I hope that environmental concerns do match with technological possibility.

Gaza.

Sometimes some things are so important and one would expect that the official response to be appropriate. However, it is concerning even alarming and certainly surprising that the powers that be in the UK government are taking action to censor opinions rather than respond to a humanitarian crisis. I know that politics has not historically always had the moral convictions of a nation at the forefront of political policy or agenda and that it might be idealistic to hope for this to be the case. The Middle East has caused great anxiety amongst the public of many nations because it is so influential to the plight of humanity. It does not matter if you are a politician in the country of the UK or elsewhere, this situation speaks to integrity for now and future generations.

The crisis in Gaza is a dire conflict of power, politics and authoritarianism. It is unfortunately a conflict that has swept up the most young and vulnerable. It is no longer a political gambit for control but a war devoid of humanity at heart. Without political leaders showing wisdom and actions that can reassure the public, emotions continue to escalate. I had hoped that the government in the UK would prevail in rectifying the lack of ample action and sentiment that it has put behind the destruction of Gaza. It is a degradation of value for human life and in aiming to condemn protests for concerns about this urgent plight, I fear that the government will become even further out of touch with the public of this country. Multiple times the Middle East has become witness to civilians in Gaza being shot at, wounded and killed, simply for attempting to get food for themselves and families. The hospitals are ill equipped to cope with the scale of patients and blockades are causing strife in attaining any kind of medical aid.

Images of very young children of three or four years old indicate that they now look like babies of three or four months old. Unable to move their arms or legs because of severe malnutrition, there is no suitable food due to human halting of it and only death awaits them.

I do not think that any decent person, let alone a government could do worse than nothing about this crisis. Warfare in Gaza has now seen clear violations of international law. Increasingly violent and excessive attacks have seen brutality overpower humanity.

Worse than not acting appropriately, I think that the government has caused the public to lose trust in the sense of justice. Legal representatives have written to the government outlining their opposition to arming what has become more a war on the civilians of Gaza and less a conflict about terrorism. Multiple occasions have seen medical, charitable, legal and public concerns ignored as arms have been sold to further heighten the war in the Middle East. In a recent action on the part of the government, once again the campaigns and protests have not been handled wisely. Prioritising the banning of protests and pushing through rushed laws to stifle public demonstrations does not represent the feelings of much of the public in the UK.

Across the world in many different countries populations have voiced their abhorrence at the plight of the Gazan population yet to no avail. Let's hope recent peace talks can bear some positive results so food, water and medical supplies can be distributed safely. It is the duty of any government to provide stable, just examples to uphold humanity and not allow agenda or allegiance to disregard the most basic of values.

Quality of Leadership.

The quality of leadership is vital for the security and economic growth of a country. It is an influence on so many integral parts of a country and the progress that it can make. Quality of leadership can lead to prosperity or decline for the vast majority.

The present Prime Minister of the UK, in my opinion, has shown a lack of judgment and has lost touch with the voting public of the country. Recently there have been a number of U-turns from the government and these have been in regards to serious life changing issues. There have been winter fuel payment debacles, promises made to Waspie women and then broken and lately vulnerable, physically challenged individuals told that they were about to lose their income support payments, with no sufficient alternative help or structure in place to provide support.

The most vulnerable should not be penalised and made to feel even more cut off from hope. What made matters worse was that the government’s statement did not highlight the hypocrisy of certain budget choices. I doubt many will feel reassured that the government has plans to make extreme cuts and further cutbacks to an already stretched society and utilise the money saved to purchase planes with nuclear bomb dropping capability, from the USA. Surely a wiser way forward would be to wage a shared interest agenda with international relationships appeasing conflict. The best form of defence is to form a healthy business relationship with a supposed potential foe and turn that foe into an ally. I believe nobody wins in a nuclear war.

At the moment the UK security preparedness is arguably extremely weak and the recent breaching of a secure aerodrome is an example of blatant incompetence. Having nuclear dropping planes fills me with horror, I am concerned at the prospect of an accident or a preemptive mistake, even a strike on a supposed foe is not a means to success as potential risk would outweigh any reward.

I do not like the recent trend and propensity of governments or ruling administrations not to listen and respond to the public’s concerns. Blanket bans on anything that a governing administration feels does not fit their agenda is not the best way forward for the people. It does not answer fears or represent how the public feels. It promotes division and fuels inequality. The present Prime Minister in the UK is arguably steering a course to ensure that the country is the fifty-first state of the USA. What an irony that we left the common market of the EU, only to become more under the influence and policy agenda of another country. It could be stated that we already have a King, we do not need another one.

I believe all countries have a right of self defence within the limits of international law. However, there have lately been certain unconditional displays of support within politics, for what are extremely troubling to illegal violations of international and moral laws. The voting public matter and their views should be taken into consideration because the government or administration is meant to represent them. I wholeheartedly believe that the public is not in favour of many recent political decisions that have been taken and I wonder at what the quality of leadership is becoming. Is the welfare of the people truly at the heart of policy agenda?

Keeping Cheerful.

Keeping cheerful is arguably a major task and particularly in light of so much adversity carrying on throughout the world. It is so easy to listen to advice to clear your mind of depressing thoughts but in practicality it can be a bit more difficult. That is why mindset is crucial.

When it comes to action, I find cortisol producing negative thoughts of regret or distress can become stuck together and almost attack in a barrage of stress. It is logical to think going over what has happened in the past can not change the past but it can be negative to the present. It can stimulate depressing emotions and alter how one thinks and feels.

It does vary according to circumstance and situation but for many, imagination is one way of transporting oneself into a new enjoyable environment. This kind of mode mindset can allow for a more happier and relaxing way to unwind. Positive visualisation can help to convey a positive aim or goal. Doing something can bring about a good way to alter from dwelling on negative situations and perhaps achieve something positive. Even writing a blog can be an enjoyable way to spread ideas, information and engage in a positive pastime. If stuck for an idea, exercise is not only good for the body but stimulates the mind.

Worry is an activity that undermines one's mental stability. It is important to decide whether one can do anything about it or if not, set it to one side. When there are so many issues that one might not agree with or feel powerless to improve, there is always a way to inspire a more positive way to think and feel. Even if it is small, do attempt to find gladness in your positive achievements and before you know it, these might help to improve your mindset and influence what you can do for yourself and others.