I've thought I'd use this page to describe the happenings or items of news that have given me something to get on my soapbox about.

I suppose I'd better just add a note to say that all the items on this page are my own personal points of view, and do not represent anyone else.

If you'd like to read some of my previous soapboxes, take a look at my Best of Soapbox pages (2006: Jan-Jun & July onwards, 2005: Jan-Jun & Jul-Dec, 2004).

Soapbox

Over the last month, the news has once again been full of stories around YOB UK (as the Daily Mirror called it).

It all started when a father in Warrington went out to tell off some youths who were vandalising his car. Actually, my first point is that have you noticed how the media are no longer saying they were vandalising his car. They were in fact allegedly vandalising his car and they allegedly murdered him when he told them to stop. They'll probably allegedly go to court and allegely go to jail. It's as if the crime is already being dumbed down in preparation for these youths being let off with nothing more than a slapped wrist. Yes, this is justice in the UK.

From then onwards, numerous other stories have been highlighted in the media. Only the other day, the BBC News website had a story about how 281 crimes in West Yorkshire were (allegedly) committed by suspect too young to be prosecuted. And another story told of two 17 year old youths in South Wales who assaulted a man resulting in him dying. The fact remains however that if the victims of these yobs try to reprimand the youths or they call the police, they are only setting themselves up for more grief. Bricks through the window, cars vandalised, being arrested by the police.

And then you get the child charities banging on about how the youths just need understanding (hug a hoodie again), not punishment. They say the parents should be held partly to blame. Well let's step back for a minute. If these yobs are older enough to drink and take drugs, if they're old enough to joyride, then they are old enough to take the punishment. And while I agree that some of the parents don't give a damn about their teenagers, I'm sure that there are others who believe them when they say "I'm just going out to the pictures with my friends". Who are these charities to blame parents for youths who are old enough to know that murder is wrong? Their are plenty of children in dire circumstances who genuinely need the help of the children charities, and they do brilliant work in these areas. But youths who are older enough to know wrong from right don't deserve any of their time.

It still rankles me that the killers of Jamie Bulger are living their lives out of jail at our expense (I believe) with new ID's. Meanwhile the parents of the little toddler have a life sentence!!

In August 2007 Mold was blessed with holding the National Eistedfodd, the premier festival for Wales. During this period it was reported that very little trouble had occurred in Mold.

In the 11 years I've lived in Mold I have only seen bobbies on the beat twice. During Eistefford week I saw them 4 times. In the three weeks since it finished, I've not seen any again. I've seen the groups of youths gathering again though, although to be fair, YOB UK isn't as prevalent in Mold as other areas. These groups can be intimidating though. The point I'm trying make is that how come that during the Eistefford it was possible to have bobbies of the beat, but now the visitors have gone the residents can't? Don't we pay for the police through our council tax?

People are now accepting that it's the yobs that rule the streets, not the people who live there or the police. It's about time the government stopped giving false promises and actually dealt with the problem. And as for the doogooders, if they want to understand these yobs why don't they move into the houses being vandalised and give them all the understanding they want, and let us law abiding residents live in peace.

Yes, demm42 is back on a travel related soapbox. I know I dont write many soapboxes at the moment, but I just dont seem to get the time to do all the things I want to do. I could really do without this full-time work thing and this doing up the house thing. I enjoy writing for my websites. But I digress.

From what I read on the leaflet, it seemed to indicate that there would be 2 zones. An outer zone which would be M60, and an inner zone which wasnt clearly defined. How would it work?

Well, if you crossed the outer zone inbound to Manchester (I.e. the M60), you would be charged £2. Crossing the inner zone would cost another £1 . These inbound charges would only apply during the morning peak (7am to 9:30am I think). Crossing these same zones outbound in the afternoon peak would cost £1 each.

So basically, someone travelling from Bolton, Rochdale, Ashton, Stockport or Altrincham to work in Manchester by private car would have to pay a total of £5 congestion charges per work day.

The leaflet showed four case studies (brilliant way of putting it that) of people who might be affected by the charge. One was a woman called Ann who I think worked in a solicitors in Manchester and lived in Ashton. Obviously she would be hit by the full £5 in she travelled to work in her car. So how could she avoid having to pay the charge? She could use public transport (Ill start on that in a minute) or she could alter her hours so she wouldnt have to travel at peak times. Which world do these people live on? Ill say it again. SHE WORKS IN A SOLICITORS. AN OFFICE JOB THAT REQUIRES OFFICE HOURS. Companies in offices have to work the same times as there clients. Are the wonderful people proposing this going to get all companies to alter their hours. Its just not practical. Office hours are 9 to 5 as Dolly Parton would sing. This is the sort of  stupid comment bureaucrats who have too much time on there hands would say. Why dont you join us in the real world sometime? And who for one believes that this charge will not be extended to all hours of the day in the future? I may be cynical, but I think lots of people would agree with me that this is just a first step.

Anyway Mum and Dad, I wont be visiting you in the morning peak when this comes in.

In the Manchester Evening News dated Thu 12 July 2007, the Postbag page had three letters regarding public transport, in particular the buses in Manchester. It seems that buses arent stopping to let people on. One person had to wait 45 minutes for a bus with a frequency of every 10 minutes. Three buses flew past with Not in Service on them (with the number of the bus she wanted as well). Presumably they were trying to make up lost time by running out of service. Anyhow, this person wrote to the bus company and got a reply stating that sometimes things happen beyond their control and they hope that this person would continue to use the bus service (not that this person had any choice as this was the only service to their home).

Trains arent much better. If they are running more trains and longer trains, why is there still overcrowding? And why has the train service from Heaton Chapel into Manchester been reduced from 4 an hour to 3 (off-peak)!! I dont call this increasing the number of trains. And why do they never check your tickets on this journey inbound. The number of times I could have got on the train and travelled free into Manchester. But Im honest. I dont know about some of my fellow travellers though. Im sure I didnt see them buy a ticket. Why should the honest people pay above inflation increases in ticket prices when people are getting the journey for free because the train staff cannot be bothered  or dont have the time to check the tickets?

Finally, who feels safe on public transport once the nights start closing in? Vandals chucking stones at the trains/buses, drunks on the late night buses, a lack on any police presence on our stations/trains. Its about time these people who say you should use public transport actually put there money where there mouth is.

Back to the leaflet. Im gullible (thats a word you wont find in the dictionary). I believed the case studies on the leaflet were from actually people who would be affected by this charge. No. They were just fictional case studies with models posing for the pictures. No indication of this on the leaflet. So people who dont live in the real world are telling us about people who are fictional (dont exist in the real world. I still like the phase case studies though. Its the sort of term that marketing or project managers would some up with. For term read boll**ks).

We dont  have a sufficient and reasonably priced public transport system to encourage people to leave their cars at home (have you looked at the price of a train ticket from Manchester to London at a peak times recently?). Until we do, this sort of congestion charge will continue to cause dissent for people who are already suffering financially because the cost of living is a lot higher now. The only people who will applaud it are those who are on such high wages that £25 per week out of their pocket is mere pennies to them.

I could now go off on one about how the gulf between the working and middle-classes and the rich upper classes is widening. But I think I gone far enough. Lets just say I dont want to cross that zone as I might get charged for it.

Even Gordon Brown, our new PM indicated this in his speech on 17 May 2007. Well to be honest hes not quite our PM yet.

Yes, Tony Blair is finally going. Yippee. John (two Jags/Shags) Prescott is going to. Even better. But was there really any need on the day it was announced to totally fill the news with this story. Okay, report it, but is anyone really interested in all the analysis that accompanied the story. It had already been gone over in detail in the time leading up to the actual announcement. We didnt need it rehashing again. And how this can be more important than the story of Madeline McCann, the little girl snatched from her apartment in Portugal. Yes, I know, this is getting less coverage in the press now two plus weeks after she was snatched, but I suppose the lack of any new information is partly to blame for this. I only hope that this little girl is safe and well, and is found in the near future. And I hope that the bastard (pardon my French, but anyone who abducts a child and puts the parents through this sort of torture doesnt deserve to be called anything else) that is behind this crime is locked up and the key thrown away.

Anyway, back to our open and trustworthy government, and Gordon Browns speech on 17 May 2007. To quote:

And to build trust in our democracy, we need a more open form of dialogue for citizens and politicians to genuinely debate problems and solutions.

In the past six months I have had the privilege of attending what are called citizens forums organised by national bodies from Age Concern to the National Consumer Council on youth services, on public health, on services for the elderly, and on education.

What I have learnt is that they make possible a very different form of conversation politicians learning from everyday experience, people engaging in genuine discussion. And I want to do more of this not just in the coming weeks and beyond. It is about a different type of politics a more open and honest dialogue: frank about problems, candid about dilemmas, never losing touch with the concerns of people.

Thats why we have the Great in Great Britain. Our country really is an example to the world.

A country with a government that is so open they passed the Freedom of Information Act to show how open and honest they were. From this act we were able to learn about spending in the NHS (nd other government funded institutions), and how delayed IT projects were affecting them. We were able to learn about the cost of the national ID card project and the money raised by speed cameras (except here in North Wales where I believe our chief constable wont reveal that information).

We were able to learn how some MPs have extortionate expenses claims. Wasting tax payers money some might say.  But at least theyre open and honest about it.

But some of the information being published doesnt show our government or its MPs in the best light. Were all human, we make mistakes. Its part of our genetic make up. But we cant our government or MPs being seen as less than perfect.

In fact the conservative MP who's moved to exempt MP's from the Freedom of Information has claimed allowances that are double his MP's salary (that sort of information doesn't make you look good. Wonder why he's proposed the bill? What was that I said about wasted tax payers money above!!).

So theyve decided to exempt themselves from this act.One day Gordon Brown is harping on about a different type of politics a more open and honest dialogue. The next day his government (with support from MPs on all parties) is voting to exempt themselves from publishing information that might allow us a more open and honest dialogue.

Hypocrisy and double standards to a maximum. One rule for them, another for everyone else. Whats the point of having the Freedom of Information act if you dont want freedom of information?

Some MPs have stated that its to protect their constituents. Maintain the privacy of voter/MP discussions some might say. But we all know (or I believe) in reality its to protect themselves from embarrassing revelations. Things their constituents might not like.

So are we about to enter a new era of politics? I think not. I for one remain as sceptical and unimpressed by the people running our country as ever. They remain as out of touch with the voters as ever, and I cant see anything changing in the near future.

I've been keeping an eye on the case of the north London hacker (originally from Glasgow) who got into the US military computers.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6521255.stm

Now I don't disagree that, if guilty, this man has done wrong. He's allegedly hacked in to 97 US military and NASA computers and caused damage while 'exploring' the computers. Now I've highlighted the word exploring because, from what I've read, there is no suggestion of malicious intent (like terrorism), but more accidental damage due to curiosity. Now I know that doesn't make it right, but surely it's better than a terrorist group who wants to blow up every western country gaining access.

In fact it could be suggested that this guy has done the US a favour by highlighting the shortfalls of the security on military networks. He may well have saved a great many lives.

Anyway, I don't want to glamourise hacking or condone it. In fact it's not so much the hacking that I want to highlight.

The first thing that's got my attention is the fact that this guy is facing 45 years in prison. So a guy who hacks into a US military computer to 'explore' its contents is facing a longer sentence than a guy who murders a another guy in this country. Does that seem right to you? I know the US justice system is different to the UK system, but it seems a computer is worth more than someones life.

It is also suggested that because this guy fought the extradition, if found guilty he will have to serve his sentence in the US. So much for our 'special' relationship with the US!! You can fight wars with us, but when one of your citizens commits an offence against us your to lie down and let us ride roughshod over you.

And while we're on this, just when is the UK government going to pipe up about the its citizens in Guantanamo Bay. If they're guilty of something, charge them. If not, let them go. Nice to see our government standing up for us.

At end of the day, it seems to me that the US military pride has been damaged more than the actually computers. In fact I've already mentioned the US military on this soapbox over the friendly fire incident and their apparent refusal at the time to cooperate with the inquiry.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not US bashing. I admire the balls they have in standing up for what they believe is right (certainly more than our government it seems). But at what cost. America cannot be the worlds policeman, nor should it want to be. That should be a job for the UN (who still don't have the nerve to reach down into their pants and find there b*****ks).

Stand up for your own citizens, the people who put you in power. Let the UN deal with the nutters in the world. And show a bit of compassion. Put the hacker to trail, get a verdict, then let him return to the UK to be free or serve his sentence. And don't put a computer on a pedestal above someones life.

Now I dont want to start off again about outsourcing to India or other countries (not on this soapbox).

Apparently, if you read the IT press youll constantly see stories about the IT skills shortage. Some companies cite this as a reason for outsourcing some IT to India (or other countries).

In the same papers (such as Computer Weekly or Computing) youll probably see letters from unemployed IT workers who cant get a job.

At the same time as this, the number of work permits granted to foreign IT workers has increased to an all time high with a large proportion of these coming from India (Click here for Computer Weekly article).

Now is it just me, or does something not add up here. Weve got an IT skills shortage. Weve got unemployed IT people unable to get an interview, never mind a job. Experience doesnt appear to account for anything. Or are the companies applying (illegally now) age discrimination. At the same time, companies are taken on foreign workers as they cant fill the jobs.

As you may be aware, Im looking to move with the family up to Scotland. The reasons behind this are varied, but mainly relate to offering a better way of life to ourselves and our daughter.

With skills like mine, it should be easy to find a job. I dont mind moving out of programming, as long as Im working in a technical role with computers (giz a job!!). Im not fussy. I just want a 9 to 5 Monday to Friday job (so I get to enjoy Scotland and be with my family at weekends). I not even fussy about the salary as long as I can afford the mortgage and bills.

Obviously with this IT skills shortage this shouldnt be a problem for me.

Ive had a few interviews (more than other people get. Quick note to other people in the same position. Take your Date of Birth off your CV). Ive shown how keen I am to move, bring myself up to speed with the latest technologies. However, Ive never really got past the first interview. I have to wonder whether the excuses they come up with for not considering me are true, or whether they meet me and realise Im not the young dynamic no strings attached graduate they are looking for (i.e. Age discrimination. Isnt that against the law now? Tut, tut, tut).

When they dont find someone who 100% matches what they want, what do they companies do. Hire foreign workers and complain about an IT skills shortage. People who are only 98% compatible are no good to them.

Ive probably slightly exaggerated the point above. But how can unemployed IT workers get back on that career ladder? Or have all IT workers only got a job in B&Q (if you can dance) to look forward to.

Lets hope that employers start to realise what middle-aged or older IT workers can actually offer them or we may find that outside of the home computer market, there wont be any IT jobs available.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_east/6390963.stm

Reading stories like this one just makes you wonder how people can be so cruel. When you get into a relationship, surely the idea is that you love each other and treat each other with respect. Yes you'll argue and have disagreements. That's part of the nature of being human. But you'll work them and hopefully grow stronger through the experience.

Obviously that wasn't the case in this relationship. It appears that like most relationships that involve domestic violence it was about control. This man, when he entered into this relationship, wanted to control his partner. And if she stepped out of line, she paid for it.

She was allegedly made to sleep in a dog basket, and if she so much as moved she was assaulted. She was also allegedly forced to stand facing the wall with her hands on her head. If she moved, her face would be shoved into the wall.

Anyway, she finally found the strength to report him and now he's in custody. She had previously always withdrawn the charges in the belief that he loved her and would change.

The fact is that domestic violence still seems to be a subject brushed under the carpet. It's like people don't want to acknowledge that it happens. Support groups for both women and men who are subjected to mental and physical abuse are constantly having there funding reduced. How can this be right?

If you hit someone in a street, you expect to be punished (although your more likely to be let off, but don't get me started on that one again). However, this is generally a one off incident that can be dealt with and avoided in the future.

However, in a house you share with your abuser it's different. You're trapped. If you leave, where do you go. Are you even allowed out? Sometimes the control is that strong you not allowed to see your family, friends or even answer the phone.

What about the kids that become involved? They can be scarred for life. Boys (or girls) can grow up thinking it's acceptable to hit women (or men). Girls (or boys) can grow up thinking that they are there to be hit. This then creates a vicious circle.

Now some people scorn at women (or men) in this situation. Why don't they just leave? Why don't they report it to the police? Well unless you've been in that situation it's hard to say. I certainly haven't been in that situation, but I have known other people who have. Anyway, some of the reasons might be listed below:

• The victim believes that there partner will change. Maybe in some cases it does, but generally you can't change someone.
• Their partner always regrets what they've done, apologies and says it will never happen again. But once again, generally it does reoccur.
• The victim is too scared to leave. They worry where they will go. There ashamed of what has happened. There ashamed to admit they've been a victim.
• They're made to feel it's all their fault. Never the abusers, always theirs. They've said the wrong thing, cooked the wrong dinner, allowed the children to interrupt the TV. The list goes on. Abusers can always find an excuse to justify there actions!!
• Some religions don't even accept that domestic violence is a good enough reason to break the sanctity of a marriage.

In most cases the victim is a woman and the perpetrator is a man. Men like the one in the news story make me ashamed to be a man. How can they think that treating someone like this is right?

This particular news story is by no means the worst I've ever read in the media. However, it doesn't matter how bad the abuse is, it's still wrong. People who treat other people they supposedly love like this deserve to lose there freedom. Lock them away and throw away the key. Let's hope that justice is done in this case and other future cases of a domestic violence nature.

And let's stop brushing it under the carpet and give the groups who support these people the credit they deserve.

Womens Aid: 0808 2000 247 - http://www.womensaid.org.uk

Domestic Abuse - Help & Support for Men: 0845 064 6800 - http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk

This story had been building in the media for a week previous to this, ever since the Sun newspaper got hold of the classified (according to the US) footage from the cockpit of the plane that shot on our troops.

Now no one denies that these regrettable incidents occur in war or military zones. The thoughts of condolence to the family of this soldier are obviously passed on from all people, whether against or for the war in Iraq.

What has got my goat though is the arrogance of the US authorities over this incident. They only appear to have issued an apology to the soldiers family because this incident was getting media attention. What about when the incident occurred? Why not issue an apology then (or maybe they did and I missed it)?

Another thing is that without the intervention of the Sun and UK media this footage would never have even been shown at the inquiry. The US authorities kept insisting it was classified until they appeared to see that this attitude wasn't seeming to give them good press.

Now you already know my views on the Iraq war. I certainly don't believe our troops should be over there without UN involvement. Yes, Saddam needed to go. But is Iraq any better off for it? Controversial thing to say, but the country seemed more stable under Saddam. Going in there with the US seems to have shown how divided the Iraqi people really are. Why should my taxes be used to fund a war and now a peacekeeping force in a country that doesn't really threaten us? Saddam should have been taken out quietly. Why do we pay taxes for MI5/SAS (or in the US the CIA or whatever it's equivalent is) if they are not actually going to do jobs like this? And where are the United Nations?

Let's put it in one frank statement about the UN. It's about time they reached down into their trousers and found their balls, so that tyrants like Saddam and the other countries abusing their citizens can be dealt with properly.

Anyway, last Thursday ITN broadcast an interview with a friend of the pilot involved in the incident (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKDzTHvKRgw). Well it's a while since I've been so incensed and offended by the views of one individual. Now obviously he has a right to express his point of view, but his words certainly show what he thinks of the UK and Europe. Here's what he says when asked about the pilot involved who is a Vietnam veteran:

"He is a hero. And it's a damned good thing we have heroes like him in the United States to do the fighting we got to do against terrorists around the world. And you guys better get on board and that whole damned country of yours along with the rest of Europe ... er ... your going to go merrily sucking your thumb like you did in World War 2".

Interviewer: I put to him that perhaps wartime allies could be more conciliatory.

"We don't need your damned help, we need your co-operation. That's all we need out of you guys. That's all, and it's hard even to get that. We know you can't shoot, move or communicate. But we sure as hell like to have your co-operation anyway".

Well that's a glowing endorsement for our forces. We obviously couldn't have managed without the US in World War 2 (or was it the bombing of Pearl Harbour that brought the US into WWII?). Bit of an insult to our war veterans me thinks.

I'm surprised that US forces would want UK soldiers fighting alongside them. I mean, we can't shoot can we? We can't think for ourselves. We're not in Iraq to help the US, we're there to co-operate.

Now I should add that since this original interview took place, the guy involved has apologised for his comments. He obviously doesn't speak for the US authorities or it's people. But having seen how President Bush seems to treat our Prime Minister sometimes, one has to wonder how far away from the truth this guys views actually were.

The UK is it's own country. I for one get fed up of us following the US around like a puppet or lapdog. I admire the stand that the US is willing to make for what it believes is right, but why does the UK always have to follow suit. Even Maggie Thatcher, a woman who spoke her mind where Europe was involved still seemed to follow in the US's shadow. But where was the US support during the invasion of the Falklands? In fact, where was Europe's support?

This whole episode has been handled badly. If the shoe were on the other foot, would the american people accept comments like "the footage is classified" or apologises that are too late!! I think not. If the UK is going to continue to express the same views or fight alongside the US (although I wish we'd stand up for ourselves), then let's it do it on an equal footing with the US. The UK should stand up for it's citizens (or voters) just like the US does.

Well, what more can I say? Once again this government that keeps promising to deal with crime, has shown how it's incapable of handling the problem. It appears that the oppositions hug a hoodie policy has started.

Anyway, since the Home Office statement, we have seen numerous criminals varying from drunken louts to sex offenders to drug dealers being, in essence, let off with a fine or community service. And they call this justice. Basically, if Im beaten up by a drunken lout, I dont want hear of them being set free so they can do the same thing again. I want to see them put away. This said, they have found space for a peace campaigner whose refused to pay her fine (source Daily Mirror, 29 Jan 2007). Why put away drug dealers when you can jail peace campaigners? Who is more damaging to society?

Mind you, even if they are sent to prison its supposed to be like a holiday camp. Reports regarding lack the facilities at prison and the prisoners rights, by various do-gooder groups makes you wonder why judges bother jailing them at all. Complaints like no TVs in the cells, or the food not being good enough made you think that they live better than us law-abiding citizens. Only today (29 Jan 2007), a report in the Daily Mirror said that prison officers have been told to dress down as the uniform intimidates the prisoners. Ahh, diddums!! I bet the police wonder why they bother going through all the legal process, arresting these people and charging them when all they get is let off or sent to holiday camp (although a report in the London Evening Standard last week indicates that numerous muggers are not even being charged).

Lets get down to brass tacks. This country has gone soft on people who do wrong.

It starts in the schools. Now, when children do wrong at primary school, they cant be singled out. They cant be paraded at assembly and shamed as bullies. No, that's politically incorrect. If a teacher so much as touches one of their pupils, the parents are breathing down their necks threatening to sue them. So the whole class is punished, with both the victims, the children who do nothing wrong, along with the bullies all being punished. And this is right. This is what the do-gooders believe is a fitting way to deal with children who do wrong. Well its not their children (if they have children) getting bullied. And the worst thing is, the victims then become more of a target as the whole class then resents them.

When they move to secondary school, things pretty much stay the same. No more cane, or ruler. Exclusion seems to be final punishment. So, if a pupil does wrong, they can be excluded from school. Good punishment this. Why play truant when you can do wrong and be excluded. You can then wander around towns tormenting elderly shoppers and shopkeepers. Its like a permanent holiday to them. To see how little some headmasters care about bullying, one only has to go back to the incident of the teenage girl stabbed in the eye, and his smug response when challenged by worried parents.

And it stays the same in adult life. You do wrong, you get a fine, but keep your freedom. Just tell the judge about your deprived childhood, and youre bound to get off. And you can do this again and again. No room in the jails, so the judges continually let you off. Youre told each time its your last chance, but those are just hollow words.

If the prisons are full, build more prisons. Bring back the days when prisons were like Porridge (the sitcom with Ronnie Barker), when punishment was punishment, not a holiday camp. The days when policemen were allowed to give you a clip round the ear hole.  Maybe bring back the death penalty for those criminals who want it. Controversial I know, but if a serial killer beyond any doubt is jailed for life, he (or she) should be given the option of the death penalty instead of life imprisonment. Obviously, dont apply it to those who plead innocence or where there may be doubt.

The justice system (and government) needs to get tougher, thereby making policing more effective and providing a proper deterrent against criminal acts. No more words without substance. Until this happens, this society will continue to be on a road going downhill. Respect and values need to be put back into society from childhood through to adult life.

But isn't each soapbox about the news I hear you comment. Well yes. But this one is actually about the news.

Basically, a couple of items of news have been given a primary slot over the last 2 weeks in the news bulletins. Now it's not the particular news items that have rankled me, but the fact that the media agencies consider them more important than other items of news.

First was the news that the Beckhams are to move to the USA for around £125 million. So what? Is this really headline news? Surely there is more important things going on in the world than a footballer who is probably getting past his best years of playing the game? At the end of the day, when Beckham stops playing, how is he going to pay for his lavish lifestyle and family. I don't begrudge him this move or providing for his family. In fact, it gives Posh a chance to schmooze with all the celebrities in Hollywood. So good luck to him.

Talking of celebrities, why is the alleged racism in Big Brother being given prominence. Now I'm not a Big Brother fan. It just appears to be a chance for wanabees or B/C-list celebrities to show off and try to be famous (again). Still, it is supposed to be one of Channel 4's more popular programs. Anyhow, it's the alleged racism (or bullying as it seems more likely to be) that is making the news headlines. Basically Jade Goody (who I consider to be a F-list celebrity) and a couple of other housemates are apparently picking on Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty. It's been brought up in Parliament and commented on by the Indian Government. In fact, some people in India were burning effigies on her (no comment!!). It's has even been suggested that Jade Goody is representative of english people (in the words of Lenny Henry, 'Shoot me now!!').

Now let's get one thing clear. Jade Goody is not and will never be an ambassador of England or the UK (unless this country really has gone to the dogs). To suggest otherwise to both ill-informed and probably insulting to most of the general public. At best she is a nobody who found a little fame in a reality TV show and has been living a minor celebrity lifestyle since then. And if this is what she wants, fair enough. Leave her to it.

As usual, by giving these incidents publicity and getting them out of all proportion, the media has succeeded in giving TV show with a flagging audience extra viewers. Maybe Jade was told to go in there and stir things up. Certainly her fiery temperament would do this, no matter who was in the house.

Anyway, back to the actual topic of this soapbox. At least today, a day when some of the strongest gale force winds I can remember hit the country, the news bulletins actually got the balance right. Once again, nature has shown that it is the dominant force. By all means have entertainment news in the bulletins, but not at the expense of more important news items.

Im going to start off 2007 with green issues. These seem to be taking centre stage in the media recently.

To start with, weve got the increase in Air passenger tax (or duty or whatever its called). The reason behind this increase. The environment apparently. Theyve increased it to discourage air passengers from flying. Obviously the budget airlines are up in arms. One of them is recharging the cost to booked passengers. Other (more expensive) airlines are absorbing it for passengers already booked. I believe Ryanair is refusing to pay it to the taxman (I may be wrong about this). Ryanair seem to be clashing with the government quite a bit. Following the security alert last year and baggage restrictions which Ryanair threatened to sue the government over, one has to wonder whether the criticism the government made towards Ryanair was really sour grapes (or tit-for-tat), and not about the environment.

Anyway, I dont believe this tax is about the environment. I believe its about putting more money into the government coffers. Money they can then spend on consultants that stick black tape to civil servants desks to show them where to put there keyboards and pens. I believe the amount spent on these consultants is in the region of £7 million pounds. Money well spent I think!! I mean, we dont need doctors/nurses or police officers do we? Does this then make them hypocrites when theyre on about the NHS wasting money?

Getting back to the air tax. The only people who suffer when tax rises like this happen are those who dont have the money to pay it. If it carries on, were going to have flights, rail and bus travel along with car ownership/travel all priced beyond the means of the public. Just how do they expect us to be able to go about our daily business or afford holidays? Still, at least the people with the money to fund the political parties will be alright. They wont have to mix with the riff-raff (us) at all. Public transport will become a rich mans perk. Maybe they dont want us to leave our homes at all?

Recycling is also being mentioned a lot. Councils want to charge people according to the amount of rubbish they generate. The more bin bags you have, the larger the charge (lets hope your neighbour doesnt start putting their rubbish in with yours!!). This would then encourage people to recycle more (really?). Obviously the council tax would be reduced accordingly (yeah, right!!) because of this.

I have another suggestion. How about giving people money (give people money. You cannot be serious. The government doesnt give people money except for benefits. Basically the rule of thumb is you work, you pay!!) for everything they recycle (I know I've mentioned this idea before). Remember Corona drinks. They used to deliver fizzy drinks to you and give you 10p back on each bottle returned. Recycling at its best. So how about the government adding 10p to the price bottles/alcohol, and then giving people 10p back on each can/bottle recycled. Surely this is the way forward. Not threats if people dont conform, but rewards if they do.

I sometimes wonder do the politicians really have any clue on what to do for the environment. This is a global issue, and therefore should be tackled globally. Until all countries (include the US who are one of the worst polluters I believe), small actions taken in this country arent going to help the world generally.

We need to come up with green alternatives for everything that pollutes. New green air/road fuels need to become available. Green ways of generating electricity using natures natural resources need to be put in place. People (and companies) need to be forced to use these new environmentally friendly methods, not through fines, but through rewards with money (or tax breaks). Until action like this is taken, the environment will continue to suffer. Lets hope they act now so that our grandchildren may have a future.

Anyway, it's Boxing Day now, and for once there is nothing on the TV that has caught my eye, so I thought I'd update the soapbox with a round up of some of the news stories that have caught my eye over the last month.

As usual for Christmas, I've been trying to find a nice heartwarming story to warm the cockles of everyones hearts. And as usual, the news hasn't really been that obliging.

Firstly Farepak went bust. Many peoples Christmas's ruined. I can't believe that a company running a xmas savings club (which is basically what it was in my opinion) didn't have some kind of insurance against this. Anyway, MP's asked some of the major high street retailers to contribute to ensure the savers got some of the money back (15p in every £1 eventually I believe). Maybe next year, if something similar happens, the MP's can dig into their deep pockets and contribute some of that 66% pay rise (it they get it) they are reported as wanting (See previous soapbox below).

Secondly there it the school xmas play. Put on over 2 nights, parent buy tickets for one night and leave there children on the other night to ensure that all parents can see. Only it doesn't work like that. No one checks the tickets, so all and sundry turn up (including the local youths with nothing better to do), the hall gets packed out. Still, it's nice to see your children on stage.

While I've mentioned schools, what about the vicar in a C of E primary school in Manchester who told the children that santa doesn't exist during a reading comparing Father Christmas to Jesus. Some of the little kids were reported as coming out in tears. One comment on this. Yes, the true meaning of Christmas has been lost to commercial/personal gain, but Christmas is a special time for kids and ruining it for them by telling them this (claptrap!) doesn't help to restore the true nature of the season and the religious nature it represents.

Next, the local paper printed a story about Father Christmas. Basically, the local Rotary club in Mold like to tour all the local villages with santas and his sleigh playing xmas songs. It gives the kids a treat before xmas and the local charities a boost financially. My daughter loves it. However, the local yob element in one village decided to spoil this year by jumping on and off his float and reportedly throwing eggs at santa and his helpers. Needless to say, they made a retreat thereby spoiling for the children who never got to see him. It's about time that these yobs were dealt with. Just what was wrong with the stocks?

Friday 22 December - Supermarket shopping. We queued up for an hour to get to the tills. And some hardfaced people were still cutting in. Say anything, and you got a mouth full of abuse. Trolley rage. And the supermarket staff, did they do anything to stop this? Not from what I saw.

Christmas Day - The big day. A time for families. A time for kids to appreciate what it's all about (how many presents or how much money they've got). Falling out over the brussel sprouts and getting stuffed (like the turkey). Obviously, if you were driving you couldn't have a drink. I mean, that would be totally reckless wouldn't. No one's going to be that stupid. Not from the drivers I saw on the roads. The mild ones who think it's funny to leave their full beam light on when they drive towards you to those whose driving is erratic.

Boxing Day - Fox hunts. It's a tradition. Sport some might say. Others say it keeps them in business. Keeps control of the fox population and all that blarney (if the fox population needs controlling, lets do it in a humane way). Or why don't they train the dogs to chase one of the hunt supporters across the fields, then rip them to shreds if they enjoy it that much. No animals harmed then!! And they call us the intelligent species!! If a speeder speeds past a speed camera, then they expect a ticket. If a hunt deliberately breaks the law, they expect protection from by the police from the animal rights protesters.

OK. I admit it. I am the almighty Christmas humbug. Once again I'm glad it's over. There has probably around 4 hours over the last five days that I've actually enjoyed.

Anyway, whatever you've done over Christmas and will be doing up to the new year, try to relax and enjoy it. The soapbox will be back in the new year.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6205852.stm

Well what can I say? This speaks volumes. We have been invaded by aliens!! I mean, these MP's who want this kind of pay rise certainly can't be from this planet!! This is in addition to the £131K average expense claim per MP. And it's us who fund this generally (through taxes).

In the days where every one of us who is on a reasonable wage is being squeezed by rising utility bills, increased council tax bills (for cut back services in some areas), small increases to the interest rates, not to mention Christmas, some of them reportedly have the bare-faced cheek to ask this sort of pay rise.

At least they'll be able to afford the road charges being proposed to reduce congestion (certainly wasn't going to allow this one to pass without comment). Britains roads are at breaking point. Trying to get people to switch to our wonderful (expensive, overcrowded) public transport system hasn't really worked. Fed up with being treated like cattle, people switch back to the roads. Congestion occurs. The answer. Charge them for travelling on the roads at peak times. Brilliant!! I can just imagine all the companies in our land accepting their employees working different hours. "Can I work from 7am until 3pm because I can afford to get here then?". It's not going to happen is it? It's just another ridiculous idea from overpayed bureaucrats who are out of touch with the real world (aliens again). Over a barrel comes to mind. If we work, we spend all our money on commuting and bills. If we're unemployed, we don't have to. We get the benefits, a lie in every day and the other mugs who do work funding our lives!! Sound wonderful. (I don't mean to bring people who are unemployed into this topic. I'm sure that all the bill rises hit them just as much as anyone else. You just wonder why you bother sometimes though).

Back to the MP's. Maybe they deserve this pay rise. I mean they do represent us don't they. Some of them work 70 hours a week (I wonder how many weeks they get off in a year?). We vote for them, they listen to us, then stand up for the opinions of the majority of their constituents in Parliament. Unless it's not the party line. I mean, you can't stand up and show disagreement to your leaders who are obviously never wrong (just look at all the weapons of mass destruction we found in Iraq. Cheap shot 1!!). Don't want to lose the party whip and risk being deselected, even if it's what your constituents want (their voice heard. They call it a democracy I think. Freedom of speech as long as you don't oppose anything I say or the party line).

But we're the public. We're not capable of making informed decisions on whether to go to war in Iraq (cheap shot 2!!). We need MP's to represent us. Ask yourself what your MP has done for you lately!! Has he stood up and said that your local hospital shouldn't close? Has he called for the yobs that terrorise our neighbourhoods get the justice that we want them to get (or shall we just hug them. Cheap shot 3!!)? Have a think yourselves.

Well maybe they consider their jobs to be that worthwhile that they deserve the money. Obviously, other worthwhile jobs can also expect above inflation pay rises. Police officers, doctors, nurses, ambulance men (and women), fire fighters. All are in definitely in for a decent wage at last!! Who are we kidding? To me, it seems like they have the power to do as they please and don't give two hoots about anyone else or how it will look.

Now I've really had a go at MP's here. If you read this soapbox regularly, you'll know I'm cynical about politicians anyway. However, I don't want to tar them all with the same brush. There are a few who occasionally surprise me and are willing to stand up and be counted. However, there are too few of them. Let's hope commonsense comes to the rest. A 66% pay rise is too much, and certainly doesn't show a government that allegedly cares about how it looks and its citizens.

http://www.macworld.co.uk/mac/news/index.cfm?newsid=16291

Greenpeace were ejected out of the Mac Expo exhibition on the first day after complaints from a few visitors and some unnamed exhibitors. Apparently, they had breached the terms imposed for exhibitors at the show.

So, what were Greenpeace doing at a show that is probably the day out in the year for Mac users?

Basically, they were there to bring attention to Apples green (or alleged lack of) credentials. Visitors were being asked to sign a petition to encourage Apple to put more environmentally friendly components into their products and put green practices in place.

As youre probably aware if you read this soapbox regularly, the demm42 clan is fond of the countryside and nature. We do try to do our bit for the environment. Im not saying were perfect though. We recycle what we can (glass, PET, tins, etc..) We try to reuse shop bags, particularly in Tescos. Extra clubcard points are always welcome. As Tescos would say, Every little helps!!.

We drive a small car, not a Chelsea tractor. I wonder how many people in these big 4 wheel drive vehicles actually have to take there cars off road like the farmers or construction workers who do need them? Mind you, it could be prestige as well. Keep up with the Joness syndrome. Or it might just be that driving in London at the best of times is never a pleasant experience, so the bigger the vehicle, the more power/importance you have.

Back to Mac Expo and Greenpeace. Surely it would be good publicity for Apple to make an announcement during the show regarding green issues and awareness. Take a lead in the world stage you might say. However, is pride at stake? Would it be like admitting what Greenpeace are saying is right? Pride is a hard obstacle to overcome.

As you may know, American industries are some of the worlds worst polluters (I dont necessarily include Apple as one of the worst). However, they have power. It could be argued they control the politics in the country. However, I wouldnt go this far. I do think they influence the US policies, particularly ones that may harm their respective industries. But what right do they have to pollute our world for our children for the sake of money. Moneys no good if the environment becomes that toxic that we cant live in it. Its time that the American voters sent this message to the politicians so that future generations can enjoy the world.

Surely the time has come to give tax breaks to those companies whose green credentials can be proved. Maybe the voters could also be given incentives for recycling (and I dont mean charge them if they dont recycle. More like, give them money for recycling. Im not holding my breath on this though).

Finally, theres freedom of speech. I dont always agree with the tactics Greenpeace employ to make there point. Sometimes they do things that are downright dangerous, not just to themselves, but to the people in the employ of some of the companies they are campaigning against. These people are just earning a living. When they use tactics like these, we all pay (police time in arresting the activists and taking them to court).

However, a stand at a computer exhibition cannot be classed this way. Providing they werent hassling people who didnt want to be hassled, whats the problem? Did they block the movement of visitors to the exhibition or the stands?

Controversial statement to end. If freedom of speech is such an issue to the exhibitors at the show, why are our lads (and the US lads) fighting in Iraq for this very freedom for the Iraqis? Tenuous link, but hypocrisy smacks!!

As you can imagine, this will have a major impact on some of the communities in the UK that rely on fishing to support their economies. Certain areas of Scotland will obviously suffer.

In fact some fishermen are now demanding a seal cull to preserve the fish stocks a little. Two local MP's are also backing these calls for the cull. But why should the seals suffer because they eat the same food as us. The sea is their natural habitat. The land is ours.

On the other hand, if you've read some of my Scotland tours you'll appreciate how important fishing is to some of villages and towns and the folk in these places. It's their livelihood.

Now I'm a bit on the fence about this one. I like nature. I believe that the animals have as much right to live on this planet as we do. I've said this numerous times on the soapbox. In fact when the demm42 clan visit Scotland, it's not just the lovely countryside we come to see, but the wildlife as well.

But I'm a hypocrite. I still enjoy eating various meats and fish. The fish I eat are possibly being caught by the very people who live in the towns we visit. Basically everyone who eats cod, haddock or other fish are helping keep these communities and economies alive. I for one certainly don't want to see these people suffer because of measurse to restrict the number of fish the trawlers are allowed to catch.

So what's the answer? Certainly the fish stocks need to be replenished and controlled. But to whose cost? The seals or the communities? The communities will obviously say the seals. But what would the seals say if they could speak? Could a cull of humans ever be justified to conserve food stocks? Of course not!!

Maybe a better idea would be to reduce the seal numbers without a cull. Some form of contraception. I still don't believe we have the right to control nature this way, but it seems more humane than a cull. Why not make it a joint approach as well? Let's put money into these communities as well to help them be less dependant on fishing. I'm not suggesting they give up fishing, an industry that probably been passed on from generation to generation. In fact fishing used to be one of the major industries in the UK. But obviously this industry cannot continue the way it has.

To be fair, a lot of fishing communities have seen the fishing fleet decimated by EU quotas, disinterested governments and other commercial pressures. Lets not lose too much more of it. But more has to be done to help these communities.

Lets hope that all the parties involved can get there heads together and come up with a long term plan that suits everyone and takes the views of animals who cannot speak up for themselves into account as well.