David Lammy, the MP for Tottenham, announced today that there is a lack of black men in universities.
The proportion of university students who are Afro-Caribbean males, is under just one percent for the last three years.
They are also more likely to be found in local universities, rather than the more elite institutions, claims Lammy.
He goes on to say that he was the first black Briton to graduate from Harvard with a Masters law degree.
Lammy says, " In this country people like me are still the exception rather than the rule, and the same still true in the us, where a black man could be elected president in a few days.'
The MP for Tottenham insisted both the African and Afro-Caribbean communities had a terrifically strong culture of aspiration and self improvement, but warns that more needs to be done to tap into it.
I could not agree more, I come from a hard working family who had nothing but strive to achieve something.
However when I look around me I see young boys and girls doing nothing with themselves.
It seems that everybody wants to live a good life, but they all want it the easy way.
We have become a society that thinks that if something looks like too much hard work then, it's not for me.
We need to stop catering to lazy people and start pushing people to do for themselves.
Tuesday 28 October 2008
Monday 27 October 2008
Credit Crunch, What Credit Crunch?
Every day on the news we hear more and more depressing information about the economy, and watch as people panic about their savings and their mortgages.
However it seems that a third of England's population may not have heard the news lately.
On a quick visit to Oxford street this weekend I was amazed at the amount of people still willing to part with their cash during these dire times.
I left on a quick errand with the thought that at least I would not have to battle the crowds on Oxford street, because everyone was counting their pennies.
How mistaken was I?
Here was I running to Topshop for some leggings for a night out, only to be completely in shock at the amount of people fighting their way through the sales rack looking for that ultimate bargain.
At least most people seemed to be more interested in the sale, because let's be honest, no one can resist a sale, but that didn't stop the credit cards being whipped out.
Now people may be willing to cut back on their household and food bills, but their wardrobe, they are not.
However it seems that a third of England's population may not have heard the news lately.
On a quick visit to Oxford street this weekend I was amazed at the amount of people still willing to part with their cash during these dire times.
I left on a quick errand with the thought that at least I would not have to battle the crowds on Oxford street, because everyone was counting their pennies.
How mistaken was I?
Here was I running to Topshop for some leggings for a night out, only to be completely in shock at the amount of people fighting their way through the sales rack looking for that ultimate bargain.
At least most people seemed to be more interested in the sale, because let's be honest, no one can resist a sale, but that didn't stop the credit cards being whipped out.
Now people may be willing to cut back on their household and food bills, but their wardrobe, they are not.
Thursday 23 October 2008
Life in a get rich quick world
Yesterday I spent a day doing some court reporting, now although I cannot speak about the actual cases, I'm sure I can mention the theme that seemed to be running through most of the cases.
Most of the cases were for just minor offences, however many of the people were in court for some kind of get rich quick scame.
Now what I found so unbelievable, (and quite funny to be honest,) were the fact that people had been silly enough to even try such schemes.
To be fair, I can completely understand why people would be tempted to try such things, but the idea of jail should immediately knock some quick sense into people.
If people are in such dire straits and really need money, there are many ways to achieve that agenda.
If you are really short of money, there are many jobs out there that can solve that problem, although they may not be as glamorous as you would like, but beggars cannot be choosers.
To me people who fall foul of the law for simply succumbing to get rich quick schemes, which is basically cheating and stealing from people, are just lazy.
They are too lazy to get that extra job to make the extra money needed, and therefore decide to just cheat people.
Maybe Britain should stop catering to these lazy people by handing out money through benefits, and instead encourage them to try and help themselves.
Everyone else in the world has seemed to manage getting a job, so please tell me what's wrong with the percentage of people that find it just a little too taxing.
Most of the cases were for just minor offences, however many of the people were in court for some kind of get rich quick scame.
Now what I found so unbelievable, (and quite funny to be honest,) were the fact that people had been silly enough to even try such schemes.
To be fair, I can completely understand why people would be tempted to try such things, but the idea of jail should immediately knock some quick sense into people.
If people are in such dire straits and really need money, there are many ways to achieve that agenda.
If you are really short of money, there are many jobs out there that can solve that problem, although they may not be as glamorous as you would like, but beggars cannot be choosers.
To me people who fall foul of the law for simply succumbing to get rich quick schemes, which is basically cheating and stealing from people, are just lazy.
They are too lazy to get that extra job to make the extra money needed, and therefore decide to just cheat people.
Maybe Britain should stop catering to these lazy people by handing out money through benefits, and instead encourage them to try and help themselves.
Everyone else in the world has seemed to manage getting a job, so please tell me what's wrong with the percentage of people that find it just a little too taxing.
Tuesday 21 October 2008
Increase in child poverty
A government report has revealed that child poverty has risen again, for the second year running, threatening the governments pledge to half child poverty by 2010.
The number of children living in poverty rose by 100,00 in 2006, and pensioner poverty rose by 300,000 since 1998.
The number of children and pensioners living in poverty increases, once living expenses such as rent and mortgages are deducted.
The government described the rise as 'disappointing,' while a spokesperson from Help The Aged told the BBC, 'This is a disgrace. We are watching more and more pensioners fall further and further below the poverty line.'
What is so difficult to believe and hard to accept is the idea that people have to live in these conditions when they live in one of the richest and affluent countries in the world.
Why is it that Britian likes to cast judgement and interfere in other countries problems, when its own people are suffering.
When is Britain going to stop thinking about its rich and concentrate more on its poor.
Sunday 19 October 2008
Hurricane Oma Hits St Lucia
The island of St Lucia in the Caribbean has been hit by Hurricane Oma.
The hurricane has riped through the sea-side town of Soufriere mainly by sea, leaving many houses devastated.
Families with houses by the sea were flooded or damaged as the waves from the weather rough sea overcame blockades.
No report on whether or not people died, but people have been hurt as they awoke to roaring winds as doors were broke down and furniture was washed away by the high tide.
The devastation to the small island has not been widely reported and is not really known about by people, unless they have a connection to the island.
The devastation to the small island has not been widely reported and is not really known about by people, unless they have a connection to the island.
However now the time comes to worry about how people are going to be able to rebuild their lives, as homes have been destroyed and possessions lost.
As many of the people whose lives have been ruined, they are poor and will not get government help to rebuild their homes.
Many will have to rely on help from friends and family, and as the world is not aware of their plight, there will be no charity relief fund.
To those who have been affected by the hurricane my thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Thursday 16 October 2008
Euthanasia Debate, Right or Wrong?
Today on the Alan Titchmarsh show, they were debating with the doctor who wants to start classes to show people how to commit suicide or better known as Euthanasia. This is for people who are suffering from illnesses, with no hope of recovering.
This discussion has arisen since the case of Debbie and Omar Puente. Debbie is suffering from Multiple Sclerosis and wants her husband to accompany her to Switzerland, where it is legal to commit suicide. However she fears that her husband could face charges on his return.
Now a doctor known as 'Dr Death' is planning to give people, who are in the same situation, a sort of do it yourself guide. This is inspiring a backlash of criticism from professionals and the public.
However, I myself am somewhat on the fence with this one. I think it is wrong to give people instructions on how to kill themselves, because let's be honest it can always be used in the wrong way.
The other side of the argument, is that since I am not suffering from a terminal illness and neither is any of my close relatives, I'm not sure how I would act if a loved one was in so much pain that they just wanted to end it all.
So those people who are wading knee deep into the debate, with righteous indignation, should stop, listen and think about what is really happening.
The only people who have anything relevant to say are the people in this exact situation and their families.
This discussion has arisen since the case of Debbie and Omar Puente. Debbie is suffering from Multiple Sclerosis and wants her husband to accompany her to Switzerland, where it is legal to commit suicide. However she fears that her husband could face charges on his return.
Now a doctor known as 'Dr Death' is planning to give people, who are in the same situation, a sort of do it yourself guide. This is inspiring a backlash of criticism from professionals and the public.
However, I myself am somewhat on the fence with this one. I think it is wrong to give people instructions on how to kill themselves, because let's be honest it can always be used in the wrong way.
The other side of the argument, is that since I am not suffering from a terminal illness and neither is any of my close relatives, I'm not sure how I would act if a loved one was in so much pain that they just wanted to end it all.
So those people who are wading knee deep into the debate, with righteous indignation, should stop, listen and think about what is really happening.
The only people who have anything relevant to say are the people in this exact situation and their families.
Wednesday 15 October 2008
Mayor's Question Time
Today my journalism class went to the London Assembly to watch Mayor's Questions. Let's say it was very interesting.
Other than getting to see Boris Johnson and watching the assembly members rip into him trying to their questions answered. The other highlight was the two interruptions of the meeting.
Protesters were able to gain access to the public gallery, and interrupted the proceedings to air their views on Johnson's promise to give underground cleaners a proper living wage.
The protesters were taking the mayor to task for not fulfilling his promise.
They started shouting and holding up their banners, calling the mayor a liar.
While Boris promptly got out his phone and started talking, looking quite amused by the whole affair, while the chair of the committee shouted for security, and the protesters were escorted out.
Then just when we thought all the fun was over, another set of protesters stood up. This time accusing the mayor of having a slave labour on the underground.
Again Boris looked bored but amused, and this protester put up quite a fight and had to be dragged from the public gallery.
So for a day that was seeming quite tedious, it turned out to be a somewhat enjoyable day.
Other than getting to see Boris Johnson and watching the assembly members rip into him trying to their questions answered. The other highlight was the two interruptions of the meeting.
Protesters were able to gain access to the public gallery, and interrupted the proceedings to air their views on Johnson's promise to give underground cleaners a proper living wage.
The protesters were taking the mayor to task for not fulfilling his promise.
They started shouting and holding up their banners, calling the mayor a liar.
While Boris promptly got out his phone and started talking, looking quite amused by the whole affair, while the chair of the committee shouted for security, and the protesters were escorted out.
Then just when we thought all the fun was over, another set of protesters stood up. This time accusing the mayor of having a slave labour on the underground.
Again Boris looked bored but amused, and this protester put up quite a fight and had to be dragged from the public gallery.
So for a day that was seeming quite tedious, it turned out to be a somewhat enjoyable day.
Tuesday 14 October 2008
Sorry Computer Problems
Sorry guys I've been having computer problems so I've been unable to post anything.
Well tomorrow I'm off to the London Assembly to watch the London Mayor's question time, so hopefully I'll be able to get some good things to talk about.
I'm hoping Boris Johnson will talk about how effective his stop and search policy is going. Whether it is really getting some good results or is it just widening the gap between the police and the youth.
Already teenagers are very weary and distrustful of the police, so to give the police powers to randomly stop and search people at will will not build confidence.
The police instead needs to think of a way to instill confindence in people insted of giving them more reason not to want to co-operate with them.
Therefore if Boris can prove that his methods are having some effect and he can show that it is in fact reducing crime, then I will be convinvced.
Tomorrow we shall see.
Well tomorrow I'm off to the London Assembly to watch the London Mayor's question time, so hopefully I'll be able to get some good things to talk about.
I'm hoping Boris Johnson will talk about how effective his stop and search policy is going. Whether it is really getting some good results or is it just widening the gap between the police and the youth.
Already teenagers are very weary and distrustful of the police, so to give the police powers to randomly stop and search people at will will not build confidence.
The police instead needs to think of a way to instill confindence in people insted of giving them more reason not to want to co-operate with them.
Therefore if Boris can prove that his methods are having some effect and he can show that it is in fact reducing crime, then I will be convinvced.
Tomorrow we shall see.
Friday 10 October 2008
Obese Children Taken Into Care, Fat Chance
The idea of Medical Professionals even suggesting that obese children should be put into care is a joke. Instead why don't they think of an idea that would be more effective to help those children suffering from health problems, or educating their parents.
We as a generation have become lazy, we are too lazy to cook proper food, to do anything resembling exercise or to even correct our children when they buy sweets and crisps for breakfast.
Poor Jamie Oliver has taken on the battle of trying to change Britain's obesity problems, and now the government has to devise a plan to tell us what to eat.
Pushing themselves further and further into our lives. Soon any decision we have to make will have to come with guidelines from the government.
We always moan that the government is too intrusive, well if this is the case why don't we start taking more control of our lives.
Why don't we take control of what our children eat, where they should and should not go and what they should and should not do. That way maybe parents themselves would be able to control the many problems that our society is riddled with.
We as a generation have become lazy, we are too lazy to cook proper food, to do anything resembling exercise or to even correct our children when they buy sweets and crisps for breakfast.
Poor Jamie Oliver has taken on the battle of trying to change Britain's obesity problems, and now the government has to devise a plan to tell us what to eat.
Pushing themselves further and further into our lives. Soon any decision we have to make will have to come with guidelines from the government.
We always moan that the government is too intrusive, well if this is the case why don't we start taking more control of our lives.
Why don't we take control of what our children eat, where they should and should not go and what they should and should not do. That way maybe parents themselves would be able to control the many problems that our society is riddled with.
Wednesday 8 October 2008
Obama For President, I Sure Hope So
Once again Barack Obama has risen to the challenge and proved himself to be the educated man that he is, showing that he is capable of leading America.
As the two political opponents came head to head yesterday to debate on subjects such as the economy and the Iraq war, Obama was clearly in the lead.
He answered his questions honestly and sincerely, looking calm and relaxed. While his opponent looked somewhat uncomfortable and edgy, often pacing the stage.
I am so glad that throughout this battle for the white house Obama has been able to rise above the sometimes pityful and irrelevant attempts to degrade his character.
Quite frankly on this side of the pond he's come off looking classy and fully capable of doing of the job and handling all the scrutiny the job entails.
Hopefully after all the effort he as well as his supporters have put into this campaign and displaying his worthy, it doesn't become a case of people reverting back to ignorance.
As the two political opponents came head to head yesterday to debate on subjects such as the economy and the Iraq war, Obama was clearly in the lead.
He answered his questions honestly and sincerely, looking calm and relaxed. While his opponent looked somewhat uncomfortable and edgy, often pacing the stage.
I am so glad that throughout this battle for the white house Obama has been able to rise above the sometimes pityful and irrelevant attempts to degrade his character.
Quite frankly on this side of the pond he's come off looking classy and fully capable of doing of the job and handling all the scrutiny the job entails.
Hopefully after all the effort he as well as his supporters have put into this campaign and displaying his worthy, it doesn't become a case of people reverting back to ignorance.
Monday 6 October 2008
Racism In The Police Not A Big Surprise
Today, Boris Johnson announced that the Metropolitan Police was ready for a new start. Following the resignation of it's chief, Sir Ian Blair and the many racist allegations that are now coming out of the wood work.
Also with the airing of the Panorama show 'The Secret Policeman, Part 2,' and the warning from The Black Police Association for Black and Minority Ethnic people not join the Police force, it seems racism has become the hottest topic of the week.
What I find hard to believe, is the shock that the idea of racism in the Metropolitan Police has generated in the public.
People of Black and Ethnic Minorities have known that racism is rife in the police. However, it seems that everyone else has been none the wiser.
It is sad to think that after all this time, and with the many changes that has been made, that it can all be set back by a few ignorant people.
It is a known fact that people from a Black and Ethnic Minority backgrounds need to work harder to achieve their goals.
While I can understand why the Black Police Association issued their warning, I think that we should not bow out of the industry because of the ignorance of others.
I think that we should always strive to achieve our goals and overcome the many hurdles that it may entail. At the end of the fight, it just makes it all the sweeter.
However, I do think that society needs to wake up a take a good look at the many institutions that are supposed to govern our lives.
Realising that things are not always what they seem, just because something does not affect you, it does not mean that the problem is not there.
Wake Up People!
Also with the airing of the Panorama show 'The Secret Policeman, Part 2,' and the warning from The Black Police Association for Black and Minority Ethnic people not join the Police force, it seems racism has become the hottest topic of the week.
What I find hard to believe, is the shock that the idea of racism in the Metropolitan Police has generated in the public.
People of Black and Ethnic Minorities have known that racism is rife in the police. However, it seems that everyone else has been none the wiser.
It is sad to think that after all this time, and with the many changes that has been made, that it can all be set back by a few ignorant people.
It is a known fact that people from a Black and Ethnic Minority backgrounds need to work harder to achieve their goals.
While I can understand why the Black Police Association issued their warning, I think that we should not bow out of the industry because of the ignorance of others.
I think that we should always strive to achieve our goals and overcome the many hurdles that it may entail. At the end of the fight, it just makes it all the sweeter.
However, I do think that society needs to wake up a take a good look at the many institutions that are supposed to govern our lives.
Realising that things are not always what they seem, just because something does not affect you, it does not mean that the problem is not there.
Wake Up People!
Sunday 5 October 2008
Human Disturbia
I am one of those people who get immense amusement from people watching, and what better opportunity to get a sneak peak at peoples lives, than during my weekend job at a supermarket.
Whilst walking around with a pained smile on my face, the only thing that gets me through the tough back breaking hours, are the interim moments of amusement, (mostly at the customers expense.)
I am always provided with a bit of a chuckle, watching customers spending money they don't really have, on things they don't really need.
As if they're in some silent competition with the person behind them, who is staring enviously at the amount their putting into their trolleys.
Or harassed parents running around behind their children while trying to appear calm and collected. Or others who stare in confusion at the jam display, deliberating on whether to get sugar free or half sugar marmalade.
It's always interesting the kind of conversations you have with people, who sometimes just want to have a break away from ordinary life, to talk about the frivolous things, like the football, (even though I'm not remotely interested in football.)
So after spending hours with thoughts ranging from bewilderment to slight annoyance, usually towards the end of my shift where I'm thinking 'maybe I'm not such a people person after all'.
I'm brought back to my normal state of mind by having our resident elderly customer having a genuinely interesting conversation with me. Leaving me with a thought that maybe the human race isn't going to pot after all.
Whilst walking around with a pained smile on my face, the only thing that gets me through the tough back breaking hours, are the interim moments of amusement, (mostly at the customers expense.)
I am always provided with a bit of a chuckle, watching customers spending money they don't really have, on things they don't really need.
As if they're in some silent competition with the person behind them, who is staring enviously at the amount their putting into their trolleys.
Or harassed parents running around behind their children while trying to appear calm and collected. Or others who stare in confusion at the jam display, deliberating on whether to get sugar free or half sugar marmalade.
It's always interesting the kind of conversations you have with people, who sometimes just want to have a break away from ordinary life, to talk about the frivolous things, like the football, (even though I'm not remotely interested in football.)
So after spending hours with thoughts ranging from bewilderment to slight annoyance, usually towards the end of my shift where I'm thinking 'maybe I'm not such a people person after all'.
I'm brought back to my normal state of mind by having our resident elderly customer having a genuinely interesting conversation with me. Leaving me with a thought that maybe the human race isn't going to pot after all.
Thursday 2 October 2008
British Personal Hygene, Non-Existent
The lack of personal hygiene in this country still surprises me, no matter how often I am bombarded with the smells.
Last night I went to see a friend of mine play a gig for the first time. Now while I was immensely impressed with his performance, the state of the bar's toilets left me, how shall we say, slightly sick to my stomach.
Now the universal consensus is that girls are slightly more hygienic than our male counterparts, so if this is the case, why is it that the girls toilets always seems to be the most smelly places in the world and filled with hidden surprises in each cubicle.
On many occasions I've been so afraid of catching syphilis or some other horrid disease that I've attempted to brave the shocked stares of the boys toilets.
I cannot fathom what possesses a person to be unable to flush a toilet, aim at least in the general direction of the toilet bowl or any other modes of bathroom etiquette.
It's even amounted to me drinking less so that I may be able to miss out on the battle in the bathroom.
A message for the British public and all the women who seem to leave their personal etiquette as well as their common sense at home, please remember to flush.
Last night I went to see a friend of mine play a gig for the first time. Now while I was immensely impressed with his performance, the state of the bar's toilets left me, how shall we say, slightly sick to my stomach.
Now the universal consensus is that girls are slightly more hygienic than our male counterparts, so if this is the case, why is it that the girls toilets always seems to be the most smelly places in the world and filled with hidden surprises in each cubicle.
On many occasions I've been so afraid of catching syphilis or some other horrid disease that I've attempted to brave the shocked stares of the boys toilets.
I cannot fathom what possesses a person to be unable to flush a toilet, aim at least in the general direction of the toilet bowl or any other modes of bathroom etiquette.
It's even amounted to me drinking less so that I may be able to miss out on the battle in the bathroom.
A message for the British public and all the women who seem to leave their personal etiquette as well as their common sense at home, please remember to flush.
Wednesday 1 October 2008
The Irony Of Human Rights For Terrorists
Concern Over Treatment of Terrorists
Europe's anti-torture committee has expressed concern over the government's plans to enable terror suspects to be held for 42 days without charge.
The council feels that suspects should be taken to prison after 14 days because police cells are inadequate for longer detentions.
The law that was passed in June by MP's, is set to be considered in the House of Lords within the coming weeks.
Human Rights
Whilst people's general rights and the fairness of police investigation should be monitored, it seems that once someone is a suspect of removing the rights of thousands, if not millions of people, should their rights still be considered?
In the fight against terrorism the rights of civilians should be first and foremost. those who stand for injustice should not be the major concern of governing bodies. Instead why don't they concentrate on saving the lives of people who without murderous tendencies.
Europe's anti-torture committee has expressed concern over the government's plans to enable terror suspects to be held for 42 days without charge.
The council feels that suspects should be taken to prison after 14 days because police cells are inadequate for longer detentions.
The law that was passed in June by MP's, is set to be considered in the House of Lords within the coming weeks.
Human Rights
Whilst people's general rights and the fairness of police investigation should be monitored, it seems that once someone is a suspect of removing the rights of thousands, if not millions of people, should their rights still be considered?
In the fight against terrorism the rights of civilians should be first and foremost. those who stand for injustice should not be the major concern of governing bodies. Instead why don't they concentrate on saving the lives of people who without murderous tendencies.
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