Kathy Smith; Socialist,Feminist, and Pacifist.

Does anyone think Cameron know what he's doing?

2011-06-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

It is rare that a day goes by when Cameron doesn't enrage me in some ways. Yesterday's brilliant idea however left me gobsmacked! Clamp down on absent fathers, name and shame them, but hey it's the women who are left behind who are to be (financially) resposible for tracking these men down. And what about those women who for very good reasons don't want to track them down, violent partners, abusive fathers, rapist dad's, serial dad's etc, why should they be made to suffer financially. Cameron says he wouldn't be the man he is today without his fathers influence ( I'll leave you to decide whether that's a good or a bad thing ) and that it 'simply isn't acceptable" for single mothers to be left to bring their children on their own, like this is a life choice NOT! Come on Dave, the rest of us live in the real world, the answer is not to punish women, it is to educate men, radical though that may sound.

No lessons are being learnt.....

2011-02-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

Following the events in Luton at the weekend, David Cameron made a few booboos regarding multiculturalism, conveniently forgetting that the British Isles has been multicultural since men and women walked across the none existent English Channel, then the odd invasion or 3, then colonialism..... need I say more.

or each and every action there is an opposite reaction.....

2011-01-14T19:38:00.000-08:00

Newton I believe, regarding physics ?%@***? Thank you Eastenders, my 'slough of despond' begins in September, 4 children, 2 alive and brilliant, 2 victims of SIDS and still brilliant. Anyway their birthdays are all within a month of each other, and the deathdays also fall in birthday remits, after 18 years and 16 years we have now come to the point where we still miss, but we can also be grateful, Sam and Eleanor, carrying them, meeting them, loving them, and probably making those that knew them better people. So then comes Eastenders, and back it all comes, partly because of the storyline but mostly because an awful lot of people I thought better of keep telling me 'it's just a soap', with millions of viewers who have just been fed the biggest load of misinformation, where were results from the forensic examinations of the baby's bedding, oh and where was the coroner and the autopsy report. I could go on.... Positive Anger directed in the right directions should never be undersestimated.

now it's not wot you call rocket science!

2010-09-28T17:17:00.000-07:00

oh dear oh dear oh dear! Apparently Northampton Patriot ( and by association the EDL ) are being victimised By Hope not Hate, and by implication myself and Anjona ( although Anjona gets a mention by name......can't have been gobby enough!). Denying them freedom of speech again, how awful! FREEDOM of speech requires FREEDOM of reply. We have the freedom to speak against you, to leaflet and campaign against you, to oppose you in anyway we can that precludes violence, and we will use every power within the law to defeat you......simples

an another one from 'mad ramblings'

2010-09-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

Marianne Faithful FOREVER X !

Re-dicovered stuff...

2010-09-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

I rediscovered something I wrote many years ago regarding 'social inclusion'(I use the inverted comma's intentionally). It is a document entitled 'Mad Ramblings of a Menopausal Mother', I was writing down these frustrations many years ago and many of them are still the same....

'Social Inclusion, under Major it was 'the classless society', but sorry this is not what we mean. We did not mean a society where 'cass' (however you define it) didn't matter, just one where it was ignored, similarly with social inclusion, only if you agree to play by the rules, if not we will punish you.... it is not our problem, it you who cannot fit in, not us with our impossible rules.'

Happy Shiny People Again

2010-07-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

I keep forgetting the world really is full of happy shiny people and that it doesn't actually take much, on a day to day basis, to help people be happier and shinier..... the wonderful community that is the United Kingdom, for those of us that are proud to be part of this small collection of islands, to be tolerant, inclusive, opposed to injustice and unfairness, to be, as a community prepared to fight tyranny to the depths of our souls, regardless of prejudice.

To those bigotted individuals who claim to be patriots, who claim to be 'British' or 'English', there is no such race, and no such Nation. We are the United Kingdom, we are celtic. we are pict, we are roman, we are saxon, we are viking, we are irish, we are norman, we are welsh, we are scandinavian, we are scots, we are dutch, we are asian, we are chinese, we are afro carribean, we are african, we are jewish, we are catholic, we are protestant, we are methodist, we are quakers, we are hindu, we are buhdist, we are calvinist, we are muslim, we are jehovahs witnesses, but above all we are the Borg! Resistance is Futile!

there is a big scary lion out there

2010-07-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

What is going on? well actually we all know what going on, the poor will be crushed, the NHS will be destroyed, as will public services! one is beginning to wonder what the Tories, and now the Lib dems consider to be 'front line' services, obviously not the police, obviously not the health service, obviously not education, social care, obviously not local government services ( pest control, benefits services) services for the disabled, the benefits agency, community initiatives.....so what is left, obviously the Civil Service in Whitehall are vitally important.....of course we could move them out of London, no great shakes given that we have the ability to communicate via the internet etc, and the real estate is worth how much? Would be interesting to send a few estate agents in.......

Never thought I would...........

2010-07-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would feel slightly ashamed at having once been a member of the Liberal Party, but I am now. So we gained no ID Cards, big whoop, most of us already carry more than one form of ID and most people don't lie about who they are. We have also gained higher VAT, although Darling may have been going to raise VAT, I would humbly suggest it wouldn't have been to 20%. And yet again the rise in VAT will affect the poorer members of society more than the well off, because VAT on fuel affects the price of EVERYTHING. It is amazing how many people I talk to cannot grasp this concept.

And now, these insane plans for the NHS, GP's managing huge budgets, NEWS FLASH, these people are Doctors, they are not accountants, they are trained to look after and treat ill people, to save lives, not to add up accounts. People do not enter any area of the medical and caring proffessions to do sums, they do it because they care.

Onwards and ever Upwards

2010-06-30T16:23:00.000-07:00

Well hello people. Sorry I'm late, but a lot has been going on...... Firstly I am pretty amazed that my last few posts have been ignored (or at least not reported to) by 'The Powers That Be', but maybe that is because they would have to admit that I was right all along! BUT I would also like to say a BIG BIG thank you, because you powers have achieved something you never intended. We now have a united, fighting battle machine that will, despite you, achieve wonderful things come next May and put you to shame. The things you did not take into consideration are the things that make us strong. We love OUR party, to us it is not just a job and certainly NOT about the money, we love and respect each other, and what is more we communicate this to OUR electorate and our friends. I am so proud that people voted Labour here because of US! So many have said 'I voted Labour because of you, (by you I mean US) but who and where was your candidate? The illustrious leader of our Borough Labour Group no longer lives in the County, let alone the Ward he is meant to represent. I would humbly suggest that the Regional Party should concern themselves more with this dishonesty than picking on, and bullying, long standing activists who actually do work long and hard for the Labour Party, rather than those who are only in it for the money and position. The people of Northampton (and the rest of the Country) deserve far far better, and if you are not ashamed, then myself and my colleagues will have to be ashamed for you. And apologise!

You couldn't make it up part 679

2010-05-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

S***, F***, B*******, C***! I hate to say it :) but I told you so! How on earth did this happen in Northampton. I am proud to represent both the Labour Party and the Co-Operative Party in this town. This town that has a long and distinguished history of being inclusive, tolerant and above all, open and honest. Not naming names, but certain people, employed by us (amongst others) have sought to be divisive, uncomradely and wear suits! ( couldn't think of anything else that wasn't very rude). For the record, YOU WILL NOT PREVAIL! You can throw us out of OUR party, you can waste OUR money doing it, BUT you will never ever stop us from doing our best to get a Labour Government elected, we are loyal to our Party, above and beyond the call of duty, personal ambition is not in our vocabulary . Love and Peace as always, x

You really really couldn't make it up part 429

2010-05-04T03:40:00.000-07:00

Well, it just gets better, or do I mean worse? Not only did CLPPC not turn up for the Northampton South Question time at Sixfields (tho' to be fair he probably doesn't know where it is!), the ONLY candidate not to do so, it also seems that he won't be going to the Count (todays Chron). I am so proud that this man was selected to represent my party in Northampton South, so proud that words are actually beginning to fail me, and as you know that is not a common occurrence!

You couldn't make it up part 362

2010-04-27T04:44:00.000-07:00

Gordon came to Northamptonshire at the weekend, and gained some absolutely superb coverage in the Chron as a result, but hey what is this I read under the report of Gordy's visit. Oh yes, CLPPC has made Aufona yet again (I am beginning to assemble quite an impressive dossier of absolutely appalling publicity) regarding his 'campaigning' in Northampton South, every Tuesday until the election (5 days campaigning in all!!!!). He obviously hadn't seen fit to inform the National Party of this because I am sure if he had Gordon would have adjusted his visit to coincide with Clydes............

They Seek Him Here, They Seek Him There, that demned elusive PPC

2010-04-14T03:10:00.000-07:00

You couldn't make it up!!!!

Since the public revelation from Clyde Loakes that he only ever intended on being a paper candidate in Northampton South (surprise surprise!) the e-mails are flowing thick and fast......not that any of them are being acknowledged by the powers that be, but again who is surprised? Not me! The press can't get hold of him, either locally or nationally, local party members can't get in touch with him!

It is now under 4 weeks until the general election and our printing machine is totally silent, our constituency office is deserted and the activists (myself included) are wondering what to do with themselves.........

Answers on a postcard please.......

Wasn't that a nice surprise!

2010-03-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

Walking home from Kingsley the week before last, I discovered this as I came out of the Racecourse. Isn't it lovely and wouldn't it be nice of everyone were so public spirited, sadly they are obviously not, as just over a week later all sign of plants and flowers have disappeared.......

Don't you just hate it when you are proved right? Not Always.

2010-03-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

Strike me down with a feather, or two! Yesterday, our very own Chronicle and Echo, ran a story in which Clyde Loakes, the Labour Parliamentary Candidate (for the past year and a half in case anyone was wondering) admitted he had only ever been a 'paper candidate'. This story had also appeared earlier in the week in the Waltham Forest Guardian from whence Clyde hails.

At the time of the selection, a close run contest between Clyde Loakes and Anjona Roy (who, for the record, is a close personal friend and has been for over 30 years), I wrote a blog entry that gave my opinion. My opinion was that a white man from London (despite his claims of a Northampton childhood) was not the right Candidate for Northampton South, and would only serve to re-open wounds of the past. To cut a very long story short I was 'asked' by the regional office to remove the entry (4 months after publication!) as it may bring the Party into disrepute.

At the risk of eternal damnation, I would publicly ask the Labour Party Regional Office, (and to make myself very clear I do not mean The Labour Party, at the moment we have a country to run and an election to win for everyone's sake!), to remove Clyde Loakes, he appears to have no regard for his Constituency, his electorate, his comrades, and still less for the reputation of the Party.

How Very Dare You

2009-10-24T05:08:00.000-07:00

'One mans terrorist is another man's freedom fighter' says Mr Northampton Patriot, whose banal comments on my blog I am beginning to find rather tedious I might add.

People who fight for freedom fight oppression and terror, terrorists cause oppression and create fear. Which category would you put the BNP in? Individuals who seek to cause division, hate and fear within our society cannot, by any stretch of semantics, be defined as freedom fighters.

If Nick Griffin and his ilk expect the right to free speech, however odious some of us might find them, then they should at least allow the same freedom for 0thers. Pleading victimisation doesn't quite do it for me, if you wish to espouse views that the overwhelming majority of people find offensive, then surely you can accept that you are likely to be vilified. This is what is known as common sense.

Most politicians, of whatever hue, accept that being criticised is part of the job. If you can't stand the heat, as they say, get out of the damn kitchen......

Question Time Rocks

2009-10-23T04:40:00.000-07:00

Universal contempt and loathing! Just about sums up the reaction to Nick Griffin on Question Time last night. What he admirably demonstrated throughout the programme was his utter disregard and lack of respect for anyone else's opinion or views.

One comment particularly stood out for me, regarding Jack Straw's dad being a conscientious objector during the second world war. Whilst most of my family did join the forces, one great uncle was also an objector. Despite the fact that it made him unpopular, even with the majority of his own family, he stuck to his principles and refused to go to war. Despite this he still became a war casualty when he was killed whilst guarding prisoners of war. Whatever Nick Griffin may believe pacifism is NOT a form of cowardice, the old saying 'wars will cease when men refuse to fight' is an irrefutable fact.

It takes more courage to stand by your moral compass than it does to follow the herd, but then Nick Griffin proved, beyond doubt last night, that what seperates the BNP from other political parties, is their total lack of a moral compass.

Transparency and Honesty

2009-10-22T05:24:00.000-07:00

So Nick Griffin is on Question Time tonight, all well and good if we believe in transparency and honesty within the democratic system. However, the BNP do not, if they did then they would allow transparent and honest coverage of their Red, White and Blue Festival which is the closest they come to a political conference.

It is all well and good arguing that with around 6% of the vote in some areas they should be afforded the same democratic rights as other political parties/organisations. But unlike other political organisations they are not prepared to allow the same public access to their events. I hope I am not the only one questioning the motives behind this. Could it be, that unlike other organisations, they have something to hide and do not want the electorate witnessing the 'real' BNP first hand.

I am proud to see that former Ex Young Liberal Chair, Anti Nazi League member and now Labour MP, Peter Hain, is standing up and being counted. The more of us that do so the better,
regardless of party politics or position.

Smoking Cessation

2009-10-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

Now there's a mouthful. With the imminent (well 6 months ) arrival of my first grandchild I have decided the time is right to give up smoking. Well, just getting an appointment has been stressful enough. I would have thought they would have bitten my hand off (so to speak), but oh no, I have had to wait over 2 weeks, and not I might add because there are queues of people waiting to quit. Oh no, people want their flu jabs, so all the qualified nurses are busy (or have flu themselves!). aaaargh. Well things can only improve I hope.....watch this space, let battle between me and Nicotine addiction begin (well as from Friday anyway.......).

Whatever happened to free speech?

2009-09-15T05:29:00.002-07:00

Check out Facebook

2009-07-22T04:31:00.000-07:00

The Lib Dems are trying to privatise public services in Northampton town through the back door. This is not democracy, nor is it representative of the majority of the electorates views or indeed members of their own party. But since when have they listened, I find it tragic that a once great, innovative, principled political party should have members that stoop to this level. Shame on you. There is a large group of Lib Dems on Facebook that support properly funded public services, maybe our home grown variety should pay attention. In times of recession people become more reliant on public services, not less. They provide jobs, support for the vulnerable and boost the economy, sometime less is not more!

Small is Beautiful

2009-07-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

This is the post I wanted to write before, and is far more important that my anti BNP rant! Tonight the Law was actually mightier than political bullshit! Transparency, democracy and honesty in politics actually won a victory! Arrogance is the biggest disease that has infected our democracy since the mid eighties, and today we, in Northampton, took a small step to deflate that egocentric approach. Blinding, brilliant and incredible achievement.

And now I am an 'ignorant fool'

2009-07-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

The wonderful enlightened people that are the BNP have just called me an ignorant fool, thank the gods and all the angels I am! Mr Northampton Patriot (HA!) you are so right, I don't know you, but I did witness you and your so called compatriots behaviour outside a certain polling station where you saw fit to break every electoral law, and intimidate and bully people you saw as vulnerable. You not only wasted my time but that of the Chief Executive and the Electoral Commission, the Police and other public services, not to mention bullying a very well respected member of the Community that is Northampton because he has a learning disability (and a Doctorate......). I may be an ignorant fool but your actions in Delapre reverberated throughout the County, from Tories, Greens, Independents, Lib Dems...... all of them had heard about your behaviour and are not prepared to tolerate you or your ilk.

Time to start blogging again

2009-07-07T04:32:00.000-07:00

Well long time no write people. It's all been happening too fast for my very slow brain. The election is over and the BNP were pushed into 4th place in Delapre and Far Cotton, Hurray! Not that they were too happy with the result but I shan't lose sleep over it........

However the nasty people did win two seats in Europe, which to put it mildly is a worry and people need to be on their guard. The BNP will not go away. Ignoring them DOES NOT WORK, campaigning actively against them does!!!! And now we all; need to get out there and keep on putting the message out, THESE ARE NOT NICE PEOPLE!

2009-05-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been away so long but have been a bit busy, check out BNP Northampton Patriot, seems like I am now enemy of the state number one..... which possibly might mean I am; do those people who professing something to be right (pardon the pun) have the guts to stand up and be counted! However, I would like to place something on public record. as a family we recently were privileged enough to have our mytochondrial DNA tested and , boringly. were 100% european, I would challenge those people who profess to be 'pure' to do the same. You pretend to stand for Britain and My country, but prove it! I can through DNA can you?

Here we go

2009-03-30T02:48:00.000-07:00

This week is now officially 'artwork week' in that I am going to attempt to get as many leaflets laid up as possible so we will be ready to rock and roll for June, because by god we need to be ready. The full scale destruction of Northampton Town and the entire county is well underway thanks to the Lib Dems (on the Borough) and the Tories (on the County), believe me people things were actually better under a Labour Administration! Now is the time for us to be standing up and allowing ourselves to be counted, to tell the truth and not be ashamed of being socialists!

Nag Nag Nag

2009-03-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

I have been told off for being silent on my blog for too long....although maybe some people may find that to their liking! So what's new in Kathy's world then? Well, firstly I have had a small but significant victory regarding Red Elastic Bands, maybe the sight of these littering the streets does not annoy you as much as it annoys me (and quite a few other people I know), but annoy me they do. So now me and Royal Mail shall be piloting a Red Elastic Band Recycling Scheme, hurray.

The Truth, The Whole Truth and Nothing but .....

2009-02-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

I have just been accused of telling lies by someone I don't know and who quite obviously doesn't know me, because if he did he would know that one of my lifelong faults is being incurably honest! It is a failing.....it makes life very hard because generally people don't like the truth, it can cause offence, especially if it catches others out in lies. However I am unlikely to lose sleep over this comment, I lose sleep over much more important things! For instance the fact that I will have to face the BNP at the polls in June, and that I would very much like the other 2 political parties to support my aim to make sure they come a very poor last! However I don't suppose there is much chance of that, as on past performance they will be too busy taking chunks out of each other.
So returning to the truth, the BNP have recently delivered my ward with another load of half truths and misconceptions. The biggest one being that of the issue of immigration, and it seems that Eastern European workers are now the prime traget. Now I seem to remember from my study of History that the straw that broke the camels back regarding the UK's entering the 2nd world war to fight fascism was the invasion of Poland. To anyone who has ever visited that very beautiful country it is utterly apparent that the effects of using the country as a battle ground are still being felt. There is such a thing as global responsibility, and we are all responsible for each other. But then responsibility, as well as the truth, seem to be very uncomfortable concepts to many people!

Welcome to the pleasure dome!

2009-01-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

Well the by-election is over! And we came second! Proceedings were of course marred by the sheer bad manners and bad temper exhibited by the Liberal Democrats one it became obvious they were going to come last (couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of people!). Having run a totally unprincipled and dishonest campaign I personally am not at all surprised it came back and bit them full and squarely on the backside, but it seems they think they deserved netter! Although what for is beyond me. They have, in the very short space of 2 years (well slightly less if we are honest) created a black hole financially of over 7 million pounds, lost money on previously profitable events such as the Balloon Festival and consistently made themselves unanswerable to the electorate of Northampton Borough. When Barrack Obama received a vote in the New Duston by-election (remind me to write and tell him) one of the female Lib Dem Councillors (who shall remain nameless) remarked that she "did not understand why people did that". When I pointed out that it was called Democracy and that individuals died to give other individuals the right to use their ballot paper however they so desire (personally I would rather members of the electorate made paper aeroplanes out of them than not use them at all!) she then asked me if "I knew who she was', well yes, but so what, you are no more important than any other member of the electorate, in fact possibly less so as you're position is wholly dependent upon those who vote for you, and given the performance of the Lib Dem Council in Northampton are unlikely to vote for you again unless you get your fingers out and do what you were elected to do which is serve the people not your own importance and self-interest! So that's my tantrum over with for now, god bless democracy and all who sail in her!

Happy Days are here again.....

2009-01-19T15:22:00.000-08:00

Now here I was naively thinking that this whole politics thing was about winning , beating the Tories, and representing the electorate as best you can. Silly me, although after all these years I suppose I should know better! I did NOT think that it was about having to fight with members of my own party at the most basic level, regarding integrity, honesty and trust. I resent having my knowledge, integrity and abilities being questioned by members from other constituencies, who quite frankly are behaving like schoolchildren telling tales to teacher, only being aware of (at most) half the facts. It is no wonder the electorate think that politicians are out of touch because quite frankly most of them are, even with members of their own Party!

I feel really lazy now!

2008-12-26T14:38:00.000-08:00

Nothing, not a bean have I posted since November! I have just caught up with my friend's blog and now feel totally inadequate...... Just that I hate, loath and abhor Christmas.....this year I have hurt by back (again) having had to lug far to much stuff too far. My cold has now turned into a truly horrible cough, probably something to do with going in and out of hot and cold places doing most of the childrens present shopping on the day before xmas eve!!!! My ribs hurt from coughing too much and all I want to do is go home!!!

Apart from the Christmas whinge (BAH!Humbug) I have not been idle, I have printed, folded, stuffed and delivered leaflets, I have phoned many people and I have only gone and gotten myself selected as the County Council Candidate for Delapre ward! What was I thinking, have I run completely mad, I am just hoping I don't let people down. I Need A Plan and my brain is somewhat fuzzy with this bloody cold! And we have a by-election, which means I have a polling day organisation to run without upsetting anyone!! With the computerisation of campaigning techniques and tools, we have forgotten how to run Polling Day (and more importantly Polling week) and polling day begins Wednesday Evening and polling week begins on the Monday morning. This is the time when you ram home the Message and the Message is Vote Labour! And in the present climate that is what people want a good old fashioned Vote Labour message, the message that traditionally says 'we will look after you from 'the cradle to the grave' however bad other things may get', you will have food, you will have education, you will have free health care, you will have a home, that says'by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone'.

There are some members of my constituency who do not seem to grasp this, and behave like small children who can't get their own way. I don't allow tantrums in my Committee Room, so anyone who decides to behave like that may as well just go home, if you are in my committee room you are there to work, you are there to do as you're told when you are told to do it, You accept, without question, that I am in charge because I know exactly what I am doing! Polling Day is about nothing else but getting bums on seats, it is not about policy, it is not about personality, it is about getting people to vote, preferably for your candidate.

Strop over, Luckily Anjona has a very good canidate in Geoff Howes, Party stalwart, very well known, led the council, champion of Northampton's historic market, was the Mayor, brought up in the Ward, does as he's told, and at least I know they will do as they are told. Bless.

Never say never again.....

2008-11-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

Well here we are about to select our County Council Candidates for next year, and still working hard for the Party! Meanwhile there has been no sign of our new PPC, which is somewhat disappointing to say the least. We have some very able sitting Councillors and some very able prospective candidates and would appreciate some support from Clyde in the run up to this rather important election!

Tomorrow is a Labour Action day and we will be phone canvassing for 4 hours in the Labour Club from 12 noon until 4pm, and any help offered will be more than appreciated.

All over bar the shouting!

2008-10-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is D-day, as in the day that Northsampton South Labour Party finally select their (our) PPC for the next general election, local support is firmly behind my friend, at least as far as the activists are concerned. This is for obvious reasons, she works, she works hard and then she does more work, for The Party, the people and the community. She has principles, she has policies and she has integrity, so I am praying to the gods (whoever they may be) that those members who are eligible to vote give her their wholehearted support. Northampton South needs Anjona, The Labour Party need Anjona and the community needs Anjona, let us all hope they get her.

Again

2008-10-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

So tonight we phone canvassed again for the Party, not for the prospective prospective parliamentary candidate but for the Party, although yet again (and this is weeks in) there was only one of the PPPC's with us, the others are all aware we do this every wednesday, so why, if they are serious about representing Northampton South and the Labour Party, are they not there?

Here we go.....

2008-10-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

well it's 3 days to go 'til selection, one more mailing and then the hustings..... so far so good we hope, despite not because as they say.....

Finally moved!!

2008-10-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

Well here I am, moved but seriously not unpacked! But am very glad I did. Anjona has been shortlisted with over 70% of nominations from the branches and a significant number of Trade Union and other affiliated organisations.

Hurray Hurray Hurray!!! But there is many a slip between cup and lip, so the serious campaigning continues! The difference between my friend and the other shortlisted candidates is that not onle is she campaigning to be selected, but that she is continuing to campaign for the Labour Party per se.

For example this week alone we have produced 2000 leaflets, folded and bundled ready for delivery tomorrow ( and the chances are that myself and Anjona will deliver them single handed), phone canvassed and contacted around 75 people, recruited a possible 3 new members, as well as Anjona's personal campaigning..... Not that I'm blowing any Trumpets ( actually more your full brass band.....including Euphonium, French Horn and full Percussion! ).

On a personal note I have the frustration of lack of internet and Sky Talk and the continuing unpacking saga......

Confused and concerned......

2008-09-14T23:55:00.000-07:00

Why? As selection for Northampton South approaches I am confused and concerned that very few of those people applying for the seat actually come from Northampton, there are prospective candidates from London and as far away as Birmingham and Swansea. It seems that many 'politicians' will apply for any seat going, without any local knowledge, commitment or proven local activism, just to become a prospective parliamentary candidate! Not to mention those that apply whilst already having responsibilities in their own locality, personally I do not see how you can be an effective candidate AND fulfil commitments already made to the electorate in another constituency.

I would be asking questions such as, are you prepared to resign your commitments to concentrate on Northampton South, are you prepared to move to represent the electorate and most importantly why are you prepared to abandon those people who have put their faith in you to represent them?

I have always firmly believed that anyone who wishes to stand for election should live in the constituency (and if standing locally should preferably live in the ward! Although I do accept that this is not always possible.), have local knowledge and proven local commitment. This is the least the electorate deserve from their representatives, and tthe sooner 'politicians' recognise this the better it will be for all of us!

The papers again!!

2008-09-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

Sometimes there are gems within the papers! The Guardian this week is running a series on the 'New Tories', one bit particularly caught my eye, regarding Health Visitors! apparently the Conservative Party are going to ensure that all new mothers receive regular visits from Health Visitors! My problem with this is not that all new mothers shouldn't receive support, but where exactly are a) these health visitors going to come from and b) where is the money going to come from to enable them to do their jobs effectively?

I have had 5 children, only two of whom survived infancy, Emma had multiple disabilities and was what is termed a neo-natal death, Sam and Eleanor were both victims of SIDS, when my youngest child was born the support of my health visitor was essential to me, but these were not minimal visits, these were daily visits for six months and further to that bi-weekly visits until Russell was 2. The majority of these visits were not funded by the NHS but by the CONI (Care Of Next Infant) Programme (based in Sheffield, details available from FSIDS) and I am very aware of how expensive it was and that if a sympathetic, empathic health visitor had not been available I would probably not have recieved this support.

How the Tories can carry on making these conflicting promises of both Tax Cuts and Improved Services is beyond me, I only have an O-Level in economics, but even I can do the math! Oh sorry, they are now the 'New Tories', where have I heard that before....

In the papers....

2008-09-02T03:38:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks there have been some interesting little snippets regarding this government so called 'nanny' approach towards encouraging people to eat more healthily. The Tories stated not so long ago that they will be removing the red/amber/green labelling from food products that indicate how healthy certain products are as they are patronising to the consumer. Yesterdays Guardian covered a report that said that (due to the downturn) many of the supermarket offers are on unhealthy, high sugar, high fat, high salt pre-packaged food.

What intrigues me about this is why this is due to the 'downturn', and why no-one has put forward the notion that actually one of the main reasons convenience foods have gained in popularity over the past 20 years or so is because women, particularly, are increasingly time-poor. Not to mention advertising campaigns aimed at young children specifically, making it very hard for parents to resist the demands for branded products! Many more of us work, whether part-time or full time, shopping is something that is done during the lunch hour or after work and parenting tasks (such as reading with/to, helping with homework or simply playing) are relegated to the evening. Not to mention washing, cleaning, etc etc.

Overconsumption has increasingly been a problem within western societies, which in turn has led to an increase in health problems related to obesity both in adults and children. It is unecessary and if labelling products and banning advertising for unhealthy products is part of the answer so be it. This is not 'nannying' this is a responsible government and spurious arguments about 'consumer choice' etc really don't do it for me.

On the Move

2008-08-31T06:29:00.000-07:00

Well decision made, I am on the move to Northampton. By the end of the month! I haven't moved area in over 18 years and at the moment it feels a bit scary, but at least I can be useful to Anjona (I hope) and will be closer to my Dad. My Mum died at Easter and I no longer feel comfortable being so far away from him.

This is a huge decision, unfortunately the education system in Northampton at present leaves a lot to be desired and despite a great deal of effort being put in by Anjona and other Labour Party colleagues to get new schools built in areas they are most needed by local children and their families, progress (due to opposition from both the Lib Dems and the Tories) is slow, so it has been decided that my son Russell will continue with his education in Kent and be remaining with his dad for the time being (at least until GCSE's are over). This will be the hardest part, but we have phones, we will have web-cams and visits back and forth and holidays, but education is so important and to move him now would not be in his best interests.

So time to pack, god I hate packing, my daughter Justine says it is because I have a butterfly brain and stuff like packing (and unpacking!) requires a form of organisation my brain finds very hard to cope with..........

Face Painting gets you noticed!!

2008-08-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

So I am guilt ridden, I need to learn how to face-paint! I actually needed to learn how to face-paint yesterday when Anjona and I went to Kingsheath to support a local residents association event by providing free face painting for local children. After a slow start we were suddenly overwhelmed by huge numbers of children wanting their faces painted in every way imaginable from Spiderman to Bunny Rabbits. My inability to contribute meant that Anjona had to single handedly paint around 100 children's faces, so this is my next task, learn to face paint, all I need to do is find a willing child to practice on (our own having refused point blank, do they not trust me?).

But face painting gets you noticed, children like having their faces parents and the parents like it because we do it for FREE, and the added bonus is that when Anjona features in the press, or leaflets they may recognise her and consequently make the effort to vote for 'the face painting lady'! As a direct result of yesterdays activities Anjona has been invited to attend another community event next week and bring her paints!

If anyone has a willing child I can borrow to practice on I would be extremely grateful, otherwise I will have to go to the effort of capturing my son and tie him to a chair, not to mention never hearing the end of it!!!

Lets have a look at the NHS....

2008-08-21T04:02:00.000-07:00

Why not, the NHS is one of the most amazing institutions in the world, so why do people insist on knocking it? My darling daughter Justine has spent the last 3 years training to be a Nurse, at the beginning of her course she was slightly sceptical, not susprising given the negative tales the press seem to love to print. Today however her passion for the NHS susprises me, she has seen first hand the improvements that have been made, even in the past three years, and cannot see herself working anywhere else.

I am very proud of her, not only for the achievement of qualifying (which was especially difficult as she is quite dyslexic) but also for the growth in her knowledge a belief, she has decided to campaign for the Labour Party at the next General Election, not just because her 'Aunty Jo' may be a candidate but because she wants to see a government who will maintain and continue to improve the standards of care provided by the NHS.

THE NEWS today is focusing on criticising the dental treatment available on the NHS, now I am annoyed! We forget what a huge organisation our health service is and that it will take time to improve everything. And things are improving, ten years ago when my daughter needed a brace we were unable to get treatment, ten years on when my son is in the same position we can, ok the waiting list is two years but it is better than no treatment at all. Ten years ago BUPA would not have been able to advertise services 'if you had to wait more than six weeks' for NHS treatment, it would have been at least two years for everything!!

So cast your minds back and realise how lucky we are as a nation to have such services and that we have a government that is prepared to make itself unpopular (especially in terms of taxation) to save it for us!

Strangely Interesting

2008-08-19T02:53:00.000-07:00

It seems it is not only members of the Labour Party who are watching the outcome of the Northampton South selection, whether this is motivated by jealousy or just sheer bloody mindedness I don't know but sometimes it get's slightly irritating.

The latest bit of nonsense, regarding comments made by a certain Tory Councillor on Northampton County Council regarding Anjona's alleged conflict of interest (as Chief Exec of Northants Racial Euality Commission and frontrunner for Northampton South) must have taken some finding, personally I do not regularly read the blogs of minor Tory politicians, but maybe I should......

Regarding the comments made by the aforementioned Tory Councillor, it would not be unreasonable to suppose that in reality the Tories are shit scared that Anjona will be selected, because if she is they stand a very good chance of losing the seat. Their vote will be split, partly because of the BNP and partly because their vote is not stable and with a good local candidate many will return to voting Labour. The seat is a marginal and personality wise, commitment wise, profile wise, Anjona beats Brian Binley hands down.

Actually I am quite grateful for all information received because at least it gives me something to write about, so thank you and keep it coming.....

Happy Tuesday

2008-08-18T06:20:00.000-07:00

Hurray Hurray, my darling daughter has passed her driving test at last (4th attempt) so that will make her very useful at the next General Election! I hate politics, I hate meetings, I don't like Conferences much, and most of the current membership of the House of Commons, quite frankly leave me cold! But somehow, someway I keep finding myself being re-involved. It's like an addiction, one can go for weeks, sometimes months at a time convincing yourself you don't care, then, by accident you put the news on, and there it is, POLITICS. This addiction has become harder to fight over the past 5 years for which I hold my friend, Anjona Roy, wholly responsible.

So here I am, 5 years since she first stood for election, making plans for the next General Election whilst awaiting Northampton South to, hopefully, select her as their Prospective Parliamentary Candidate. Leaflets, strategy, canvassing (preferably at least 95% by polling day), the BNP (who will certainly stand against her a) because she is asian, b) because she is a woman, but mostly c) because she is Chief Exec of Northamptonshire Racial Equality Commission (REC) and gets right up their noses by actively campaigning against them), lists, stickers, bodies (the technical term for how many people will be available polling day) and where I can get more from, hence the comment about daughter and driving!, cars, drivers, loudhailers, press coverage...........

So here it is, a political blog with a difference, from the back room as it were, where the leaflets are folded, where envelopes are stuffed, where doors are knocked on and dogs chase you (not often actually), where delivery maps are drawn (I get very upset when people lose my maps!), all the 'boring' stuff that can make the difference between winning and losing. Never forget the 7 P's, Proper Preperation and Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

2008-08-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

Hello happy shiny people