#RadFem2012: Exposure doesn’t make the media your friends

Its possible that far too much has already been said on the issue of the RadFem conference to possibly contribute anything more. Too many things have been taken and twisted beyond recognition and too few have said anything that really adds to what is becoming a very entrenched shouting match (though here lies a brilliant exception). But I think the analysis of this situation has lacked one critical perspective: the role of the media.

UK Riots: Hopelessly Violent?

This has certainly proven to be a year of unrelenting, if deeply contrasting uprisings, and it shows no sign of abating, with India the latest to enter the fray with anti-corruption protests that saw more arrests than our riots did. If its possible to make objective comparisons between the #ukriots and all the other uprisings of recent months, then I intend to do it.

Reflections on Democracy Camp

Its been over a week since Democracy Camp disappeared itself, to return at a late date. Three nights spent camping in a square in York taught us a whole range of lessons, but was broadly a success. The final output of the camp, the Library Square Declaration, can be found on the camp website.

More than just words? A response to the TUC

Today has been a big day at the TUC. So big that the York Press rang me for a quote from York Stop the Cuts – Right to Work campaign. My response on the spur of the moment was that I “welcome” this announcement, but actually, I think that was too weak, but Union action can only be one part of the picture, and must not prevent a critique of modern Trade Unions from being put forwards.

Why I’m not watching the World Cup

Whilst the rest of the World seems to be going mad over the current ongoing sporting event, I’m neither joining in, nor totally disinterested. I just can’t seem to get in the mood when I’m abundantly aware of the immense social damage, not to mention environmental damage, that this event is causing in South Africa, and the false images being put out around it.

Terror Precautions: A life under siege

Today I took a trip into downtown Calgary with a difference: I spent most of the trip inside or on top of a mix of office, shopping, hotel and other buildings. Calgary has an excellent network of first floor/level 2 passages connecting many downtown buildings in a wonderful maze designed to help you get around. What’s surprising is just how happy big businesses (inc several oil companies) are to have you walk through their buildings.

Copenhagen Review: The Outside Story

So I guess I should tell something of the outside story. Its not really my story, but rather an attempt to give a bigger picture based in part on what I saw myself. Copenhagen was a coming-out ceremony for the Global Climate Justice Movement, and presented its own challenges, even without the ridiculous intervention of the police.

The BNP, Free Speech, and BBC Question Time

A senior government member has struck out at the BBC’s Question Time for its invite to BNP leader Nick Griffin, who is currently due to appear on the 22nd October edition of the program. Peter Hain wants the BNP’s invitation rescinded because they aren’t a lawful organisation, due to a court ruling over their constitution.

Freedom of Expression

Some of you know this, but I lost my laptop charger at Greenbelt 2 weeks ago. Its been winding me up ever since, and its partly why a few days got missed in the usual blogging cycle. And its driving me potty. Its also reminding me just how important the gift of expression is, and how thankful I should be for it. From the political right to expression, to having the wherewithal to do it, its becoming rather obvious just how much I take it for granted.

How deep the roots of injustice?

It was somewhat inevitable I might get around to writing something about the world post-April 1st. It has taken a little getting used to, with the sudden swathe of differing activities and events, campaigns and legal cases, and the sudden fascination of Evening Standard with police not displaying their numbers.