Clever Campaigning using technology

Whilst I rarely find myself warming to the many campaign groups who are out there, generally because they have no consideration for others when they seek to make their case, here's a clever techie based protest that spoiled no one's day (other than oil executives, their investors and the organisers of Formula One perhaps) and gained a tacit piece of advertising at the end of a race.

I found the efforts of the chap trying to remove the banner more distracting than the banner, especially as the german National Anthem was playing. It might have been better to have waited or perhaps folded the thing over - but no, he decided to wave it instead (which was probably just what the protesters wanted).

So here we are, my (extremely rare) nod to campaigning types:

I have to say that having had a quick look at the save the arctic.org site I do find myself in agreement with their aims - protecting one of the last few places on earth that man has, thus far, managed to leave unspoiled is no wrong aim - is it?

NHS Reforms - not right because . . .

The doctors tell us that this is so!

Our nation - Time to start occupying buildings!

We live in a time when those who have get more and those who don't find what they have taken away or restricted.

We are potentially facing a double-dip recession and the financial outlook is gloomy as Greece, Spain, Ireland, Portugal and Italy all walk the tightrope with their economies.

The British public bails out banks and are called upon to cheer as bad business is retained whilst viable bits are sold to other bankers at a loss for us.

The social housing stock is much reduced and now we find the government wants to reduce it further by selling it to residents at knockdown prices and by funding their mortgages.

The government is set to cap the amount of benefits that families receive so that those who live in areas that are 'too expensive'. A move that has the potential of creating ghettoes of both well-off and poor.

All around me I see evidence of inequality, injustice, rewarding the wrong people and in doing so I see the gap between those who have and those who don't widening and the potential of a society where 'slum dogs' and the well off living separate lives in the same place.

The reality is that which Labour did to widen the gap is being continued with the coalition and the time has come to make a stand and show our support of a government that is fair, just and kind and this will only come about by the people of this nation rising up and occupying building. To this end I'm starting my own campaign.

+ It doesn't need tents.

+ It won't bring about injunctions and eviction orders.

+ It doesn't require allegiance to any political party.

+ It doesn't care about the Euro or a federal Europe.

Yes, it is time to rise up and occupy buildings and start making things change in our own lives, our workplaces, homes, towns, cities and nation.

Occupy Your Local Church - DO IT TODAY!

Jones and Sapp - Don't speak for Pakistani Christians

In Pakistan yesterday, Christians gathered in Lahore to show their support for Muslim believers over the burning of the Koran by Muppets Jones and Sapp (AKA 'the saps'). Denouncing the Koran burning as nothing more than an attempt to flame clashes amongst muslims and Christians, they came out in force to show their unity with the Muslim believers and their contempt of the Saps.

The Christian leader behind the gathering told reporters that the incident shows that, "Neither men believe in any religion." and their the action "Reflects an extremist mind set which has nothing to do with Christian peaceful teachings." (AMEN to that!)

A news report tells of how the two men's act has "stoked fear amongst Christians who are in the minority in Pakistan."

The Pakistan government says it has ensured the safety & rights of the minorities in the country and has also assured its nationals that the culprits will not escape punishment.

Taking a lead that others should follow (are you listening Rowan?), Christians have asked the government to take action over the incident and have urged U.S. to prevent its people from taking such extremist actions under the guise of 'freedom of speech'.

See it for yourself, here:

Pax