johnny foreigner

Damned if you do. Damned if you don't

2008-05-16T01:23:00.004+01:00

Regular readers of this blog will know all about the UNUM Provident Centre for Psychosocial and Disability Research based at Cardiff University. It’s Director, Professor Mansel Aylward, is the former Chief Medical Adviser at the DWP, who moved to the UNUM Provident bankrolled Centre several years ago.

The UNUM Centre has been one of the leading forces in trying to make it harder for people to be signed off sick by their GPs. Staff from UNUM were also prominent in the design of the current Personal Capability Assessment and also the new, much harsher Work Capability Assessment. Professor Aylward is, in addition, involved in research for the DWP and for Dame Carol Black, proponent of the replacement of sick-notes with ‘well-notes’.

All the more surprising, is that the centre is carrying out research in to ‘presenteeism’ for the Welsh Assembly. Presenteeism, apparently, is the culture of working ridiculously long hours and not taking time off when sick. According to Professor Aylward, presenteeism costs the country ten times more than sickness absence.

The learned Professor, who has spent many years telling people that the best cure for illness is work, now claims that:

“The problems come from people who are ill, those who are not up to the mark, who are continuing to work.”

Presumably there is no possibility that the reason why people are chained to their desks till they drop is that their GP has been persuaded by DWP funded research that being signed off sick is bad for their patients’ health.

icWales have an account of this puzzling situation here:

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/04/24/presenteeism-culture-of-long-hours-sweeps-welsh-offices-91466-20810883/

So, it would now appear that if you are sick, you should go to work. On the other hand, if you are sick, you should stay at home.

This is clearly a ridiculous situation and further exposes the questionable methods used at the DWP to determine a Claimant's entitlement to Benefit.

Incidentally, has Prof. Aylward presented his proposals yet for the reconfiguration of Health Service provision in Rhondda Cynon Taf? I can't find it and it was due at the end of April. The worthy Prof. is probably about to run out of fingers for his many pies.

Your pal.

johnny.

Who's fingered all the pies?

2008-05-06T17:00:00.005+01:00

What's he on about now, I hear you ask.

I have previously posted on the amount of 'pies' that our own Prof. Mansel Aylward has his fingers in. They range from the DWP, Medical Services, UNUM Insurance, you know, the ones described as "outlaws", The Shaw Trust, The Welsh Centre for Health, one of Rhodri's 'bonfire of the Quangos', and now the Venture Capitalist company ARKAGA.

Prof. Aylward, it seems, is a Director/Board Member of this company that prides itself on its ability to engage in 'leveraged buy out investments'. Their particular chosen area of investment is in Private Health Care and Management. A quick look at their site http://www.arkagafund.com/ will explain more fully.

Interestingly enough, on their link labelled 'people', this appears to have been changed in the last couple of weeks. Previously they have trumpeted the fact that Prof. Aylward was one of their 'people' but now it has changed to a redacted version which identifies no-one. Spooky eh! They probably prefer anonymity.

This obviously deepens the mystery of why Mansel Aylward was specifically chosen by Edwina Hart AM, our Health Minister,to be the appropriate person to undertake the Health Care reconfiguration in the Rhondda Cynon Taf Area, given his apparent lack of experience of Public Health Care provision yet his massive experience and knowledge of the private Health Care and Insurance Industries

It may be noted from ARKAGA's site that they currently have investments in such companies as:

ELISION HEALTH Ltd.
HEALTHSKILLS Ltd.
TELEMEDIC SYSTEMS Ltd.
PEARL MEDICAL Ltd.

I would ask my reader to remember these names as I have every confidence that we will be hearing more of these, possibly in the field of 'preferred bidders'. You heard it here first.

I enclose a link to an interesting article by Johnathan Rutherford http://departmentofworkandpensions.blogspot.com/2007/12/jonathan-rutherford-writes-on-link.html which clearly explains these questionable links between Government and the Private Sector.

Obviously, it may be assumed that our Health Minister, Edwina Hart AM, is fully aware of these connections and associations with the private health and medical insurance industries. I have yet to hear a single word from her or her acolyte Huw Lewis AM, which mentions anything to do with Mansel Aylward's deep involvement with the private sector, apart from their claim that he is a person of 'stature and integrity'. This 'stature and integrity' clearly relates his roles within the private sector and has little relevance to Public Health Care. Nevertheless, Prof. Aylward is deemed to be the appropriate person for the job. I wonder, why?

Could it be that there is a hidden agenda of Private Health Care provision in Edwina Hart's use of Aylward's 'skills'? If so, why no mention of it?

I make these observations for the benefit of those in the RCT area as they appear to be the 'guinea pigs' in what I see as an erosion of The NHS as we know and love it and the making available of enormous opportunities for the private sector to cash in on Public Health Care provision.

Incidentally. Mansel's report to Edwina Hart is a little overdue as it was promised to be presented by the end of April. I haven't been able to locate it so far. Has it been presented yet? I'd be grateful if my reader can inform me.

Your pal.

johnny.

Oh the times, they are a-changing.

2008-05-04T02:02:00.008+01:00

Well, the Council Elections have come and gone. The Stat. Hounds have done their duty and I've got percentages and percentiles coming from my ears, none of which will be found here.

Strangely enough, every Party seems to have trumpeted their successes despite the fact that there's now more Councils showing No Overall Control than ever.

Interestingly, the four Councils with Overall Control are held by the Tories and Labour who have previously been thought of as heading for oblivion. The other Parties and Independents can continue with their quests for glory and will continue to irritate us all.

Plaid have had their wins and losses. Carmarthenshire now revels in its Plaid success, whereas Gwynedd seems to prefer Llais Gwynedd. Funny old world isn't it? Rhondda Cynon Taf is still dominated by Labour and Cardiff looks forward to another coalition. The Liberals have eighteen new seats and everything in the political garden is rosy. We in the None of These Turkeys Party have also had a bit of a crow, with the news that turnouts have been low again. We await the full result of the spoilt papers just to put the icing on our particular little cake.

All this, of course, has been overshadowed by the resounding success of Boris Johnson with his trouncing of Ken Livingstone in the London Mayoral Election.

What on Earth has this to do with Wales, I hear you ask? The answer's simple really. The people of London have decided that it's time for a change. Off with the old and on with the new.

Many new styles and fashions filter down to the provinces from London. Maybe this political change is one of them.

Boris has been frequently been described as a buffoon and a clown and he now has his chance to prove otherwise. The Londoners are certainly prepared to give him the chance. He has said in a post election interview that if he doesn't produce significant results within his four year tenure, the the London electorate "can kick him out with gusto." None of this recently heard "we're listening and lessons have been learned" malarky that has recently been heard around Westminster.

Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling's recent ill-thought removal of the 10p Tax Band for the lower paid combined with the increases in the cost of food and fuel added to the realisation that the newly increased Car Tax bands will include just about all of the lower paid's 'old bangers' which they are already struggling to keep on the road, will, IMHO, sound the death knell for Gordon Brown within a few months. This change from grey must continue.

Of course, Boris's detractors will continue to snipe at him from the sidelines but I think that they sorely underestimate his intellect and determination. A scholarship to Eton is not easily won. The man's no fool. It has been said that he has no experience of running such a large budget but if that were to be a qualification for the job, candidates would be pretty thin on the ground.

Boris will bring in a 'broad church' of expertise and with his inimitable style will hopefully oversee a renewal of Londoners' fortunes and quality of life.

It must be noted that the BBC graphics during our elections, were coloured grey to indicate an area where there was No Overall Control. I wonder, was this deliberate or a subliminal indication of the true political colour of Wales. Dull, boring and virtually bereft of any character whatsoever.

Maybe we should adopt the colour grey as our National colour. It certainly seems to fit at the moment.

It has been stated previously that Wales needs some character in its political sphere. Pretty soon Wales will be seeking a new First Minister. This post can be easily equated to the London Mayoralty, not that our budget is anywhere near theirs.

What do we have in the way of candidates? I'm afraid it's the same old crop of grey party hacks with their undisclosed sub-agendas which frequently have more to do with their own party dogma as opposed to an interest in bettering the quality of life for the population of Wales.

Wales needs its own Boris in order to bring about this wind of change.

Rhodri, who it can be said, is a bit of a character, has left his mark on the Assembly. His boots will be difficult to fill. Wales sorely needs someone of character and charisma to step up to the mark in order to continue this wind of change.

Poor old Ieuan's attempts at character and 'humour' on his recent Party Political Broadcast were absolutely pathetic and unfunny. Paul Murphy tried to be statesmanlike but still epitomised the greyness of Welsh politics. Mike German continued with his empty reassurances and the Tory, I just can't recall. Grey, grey, grey.

Where's our Boris? Where's the one to put a smile on our grey faces? Where is that elusive person who can unite the Welsh with a sense of purpose and with good humour.

At the moment they all seem to be scuttling around networking and seeking support for their own particular shades of grey. Wales needs no more grey.

Come out, come out, wherever and whoever you are. Your Country needs YOU.

Your pal.

johnny.

MPs Misled? Depression and ME cured?

2008-02-17T03:35:00.004Z

As promised, here's an article written by Steve Donnison the owner of www.benefitsandwork.co.uk disability benefits advice website giving an account of Prof. Mansel Aylward's attitude towards the questioning of his methods.

This article is posted here with full permission.

MPs Misled? Stress, Depression And M.E. Cured?
© 2005 Steve Donnison
26th. July 2005
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk

Were MPs misled into believing that the President of the Appeals Service agreed that private sector doctors working for the DWP were better trained than the doctors who sit on appeal tribunals? And are we about to witness a drug free revolution in the treatment of conditions such as stress, depression and ME/CFS that will see many thousands of sufferers miraculously returned to health, happiness and work?

Lumps of meat.

In December 2003 Professor Mansel Aylward CB Chief Medical Advisor of the DWP's Corporate Medical Group gave evidence to the Public Accounts Committee's enquiry into progress in improving the medical assessment of incapacity and disability benefits.
The committee was very concerned by the fact that 51% of appeals against IB and DLA decisions were being won by claimants. There was clear scepticism about the skills and commitment of privatised doctors working for Schlumberger Sema. One MP questioned whether the doctors were "genuinely concerned about the actual people they are assessing" or whether they "just treat them as a lump of meat" and "are not really all that bothered, are they, as long as they are getting their fee?" (According to evidence given at this hearing, doctors get between £50 -£70 per medical, which would allow them to earn in excess of £100,000 a year).
Professor Aylward CB leapt to the defence of the private doctors. He claimed that the Appeal Service statistics, which showed that one third of all cases were won by claimants because the privatised doctor underestimated their disability, were wrong. The Professor claimed to have taken a random sample of these cases and, using "judgment, and a scientific method" found that, in his professional opinion, in half the cases the disability had not been underestimated.
In other words, in the Professor's professional opinion, the privatised doctors had got it right and the tribunals had got it wrong. However, because tribunals ask questions which should have been, but were not, asked during hasty medicals they tend to discover more about the claimant's disability than cash driven examining doctors do. The Professor didn't explain - and wasn't asked - how his "scientific method" took into account all the additional evidence given under cross examination at the tribunal to which he had no access
Instead, Professor Aylward argued that the reason for the difference in opinion between tribunals and privatised doctors was that the privatised doctors were better trained.

Undeserving poor.

One of the MPs returned to this matter later, telling the Professor that he they needed to "cut out inappropriate payment" of benefits because "we want those who do not deserve the money not to be having taxpayers' money". Why, he asked did this problem of poor training of tribunal doctors happen? "This obviously must be a persistent thing for you to make the point. Why has it persisted?"
Professor Aylward answered gravely that:
"I find difficulty in responding to that because I think this is a matter for the Appeals Service and not directly for me. I am working very closely with the president of the Appeals Service to ensure that difference is remedied, particularly in regard to the criteria which doctors now need to meet in order to remain on the medical register in the process of GMC revalidation".
This was a very important claim. What the Professor was saying was that not only was there a problem with the training and validation of Appeals Service doctors, but it was clearly accepted that this was the case because Judge Harris, the president of the Appeals Service, was working with him to remedy the difference.
Alan Williams MP apparently now convinced that privatised doctors were getting it right and tribunals getting it wrong, went on to say that:
"Quite an important observation is being made here. It has implicit in it the fact that money is going to the wrong places or not going to the right places. It is lots of public money. If the professor has observed this, have you fed it into the system? If so, at what level have you fed it in?"
Professor Aylward responded:
"I fed it in at the highest level. I fed it in at the highest level in the Appeals Service. I have made my colleagues in DWP aware of it recently. It is not something which one concludes without some quite significant data research and evidence, so I have only recently reached this conclusion".
By the end of the hearing, so convinced did the committee appear to be by the evidence of the Professor that Alan Williams was talking about the possibility of finding "a pot of money" to improve the training of Appeals Service doctors.

Absent minded professor.

Here at Benefits and Work we were very concerned at the possibility that one party to the appeals process appeared to be in a position to influence the President of the Appeals Service and possibly persuade him that his doctors should be trained by a privatised company in order to reduce the number of claimants winning appeals.
At the time there was nothing much we could do about it. But with the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act we finally had our chance. So we made a request to see copies of any communications between Professor Aylward and the Appeals Service, relating to such things as panel members training, monitoring, quality assurance, and the criteria members need to meet to be selected. That, we thought, should get us a fine haul of documents.
We were wrong.
Instead, we received a response from Professor Aylward CB stating that:
"In response to your request for information, I have not personally written to Judge Harris or anyone else within or connected to the Appeals Service on any of the four listed topics in the period from January 2003. Therefore I do not hold any such communications on the specified matter."
Odd, we thought. Still, perhaps he's one of those absent minded Professors. Maybe, if we remind him what he told the Public Accounts Committee we'll have better luck. So we made a further request, quoting in detail from the Professor's evidence and asking for information about such things as the work the Professor had undertaken with Judge Harris and any documents relating to it.
What we got back was another email from the Professor himself, stating that:
"In response to your requests for information as listed in your email of 4 April 2005, I have no documents or communications as it is not within my roles and responsibilities to be involved in the training, quality assurance and management of the medically qualified panel members of the tribunals. This is a matter for the Appeals Service judiciary. The limited feedback I have given to the Appeals Service has been given verbally. The appeals service has been offered full use of training modules undertaken by examining doctors in Atos Origin Medical Services".
We were astonished. Hadn't he told the committee that he was "working very closely with the President of the Appeals Service"? Had he not fed his conclusions, based on all that magnificent scientific method, data research and evidence in at the highest level of the Appeals Service? Well . . . umm, not exactly no. What he'd done is give "limited feedback" verbally.

Nothing to do with me, guv.

We wrote to the Professor, explaining that we were going to write about his evidence and asking for any comment he might have on what we considered was the apparent disparity between his evidence to the Public Accounts Committee that he was working very closely with Judge Harris and his statement to us that he had given only limited verbal feedback. We pointed out that
"Given that the potential effect of your evidence appeared to be the undermining of MPs faith in the judgements of Appeals Service doctors and the boosting of their confidence in Atos Origin doctors this seems an extremely important matter".
The Professor responded thus:
"I do not accept that my statement to the Public Accounts Committee is at variance with my subsequent communication with the President of Appeal Tribunals having been verbal and not written".
Perhaps not. But is there really no difference between "working closely with" the President of the Appeals Service and giving "limited feedback" to the Appeals Service? Professor Aylward CB went on to say:
"I repeat that this issue of training and quality assurance of tribunal members is a matter for the Appeals Service Judiciary".
Quite so. And the issue of whether or not the Chief Adisor at Medical Services misled a commons committee is a matter for that committee and not for us. We are writing to our MP asking that he refer the matter to the Public Accounts Committee and that the Professor's evidence be further investigated.

Nice work if you can get it.

This is not a small matter for two reasons.
Firstly, Professor Aylward CB's evidence to the Committee carried with it the implication that a large number of disabled people are not only claiming money to which they are not entitled, but also that they are so good at giving false evidence that they can fool experienced tribunals into believing them.
Secondly, not long after the Committee hearing, the bidding process started for a contract for £500 million of taxpayers money to carry out DLA and incapacity benefit medicals for a further seven years. Schlumberger Sema, now swallowed up by Atos Origin, faced stiff competition from other multinationals hungry for this profitable work. The opinions of bodies like the Public Accounts Committee about present provision would have to be taken into account in deciding who should get the contract.
In March of this year it was announced that Atos Origin had held onto the contract.
Stupid doctors, wise professors
At the same time a new research centre was being set up at Cardiff University, funded by an American based multinational, Unum Provident, who provide sickness insurance cover to employers. The opening of the £1.6 million UnumProvident Centre for Psychosocial and Disability Research was attended by Works and Pensions Minister Alan Johnson and Wales' First Minister Rhodri Morgan.
The aim of the centre is to find out why so many people go off sick with what it refers to as "complaints which cannot be understood in the same way as more identifiable diseases". The kinds of conditions they have in mind are stress, depression and ME/CFS. The centre is particularly interested in "the doctor/patient relationship and how this affects an individual's reaction to their illness". The centre aims, within the next five years, to "facilitate a significant re-orientation in current medical practise in the UK" in order to "bring benefits to employers, insurers and to society as a whole; but more importantly, it will benefit the individual who is healthier and happier when actively involved in work."
Or, to put it another way, the research centre hopes to persuade GPs to stop signing so many people off sick with conditions like stress, depression and ME.
And the person who is to head this new centre, bringing increased wealth to UnumProvident shareholders and big savings to the DWP?
Step forward Professor Mansel Aylward CB, former Chief Medical Officer at the DWP, recently appointed Chair in Psychosocial and Disability Research at Cardiff University and now Director of the UnumProvident Centre for Psychosocial and Disability Research. And those of you with less "identifiable diseases" rejoice: within five years the Professor of Limited Feedback will have you healthier, happier and back at work.

End

I hope that this helps my reader to more fully understand the methods by which the privatisation of the DWP is being undertaken.

Your pal.

johnny.

Why don't they tell the whole truth?

2008-02-13T01:40:00.004Z

Last night's BBC Wales programme, Week in Week Out, brought no real surprises to me.

It may as well have been produced by the DWP. It probably was but I didn't actually see them on the credits. The programme was simply an advertisement for the UNUM/Aylward/Wessley and now, Matthews school of medical thought, regarding disability rehabilitation and was intended to convey the veiled threat from the DWP that the disabled have to live under.

Previous posts, all evidence based, show that this "thinking" is NOT in the "mainstream of medical thinking" but that they claim to influence Government thinking. No mention of this by the BBC. I wondered why.

Clearly, Government thinking is devoted to further disenfranchisement of legitimate claimants by a reduction or removal of their benefits irrespective of any job provision.

The sight of the Texan Dr. Merrill Matthews striding through the Merthyr in his black cowboy boots made me wonder why he didn't have his black cowboy hat on as well. As an associate of the "outlaws" UNUM and their employees he was somewhat under dressed. Curiously, the BBC cameraman did at least three close-ups of the boots. Was there a subliminal message in there somewhere?

Why did they have to mention his black belt in Tae Kwon Do? What's that got to do with this matter? Incidentally, I've got a black pair of braces in origami but I don't go on about it.

The BBC/DWP then carefully selected their interviewees in order to support their clear intention of getting the UNUM/DWP message across. They could have interviewed me. I would certainly have livened up the show and provided a little balance.

The 'website designer' with a previously broken elbow who was portrayed as a businessman, presumably entirely self supporting on the basis of nine websites. Yeah right.

The amputee who appeared to be coping with his disability quite well by keeping himself occupied was asked why he had no job. There are no jobs but Dr. Matthews just skimped over this. I was a little disturbed to note that Dr. Matthews failed to mention the man's remaining leg, which was showing clear clinical signs of a circulatory problem and had a large dressing on it. I wondered why.

The other interviewees were not portrayed in a positive light at all and appeared to be victims of socio/economic problems that would obviously cause anxiety or depression in the strongest willed of us.

Of course, there are many disabled people who would dearly love to get a job that they were capable of but, unfortunately, the programme gave absolutely no hope of that, just a threat of a reduction in Benefits.

The double industrial accident chap from Llanelli put it in a nutshell when he said, "Everything is put in its place to stop me getting a job".

Dr. Matthews said:

"In the US we cut people's cash benefits in the 1990s and told them they were going back to work.
"They are some of the most successful policies we've ever introduced. In some states, money from benefit claimants was taken and used instead to create jobs in local companies, boosting employment opportunities."

The only "success" that these policies had was to disenfranchise legitimate benefit claimants on the basis of "medical thinking" that is NOT of the mainstream.

The scenes of Prof. Mansel Aylward in his training suite were most enlightening. I wonder why there was no mention of the FULL title of his BioPsychoSocial School, i.e. THE UNUM SCHOOL.........Maybe they just forgot?

I must say that Mansel wasn't looking a picture of health himself, since I met him last. Rather overweight, heavy jowled and a little pasty. Hardly a good advertisement as the Director of the Welsh Centre for Health. I do hope that he's not suffering from a disability. He'll have dreadful job getting his benefits.

Incidentally, at our last meeting, he went to some pains to state, before a very credible witness with a good memory, that he never engaged in physical activity himself, just mental activity. Maybe he should read his own books, or could it just be a case of: "do as I say, not what I do"? Perhaps he has a Black Belt in Legitimate Claims Denial?

Clearly, to me at least, this was a New Labour/BBC production designed solely to justify and usher in the new regime which will result in untold misery and poverty for thousands of legitimate claimants.

After the programme, I emailed Week in Week Out with a cordial invitation to call in here and see the real story. I wonder if they'll respond? If they do, I will be quite prepared to show them more than enough documentary evidence to support a further edition of WiWO showing the truth of what underlies this particular edition.

There are so many unasked and unanswered questions.

Your pal.

johnny

Peter Hain's parting shot!

2008-01-26T01:33:00.000Z

Readers of my previous postings, regarding the questionable association of the DWP and the American "outlaw" insurance company UNUM, may be aware of the awkward question that I have persistently asked, as yet avoided and unanswered.

Q.........Please provide your observations on Governmental association with UNUM insurance, who have been described as an "outlaw company who have acted in an illegal fashion for many years" and who "operate claims denial factories".

Peter Hain was asked this question just before Christmas by one of our NONE of THESE TURKEYS supporters, with little expectation of a response.

Surprise, surprise! He has responded thus:

"It would not be appropriate for me to comment on what has been said about UNUM's operation, either in Great Britain or overseas".

I wonder why? Is it a secret?

The question was not about what was SAID but about their record in the USA of being fined many millions of Dollars as a result of their illegal denial of legitimate claims.

UNUM have two main products and two main goals.

Products:

1. Disability and ill health Insurance.

2. Medical treatment insurance.

Goals:

1. To eradicate Social Welfare (The Welfare State). This makes the need for their disability and illness insurance product clearer in the marketplace.

2. To eradicate the NHS as we know it . This makes the need for their medical insurance product clearer in the marketplace.

The following statement by UNUM's Chairman in 2001 confirms this:

Chairman, Ward E Graffam recognised the ‘exciting developments’ in Britain: ‘The impending changes to the State ill-health benefits system will create unique sales opportunities across the entire disability market and we will be launching a concerted effort to harness the potential in these.’

Despite UNUM's clear influence in government, Hain deems it "inappropriate to comment".

Again, I wonder why? What had he to hide?....................as if I didn't know!!!

As a result of UNUM's business aspirations in the UK, it seems highly suspicious to me that politicians seem to reluctant to answer this particularly awkward question.

Come on Huw Lewis AM, I asked YOU politely, at least do me the courtesy of a response or has the cat got your tongue?

I refer to Huw in particular as he is the AM that endorses UNUM's local agent, Prof. Mansel Aylward as the fit and proper person to reconfigure Welsh NHS services. He describes Aylward as a person of "stature and integrity" despite Aylward's employment by an "OUTLAW" company.

Rhodri was asked the question before Christmas and promised a response, he's still dithering and I'm still waiting. A little reminder is due.

How's about someone asking Edwina Hart AM, Health Minister for a response. We need to know.

I would earnestly ask my reader to ask the same awkward question at every opportunity. I certainly intend to.

This matter will eventually affect ALL of the population of the UK, including YOU!

Beware, UNUM have you in their sights, whether you like it or not.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Your publicly pensioned pal.

johnny.

Brunstrom strikes again. Hypocrites tremble.

2008-01-05T02:18:00.000Z

Richard Brunstrom, Wales' favourite Chief Constable has done it again.

This time, it's a suggestion that illegal drugs be made legal in order to avoid the need for addicts to commit crimes in order to feed their addiction. Further, that it also allows monitoring and, hopefully, may allow an addict to free themselves from their addiction.

This seems perfectly sensible to me, as all the figures available seem to suggest that a high proportion of crimes are committed for drug purchase, by addicts who have no real interest in criminal activity, apart from, as a means of 'survival'.

I will not dwell too much on the whys and wherefores of the matter except to voice my support for the Chief Constable's view.

Naturally his words have attracted much opprobrium from many, who obviously still believe the spin that the 'war on drugs' is winnable. That 'war' is continually lost until tobacco and alcohol are added to the list of proscribed drugs.

Paul Flynn's blog kindly sets out the Lancet's opinion of the relative dangers of the common 'recreational' drugs. Paul also scoffs at Chris Bryant's hysterical outburst containing yet another call for Brunstrom to resign. This doesn't really help Chris's desperate attempts to lose his Y-front image.

Over at Normal Mouth's, the ever predictable Glyn Davies also makes his second call in as many months for Brunstrom's resignation. He claims that Brunstrom's "campaign to legalise drugs that are currently illegal, is not consistant with him remaining as a Chief Constable".

Normal has asked Glyn for an explanation and Glyn has yet to respond.

Don't hold your breath Normal.

The 'Brunstrom' saga has appeared previously on Glyn's blog and, having asked some quite pertinent questions, I was fobbed off with some rubbish about having moved on. Perhaps it was my mention of the fact that if Alcohol were to be proscribed it would cause him great personal despair as his beloved game of Rugby would not survive without its booze culture. Further, I would also suggest that it would mean and end to most of what we euphemistically describe as Welsh culture. Ban booze and Wales dies.

Well, now that Glyn has broached the subject I might as well mention it here again. Maybe my reader would care to respond as well.

Mind altering substances have been an integral part of our Islands' 'culture' since time immemorial. There have been opinions cast over millenia regarding the use or misuse of these substances, none of these opinions having had the slightest effect.

People just seem to love their drug induced altered states of consciousness. In today's 'culture' there appears to be a strong liking for drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, opiates and various fungi. These are illegal to use but, nevertheless, are enjoyed by many.

Two of the most pernicious and deadly drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco, are sold with the full encouragement of Government, by way of taxation. Whatever happened to our sense of fair play?

Alcohol, in particular, does massive societal damage, yet is accepted with an attitude of casuality until the harmful effects are a matter of personal or family concern.

I am at a loss to understand how Glyn can call for the resignation of a professional policeman at the top of his 'tree', with a clearly considered professional opinion, as opposed to Glyn, snuffling around at the 'roots', with little knowledge of 'drug' matters, apart, that is, from what he reads in the papers.

It seems somewhat hypocritical of Glyn to call for Brunstrom's resignation when Glyn is an active proponent and user of one of the most dangerous and deadly drugs in today's society.

Despite the legality of Glyn's chosen recreational drug, it would appear to be a standpoint hardly consistent with prospective Parliamentary candidature.

Your pal.

johnny.

BBC report on UNUM. 6th. Nov. 2007.

2007-11-14T01:21:00.000Z

For the benefit of those who missed the broadcast of this report, the link should take you to it:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=stopunumnow&search=Search

Your pal.

johnny.

Now it's 'official'. The UNUM cat's out of the bag.

2007-11-06T22:28:00.000Z

Readers tuning in to the BBC's Ten o-clock News last night will have seen the initial report on the questionable activities of UNUM (Provident or not), previously posted here. This initial report was produced by Mark Daley, who readers may remember for his 'Secret Policeman' expose of institutional racism in the Police Force, and his recent expose of Government failure to monitor and keep track of the many paedophiles who had gone missing.

Mark's initial report described UNUM's claims denial activities in the USA and the UK and used the same earlier posted quote from John Garamendi, the previous California Insurance Commissioner, who has described UNUM as an "outlaw company" who have acted in an "unlawful fashion" for many years.

In rebuttal of Mark's comments, UNUM put up Dr. Peter Dewis, UNUM customer relations, who tried to negate UNUM's past unlawful activities on the basis that it was all "part of history", and that they had moved on. It should be noted that he was displaying a marked perspirational discomfiture at the time. Probably the spot-light.

Unfortunately, Peter Dewis failed to mention the tens of thousands of legitimate claimants who had been disenfranchised as a result of UNUM's failure to pay out on their claims. many of whom have been unable to 'move on' as they have either died, waiting for payment, or have simply given up in despair, presumably, themselves, becoming part of UNUM's history.

Incidentally, Peter Dewis previously worked for sixteen years at the DWP as a close colleague of our local UNUM agent Prof. Mansel Aylward, and was instrumental in facilitating the introduction of the UNUM method of claims denial at the DWP.

The report also noted the clear and close involvement that UNUM has with the DWP. This involvement has previously been denied at Ministerial level and this leaves me a little perplexed. Could it be that they would wish to keep it a secret?

Edwina Hart AM, Assembly Health Minister, appears to have selected Prof. Aylward as her preferred person of 'stature and integrity', to oversee the NHS reconfiguration, on the basis of his CV, yet he has neither expertise in, nor experience of, NHS reform. In fact I would be surprised if she could find anyone around here with experience of any fully successful NHS reconfiguration.

One thing that he has expertise and experience of, is saving his masters a lot of money by reduction of service, or failure to provide, without any consideration for the consequences endured by the disenfranchised.

Maybe this is the quality that Edwina Hart seeks.

My previously posted 'alternative' CV for Mansel Aylward has been described by Huw Lewis AM as "defamation", yet Huw offers no response and refuses to address the matter.

As Huw has made the following statement in the Assembly:

"Might we consider that Professor Aylward could move on, after this work, to oversee the overall reconfiguration of services throughout the whole trust area?"

Bearing in mind this BBC report, I think that Huw owes the public a statement on the oft asked, but never answered question:

" Please provide your observations on governmental association with a company that has been described as an "outlaw company", that has operated in an "unlawful fashion" for years".

If any of Huw's pals read this posting, please ask him to drop by and make some sort of response. My reader awaits.

Better still, how about a statement in the Assembly giving a straight answer to the above question. His public awaits.

Your post-provident pal.

johnny.

SiCKO - Coming soon to an NHS near you?

2007-10-28T01:39:00.000Z

Friday saw the release of Michael Moore's latest film, appropriately called SiCKO.

This latest offering from the maker of 'Bowling for Columbine' and 'Fahrenheit 9/11' now exposes the USA's totally-for-profit healthcare system. See for yourself, it's an eye-opener.

There are currently 50 million Americans who have no health insurance and consequently, if they develop a serious illness, they suffer and die untreated.

This system is totally controlled by numerous insurance companies who are motivated entirely by their quest for profits.

Could it be mere coincidence that the current proposal by the Assembly's Health Minister, Edwina Hart, to use the services of the UNUM Provident, that well known and controversial American insurance company, 'local agent', Prof. Mansel Aylward, as the overseer of Local Health Care reconfiguration?

In fact, Huw Lewis was so overly impressed by Prof. Aylward's 'official' CV that he went on to ask:

"Might we consider that Professor Aylward could move on, after this work, to oversee the overall reconfiguration of services throughout the whole trust area?"

Huw has attempted to dismiss my previously posted 'unofficial' CV of Aylward's activities as 'defamatory', but offers no response or rebuttal to my statements.

A three year investigation into UNUM Provident's activities in the USA has resulted in the following conclusions:

"The investigation concluded that the Company was engaged in widespread violations of state insurance regulations and in fraudulent denial practices. Those included using phony medical reports, policy misrepresentations, low-balling tactics and biased investigations as pretexts for cutting off legitimate claims of disabled, and often destitute, policyholders."

Given Aylward's previous history in the world of claims denials and the use of highly questionable medical reports in the DWP, and his intimate involvement with UNUM Provident, I regretfully foresee a radical change in services that will be made on mainly fiscal considerations.

He has successfully inculcated UNUM Provident's highly questionable methodology of claims denial into the DWP, with the result that many legitimate claimants have been wrongfully denied benefit, and I see no reason why Aylward's involvement in this proposed reconfiguration will bring anything of benefit to the public at large. Money talks.

Readers may have noted that there has been an increase in BUPA's advertising of late. Maybe they know something that we don't.

It is generally acknowledged that the UK is about ten years behind the USA. I would venture to suggest that the gap is closing.

Your patiently patient pal.

johnny.

Buddy can you spare a dime?

2007-10-20T22:19:00.000+01:00

In a more colloquial context, this would, of course, be: "have you got any spare change, mate?"

Yes, it's that time of year, when the more 'cultured' of our number start the rounds of begging to be bailed out again.

I had been wondering for some time just how long it would take before the Wales Millenium Centre came looking for more public handouts. I didn't have to wait that long, did I?

I find that it is quite incongruous that we have a situation of schools being closed, elderly people being unable to find suitable accomodation for their old age, hospitals creaking along, massive Council Tax increases, inadequate transport infrastructure and yet there seems to be a general feeling that the Assembly and its occupants appear to be so remote from 'real life'.

The current situation of the WMC being £13.5 million in debt and demanding an extra £4 million a year in extra subsidy is a sad indictment on Wales as a whole. Of course, our esteemed Culture Minister will sternly 'wag his finger' at the WMC, but will, nevertheless, bail them out in the name of 'culture' and the 'arts'.

Of course, the usual suspects are trotting out the same old guff about the 'iconic' staus of the WMC, when in reality the only 'iconic' status is that of another 'white elephant'. Then of course we have that old chestnut of the 'culture' issue, which they would seek to support at any cost.

This 'culture ' has little support from the general public as it appears that many of these 'cultural' events are out of reach of many and are unwanted by even more.

The Welsh National Opera, for instance, seems to have taken over much of the facility of the WMC and continues to be an unnecessary drain on the public purse, yet is supported by few.

Just how much more of this waste of public money must Wales endure in order to satisfy the elitist cravings of many of its patrons.

It appears to me that this so-called 'culture' is going to be a significant drain on our resources for some time to come.

A quick look around the WMC website shows that it clearly encourages this elitism by offering all sorts of 'extras' that are clearly designed to attract just a certain 'type' of patron.

Just what is it about 'Arts Centres', that our politicians seem to believe that they are a panacea for all ills. Huw Lewis' blog seeks to suggest that in Merthyr, for instance, the first step towards the regeneration of the town is yet another subsidised Arts Centre. In fact he states:

"If you know of a multi-million pound Arts Centre that has been built without creating new jobs and without attracting more visitors and boosting the local economy, then please post me a link"

Here you are Huw, try this one. http://www.wmc.org.uk/ It's currently boosting the local and national economy by minus £13.5 million plus minus £4 million per annum for the foreseeable future.

Your plebeian yet proletarian pal.

johnny.

So many fingers, so many pies.

2007-10-11T16:39:00.000+01:00

In response to the esteemed Mr. Twp's posting on Valleys Mam's blog, I offer, for your perusal, a few interesting details of Professor Mansel Aylward's influences on our Health, Wealth and Happiness.

Many of you in the Merthyr area will be aware of a local medical research company called Simbec who are constantly trawling the news media looking for 'guinea pigs' on whom to try various medicines and treatments. In fact, they had a half page advertisement in last night's South Wales Echo.

Merthyr, being labelled the sickest town in the UK, would be an obvious target for such a firm as Simbec. The founder of Simbec was Prof. Aylward, a good old Merthyr boy. He has since sold off the company and has moved on to much greater things.

He retired last year as Chief Medical Adviser to the DWP and spent much of his time there ensuring that the Government target of a million claimants, to be removed from incapacity and disability benefits, is achieved.

During his time at the DWP he was also very closely involved with an American medical insurance company named UNUM Provident.

UNUM Provident, in the USA, have an appalling record of denying legitimate claims, and have been fined many millions of dollars in the Courts for their wrongdoings. Consequently, they have been compelled to make deposits of millions of dollars with the Courts, as security, in order to continue their business, and to pay out any claims that come before the Courts for determination.

UNUM Provident, one of the largest medical insurers in the USA, were described in October 2005 as:

"...an outlaw company, who have acted in an unlawful fashion for many years".

This description was made by John Garamendi, who, at the time, was Insurance Commissioner for the State of California. Mr. Garamendi has since been elected to the post of Lieutenant Governor of California and deputises for the Governor, Arnold Schwarznegger. Mr. Garamendi's credibility is beyond question. Incidentally, UNUM have not sued Mr. Garamendi for his statement.

UNUM Provident were further described as having run "claims denial factories".

Prof. Aylward has been instrumental in introducing the UNUM modus operandi into the DWP and consequently many legitimate claims have been denied by the DWP.

During Prof. Aylward's tenure at the DWP, around 50% of Incapacity and Disability Benefit claims denials were overturned on Appeal. He has been closely examined by Select Committees and has been less than helpful. His activities are currently being closely examined by numerous agencies and many pertinent questions are currently under consideration.

Having introduced UNUM's highly questionable methods of claim denial into the DWP, Prof. Aylward was rewarded by his masters by the opening of the UNUM Provident School of BioPsychoSocial Science at Cardiff Medical School. Naturally, Prof. Aylward was given the Director's job.

UNUM have since expanded their operations into the UK insurance industry and are firmly embedded in the consultative process of the DWP'.

Prof. Aylward was further rewarded by the Assembly, by the opening of the Welsh Centre for Health. No, not a Quango, it's a Government Sponsored Body. Again, naturally, Prof. Aylward was made Director thereof.

He has further interests in the 'rehabilitation' or should I say, compulsion to work, of Disabled and Incapacitated Benefit Claimants as he is now a Trustee of the Shaw Trust, one of the preferred bidders for the Government's Pathways to Work scheme.

Prof. Aylward has been described by Huw Lewis, in the Plenary, as having great "stature and integrity".

I would invite Mr. Lewis' observations on the clear governmental association between the Assembly and a representative of what has been described as an "outlaw company"? Further, would he care to elaborate on Prof. Aylward's "stature and integrity" given the Professor's intimate involvement with such a controversial company?

I hope that these little snippets are useful in enabling readers to appreciate the 'tangled web' that is currently being woven before your very eyes.

Your probing pal.

johnny.

See, I told you so!

2007-10-04T03:00:00.000+01:00

The Welsh Nationalists have briefly touched the levers of power and they're at it already.

The recent announcement by Rhodri Morgan and his nationalist cronies comes as no surprise to me.

The proposal to compel by Legislative Competence Order, businesses in Wales to provide their goods and services via Welsh, or else, has been lifted directly from Cymdeithas' 'language measures', as I forecast weeks ago.

We have also heard from the multi-faceted Ieuan Wyn Jones of his wonderful dreams for North to South transport infrastructure improvements.

I would venture to suggest that he concentrate more on widening the M4, particularly Eastbound, in order to accomodate the businesses in Wales who will be making a sharp exit in order to avoid this blatant Welsh language Stealth Tax.

Who pays this? You of course.

Your perceptive pal.

johnny.

Yet more blog censorship - Welsh Nationalist style.

2007-09-27T01:18:00.000+01:00

I have just returned from Ordovicius' blog http://this-is-sparta.blogspot.com/ and I am amazed to see that he is complaining about 'blog censorship'.

As readers may know, I am banned from his blog, for my contrary views, and have been labelled and libelled as a 'racist'.

Of course, he provides no indication of any evidence for his allegation and merely states that his blog is not a 'public service', and yet he uses other people's blogs in that self same manner. Just a minor hypocrisy, more to follow.

Unfortunately, irrespective of Ordo's blog being a public service or not, it certainly does not give him the right to make such scurrilous allegations without evidence to back it up.

Presumably, Ordo, the self styled 'Free Range Welsh Nationalist', seeks to restrict the 'range' of free-thinking opinion if it differs from his somewhat narrow and blinkered views.

It seems coincidental to me that I am also banned from alanindyfed's and Welsh Independence, which just happen to be Welsh Nationalist blogs as well.

Just what is it with these Nationalists? Is it one rule for them and another for the rest of us?

I have contributed to a number of blogs and have stated my views openly and although the blog owners may not necessarily agree with my views, they nevertheless address them and put forward their own rebuttals in a civilised manner.

This is what dialogue, debate, blogging and the 'Big Conversation' are all about.

Ordo further states:

"I suggest that such people move to China, where I'm sure they'll feel much more comfortable with the blogosphere."

Am I to take it that Ordo has already booked his ticket or is this just another example of his Welsh Nationalist hypocrisy?

I have previously posted on what appears to be racist imagery on alanindyfed's Welsh Nationalist blog http://alanindyfed.blogspot.com/ and although comments were left, there wasn't one that addressed the matter concerned. I wonder why?

The ill-considered use of the word 'racism' and the activity itself are abhorrent in this diverse world of ours, yet some people bandy the word around without a single idea or concept of the reality of racism.

I invite Ordo, yet again, to withdraw his allegation or to provide evidence to support it.

Better still, as he indicates that he will be able to identify me, Extreme Tracker eh! I would invite him to knock on my door at any time and make his allegation to my face. I won't hold my breath.

If Ordo has the courage to address the matter I would gladly accept a withdrawal of his allegation and leave it at that.

If not, this matter is not going to go away, as he has caused offence to others apart from myself.

I would wish to keep this in the public domain as it clearly exemplifies the true nature of Welsh Nationalism in its crudest form.

Your persistently polemic pal.

johnny.

It started with a kiss..........

2007-09-24T21:48:00.000+01:00

I have been tagged by Valleys Mam to provide you with my first political memories.

Yer tiz.........................................and not a mythical dragon to be seen.

My parents, having mildly supported the Conservative party, before, during and after WW11, were never particularly 'politically' minded after the War. They were too busy providing for us as a family.

My first political memory was of me standing on our front wall, being held by my mother. A group of men and women were coming along our street speaking to the neighbours and shaking hands.

A man approached, and with a big smile, exclaimed "what a handsome chap", obviously referring to me.

Without further ado, he grabbed me and planted an unsolicited kiss on my cheek. My mother recoiled in horror at this mans antics. I started crying, and my father, unceremoniously, told him to "bugger off". He did, with no delay and muttered apology.

That man was George Thomas, later Lord Tonypandy and Speaker of the House of Commons.

A couple of years later as a young urchin, I had further political fun with my mates.

At Election time we would badger the 'committee rooms' of the Labour and Conservative parties in the area to see if we could get any posters and leaflets. We smiled angelically and promised to deliver them in order to help their cause.

They were only too glad of the help. Unbeknown to them, they were playing into our hands.

This was just the start of the fun.

We armed ourselves with jam jars of industrial strength flour and water paste and crept around the area looking for houses that were displaying electoral posters.

A few deft strokes of a 'gluey' hand and Labour supporting houses were transformed into Conservative supporters and vice versa.

Of course, we ran the risk of the occasional 'thick ear' but young legs served us well.

On the way home, we always tried to go by way of the 'committee rooms' and with concerted effort and much glue, we covered their posters with the opposing party's. Good planning ensured that we were never caught.

On Election day more fun was to be had by following the candidates around the area and regaling them with a chorus of:

Vote, vote, vote for (insert as required)
Kick old (the opponent) out of the door
If I had a penny pie
I would slap it in his eye
And he wouldn't come round for voting anymore.

For all his sins, as a Labour man, nevertheless, George Thomas was a good constituency representative and, as my mother told him in later years, "if it were a vote for the man, Mr. Thomas, you may have had a vote from me. Unfortunately, you belong to the wrong Party".

Further political memories were of stories of my grandfather's stance, during the General Strike of 1926 wherein he showed his loyalty to the Great Western Railway, who had employed him from 14 years of age. He refused to join the strike and on more than one occasion fought his way into work. His stance was that they had given him the opportunity to work when he was penniless and had nothing but himself to offer. They gave him the opportunity to prove himself, and, as he said, he owed all that he had to them. A man of great principle, courage and honour.

As children we were always reminded of our Britishness. It was this Britishness that had saved our country from the Nazi threat. My father, having been in the rearguard at Dunkirk and promoted for his efforts, always insisted that we stood to attention for the British National Anthem and ensured that we were reminded of the traitorous activities of the Welsh Nationalists in their mission to distance themselves from their Britishness despite enjoying the fruits of British efforts. Their founder, Saunders Lewis, was singled out for much distaste, due mainly to his campaign to prevent English children, from the industrial heartlands of England, being evacuated to the more remote areas of Wales, on the grounds that they would "pollute" the 'culture' and language.

Presumably he preferred them to be killed by the Luftwaffe bombs rather than his so-called 'culture' suffer this "pollution" by innocent children. Plaid, of course, have selectively short memories of this and have sought to airbrush this particular incident from their history.

In the early sixties I was a student of existentialism, with long hair and a style of dress hitherto unseen in Wales. An original proponent of the Peace and Love generation. Cool man. I was an enthusiastic reader of Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and Freidrich Nietzsche, and having read the I Ching and The Tibetan book of the Dead I was clearly destined to achieve great things as a forward looking and philosophical thinker.

Around that time the Committee of 100 was formed as a more militant side of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. I embraced the cause with enthusiasm.

I attended the mass demonstration of 'civil disobedience' outside Cardiff Castle in the company of Bertrand Russell and numerous other eminent demonstrators, and experienced for the first time the consequences of political dissent.

At the given signal, we all sat down in the middle of the road, much to the consternation of the Police and onlookers. Cardiff had never seen such antics before.

The Police initially asked us, "just what do you think you lot are doing"?

"Demonstrating against Atom Bombs" was the chorused reply.

"You can't do that here, now move along".

Naturally, we refused in a pacifist and non-violent manner.

The Police, on the other hand, unversed in the niceties of non-violent demonstration had, by now, had enough, and with little ceremony, 'arm and legged' us to the pavements, from where we naturally returned to the roadway and resumed our sedentary demonstration.

A number of us, of a more recognisable appearance, were singled out for more robust removal methods but, nevertheless, maintained our pacifist attitude. At least until some over-enthusiastic Officers decided that a bit of literal arm twisting was required. A few shins were kicked and we made our escape as best we could. I had failed the test of pacifism.

A few years later I had a couple of life changing experiences, which turned my life around and have made me the person that I am today, details of which must, for the time being, come under the heading of 'too much information'.

Now in retirement, I merely note, with little surprise, the dishonesty, self service and cavalier disregard for probity of our current crop of politicians. As my Grandma used to say, "they've got more faces than the Town Hall clock".

This has been my incentive to promote a legislative requirement to vote, with the provision of an option for the "None Of These Turkeys" or "None Of The Above" Party alongside the other candidates.

This is my truth, tell me yours.

Just for fun, if they read my humble blog, I'd like to tag Paul Flynn, Ceredig and Aled Edwards.

Your positively patriotic yet plucked from the past pal.

johnny.

Ya gi' dem a hinch, dem a tek a yard.

2007-09-16T18:32:00.000+01:00

Thus spake the illustrious Bob Marley.

The latest pronouncement by Ieuan Wyn Jones, to his Nationalist acolytes, that he seeks:

"a full law-making parliament under the Scottish model by 2011", clearly exemplifies Mr. Marley's words.

This is a prime example of the arrogance of the Nationalists.

He's only been in office for a few weeks and already he's setting out a proposal without the slightest indication of how he aims to achieve this.

He's rather long on aspiration, but seems to be short on substance in terms of how this is to be achieved.

Plaid continually refer to the Scots and Irish as their model for their Nationalist aspirations yet still fail to recognise or even acknowledge the fact that the ever pragmatic Scots and Irish have abandoned any linguistic demands and now enjoy a growing number of supporters for more self -determination.

Plaid on the other hand, have failed to see that this evolution of ideology is at the heart of Celtic self-determination.

Plaid have now, according to the South Wales Echo, confirmed that they wish to bring in a 'New Welsh Language Act' which will embody the requirement, backed by legislative compulsion, for businesses operating within Wales to provide their goods and services through the medium of Welsh, on pain of damages by Civil Action.

This particular subject has had much discussion on the blogmosphere in the last few weeks. Unfortunately, the Nationalists seem to think that the unwilling majority in Wales are just going to accept this simply stupid idea.

Not one cogent reason for this legislative compulsion has yet been put forward.
The only reasons that I have seen, to date, seem to revolve around this mysterious 'culture', and self acquired 'rights' that they continually 'harp' on about.

I would be most grateful if anyone could kindly enlighten me as to the nature of this 'culture' as, quite honestly, having been Welsh born and bred, I feel that I have been by-passed by this 'culture' as I do not really wish to revert to the days of the coal industry or even to the mythical days of Merlin and Owain Glyndwr.

My fervent hope is for a successful, modern and outward-looking Wales as a part of a successful and powerful UK, for the clear benefit of all inhabitants of this Union, that has to date ensured our wealth, security and International influence.

As Plaid President, Dafydd Iwan says, he would wish us to be ranked amongst what he describes as "countries too often ignored" e.g. Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Slovenia.

Does he see us as a country from which many of their young people, as soon as they are able, wish to leave and gain entry to the more 'noticed' countries of the EU, including the UK?

Not for me thanks.

Normal Mouth has analogised the clear linguistic division in Wales as a 'cleavage'.

This seems to fit the bill in a somewhat Freudian manner as Plaid appear to wish to nestle in the 'cleavage' of the breasts marked 'Public Funding' and 'Legislative Compulsion'.

In other words, "we'll force you and make you pay for our Nationalistic dreams".

I rather think that they'll have a fight on their hands.

Your pal.

johnny.

Is it 'coz I is black?

2007-09-11T15:01:00.000+01:00

Just having returned from alanindyfed's ex-blog I am a little concerned at the new imagery that he uses in order to promote his extreme views.

There are two images of, presumably, Alan's choice of representative imagery for the Nationalist cause.

The first image, pin sharp, shows some rather 'foxy' and sylphlike caucasian ladies proudly displaying their Welshness in their Welsh flag frocks.

The second image, somewhat pixellated, shows some barely distinguishable ladies, including a black lady, wearing the Union flag.

It immediately becomes apparent to me, that in Alan's Nationalistic Nirvana there is no place for black people. I wonder why?

I have previously indicated to Alan that he himself is the descendant of a black man and he chooses not to respond. I again wonder why.

His imagery is labelled "Take your pick, Wales or the Union".

It logically follows that Alan's choice of people to represent the imagery of Nationalistic Wales appears not to include any black people.

These pictures have painted many words in my mind that lead me to think that there may be some sinister sub-agenda with Alan's Nationalist fervour.

Again, I ask that some 'official' representative of Plaid Cymru, Cymdeithas or Cymuned either support or condemn Alan's operations which appear to be entirely on their behalf.

Anyone care to comment?

I don't believe it!

2007-09-10T01:59:00.000+01:00

Now, there's me, relaxing quite comfortably, thinking that alanindyfed had banned me from his blog. So I thought to myself, I know, I'll send him a cheeky posting (got to get the last word in now and then, haven't you? I thought, he's not going publish it anyway.

Well, to my surprise he's been and gone and published it, and responded.

This prompts so many questions.

1. Am I banned or am I banned?

2. Did Alan miss me already?

3. Was it just another Nationalist lie?

4. Will I have to check my watch if he wishes me a good morning?

5. Could it be that Alan has been overcome with contrition for his rather nasty blog?

6. Has Alan become a decent and reasonable Nationalist who can be relied upon to stand his corner without resorting to 'throwing his toys out of the pram'?

7. Do I really need a psychoanalyst, as he suggests? I was always told that it takes one to know one. Maybe he and I are kindred spirits? We'll see.

So many questions.

Here's a good 'un.

With regard to Alan's outrageous posting regarding British troops from Wales, is there any chance of anyone from Cymuned, Cymdeithas or Plaid Cymru, reading the offending words and kindly stating their position on whether the opinion expressed by Alan was representative of the main body of opinion of the members and supporters of their respective organisations? This would be strictly for the record, of course.

This is not going to go away until we know where we stand.

Your plainly puzzled pal.

johnny

With my little Ukulele in my hand.

2007-09-08T01:27:00.000+01:00

As a result of circumstances entirely within my control, I will be away this weekend with my Ukulele. I will return Sunday night and apologise in advance for any unanswered posts.

Therefore to all my blog pals, you included Alan, I'll just say...................I'll be back.

Aloha mahalo nui loa Aloha.

Where's the Big Conversation?

2007-09-03T18:43:00.001+01:00

In a vain effort, to date, to try and stimulate the so-called "Big Conversation" in Wales, by 'trolling' other Welsh blogs, I am forced to try this Blogging malarkey for myself.

There have many bloggings regarding proposals to bring about 'new and improved' elements of self determination for Wales with many ideas, some of which may have some merit.

Unfortunately, there remains the one stumbling block that, as yet, seems to have been overlooked or unaddressed or hopefully forgotten about, except by me.

Yep! you've got it: the Welsh Language question.

Enshrined in the proposed New Welsh Language Act is a clear attempt to force the Welsh Language down unwilling throats.

Plaid Cymru, Cymuned, The Welsh Language Society and their Nationalist cohorts have been trying for years to encourage, persuade, cajole and otherwise inveigle we monoglots, who form the vast majority of the population of Wales, to learn Welsh and use it alongside English. To what purpose, I have absolutely no idea, apart from possibly showing implied support for the Nationalist cause, which has little actual support throughout Wales.

They have now resorted to the plainly desperate tactic of Legislative force to achieve their goals.

The New Welsh Language Act seeks to compel, on pain of sanctions, any business with five or more employees operating in Wales, to provide their full range of goods and services via the medium of Welsh.

Any company failing to provide this 'service' will leave themselves open to Civil Litigation for punitive damages, by any Tom, Dick or Taffy Welsh speaker for "hurt to their feelings".

It should be firmly noted at this time that there are no Welsh speakers who are not fully conversant in the English language.

Of course the Nationalists will be rubbing their grubby little hands at the prospect of this being a 'nice little earner' for them and their pals.

Naturally, the profligate, with other people's money, Nationalists have given absolutely no thought whatever to the cost of this folly.

Businesses located in, or proposing to locate to Wales will have to factor into their business plans these added linguistic costs. These plans will certainly impinge upon their cost-effectiveness and will plainly reduce their competitiveness.

Further costs will be borne by the Welsh workforce who will be expected to suffer reduced earning potential and prospects in order to fund this demand. No employer would wish to suffer the full cost themselves or would wish to pass on this unneccesary burden to their customers.

Who else is to pay?

Your pecuniary pal.

johnny.

Where's the Big Conversation?

2007-09-03T18:43:00.000+01:00

Please see above.