The current UK coalition government may claim that the deficit is a result of the past regime.
The past regime quite rightly suggest that it is a global issue.

Lets just take a look at the latter. From the outset it appears that freedom of banks to gamble has now lead to the public paying the price.

I look at the economy from a different perspective. Although capitalism can fuel opportunities it has a dark side, one of greed and as Wall Street the movie put it, ‘Greed is good’ and ‘Lunch is for wimps’!

The model to squeeze the worker to support the power of the multinational is based on personal survival.
i.e: The beast wants more and if you feed it, you too can eat some of the pie and live.

We seemed to have missed something. Economics based on helping each other.
We are bred to be immune to the suffering of others. We all know people are dying of malnutrition.
We and I am guilty if this this, will buy the latest gadget but simply express shock when we realise how little the component assembler is being paid or treated. We hope that the manufacturer will influence the factory but on many occasions they don’t or can’t get close enough to the internal abuse. By then it can be too late. In the same way people will rush to buy cheap cloths and will forget that child labour made in a backdrop of underground/Mafia, ungoverned operations and non-policed middle men. Corporate responsibility is played a simple lip service to as it is left to unaudited processes.

The following list shows some of the reasons for poverty. Why can’t our politicians and economists develop strategies that involve global sharing initiative initiatives to tackle each and more of them?

• State discrimination corruption and abuse of public power.
• Lack of social integration. Competition instead of cooperation.
• Crime.
• Substance abuse
• Procrastination
• Climate or environmental factors and abuse of the dumping of recycling waste.
  
• Historical factors, e.g: with origins from imperialism and colonialism.
• Population growth
  
• War, genocide and bullying
• Lack of education and skill development
• Excessive materialism

If we based an economy on developing other nations then collectively we will benefit. If we can see that they (for example, a developing nation) need the building of infrastructure, then together we can trade and harmonise the world. Economics driven on equality not on class, caste or race distinction. One way to expose and help on a community level is to twin schools, enterprises, medical support and food provision.

The obsession with squeezing people in richer countries could impact development projects as they could claim they have less of their own money to share with others. Instead, we should set-up global development funds for those living in richer countries to invest in.

We need economists with imagination not politicians claiming and repeating the policies of the past will work. We all know they don’t and we let them (the politicians) continue on a decade-on-decade of the cycle of boom and bust – yet for some people its doom and dust for all of their lives…

It is a bit like your social network, but based upon trust (or lack of) in peoples recommendations so you can discover cool stuff from thousands of people, not just friends or immediate trusted connections. Rummbling is really easy online or from your mobile phone.  Its the best to Rummble when you’re actually at a place you love or loath, then you can add a photo & if you want, share it straight away on Twitter, Facebook, Bebo or more…

When I grew up the national flag and St George’s flag were both synonymous with racism. They had both been hijacked by the racist party – the national front (note the lower case!).  Are things any different now?

On Saturday 12th June 2010 I was invited to join a group of friends to watch England’s first world-cup match against the USA. The event was televised on 4 screens, including a large projection wall display. We all decided to congregate at the Indian Gymkhana, first established in 1916. Click here for a full history of its inception.

Back to the match. The majority of those watching the match were of Indian decent – Representatives from all of Indian’s wide and varied community were present. Even my next door neighbour with his entire family attended.

Interestingly, there was one thing they all had in common. 80% wore an England football shirt and the atmosphere was electrified by the chants of ‘Come on England’!

I managed to catch some of the excitement, especially just after the first and only goal that was scored: See below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

I found this new loyalty to the English flag amazing on many levels.

• Was this a demonstration that Norman Tebbit’s rules had been broken?
• Did Enoch Powell’s  rivers of blood speech now mean nothing as people felt comfortable with accepting England as their true home?

My mind tells me that we have a further journey to travel – for the general community to accept people from different backgrounds, many who have fathers and mothers that struggled since the 1950s to be accepted as equals and who laid the foundations for today’s youth and generally more comfortable life style.

Why do I still feel some cynicism regarding the flag ? Firstly, there is no acceptance from the media at large to acknowledge that the UK is varied in its cultural make-up. TV, radio and the majority of featured celebrities is orientated towards a sub-culture and the pretence that the average viewer or listener is from a ‘white’ background. What also does not help are shows like Britain’s Got Talent displaying a weekly / seasonal undertone of inequality and class distinction. The BBC are quick to chop the BBC Asian Network (Why call it Asian!) yet commitment to Radio 3 continues. Remember too that ‘ethnic’ programming is still late into the night!

Maybe, I was shocked due to my personal experiences of being bullied on race grounds at school. Maybe, I consider that today’s loyalty to the flag displayed by others is based on convenience. NB We do have a lot to the Thank the UK for.
Or, maybe I should be more optimistic that ‘times are a changing’ ?

It is now over 24 hours since Gordon made that comment in Rochdale. Obviously, the transcript from both the outside broadcast and Radio 2’s face-to-face playback have been analysed by the majority of the media.

Interestingly, it amazes me about how quick the press were to jump, form a scrum and ‘go for the jugular’!

Looking up the term ‘bigot’ from Wikipedia, it is publicly defined as:

A person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices.
The correct use of the term requires the elements of obstinacy, irrationality, and animosity toward those of differing devotion. The origin of the word bigot and bigotry in English dates back to at least 1598, via Middle French, and started with the sense of “religious hypocrite”. Forms of bigotry may have a related ideology or world views.

That is enough of the history lesson, let us focus on the issue.

If Gordon used the word it at a point of frustration, then it can be considered as ‘throw-away’. It is hard to be a politician. Just imagine your every moment being recorded and played back in front of you.

Gordon is very highly educated and a few years ago he really revealed his depth of intellectual capacity when he spoke about some of his other interests.

The press are suggesting that the ‘I’ word (Immigration) is avoided as an issue due to political correctness. I believe that there is no need for the ‘I’ word any more. Even on BBC Breakfast this morning, a Conservative MP was using one of Maggie’s old term’s, ‘Swamped’.
The public appear to have forgotten that ‘immigrants’ have made the UK economically better off and stable. New arrivals yield new opportunities, have passion, drive and a sense to better their situations. This all ‘rubs off’ on the general community.

On BBC Radio4 the BNP leader said that, ‘the country is full-up’! Generating fear Griffin, never helped anyone!

If we consider for a few moments that the World Wars were fought with a multi-national force, many from Commonwealth countries and the British occupied India for 200 years, we should be able to see that the UK represents an example of multiculturalism where there is strength through diversity and mutual respect. Churchill encouraged migration, suggesting that the UK needed to be rebuilt after the war and needed help from the ex-Empire.

Coming back Mrs Duffy’s comments about immigration. She reportedly said:
“All these eastern Europeans that are coming in – where are they flocking from?”

Did she not realise that her expected answer was already within her question!

Gordon ended the conversation with her with a sense of care, asking about her family. He has to do the best he can given the time he can physically allocate.

In terms of his sense of genuineness, do his comments suggest a hypocritical stance?
I suggest that Gordon may have attempted to match his passion for Labour’s belief of fairness and equality verse someone who was specifically challenging him about her views on immigration – NB Gordon may have seen a conflict situation between someone who in theory should believe in the same values as the Labour party, especially as she proclaimed herself as a life-long and loyal member of Labour.

A balance of Immigration!
Maybe the lack of statistics is the issue. People from all walks of life in the UK have not fully understood the balance of immigration figures.
If there are 1M new people, people should realise that 1M have also left. We probably need more data published to settle the FUD factor – fear, uncertainly and doubt.

The motive of the Eastern Europeans coming to the UK is likely to be driven on their desire to improve their own countries and like many others seek a better life. By accepting them into a multicultural environment we will be collectively helping our own community and helping others too. For example, a Polish person sending money to their homeland helps to fuel / develop both economies.

In summary, if personal passion doesn’t match what you thought someone also believed in, then accidental frustration can result.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The BBC link is as follows:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rz1wr

Or, simply listen by pressing the play button below:

Transcript from the show:

ALED: What you’ve been up to since he last saw you?

Well I’m still plugging away with the Sikhwithin Podcast. Recently, I had a chance to interview the Director and Producer Dr Sarab Singh Neelam’s of the award winning Hollywood film: Ocean of Pearls – The first film featuring a Sikh who plays a Transplant Surgeon, emigrating from Toronto to Detroit. The story outlines an intelligent meditation on the importance of maintaining your beliefs at the very times when it matters most.

ALED: Perhaps you could give me some details of the trip to the trenches and the publication for the charity?

Actually, hot off the press. Onkar Singh and Jasdeep Singh have written a book called, Spiritual Poetry, a disciple’s journey. Its contains over 100 inspirational poems. I got together with them last Friday and produced their audio book, with all proceeds going to a Children’s charity in Zambia when it is released over the coming month. We also feature the amazing music of Indi Kaur.

On the 29th May I hope to go on the Anglo Sikh Heritage Trail tour to visit the preserved trenches at Bayernwald and learn how Sikh forces arrived in Europe. We’ll also be visiting the battlefields around Neuve Chapelle where Sikh Regiments were involved in heavy fighting

ALED: Then asking about the Sikh festival this weekend?

The official date for Vaisakhi is 13 April, but the 2010 Vaisakhi festival in Trafalgar Square will be held on 2 May.

Interestingly, Vaisakhi is an ancient harvest festival in the Punjab region, which also marks beginning of a new solar year, and new harvest season.

In Sikhism, it is one of the most significant holidays in the Sikh calendar, commemorating the establishment of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699, by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa in front of thousands at Anandpur Sahib. He established the 5 K’s of the Sikhs to unify us in terms of both uniform and spiritual symbols.

ALED: And touching on the nurse who refused to take off her cross and chain – the wearing of religious signs etc – mandatory or optional?

I say, each to their own. Whatever can help you believe or channel your love for God.
In terms of Sikhs, our Turbans are mandatory, symbolic and scientific. They keep our heads clean and contain our energy and it’s a crown. When you wear a turban you have a commitment to be both spiritual and serve others. People see the trust you must keep.

ALED: In your view how does music can uplift the spirits and even heal.  What are your thoughts/suggestions?

I remember Candle in Wind – the adapted song originally meant for Marilyn Monroe but later played by Elton John at the funeral of Lady Diana. It moved so many people.

I recently heard that songs like Desiree’s ‘You gotta be strong’ is used in many rehab centres to inspire people to recover.
Even in my own show The Smooth Groovers Podcast, we will be issuing a new weekly Chill out session for late night relaxation music – Something to help you de-stress the day. So, yes – music can heal and help you look deep within yourself and search for answers or direction – Gospel and Spiritual music can also take you there, even music for mediation.

ALED: We’d touch on the death of Malcolm McLaren, pioneer of punk and how important it is for young people to attach themselves to music – helps them work out their problems? or lead them astray?

You know I’m a big music fan so I relate era of Punk back to when I was growing-up. Yes, it was an influence to me as I really enjoyed the Stranglers & Ramones – Malcolm helped to brand the need for greater variation. In terms of recent times, is Gangster Rap fun, dangerous or simply another form of art?

The important thing is to have variety and not take it too seriously. I love a bit of Linkin Park – Where music fuses or mashes-up. It can an outlet or expression for frustration – as long as it doesn’t motivate to kill anyone!

Moment of Reflection: Original Draft

The official date for Vaisakhi is the 13 April, but the 2010 Vaisakhi festival in Trafalgar Square will be held on the 2nd May – I suggest you get down there for some free music and food.

It is also the day we celebrate the time when Sikhs received their 5 K’s or spiritual symbols. Unlike most of other faiths where only the clergy are in uniform, all Sikhs are enjoined to always wear their uniform of faith at all times and to adhere to the ideals of the Saint-Soldier; to practice their belief always (rather than on just a particular day or time i.e: just Sunday or Friday), to maintain and protect the cosmic balance in the world; to guard against tyranny, discrimination, evil and injustice. These five articles of faith distinguish a Sikh and are essential for preserving the life of the community founded on nothing but truthful living

Locally, you will find Sikh Temples are decorated and visited.

The festival is marked with a nagar kirtan. Nagar means town and Kirtan is a term meaning the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib.  This is more than a scripture for the Sikhs as the Sikhs treat it as a living Guru.
The procession through the streets forms an important part of Sikh religious celebrations. All communities are distributed with free food on-route.

One of the largest Sikh Temples in Europe is in West London. Incidentally, it was also opened by Prince Charles. It’s a beautiful building with a contemporary design. I asked a visiting Sikh Musician from the US about what he thought of the building. The fact that it had cost lots of money. He replied, doesn’t it show to you very simply, the love that people have for God.

Today over 100,000 people are expected to join in with the celebrations in West London – Again, doesn’t that show you the love that people have for God.

Moment of Reflection: The one that went out in the end (Amended):

At this time of the Vaisakhi festival, we think of the joy and happiness that this festival brings to Sikhs, but also how our extended communities can experience the spirit of celebration.  People of all religions and none are welcome to join in, to enjoy the processions, the music and the food but also soak up  the atmosphere and the extended hands of friendship.  Let us hope that the communities will also join together with each other to guard against discrimination, evil and injustice.

One of the largest Sikh Temples in Europe, which was opened by Prince Charles, is in West London.  It’s a beautiful building with a contemporary design. I asked a visiting Sikh Musician from the US what he thought of the building and how it had cost so much money. He replied, “Doesn’t it show to you very simply, the love that people have for God”.

Dr Sarab, is both an inspiring and committed film-maker. Starting off as a medical Doctor he has also spent the last 10 years and managed a budget of $1.5million to deliver a film that really moves you. His connections to Hollywood have assisted in the development of the film and its themes.

As you watch the film you realise that it is not preaching in manner. There are some scenes that as a Sikh make your heart sink. In others, you recognise similar public stereotypical influenced episodes.

The films delivery is based on generating a universal message of self-realisation of who you are and the importance of what you represent. Other themes explored by the film include seva (service) and dilemmas introduced by different health systems.

Please see the trailer below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Please visit the Website too:
http://www.oceanofpearls.com

After the movie the audience had a chance for Questions and Answers with Dr Sarab. Dr Saran spoke of the impact that the film had on people from different denominations. In the US film-goers expressed they felt  the need to know more about their own religion and some from the Sikh faith reflected on the importance of their own faith. Interestingly, I have heard this phenomena before. As chair of the Interfaith Youth Trust, we often hear that kids who attend interfaith awareness events often wish to learn more about their own religion. Thus deepening a respect for parallel ethics and greater meaning of their own elements.

Currently, European plans for this movie are under review. It is certainly a must buy to share with your family, local community, services agencies and your library.

The more we communicate who we are and our stories and we have many of those, the greater an understanding between ourselves and  diverse world will develop.

In recent years we have seen the Banking crisis being averted by governments propping them up with Public money. In return very little can be seen as awarded to us, Joe and Jane Public.

Back in the 1980s, Endowment mortgages were all the rage. Unfortunately, 25+ years later the vast majority of these schemes have resulted in a short fall of their potential. Instead, another industry grew-up where endowments could be sold, leaving the public with losses. Frustratingly, the bankers who created such schemes or brokers who sold them probably still got paid their bonuses. Bonuses for doing a bad job!?

It does appear wrong that a bank can record a profit based on an external cash injection and still award a set of high bonuses to its staff. There needs to be more transparency as to who is being paid and what. NB In most industries, for example Teaching, there is public awareness of pay scales and performance targets. Are the bankers immune. Or, should we accept that to retain them we need to pay them more?

A good article from the BBC news portal, implies that bankers bonuses are:

free market driven across the world. Unless the politicians globally get together and find a solution that gives bankers fair and reasonable pay for the work put in, makes the global financial system more stable and reduces the risk of another crash – then its all going to happen again one day.

Maybe we need more creative people like the Rev Jesse Jackson to suggest lateral thoughts to change how banking works. The politicians appear to be strangely silent, especially in the UK where the expenses scandal continues.

What is fascinating is the following graph:

It appears that if we stay out of wars and quickly jail greedy bankers, we could dramatically change the face of our global economy for good.

What we really need is a world-wide initiative to harmonise the world. No more fat cats, instead an even distribution of wealth.

No more haves and have yachts!

One day he asked me to go to the Cubs with him. The history of the Cubs is that in 1908 Baden-Powell created the Scout Movement, it was designed as a programme for boys over the age of eleven. But very soon younger brothers wanted to be part of this Grand Adventure. In 1916, Baden-Powell published his own outlines for a scheme called Wolf Cubbing. These days both boys and girls can become Cubs and eventually Scouts.

Back to the story. Innocently, I went along to Alexandra Hall just no more that 200metres from our house. There was no Cub master present, instead approximately 20 boys all under the age of 11 kitted out in badge laden caps and green jumpers. My neighbour then joined up with one of his friends and collectively they rallied the rest of the boys together into a herd. They descended like a set of bees returning to their hive. They’re stings were in the form of kicks and random hands pulled at my turban. Eventually, they pulled my turban off and proceeded to wrap it around my body, kicking me and leading me out of the hall at the same time! Crying and alone in the dark I walked back to the house. I never forgave my neighbour for his dastardly deed.

The Cub Master also tried a turban on.

In January 2010 a friend of mine called me up asking if I would be interested in attending a Cub event. The Cubs have invented a new badge that requires them to learn about different faiths – consider it as a kind of global awareness educational accomplishment. The suggestion was that I could present a five minute overview of Sikhism and if I could get some people  together, the Cubs could each try on a turban.

Attached is the presentation and also a worksheet they used when we divided the 32 Cubs (boys and girls) into groups of 6. After trying on a turban each could also have a picture taken (NB In advance we obtained consent from the parents and Cub organisation for the taking and use of all pictures).

In all the excitement I only took a few pictures but the nicest comment was from a Cub master who said that at the end of the evening, one of the Cubs said to him, ‘Sikhs are cool’!

My Thanks to all my friends who took part.

In December 1984 India saw the beginning of the worst industrial disaster in history. It has come to be known as the Hiroshima of the chemical industry. 40 tonnes of deadly methyl isocyanate gas, used in the manufacture of the pesticide Sevin, spewed from the plant into the surrounding areas.

8-10,000 people died within the first 72 hours and another 15,000 people have died as a result of their exposure to the gas. Another 120,000 have chronic medical conditions that require constant healthcare.
The death toll stands at 25,000+

The following footage from the You Tube channel:  http://www.youtube.com/BhopalMedicalAppeal is unbelievably graphic in terms of showing:

1. Still no clean-up?!
2. The extent of damage is vast and water is still contaminated, getting into the food chain.
3. The fact that people can still walk about and enter the plant complex

Please see the videos below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Indra Sinha, who was Booker-nominated for his book on the Bhopal disaster, explains in the following article why the gas leak that killed 20,000 people 25 years ago – and continues to create health problems for countless more. The pictures in the article are also haunting.

In addition, the following video, you can see the need for more health resources and the appalling fact that you can see the contaminated soil that is still present.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The sad news is that people are still suffering.

What is so so sad is the fact that as we enter the 26th year of the tragedy, those who have the power to help appear to be not!?  Maybe public pressure can help. I certainly missed this news item. Does this mean that what we do not see can not move us? Do we forget because the public eye facilitated by the media is blind?

Or, on a positive note now that we know that people are still suffering, we can reach out and help.

Recently, over a thousand party revellers turned out to a party in an abandoned building in London, all on the whim of a Facebook invitation. It is a pity that we do not exercise our disgust and demand for justice using such tools!

The Bhopal Medical Appeal funds the Sambhavna Clinic. Sambhavna is the only place that offers free treatment to anybody affected by the toxic gas or the toxic water.  This Medical Appeal offers free health care and hope to the survivors of the 1984 Union Carbide gas leak disaster and those suffering from the present day water poisoning.  Find out more at: http://www.bhopal.org

Over the last few days the temperatures in the UK are consistently sub-zero.

As our boilers work on over-drive I urge you to watch the video footage featured on the Facebook group page featuring those effected and brave enough to come forward. Their predicament will surely haunt you and stress the urgent call for action.

The first question I ask is why issue of the homeless is not being addressed by our politicians or those that have facilities that could aid?

Here are some facts:

1. Up to 75 people are involved in sleeping rough – this is a rough audit
2. The vast majority have drug issues
3. Scabies is rife.
4. Showers, fresh clothes & rooms for rent are required
5. The situation will worsen with more homeless expected.
6. Medical support & drugs are required to address specific health issues.

What has happened to date ?

1. Some Sikh Temples have taken the initiative and offered help.
2. Sikh Temples have continued to feed those suffering
3. A drugs and rehabilitation organisation are desperately seeking more support
4. £1000 has been collected from voluntary donations but more is desperately needed.

In addition, last week two satellite based programmes issued a broadcast to highlight their plight. However, there is confusion regarding who these people are! It appears that the issue of Immigrant student visas is clouding the issue.

Yes, many of the 75 may comprise of overseas students

NB There are some deeper issues here.

• Southall in West London in recent years has become a dominant UK player in street drugs and crime.
• Is it not the duty of the Police to take ownership?
• Politicians are talking about the expected new arrivals (new students) over the coming months. Are they linking a possible fate?
• What about UK colleges offering questionable places with some educational establishments under investigation?
• There needs to be a campaign (video and audio) to educate those considering coming to the UK about the reality of the UK economy and their expectations for their associated visa. There are issues for those who wish to go back, especially if unscrupulous ‘overseas agents’ have run off with their money or those who will return to face hardship on another street, i.e: another country, same situation!
• Many have have sold-up their properties or land to seek a better life in the UK.

An opportunity for Interfaith charity work:

In terms of immediate solutions. I have said this at one of the meetings. An audit of the 75+ homeless needs to take place. If some of the 75 are penniless students what can we do as a community to provide them with basic care. Local Sikh Gurdwaras, Hindu Temples, Muslim Mosques and Christian Churches have an opportunity to join forces in the spirit of interfaith and community cohesion to solve a problem on their doorsteps.

• This means raising funds and setting-up a temporary housing area.
• An assessment centre should be established to help the 75+, documenting through an appraisal and action plan with associated forms for support established for each affected.
• If drug dependency is an issue, then let us bring this issue into the public domain to raise more funds and get those with medical skills involved.

The issue should not be clouded by political ambition or suggesting that a signal or precedent is established if you help someone – after all we are all human and we need to take the attitude of self-less service for immediate help. We must also be strong enough to use existing agencies or set-up a new infrastructure & knowledge base of preventative strategies.