February 2011.

THE ARTFUL DODGER

NOEL FARRELL

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PYRAMID SCHEMES
FEBRUARY 3, 2011

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It's the perfect day outside for a depressing opening sequence to a film. A nightmare for the sound department, natural elements loved by only the most appreciative of talent, a day blind of colour, but rich in a certain mood. In America, half the nation lies feet deep in snow after one of the worst snowstorms to strike in a lifetime. Imagine, playing ice-hockey on the streets of Dallas, Texas. Strange days indeed on Planet Earth. Two days into the Irish election campaign it appears that it is going to be fought on economic issues. I'm tuning in, the difference between all the favourites are practically non-existent, the hard left preach something more radical, but in a way that doesn't make the numbers add up in a way that's going to please our ECB and IMF overseers. There's a feeling of doom and gloom, Enda Kenny the only participant offering a little razz-mattaz, you know the type they whip up Stateside when it comes to choosing their own new leader. Fair play to, Enda. The debate on RTE last night concentrated on how we choose to shape our society, the lean I felt was toward Darwinian theory regarding a 'survival of the fittest' mentality, and a more equal footing in social terms a long way off yet. I guess, though more complicated than my simple summing up, a medium ground needs to be found for those who wish to pursue wealth with all their vigor and those lured more towards looking upon life as an experience where the measure of that experience can provide insight into how that approach may be more beneficial than the first. Capitalism has failed, we can all acknowledge that once outside the tier who play that ideal for their own benefit. Communism failed because of the suppression of freedoms and provided little for those who wish to pursue accumulating vast amounts of wealth and social stature for whatever reason. I think there would be a growing consensus among those living in society where the practice of democracy following a capitalist agenda may not be all it has been made out to be. Our simple vote may not carry the weight it should, when one must live within the constraints when various bubbles burst as things begin to peak at the top of the pyramid. Speaking of Pyramids, the proud civilization of Egypt continues on it's revolutionary path and appears despite the attempted blackout, they are succeeding in their attempts to make their ruler of 30 years, Hosni Mubarak, take a hike. It appears it is only a matter of time now, and there is a wide spread feeling that more revolution may extend to other Arab nations like Yemen and Sudan. They want that democracy that we take for granted, but what is great about it when it's downside is always at the expense of the masses in general. It's just a different type of regime, one created by false advertising and illusion. Last year I applied to study History & Politics, English and Philosophy. It wasn't to be and with doors being closed for now in attempts to start a business, I'm wondering if it's something i should put back on the agenda for this year. With a degree the
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chances of employment internationally are much better, and when one faces up to the sad fact that Ireland is closed for the time being it's something that needs more thinking over in the coming few weeks. I could send Booker's World to some English department heads and see could I not persuade them that way to give me a place instead of having to reply on a three minute interview like I did last year. A few people got in touch over the last few days. Thanks for your words of encouragement in what's been a horrible week. Other writers who have to do their own fighting in some ways. They say if you learn at every juncture then it's worth the experience. That has me miffed at the moment. I was told yesterday to continue on the way to publishing my book and building the website I have planned and maybe consider applying for the back to work scheme again then. My book is READY to go, but unless I'm missing something here, you can't make money when on social welfare. So, why the delay? I know, a broken record. Just need another plan. At least I have the election to keep me amused. I wonder what Hunter S. Thompson would be writing if he was here to cover this election. Wouldn't it be wild to be getting paid - with expenses - to write about the Irish political scene. Or not!

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THE STINK OF DOUBLE STANDARDS

FEBRUARY 4, 2011

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I think my will to keep going kicked back in this afternoon. I'm not sure where I can really go, but some good friends are offering some good advice. So, as since August 2009, I will call things as I see them, and every attempt I make to get myself into an employable position or the support needed to become self sustaining, I'll document honestly here if for no other reason than the fact you need to stand up for something in your life, and not behind those who think they can lead for my own personal gain. A few neutral watchers have decided to follow what happens from here on in as a kind of case study into systemic failures within our systems which stop genuine people outside the pitfalls of cronyism from getting ahead. It gives a renewed vigor when you know decent people have your back. Enda Kenny today refused to go on a three-way debate next Tuesday night, citing an incident on the Vincent Browne show last October arising from comments Vincent made when Enda faced down a leadership challenge from within his own ranks. I recall the night in question and Vincent's remarks, though misguided, basically said Enda might be as well going into a dark room with a bottle of whiskey and a gun. Given the beast that is politics and the corruption, deception and slivery that goes on in the hunt for power, I didn't take much notice of the comment and certainly did not take it in the context that Kenny is now offering as reason to coward his way out of the live debate. Vincent Browne wrote and apologized to Kenny at the time and made apologies to anyone who found the remark offensive. I've covered suicide on this blog before as one of the great social stains that needs addressing in this country. I found Bertie Ahern's remark to people who talked down the Celtic Tiger much more offensive than Vincent Browne's. I'm sure the subject of suicide and particularly its causes will come up again on this blog. Part of anything I do in a working capacity in the future will be closely aligned with addiction and suicide and there causes, but I'll expand on that again. I form my views based on personal experiences and the experiences of others. The reason i have a problem with Kenny using this as an excuse not to debate under the moderation of Vincent Browne is a simple one. It's a cop out and stinks of double standards. Why do I say that? First of all, so as not to back track on previous commentary, I have always said Enda Kenny should NEVER be the leader of this country. Nothing personal against the man, but he's not leadership quality and he may as well be the leader of Fianna Fail such are similarities between the two parties. I came across an article earlier today from 2002 where Kenny made a racist 'joke' at an event. Kenny earlier today said he stood in hundreds of houses around Ireland, of families impacted by suicide, yet, when it comes to the racism 'joke' the press at the time went silent and this incident was mostly buried. I doubt Kenny stood in that many houses, but for electoral gain, he'd say anything. Where was he last week when he said he'd ensure a smooth transition of the Finance Bill through the Dil, a bill that will do nothing but add to the tragic statistics of suicide in this country over the coming months?
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The question I have, is simple. Is a man who dodges relevant questions put to him by the electorate of this country, a man who dodges debate by saying he won't partake because of some personal comment which I am absolutely sure was not meant in any literal way, and a man who has in the past used racist words in a joking fashion, the right man to lead of this land? None of us are without a past, none without fault, but not all seek the privilege of leading this country. It's only a couple of days into the campaign but these are issues. If this election is fought purely on the economic situation we are in, we will achieve nothing and in no-time. All that is going to do is breed contempt and throw this country into further chaos in the months and years ahead. No decent person on this island wants that. Health insurance and interest rates on mortgages have gone up in the past week. More squeezing of the vulnerable in society. The divide between rich and poor in this country is astronomical. We are pawns in a game of economic chess, until we choose otherwise. Lets choose wisely. In my own opinion, lives may depend on it.

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LACKEY-ISM
FEBRUARY 6, 2011

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An election is always going to throw up issues, important ones that may pave the way for some debate, get people to side on an opinion that they have drawn from their own conclusion. When this particular election is over, I'm pretty sure I'll be leaving the politics of Ireland to others, because this country politically at the moment offers about as much chance for national solidarity on a proper and just way forward as the Faroe Islands being crowned the next football world champions. In an attempt to cover the election, I went further afield in the last few days where issues of the day are covered by the ordinary joe soap. What I found tells me anyone making the move out of here may be doing the right thing for themselves. I know I have a few things to tie up here in Ireland, but come the time when Enda Kenny sits down on the IMF throne he alludes to, I expect my CV to be winging its way through cyberspace in search of employment abroad. As I said on Friday, Enda Kenny will not feature in the Vincent Browne debate on Tuesday night. Kenny, in all the wisdom of those who spin for him, turned around yesterday and said he wanted the empty seat to be a symbol for the thousands forced to emigrate of late. How dare he use it as a symbol of emigration? His bloody economic policies were the same as the Failers in 2007. He stood by and let the Finance Bill sail through the house. What do people reckon that bill is going to reduce some people to? That seat on Tuesday night should be painted yellow. It not the party, it's the man himself and the people behind him, guiding him every step of the way. Where is there leadership in that?I brought up the subject of the racism 'joke' he relayed to party followers in 2002 on a board on Friday. I was shot down mostly. Some said, as it was years ago, it shouldn't be an issue. Other threatened legalities. What was that all about? Others said it was a quote from someone else, which Kenny relayed. wtf ? Others reckoned it wasn't an issue and that 'political correctness' had run amok. I'd have plenty of issue on the PC debate, but on an issue of racism? If people want to argue the point that our foreign nationals are in some way part cause of this problem Ireland has they can all they want, they won't argue with me. We've scattered millions upon millions of people through the centuries to the four corners of the globe, all in search of a better life they could not get at home. Why shouldn't we let others who want just the same come here. You'll always get some looking for the easy ride, it's human beings your dealing with. Politics is an easy ride these days, with its huge pay and expense accounts, inflated pensions and accountable to no-one. Then I had my agenda questioned, some citing my home town as reasons for my questioning of an esteemed political leader. They obviously don't read this blog much, as anyone saying I haven't called it as I see it, devoid of political persuasion I might add, must be reading off a dodgy braille board. My agenda is simple. Where do ordinary people fit in to the equation in all this? Why haven't people been held to account for what's happened? Why is Ireland's interests not being served properly? Why are corrupt bankers bailed out? Why are our natural resources not ours?

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I could go on for days really, but I certainly am not backing anyone in the hope I fit into their cosy little circle at some stage, a nice little number in the public service or a seat on some ill effective quango. Maybe a wink on a planning application or a medical card. There are other thing going against why any real chance of change in Ireland isn't possible in the short term. It's who you know not what you know. I've seen the reality of that cross many lives over the years. Maybe that's how the world works, but looking around at the world, it's in a pretty dismal place if we are to be honest. The practice of democracy is belittled with each passing year. 500 million 'Europeans' were denied a voice in the Lisbon Treaty. Democracy? Pull the other one! I know 2 things days into 'the debate.' Fianna Fil or Fine Gael won't be getting my vote. Fianna Fil because until they make a move totally away from the Haughey-Ahern-Cowen era they offer nothing to all of Ireland's people. Fine Gael is a simpler equation. As with the many who won't vote for them, the reason being the man at the helm. So not much chance of a cushy number anytime soon then! But when excuses, like the ones offered above for Kenny's lack of foresight on occasions, maybe there are broader issues to take into account also. Once the practice of lackey leadership is what an electorate aspire to, the electorate must take take partial responsibility. Until we find a way to change that and abolish lackey-ism as an honourable way to get ahead in life, then Ireland will never realize the vision of those who wrote up the greatest parts of our constitution, the articles we pass over so crony capitalism can continue to fail Ireland's people. If Darwin's 'Survival of the Fittest' theory is something political entities use to mould their agenda's, then I believe they are reading it wrong, because I do firmly believe that the greater will of many, will always outlast the forced will of a few. There is a record there from history to prove it. Image Source

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SHORELINES
FEBRUARY 7, 2011

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I had the craziest dream last night. Over Skype I was offered an interview somewhere in Canada, and they wanted me to fly over. Over I went, I don't know how I got there, arriving bearded to a small lakeside community almost suffocated with forestry. Drab enough sky and the rain, warm, fell steady. I was offered a job as a writing hack with this tremendous view, and although pay was never mentioned, it was there I found myself. It didn't work out as expected, as after only a day, the lady who gave me the job now wanted me to go back to Ireland and make cheap twenty grand documentaries to be made available across the net with a newly devised creative common agreement attached. So, back I went, a chump to renegade guerrilla filmmaking. I must have been doing something right, because just before I woke up, I was being blinded by this red dot that shone nervously in one of my eyes probably searching for my temple. Wouldn't it be great if we could capture our dreams, plug something into the back of the head and into a Mac, and just play around with the footage all day before trying to join the dots in a way people could get entertained. Cross genre/areas of interest/studies of life and any other way you can think. Image Source The leaders debate took place between Eamon and Michel tonight with Vincent 'the ledge' Browne hosting. It was an admirable debate all things considered, I personally felt Michel took it narrowly on points. Unfortunately it will make little difference in the short term for his party. Even a well staged handing over of his ministerial severance payout (88k) to a charity would just be seen as a cynical move now. A chance to prove that this was not about money gone to the four winds, the Fianna Fil alliance with money and greed still going strong.

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I had great hopes for Gilmore six months ago. Hopes a good thing in times of austerity. Sadly, I realized that once a party sits back and allows a Finance Bill with such social consequence attached to sail through into law, without any proper debate, it will be only out of desperation I'd give their candidates a No 1. His 'union' with Fine Gael is also off putting. A left-right alliance. How does that work? Still, both men will feel proud to have took part. They sounded good to those who don't follow politics or indeed don't know the half of what is going on. And they debated, not much hope in the words, but debated all the same. The biggest loser of the night was Enda Kenny who wouldn't debate for any number of reasons but the real one. He bottled it. No cahona's! Ireland, the land where anyone can be taoiseach. I'm sure Vincent Browne will catch up with him at some stage. I heard Kenny on the radio earlier today. He sounded doddery. I wonder will he come down with some mystery virus come the five way debate and the other three-way debate. Sitting pretty in the polls, if I was spinning for him, that's what I would have on his agenda. Kenny, touring the land, voiceless from infection, but stirring the people with air punching gestures and peace signs. Maybe even grow a Ronny. He'd probably sail in without the need for Labour such is the bloody thirst for change. But what change... I finished my course with the Bolton Trust today. During conversations where I told people of my denial last week of the back-towork enterprise allowance, there were mouths open and heads a shaking. You could not explain the dynamics of it to a child and expect anything else but a sense of disbelief from them. Disbelief to go along with the growing disillusionment and a slight fear of where Ireland is headed if we continue with the charade we are now being subjected to. I should go lightly into the night and be an obedient citizen, but if I didn't feel so strongly about certain issues in this country, I'd probably turn to Daytime TV for comfort, and be done with the effort. I sent my third appeal e mail to 'The Department' today. None have been answered. All there dated, on record for one of my future books, The Soulless Diaries. Who know's, Enda Kenny might read it some day sitting in his yellow favourite chair when he enjoys his retirement at the expense of the taxpayer. "Feck you, Booker," he'll say, sipping a Pina Coloda in his conservatory gazing out on to the broad Atlantic foam. Absurdity... what a great area of study. But then again, maybe my writing is not what they want out in the public domain. But I'll get Booker's World out there, one way or another. In many ways it plays into my hands even more. I was touting Vincent as a legend a year and a half ago. Wait until his poster is on the walls of teenagers of this country. I didn't expect Booker's World to become a running series. Environment shaping at its best.

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THE CENSOR
FEBRUARY 10, 2011

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Censorship is suppression of speech or other communication which may be considered objectionable, harmful, sensitive, or inconvenient to the general body of people as determined by a government, media outlet, or other controlling body. - Wikipedia Trying to keep up efforts which now almost have an air of pissing against the wind about them, takes up way to much time. Learning as you go, few to rely on, the country melting around us as the power wannabes go on their whistle stop tour through the towns and villages of the land seeking the most attractive job in town at the moment. You'd miss the comforts of the Celtic Tiger, the few extra bob in the pocket. No need to be pursuing other interests apart from living it up, and resting the weary body that goes along with working in the area of construction I did. I don't miss the conditions, be they authoritative figures with power gone to their heads, or the rain that seemed to fall for much of the year. But I do miss the craic with some of the characters I met over the years. There was always craic to be had even when we walked around with a permanent flu. When you have time on your hands and you know the country is fecked, one tends to question everything that's going on around me. Gives me a chance to find out things about the system you trust not to screw you, but which always do. The turnout in the coming election will tell us more about the level of apathy in the country. We don't get the media going out doing exposes on most things in Ireland so nobody really knows what everyone else is thinking. You can only gauge from those around us, or by those we converse with online at times. I'll be resigning my angry political views and exploring a more satirical approach in the weeks ahead, once GE11 is over. Give myself an outlet for a little fun, highlight the wrongs which may in the end make people finally realize once and for all that the majority of people elected to represent us are not up to the task. I don't know if it's delusion with some of them or the lack of brains in others, but it's a sorry state of affairs. It's an interesting time with thousands leaving every week. The way the young are treated in Ireland it feels like its forced on them. For those that leave behind children have a tougher break from the reality here. A nation that was founded on the strength of the family. Broken by our leaders many times now. To much for it to be 'just one of those things' I suspect. It's near the top of my 'to-do' list, not because i want it that way, but because there does not seem to be much of a choice. Ireland's leaders in the past have rarely thought about the majority of their people, just those punching for the party, looking for their easy ride. Probably the biggest single reason we find ourselves where we are in the second month of 2011. Anglo chairman, Alan Dukes has said another 15 billion will be needed to bolster Anglo further. Bolstering zombie's. You wouldn't dream it up. Still nothing regarding the criminal investigation into the goings-on. They must be building a rock solid case.

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But the history is there to be read by all. In these cases it's about 'what you know,' mostly about others, that will get you off the hook. There have been many breaches of justice in Ireland over the years. Judges, Politicians, Solicitors and even Garda. That tells me no one is going to be held to account for what has happened. When it does we might change Ireland for the better. The journey of this country and how it gets there has yet to be written. Given our past, it could be a tough story to write. And as some write about life, others leave. In recent weeks, five-time Oscar-winning composer John Barry, who wrote music for many of the James Bond films passed away. He also wrote music for such classics as Midnight Cowboy, Dances With Wolves and Out of Africa. Married four-times, one would wonder where he got the time. Former Thin Lizzy guitarist and one of our own, Gary Moore also died last weekend. 58. Makes you think, wouldn't it? Unlike the politicians in this land these two gentlemen deserve their 'Booker Endorsement.' A reminder to us all that at the very least we are still breathing, and perhaps bring us back to a place where we can recognize all that is good in our lives, the good folk that are around us, people we should be grateful for. It's easy to take the small things for granted when you try to worm your way out of a mess you had no hand in making, but when you realize just how quick 'the ride' actually is, making each day count for something is important. No matter how small.

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THE GREAT WAFFLE DEBATE

FEBRUARY 14, 2011

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The debate on the Frontline tonight offered very little to the electorate who won't be using their vote in anger, but in terms of who is offering some real change. Isn't Ireland in an awful way when all that is on offer stood before us and delivered to us the painful truth that there is no easy way out of our national predicament. With the exception of Gerry Adams none really spoke for the people, preferring to concentrate on the economy. Our economy is in deep trouble outside the export sector and will remain so because no austerity budgetary measures have ever turned around any economy in an upward direction in the history of Capitalism. The scheme has nearly peaked now, surely the world is nearly out of zero's to pull from the sky at this stage. Gerry and Michel shot each other down when the subject of fraud came about. Adams on the side of white collar crime, Michael refusing to let go of the past. Yet, a whole nation could so we could have peace. None of the main parties will talk much on the issues of accountability in the white collar arena and that is also a disturbing thing about modern day Ireland and her hopes for the future. Because if we are preaching failure without accountability is the way to go, we are going to tangle ourselves into knots there may be no getting out of. Where's the thinking 'outside the box?' We've been robbed of everything. Sovereignty, children to emigration, unmanageable debt, natural resources etc etc etc. I could go on all night. When you've lost that much the only change that will ever reverse everything is a radical one. More of the same just aren't going to cut it this time. Yet, it's all we are offered. Who won the debate? In my view Enda Kenny did, because his spin have nailed the strategy to date. If only the man had a bit of believability about him when everything is laid on the table. What we get now is political waffle designed for one thing and one thing only. Power. Yet what power - with foreign bodies now controlling how we 'do business.' Michel Martin looks like he will hold his party at about 15%. Eamon Gilmore looks like he's tired and running out of steam. He's saying some good stuff but for some reason it's not being bought. The tit-for-tat with Fine Gael is also not helping their cause. John Gormley and the Greens could offer something, but they don't because they stayed in bed with Fianna Fil through thick and thin and won't rule out going to bed with someone else should political fate fall in their favour again. I've lost respect for them. Sinn Fein do offer an alternative. Adams is a seasoned politician but not within this state. But behind the party lies a new future, younger, more able people, people who can build on the foundation that Adams can lay down here in 2011. The climate is not going to change. The conditions are there to exploit the need for a more equal society and continue to outline the real alternative this country needs. A socially driven strategy, as opposed to the bankers approach of slavery by debt until death. It's failed us all. Anyone not seeing that may need a trip to Specsavers.

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Social doesn't have to mean being poor. Most people would swap cash for a quality of life. You want to reduce debt. Take cash out of some the equation. They might even change the world while they're at it. I'm looking for a new approach to how Ireland evolves. There is only a few candidates I can vote for offering that. I have to take the present state of play into account when it comes to the parties, what they've supported and how they have conducted themselves. That just leaves Labour and Sinn Fin candidates. If I was Gerry Adams and Eamon Gilmore, I'd pull a stroke this week, get together and put a significant alternative to the country and leave it to the people. It may be a bit late in the day, but it would set the foundation for a real change when the time comes again to decide what it is we want and how we go about getting it. It should be a very exciting time in Ireland, why does it feel like it's not? I went to Holland in 1991 to work for a company. They couldn't find any of their own to do the work. Hey, I'm Irish, I'll do anything and at 18, well, adventure was definitely on the cards. After some of the days i have spent on Irish construction sites the conditions were not that bad. Within 5 months I had made my way off the factory floor to a room which contained a control panel and a coffee machine and it was there I sat for another 7 months until the call from home became to loud. In hindsight it was a big mistake. I even thought that during The Tiger. I was still paying my taxes to Ireland as I was sent there from a sister company in my hometown. I was paying emergency tax and it became a bit of a drag. My parents spoke to our local TD who sorted the issue out in a very effective way within days. Worth the mind of a young voter? I'd say so. Ireland is leaking 1000 citizens a week to foreign countries. You'd think the government would have a department to capitalize on this travesty. I mean, it is what they do best. Taxes could still come into this country and who knows, maybe even a little commission fee depending on the deployment. Surely it's a growth business. Image Source
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Imagine if countries could talk Canada : Do you know what the Irish are at? Argentina : No. Canada : Paying to educate people, so we can profit from them. Argentina : Go way. Canada : True as God. Argentina : Those Irish. Never can figure them out. Great bars though. Canada : And artists. Argentina : True. True. Taken from the absurd play collection of Larry Mulligan. (deceased) Image Source

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TALKIN SPUDZ!
FEBRUARY 16, 2011

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The election campaign continues to lumber on. I haven't been following it much. Why bother? Chopper has more power in Ireland than Enda ever will. Fine Gael are going all out for an overall majority, and Labour are lagging because of it. Fine Gael could form the next government with a few obedient Independents. Even the Greens are putting their hands up to be involved. I'm sorry lads, but your main guard need to go into the wilderness for being the prop of the government you's remained part. Drivers of austerity, it goes against the grain and the principal. With a bit of luck they will reform under a 'New' banner post election with a more moral focus. Fianna Fil are now polling at 12%, an historical low and a worrying aspect even after a shift in leadership. Sinn Fein remain solid at 10%. People are calling for stable government, but in my view a government on its toes is more likely to perform. I think we may be another five years away from any significant change in Ireland. 2016 - 100 years on, starting again. There's no doubt about it, the political system in Ireland has been the nations downfall. The very system put there to serve and protect the populous, but one that really only serves the ones paying party subscriptions. Funny how Labour could secure the 1 million election pot as a loan from a bank. I thought they weren't lending? There are movements for change happening in Ireland. How united they can be in their approach will define them eventually. In my view, TD's need to be answerable to their electorate even if it's only an hour a day, and it has to be done publicly by ways of a forum. When there's a vote to be had, they address their electorate, the electorate make the decision, the TD carries those wishes out. Some would say that would lead to a chaotic system of democracy. Well take a look around folks! It can't get much worse, but being the realist I sometimes become, it can, and it will.

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HUMANOCRACY
FEBRUARY 19, 2011

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If the polls are to be believed, then Enda Kenny will become taoiseach within the next seven days. What should have been the most significant election in modern day Ireland, has turned into insignificance. Why? Because there is no resounding change being offered by those in a position to govern. The people may voice their anger and cast the Failers to the political dogs, but their successors offer nothing but further austerity measures, cuts and a right-wing agenda closely married to the Banks. Change, it seems, remain just the delusion of dreamers. Tyrants, Murders, Dictators, call them what you want, are being subjected to mass protest across the Middle East and North Africa. With the fall of regimes in Tunisia and also in Egypt within the past month, protests continue to spread. In Bahrain and Libya government troops turned on their unarmed civilian population with bullets and tear gas leaving many wounded and dead in the two countries. Gadaffi, a known supporter of terrorism, has ruled Libya with an iron fist for 40 years, suppressing his people's freedoms and basic human rights. His troops killed 87 people yesterday. The number is not as high in Bahrain, but isn't one to many? The region remains on the cusp of something historical, with ordinary people now willing to put their lives on the line, so maybe they and their children may enjoy a life free from suppression. Yemen and Iran remain volatile. The Kurds in Northern Iraq are rising and adding to the chaos of that country ever since the US went in and waged an illegal war that has claimed over 100,000 civilian lives to date. If, and it's a big if, protests have the same outcome as those that ousted dictatorships in Tunisia and Egypt, then perhaps the days of totalitarian and authoritarian rule may be on the cusp of extinction. With the fall of regimes comes the problems of forming a democratic society and furthermore, a democratic society that practices democracy in its purest and truest form for the good of all its citizens. We here in the so called first world have watched as the power of democracy is stripped away from us layer by layer. The implementation of the Lisbon Treaty against the wishes of some 500 million people is living proof of that. Here in Ireland we have just been governed into a pit that has cost us our economic sovereignty and all against the will of the people. Outside forces like the IMF now tell us what to do. The elected officials for the most part stand by and let it happen. Which beggars the question, why have an election at all when its merely a puppet position, and even if it wasn't, it would not matter. Governments go their own way, and here in the Western World its all designed around benefiting a few. Anyone telling you any different is a liar. Behind governments are a global elite mainly made up of powerful banks who basically can do as they please, with no accountability if they fail, and bailouts available to keep them going on their way of fleecing citizens with government backing any way they choose.

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Take a look at Barclays Bank. Yesterday it was revealed they made a profit of over 6 billion. They paid 1% tax on that. And no, that's not a typo. Does anyone else see something wrong with that? Where does the planet and human involvement in it go from here? More extreme views will point to organized religion for answers, some citing end-of-days scenario's. Religion has been the single most cause of bloodshed in the history of mankind. Religion has its place, but anyone using it to wage war doesn't deserve a place in any civilization. 2012 is a year that has had much written about it. Some suggest an end for us all, while others cite it as a time when we enter a new state of consciousness which may have a lasting positive effect on humanity. Whatever happens the Planet and its people in the long run is any one's guess. The one thing I do know is there is far more decency in ordinary human beings than those who chose to lead us, be it under the flag of democracy or the iron fists of sociopaths. Capitalism and perhaps the 'illusion' of democracy will have to fall at some stage in our evolution, if Planet Earth is to sustain itself in the interim before the Sun swallows us whole. No mistake or argument can be made against it, except of course by those who benefit most from it. The planets in a mess. The climate is chaotic. The structures of governance are in chaos. An era of austerity in a world of plenty? Children starving in dust bowls. Women and children blown to bits as they sleep in their beds, just trying to survive. We may indeed have a brave new world someday long into our future. But how we get there, well, I for one don't want to put to much thought into that. Not today anyway.

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AU REVFECKINOIR
FEBRUARY 20, 2011

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A new week and a new political dawn beckon. By the end of next week we should have an idea who is going to form the next government, and who the electorate deem worthy to sit as elected representatives in the 31st sitting of Dil Eireann. By the end of next week I should have the printed copies of Booker's World all going to plan with the printer. I don't know why I'm not excited about either. Maybe it's the fact I've seen little over the course of the election campaign that says to me we are about to enter a new era in our history. I now know the parties I'll vote for and candidates that will get a preference now. I think the incoming TD's will be the most closely watched in the history of the state. Not so much by the mainstream media, but by small little movements across the land. Websites like story.ie and contact.ie. They are well capable of delivering. I started this mainly as a writing blog, but its taken a political course over the past 6 months. It's eaten up time, and just like the efforts i put in pre-Lisbon 2, i doubt any highlighting or opinion I have will make much difference. All I know is that those who can vote in this election should. Change the way you vote. Don't be bought with promises. Think about what it is you want for the country, find the candidate who stand for that in some way, kick party allegiances and family political histories to the sidelines, and hope that the candidate you vote for gets in and honours what they stand for. If they don't, remove them next time. No point wasting life's time any longer on the issues in this form. Watching the country sink over the course of the past two and a half years has been a soul destroying experience. Not a good thing. Time to change direction. Get back to things that get life moving again. Bring back a little fun. The only experience that comes with a political commentary in this country is a bad one. It changes nothing. Au Revfeckin'oir!!! Image Source

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JASE
FEBRUARY 22, 2011

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I remember a general election in the UK some time back when the night before the election everyone predicted the Labour Party under the stewardship of Neil Kinnock would sweep to power. On the morning of the election The Sun newspaper took a conservative stance, and in a blast at Kinnock and his party, the British electorate were swayed and the Conservatives found themselves back in power. Of course I'm not suggesting that the same will happen here. I think it's fair to say that Fianna Fil are on course for a whipping. A total wipeout only halted because they were forced from government a year and a half early. The campaign has been a total disappointment. The mainstream media seem happy enough to let it play out with challenging anything that may sway opinion or heaven forbid, open a line of thought that may make people actually think for themselves. I have been doing up the numbers to see if there is an alternative, but unless an alliance can be formed which would have to include Fianna Fil in a government that would give new meaning to the word 'rainbow' it's hard to see anybody but Fine Gael leading the next government. There has been bad blood between them and Labour over the course of the election and that may not bode well should they form together. Barring a dramatic sway of opinion this week or the undecideds all going left, Kenny will be taoiseach. I don't know why I think there's still a surprise or two left before we know who will govern. It's probably based on hope more than anything else. I just don't want the man as taoiseach. Never have and never will. He's not the leader we need facing into what we have to. Then again Michael Martin or Eamon Gilmore wouldn't be able to fill those shoes either. They've laid out their manifesto's and nothing within their contents adds up to more than generic political spiel. If we thought the past three years were tough, wait for the next three. Will Ireland wake up after that? History tells us 'no.' But generations get older and one would hope wiser, so I guess in the spirit of optimism, let's hope so. I've spent the past two weeks putting the finishing touches to my business plan for what it is I'd like to do work wise in the future. I've had a long time to think about it. Fine Gael have plans to force people onto training courses or risk losing their dole payments. OK, it may be a start but it all depends on the training people will be told to do. Part of my own plan is geared towards social entrepreneurship, which I think will be a growing career choice for people in the years ahead. I do any visual work I do under the name JaSE, a combination of initials of kids of those involved in it with me. But it also has another meaning which is Just and Social Equality. That forms the basis of where I see my work life playing out should anybody be willing to listen to me. I'm really tired of reading about addiction being on the rise and suicide statistics reaching epidemic proportions. I've always felt there is a gap that needs filling for people who decide to address their problems and moving forward into a life that fills the gaps left by addiction or helps with the battle with depression.
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There's enough material out there to gauge that art forms do offer a positive cognitive outlet for people dealing with either of those areas in life. And it's there where I see my own little branch of the smart economy. It's early days, but it may be worth pursuing and developing. Part of me dreads a negative response from the powers that be, as that would forever cement in me the feeling that these are areas of life that will always be at the bottom of agendas. Isn't it sad that in this day and age economics is more important that people. So taking another look at it, i had to bring an economic angle in just to give the plan a fighting chance. I'm sure I'll let you know how I get on. No point holding back at this stage. You can't address a problem unless you know it's there. You don't know it's there unless you know about it. The only way to know about it is to make people aware of it. Finding ways to that... Challenging times ahead. Challenges worth pursuing? Only time will tell...

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THE GREAT BIG BLUFF

FEBRUARY 22, 2011

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The trouble with the leaders debate tonight is it included only three leaders. In a democracy, where other entities are not given equal scope in front of the national broadcasters camera's be they Green, Sinn Fin, leaders from the United Left or Independent candidates in the hunt for a seat for in the national interest, the exclusion is grossly unfair. If we, the electorate, are not given access to what the other leaders stand for and how they react to difficult questioning against those RTE deem worthy of the country's top job, then how can the judgement calls people make on Friday be fully informed and fair. It's part of a wider issue, best left for another day. Who won it? From a debating point of view Martin won that one. Enda got one up on Eamon by taking Booker's silver medal on the evening. Enda appeared well schooled and a tad more confident and deflected a lot of time making Michael Martin look bad based on his record as a cabinet member over the past 14 years. He highlighted at every opportunity Mr. Martin's shortcomings in his various briefs and at times Eamon weighed too. I think I even spotted Enda and Eamon looking to each other for approval on a few occasions. What difference did it make? None. Meanderings of little or no promise. 'You'll be no tanaiste of mine,' Enda says silently in his head. 'Smug hoor.' Gilmore retorts, also in his head. 'Answer the question, Enda?' Michel says loudly. Silence. Michel Martin is trying to save his party. I think he will. For now. Where Ireland goes in the next few years will determine the political landscape of this country post the 2016 celebrations. I think many are being duped at the moment, blinded by anger and perhaps the shock of what has happened here over the past 4 months. But of course this goes back to the days before Lisbon 2, from that moment on, its been meltdown. The EU and the IMF now suck the marrow from our countries bones in the form of penal interest rates, crippling us with austerity measures and throwing segments of society into further chaos. It paves the way for a fire-sale of state assets on the cheap to people who just will never have enough. We've already handed over our gas and oil fields and you can only imagine the banter in the EU and the UN in the years to come at our expense. The ribbing may be merciless. Not only are we sending our educated people to the four corners for other countries to benefit from them, but the pillage goes deeper than that.

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The bigger picture is to obvious to ignore any longer. But unfortunately it will be. People are just not informed enough and the people informing them are not up to a competent job. Be that through sections of our educational system, (literacy stats are a national disgrace and a scandal) and certain media outlets don't help matters either. It's time RTE was split up into regions, with regional people charged with concentrating on regional issues, and regions benefiting from revenues generated. Again it will take time, but it must be part of a new Ireland whenever we set the ball rolling properly about how we are going to get to there. Just a day or two left now. I intend to worm in and out at dawn on Friday at the polling station. Two preferences will be given based on candidates, not parties. After that, you're guess is as good as mine. But I'm not seeing significant changes in the next five years in my imaginary crystal ball. None that's going to restore our national pride anyway. Not anytime soon.

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CAMPAIGN REFLECTIONS
FEBRUARY 24, 2011

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Tomorrow we, as a nation, go to the polls to elect who we think should govern us over the next five years. Given the horrors we face over the next number of years, it should be an event where the people of this land cast their votes, not in anger, but based on who is best equipped to lead us forward in a way that lessens the suffering of the unemployed and the workers, who have been made pay for the mistakes of the abomination which has left this tiny island of ours drowning in a sea of debt and run by outsiders. This election campaign has resigned my own thoughts away from the hope that this election should have brought. It seems to me that the right wing agenda aspired to by mainstream media outlets and some broadcasters was the agenda being pushed along by them. Unfair as it may seem, people still had the chance to gauge for themselves who is best equipped to lead us and in what direction, but sadly I don't think many have. As with the Lisbon 2 re-run, the people of Ireland have been scare mongered into thinking that Europe is what is best for our land, and all we need do now is elect the puppet who will have his strings pulled by them, and also by forces from New York City, the IMF. I'd leave in the morning if an opportunity presented itself to me. Hard and all as it would be, the thoughts of facing into the future here are dismal and depressing ones. There will be no corner turned I can safely say and we will only be changing one bogeyman for another. That's the simple fact. Any unemployed person giving Fine Gael a vote tomorrow really needs to get themselves checked out. Cuts to benefits, forced training and a reduction in the rent supplement are all on the cards. They claim they can reduce the social welfare bill by 1 billion by cracking down on fraud, yet the greatest fraud in this countries history goes on with no-one held accountable. Fianna Fil enter this election with one thing on their minds. Survival. Only the hardcore should be voting for them tomorrow. My view is that they need to be decimated. The old guard must go. If the party is to have a future it must come from the ranks of the younger, but it's hard to name an individual. If karma has anything to do with it then they should get what they deserve over the weekend. Fine Gael offer nothing but the same right wing agenda which has seen us get to where we are. No difference. Their policies do nothing but aid the wealthy in our society at the expense of the lower classes. Vote for them and people can have no excuses. They are the weaker brother of Fianna Fil. Always have been. A vote for Fine Gael on current policy is one of the biggest mistakes any Irish person who is sticking around will make in their life times. Labour. I had such hopes six months back for them. Sadly, I came to realization they are a left-wing party who'd sooner align themselves to the right wingers than offer a real alternative. If all anyone ever wants to do is be a prop for someone else, then a prop is all you are likely to ever be. They lost me when they sat back and did not obstruct the passage of the Finance Bill. That was unforgivable. For what? The chance of a state car? A missed opportunity for the party.

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Sinn Fein. With the past thrown in their faces at every juncture they find it hard to break through time and time again. However they have a chance to lay the foundations for the party on into the future. If they give a good account of themselves in opposition, then perhaps the political landscape can change in the time to come. They have strong candidates and young blood not afraid to speak out against the fraud perpetrated against the ordinary man and woman of this country for the generation to come. That has to be admired. Not many did it. They deserve to do well for offering an alternative. The Greens. What a great party worldwide they are. But alas, power here sent them a different way. I wouldn't like to see them wiped totally, maybe a few new faces should be given a chance. But their leadership must go for what they allowed happen to the country. I hope Dan Boyle gets elected. For a politician to engage with the electorate like he does he deserves another run. That's the future model politics should aspire to. Connection and transparency and involvement. I hope they survive and rebuild. They were led down an ill-advised path and now they may pay the ultimate price. United Left. Do a lot of good talking, but i get the feeling with the exception of Joe Higgins they are out of their depth. They should pick up a number of seats, but they really need to sit down and work on their policies. They are a little too radical for me, who knows they may be right, but I think they would do more damage than good this time around. Independents. What can you do but look at what each offer. But an independent, unless holding a government to ransom has little clout. That's the unfortunate scenario. They could well hold the balance of power, but with no room for negotiating games, they will probably lose out to Gilmore, who desperately wants to be in office. It's hard to look forward when the past has been left the way it is. Some say Ireland has a two-tiered society. Well it may soon be a four or five tier society. A country united by land but divided by people. For so long. Come next week the game begins again. Ireland, i fear, will never turn this corner. Not until the past has been addressed. Failure at the top tier and you are fine. Well looked after. Failure at the bottom and you may very well be doomed and hounded for every last thing you got. That's the Ireland we live in. Ireland is in for a dreadful time, regardless of what happens over the weekend. A little bit of hope would not go astray, but its not there and it is hard to see where it may come from. Without hope people have no where to turn, but inwards upon themselves. That will be the tragedy that will unfold over the coming years in front of our eyes. The worst it seems, has still yet to come.

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Padraig Pearce once said anyone emigrating from this land was a coward. I wonder if the great man would feel the same way about it today. I certainly don't see leaving this land at this time as an act of cowardice. I see it as an act of well-informed foresight. It's a pity those who stay, for what ever reason, are not blessed with the same. If we were, we'd be standing on the periphery of something great. But barring a miracle, the only great thing from this election is Brian Clown won't be returning. Small mercies, hey!

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POWER TO THE PEOPLE

FEBRUARY 26, 2011

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Ireland spoke yesterday and in a strong way. Today that speak is being counted and Ireland, in the days ahead, enters a new era in its politic. With two thirds of the seats still to be filled, the one thing that is absolutely clear is Fianna Fil have been decimated - and rightly so. The Greens have been wiped off the national political map. Things will not become clear until tomorrow, but at the time of writing Enda Kenny will be lead a Fine Gael led government, the most likely partner being Labour who are making significant gains. The 'Daddy of the Dil,' who's leadership qualities have been questioned time and time again, will now head the charge toward saving our country. Let's give the man his moment. The day will forever go down as the day Fianna Fil finally came a cropper. Decades of corruption and cronyism came tumbling down in spectacular fashion, and the party will be lucky to hold on to twenty seats. The Irish should be proud to have seen through them and relegated them to the political wilderness. It's a form of accountability that sadly has been been lacking since the banking debacle broke. Let's hope it makes a statement to the new government from an ordinary persons point of view and the accountability doesn't stop there. All serving government ministers who had the bottle to run, with the exception of Minister for Austerity, Brian Lenihan, lost their seats in the bloodbath. At least they stood, and took their medicine like good men and women. Our former taoiseach, among others, didn't have the bottle. It's difficult to see where they go from here, and for today I do not care. Maybe surviving members would be better to leave the party now and reform offering something different. Family dynasties also took a hammering today, and that was good for Ireland also. Sinn Fein look like they will have seats in the new Dil in the double figures. Independents like Shane Ross sailed through in count 1 with record first preference votes. Developer Mick Wallace who owes the banks some 40million, also topped the poll as an Independent. The Dil could do worse than Mick. Every country needs her mavericks and I guess Mick won't mind me saying that. The counting continues, it will be a long night, but not for me. It's Saturday night and it's been a historic day. Power to the people.

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DANGEROUS LIAISONS
FEBRUARY 28, 2011

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With just a few seats still to be filled in the 31st Dil, the negotiations begin in earnest today to form the next government. The smart money, if the talk is anything to go by, is on a Fine Gael and Labour alliance. The two biggest parties now in the country. I'd suspect a deal with be hammered out quickly and they will set about the serious business of governance with the possibility of political ruin at the end of the tenure should it go dramatically wrong. That's the new political scene in Ireland now. Screw it up and the electorate will make you pay. Ask Fianna Fil. The cost of paying off politicians who failed to win the minds of the electorate this time around stands at a whopping 60 million. Not only is that immoral in the present environment, but set against the social degradation the austerity measures they subjected the lower and middle class people of Ireland to, it is also deeply shameful. These people should be booed every time they show there faces in public again for the shame they have brought to this country. A scene reminiscent of the closing scene of Dangerous Liaisons is what spring to mind. It's not very graceful to find oneself joyed at the downfall of people and the death of their careers, but I am. I'm in my third year of unemployment thanks to them shysters and despite every avenue I have explored to address that, the systems they implemented could not give a toss. Why should I now care what happens to them? There pensions give new meaning to sponging off the state. I'm not going to mask over the fact that things are very much likely to grow worse before they get remotely better. Barring a job offer from abroad in the short term it's here I'll be. I personally dread the thought of a Fine Gael government because, they have very much a similar principal as the party we have now virtually destroyed. But my confidence in Irish folk has been reaffirmed over the weekend, and with the growth of left leaning parties and representation in opposition, a strong voice will be heard in Dil Eireann should any shysterism be practiced under the noses of the Irish people. It feels like we have a fighting chance. I'm buoyed by the shift I have seen in recent days. Feels like there are people now representing the interests of the ordinary people. Highlighting injustices on a blog has taken up quite a bit of time over the last few years and I think that time may now be put to better use in another environment. A more out there - on the ground approach. It might make more of a difference than writing waffle in the long run.

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This ebook series is a comment on issues in Ireland and abroad. It is covered in real-time against the backdrop of what is really happening in Ireland at this time. The series cover events as they happen through the eyes of the ctional Don Booker, an unemployed recluse as he attempts to write himself through his personal woes and an Ireland in decline. The novel, Booker's World is separate from this series of ebooks, though both worlds do cross at certain juncture as the months go by. An ebook version of the novel is now available. All ebooks in this series may be used for reference and may be distributed freely once adhering to Creative Commons License and crediting the author.
With cuts to depression & addiction services being implemented in Ireland, please consider these when making a charitable donation in the future.

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Also in this series

5 Days in September Deathly Quotes November Nightmares Absurdities Purjurious Times Forgetful Directions Chill Dark The Loaded Taoiseach Independence International Mutha-F*ckrz The Cost of Living Last Daze

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Also by Noel Farrell

Novel Bookers World

Sonny Strange

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Contact :jasepub@gmail.com
Noel Farrell 2012

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