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Second Sight
The more focused, more critical, more discerning, more sceptical, more wary, more informed, more judgemental, more inquisitive, more reticent, more relentless, more cliqueish, more intransient, more quizical, more selfish, more righteous, more predjudice, more holier than thou, I seem to become.
Less insightful, less caring, less loving, less giving, less lenient, less understanding, less benevolent, less moved, less motivated, less balanced, less tolerant, less charitable, less humane, less human, I feel.
Is what my years have brought me wrapped in the cynism of decades, a lifetime of being a person of and result of our times.
Not given to religion as a child outside of the annual excitement of the advent of Christmas which always conjured feelings of a peculiar happiness derived from something external yet comforting, indeed goodwill to all men. It was a time of genuine happiness both personal and collective. A wondrous time eminating from the birth of Jesus Christ.
And for me and all the members of our family that was it, but nevertheless in that annual festive season the Christian message laid bare for all comers. And of course, must not forget the Christmas gifts wrapped in Christmas paper and brightly coloured ribbon.
Gifts, actually toys a very important part of the whole festivity to a nine year old boy. The same importance for my mother for an entirely different reason, that of the stress and worry of getting the money together for all the presents for all the children, to make Christmas what Christmas was and should be a time of festive joy.
I was born in 1954 and in 1963 I was 9 and the world was on the verge of a tidal, if not a tsunami, yes tsunami seismic social shift. In it's wake it left Victorian values, etiquette, manners and structure foundering on the concrete pavements and ancient yet commonplace oil fired street lamps dimming for the last time as a new dawn, a new era arose.
For me and so many other children the free for all that was the sixties and the vanguard of a brave new world was a 'Swiss family Robinson, Alladin, Sinbad, Arabian Knights, Mary Poppins unfolding before our very eyes. All the events recollectable chronologically by the upsurge of pop groups whose songs hit the airwaves like a squadron of Spitfires and Hurricanes carrying a nations hopes, inspiration, happiness and embrace of things to come.
And for the English the pinnacle of sporting achievement when England beat Germany in the 1966 World Cup Final with a resounding show of skill, teamwork and tenacity to overcome the old foe.
Celebrations the like of which had not been seen since the coronation of Queen Elizabeth, and once again when they brought our boys back from the Falklands, dead, dying and survivors. Battered but unbowed triumphant once again in the defence of Queen and Country rallying to the cries from a distant British Outpost once again at the limits of a now depleted empire, once again to fight for the right of freedom and self determination in 1982.
So the sixties we're a time when the future was given over to the 'Children of the Revolution'. The very one Marc Bolan and T. Rex sang about.
The 60's embraced the 70's and so much social upheaval reflecting barriers being removed, die-hard entrenched attitudes we're being remoulded by the youth, not establishment, not by Whitehall Suits, or Whitehouse Cowboys, not to mention those of other political persuasions.
To each decade, although maybe not on the cusp, the world and life was changing from which started as voluminous groundswell hungry for change to an ever more streamlined cutting edge reach for the sky momentum.
These cataclysmic changes were set so aptly and succinctly by the corresponding attitudes of people worldwide, their desires. their ambition, their demands, their resistance, their focus and drive.
During these turbulent times, the Vietnam war came and went as did it's soldiers, veterans and attitudes. Woodstock was a musical phenomena that would set the trend for music venue for touring rock bands for decades to come.
The plethora of pop groups catering to all types of music ensured that these concerts held in outside venues were always filled to capacity.
The space race pit the USA against the Soviet Union in probably the most costly show of one-up-man-ship the world has ever known. The prestige and bragging rights having put the first man on the moon was Americas booty and symbolically stood for proof positive that Capitalism was the system to deliver the goods and collect the prizes.
The Berlin wall fell after much tooing and froing again between the US and USSR. This although an achievement of it's time owed a debt of gratitude to the 1960's.
The EEC later to become the EU became a behemoth, and now the reason of its decline.
Once 7 countries in the European Economic Community dealing with trade and commerce matters internally; it grew to latter day 28 states in the European Union with ever widening and intrusive powers pushing it towards a federal state, such as America, and therein it's downfall.
Great Britain had been a member state from almost the beginning but now with more and more intrusion and interference by Europe and its top-heavy bureaucrats, costing the GNP of a third world country to pay for and subsidise spiralling expenses.
The problem was the Europeans, who forget that it was British blood on the fields of Ypres, the Maginot Line, the beaches of Dunkirk and many more who laid down their lives in the heat of battle to free the oppressed - 'lest we forget'.
Yes the seed of those Brit loins voted 'Brexit' when David Cameron gambled his political career for EU remain and lost. A result that shook the, up till then, solid as a rock pillars of European Unity. The die cast the battle over just the armistice to negotiate.
So many global changes have occurred and still occur though exponentially faster now.
As my life and career unfolded it found me working in the petrochemical industry far and wide giving me the opportunity to work and travel in 40+ countries worldwide.
I was in Quality, inspection and all associated aspects on construction projects.
The travel has given me insight into many cultures, cuisines, customs, traditions, religions, national laws, holidays politics and just straight forward people interaction. It has been both interesting, enlightening, and an ongoing educational experience and one which has served me in later years.
I was saddened, horrified, infuriated regarding the circumstances of George Floyd's death. From what has been repeatedly seen recorded on camera it is undeniable that his life was deliberately ended by a police officer, assisted by other police officers, despite the pleas of onlookers. George Floyd was absolutely no threat and much less of one having been illegally choked to death by placing a knee on his throat. George Floyd was no angel but still had Constitutional rights that we're deliberately snuffed out in front of police, people and cameras. Another very important fact is that he was black.
This gross travesty has sparked a reaction in the states that initiated as protests and have escalated to riots and looting. A state of lawlessness has been raised as a result and emotions inflamed. The National Guard has been mobilised and President Trump, always at the centre of self praise and external criticism is accused of inciting and thereby inflaming the situation rather than displaying true leadership to quell the riots.
In turn the rest of the world is carrying the torch for George Floyd with marches and worse.
South Africa is having a protest in solidarity with their African brother against Police racism and on the bigger picture white racism.
The anomoly here is that for political reasons their statements are for the most part rubbish and not borne out by the facts.
Firstly since 1994 the following actions have been instigated by a democratically elected government:
Black Economic Empowerment enforcing a quota system giving blacks preferential employment rights. Rigorously pursued by the government.
51% ownership to go to a black partner in companies irrespective if their skills or capabilities, without any financial payment for the share.
CCMA legal mechanism for 'wronged employees' to have their day in tribunal to get a just outcome. For all races but used predominantly by blacks.
Education Young Whites having completed University successfully, left with very few opportunities South Africa. This means for those lucky enough to have parents born overseas they can apply for what are termed ancestral passports allowing them to gain citizenship of that country. Following that they can live and work there.
Education because of poor education results amongst a high percentage of black students the bar has been lowered so that 30% is now a pass mark.
The knock on of this is poorly educated unskilled young black students applying for jobs that they are not equipped for. This as often as not results in protests and unrest.
It is the direct result of the entightlement attitude. They have a strong belief that they are entitled without any physical or mental outlay.
Housing, low cost housing is a keystone policy but because of 'State Capture' and rampant corruption in government national and local, in business, in state enterprises since1994 resulting in billions of rand being stolen and no one to date having been successfully prosecuted and imprisoned, the needs of social projects have been woefully underfunded. All these entities run by black personnel.
The Coronavirus pandemic had in South Africa been an excuse for the ANC to push its political agenda.
Such measures as banning tobacco and alcohol sales
Where and what to shop for.
Cessation of all works other than necessary works.
Exercising between 6am-9am
Curfew from 8pm-5am
Mobilisation of South Afrcan Defense Force
Pubs and Restaurants closed for business
No takeaway food only collection
No social, to include family, gatherings.
Remain at home for ss much as possible
No maids service.
These and other government implementation have and are being challenged in court successfully as a direct challenge that they are unconstitutional.
This has allowed illegal rampant selling of illicit cigarettes throughout the full 9 week lockdown unfettered at truly exorbitant prices. One of the ministers and member of the pandemic group is known to be associated with one of South Africas most notorious tobacco smugglers.
Charitable donations we're not donated to struggling whites in preference to black people. That is, if not intercepted by the ANC who's members then sold on to needy with high profits.
Other donations from independent charities the government tried to force to be despatched to them for a central distribution hub. The charities forced their hand in the courts and won.
South African entrepreurs having donated billions to the Coronavirus pandemic cause found the government excluding white owned business in favour if black businesses. They unsuccessfully challenged this in court.
This strategy is a deliberate one to unseat white owned business for blacks to prosper and turn commerce over to blacks.
The regular and increasing incidents of white farmer murders is a shocking racist statistic that is given no credence by the black South African government much to the shame of this land.
The fact is that South Africa is a racist state trying go become a socialist police state with enterprise firmly gripped in the hands of the government and policed by a state run organ in the shape of the police, an organisation headed up by a one time crook, Ill educated police, stupid officers with little or no training and even less capabilities.
There is a history of crying injustice by blacks here that is like a daily vigil at Jerusalems wailing wall. Apartheid had been blamed for it for the last 26 years. The one excellent thing the Coronavirus pandemic has done in South Africa is shown the ANC for what they really are and want to be.
How can apartheid be blamed for what has endured this last quarter if a century. The culprits are the very greedy clowns you voted in 26 years ago and they have done nothing at all for you and everything for themselves.
Take a good look at yourselves. Have you ever colonised anywhere other than a harem or two. Have you any idea of how to govern free from corruption. There are examples throughout the democratic world, but none in Aftica. What does that tell you?
Have you ever populated a place, a country and set-up an infrastructure, communication, law and order, transportation, education, national and local government, regional and national political boundaries and balloting environments, medical facilities equipped with trained competent staff. A fair and reputable well-defined, well informed police force. Military loyal to the daily democratically elected government.
Have you done any of this on your own without a nanny state and the continual whining you use as an excuse for your own corrupt, inept, lacklustre, greedy ill educated fools that you really are.
You and your elected government deserve one another.
© MH
Less insightful, less caring, less loving, less giving, less lenient, less understanding, less benevolent, less moved, less motivated, less balanced, less tolerant, less charitable, less humane, less human, I feel.
Is what my years have brought me wrapped in the cynism of decades, a lifetime of being a person of and result of our times.
Not given to religion as a child outside of the annual excitement of the advent of Christmas which always conjured feelings of a peculiar happiness derived from something external yet comforting, indeed goodwill to all men. It was a time of genuine happiness both personal and collective. A wondrous time eminating from the birth of Jesus Christ.
And for me and all the members of our family that was it, but nevertheless in that annual festive season the Christian message laid bare for all comers. And of course, must not forget the Christmas gifts wrapped in Christmas paper and brightly coloured ribbon.
Gifts, actually toys a very important part of the whole festivity to a nine year old boy. The same importance for my mother for an entirely different reason, that of the stress and worry of getting the money together for all the presents for all the children, to make Christmas what Christmas was and should be a time of festive joy.
I was born in 1954 and in 1963 I was 9 and the world was on the verge of a tidal, if not a tsunami, yes tsunami seismic social shift. In it's wake it left Victorian values, etiquette, manners and structure foundering on the concrete pavements and ancient yet commonplace oil fired street lamps dimming for the last time as a new dawn, a new era arose.
For me and so many other children the free for all that was the sixties and the vanguard of a brave new world was a 'Swiss family Robinson, Alladin, Sinbad, Arabian Knights, Mary Poppins unfolding before our very eyes. All the events recollectable chronologically by the upsurge of pop groups whose songs hit the airwaves like a squadron of Spitfires and Hurricanes carrying a nations hopes, inspiration, happiness and embrace of things to come.
And for the English the pinnacle of sporting achievement when England beat Germany in the 1966 World Cup Final with a resounding show of skill, teamwork and tenacity to overcome the old foe.
Celebrations the like of which had not been seen since the coronation of Queen Elizabeth, and once again when they brought our boys back from the Falklands, dead, dying and survivors. Battered but unbowed triumphant once again in the defence of Queen and Country rallying to the cries from a distant British Outpost once again at the limits of a now depleted empire, once again to fight for the right of freedom and self determination in 1982.
So the sixties we're a time when the future was given over to the 'Children of the Revolution'. The very one Marc Bolan and T. Rex sang about.
The 60's embraced the 70's and so much social upheaval reflecting barriers being removed, die-hard entrenched attitudes we're being remoulded by the youth, not establishment, not by Whitehall Suits, or Whitehouse Cowboys, not to mention those of other political persuasions.
To each decade, although maybe not on the cusp, the world and life was changing from which started as voluminous groundswell hungry for change to an ever more streamlined cutting edge reach for the sky momentum.
These cataclysmic changes were set so aptly and succinctly by the corresponding attitudes of people worldwide, their desires. their ambition, their demands, their resistance, their focus and drive.
During these turbulent times, the Vietnam war came and went as did it's soldiers, veterans and attitudes. Woodstock was a musical phenomena that would set the trend for music venue for touring rock bands for decades to come.
The plethora of pop groups catering to all types of music ensured that these concerts held in outside venues were always filled to capacity.
The space race pit the USA against the Soviet Union in probably the most costly show of one-up-man-ship the world has ever known. The prestige and bragging rights having put the first man on the moon was Americas booty and symbolically stood for proof positive that Capitalism was the system to deliver the goods and collect the prizes.
The Berlin wall fell after much tooing and froing again between the US and USSR. This although an achievement of it's time owed a debt of gratitude to the 1960's.
The EEC later to become the EU became a behemoth, and now the reason of its decline.
Once 7 countries in the European Economic Community dealing with trade and commerce matters internally; it grew to latter day 28 states in the European Union with ever widening and intrusive powers pushing it towards a federal state, such as America, and therein it's downfall.
Great Britain had been a member state from almost the beginning but now with more and more intrusion and interference by Europe and its top-heavy bureaucrats, costing the GNP of a third world country to pay for and subsidise spiralling expenses.
The problem was the Europeans, who forget that it was British blood on the fields of Ypres, the Maginot Line, the beaches of Dunkirk and many more who laid down their lives in the heat of battle to free the oppressed - 'lest we forget'.
Yes the seed of those Brit loins voted 'Brexit' when David Cameron gambled his political career for EU remain and lost. A result that shook the, up till then, solid as a rock pillars of European Unity. The die cast the battle over just the armistice to negotiate.
So many global changes have occurred and still occur though exponentially faster now.
As my life and career unfolded it found me working in the petrochemical industry far and wide giving me the opportunity to work and travel in 40+ countries worldwide.
I was in Quality, inspection and all associated aspects on construction projects.
The travel has given me insight into many cultures, cuisines, customs, traditions, religions, national laws, holidays politics and just straight forward people interaction. It has been both interesting, enlightening, and an ongoing educational experience and one which has served me in later years.
I was saddened, horrified, infuriated regarding the circumstances of George Floyd's death. From what has been repeatedly seen recorded on camera it is undeniable that his life was deliberately ended by a police officer, assisted by other police officers, despite the pleas of onlookers. George Floyd was absolutely no threat and much less of one having been illegally choked to death by placing a knee on his throat. George Floyd was no angel but still had Constitutional rights that we're deliberately snuffed out in front of police, people and cameras. Another very important fact is that he was black.
This gross travesty has sparked a reaction in the states that initiated as protests and have escalated to riots and looting. A state of lawlessness has been raised as a result and emotions inflamed. The National Guard has been mobilised and President Trump, always at the centre of self praise and external criticism is accused of inciting and thereby inflaming the situation rather than displaying true leadership to quell the riots.
In turn the rest of the world is carrying the torch for George Floyd with marches and worse.
South Africa is having a protest in solidarity with their African brother against Police racism and on the bigger picture white racism.
The anomoly here is that for political reasons their statements are for the most part rubbish and not borne out by the facts.
Firstly since 1994 the following actions have been instigated by a democratically elected government:
Black Economic Empowerment enforcing a quota system giving blacks preferential employment rights. Rigorously pursued by the government.
51% ownership to go to a black partner in companies irrespective if their skills or capabilities, without any financial payment for the share.
CCMA legal mechanism for 'wronged employees' to have their day in tribunal to get a just outcome. For all races but used predominantly by blacks.
Education Young Whites having completed University successfully, left with very few opportunities South Africa. This means for those lucky enough to have parents born overseas they can apply for what are termed ancestral passports allowing them to gain citizenship of that country. Following that they can live and work there.
Education because of poor education results amongst a high percentage of black students the bar has been lowered so that 30% is now a pass mark.
The knock on of this is poorly educated unskilled young black students applying for jobs that they are not equipped for. This as often as not results in protests and unrest.
It is the direct result of the entightlement attitude. They have a strong belief that they are entitled without any physical or mental outlay.
Housing, low cost housing is a keystone policy but because of 'State Capture' and rampant corruption in government national and local, in business, in state enterprises since1994 resulting in billions of rand being stolen and no one to date having been successfully prosecuted and imprisoned, the needs of social projects have been woefully underfunded. All these entities run by black personnel.
The Coronavirus pandemic had in South Africa been an excuse for the ANC to push its political agenda.
Such measures as banning tobacco and alcohol sales
Where and what to shop for.
Cessation of all works other than necessary works.
Exercising between 6am-9am
Curfew from 8pm-5am
Mobilisation of South Afrcan Defense Force
Pubs and Restaurants closed for business
No takeaway food only collection
No social, to include family, gatherings.
Remain at home for ss much as possible
No maids service.
These and other government implementation have and are being challenged in court successfully as a direct challenge that they are unconstitutional.
This has allowed illegal rampant selling of illicit cigarettes throughout the full 9 week lockdown unfettered at truly exorbitant prices. One of the ministers and member of the pandemic group is known to be associated with one of South Africas most notorious tobacco smugglers.
Charitable donations we're not donated to struggling whites in preference to black people. That is, if not intercepted by the ANC who's members then sold on to needy with high profits.
Other donations from independent charities the government tried to force to be despatched to them for a central distribution hub. The charities forced their hand in the courts and won.
South African entrepreurs having donated billions to the Coronavirus pandemic cause found the government excluding white owned business in favour if black businesses. They unsuccessfully challenged this in court.
This strategy is a deliberate one to unseat white owned business for blacks to prosper and turn commerce over to blacks.
The regular and increasing incidents of white farmer murders is a shocking racist statistic that is given no credence by the black South African government much to the shame of this land.
The fact is that South Africa is a racist state trying go become a socialist police state with enterprise firmly gripped in the hands of the government and policed by a state run organ in the shape of the police, an organisation headed up by a one time crook, Ill educated police, stupid officers with little or no training and even less capabilities.
There is a history of crying injustice by blacks here that is like a daily vigil at Jerusalems wailing wall. Apartheid had been blamed for it for the last 26 years. The one excellent thing the Coronavirus pandemic has done in South Africa is shown the ANC for what they really are and want to be.
How can apartheid be blamed for what has endured this last quarter if a century. The culprits are the very greedy clowns you voted in 26 years ago and they have done nothing at all for you and everything for themselves.
Take a good look at yourselves. Have you ever colonised anywhere other than a harem or two. Have you any idea of how to govern free from corruption. There are examples throughout the democratic world, but none in Aftica. What does that tell you?
Have you ever populated a place, a country and set-up an infrastructure, communication, law and order, transportation, education, national and local government, regional and national political boundaries and balloting environments, medical facilities equipped with trained competent staff. A fair and reputable well-defined, well informed police force. Military loyal to the daily democratically elected government.
Have you done any of this on your own without a nanny state and the continual whining you use as an excuse for your own corrupt, inept, lacklustre, greedy ill educated fools that you really are.
You and your elected government deserve one another.
© MH
