I have defected to..

here..http://twining.wordpress.com/

Guess who this is?

Enough. This picture is mmmmm, guess who. And he is so cute. He has just kicked some serious ass I believe and reading his entries you will see what I mean. I tell you what though, Thin Blue Line is no ass really. But as he kicked someone else and was told to toe the party line, can you imagine him smiling as above. I can! I present you Thin Blue Line.

The mantra steps to challenging an organisation

1. Put pen to paper.
   
2. Don't await a response. (They will simply wish you didn't exist and will hope you will like go away.)
   
3. Put pen to paper and await a response.
   
4. You might get a response.
   
5. Await to see a Senior Officer.
   
6. Decline the offer to meet initially.
   
7. Be prepared to be ordered to meet the Senior Officer and show some courtesy whilst at it.
   
8. Attend the meeting with a friend, preferably Thin Blue Line or UNPC or Simon Says. If you take in Noddy be prepared to note that they might not understand what Loon means nor anything you say. (And Loon means something in Scottish.)
   
9. At the meeting tell "them" how you feel. Expect to repeat yourself as they "um" and "arr". Repeat yourself further.
   
10. At the conclusion of the meeting be prepared to say, "Yes Sir, no Sir, three bags full Sir." Finally, expect no change. So go home. Invite your buddies and have a beer!
    

Why did I publish the article on the Hindu Forum?

Not to cause offence but to allow people an understanding of the failure of consultation. The Muslim Council of Britain was also in favour until Lord Sacranie made comments about homosexuality. Therefore, who really do such Forums represent? Are Sacranie’s views about homosexuality prejudicial? Of course they are, but Sacranie and others still wanted equality for Muslim people, but not for gay men and women?

Groups like the MCB and the HFB may not necessarily in themselves be anti racist but as some have said, the Government will align themselves with someone. The shocking revelations of the HFB raise serious question of Ruth Kelly and the integration commission itself. Let's just tick a box shall we? But that tick in the box won't help the police when WE deal with youths from marginalised communities.

Clearly in the case of the HFB there are some concerns of Fundamentalism. I would accept not all of the HFB may be bad just like the MCB but when we consult about racial equality there can be no compromise, there is no grey area for the police. Because when it goes wrong it is US that will be blamed. There is only racist or there is anti racist. Politicians won't be blamed.

Do such groups fundamentally want a separatist identity, which causes racism’s or do they simply want integration and cohesion? This is a vicious circle but without integration we will continue to have racial incidents. The problem is it is the police that pick up the pieces and end up dealing with racial incidents. So it is important that we consult and take an anti racist stance.

It is important to recognise what occurred in relation to the issue of the Royal Mail and stamps where the HFB argued against the Royal Mail publishing a stamp of Lord Krishna in the arms of Mother Mary. The stamp was not meant to offend. Nor did the outcome offend. And the HFB have missed the point and in doing so implied, in my opinion, a backward stance. The HFB have missed an opportunity. Does it really matter if Krishna was in the arms of Mary or whether Jesus was in the arms of Krishna’s mother? Are we not essentially the same? Why then focus on difference in a negative way. The stamp should have been a celebration for British Hindus. Sadly the issue was hijacked.

Then there are do good Liberals who think they are doing good when they object to the use of the word Christmas when mentioning Christmas lights because they feel it might offend other minority communities. This is absolutely ridiculous but Councils rubber-stamp such policies. Diwali is Diwali, why call it something else? In the same way Christmas is Christmas. Why should it be called something else?

Race and diversity being led by do good Liberals is a problem because when Councils get critical issues wrong then someone somewhere from the majority will be upset and the right wing can expose this weakness, and probably it is the vulnerable that get hurt, the elderly, or the young, or some young Black youth walking home in South London. And all because some do gooders don’t have an understanding and are not prepared to admit this lack of understanding.

Hindu Forum of Britain

Please take the time to read the below article, which has been reproduced from a well known anti racist blog. I have amended this introduction to deal with allegations. As I understand it this is a full article published in the Evening Standard. This story is shocking if it is true and I believe it is true.

ONE OF the key members of a Government taskforce charged with tackling “extremist ideologies” and religious segregation has close associations with violent extremists and recently praised a man who endorsed Hitler’s treatment of the Jews.

Ruth Kelly’s Commission on Integration and Cohesion will this week deliver its landmark report into how Britain can foster “inter-community harmony.” But a Standard investigation reveals that one of the commission’s own members, Ramesh Kallidai, has clear links to violent Hindu fundamentalists accused of “direct responsibility” for the slaughter of thousands of Muslims. In Britain, Mr Kallidai has accused British Muslims of “aggressively” converting “hundreds” of British Hindu girls to Islam through intimidation and beatings. However, police forces contacted by the Standard say they have no knowledge of a single such case.

The Standard has learned that around half-a-dozen other members of the Commission on Integration and Cohesion held a late-night meeting in a bar to discuss their concerns about Mr Kallidai. At least one member, and possibly more, approached Mark Carroll, a senior official in Ms Kelly’s department, to raise concerns about Mr Kallidai’s presence on the commission. No action was taken.

“The concerns were about his links with Hindu fundamentalism and exactly how much he stands by some of the things he has said,” said one figure close to the Commission.

Mr Kallidai is secretary-general of the Hindu Forum of Britain, which claims to be the leading representative body for the country’s 600,000 Hindus. However, his appointment to the commission has horrified some British Hindus.

Lord Desai, the Labour peer, said: “White politicians look at religion very uncritically they say we must respect all cultures, all faiths. But these guys have no respect for other faiths.” Chetan Bhatt, professor of politics at Goldsmith’s College, London said: “Mr Kallidai has chosen to associate with organisations that represent in India what the BNP represents here.”

The main such organisation is a Hindu fundamentalist group known as the Vishwa Hindu Prasad (VHP.) The Hindu Forumof Britain and the VHP’s British branch have sent out several joint press releases and have organised a number of joint events including two meetings with the Commission on Integration and Cohesion in February and March and a launch of the so-called “Hindu Charter” at the House of Commons.

Testifying to MPs on the Home Affairs Select Committee in 2004, Mr Kallidai defended the VHP, saying: “We would deny it is an association of Hindu extremists … It is a peaceful organisation.” In fact, according to Human Rights Watch, the VHP was“directly responsible” for anti-Muslim riots in the Indian state of Gujarat in 2002, in which 2,000 Muslims died. During the disturbances, VHP leaflets described Indian Muslims as “saboteurs” and “anti-nationals” who must be cleansed from Indian soil.

In 2004, the VHP called for the destruction of a Muslim mosque and in 2005 its international secretary, Praveen Togadia, said Indian Muslims should take blood tests to prove they were not of “Arabian” descent. In 1992, the VHP led calls for the destruction of the Muslim mosque at Ayodyha, which left over 3,000 dead.

On 12 April this year, in Wembley, Mr Kallidai spoke at the British conference of another Hindu fundamentalist organisation, the RSS, a paramilitary group which wants to expel Muslims and Christians from India and turn the country into a Hindu state.According to a report of the event in the RSS’s official newspaper, Mr Kallidai praised the organisation’s “exemplary” ideology and its ex-leader, M.S.Golwalkar.

Mr Golwalkar has written and spoken approvingly of Hitler’s treatment of the Jews and said it was a model India could learn from. Contacted by the Standard yesterday, Mr Kallidai refused to deny praising Golwalkar and the RSS. In the UK, the Hindu Forum of Britain has led a number of “cultural campaigns” to protest at what it calls “insults” to Hinduism. Mr Kallidai’s most recent campaign is to save a sacred bull, Shambo, kept at a Welsh Hindu temple but due to be slaughtered after testing positive for TB.

Last year, the HFB campaigned against an exhibition of pictures in London by India’s greatest living artist, M.F.Husain, a Muslim. The exhibition was cancelled on security grounds after three men entered the gallery and vandalised the pictures. There is no suggestion the HFB or Mr Kallidai were involved.

In 2005, Mr Kallidai got the Royal Mail to withdraw one of its Christmas stamps from open sale, claiming it was insulting to Hindus. In fact the stamp, depicting the baby Jesus and Mary with a Hindu mark on her face, is a reproduction of a famous Indian painting owned by Hindu nationalist hero Nana Phadnavis. The picture has been a much-loved attraction in the Mumbai municipal museum for years.

“This is the absolute textbook religious extremist agenda,” said one expert who has advised the Commission on Integration and Cohesion. “You whip up the ‘base’ with flimsy allegations that play to people’s emotions. The forced conversion slur, inparticular, is an exact copy of an allegation that has been made by Hindu extremists in India.” Despite the Hindu Forum of Britain’s links to extremism, the group has been supported by some British officials.

According to its website, Tony Blair has spoken of the HFB’s “success at promoting the positive achievements of the Hindu community,” and David Cameron, the Tory leader, has called it a “highly professional and authoritative voice.” The HFB’s 2006 annual ball was attended by Europe Minister Geoff Hoon and Home Office minister Tony McNulty.

Sir Ian Blair, the Met Police commissioner, attended the HFB conference in February where the allegations of “Muslim forced conversion” were made. At the gathering, Sir Ian promised to crack down on the supposed crime and said: “There is a feeling inthe Hindu community that we have not given them as much attention as other groups.”

In July 2006 another organisation linked to Mr Kallidai and the HFB, Hindu Aid, was given almost £140,000 of public money by the Department for International Development to “educate British Hindus about development issues.” Hindu Aid’s website describes it as a “British charity” dedicated to the relief of suffering. In fact, Hindu Aid is not a registered charity, but a limited company which has claimed exemption from the requirement to file detailed accounts.

The limited data on file at Companies House suggests that in 2005/6, the last year before the DFID grant, it had an income of only £2,500, suggesting that its ability to relieve suffering was limited. Hindu Aid’s website suggests some of its money is channelled via SEWA, a charity allegedly linked to the RSS and investigated by the Charity Commission after allegations that some of its funding had been diverted to back anti-Muslim violence.

SEWA was cleared by the Charity Commission, but the commission admitted it had not investigated its alleged RSS links or its complicity in the killings after SEWA said the allegations were untrue. Mr Kallidai is vice-chair and company secretary of Hindu Aid, and every other member of the management board, except one, is also a post-holder in the Hindu Forum of Britain. The two organisations share an office.

Mr Kallidai, the HFB and Hindu Aid refused yesterday to respond to questions about their links with extremism. They were also unable to provide examples of their allegations about the “forced conversion” of Hindu girls.

One expert said: “You might wonder how a man like Kallidai could become an official ‘integration commissioner’ or how his organisation could achieve the legitimacy within government that it has. What ministers are doing is making the same mistakeas they made with the Muslim Council of Britain they are taking those who shout loudest as representatives of their faith.”

Sergeant Simon Tells us what is important.

Another young officer,
Puts his life on the line,
For queen, for country,
For freedom and peace.

Politicians and target setters,
Be aware,
Whilst he did his job,
All you do is just glare.

Your figures,
Your targets,
Are worthless you see.
Where does this fit?
Please tell me?

One of our finest has fallen,
A young man,
So smart and divine,
PC Jon Charles Henry,
Yes, this brother of mine.

Only good people leave this world early.
Rest in Peace.
No More blogs this week folks - time to reflect.

How to reduce violent alcohol related crime?

Is this what your council does in partnership with the police to produce a campaign to help reduce violent crime? Chief Inspector's and above read on....

Increase PCSO and Specials numbers at peak times. Forget that Specials have a life outside of giving their time freely. Then attend a domestic at the Special’s house and arrest them because their wife went mardy about all the hours they work and there was a breach of the peace.

Sell "think about your drink" wristbands at pubs and clubs so that as people wear them they can remind themselves to drink more. Then with the money you get employ one more PCSO.

Give a presentation to sixth forms on the impact of alcohol and drugs. Take samples of cannabis and coke and hand them out freely. (Consider detection's for unlawful possession once they start using the drugs). Forget the colleges, they don’t do drugs there.

Promote a "hold your drink till you finish" campaign to raise awareness about spiking at Christmas. Spiking only occurs at Christmas.

Send special ASB Christmas cards to noisy neighbours to remind them of their responsibility to others, nudging them to do a little bit more noise, thereby terrifying their elderly victims further, and enabling you to get a report of 2+harassment and another detection.

Always think, "Am I going to get promoted because of these ideas?" If the answer is yes, then carry on with more silly ideas, presentations and posters.

A training session with Twining

Southwest: Gadget’s asleep in the corner Twining. Shhh.

Twining: But I have only just started....

PC Bloggs: What are we going to do Twining? I’m excited.

Big fella to Franky: She’s getting excited!

Twining: Boys, boys, honestly. Before we go into any training, heath and safety first, this course is certified. I certify you all. If the fire alarm goes, then jump out of the window and follow me. OK.

Gadget: Snoring.

Twining: Now, in a circle please. Leave gadget there, we’ll circle around him. OK each one of you. What do you value most?

Franky: I value her, looking at Bloggs. Bloggs smiles :) profusely encouraging Franky. Hey Big fella, she says google eyed!

Twining: No silly…..Dufus. What do you value? Let's do a goldfish instead of a cricle now. All move!

Noddy: Sorry I’m late Twining.

Twining: It's OK, have you brought the chip with you?

Twining: VALUES now on the board.

Bloggs: Runs to the board and writes down HONESTY, INTEGRITY, FAMILY.

Southwest: Follows suit and writes down, SOUTHWEST, MUM, DAD.

Franky and Big fella: Go up together and copy Southwest.

Noddy: Writes something in Scottish, BEN NEVIS or something.

Twining: Oi Gadget. Noddy I can't read Scottish my freind. Can you not write in English?

Gadget: Who me, what? Do I have to? Why is Noddy wearing that hat?

Twining: Are you always this difficult? Yes you do.

Gadget: Yes, why?

Twining: Oi, what do you value? On the board please.

Gadget: Goes up to the board and writes: MY TEAM.

Twining: Goes ooooooooooooooooooo. And says you all, you value these things. Do Black and Asian and other minority ethnic people value similar things in the same proportion like? The answer is yes, they do value the same things, but perhaps sometimes there is conflict because of upbringing.

Southwest: What do you mean Twining.

Twining: Oi gadget wake up! Well, people are brought up differently, and their value system may be different. People negatise differences. That might cause conflict between generations in themselves. Also if we bring children up using negative terms about minority ethnic people then that slips through sometimes unwittingly, like that Emma character in Big Brother. She used the "n" word. Maybe down to her upbringing, somewhere, somehow she feels it’s OK to use search words. So it’s important how children are brought up in the family, in school and in society. vaules might also cause conflict within and between different minority groups also. Now, think about your upbringing and things you hear still and consider where the terms really come from in our upbringing.

Twining: Thats’ it for today, that Gadget, he’s out the door quick! See you all later, but before I go I would like you to think about some of the value systems of people from Somalia, and the Eastern European communities, and their experiences back home. Noddy, you have got to go all the way to Scotland so shall we do the next session on distance media learning. That'll teach that Gadget! Then TUPC runs in wearing the green ninja outfit, "Twining I got here as fast as I could." Twining says, "Too late Ninja warrior, but I love the bandana. Where's Raphael? Is that Annette with you?" UNPC replies, "OK back to fighting crime, no time for tea!" And with a whoosh TUPC is gone back to the streets of London. Annette you'll have to stay I say. Annette replies, "Tea twining?"

Get that Horse off my bus!

Picture this if you will. We could not stop laughing when a PC from my shift told me this. It relates to the 1980’s I think. This PC is a wonderful fellow, and back then he was a Sergeant in the Horse Guards. He trained Horses and even has a few stories to tell about Hewitt. The PC said he was a as fit as a fiddle because of all the horse sh—he had to muck out, and I believe him. He then said, "Serge, you know Sloane Square and you know how busy that is?" I replied, "yes."

He continued, "It was a busy day, I was on this horse you see, the traffic was head to tail, and there was this big red Double Decker bus in front of me." And…….I thought, I could just picture it…I had an idea in my head. The PC continued, "Well, this horse you see, it mounted the platform on the double decker and started snorting at the bus conductor." We just giggled as you do and…. "The Conductor was a big Black man and he just started shouting at the horse Serge, and I told him to quieten down and not to scare the horse." Apparently, and I could understand it, the conductor was going loopy. Who wouldn't if a horse tries to get on your bus and starts snorting at you?

The Evening Standard might have read, "Horse Guards Sergeant and horse try to get onto bus because of slow traffic on Sloane Square." Somewhere and some time, god bless his soul, if this conductor is still alive, the conductor has a story to tell to his grandchildren about the day he came face to face with one of Her Majesty's horses that tried to get onto his bus. Brilliant.

Affirmative Action (AI)

Affirmative Action, (AI), as a concept has been muted within policing for many many years. As a concept, affirmative action is wholly supported by the National Black Police Association UK, (NBPA), and by internal academics such as Dizaie, but what is it? In answering this question as a member of the NBPA and someone that has represented my own Force at the NBPA I am not entirely convinced that even the NBPA movement fully understand the concept of AI. And this is unsurprising for the only real academic currently within the NBPA movement that holds a position of power is Dizaie.

The objective of AI is to allow people from under represented groups the equal opportunity to get in so that they can compete on an equal footing with their peers from the majority. For example skilling Black or Asian people up to behave White is typical of what AI currently means to policing leaders even today.

Both the service and the NBPA support a Personal Leadership Program for minority ethnic staff, but in essence the course methodology does not focus on course participants realising they are different, and may have prejudices for prejudices appear to be sold as a White illness. This course pursues a view that in order to move on they must change their behaviours and acquiesce. Whilst this program is sold as AI, it is nothing of the sort. Police Leaders like Commander Gibson of the Met and Norman Bettison who led on this project have totally mis-sold the meaning of AI to benefit the majority group.

What then is AI? In it's purest sense AI should involve a wholesome approach to race relations for example. Race does not stand in isolation to other policing issues; it is part and parcel of policing. AI should encourage practices and attitudes that break the glass ceiling so that competent minority ethnic colleagues can progress based on their skills and merits. They should not be held back because they challenge racial injustice or because they eat different food or practice their faith differently. They should not be held back by racism.

The concept of AI should be structural and able to acknowlegde Black colleagues that stand up for the difference between right and wrong in relation to race relations. There are few and far between. The average person will put their career first. It should incorporate a culture, which does not lead police leaders to become defensive when challenged, to deny racism, but instead, it should encourage them to be more honest and able to understand how others view issues, especially those that are affected by disadvantage. This is AI.

An AI culture might also ensure that "Mavericks" are allowed in and welcomed as opposed to being left on the periphery of the organisation labelled as radicals. In all, AI is the removal of institutional barriers that cause racism and treat minority ethnic people of colour unfairly in comparison with some of their White counterparts.

Interestingly at last years Police Federation Conference, (2006). Conference rejected supporting affirmative action and in essence Conference rejected what they feared most, real race change, real change that the police service has still not experienced since the race riots of the 1980's. We are in a period of false race relations and games.

Police Leaders have been promoted on many race policies and strategies, but none of these policies have led to AI or in other words an equal opportunity between Black and White Officers, as there is still a mentality of face fit syndrome. The reality is that even the Federation does not understand the concept of AI or race equality.

Certainly those Mavericks that do challenge racial injustice are viewed as a thorn in the side and the ones that are internally mentored are the one's that might not be as competent as the Maverick, but are nonetheless able to say, "yes sir" without upsetting the ego's and understanding of police leaders, Leaders who know nothing about AI, or race equality, and whose sole purpose is to maintain the inequality that promoted them in the first place and cloud their personal lack of understanding with Liberal politics. There are plenty of Minority ethnic officer's that will say "yes sir" just for promotion and these are the ones currently being mentored. The question though is, are they the most competent? Or is the police service just playing plantation politics, as Serendib would say?

This is type for type mirror promotion. AI is not reverse discrimination; on the contrary it's aim is to put an end to the untold word, the backroom chats, the gossip, the collusion, and the racial discrimination that assist some White colleagues against their minority ethnic counterparts. AI is real race equality, but all it really is in policing in 2007 is a mere concept of fodder. Without any thought positive discrimination of a few Black officer's may tip this boat, especially if those that are thrusted forwards are not competent, and technically that is exactly what tends to happen. And when that does happen everyone from that group will be labelled negatively. Liberal politics in race relations simply won't work.

Images that unite us all - U2

Monty - what a celebration?

Dropped by McClaren because of McClaren's ego and incompetence, this man has united the young and England for many years. Finally, he has been recalled.

Portugal, England and even Spain are united over Madeline. What else is there to say?

One man come in the name of love.

One man come and go.

One man come here to justify.

One man to overflow.

In the name of love.

What more in the name of love?

In the name of love.

What more in the name of love?

One man come on a barbed wire fence.

One man he resist.

Twining interviews Noddy

Twining: "Noddy, you think you had us all fooled."

Noddy: "Now you say it Twining, yes I did, (especially Police Review.)"

Twining: "You mean you know Catriona Marchant? You do realise don’t you?"

Noddy: "Oh yeah, I know her. The error of my ways you mean?"

Twining: "Well."

Noddy: "Well?"

Twining: "Oi behave, I’m interviewing you David. Where were we?"

Noddy: "OK guv I cough it."

Twining: "You do?"

Noddy: "My yellow car is a Skoda. It's not a VW."

Twining: "It is? Why do you have big hands David?"

Noddy: "I do not. I don’t, I don’t, I don’t."

Twining: "Ok, you are David, enough, you aren’t Noddy! Are you?"

Noddy: " I am."

Twining: "So, why does my intelligence lead me to this man!"

Noddy: "You mean David. I dunno dude!"

Twining: "Oops. Me thinks, shoddy intel log! Best not to admit this. Then you are Noddy?"

Noddy: "Yes."

Twining: "Do you like my hat Noddy, sorry David? Blue is the colour, football is the game...We're all together and CHELSEA is our name. I don't believe you, you are Noddy, aka, the one and only, the greatest, David Seaman."

Noddy: "No comment."

Twining: "I'll torture you."

Noddy: "No, no please Twining no, not with that bamboo shoot. I am David Seaman. I am. "

Twining: "Will you tell Police Review or shall I?"

Noddy: "About what?"

Twining: "The kilt man, where's the kilt? You have to tell Police Review about your yellow kilt."

May I introduce you to my friend Totally UNPC...

Twining: "So this is what you look like on the streets of London?"

UNPC: "This is me Twining my friend."

Twining: "Being dressed like that, does it give you an advantage in fighting crime?"

UNPC: "Are you having a go at my tights?"

Twining: "No dude, who am I to talk."

UNPC: "I am a superhero Twining dude. My shin pads protect me from low kicks and my bandana is there to disguise me. Do you like it?"

Twining: "I think you're rather cool."

Is this what a lap dog is?

My Chief, DCC and HRD seem to believe in this lap dog thingy so I was wondering, is this what a lap dog is? All sarcastic thoughts wanted in the name of effective community relation's. Do you know any lap dogs? What drives them on? LOL. How competent are they? Please add your thoughts.

PC Southwest - copied from

1WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? The other day.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? I’m vegetarian.

5. DO YOU HAVE CHILDREN? Yes. Three. I love them all, but don’t know if they love me.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yaa.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Only in my blog and only to UNPC and Bigfella and Noddy.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? No, thank God, had them out a few years ago. They were big!

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Yes, yes yes.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Rice Crispies and brown sugar.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No way.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? 99.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their eyes.

15. RED OR PINK? Blue.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My feet are flat.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My mum and dad and sister, they live far away.

18. WHAT COLOUR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Er…Black Boxer shorts.

19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Toast.

20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Nothing. What are you listening to?

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Why would I want to be a crayon?

22. FAVORITE SMELLS? Joop! And Jasmine and honeysuckle.

23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? A girl friend, not that sort of girl freind.

24. WORST HABIT? Talking to myself.

25. FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I am passionate, about many things.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Football, F1 and tennis.

27. HAIR COLOR? Black and silverish.

28. EYE COLOR? Brown.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? I have contacts, Southwest, erm UNPC, etc.

30. FAVORITE FOOD? Pizza or Chilli paneer with naan bread.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Titanic always makes me cry and my wedding video is scary!

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? I dunno, yes I do, MR BEAN!

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? White.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer in Egypt with Shilpa Shetty.

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Kisses with Shilpa Shetty.

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Rice pudding and Shilpa Shetty.

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Shilpa Shetty.

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Chief Officer’s.

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? I am not reading one at the moment.Who told you I was?

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE MAT? The mouse of course DUH!

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? The football and we lost! We should have won.

42. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SOUND? Birds singing and the wind in the trees.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles.

44. WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? India.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Yes, Mrs Twining thinks I do. 46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Africa.

Take that!

I have one thing to say today! And why you may ask do I feel like this? Well, that's a million dollar question. Anyone with any suggestions might wish to comment. I totally agree with this monkey.

Twining Chronicles - Federation Conference - 4

Federation Conferece 2007 – Reid V Cameron

Twining reports from Blackpool. Oh damn, it’s raining! Conference witnessed a massive heavyweight contest between the Home Secretary and the leader of the Conservatives. Sadly the leader of the Liberal Democrats just threw the towel in as Ming Campbell was prepared to give to a Royal Commission, but then he was never coming into the ring, so he was prepared to give anything. But he did seem genuine, old but genuine.

Reid walked into Conference to the music of Rocky, whilst Gordon Brown was stuck somewhere else, he never made it into the ring, (tra la la la la). I meant he never made it to Conference. The Scot was soon bounced back onto the rails by Jan Berry with a jab. In her address to him she stated he had promised much and delivered little. Reid was sadly knocked for the count, though he did admit reading police blogs. I wonder whether he reads this? Berry said, "don’t push our members too far, for they might have to take the only action available to them, strike." Well, she said something like this anyway.

Twining was all ready with the picket signs reading, "freedom,", "free me", and "free Gadget." Reid was honest but seeing as he was leaving he didn't appear to care. The Scot sipped from his hip flask as he left, and Ming Campbell even gave him a pat on the back followed by an upper cut. For what only God knows. Finally having succumb to the whisky, Reid was escorted out humming, "Yankee Doodle came to town, riding on a pony." Twining thinks this must have something to do with George Bush inavading Iraq, who knows, because by then the Scot was drunk.

Cameron, on the other hand, appeared, as a colleague said, to be the next leader after Brown. He was slick and that wasn’t just his brylcreamed hair. He appeared sober too! Appear being the operative word. The Conservatives had prepared a paper on policing. Ooo! Conference spoke about the necessity of conducting research with ACPO and the Home office as stakeholders. By this time Reid was on a plane, so you coudln't count on the Home Office and Nick Herbert, the shadow police minister, or summit, had mysteriously left with San Ction Detection. Folks you do remember San right? Twining did put on the text board then, "Will Nick Herbert commit to this research now?" The politician was nowhere to be seen, typical. Rumour has it that he walked San to the pier and then pushed him off into the rough sees. Upon questioning, Herbert stated, San had slipped! My foot! The Conservatives had pushed him overboard. Never trust a politician.

Then something uncanny happened, Cameron slipped, not literally, but he became affixed on a red leather jacket cladded delegate from Essex. In awe of this woman, the delegate’s response was cunning, "It’s a dangerous colour for you Mr Cameron."

At this point Cameron was seen to take a spliff from one of the JCC. It was difficult to see who it was as they were dressed in a balaclava. Was it the man with the bow tie? As Cameron was leaving Twining tried to approach Cameron to sell him more spliffs, but Twining was jumped on by the ever-caring Inspectors from his board. Damn, an opportunity to make profits was gone. Rumour has it that the Met were good at jumping around at Conference, jumping on the poor females of Blackpool. This is Twining reporting to you as to events in Blackpool. This bout was won well by Cameron, even though he smokes da spliffs innit!

Here we go again?

"Rowley Birkin QC said... Anonymous, you're wasting your time - this blog's authors aren't interested in the truth of things despite their attempts at dressing up their responses with a touch of socio-babble and management speak. No one mentioned 'biology' other than the respondent who did so to skew and misrepresent the point originally made. Check out past posts and see the emotive language used, the references to 'slavery' and 'colonialism', that's why there's normally only two of them on here, the other occasional visitors tire quickly of their tedious racism."

Twining says, " QC, there are plenty of people that know me on this blog. I don't dress anything up as you suggest. Therefore any suggestion that my views or the views of Serendib are "tedious" racism" is so wide off the mark that they don't deserve further thoughts. It is understandable that this blog will be trolled by people who do not share our common views and there are many common views here, but none are racist, certainly not from my majority contributors, Big fella, Franky, Southwest, Totally UNPC, Noddy, Pink Cat, Bloggs, Annette, The Invisible man, Avon and Somerest Officer, etc. As far as I am concerned these people are good people and I am moderate, not racist. YOU QC DESERVE A TWINING GONG! "

Nothing Changes?

In the new-fangled world of ID cards and DNA, police attitudes on race remain stuck in the past

Laura SmithTuesday May 15, 2007 The Guardian

Being in possession of a black or brown skin has never been much of an advantage when it comes to dealing with the criminal justice system. But figures released by the Home Office have revealed just how many from Britain's minorities are being targeted.

A quarter of those whose DNA details have been stored on the national police database after being arrested, but not charged or convicted, were black, Asian, Chinese or Middle Eastern. As these groups form 9% of the overall population, it means that innocent members of ethnic-minority communities are almost three times more likely than innocent white people to have details of their DNA on the database - and up to eight times more likely in rural areas such as Avon and Somerset.

These figures will confirm what minorities have known for a long time: that we are far less likely than white people to be allowed to go about our everyday business undisturbed. They will also reinforce the feeling that police find it hard to view members of ethnic minorities as anything other than suspect - even when they are demonstrably the victims of crime. The database also includes DNA samples from victims and witnesses who have given their "consent". One can only wonder how many white, affluent suburban dwellers are asked for a DNA swab after calling the local bobby to a break-in.

Such intrusions look set to become more common if the government pushes ahead with identity cards, due to come into force next year. While carrying a card will not be compulsory for Britons, it will be for non-EU nationals - handily covering the majority of non-white migrants. How many times will police officers fail to differentiate between a British or European-born black or Asian person and somebody who has arrived from outside the EU?

Despite a range of safeguards - and a great deal of hand-wringing since the Stephen Lawrence case - the police still routinely misuse their discretionary powers. Black people are five times more likely than whites to be stopped and searched - 14 times more likely in predominantly white suburbs. Stops of black people are more likely to involve searches, including strip searches, and to end in arrest. When police action is challenged further down the line, for example when the Crown Prosecution Service decides if cases are worth pursuing, those involving black people are more likely to break down. And the Home Office itself admits that only 10% of stops result in arrests, with only 5% leading to cautions or convictions.

A Home Office race equality impact assessment into identity cards reported that the chief concern of ethnic minorities was that the police would disproportionately demand to see their cards. "Education and training" of police officers - and other public- and private-sector employees - would be necessary. Yet, bizarrely, it concluded that the scheme would be "non-discriminatory" and promote good community relations, by improving citizens' faith that immigration rules were not being flouted.

When Tony Blair came to power a decade ago there was a sense of optimism about how the fraught relationship between black communities and the police might be healed. Here was a government committed at last to holding a public inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence, and the resulting report appeared to be a watershed.

It is heartbreaking, then, to see how little has changed as Blair resigns. Last year the Guardian revealed that the authorities currently hold the DNA profiles of nearly four in 10 black men in the UK - meaning that 40% of black husbands, sons and fathers have been tarnished as suspects for the rest of their lives. One wonders how long it will take for that proportion to reach 100%.

It is ironic that at the recent annual Police Federation of England and Wales Conference, David 'Friend to all' Cameron stated that he wants to get rid of the recording of stop and searches as they are presently conducted.

The Service seems not to have listened to the lessons of history as yet and changes its somewhat biased ways! Perhaps this perceived desire to reduce bureaucracy is more about winning new friends rather than improving the quality of service that is given to the public?

No matter what it seems to happen, perhaps to some within the Police as well as wider society it is more important that the Police adopts the mantra of 'Carry on Regardless' rather than realise that times have changed and this calls for a new approach to tackling crime and developing social and community cohesion. Was the death of Stephen Lawrence, Ricki Reel and so many others in vain? Serendib

Twining Chronicles - Federation Conference - 3

Twining Chronicles - 3

I will try and report my findings from the Federation Conference of 2007. During a debate about resilience there was an overwhelming agreement between delegates that Forces had no resilience, and that sanctioned tar- gits, were literally that, gits.

There followed a further great debate led be the star of the show, San Ction Detection, who despite the support of the Home Office was boo’d off the floor. Those that were at Conference would have seen the voting device allowing people to cast individual votes. It was a bit like a black box. Well one could also send in text messages and Twining sent one in. It read something like, " For lack of resilience please see Inspector gadget’s blog." See Gadget I did think of you. The producer however did not put it on screen as he appeared not to have a sense of humour. Reid admitted also to reading these blogs. Ooo!

Twining can report that if one was to take these black boxes out of the Centre they would bleep and what happened is the Inspector’s in true police culture mode planted two of these bleeping boxes in a Sergeants bag. They proceeded to converse with the Sgt, all the way to the hotel, whilst the items bleeped, distracting the Sergeant totally. By the time the Sergeant realised what he had, he had no choice but to try and switch them off, but there was no button, so he rolled them up in a towel and put them in his cupboard. I think he thereafter called the Inspector’s a name, it went a bit like this, San Ction Detection’s! The items were duly returned bleeping the following morning. This is Twining reporting. Over and out from me.

POSITIVE DISCRIMINATION

The Concept of "Freshies."

I am somewhat lost by this term affirmative action or positive action. I believe that ACPO is seeking a change in the legislation to allow for positive discrimination. In itself this might seem rather fair, but actually currently it is a farce. This means that if there is a vacancy and three people apply for the job and are interviewed, logic states the best person gets the job. Not anymore it does not.

However, we all know that there is still very much a "you scratch my back, I scratch yours", nod, nod, wink, wink type mentality which means job vacancies are often filled prior to any interview. The interview is just to create the perception of equality. Now, I am not saying that this always happens, but it tends to occur when one throws in a competent Black or Asian Officer.

Positive discrimination then might mean there is no interview, and that the "token" minority ethnic person gets the job. One wonders why Chiefs are pushing for this so much? Could it be that they have succumb to failure in race equality, even though they are loathed to admit it? Consider the word "token" very carefully because it’s a bloody real concept. Could it be that Chief Officer’s realise that their interview process is flawed by over scrutiny of good Black colleagues, surely, they would never agree to that. Could it be that there is agreement of backroom chats and boardroom agreements? No, they would not admit to that either. The stupidity in all of this is that if the Chief Officer’s were to just grip the middle management that keep failing race equality, we might have an even playing field. Instead it would appear that Chief Officer’s want to keep these middle incompetents in post but apply positive discrimination. Now, why would this be the case? I fear the problems lie in this for us all. Management simply cannot get it into their heads that any form of discrimination is bad. It causes resentment, hatred, and even racism where none existed before.

In my limited, experience I have noted how some Senior Officer’s, in the last few years, prior to this debate about positive discrimination, have been mentoring SOME, (the chosen few), minority ethnic "token" colleagues on the quiet. These colleagues have been advised not to tell anyone they are being mentored. Shhhh! Unfortunately the colleagues they appear to be mentoring are those that have never stuck their heads above the parapet in any issue, let alone race relation’s. Shhh! These colleagues have dubious histories in relation to minority communities. So why choose them? Again the word incompetence comes to mind. Of course standards will not drop!

This whole policy is an affront to the anti racism movement. These Senior bods are still associating themselves with the "wannabees", "the freshies", the Jones’s of the Asian and Black world, but what they don’t realise is that most of these people have been slaves, are being used as slaves, and are indeed just slaves, "tokens".

Hmm and there’s more. When the time comes and a genuine minority ethnic person claims raicism, it won’t be too long before "these freshies" are brought out and paraded to lie and say, "there is no problem." And for these freshies there is no problems because they have sold out, they have bought themselves out of the racism problem.

Affirmative action my foot! Positive Discrimination in it’s current form is just another control mechanism for allowing the powers to be to discriminate against the marginalised communities and us all.

Believe me these "freshies" know exactly what is going on, but as long as THEY AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE OK, it doesn’t really matter about the Black, Asian or White kid being murdered because of the colour of their skin for the "freshies" are a mirror image of their leaders and masters. OI Totally UNPC are you listening my friend, Black in Blue got a mention in Police Review, YIPEE! look at the letters page, it wasn't your sort of mention but IT WAS A MENTION!

PC Richard Gray

I did not know this man, but he was a man, a human being.
I did not know this man, but I believe he was a good man.
I did not know this man,

and he leaves a wife and children behind.
I did not know this man,

but he was a good Police Officer responding to a job.
I did not know this man but he wears the same uniform as I do, the same uniform that we all wear with pride.
When someone dies in these circumstances there are reasons,
I want to know the reason why he was shot in the line of duty.
Did I really not know this man?
I did know this man,

PC Gray was my brother,

He was a part of my own family.

Therefore I did know this man.
Rest in peace my freind.

I will not be adding anymore blogs this week and neither will Serendib in respect of a fallen colleague, PC Richard Gray, who was murdered in the line of duty on Sunday 5th May 2007).

Twining Chronicles - 2 - Trolls

Trolls

My humble apologies that Serendib is described as fatuous: devoid of intelligence. He certainly is not devoid of intelligence but then during the slave trade Black people were deemed as devoid of intelligence and within Black I count in Asian. As for me being puerile: adolescent: displaying or suggesting a lack of maturity, again I apologise that this is what one person may think. I don't think Noddy, or Pink cat or Southwest or Franky or Bigfella share these views of me. You will find funny articles and serious articles here I hope. In fact I count on my colleagues like Bloggs and friends like Annette. I have had the BNP troll this. But as I say, if having a laugh and a joke is immature sometimes, so be it, but this is the only way I can deal with an establishment like ours. By the way Gandhi Bapu was last seen heading up the M1!

What is called for social engineering or just common sense?

Britain's growing racial divide

By Vivian White BBC Panorama reporter

Panorama visits Blackburn in Lancashire to investigate how increased separation and segregation between Muslim Asians and whites is dividing communities.

Blackburn presents a stark example of a difficult, national problem.

For all the hopeful talk about "integration", "multiculturalism" and now "cohesion", the reality on the ground appears to be that Britain's Muslim Asian community and its white community have few points of contact, and that the white majority often feel they share little in common with the growing Muslim Asian minority.

Of course there are hopeful exceptions, but Blackburn - where Muslim Asians on the last census made up 24% of the population and whose local council takes the issue very seriously - demonstrates clearly what the problem is.

Anyone who goes to Blackburn's town centre, and takes a look around, will see that whites and Muslim Asians are sharing the shopping centre and that everyone is behaving perfectly courteously to each other.

So what's the problem? Well, look a bit more carefully, and you'll see that they are both here doing their shopping - but they're not shopping together.

They're nearly always shopping separately. And that's the typical pattern here.

Defined areas

There's very little casual, social association between whites and Muslim Asians. There's an obvious geographical separation.

The risk is of separate communities, and of people breathing the same air but walking past each other Jack Straw, Blackburn MP

The areas originally settled in the 60s by immigrants from Pakistan and India are clearly defined.

And in the other parts of town where the communities appear to be "mixed", there's little actual mixing.

Ted Cantle reported to the Home Office on "parallel lives" after the riots in Burnley, Oldham, and Bradford in 2001 (there were none in Blackburn).

He says of the town: "There is not just simply residential segregation, but there is separation in education, in social, cultural, faith, in virtually every aspect of their daily lives, employment too."

Complex factors

Blackburn's MP Jack Straw, a senior member of the government, puts it like this: "The risk is of separate communities, and of people breathing the same air but walking past each other."

The problem that Panorama observes cannot be simply dismissed as "racism", although there will be racists, inevitably, on both sides.

What differentiates the communities is not just skin colour but a more complex combination of race, religion, and language and culture, and these factors added together are a recipe for social separation.

And the phenomenon of so-called "white flight" is one result.

'White flight'

Blackburn's original Pakistani and Indian immigrants came to the town seeking work in the 60s in what was then the booming cotton industry.

There is some degree of separation or segregation in most towns and cities says Ted Cantle, Home Office report author.

Many of them spoke little English and they settled together in the town, buying the cheap terraced housing they could afford.

So this then became an "Asian" area. And as their numbers have expanded they've become more prosperous and moved to other areas. But many whites have moved out in response. This is "white flight".

As some Asians see the process, when they seek to integrate and live with whites the whites avoid them.

Then, to add insult to injury, they complain that Asians don't integrate. An Asian talks about taking chocolates round to his white neighbours, who then avoid making eye contact with him.
"I don't know," he says, "I find that a little odd."

And Jack Straw says: "It's been striking in the last 10 months or so the number of Asian people who... have expressed resentment to me about how they feel they've been treated when they've moved into white schools, or moved into white areas."

Controversial issue

But as some whites see it, these new Asian neighbours bring too much change to the areas they move into.

I fear that my children will end up living like apartheid in South Africa Asian Blackburn resident
Local pubs close, different food is sold in the shops, and at school many of the pupils now come from homes where the language spoken may not be English.

Meanwhile more and more young Muslim women, not just in Blackburn, are wearing the veil - an issue already controversial and made even more so when Mr Straw described it last year as "visible statement of separation and of difference".

A white man, living in the same area, sums up the concerns many whites feel: "We're slowly getting swallowed up, and we're losing our identity.

"We should work more together," he says, "and keep the place as it is - English."

'Small pockets'

And, as Ted Cantle makes clear, separation and segregation is not just a problem for places like Blackburn.

"It exists as a problem, to some degree or other, throughout the country, and it may be in small pockets and neighbourhoods within larger cities like London and Birmingham and therefore not quite so evident.

"It might be whole boroughs or whole cities, but to some degree or another it exists. There is some degree of separation or segregation in most towns and cities."

Panorama deals openly in this programme with a topic many in both communities have been too nervous to discuss, although it's a discussion which the local council in Blackburn has itself promoted with its "100 Voices" dialogues.

The prospect, otherwise, is of even greater separation. A white Blackburnian says, regretfully: "You'll end up with Muslim Asian towns, you'll end up with white British towns."

An Asian Blackburnian agrees: "I fear that my children will end up living like apartheid in South Africa."

There are many good Coppers...

...that are White. Yesterday whilst at a social function I met a lighting expert. Someone introduced us, as we were both police officers. This man was a wonderful man, and struck me as a good cop, good at his job.

It was obvious, but what he did with the lighting was to create a fairytale dreamssetting for this family social function. We talked a lot yesterday. Him and his colleague had not eaten and everyone was invited to partake. I took him up two plates of food and asked him whether tea was OK. His response, " Is it Indian Tea?" I smiled and said, "yes, is sugar OK?" He laughed and said, "I love Indian tea."

For the rest of the day he did his work and he was professional. Later he said to me, "A Skipper’s never made me a cup of tea before, thanks Skip." This colleague was 6’ tall, I was flattered to say the least. At the end of the day he took it upon himself to leave me a card with his details and jokingly he said, they call me "the bastard." I said, "why?" His response, "Because if there’s ever a bastard problem at work I end up sorting it out." I laughed with him. During the day I mislaid the card, and like a good copper does, I retraced my steps and there it was on the floor, where I had been sitting. I was walking with my elderly father, who needs holding onto just in case he might fall, age, I pointed this colleague out to him in the distance and said, "dad, this guy is a policeman too." My father smiled.

Yep, I thought and we had talked frankly about some of the issues going on in the NBPA. I thought, "I would rather have you on my side any day." He does not know I have written this, and I will share this with him. I know sometimes I keep on, but the majority of colleagues are just like him, good at their job, honest, and caring. It’s about time the NBPA changed. Like I said I would rather him at my side. If I met some of the Contributors that are police and that contribute here I think they would be very similar to this colleague.

Twining Chronicles:Newsflash - NBPA

Not that Twining would enjoy Gandhi Bapu slapping Jarrett and his cronies, no, not at all! But it would make National Headlines in the Twining Chronicle:

News Headlines: Saturday 5th may 2007

"News has just come in. There are unconfirmed reports that both Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King are alive. Sources state that both pulled up outside the Home Office buildings earlier this morning where the NBPA are sited in a Toyota Carina motor car. (A Toyota carina?) Wearing a loin cloth and a shirt, Gandhi walked into Jarrett's office with Luther King by his side, and whilst Luther King held Jarrett down, Gandhi is said to have hit Jarrett with a stick and a TWINING GONG!

These are only unconfirmed reports but police sources state that the two heroes left swiftly in their Carina, VRM not known, being driven away by someone looking like Elvis! The group were last seen heading towards the Commissioner's office. Further sources state that the Commissioner in his surprise at seeing the two great men with Elvis went to greet Elvis, totally ignoring Gandhi, but by this time Gandhi continued a superb stick beating of the Commissioner using a hockey stick. The Commissioner's Staff Officer's tried to intervene and were Karate kicked by King. Sources state that the Staff officer's fled with their tails between their legs, though this cannot be confirmed, the tails cannot be confirmed! The Indian and US Governments have both intervened and claimed diplomatic immunity for our heroes. The whereabouts of the three legends are currently unknown."

End of newsflash.

The Empire Crumbles

Individuals strength, commitment and resolve achieve; the success of groups on the other hand are dependant upon the integrity of leaders and the people surrounding them. A Senior Home Office official by the name of Maqsood Ahmed has written to the NBPA to tell them in no uncertain terms to get their house in order. (1) One can only ask for how long has this house or institution been affected by irregularities, (2) what sort of irregularities are we talking about, (3) and who will take the wrap, if anyone.

In answer to (1) above, and by the way this is Twining talking; I believe there have been irregularities since one person has been in post; the NBPA co-ordinator, I feel has much to answer. I have heard that he has been returned to his own Force, for what or why I am unsure of.

In relation to (2) above I know of several contacts that have advised me that in negotiating settlements for some Black officers, this individual, through advice or otherwise, has engaged in plantation politics with Senior Management, secured his own future, but breached the confidentiality of those Black colleagues he was supporting. Worse still other Senior NBPA members have been taught the same.

I can definitely quote one source that this did happen to the detriment of that colleague that had suffered racial discrimination. I can quote one other where this individual and others, referred to as a scrutiny group conducted an internal scrutiny on the expulsion of a valuable BPA member who was "deemed" a thorne in the side to the establishment. In short, he was intelligent, academic, articulate, and these Black colleagues took his legs, through jealousy. This is racial discrimination whether one likes it or not, and the establishment took great comfort in keeping this "loose canon" quiet whilst the NBPA did the dirty work. Fools I say! Hmm new slavery innit.

The NBPA and BPA’s are not innocent in this at all. (Of course these behaviours make someone in power, like the co-ordinator, feel good, but they do not achieve fairness and equality). On the contrary these behaviours that management encourage and partake in corrupt race relations and are politics, that is all.

There is some suggestion in "The Sun" newspaper that an individual in the NBPA purchased a satellite navigation system, and then it was sold on. (I still do not have one of these; I rather follow signs and whilst driving do not commit enforceable penalty notice offences). If the allegation were true that the item has been sold, one would like to think the monies have gone back into the NBPA account. There is another suggestion in the same Newspaper that the someone claimed expenses on a business trip that really wasn't a business trip. If this allegation is true, then this really amounts to mmm, you know, a detection!

If an organisation surrounds itself and is run by incompetents then this is what will inevitably happen; incompetence. If people around individuals and people in power knew this was going on or some of it, at least, and they did nothing, then they are responsible also. We will see how wide the net disperses. The current NBPA President states he might be viewing this embarrassment through rose tinted glasses. This indicates he did not know what was going on, but he is a part of a corrupt system that lets him and others "groom" future leaders that are less competent than themselves, that way they look good innit duh!

In answer to (3) above, How far will the net disperse? When the current NBPA president took up post, due to one issue, I am strongly advised that a BPA member wrote to him and asked him to resign because he refused to acknowledge these failing. His response to that member was something like, "Please don’t email me." Yep, those are definitely rose tinted glasses. In terms of anti racism these people have let the service and victims of racial incidents, down. They have hung onto something we call the ego, but that egos just happen to be Colonial in spirit, yet these same people quote Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King. If these people were alive now they would give them a good slap to wake them up and whilst Gandhi believed in peaceful resistance, even he would not allow his name to be be abused in this way! Currently and in recent history the NBPA has been a joke. It needed to fold a few years ago when the then co-ordinator and the new President were advised to stand down. It should fold now and a new one should emerge.

A few 'Universal Truths' from a wise man!

Dalai Lama's Message:

· Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

· When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

· Follow the three Rs: Respect for self, respect for others and responsibility for all your actions.

· Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

· Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

· Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

· When you realise you've made a mistake; take immediate steps to correct it.

· Spend some time alone every day.

· Open your arms to change but don't let go of your values.

· Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

· Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

· A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

· In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.

· Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

· Be gentle with the earth.

· Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.

· Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

· Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

· Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon

Serendib joins Black in Blue

Living in Fear of the ‘Saracen Hordes’

Islamic Fundamentalism vs. Extremism

A visitor to Douai Abbey in the heart of Royal Berkshire is struck by the tranquillity and peace that envelopes the surroundings. There monks will be found in silent contemplation of their faith in the fundamental beliefs of Christianity. These monks are considered as harmless followers and exponents of the basic tenets that teach compassion and harmony in a world where peace is hard to find.

Still in the Royal County, just a few miles away, in central Reading followers of the Prophet Mohammed meet at their local mosque just a few hundred metres from the town’s busy commercial centre. They too are engaged in silent contemplation of the basic precepts of their faith, which is also seeking compassion and harmony in a world where peace is hard to find.

What is the difference between these two pictures, with the exception of the obvious affluence related to Douai Abbey and its well manicured gardens as opposed to the economic deprivation experienced by those living within sight of the mosque and the traffic-congested streets?

Both groups are following the basic code of belief of their specific faith with the intention of greater spiritual and intellectual development, yet the latter worshipers live in fear of accusations of what has now been termed ‘Fundamentalism’ and all that is conjures up since September 11th 2001.

To some Fundamentalism is the broad-based but diverse religious movement that has swept across the Muslim world, from North Africa to Southeast Asia, during the past two decades.

It can be reasonably stated that fundamentalism is merely the re-evaluation of one’s faith and a desire to return to a more basic approach where life is centred on the power of prayer and seeking heavenly rewards through personal peaceful efforts. This change of approach is to counter the onslaught of what some may believe to be the demise of family values and ethics brought about by the ever increasing Westernisation and its exploitation.

In the world of the late twentieth and into the dawn of the twenty first century contemporary Islamic fundamentalism has manifested itself in personal and political life, from greater emphasis on religious observances such as prayer, fasting, Islamic dress, and family values to reassertion of Islam in politics.

Not only has Islam seen a resurgence in what may be considered as its home in the Middle Eastern countries, but also in Western Countries second and third generation descendants of South Asian migrants as well as many African and African Caribbean youngsters have sought solace and personal identity in re-affirming their faith in this worldwide fellowship that has no gender, ethnic or cultural barriers.

The term ‘Islamic fundamentalism’, while commonly used, is misleading. The term fundamentalism is laden with Christian presuppositions and Western stereotypes, and it implies a monolithic threat. If fundamentalism means the acceptance of the primary tenets of Islam then the modern interpretation is somewhat insulting as it is generally used to identify individuals or groups that are hostile to specifically Western Countries and their capitalistic ethos.

In Western Europe the same term would not be used to identify similar spiritual followers of the primary tenets of Christianity whilst going about their contemplations in a monastery in Exmoor or the depths of Wiltshire. More useful perhaps are the terms Islamic revivalism and Islamic activism, which are less value-laden and have roots within traditions of political reform and social activism.

For a considerable number of Muslims, the resurgence of Islam is a reassertion of their cultural identity, formal religious observance, family values, and morality. The establishment of an Islamic society is seen as requiring a personal and social transformation that is a prerequisite for a true Islamic government. If effective change is to come then it will come from below through a gradual social transformation brought about and assisted by the implementation of Islamic law.

On the other hand, a significant minority of quasi-Islamic followers view some of the societies and governments in the Muslim countries as hopelessly corrupt. They believe that un-Islamic societies and their leaders are no better than infidels and that the religious establishment has been co-opted by the government.

Such critics believe in some more extreme cases that both established political and religious elites must be overthrown and a ‘new’ Islamic law imposed. These radical revolutionary groups, though relatively small in membership, have proved effective in political agitation, disruption, and in some cases assassination. They have not, however, been successful in mobilising the masses.

From a Western perspective it could be said that the well publicised countries that claim to be hard-line ‘Islamic States’ are arguably held together more through political and military dictatorship rather than any widespread ecumenical belief system. Such societies have historically been seen to naturally fall through internal means rather than any external pressure.

What does this all mean in the UK today?

It is vitally important that the United Kingdom Police service itself does not, by acting upon inappropriate thought processes, or using negative language and behaviour, fall foul of playing into the hands of those who wish to besmirch both the followers of Islam and the Muslim world in general. The media is keen to show that the ‘Saracen’ hordes are waiting to sweep in from the East and destroy Christendom. This will only lead the Service into becoming more isolated from certain groups who already (through the inherent quasi-Christian ‘British’ racism, economic, social deprivation and exclusion) find themselves estranged from mainstream society.

By further demonising the Islamic World, western society is in fact giving a genuine reason for some to actually turn towards certain extremist groups with either their verbal and intellectual support or in the minority of cases to actually give physical support when called upon. Many within western society are not even aware that it is they who are victims of the ‘Medieval’ anti-Islamic biases of their fore parents, who without conscious knowledge still fear the sacking of Jerusalem and a return to the ‘Dark Ages’.

With such rampant bigotry and disgraceful attitudes shown towards Islam and Muslims especially on the part of many western policy-makers and opinion-formers, someone has to take the initiative to correct the situation.

Perhaps it is time for the benefit of all people within the West to shed this ‘Medieval’ cloak of bigotry that they have towards Islam and still wear, and rather learn to appreciate what Islam has given to the World in the form of the Sciences, Literature and the Arts. It was in fact the Islamic World that established the first universities not just for pious study, but actually where Medicine, Politics, Philosophy and Economics were studied and the knowledge was further enhanced for the benefit of all.

If Western society and specifically the UK also then further empowers those people who are placed and kept within the most deprived groupings and they are actually accorded the opportunity for their voices to be genuinely heard then extremism will find it difficult to establish a firm base of support.

This inclusive stance has no ethnocentric basis as extremism is certainly not just in the sole ownership of Muslims and other visible minority groups within society, but also of the indigenous White European majority. Rather than being the source of fear and trepidation, Islamic fundamentalism rather supports and seeks peaceful means of change within society through intellectual and spiritual development.

Although it is not the sole responsibility of the Police service to undertake this task, it has become, over the past two decades, since the Scarman Report of 1981, the legal and moral duty of the service to become an influencer for change within wider society.

Unless all the peoples of a nation and especially its youth feel valued and their concerns are listened to then we will see a continued growth in the numbers of young people mainly believing that they will find their identity and a fellowship amongst the extremist groups that use elements of a faith to attract, hold on to and ultimately control their membership.

There is yet hope as people in the West are starting to question their ‘Leaders’ statements and proposed actions as seen by the recent ‘Peace’ marches held in many ‘Western’ capitals. Why are so many people verbally and physically demonstrating their defence of their Muslim Brothers and Sisters? It could be that many within the West have matured as a result of the ‘Western European’ inhumane actions that the world experienced in the twentieth century and realise that it is only a matter of time before the pendulum swings again and that they may be the next target of the of those who wish to invoke mass hysteria and fear for their own personal and immoral reasons.

Pastor Martin Niemoeller a World War 1 U-Boat Captain and Hero once wrote of the Nazi regime “In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.”

Rather than fear Islamic fundamentalism, the West perhaps may benefit from listening to what it is saying and will without doubt hear something of note and value for its own use and further development, likewise the monks at Douai Abbey could also teach us all a thing or two to aid us in these troubled times. Respect for other faiths and cultures engenders respect and inclusiveness, thus reducing any ground swell support for extremisms. NB Please note that these are the thoughts as compiled by Serendib and not necessarily those of Twining who has kindly allowed me add to this site.

Black in Blue goes from strength to strength

Folks, Betsy joined me sometime ago on Black in Blue. And already she has managed to shut some of our managers up with her cartoon. Apparantly it is doing the rounds. She has much more to tell with her artistic talents! This colleague, yes she is a police colleague, and she wears a uniform, is a match for Shilpa Shetty.

Betsy will be adding more cartoons as we go along. About our message of race relations. But I now want to introduce you to Serendib. I understand Mount Serendib exists in Sri Lanka. That is all I am going to say about Serendib. I am busy stripping wallpaper. It does nothing for my good looks as you have all now seen. I am not shocked about the incompetency in the NBPA. They were warned about it! Now their masters have taken their legs. I told you so! Wishing all readers well and a thank you to the last contributor. That just adds more credibility to what I have been saying over time. We are now in the top 10 and are used within education also. (Twining).