The passive aggression against Pakistan is the only form of rebellion left to the majority in England - but is still mistaken
The public know they are not allowed to say anything. They may feel it - but to voice it will bring a response time from the police that those who are victims of petty crime can only dream about.
Voice your thoughts and the diversity champion manager will send you on a social cohesion and diversity awareness training event.
Big brother is watching you always.
The news is full of never ending cultural concessions and demands from what looks more and more like colonisation by a particular group who want their own laws and their restrictions placing on the indigenous majority, rather than the immigration we are all repeatedly told by the state broadcaster is good and its racist to oppose.
The undercurrent of rage is in part what keeps these stories in the media - it sells copies of the Daily Mail as surely as the 'social interest stories' sell the News of the World.
So the tragedy of the Pakistan floods provides a rare opportunity for rebellion carried out in virtual anonymity - just don't give. Its classic passive aggression and the public is quite frankly furious. The Telegraph reports giving for this disaster is way down on similar previous incidents in Haiti and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Like the petrol blockades its caught the political class and liberal establishment out. They hate unexpected reactions from the proles whom they think they control.
By the way change the political system along the lines Nick Clegg would like and there will be much more of this.
This is what has happened to our democracy - the people are furious, but know the state will punish them if they express it, so only withholding support is available to them.
After all David Cameron was only stating what is widely known in governing circles when he accused Pakistan of supporting terrorism - the probelm was that the people were never to be told - only to allow their sons and daughters to be slaughtered by a supposidly friendly state by their proxies in Afghanistan. The BBC is trying to blame the low giving on this admission of the truth and unwillingness to tolerate the situitation by David Cameron ( unlike David Miliband who knows its only proles dying and statecraft requires you just keep quiet about it ).
I have sympathy with these views. I understand the opportunity for passive aggression that many are taking and thought about it myself.
However lets remember the very large majority of people in Pakistan are just that - normal people. They are suffering from appalling misfortune. Our compassion should outweigh the opportunity to kick the system anonymously, that we dare not strike openly.
If your the sort of person who is able to give and normally would then you should this time also. If your a Christian remember to love even those who oppress you. Its easy to give to those you like - the challenge is not to hold back from those you don't. Ultimately, because of the suffering we can all do something about, its wrong to hold back.
The DEC appeal is here and my favoured charity is here.
Also see Bagehot here on Pakistan's image problem.
6 comments:
''A Conservative since 1973 when I learnt that socialism makes the lights go out.''- quite a promising description of oneself...
Best!
@Imola - and one routed in the memory of the near irretrievable defeat of freedom in my country and the path back from that precipice.
I fear you are correct. Tomorrow we are having a dress down day and a bake sale for this cause which is being promoted by a Muslim. It will be interesting to see how that turns out.
Interestingly, I was just looking at the Human Rights Act today. According to Liberty "Article 14 of the Convention prohibits discrimination on very wide range of grounds, which sex, race and religion, but also cover political opinion, economic or social status, as well as ‘any other status’".
Perhaps those who want to make controversial political statements should invoke the HRA section on political discrimination. At the moment, most people on the "right" just seem to blindly dismiss the whole HRA when perhaps they should be using it to their advantage.
Dear MITS,
One reason for the lack of response is the build up of resentment around the corruption endemic in Aid giving to Pakistan. For instance I gave a serious amount of money to support those impacted by the earthquake a few years ago, only to learn that much of money went missing and the people who needed the aid were still living in flimsy makeshift tents months after the quake.
In addition I also support local entrepreneurs in countries like Pakistan via providing cash to micro-banks. The sad thing is the Pakistan system started to clog up with repayments that donor banks never got back. Some never saw their money again.
I suggest it is up to the government figures of Pakistan (who have villas in Surrey and Normandy - why?) and the public figures like Imran Khan to stop playing at play boys and to help their people or get out of the way.
Needless to say I am not giving anymore.
@RW - I can see your point. The solution is perhaps to be careful with your charities.
I favour Tear Fund, in part from the viewpoint of religious conviction - but they are also effective, and have proven such in past events.
But your right to be suspicious. These events are big feeding frenzies for the major charities who have high overheads to maintain.
And yet something needs to be done.
But if your who I think you are I know you'll find a good way to do it.
Dear MITS,
I did 'carefully' select the charity. It was the one that is coordinating the flood aid today - is DEC?. But they need government to help them act. It didn't happen last time and doesn't appear to be happening this time. So I choose more direct routes to provide what help I can. Have a look at Kiva.com for an idea.
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