Is the legal system overdue for a check-up?

The current legal system is maintained and regulated by MP's, lawyers and judges; individuals whose power, position, privilege and affluence ensure they remain least likely to suffer from crime. Moreover, it's becoming increasingly clear that the legal system is no longer capable of coping with the current pace of social change. And undoubtedly social disparity feeds into this downward spiral. Those in control of the system, increasingly blind to current realities, are imposing inappropriate solutions to growing problems. Suppression of free speech by super-injunctions to enable behavioral impunity shows how Britain is moving backwards contrasting with the Arab spring demonstrating a giant step forward against oppression.

The legal system is long-overdue for a re-vamp. Those most likely to suffer from crime should be driving change in the legal system, not sidelined and discounted. Although I wholly oppose police brutality, alleged criminals whose rights are infringed during legal processing are victims. Guilt and innocence should not be confused with protocol infringements or technicalities. A rape victim can't play a 'get out of council tax for-free card' by being a victim of rape so why do we offer a get out of criminal accountability to those accused of crime in case of technicalities or police brutality? Why don't victims of crime have a voice in determining sentencing? I'm not suggesting they represent the only voice, but to deny them the opportunity to have their say makes them a victim again, this time by the system which is allegedly designed to protect and assist them.

Sometimes sorry simply isn't good enough. MP's, lawyers and judges all need to be accountable for their actions. Without a statute of limitations on accountability. These are well-paid positions of power and responsibility. If those in these positions are afraid of making decisions due to potential accountability for their actions, perhaps more thought would go into the decision process.

Change the world!

For a day filled with significant numbers of non-violent protests, it is disheartening to see the lack of reporting by the global news media following the Mayday protests. However, this is hardly surprising as news is a commercial industry. Or alternatively it is funded by religion or state, none of which represent non-partisan viewpoints. So we cannot count on any assistance in our demands for change, we must manage this challenge on our own. As I said previously, the sad reality is that if the protests are marred with violence they will be vilified and dismissed; if they are not, they will be ignored. Neither is acceptable. So in light of the lack of reporting on public discontent we cannot afford to rest or pause as public memory is fickle and short. But with a sufficiently unified collective voice, our demands can build in volume and although the protest may be a small snowball today, soon it will become an unstoppable avalanche.

More importantly, our goals can only be achieved by sustained peaceful protest; violence and mayhem only give support to our critics. “Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

But to start by arguing for just one of the many issues at stake, let’s start with cuts in healthcare spending. Increased specificity and accuracy of new diagnostic tests come with increased cost. So do novel therapeutics. In the face of increased costs to maintain current healthcare, this is hardly the time to cut healthcare spending. However it is entirely plausible that there is waste in the system which might be highlighted by those who work in the system. Targeting wastage and streamlining the system seems like a far better targeting strategy to enable more efficient spending of the available funds.

Furthermore, closing hospitals is a strategy of false economy. If/when in future it becomes necessary to re-open or re-build a hospital; the new expenditure will then be in addition to the cost of having closed the previous facility. The ageing and growing population will require more healthcare in the future, not less, so anyone with foresight can clearly see this strategy is doomed for failure at the public expense. And sadly this is a failing of our political system as repercussions are imposed onto subsequent governments, but those responsible for poor choices are never held accountable for their actions. Cuts to public services and healthcare to avoid imposing increased taxation onto bankers and the affluent is insane and an untenable strategy.

The path to resolution remains unclear. Online protest is a vehicle but will not achieve success alone; perhaps a targeted letter campaign strategy for the future? However there is a fine line separating protest from harassment and the machinations of injustice are manifold. So for today, I hope that others will join me in attempting to establish a more collective voice for change. As always, any comments and suggestions would be most appreciated!

#changetheworld

Volume not violence M'aidez-Mayday online protest review

A huge thank-you to everyone who joined the online protest. Let's hope that following our collective protest, common sense prevails and our governments adopt a conciliatory response to counter the current phase of madness. However, if this proves not to be the case, then today will be the first salvo in a sustained campaign for freedom and justice against oppressive class/finance-based apartheid.

Together we stand, divided we fall. There is strength in numbers and we must use our advantage while we can. Demonstrations will be suppressed, free-speech will be silenced, there may be casualties (RIP Ian Tomlinson). I fully believe in giving peace a chance, but I fear our leaders desire to give war it's due is the more probable future. Ignorance and thuggery are the hallmarks of despots blinded by power. However, although the cost of revolution varies, it is better to fight for freedom than live with oppression and in time justice always prevails. There are dark days ahead, but hold strong to your ideals and together we can impart change for better.

There are many ways to achieve collective protest. Today is not the end of the battle, it is the beginning of a new phase of resistance. Watch this space for future phases of the campaign for equality, opportunity and freedom for all.