Author: badjohn7

Writer and author. Published novel as eBook and print version. - Brownout - a story of life and doom - set in Philippines, Australia and USA. Also published a non fiction work about grief, "Waiting for a Miracle: Life in the Dead Zone" as an eBook and print version. Another non fiction work is, "From Brexit to Brazil via Hong Kong, China, Russia and the USA" available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo etc. This book is a collection of essays that deal with the most pressing issues of our time, including Covid-19 and its political and social ramifications.

Populism and the triangle of Folly


Populism, short-sightedness and the triangle of Folly
As the challenges facing humanity grow more and more complex and difficult to overcome it is natural that people look with critical eyes on the ruling establishments and desire a quick fix. However, quick “fixes” generally only exacerbate underlying problems rather than providing a real solution. With the proliferation of possible news sources it is becoming increasingly difficult to know what to believe.

Theresa May 12Ju16

Theresa May
Taking advantage of democracy’s essential weakness (the lowest common denominator factor) populist movements and leaders have sprung into action around the globe. Fear of immigrants had much to do with the foolish Brexit vote. Despite the fact that most of the UK’s voters now have a much clearer idea of what the real costs of Brexit will be, Theresa May and her government seem determined to carry on with this folly rather than offering the people a second referendum. The likely outcome will be the breakup of the UK itself in addition to a very large economic burden.

donald trump

Donald Trump
The election of Donald Trump to the presidency of the USA is another example of voters being so desperate for change that they forget that a disastrous change is much worse than no change at all. With an unpredictable loose cannon in the White House, the USA and the world must surely experience increasing levels of anxiety.

marie-le-pen

Marie Le Pen
The third apex of the triangle hasn’t happened yet. If far right leaders, such as Marie Le Pen succeed in their presidential bids in upcoming European elections the collapse of the European Union would seem all but a certainty. The loss of Britain is a huge blow for the EU but the additional loss of France would be fatal. The collapse of the EU would be disastrous for Europe and the world. The outbreak of more armed conflict in the region would be all but certain.
With Putin’s Russia prepared to assert itself at all costs and China’s determination to steal sovereignty of much of the South China Sea the world is becoming increasingly a much more dangerous place. It is no wonder the Doomsday clock was reset at 2 ½ minutes to midnight after the inauguration of Donald Trump. We haven’t even considered yet that global warming and climate change is increasing all the time and has probably already reached tipping point and that the looney dictator of North Korea, Kim Jong Un is getting ever closer to having nuclear ICBMs. As the main suspect in the recent murder of his estranged half-brother, Kim Jong Un apparently will stop at nothing to maintain his grip on power. While the war in Syria drags on and millions of innocents suffer the power brokers in the world seem much more concerned with their own well-being than with any ethics, altruism or even common sense.

kim-jong-un

Kim Jong Un

We are facing desperate times. Any more short-sighted populist quick fixes are likely to throw us all over the edge.

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Death of Islam


Death of Islam

Islamic state

One might wonder what the Jihadis and Islamic extremists are trying to achieve, apart from sowing mayhem and destruction of life and property. For centuries Muslims around the world have practised their religion peacefully without attacking the “non-believers.” The Koran itself does not call for the killing or attacking of followers of other religions.

Pesident of Syria

Islam has been one of the world’s major religions since its founding. The actions of the current crop of “Jihadis” would seem to suggest that they are either following an ideology of violent nihilism or wish to see a world-showdown between religions, a showdown that Islam would surely lose. This nihilistic madness certainly has economic, political and social aspects. The failure of the Islamic Spring and the failure of the establishment of widespread social justice in the Middle East has only added fuel to the lunacy.

putin_2836730b

It is up to all the Imams and Islamic authorities to absolutely condemn any and all acts of Islamic terrorism and the belief system that lie behind them as an anathema and un-Islamic. Failure to do so on their part is likely to lead, in the long run to the death of Islam as a major and respected religion in the world.

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A virtually unknown killer that can take the life of your child in an instant


A virtually unknown killer that can take the life of your child in an instant.
SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood) is rarer than SIDS and strikes children over 1 year of age. Learn about this in a new video. Click the link below.

https://sudc.org/sudc-facts/explaining-the-unexplained

 

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Brexit Lunacy in the UK still in Play


Brexit Lunacy in the UK still in Play

 

Global economic markets have recovered, at least temporarily, from the shock of Donald Trump’s election victory. However, the Brexit madness in the UK is still in play. The British High Court offered some sanity by ruling that any triggering of Article 50 (to formally leave the EU) must be voted on by Parliament after debate and not just left to the PM, Theresa May.
Theresa May has appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn this ruling. However, it is quite likely that the Supreme Court will uphold the ruling of the High Court and the final decision will be left to the parliament.
In this case it would be wise for each MP to poll the opinions of his or her electorate. If the majority of voters in an electorate wish to remain in the EU then that MP should vote accordingly and likewise if the majority of voters in an electorate wish to leave then that MP should vote for the triggering of the article 50 and the leaving of the EU. In this way, voters who had initially supported the Brexit but now have changed their minds get a second chance.
The principles of democracy are still thus being followed but an unwise and short sighted referendum (that followed a largely negative and dishonest campaign) vote can be ignored.

The Brexit Trilogy – Anger trumps common sense


The Brexit Trilogy – Anger trumps Common Sense

Firstly, there was the Brexit vote in June’s UK referendum and we have seen what a disaster that has been, even for most of those who voted for it. Then came the Columbian referendum, which refused a peace deal with the FARC. Those who voted against the peace deal were the ones least affected by the civil war in that country.
Finally we have the final playout in the trilogy; the election of Donald Trump as the next president of the USA. The anger against the political establishment is understandable as millions, in the USA and around the world, have been ignored and marginalised. Yet, these angry people in America seem to believe that a billionaire who is part of the economic establishment although not the political one, will somehow empathise with them and improve their lot. Not only that but they also believe he will be able to help them, despite a massive lack of experience in dealing with global politics.
The poor and dispossessed all too often fail to realise that in any economic showdown that promotes instability they are the ones who lose first. The wealthy and the elites are the last to suffer. So it is in the UK and so it will be in the USA. People, all too often forget the selfishness and greed that is endemic in human nature. Narcissistic and aggressive type A personalities tend to rise to the top. Every time one elite is wiped out another one emerges.
Getting back to Donald Trump. If he behaves like he promised he would during the election campaign we will have horrible world disasters. If in power he acts in a measured and reasonable way, as suggested by his gracious and conciliatory acceptance speech, then what he said during the campaign was simply populist bullshit. Either way those who voted for him have been deceived.
Hilary Clinton’s loss, although partly due to the US voters’ hostility towards political dynasties, is also largely her fault. If she had appointed Bernie Sanders as her Vice Presidential running mate she probably would have won the election.
It would seem that we are all in for a rocky ride. Is the apocalypse just one step closer?

BREXIT – LIKE A BITTER, EXPENSIVE AND UNNECESSARY DIVORCE WHERE EVERYBODY LOSES


Marriage counselling would have been better for the UK and EU. A hasty divorce will hurt the children (Scotland, Northern Ireland and London). Who knows which parent (the UK or the EU) each child will live with?

Theresa May 12Ju16

Theresa May

The decision to continue with the likely disastrous Brexit process on the result of the flimsiest and most careless of referendums is strange to say the least. The pound continues its slide and the future looks extremely uncertain. The current situation with the incoming PM, Theresa May, preparing to press ahead willy-nilly is analogous to a lengthy, acrimonious, expensive and unnecessary divorce.

Sure, there are problems with quite a few of the EU arrangements. However, to refuse to deal with these within the existing structure is like a refusal to accept marriage counselling. It seems that the British government is determine to press ahead with a hasty divorce that will hurt the children, Scotland, Northern Ireland and London. The expense will be massive and both the UK and the EU will be seriously damaged as a result for little actual, positive gain.

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David Cameron 12Jul16

David Cameron

Outgoing PM, David Cameron appears like a shell shocked husband and father who has suddenly been served divorce papers from out of the blue. The shock seems to have caused him to meekly accept the catastrophe and impending disaster rather than fight against it.
It is interesting to note that the architects of this divorce, Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson and his double crossing sidekick (analogous to greedy, self-seeking divorce lawyers), have removed themselves in one way or another from dealing with the mess.

The British parliament is the only body than can introduce Article 50 and begin the process of leaving the EU. There is no legal compulsion for them to do this. Nigel Farage (in a recent interview with Australian 60 Minutes) claims that there is however a moral one.

In view of the entire situation, just about any reasonable person would surely claim that, in light of the facts that have appeared since the Brexit vote, there is a moral imperative that they do not introduce Article 50 to a vote and pass it. Whether they decide to hold a 2nd referendum or not, Article 50 should be left alone and considered as a virtual atomic bomb. There will be no turning back once this missile is launched and the button should NOT be pushed.

The Brexit a disaster for the World


Will the decision of a bunch of ignorant people, predominantly in the north of England, lead to the dissolution of the UK, the destruction of Europe and a global depression of horrific proportions?
The ramifications suggest disaster for most of the world

Will the decision of a bunch of ignorant people, predominantly in the north of England, lead to the dissolution of the UK, the destruction of Europe and a global depression of horrific proportions?

The ramifications suggest disaster for most of the world

 

Will the decision of a bunch of ignorant people, predominantly in the north of England, lead to the dissolution of the UK, the destruction of Europe and a global depression of horrific proportions?

The ramifications suggest disaster for most of the world

 donald trump

The dangerous Scream

This illogical decision will expose the UK to likely breakup as Scotland and Northern Ireland will likely call for further independence referendums. It will also cause more nations to attempt to exit from the EU. A further political and economic collapse across Europe is likely.

The domino effect is likely to spread across world financial markets. Considering the lengthy time frame for Britain’s exit from the EU continuing uncertainty will most likely cause massive damage across the world’s markets. It is almost probable that, together with all the other challenges facing the world, this will lead to a colossal global depression.

Overnight, I personally lost more than ten percent of the value of my life savings and I currently live in Australia. Presumably those ignorant voters who opted to leave the EU will within a few weeks see the price they will have to pay for their decision. It is true that the EU has its problems and that around the world people are disillusioned with the political establishment but it is always the ordinary people and the poor who are hurt first and worst by instant and drastic political decisions. I think we can say hello to President Trump in November.

The only sensible solution is for the UK to hold a second and final referendum on its membership of the EU within a month or two.

This illogical decision will expose the UK to likely breakup as Scotland and Northern Ireland will likely call for further independence referendums. It will also cause more nations to attempt to exit from the EU. A further political and economic collapse across Europe is likely.

The domino effect is likely to spread across world financial markets. Considering the lengthy time frame for Britain’s exit from the EU continuing uncertainty will most likely cause massive damage across the world’s markets. It is almost probable that, together with all the other challenges facing the world, this will lead to a colossal global depression.

Overnight, I personally lost more than ten percent of the value of my life savings and I currently live in Australia. Presumably those ignorant voters who opted to leave the EU will within a few weeks see the price they will have to pay for their decision. It is true that the EU has its problems and that around the world people are disillusioned with the political establishment but it is always the ordinary people and the poor who are hurt first and worst by instant and drastic political decisions. I think we can say hello to President Trump in November.

The only sensible solution is for the UK to hold a second and final referendum on its membership of the EU within a month or two.

The Scream
This illogical decision will expose the UK to likely breakup as Scotland and Northern Ireland will likely call for further independence referendums. It will also cause more nations to attempt to exit from the EU. A further political and economic collapse across Europe is likely.
The domino effect is likely to spread across world financial markets. Considering the lengthy time frame for Britain’s exit from the EU continuing uncertainty will most likely cause massive damage across the world’s markets. It is almost probable that, together with all the other challenges facing the world, this will lead to a colossal global depression.
Overnight, I personally lost more than ten percent of the value of my life savings and I currently live in Australia. Presumably those ignorant voters who opted to leave the EU will within a few weeks see the price they will have to pay for their decision. It is true that the EU has its problems and that around the world people are disillusioned with the political establishment but it is always the ordinary people and the poor who are hurt first and worst by instant and drastic political decisions. I think we can say hello to President Trump in November.
The only sensible solution is for the UK to hold a second and final referendum on its membership of the EU within a month or two.

A champion of renewable energy and thus the environment


 

A champion of renewable energy and thus the environment is the Solar Action Alliance.

http://www.creativityandpower.com/insulate_yourself_from_ever_increasing_electricity_costs/a_champion_of_renewable_energy

 

President Trump – my prediction


If Hilary Clinton becomes the Democrats’ nominee I predict that Donald Trump will claim the White House in November.

donald trump

The World spends more of its Scarce Resources on prolonging the lives of the frail elderly, many of whom are in a terminal condition, than does in promoting the health of babies and young children.


In most of the world’s countries more money is spent on prolonging the lives of the elderly than in promoting the health of their greatest resource, children. The situation reaches the height of absurdity in the case of dementia patients. The resources required to provide daily care for these people are considerable. Especially for those in the final stages there is no quality of life and it is difficult to imagine that they could actually wish to remain alive.

I have personally experienced both ends of this medical resources scandal in Australia.
Expensive care of the elderly when no quality of life remains.

Claire pixAugNov07

My father, Peter Spencer, with his granddaughter, Claire.
This was probably not long after his dementia began.

Firstly, my own father died last year after a long battle with vascular dementia, at the age of almost 91. The last three years of his life were spent in a high care nursing home and I would candidly assert that he did not have a good quality of life for several years before that. For the three years before he entered the nursing facility my sister lived in his house and acted as his carer. By 2012 he had deteriorated to the point where she could no longer cope.

Unfortunately, my father had not made any sort of advanced health care directive so the nursing home was legally obliged to keep alive for as long as reasonably possible. During the three years he was resident in the home I had occasion to see the detail of medical tests and treatments he had been receiving. The number and estimated costs thereof were truly staggering. My dad was a truly kind and wonderful person. However, by this time, his essence had largely gone.

IMG_20140725_143431

As a self-funded retiree it was my father’s own money that paid for his care in the facility. In addition he was required to pay a similar amount in the form of government taxes. However, the situation is completely different for those on the aged pension. Eighty-five percent of their pension is taken for their keep in nursing homes. The rest of the considerable cost is borne by the public purse and hence the tax payer.

Fewer resources are directed at the health and welfare of babies and young children.

Again, my understanding of this side of the equation is from my personal experience. My little daughter, Claire, died on 6 June 2008 from no known cause. She simply went to sleep and didn’t wake up. This was ten days before her second birthday. This phenomenon is known as SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood) and is applied to children over one year of age who die this way. It is much rarer than SIDS.

Image000

I don’t wish to digress from the topic too much but Claire was a totally gorgeous spirit. Even before she could walk she would willingly share her toys with other children and her food with the dog. Later, she would walk up to the lonely and dispossessed, and brighten their day. I had never seen such a shining light before in my entire life.

AprJun08-011

Two months before she passed away, Claire experienced four febrile convulsions in a 12 hour period. During the first one she stopped breathing for 30 seconds. She was taken by ambulance to a private hospital. They assured us that febrile convulsions were harmless and sent her home with instructions that she be given Panadol to lower her temperature. Late that evening, she had another minor convulsion and then another major one. Again we called an ambulance. This time we took her to the public hospital on the Gold Coast in Queensland where we live.
We were placed in a corner and left for several hours.

Then, in front of a group of doctors, she suffered a major convulsion. Finally, her situation was taken seriously and she was admitted to the Children’s Ward for 24 hours. We asked what tests could be performed to discover the cause of the convulsions and what could then be done. The doctors suggested that because of her age she wouldn’t be able to keep still enough for an MRI. To this day I still don’t know if their reluctance to perform any tests was due to the question of financial cost. We even offered to pay for any tests but none (apart from simple blood tests) were offered. Her febrile convulsions were ascribed to a high temperature caused by an unknown virus.

After 24 hours in hospital Claire was discharged and we were given instructions to monitor her temperature and judiciously administer child doses of Panadol. We followed this advice and all was well for a while. Then on that fatefully day, two months later, Claire died in her sleep.

My wife and I can’t help wondering if the situation would have been any different had the amount of resources expended on the elderly been applied to the health of babies and young children. Statistics from around the world will bear out the fact that the expenditure on prolonging the lives of the elderly is much greater than that devoted to the health of young children! Although I am somewhat elderly myself I see this situation as a gross travesty of natural justice.