Graham’s Blogging World: February 2023

13th February 2023

It’s all too easy in life to criticise other people, to criticise other people’s words and ideas, to destroy.

Or perhaps in today’s terminology to cancel.

And it’s often done without providing alternatives.

So, let’s draw a line in the sand.

This is what I believe.

I believe

… in a Country where people have equal opportunities and achievement is gained on merit and hard work, not quotas and the ‘old boy’ network

… in a compassionate but fair Country, where people live with a sense of responsibility rather than entitlement

… in the importance of work. People working must be the expected, the default, NOT an option. Key to this is an attitude of hard work (rather than entitlement), education and aspiration. People can have all the opportunities possible in front of them, but they will not be achieved if people are not willing to put the effort in and aspire to a better future. Work matters. Work can provide a sense of dignity, a sense of purpose, a routine, a framework for development, professional & social opportunities, achievement points, a sense of responsibility, and contribution to a better Country. The principle MUST be that those who can work MUST work and those who choose not to work when they are able should lose benefits

… that the time for Working From Home (WFH) has now passed, and that ALL public sector workers who are still WFH MUST now return to their usual workplaces. This includes GP’s and other members of the NHS and all other Public Sectors. I have blogged about WFH so will not repeat that argument in this blog. By the way, the argument also stands for the Private Sector. It’s time for everyone to get back to their office and stop this WFH nonsense

… a far greater emphasis and encouragement must be made for work place apprenticeships, leaning while earning. There has been far too much emphasis in raising the number of people going to University. And for some people and some jobs University and a degree is the right option. But not for all.I suggest that aiming for approx 20% of school leavers going onto University would seem about right, with the rest taking other routes into work after school

… in a low and lower tax system, both commercial and private, and a tax system that encourages aspiration and entrepreneurship

… in a smaller but better targeted welfare state, that provides a a time limited safety net for those who need it, but encourages people to take responsibility for their own outcomes

… in a Country where we love our older generation, respect the contribution they have already made, and value their experience and the contribution they can still make. A Country that treats its older generation with dignity, and an old age pension that provides a decent level of income (pension) for them

… that people can CALL themselves whatever they want, but that doesn’t mean they inherit the rights of whatever or whoever they call themselves. I called myself a BILLIONAIRE for 2 weeks. It didn’t make me one !

… in law & order and a strong but fair Policing & Judicial System. I have blogged about this previously and provide a link to that here rather than repeat it. I believe its time to have a full and frank national debate about the Death Penalty, followed by a UK wide referendum

… in a small / smaller Government, and that Government should, on the whole, stay out of people’s lives

… in a small / smaller Public Sector, with an emphasis on efficiency and effectiveness, and a laser like focus on delivery and achievement. A Public Sector with a smaller number of staff of extraordinary ability who are accountable for their performance and actions. A Public Sector that understands its role to undertake the work they are assigned, to the best of their ability, where personal political views are not part of the workplace or the discharging of assigned activities

… in a NHS that always remains free at the point of use & need, but is supplemented by private providers as and when required or desired. The NHS must challenged and reformed to provide the best medical provision in the world. Better medicines, better treatments, better equipment, better infrastructure & better people with better training. Our Country & our people deserve it. We must no longer hold the NHS on a pedestal.

… in strong defence, where our Country can defend our people, assets and principles anywhere in the world, working with international partners and allies as appropriate, but strong enough to act on our own when required

… in BREXIT. And the fight for Brexit is not over, will never be over, because many Remainers, remain supporting Political Party’s and the left wing Main Stream Media will never accept Brexit, will never accept democracy and will continue to try to overturn it

… in the Country that is kind and compassionate to those in need, genuine asylum seekers, who come to this Country fleeing war, persecution or natural disaster. But the UK is not here to solve the problems of the whole world, we can’t and shouldn’t even try. We must do our bit (and no more), in co-operation with other nations, and within the bounds of resources and common sense

… in the strong and complete sovereignty of the Country, where our laws, our people, our resources, our money and our borders are controlled by us, and managed by the democratic framework that we have in this country. ANYONE coming to our Country illegally must be returned to their Country of origin or another safe Country IMMEDIATELY. No exceptions. Protecting our Borders is of utmost importance

… it’s time for massive reform of our political establishment, which is clearly dysfunctional and doesn’t support the people of the Country. Top of the list for reform or even removal must be the House of Lords

… in being proud of our Country, and our people & Culture. Does that mean being proud of EVERYTHING. No, but it means accepting the the UK is a remarkable place, with remarkable people, a remarkable culture and history.

… the UK is a great Country, the greatest in the world

… it’s time we ask not what our Country can do for us, but what we can do for our Country (with thanks to JFK)

There are many other things I believe, this is the start !

Who AM I ?

I am Male.

I am White.

I am Welsh.

I am British.

I am a Conservative.

My name is Graham.

These things I believe.

Thanks for reading.

Graham

Twitter : @apple_shwn

Please add any comments to my Twitter post at @apple_shwn

5th February 2023

So, very rarely a day goes by without seeing a James Bond film on TV.

For James Bond fans, this is just how we like it.

The most recent Bond film, No Time To Die, has now had its Network Premiere, although by that point I am sure that most people that have wanted to watch it have already done so at the Cinema or on digital download

I am a big fan of James Bond, the books and the films.

For me, one of the most fascinating aspects of the Bond franchise has been how the character and style has developed as different actors have played Bond.

And its always interesting to see which of the Bond actors and Bond films people like.