Hunger

I'm far from starving despite being poor. I've got gastrointestinal problems, though. So I feel hungry all the time as well as in muchos pain. eating hurts but not as much as not eating. I was sitting here feeling sorry for myself until I was reminded of other hunger related stuff that is going on right now. Put things in perspective for me.

FOODBANKS
Foodbanks are on the rise. You must've been living in a cave if you've not heard about this. It seems inconceivable that people are starving in the UK 2013. Children are going to school hungry and it's affecting their grades. In some cases teachers are going out of their way to feed those kids they know are going hungry.
Struggling families and vulnerable individuals are turning to foodbank networks like Trussell Trust and Fare Share. They have had their hands full lately with new foodbanks popping up at an almost alarming rate. In fact the number of foodbanks has trebled in the last year with over half a million people relying on them. There are those too proud to go to foodbanks, waiting for their chance to raid the bins at the back of supermarkets in the dark, Then there are those who simply go without, no family, no support etc.
I've reading posts on my feed from people living on bread and cup soups. There are areas where there are no foodbanks at all. Big black holes in the "safety net". Doesn't anyone upstairs wonder what happens to those souls? Do they care? Doesn't feel like it.

It's not just those bearing the brunt of welfare reform who desperately need this service. Working families are queueing up alongside. Low wages and high living costs means working families have to claim top-up benefits and still can't afford essential food items.
Those that don't have to worry about where their next meal is coming from can't comprehend the situation. It's alien to them. They prefer to blame us for our poverty.
And it bites. For some, the shame is too much. We can thank the right wing press and the coalition for that.

There are foobank links in the left sidebar for anyone looking for information. You can also get food bargains from Approved Food which sells food that is soon to be out of date but is still safe to eat, that's why it's so cheap.


 ATOS HUNGER STRIKE
Other news surrounding hunger is the story of George Rolf, the gentleman currently on hunger strike to highlight the failings in the way the sick and disabled are assessed and dealt with by ATOS and the DWP. This man has been through the mill because of the Atos assessment. Atos and the DWP both say it's the DWP Decision Maker who decides. Although I personally have been told by a DWP staff member that they just rubber stamp the reports they get from Atos. Investigations have shown there are targets despite this being denied by both parties. George is making a huge sacrifice for the sick and disabled of these isles. I am worried for him, I wish he'd take nourishment. But I must praise him for raising awareness of this important issue. You can hear him being interviewed here.

I don't feel very hungry now.

The Rise of Racism

Urgh! Terrorists. Apparently they can only Muslims! I cannot get my head around the racist crap flying around in the wake of the Woolwich murder.

First, I want to remind you that WE started a war. Well, our government of the time did.
Then WE kept stoking the fires. WE provoked the extremists into action.

The media did a fantastic job of firing the racists up by showing the video a million times a day! They're still at it. That poor soldier's death has been politicised and sensationalised.

That racist group that says it isn't racist, just anti immigrants and anti Islam, EDL have been rampaging about the place shouting rubbish and inciting hatred in the form of verbal and physical abuse toward Muslims and their property. Non-Muslims have been victims too, It seems skin colour is one of the ways they identify targets. The EDL and all their affiliates are nothing but thugs as they've displayed on many occasions. The evidence has been on television all day and can probably be found all over YouTube if they've not been banned. Many have been identified as racist by their own words and actions. I'm gobsmacked that they all say they're "peaceful". And what are the balaclavas about? New version of the KKK hoods?

I was dismayed to find we have an off-shoot branch of these nasty pieces of work up here in Scotland. The SDL are apparently marching on the Scottish Parliament this coming Saturday. NOT IN MY NAME! Thankfully Unite Against Fascism will be there to counter this. I have my doubts about it going off peacefully but the police have dealt well with the SDL before.

In my mind, the EDL and their off-shoots and affiliates are Terrorists. They are what makes our streets scary.

As for the Muslim terrorists on our soil? Yes, I am aware that there are some classes that teach hate to young Muslims. That we're all dirty infidels who need to die etc. I've seen the secret films shot by reporters and the not so secret filming of their marches. I agree, it's nasty stuff. It did upset me. To them I say, move back to the homeland where Islam is the main religion, there you can be happy.

Our homegrown Nazis have to realise that Muslims who buy into this extremist bull are few in the grand scheme of things. Are all Catholics Paedophiles? No! So let those Muslims who were born here or want to live here and integrate with us do so without hindrance or fear of assault, abuse or worse.

I will say though, it seems to be worse south of the border at the mo. I can feel it from here. Uneasy. I've even witnessed people from other minorities pitching in despite knowing what it's like. You'd think they'd know better.

It scares me that I'm seeing this mass hysteria even among those I thought rational.
It's not over yet....

Edinburgh - Heads-Up!

Try to make this if you're able.

It's life, Jim, but not as we know it!

So I've decided to have my own wee bit of net so that I can once again post whatever needs to escape from my vipers nest of a mind.

I've just been sorting the layout and getting the most important stuff up like the links on your left for help and advice and those on your right for opinion and news from like minded campaigners and bloggers. I hope you find these useful.

The state of the "UK" at this time has most of us existing by what's left of our frayed wits.
I have an Facebook support group for people who have gone through the hell of Atos/DWP assessments and the processes that surround disability benefits. My inbox is overflowing with tales of imminent evictions for non payment of "Bedroom Tax" as well as people going hungry and heartbreaking stories of very sick people having their only lifelines cut.

Now there's all this hysteria and thinly veiled to outrageous racism flying around. I shan't go into it just now but that whole thing has really got my goat. Don't get me started on the balaclava wearing cowards! Is it any wonder I'd like Scotland to be independent? Hey, we don't mind immigrants here, we'll give you sanctuary. ;)

My health (or lack of it) is crippling me somewhat just now. Back to the GP on Tuesday to chase up that elusive hospital referal! In the meantime I must use what little energy I have wisely. In light of this, posts may be few and far between to start off with.