Rhondda Records is with you every day bringing the news ------- that gives a view of world events different to the mainstream media or social media!
Except Sundays - our day of rest.
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Cuba -- Celebrates sixty-three Years
of International Medical Solidarity
Havana, May 23rd, 10:16am
(Prensa Latina)
Cuba today commemorates the 63rd anniversary of the
beginning of its international medical cooperation, a
page of solidarity ..that began with the sending of
the first brigade to Algeria.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero highlighted on the social
network X that "since then, more than 605,000 Cuban
health workers have collaborated, in 165 countries."
The head of government stressed that the island, despite
pressure from the US and manipulation campaigns
against any Cuban medical collaboration, "will
continue to bring health and solidarity... to
every corner of the world that needs it."
For his part, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said in X
that this cooperation is --- "a demonstration of our
commitment... to solidarity with social justice
and the health of the peoples of the world."
"Today, when the U.S. government insists on manipulating
the solidarity and humanistic work of our aid workers,
and threatens the recipient states, we reiterate our
commitment to maintain our medical cooperation
and support those who are committed to health
as a right for all people," he wrote... on
the platform.
Cuban medical collaboration - which has faced criticism and
pressure from successive US administrations, for decades,
has been recognized by international organizations for its
impact on reducing infant mortality, eradicating diseases
and training health professionals ------ in countries on
several continents.
In these more than 60 years of work, the island's
doctors have performed more than 17,342,150
surgical interventions and 5,606,400 births.
If... it had not been for the timely intervention of Cuban
professionals in various parts of the world, more than
12,127,000 people .......could have lost their lives,
they detail.
Since its creation in 2005, the Henry Reeve International
Contingent of Doctors has also been on the front line
against disasters and epidemics -- and have led
some of the greatest humanitarian epics ---
in defense of life.
The figures specify that 90 brigades have provided
services in 55 countries, with more than 13,400
collaborators attending to health crises --- of
great magnitude.
Over the years --- these doctors have assisted more
than 8,45,800 people, performed 43,900 surgeries
and saved more than 166,900 lives.
Image: People hold up a banner as they protest against Israel at the entrance of the International Criminal Court.
May 23: Progress - in the talks to end imposed war - as IRGC continues to oversee Strait of Hormuz transits
May 23rd, 9:58pm
(Press TV Website Staff)
In Pakistan-mediated talks with the US, Iran's foreign ministry
on Saturday said both sides have edged closer to a 14-point
memorandum of understanding that will end the imposed
war of aggression --- on all fronts.
Senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian &
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, reiterated Iran’s firm and uncompromising position in the negotiations with Washington, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate discussions with his regional counterparts
--- and reaffirmed support for Hezbollah.
Pakistani army chief Asim Munir continued consultations
with top Iranian officials in Tehran on Saturday before
heading back to Islamabad.
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy reported that
25 more vessels transited through the Strait of Hormuz under
its coordination in the past 24 hours, alongside continued
military readiness statements, while Iran also issued
diplomatic responses at the United Nations and
condemned the ongoing Israeli attacks
on Lebanon.
Key developments on day 85 of the war,
the forty-fifth day of the ceasefire:
Iran and the United States edged closer to finalizing a 14-point
memorandum of understanding to end the imposed war, halt
US maritime banditry and piracy, and secure the release of
described the situation as "very far - & very close" to
an agreement, noting that, while views have drawn
closer, the contradictory US positions.. mean the
process can't yet be said to be moving clearly
in a new direction.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged
some progress and suggested an announcement
could come within two days.
However, Iranian lawmaker Fada-Hossein Maleki
cautioned that ---- while the Americans had
accepted many issues - some recent
US positions remained a source
of concern.
President Pezeshkian also warned: that the experience
of negotiating with Washington demands the highest
levels of precision ...and caution.
Source: Al Mayadeen
_______________________________________
Iran ready for historic fight
against new aggression:
Army commander
May 23rd, 1:49pm
(PressTV)
A senior Iranian Army commander says the force is ready for an
historic fight - against any new aggression on the country amid
threats from the US and Israeli regime, that they might launch
a fresh assault on Iran.
Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari... who serves as Deputy Army
Commander for Coordination, issued the warning on Saturday,
as Iran marks the 44th anniversary of the retaking of the city
of Khorramshahr during the Iraqi-imposed war of the 1980s
in an historic operation dubbed Beit-ol-Moqaddas.
“In safeguarding the territorial integrity & independence
of the country, we are ready ------- to create another
Beit-ol-Moqaddas ---- in the face of any sedition
and imposed war. Let the world know - that
our identity is intertwined with sacrifice
and patriotism,” said Sayyari.
The senior commander also said that the Iranian Army
is awaiting an order from the Leader of the Islamic
Revolution to launch its devastating attacks on the enemies.
His remarks came as the Army also issued a statement to mark
the anniversary of the liberation of Khorramshahr, saying the
force is fully prepared to change the enemy's equations
..and showcase the Iranian nation's resistance and
steadfastness to the world, as it did during the
Battle of Khorramshahr in 1982.
The statement said that the Army has gained valuable
experience from the Iraqi-imposed war of the 1980s
and the two recent US-Israeli aggressions, which
took place in June last year and from February
to April this year.
“… with resolute determination and unwavering will,
the Army has prepared itself.... for a decisive and
comprehensive confrontation with any threat
and aggression from the enemies,”
said the statement.
_____________________________________
Israeli armed forces kill 6 paramedics,
5 civilians ----- in southern Lebanon
May 23rd, 10:29am
(PressTV)
Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon have killed at least
11 people, including paramedics, rescuers, and a child, and
wounded several others, as the occupying regime...
continues to violate the ceasefire.
Four paramedics were killed, and two others were injured
in two strikes on emergency centres in the town of
Hannawiyah, in the Tyre district, Lebanon’s
state-run National News Agency (NNA)
reported on Friday.
Also on Friday, an airstrike near the villages of Deir Qanoun
al-Nahr and Abbasiya in the Tyre district killed six people,
including two paramedics who were evacuating
casualties from an earlier strike.
In the city of Nabatieh, a drone strike targeting a truck killed
one and wounded two others, according to local reports.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Health ----- said an Israeli strike near a
government hospital in the town of Tebnine, caused severe
damage to the facility and wounded nine people, including
seven hospital staff members, five of them.... women.
Israeli airstrikes - also targeted, on the same day,
multiple towns and villages in southern Lebanon.
For its part, the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah
responded, with a series of operations, saying they were
carried out “in retaliation for Israeli ceasefire violations
and attacks on southern villages and towns.”
Hezbollah said: it targeted 9 gatherings of soldiers,
six military installations, and 3 armoured vehicles.
Hezbollah also announced that it had fired a surface-to-air
missile at an Israeli drone flying over the Beqaa region in
eastern Lebanon.
According to the Lebanese authorities, nearly 3,100
people have been killed in Lebanon since the
Israeli regime renewed its offensive - in
early March.
On March 2, Hezbollah launched military operations against
the Israeli regime in response to the US-Israeli aggression
against Iran, the regime’s repeated violations of the
2024 ceasefire, and its continued occupation of Lebanese territory.
Following the Iran-US ceasefire on April 8, 2026, Tel Aviv was
compelled to accept a ceasefire in Lebanon as well, after
Tehran demanded an end to Israeli attacks on
Lebanese soil ------- as one of its primary
conditions in indirect negotiations
with Washington.
The Israeli military, however, quickly resumed its assaults
on southern Lebanon, issuing evacuation threats for
several areas even after the initial ten-day cease-
fire agreement between Tel Aviv & Beirut was
extended for an additional three weeks.
Israeli armed forces also continue to hold parts of
southern Lebanon, where they have imposed a
so-called “Yellow Line,” a coercive military
buffer resembling the regime’s notorious
control measures...... in the besieged
Gaza Strip.
Image: Isabella Ford's Birth Day
Today, May 23rd, in 1855,
Isabella Ford,
social reformer, suffragist, writer,
vegetarian, anti-vivisectionist,
public speaker and peace
campaigner,
is born.
Isabella Ormston Ford, after becoming concerned with the
rights of female mill workers at an early age... became
involved with trade union organisation in the 1880s.
A member of the National Administrative Council of the
Independent Labour Party, she was the first woman to
speak at a Labour Representation Committee (which
became the British Labour Party) conference.
Isabella Ford was on born 23 May 1855 in Headingley, Leeds, in the north of England. Her parents - financed a night school for
mill girls in the East End of Leeds, where she began working
when she was 16. Contact with these girls gave Ford and
her sisters an insight into class differences and an
interest in working conditions.
At only 12 years old, she made an oath to a friend -- that she would "improve the state of the world".
Following the example of her radical parents, Isabella campaigned for several causes.... during her life.
She worked with tailoresses who were campaigning for better
working conditions; she helped them to form a trade union
and was involved -- when they went on strike in 1889. In
1890–91, she marched with workers from Manningham
Mills in Bradford. As a result of her involvement she
was elected a life member of the Leeds Trades
and Labour Council.
Ford helped found the Leeds Independent Labour Party (ILP) and
was president of the Leeds Tailoresses' Union. Her concerns -
trade union organisation, socialism and female suffrage.
She overcame a natural shyness to become an experienced
public speaker ----- speaking at many meetings related to
socialism, workers' rights and women's emancipation.
She wrote many pamphlets... as well as a column in
the Leeds Forward. In 1895 she was elected as a
parish councillor for Adel cum Eccup in Leeds.
In the 1900s, Ford increased her focus on her work for the ILP,
and was elected to the National Administrative Council for 4 years. She became more involved in the national women's
suffrage movement, but felt ---- that feminism and the labour movement... were equally important.
Ford's language skills enabled her to act as an interpreter at
International Labour gatherings. She was also asked to
stand for Parliament... but refused to do so.
Ford supported animal rights and was a vegetarian.
She was an anti-vivisectionist and was Chair of
Leeds RSPCA. In 1896, Ford signed the
Humanitarian League's petition
against vivisection.
The outbreak of the First World War saw Ford refocus her
energies.. on campaigning for peace. She helped to
organise the women’s peace rally - on 4 August
1914 (the day of Britain's entry into the war)
at Kingsway Hall, and in Leeds she set up
a branch of the Women's International
League and of the Women’s
Peace Crusade.
Isabella Ford died 14 July 1924 following an illness
of several months and was buried at the Quaker
burial ground near her house in Adel.
Selected publications
Miss Blake of Monkshalton (1890)
Women's Wages and the Conditions Under Which They
Are Earned. London: Humanitarian League. 1893.
On the Threshold (1895)
Mr Elliott (1901)
''You cannot expect high moral conduct --- from women over whom
a watch is kept by a male overseer to see that they do not visit
the lavatories too frequently (they are sometimes fined); such
a watch may be necessary but ought to be kept by women
over women. When the male inspector comes around to
inspect the sanitary arrangements --- the jokes and
laughter, are horrible. If anything goes wrong, if
the sanitary arrangements are neglected and
become dangerous, what woman can lay a
complaint before the male inspector? If
the overlooker’s language is offensive;
if he behaves with impropriety... to
whom ---- can these poor women
complain? A woman inspector
would not be so likely to
announce her visit
...beforehand.''
''Who is to help these women if we do not effect measures to
relieve some of the burden? It is a horrible thought that so
many of the things we use, the stuffs we wear and the
food we eat, are made ---- at the expense of many
women’s strength and happiness and honour.''
''A premium is sometimes put ---- on impropriety of conduct on the
women’s part by the foreman. That is, a woman who will submit
or respond to his coarse jokes and evil behaviour, receives
more work than the woman who feels and shows herself
insulted by such conduct.. and wishes to preserve her
self respect. The pittance earned by some of these
women is earned at the expense of more than
hard toil. Even when this coarseness... is
confined to language only ----- it causes
deep suffering, to some women. They
feel that --- because they are women
and therefore regarded as helpless
and inferior they are spoken to as
men are not spoken to and the
sting.... enters their souls.''
''Some unions exclude women, and others admit them mostly
in order to prevent them from being blacklegs to men. ‘The
women must be got in because they undersell us, they
injure us’ – it is the old story of the sole object of a
woman’s education being to make the women..
useful to men.''
''Certainly trade unions will never flourish amongst women, until
on election days the female voice can make itself heard - along
-side the male trade union voice, and some legal result of trade
unionism can come to women, won by their own efforts. It has
always been so with men; and men & women are wonderfully
alike…. that the improved status a vote would give these
women, would be a large factor in raising their wages,
there cannot be the smallest doubt. In the language
of the girls themselves, about it: “they don’t dare
put on a man same as they do on us; not they!”
“Of course not” said a man trade unionist,
“you see, men ---- have a vote.”
''The women’s movement ------ aims to help all of the classes. If the
franchise bills are limited in scope --- this is because of tactical
reasons. The women’s movement seeks broad social reforms
to benefit women and that is why the question is so
continually shelved and so intensely disliked, by
the House of Commons. Not all socialists take
the women’s movement seriously, but that is
short-sighted of them. Whenever a class is
taught to accept as privileges what are
really its rights, that class becomes
demoralised and retards the
progress of the whole
community.''
''There is no point complaining that women act as blacklegs or
undersell male workers; these are the faults to which a class
kept in a state of dependence & political servitude is prone.
Women will only become fully responsible, when they are
able to take part in political life through the exercise of
the vote.''
''To work for female factory legislation before demanding full
political power for the women workers... so that they may
work out their industrial salvation as men have done is
hindering the emancipation of women’s labour - more
than it is helping it. Perpetually behaving to working
women, as if they are babies or half-witted persons
who don't know what they want would be irritating
if it weren't ridiculous to those who're acquainted
with the working woman as she really is ------ a
wonderful compound of patience, fortitude
and stolid endurance.''
''I found that it was quite impossible --- to obtain any help from
either of the two political parties. The Liberal Party was the
avowed advocate of trade unionism but Liberal employers
were quite as bitter as the Conservatives against any of
their female employees who dared to join a trade union.
The insolent tone in which the working women who
were daring to strike - and daring to join unions
were referred to --- showed that sex hatred,
or what is even worse, sex contempt on
the part of men towards women -------
underlies our social structure.''
''I was thinking of leaving the trade union movement altogether
for the antagonism between men and women was widening
and I could see no way...... of interesting women in the
movement. Women, resent this spirit of antagonism
between them, and men. Comradeship is the only
thing, and who preached it? Who understood it?''
“The usual vagueness of expression...... employed on such occasions rather opened the women’s eyes, to a better
understanding..... of the size of the battle which lies
before them. Their backs began to stiffen a little.”
It would be a refreshing sight –– and a most terrifying one
for Mr Asquith –– if the women Members of Parliament
for Finland could be present. I would like to remind
women --- that the Upper Chamber in Finland has
already been abolished, largely --- I am told,
through the action of the women’s vote.”
On Peace - instead of War:
"Women... have more to lose in the horrible business than some
men have; for they often lose more than life itself when their
men are killed; since they lose all that makes life worth
living for, all that makes for happiness.''
Finally....
''It is indeed wonderful when one wakes up in the morning to
remember that now, at last, one is considered to be - a real,
complete human being! After thirty years -- of endeavour
to make men understand they were only half the world,
the price we have paid for our enfranchisement is too
heavy, some of us find, to allow us to rejoice in the
light-hearted, happy fashion - we used to picture
in the old days, but.. we are filled with a deep
and earnest thankfulness.''
EU approves new sanctions against Israeli
settlers ------over violence in West Bank
May 11th, 5:43pm
(PressTV)
The EU agreed to impose new sanctions against Israeli
settlers ------ over the increasing violence against
Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
EU foreign ministers, who gathered in Brussels for a meeting
of the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, also approved a
new round of sanctions against Israeli organizations
supporting illegal settlement activity in the
occupied West Bank.
“It's done! The EU is sanctioning today the main Israeli
organizations guilty of supporting the extremist and
violent colonization of the West Bank, as well as
their leaders. These most serious - and
intolerable - acts must cease without
delay," French Foreign Minister
Jean-Noel Barrot, said, on
social media platform X.
Barrot said, “The hope that France revived last year in New
York, that of two recognized and respected States living
side by side in peace and security, we will let no one
undermine it."
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also confirmed the decision,
saying EU foreign ministers "gave the go-ahead to sanction
Israeli settlers over violence against Palestinians."
"It was high time we moved from deadlock to delivery. Extwemisms and violence carry consequences,"
Kallas saids - on X.
The decision sparked outrage from Israeli foreign minister
Gideon Sa'ar, who called it “arbitrary --- and political”.
“The European Union has chosen, in an arbitrary and political
manner, to impose sanctions on Israeli citizens and entities
because of their political views ...and without any basis,”
Sa’ar sneered... in a post on social media platform X.
He defied the decision, saying Israel will continue
to support the (illegal) settlements in the
occupied West Bank.
Violence by Israeli forces and settlers has escalated across
the occupied West Bank since October 2023, when Israel
launched the genocidal war against Gaza, including
killings, abductions, home demolitions, and
settlement expansion.
Since then, at least 1,155 Palestinians have been killed,
and about 11,750 others injured, and nearly 22,000
arrested in the occupied West Bank.
_____________________________________
FIFA World Cup boycott‘self-evident’
under Trump’s ‘racist, vile’ regime:
Activist
April 14th, 9:03am
by Mohammad Ali Haqshenas
The United States is no longer a safe or credible host for a global
sporting event ----- with sweeping travel bans, rising internal repression, and an increasingly aggressive foreign policy,
making a boycott of the 2026 World Cup -- not radical:
but inevitable, according to an activist and artist.
In an interview with the Press TV website, Willie Dowling, an
activist .....who also happens to be a multi-instrumentalist,
singer and composer, said there were "enough reasons"
for the world to boycott the FIFA World Cup to be
co-hosted by the US before the announcement
of recent restrictions placed on travel.
Dowling’s case begins with borders - and who is allowed to cross
them. Even before new restrictions were announced in January
2026, he noted that 19 countries were already subject to full
entry bans to the US, with another nineteen ----- facing
partial restrictions.
“Without exception, all of the nations banned
or partially banned ....have mostly non-white
populations,” he told the Press TV website.
“The extraordinarily rapid decline of the United States ---- into an
even more racist, authoritarian nation --- than it has historically
been should be reason enough not to go there for the football.”
The bans, he believes, are not bureaucratic hurdles but warnings.
“This should serve as a warning to everyone that it is not safe
to go to the US, particularly if you are non-white.”
These concerns are no longer theoretical. Campaigns urging fans,
players, and national associations to stay away from the US-
hosted tournament have gained momentum across Europe,
Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia.
The possibility of a direct boycott by a competing nation
has also become a reality in the wake of the Trump
regime’s acts of aggression abroad.
Iran could essentially boycott the World Cup in response to the
unprovoked US-Israeli war of aggression ---- which began on
February 28 and targeted the country's nuclear facilities,
schools, hospitals, and bridges, as well as its
sports infrastructure.
Pointing to the "malicious actions carried out against Iran,"
Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali stated recently,
"Our players do not have security, and fundamentally
the conditions for participation do not exist."
The US government - has also restricted Iran's participation. While
FIFA president Gianni Infantino claimed -- that the Iranian team is
"welcome to compete," the US president warned that the Iranian
team’s "life and safety" would be at risk ------- if it participated in
the event.
Trump administration has also barred travelers from Iran and
three other World Cup-participating countries, and multiple
Iranian delegates already had their visas denied before
December’s group-stage draw.
Activist groups cite visa denials, expanded anti-immigration
policies, internal security crackdowns, and US military
aggression abroad. Some governments.. have quietly
raised concerns about whether fans and journalists
can enter — and remain — safely.
Dowling sees a boycott as leverage. “Nor is it wise to give
Trump and his regime --------- anything they can use as a
successful publicity event,” he noted.
Individual choices matter, he argued, because - they scale.
“As individuals, we can’t do much to help bring down this
vile regime, but little actions by millions of people — like
not buying US goods --- or not travelling to the US — will
start to hit the US economy and thereby affect Trump’s
standing with his own MAGA zealots,” he stated.
The argument extends well beyond immigration. Dowling
pointed to foreign policy and to broken promises. “Let’s
remember Trump campaigned to win the Presidency
on a policy of ‘No more foreign wars’ and ‘No more
regime changes’.”
The reality, he added, looks very different. “And yet in
under a year he has bombed several countries, and
militarily threatened five others, including long-
standing allies.”
In Dowling’s view, these actions are not just aggressive but
also unlawful. “All of his military interventions fly in the
face of International Law and Human Rights."
Against that backdrop --- the idea of hosting the world’s biggest
sporting event in the US, feels absurd to him. “In light of this,
it seems almost extraordinary to me - that there is even a
question about boycotting the World Cup in the US.”
He drew a direct comparison. “The existential threat coming
from the US far exceeds that of any other nation on the
planet, and since Russia has experienced a boycott,
it seems perfectly logical - if not blindingly obvious
that the USA should be boycotted, internationally
isolated and sanctioned.”
For Dowling, the issue is credibility. “What good is ‘rules-based
order’ if the most powerful nation in the world consistently
flaunts any rule they choose to?”
The danger, he hastened to add, is not only external, but
domestic. “Incidentally, it’s interesting that Trump said:
‘No more foreign wars’ - because it looks increasingly
likely that he’s going to spark a civil war in the US.”
Dowling believes internal unrest - may be politically useful.
“I suspect he’s continually provoking dissent and protest
in the US in order to declare a national emergency and
invoke the Insurrection Act, thereby cancelling the
midterm elections --- which he would otherwise
lose and then face immediate impeachment
and probably jail.”
And.. he sees a longer game. “And should he succeed in
cancelling the midterms, he’ll undoubtedly seek a way
to cancel the 2028 election.”
The implications, he noted -- are chilling. “This increasingly
authoritarian grip and the casual willingness of the Trump
regime to either censor, jail, extradite, or even murder
those of a different colour, or those in opposition to
them are reasons enough to boycott the football.”
Some calls to stay away have come from inside football itself.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and several European
officials recently suggested fans would be safer
watching from home .....rather than going all
the way to the stadiums in the US.
Dowling’s criticism sharpened - when it
turned to FIFA’s conduct under Trump.
He cited “the ludicrous ‘Peace Award’ the football governing
body presented to Trump, only days before he bombed
Venezuela to steal their oil.”
The timing, he added, came “long after the US
military assaults on other nations in the
previous months of 2025.”
“The idea of Trump qualifying for any award in the name
of peace is laughable,” Dowling said. “And FIFA
inexplicably made themselves part of that
ridiculous hypocrisy.”
At the heart of the boycott argument is exclusion. “The ban on
travel and the visa policies imposed by the US extend almost
exclusively to nations that have predominantly non-white
populations,” Dowling stated.
“This is typical of the Trump regime … of course, they
consistently deny their racism, but one only needs
to observe their actions: to see that they don’t
match the rhetoric.”
He described a governing style built on misinformation, referring
to the Trump administration. “This is a regime that has adopted
lying --- as its key strategy.” He invokes a phrase popularized by
Trump’s former adviser. “As Steve Bannon said — with strong
echoes of Joseph Goebbels — ‘Flood the zone with shit’.”
The goal, Dowling argues, is distraction.
“I suspect they might have been even further down the line with
their objectives had they not started to attack their own white
population in democratic states, particularly recently --- in
Minnesota,” he added, pointing to the recent violence.
The standard, he said, is racial. “The US and indeed the Western
world -------- tends to be more tolerant towards murder -------- if it’s
non-whites that are being killed.”
Which brings him back to football. And to first principles. “How
can a sporting event be described as ‘global’ ....if 39% of the
world’s nations ---- are exempt from the racist whims of
the Trump regime?”
For Dowling, the conclusion needs no embellishment.
“Taking all of the above into account.... I’d suggest
that the moral case for a boycott is self-evident.”
Image: No thanks to Israeli goods App
The world and her daughter are calling for a boycott of the genocidal colonial apartheid state of Israel.
Place yourself on the right side of joy and sorrow by joining the world's boycott - say ''no'' to evil!
Keir Hardie - Britain's first Labour MP - opposedWorld War One.
His namesake is stammering his way in the opposite direction.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
ROGER WATERS TO MUSICIANS:- "BOYCOTT ISRAEL"
Roger Waters formerly of Pink Floyd, in an open letter, calls on his fellow musicians --- to boycott the Zionist Israeli regime and follow the example of the cultural boycott against the ex S. African Apartheid regime.
“Given the inability or unwillingness of our governments [to act] …. I write to you now, my brothers and sisters … to ask you to join with me, & thousands of other artists around the world, to declare a cultural boycott on Israel,” Roger Waters says in his letter.
Waters says the Zionist regime has been found guilty of major breaches of human rights and international law by international organizations, UN officials and the International Court of Justice.
He touches on two such cases, saying the regime has been identified as perpetrating the “crime of Apartheid”, including in a statement on March 9th, 2012 by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and the “crime of ethnic cleansing” including in East Jerusalem (al-Quds).
Waters adds that he has been a member of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against the Israeli regime’s occupation of the Palestinian lands and Tel Aviv’s violations of Palestinian human rights for 7 years, and now wants other musicians to also join the anti-Israeli front.
“Please join me and all our brothers and sisters in global civil society in proclaiming our rejection of Apartheid in Israel & occupied Palestine, by pledging not to perform or exhibit in Israel or accept any award or funding from any institution linked to the government of Israel, until such time as Israel complies with international law and universal principles of human rights.”
The former Pink Floyd Musician also says he has recently faced a boycott by the US media after his November 29th, 2012 address at the UN on behalf of the Russell Tribunal.
In the address, he sought accountability for the Zionist regime’s violations of the international law and the lack of United Nations resolve that prevents the Palestinian people from achieving their inalienable rights, especially the right of self-determination.
____________________
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*************************************************
Mid Rhondda Modelling Club...
7pm - 9pm
Tonyrefail Comprehensive School Mid Rhondda Modelling Club
has been running for over 30 years.
We meet on a regular basis
& enjoy making models for display.
We encourage both Gentlemen
and Ladies to attend, and also young people aged 12+.
However, Young people under 16, must be accompanied by an adult.
Ticket information
£1 contribution every week. Under 16's free
Telephone Mr. Davies on 01443 686658
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Comedy In The Laughter Lounge
The Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy.
COMEDY IN THE LAUGHTER LOUNGE
Join us once a month in the intimate setting of the Laughter Lounge for some top notch comedy with some of the biggest and brightest rising comedians on the circuit.
Laugh? You'll snort like a pig!
Hilarious - TimeOut.
www.rct-arts.co.uk
Rhondda Records exists to express the Rhondda's vision --- when it was confident, powerful, caring, and socialist.
A Rhondda very aware of the media's poisonous tricks -- how they con working class people into attacking each other, or racial groups, or, often, even their best allies and friends... instead of seeing their real enemies:--- an elite who hate the very idea that working people can think, create, or achieve a fairer society.
Thatcher said her proudest achievement was Blair and New Labour - who parachuted in careerists and expenses fiddlers - to stop local Labour members having a say, and who made genuine socialist MPs leave the Labour party in disgust and many members and voters to despair... and the young to stop voting.
Jeremy Corbyn was always attacked because he was trying to reverse all that New Labour corruption --- that's why membership was flooding in all over the UK.
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Get Involved!
– If you feel you’ve been ‘purged’, take this online survey:
– Request all your own data that the Labour Party holds on you:
http://www.labour.org.uk/pages/privacy
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IF - YOU THINK you HAVE BEEN UNFAIRLY BARRED:
“Any member who is suspended & intends to appeal the decision should throw in a ‘Subject Access Request in accordance with the Data Protection Act’ --- for ALL data that the Labour Party hold on them.
The Labour Party are Data Controllers and therefore have to, by law, provide you with all material/information they hold on you.”
If anyone is in contact with anyone who was barred from voting --- please can you pass this info on:
The Labour leadership election was under the jurisdiction of the electoral reform services.
If you were unfairly deprived of your vote you can call them on 0208 365 8909 and lodge your complaint, and inform them of your Data Protection request.
https://www.electoralreform.co.uk
The notification letters barring new members did not give a clear reason, or information on how to appeal, so Vox Political suggests that anyone in this situation, could also contact Liz Davies here: http://www.whycantivote.com
She is a barrister --- who can advise members on what to do.
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PONCY LABOUR MPS PROBLEM?
A huge drop in working-class Labour MPs, caused a massive drop in support among voters with similar backgrounds, reveals research seeking to explain why support has dwindled in the party’s heartlands.
The study says past leaders like Kinnock and Blair made a concerted effort to pick “more and more middle-class candidates to run for office, during the 80s and 90s, as part of an effort to rebrand” -- which had initial successes at the ballot box.
But this “conscious electoral strategy” stored up problems, as working-class voters who initially, just didn’t vote in response, now seek an alternative.
The solution?Trust each constituency to put forward its own candidates, and don't impose ‘party-approved’ choices who can't do the job.
Now, unfortunately, there are "entryist" MPs who, for decades, have been groomed by CIA cold war relic organisations -- like the Atlantic Council -- and are now trying to misdirect the Labour Party towards cuts, a militarised police, and a US war agenda... - and their anti-Corbyn slant is hobbling Labour.
‘How Can I Deselect My Labour MP?’ A Short Guide to Reselection and Democratic Accountability by Eric Sim, excellent free advice here:
http://novaramedia.com/2016/07/13/how-can-i- deselect-my-labour-mp-a-short-guide-to- reselection-and-democratic-accountability/ CHRIS BRYANT - SUPPORT THE MEMBERS' LEADERSHIP CHOICE & POLICIES - OR GO!
Chris Bryant, the Rhondda's dodgy MP, was on TV -- as soon as the PLP coup started -- telling us that Jeremy MUST go, because it was the ONLY way to act in the Labour Party's interest...
Chris Bryant's voting record: from TheyWorkForYou.com
On Tuition Fees:
On 27 Jan 2004: Chris Bryant voted in favour of university tuition fees increasing from £1,125 per year, to up to £3,000 per year.
On 31 Mar 2004: Chris Bryant voted to allow university tuition fees to increase from £1,125 per year, to up to £3,000 per year.
On 31 Mar 2004: Chris Bryant voted for the introduction of variable university tuition fees (top-up fees) of up to £3,000 per year in place of the previous fixed fee of £1,250 per year.
On 31 Mar 2004: Chris Bryant voted to allow university tuition fees to increase from £1,125 per year to up to £3,000 per year, and to make other changes to higher education funding and regulation arrangements.
On 14 Sep 2004: Chris Bryant voted against: the immediate abolition of all tuition fees, the re-introduction of maintenance grants of up to £2,000 for students from low-income homes, and changes to the country's higher education system.
On 14 Sep 2004: Chris Bryant voted to reject the Liberal Democrat policy of abolition of tuition fees.
On 25 May 2016: Chris Bryant was absent for a vote on Queen's Speech - Forcing Schools to Become Academies - Further Rises in University Tuition Fees
On Human Rights:
Consistently voted for introducing ID cards
Almost always voted for requiring the mass retention of information about communications
Generally voted for mass surveillance of people’s communications and activities
On the Environment:
Generally voted against greater regulation of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to extract shale gas
On Special Interests:
Almost always voted against limits on success fees paid to lawyers in no-win no fee cases
Generally voted against a statutory register of lobbyists
On War or Peace:
Generally voted for use of UK military forces in combat operations overseas
Consistently voted for the Iraq war
Consistently voted against an investigation into the Iraq war
Generally voted for replacing Trident with a new nuclear weapons system
On 2 Dec 2015: Voted to support UK airstrikes in Syria [without UN authorisation]
On 2 Dec 2015: Voted to support UK airstrikes in Syria [without UN authorisation]
On Independence:
Generally voted for more EU integration
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Chris Bryant Labour MP From Wikipedia
(aka 1962-1986: Mr Christopher John Bryant 1986-1991: The Reverend Christopher John Bryant, 1991-2001: Mr Christopher John Bryant, 2001-: Mr Christopher John Bryant MP.)
Born in Cardiff, to a Scottish mother & a Welsh father, Bryant grew up in Cardiff, Wales (where his father worked for 5 years), and Cheltenham.
He was educated at Cheltenham College, an independent school for boys in the spa town of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, where he was captain of the school swimming team, and Mansfield College at the University of Oxford, where he graduated in 1983, with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English. This was later promoted to a Master of Arts degree (MA (Oxon)), as per tradition.
After completing his first degree, Bryant began training to be a priest in the Church of England at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, in Oxfordshire. There, he obtained a degree in theology.
Although a member of the Conservative Party, and an elected office-holder in the Oxford University Conservative Association, he joined the Labour Party in 1986, after leaving Oxford.
He was ordained deacon in 1986 and priest in 1987. He served as a Curate at the Church of All Saints, High Wycombe, from 1986 to 1989; then as a Youth Chaplain in Peterborough, as well as travelling in Latin America.
In 1991 Bryant left the ordained ministry, after deciding that being gay and being a priest, were incompatible. Statements made by Richard Harries, then Bishop of Oxford, also influenced his decision.
After leaving the priesthood in 1991, Bryant worked as the election agent to the Holborn and St Pancras Constituency Labour Party, where he helped Frank Dobson hold his seat in the 1992 general election.
From 1993, he was Local Government officer for the Labour Party; he lived in Hackney and was elected to Hackney Borough Council in 1993, serving until 1998. He became Chair of the Christian Socialist Movement.
He is both a member of the Labour Friends of Israel and Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East. From 1994 to 1996 he was London manager of the leader-grooming "charity", Common Purpose.
He was Labour candidate for Wycombe, in the 1997 general election (he lost by 2,370 votes), and Head of European Affairs for the BBC, from 1998.
His selection for the very safe Labour seat of Rhondda, South Wales in 2000, shocked many people given Bryant's background – gay, an ex- Anglican vicar, and someone who was a Tory, while studying at Oxford, and a member now, of the Henry Jackson Society 'think tank' --- described by The Guardian newspaper as 'neoconservative'. It is pro-US, pro-NATO and pro-military intervention, as well as being fundamentally anti-socialist.
Fifty-two people applied for the candidature and a local councillor was hot favourite to win, before Bryant was parachuted in.
In 2004, a photograph of Mr Bryant in his underpants, which he had posted to a gay dating website, was published in 'papers.
When an interviewer suggested he was a 'disgrace to the Rhondda', he replied: "They can't get rid of me."
His pay, allowances and some expenses:
The basic annual salary for an MP, from April 1st, 2016 is £74,962. MPs also get expenses: to cover the costs of running an office, employing staff, having some- where to live in London, plus, in their constituency and travelling between Parliament and their constituency.
His MP's expenses story:
Chris Bryant changed second home twice to claim £20,000: the deputy leader of the House of Commons, "flipped" his second home twice, in 2 years, allowing him to claim almost £20,000 for renovations and fees.
Chris Bryant, MP for the Rhondda, split over £92,000 of expenses between 3 properties in Wales and London --- within five years.
In 2004, he attempted to claim £58,000 to overhaul his second home in Wales, after allegedly complaining that properties in his constituency were "terrace or mine owners' houses".
Mr Bryant, a former Church of England clergyman, wanted the money for a new bathroom & kitchen, and to demolish his conservatory. He'd bought the detached house for £97,500, under a year earlier.
He submitted a claim to the Commons fees office for £58,493.26 --- almost 3 times the annual maximum. He noted that the claim exceeded his allowance.
His alleged justification was disclosed... in correspondence between Commons officials. By email, an official wrote: "He had problems finding a suitable property because in the Rhondda there is a choice mainly of terraced property or mine owners' houses." When approached by the Daily Telegraph, Mr Bryant said: "I have never said or thought anything of the sort".
In all, he successfully claimed over £13,000 for renovations, repairs & appliances, in 2004. Along with other bills, his annual claim was £20,902.
In April 2005, he flipped his expenses to his flat in west London, which he bought for £400,000 in April 2002. He also claimed £630 a month for mortgage interest, along with other bills. After claiming over £3,600 over 3 months, he sold the flat in July 2005 for £477,000.
Mr Bryant used his profits to buy a more expensive flat in west London, which was valued at £670,000. He immediately flipped his second home expenses there, claiming almost £6,400 in stamp duty, legal fees and mortgage fees, incurred in the purchase.
He then began claiming interest of £1,000 a month on the mortgage. He also claimed a further £6,000 a year for the flat's service charge and ground rent.
In all, he claimed £92, 415 in second home expenses, from 2004 to 2009.
Mr Bryant said at the time: "I moved flat in London, so as to be closer to Parliament."
Research by Channel 4 News in 2015 found that at least 46 MPs had this kind of system in place – a move one Labour backbencher described as “a new fiddle”. Channel 4 reported then:
“Our investigation found that many of the MPs bought their London properties with the help of the taxpayer, when a previous expenses system allowed them to claim back mortgage payments. But when those claims were banned, following the expenses scandal, they switched to letting out their properties, in some cases for up to £3,000 a month. They then started claiming expenses for rent and hotels in the capital.”
Among those identified was Chris Bryant, shadow leader of the House of Commons. He had already bought a penthouse in London back in 2005 and claimed around £1,000 a month in mortgage claims under the old system.
But after the expenses scandal, he started renting the property out. It’s since been advertised by estate agents as having a private lift and a porter, with rent at about £3,000 a month. Meanwhile, Bryant moved into a new flat;- claiming his own rent on expenses.
Image: Russian scientists and Scottish ones
Russian/Scottish scientists hail long-range secure quantum communication system.
A group of scientists from ITMO University in Saint Petersburg, Russia, has developed a new approach to constructing quantum communication systems for secure data exchange.
The experimental device based on the results of the research is capable of transmitting single-photon quantum signals across distances of 250 klmtrs or more, which is on par with its cutting edge analogues, the ITMO press-service says.
"Now researchers are on a mission -- to create a fully-fledged quantum cryptographic system, that will generate & distribute quantum keys and transmit useful data simultaneously", ITMO says.
Information security is becoming more and more of a critical issue not only for large companies, banks and defense enterprises but even for small businesses and individual users.
But the data encryption algorithms we currently use for protecting our data are imperfect - in the long-term, their logic can be cracked. Regardless of how complex and intricate the algorithm is, getting around it, is just a matter of time.
Unlike algorithm-based encryption, systems that protect information, by making use of fundamental laws of quantum physics, can make data transmission totally immune to hacker attacks, in the future.
Information in a quantum channel is carried by single photons that change irreversibly if an eavesdropper tries to intercept them. The legitimate users will instantly know about any kind of intervention.
Researchers at the Quantum Information Centre of the International Institute of Photonics and Optical Information Technology at ITMO Uni., Russia, along with their colleagues from the Heriot-Watt University, in Edinburgh, have devised a new way to generate and distribute, quantum bits.
This makes it possible to share quantum signals --- via optical fibres --- 250 kilometres in distance.
"To transmit quantum signals, we use the so- called side frequencies," says Artur Gleim, head of the Quantum Information Centre, at ITMO University,
"This unique approach gives us a number of advantages -- such as a considerable simplification of the device architecture and the large pass-through capacity of the quantum channel. In terms of bit rate and operating distances, our system is comparable to absolute champions in the field of quantum communications."
According to Robert Collins, research associate at the Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, and one of the authors of the study, this may become a pivotal point for the whole field of quantum communication and cryptography:
"Down the track, this new approach can enable smooth coexistence of numerous data streams with different wavelengths in one single optical cable. On top of it, these quantum streams can be fed into the already existing fibre optic lines --- along with conventional communications."
The research paper is published in the Optics Express journal.
Scottish universities are to be congratulated for their strong & growing links with Chinese and Russian universities....
What a shame, that Wales is lying low --- with academics too scared to break from US military research.
Image: BRICS
Image: March 26 London anti cuts demo
KILLING THE ELDERLY BY CLOSING CARE HOMES
Did you know that each time a local authority
closes a care home for the elderly, within 8
months, around half the residents are dead?
Campaigners liken the cuts and their effect to euthanasia of the UK's elderly. What to do?
We can start by urging our MPs to sign EDM 2251:
EDM 2251: The contents
This House notes with deep concern the worsening crisis for elderly care as growing numbers of local authority and private care homes face closure
Acknowledges concerns that the loss of elderly people's care homes causes fear, anxiety and, in many cases, a higher mortality rate, when vulnerable, elderly people are forced to leave their homes
Further notes that the Southern Cross crisis will increase needs for local authority care
And therefore calls on the government to hold a public inquiry into the deaths after closures, of local authority care homes, and impose a moratorium on the closure of local authority care homes, until that inquiry publishes its results, to ensure that vulnerable, elderly people's lives are not put at further risk.
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MAKING THE CONNECTION IN WALES
Households across three more English areas will be able to access superfast broadband in the latest phase of a Government scheme to connect rural homes and businesses.
The £50 million funding package for Devon and Somerset (£30 million), Norfolk (£15 million) and Wiltshire (£4 million) will aid the roll- out of superfast broadband services unable to be reached by the market alone.
Areas will also receive financial support from their local authorities and private investors, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport says.
So it's Broadband Heaven for England...
and crapola for Wales' broadband - the
slowest, worst Broadband in the UK !!!
Lib Dems in Scotland might have received a pummeling for Clegg and his betrayals, yet, in Scotland, their campaign centred on it becoming the "most connected country in Europe," to massively boost their economy.
In Wales, which political party is now willing to put into practice scientists' recommendations: that Wales' hilly topography requires establishing
free 'wireless' broadband?
It could connect the people of Rhondda and the world, boosting Wales' economic regeneration, like no other move.Wireless technology is now supplying free broadband to an entire island off New Zealand's coast.
Come on; if New Zealand can do it - so can we !!!
Image: China's rapeseed blossoms this Spring.
Western China has embraced "green-mode development" - with painful changes from which, Wales could well learn.
Eastern China has seen fast growth and urban mess. The West, a mining and agricultural area, has not.
Xi'an Chan-ba Ecological District, is a model for reclaiming old mining areas.
It took six hard years, but now Xi'an is showing the world how best to change, by turning a badly polluted rubbish landfill site, into an all new environment-friendly development.
As China's economic focus moves from east to west, it's using the lessons learned during 30 or more years of rapid industrial development.
The green way for China's west, is to combine green industrialization & green urbanization.
The western region's strategy is to adopt effective energy-saving and environmental protection technologies... AND to extend its industry through science and products unique to China's West, together with strong vertical growth in agriculture and all its ancilliary economic & professional spin-offs.
In undertaking this industrial revolution, the western region will keep a sharp eye out - to avoid all polluting non-sustainable industries.
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A BIG DROP OF HONEY !!!
Spring is beekeeping and honey-processing season in Yunnan province, in China.
Waves of bees flit across vast fields of flowers.
Local beekeepers and many from other places, such as Sichuan and Fujian provinces - set up their base in tents among the rapeseed farms.
The 430,000 hectares of rapeseed blooms in Luoping attract myriads of bees, which produce 15 - 20 million tons of honey a year.
Local people now look to brand their county as a honey production base & increase sales to outside markets.
Luoping Tianyuanmiyu Bee Industry Co Chair, Zhu Hongkun, founded his enterprise in 2009.
It mainly produces honey, propolis and propolis powder.
His company works with 270 plus beekeepers, who each earn 80,000 yuan a year on average.
Some earn 200,000 yuan annually, Zhu says.
Who says beauty endowed by nature isn't worth a fortune?
The whole of the uplands of south Wales could be as beautiful & productive, if used wisely!
Image: retirement China style
CHINA's PREMIER POINTS WAY FORWARD
As the Tories threaten a "bonfire of the Quangos", perhaps Wales should take note. Now extracting all our mineral wealth has been stopped (apart from sand and rock) we find ourselves "in" the 1st World of the UK, but with a 3rd World economy, only just kept going by quangos which promise much... but deliver little... and rely on weak public support.
We could WAKE UP & understand that we either do something, or stay as begging bowl cases.
China's premier points the way forward for Wales:
"Industrial restructuring is the key... only by developing energy-efficient, indigenous innovative and high value added products can our companies and economy, achieve sustainable development."
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WHILE FRANCE, GREECE, IRELAND, ETC, STRUGGLE TO STOP THE PENSION AGE RISING HIGHER AND HIGHER...
An online survey on qq.com, a popular Chinese news portal, finds that 91% of its over 800,000 respondents, are against raising the current official Chinese retirement age.
745,123 of those surveyed say they oppose raising retirement ages -- 72,456 support it.
China's scholars & the public have been debating whether to raise the retirement age, for the past few years, but the issue rose to prominence after remarks by an official.
Wang Xiaochu, the official vice minister of the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Security, said at a press conference that the government was "studying the matter"...
The retirement age in China is generally set at 60 for men and 50-55 for women.
Wow! Bet you didn't know that !!!
Image: unemployment in Wales
FARMING AND SCIENCE COULD REGENERATE WALES
A new UN General Assembly report warns "vast areas" of cultivated land are lost each year, and that this could lead to unrest.
The report says up to 30 million hectares, an area the size of Italy, is lost each year to environmental degradation, industry & urbanization - the growth of cities - and all because of speculative building and greed.
The UN special rapporteur Olivier De Schutter, gives the example of eastern Africa, where the amount of cultivated land has declined by half --- in just one generation! "
As rural populations grow and competition with large industrial units increases, plots cultivated by smallholders are shrinking year after year," says De Schutter.
"Farmers are often relegated to soils that are arid, hilly or without irrigation."
The UN officer also mentions India as another example, where the average landholding fell from 2.6 hectares in 1960 to 1.4 hectares in 2000. A cut of nearly half in 40 years!
He says 500 million small farmers suffer from hunger, partly because their right to land is being violated. The expert warns of the devastating consequences, as foreign investors compete for larger and larger areas of the world's land for "their" agriculture.
Rhondda Records says Wales could rebuild its new economy by basing it on a fresh approach to high-value added products, using science and agriculture... such as the Altzeim project in Gwent.