BGTC pupils rewarded for regular school attendance

Thanks to Mark Perryman at www.philosophyfootball.com

Moves grow to give Brick Lane a Tube station

A SENIOR councillor has called for transport bosses to celebrate the
diversity of the East End by changing the name of Aldgate East underground
station to Brick Lane.

Labour's Cllr Abdal Ullah (pictured) believes the move would boost both the morale of
the area and be a boon for tourism. He flagged up his idea at last Wednesday's Tower Hamlets council cabinet meeting and wants the change to come ahead of the 2012 London
Olympics.

Some believe the costs would be prohibitive, but Cllr Ullah said he had been told that London Underground was due to revamp their signs and maps in 2011 anyway.

But during his question time at the London Assembly yesterday, Mayor Ken Livingstone said that if there was 'widespread demand' for the proposal then London Underground would look into it.

Cllr Ullah said: "That would be an ideal time to make the change. What greater way could there be than to celebrate the cultural diversity and the rich history of immigration in the Brick Lane area than to name a Tube station after it in the year before the Olympics.

"It's an incredibly popular destination for both Londoners and tourists, but many people have trouble finding it on a transport map because there's no Tube station."

Pre-empting concerns he was interfering with London history, he said: "Aldgate station is named after an historic area, but Aldgate East doesn't have those links.

"Brick Lane is far more identifiable."

Please Vote by Visiting

http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk

Stranger in the Dark

Written by a Muslim brother, for a nationwide essay competition in Canada. Needless to say, he took the first prize.)

A few months before I was born, my dad met a stranger who was new to our small town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer, and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around to welcome me into the world a few months later.

As I grew up, I never questioned his place in our family. In my young mind, each member had a special niche. My brother, Bilal, five years my senior, was my example. Fatimah, my younger sister, gave me an opportunity to play big brother' and develop the art of teasing.

My parents were complementary instructors- Mom taught me to love the word of Allah, and Dad taught me to obey it.

But the stranger was our storyteller. He could weave the most fascinating tales. Adventures, mysteries, and comedies were daily conversations. He could hold our whole family spell-bound for hours each evening. If I wanted to know about politics, history, or science, he knew it.

He knew about the past, understood the present, and seemingly could predict the future. The pictures he could draw were so life like that I would often laugh or cry as I watched. He was like a friend to the whole family. He took Dad, Bilal, and me to our first major league baseball game. He was always encouraging us to see the movies and he even made arrangements to introduce us to several movie stars The stranger was an incessant talker. Dad didn't seem to mind but sometimes Mom would quietly get up while the rest of us were enthralled with one of his stories of faraway places, go to her room, and read her Qur'an and pray. I wonder now if she ever prayed that the stranger would leave.

You see, my dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions. But this
stranger never felt an obligation to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our house-not for some of us, from our friends, or adults.

Our longtime visitor, however, used occasional four letter words that turned my ears and made Dad squirm. To my knowledge, the stranger was never confronted. My dad was a teetotaler who didn't permit alcohol in his home, as good Muslims should. But the
stranger felt like we needed exposure and enlightened us to other ways of life. He offered us beer and other alcoholic beverages often.

He made cigarettes look tasty, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (probably too much, too freely) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing. I know now that the
stranger influenced my early concepts of the man-woman relationship.

As I look back, I believe it was the grace of Allah that the stranger did not influence us more. Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents.

Yet, he was seldom rebuked and never asked to leave. More than thirty years have passed since the stranger moved in with the young family on Wangee Road. He is not nearly so intriguing to my Dad as he was in those early years. But if I were to walk into my parents' den today, you would still see him sitting over in a corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name you ask? We called him TV.

Press conference - Stop this descent into sleaze!

George Galloway and Respect’s group of councillors in Tower Hamlets are holding an emergency media briefing following the disgraceful decision by New Labour councillors this week to prevent criticism in the council of the sleazy strip club operators who are spreading like a virus through the borough. New Labour voted down moves to discuss a motion on halting the spread of these unsavoury “clubs”. Respect has not only received a huge number of complaints from residents at the proliferation of these degrading clubs, we have also amassed compelling evidence that the council is failing to use its planning and licensing powers effectively to stop their spread.

Monday we see the launch of a major campaign to clean up the borough and prevent it from being turned into a sexist peep show for sleazy City spivs.

Galloway and the councillors will also be hitting back at a disgraceful Newsnight piece on Tuesday of this week that claimed that Bengali people in Tower Hamlets are refusing to learn English and are relying on translation services to live “separate lives”. We will be highlighting scandalous cuts at Tower Hamlets College, which will savage the provision of English teaching. Respect’s representatives will be explaining how they intend both to put the record straight and to campaign for language provision for all.

Pic after completion of half marathon

In aid of Lansbury Lawrence After School Club Xmas Party. Amazing that these kids did not get a penny from the borough for a festive party...If you want to help, get in touch with me...

IHRC statement in response to Andy Hayman’s comments

In response to Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman’s comments today, IHRC Chair Massoud Shadjareh stated:

“The policy of stop and search without reason or suspicion has only lead to racial/religious profiling which has alienated entire communities.”

“Now that even Britain’s most senior anti-terror police officers are publicly recognising the inherent flaws of this policy, IHRC repeats its call for the repeal of section 44 stop and search and other elements of the anti-terror laws.”

For more information please contact (+44) 20 8904 4222, or (44) 7958 522196 or email:info@ihrc.org

KICK IT OUT PROJECT OFFICER

If you are enterprising, committed to equalities and inclusion, and have a knowledge of the administration of sport you may be the person we are looking for.

Kick It Out is seeking a temporary project officer to work with us on a variety of projects for four months from next January (2007).

For full details read the Job Description and Person Specification on our website.

http://www.kickitout.org/files/Temp%20Project%20Officer%20JD.doc
http://www.kickitout.org/files/Temp%20Project%20Officer%20skills%20sets.doc
To apply, download the application form from our website and post or fax to Alison Vaughan by 5pm December 13.

http://www.kickitout.org/files/KIO%20application%20form.pdf

Interviews will take place on the morning of the 19 December.

Send completed forms to:

Alison Vaughan
Campaigns Manager
Kick It Out
Unit 3
1-4 Christina Street
London, EC2A 4PA

Fax: 020 7684 4885

A Call for peace...

Intelligence test

A South American scientist from Argentina, after a lengthy study, has discovered that
people with very low intelligence read with their hand on the mouse.

Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.

Voices', discussion chat show for Muslim women on channel 791

Watch 'Voices', the discussion chat show for Muslim women on channel 791, Bangla TV, live on Tuesday 7.30pm.

We aim to chit chat over coffee - in front of cameras of course! - on a whole host of issues ranging from how to guide our youth, the pressures of being beautiful, to the infamous problem of dealing with in laws!

This week we will be looking at a continuing problem within the Bangladeshi and Asian community of how women are viewed and treated. Does certain aspects of Bangladeshi culture deem women to be l ower status? If so, what does this mean? How do women in the community feel about this?

Tune in this Tuesday, 7.30pm to join the debate!

Flamengo's greatest ever triumph...beating Liverpool in 1981...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_football/6167955.stm

New Labour Council Loves Large Casino Proposal

Newham Respect is appalled but not surprised that yet again Newham council has not consulted with residents about a proposal for a large casino to be built in Newham. The Mayor and Labour Cllr's confirmed that they support the application for the building of the proposed casino as they rejected the motion proposed by the CPA at this month's council meeting which called for the casino application to be withdrawn.

Respect Cllr Abdul Karim Sheikh said, "Community Forums are one of the many ways that the council can consult with residents about important issues that may have an impact on the quality of life for Newham residents. Yet Newham council has still not consulted with residents about plans to build a large casino at one of three sites in Newham. At this month's council meeting the Mayor kept trying to confuse the casino issue with the consultation that was already carried out over the council's proposed gambling policy. The proposed casino and the gambling policy are two different matters so the Mayor should stop trying to mislead the council and residents in order to cover up the lack of consultation over the large casino issue."

Newham Respect believes that Newham already has avenues of gambling like bingo clubs and betting shops, so there is no value in building a casino that may add to the potential problems associated with gambling addiction. Newham's Mayor Sir Robin Wales should stop thinking purely about profit and start thinking more about Newham's people.

Bangladesh Indoor Sports Tournament

Dear All,


The final match and award ceremony of Bangladesh Indoor Sports Tournament will be occurred
on January 06, 2007
at 56 Magazine Street, Cambridge, MA

We will sent another email with detail information when we will have them available.


Thank you,

Mohammad Khan

On behalf of
Tournament Committee
Bangladesh Indoor Sports Tournament 2006

Lansbury Lawrence After School Club Xmas Appeal

Thought I'd lend a hand to my buddy Michelle who does a fantastic job co-ordinating the club. There are approximatewly 50 service users and no xmas party unless I run. Parties on the fifteenth. If you would like to donate some spare dosh, please email me. Next week I run for the Muslim Womens Helpline...

http://icthewharf.icnetwork.co.uk/thewharf/letters/tm_headline=party-cash-needed&method=full&objectid=18181013&siteid=71670-name_page.html

Back by popular demand...

Euro Champs: Hairs on end time...

THE GREATEST TEAM IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM !!!

Investigation to be launched into racist article in ultra-orthodox magazine

Report, Adalah, 7 December 2006

In a letter received by Adalah on 23 November 2006, the State Prosecutor's Office in Israel announced that a criminal investigation for racial incitement into the publication of an article in Issue 160 of the ultra-orthodox Hassidic World magazine will be launched.

Adalah Attorney Abeer Baker sent a complaint to the Attorney General on 23 August 2006, demanding the opening of an immediate investigation on the grounds that that the article, written by Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, contains racist statements and opinions which constitute incitement against Arabs in general and Muslims in particular.

The article, entitled "All Arabs' Intentions are Bad," states that Arabs are an inferior, imbecilic people full of hatred, that they are deceitful and hypocritical savages similar to donkeys and take delight in killing. The author also describes Arabs as more cruel than the Nazis, and writes that Christians are pigs and Muslims are camels because they live in the past, just as a camel chews over food many times. He also calls the Prophet Muhammad a false prophet. The article was first brought to public attention by the Arabic language newspaper Kol al-Arab, which asked for Adalah's legal intervention.

As Adalah argued in the letter, Ben-Zvi attempted to base his racist expressions on religious sources and rabbis' statements, as if he was expressing their words. For example, the author calls on statements made by one rabbi who, in his opinion, asserted that the hatred and aggression of Arabs towards the Jews greatly exceeds that of the Nazis, and that it is natural that hate must have been sown in the hearts of the Arabs in the present day, too.

Adalah demanded that a criminal investigation be opened into the publication of the article for offenses such as racist incitement (Article 144b(a) of the Penal Law (1977)), and harming religious sensitivities (Article 179 of the Penal Law (1977) and Article 6 of the Anti-Defamation Law (1965)). Adalah argued that the criminal law prohibits the publication of material aimed at incitement, including the use excerpts from the Torah or the statements of religious leaders if the intention of quoting them is incitement. The enormous number of racist and insulting statements made in the article against Arabs purely on the basis of their national and religious belonging demonstrates that the author's goal is racial incitement and to convince the readers of the accuracy of his racist views.

The State Attorney's Office refused to open a criminal investigation for the offense of harming religious sensitivities, stating that: "There is a basis for suspecting that such an offense was committed. However, taking into consideration that it is our policy to minimize offenses which fall on the line of contact with freedom of expression, an investigation into this offense is not justified in this case."

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/12/08/18335903.php

Edwards Miles: 'failed' by mental care system

This front page in the East London Advertiser (see link below) knocked me for the mother of all sixes. I used to run a family grocery store in Bethnal Green, London E2 with my Dad and brother. Edward Miles was a regular shopper there. It is no overstatement to say that this man was one of the most genial I have ever had the fortune to meet. You will not find one person who could say a bad word about this gentleman. I had no clue whatsoever that he was murdered in 2003 by his wife and her lover. My heart goes out to his children, his family and I would hope at all my readers will join me in sending condolences to his family. May the wounds heal fast and may you find peace with time. Edward miles, rest in peace, Ameen!

http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/content/towerhamlets/advertiser/postbag/story.aspx?brand=ELAOnline&category=postbag&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=postbagela&itemid=WeED07%20Dec%202006%2016%3A14%3A42%3A560

Construction Excellence - Best Practice

Hat tip: Ghulam Zilani...

Somali Voice Radio Live Fundraising Event 8/12/06 @ 18:00 to 19:00 and night show 23:00 to 02:00

www.somalivoice.org
**Somali Voice Radio London Live Fundraising Event**
Friday 8/12/06 from 6pm - 7pm Live

Hotline: 07930 593 888
office 0208-980-9771
Email Adam@somalivoice.org

on 1503Am/Mw or by using the link on www.somalivoice.org
Dear all,

As you are all aware there has been a recent disaster in the heart of Somalia. Many people have been affected by the flooding water and we really need to help our brothers and sisters out there. Somali Voice Radio will be holding a fundraising event live on the radio this Friday 8/12/06.

Guest speakers include Sheekh Said (imaam at Al Huda Mosque), artist and actor Abdulahi Soraan and a speaker from Muslim Aid. Muslim Aid has already raised 35,000 and we need your help in raising some more.

We would like you to let your readers and service users know about this unique event this Friday and you can also call in live to take part.

Allah willing, our Muslim brothers and sisters will get through this disaster but they really need us too!

Thank you all,
Regards
Adam Dirir

The Lascar

The Lascars, who were instrumental in the expansion of the British Raj during the 19th and 20th centuries, were employed on ships ferrying cargoes back to Britain, with some 3,000 Lascars visiting Britain annually. Between 1830 and 1903 approximately 40,000 foreign seamen sailed with British merchant and war ships, the majority spending some time in British ports, either in transit or discharged.

http://www.bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidDate=2006-12-07&hidType=HIG&hidRecord=0000000000000000140907

Rahi wins player of the year award

Hotshot sweeps the board at Vallance FC

EMDAD RAHMAN

Muhammad Rahi has been voted Vallance FC's player of the year. The 12 year old from Bow, East London scored 22 goals in last season for Vallance.
Rahi, a year 8 student at Bethnal Green Technology College in Tower Hamlets plays centre midfield and lists Steven Gerrard as his favourite player. "I would like to thank my team mates and my coach Iqbal Bhai for their support" said Rahi.

Tsunami - The Aftermath

Civic Reception in Honour of Dr. Muhammad Yunus

We would like to invite you to attend a Civic Reception in Honour of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Prize for Peace winner 2006. The event is organised by the Bangladesh High Commission in London and it will be held on 15th December, 8:00pm to 9:30 pm at Alexandra Palace, Woodgreen, London N22 (doors open 6:30).

If you are interested in attending, there are limited number of seats available and it will be given out on a strictly first come first serve basis

All who wish to attend must be registered on our website. Please send an email with your full name and address (for the invite) if you are interested. We will confirm by early next week whether you have been allocated a ticket.

Kind regards

The bobNetwork
E: info@thebobnetwork.com
W: www.thebobnetwork.com

Sparrow falling: brilliant!

Online Quran...

Thanks to Aisha...

Alhamdulillah came across this website and blog which gives short tutorials for memorising surahs

http://www.mounthira.com/

http://mounthira.blogspot.com/

Oppose the BNP

RESPECT Councillors are calling on all who support peace and justice, to join us in Dagenham next Saturday to oppose the British National Party (BNP).

All who defend the common interests of East Enders for housing, jobs, dignity and respect should stand together to stop the divisive race-hate tension and violence promoted by the BNP.

We are joining with local people, anti-fascist campaigners and trade unions in a counter-demonstration at 1pm on Saturday 9th at Central Park in Dagenham, called by Unite Against Fascism. This is supported by the Trades Union Congress South East region, and the T&G trade union for London and South East.

The fascists are promoting their rally with racist leaflets blaming immigrants, asylum seekers and Muslims for housing, crime and all the other problems of east London. Since the BNP targeted Barking and Dagenham, and took 11 council seats in May this year, racist incidents in the borough have escalated, according to the local Race Equality Council.

Councillor Abjol Miah, Opposition leader and leader of the RESPECT Group of Councillors in Tower Hamlets, says:

‘The people of Tower Hamlets know all too well how the BNP racists promote division, hatred and violence. East Enders wiped this poison out of Bethnal Green and the Isle of Dogs by standing together against fascism. In the name of Stephen Lawrence, Quudus Ali, Shiplu Rahman, Altab Ali, Blair Peach and all the victims of racist violence, we ask that every right-thinking East Ender join us in Dagenham next Saturday to oppose the BNP.’

Liverpool Champions League Compilation Ver. 2

Remember the classic Anfield rap?

Poem: The Major’s last stand

Who's the fat chap they said as he strolled out at Wembley
'Who the hell are Hungary?', cold hands are rubbed in glee

The greatest purveyors of the art, England from planet football
Normal service expected as the Magyars entered the assembly hall

They absolutely routed the English, old timers recall
Made to look like the condemned, legless on a pub crawl

They sang the skipper was the fat porker, squat, one foot, no pace
Just as the left cannon exploded, exploiting the airtight space

As the Wembley massacre took effect helped by strict precision and military service

The awesome Billy Wrigh was reduced to an absolute novice

Thus Roly Poly’s Incredibles became the first victorious foreigners at Wembley

As the mighty England were hammered, six goals to three

His girth and ungainly gait led to the tag of ‘Galloping Major’
After this demolition job he was no longer to be a stranger

His death leaves the fondest of memories amidst all the strife
Simply one of the greatest players that I have seen in my life

© Emdad Rahman: 29.11.06

www.footballpoets.org

Jay gets up close and personal

Jay gets handy with a cannon. Note: Try not to let the imagination wander too much...

Palacio de la Aljafería: My recent visit to Zaragoza

This splendid king's palace of 11th century is one of very few remaining Moorish buildings of the dynasty "Taifas".

The mosque with its minaret and the Torre del Trovador, a fortificated tower, are left of the original construction. Some other parts with rich Mudejar-style ornaments were added in the Christian epoch. The Throne Hall in particular is remarkable. Zaragoza is the culminant point in the valley of Ebro, Spain's most water-bearing river, in an impressive landscape with picturesque villages and very old traditions and popular customs.

Zaragoza is one of the great monumental towns in Spain. It was founded some 2000 years ago, and Old-Iberians, Romans, Goths and Arabians equally left their heritage. Zaragoza as well includes important buildings of Spanish baroque.
Today the town is economically very active, and organizes several important international fairs.

2nd day of Carrom Tournament on 25th November

Dear All,
We will have the following events on the 2nd day of Carrom Tournament organized by Bangladesh Indoor Sports Tournament 2006,

25-Nov-2006 02:00 PM Mix Double (1st round)
25-Nov-2006 03:00 PM Mens Single (3rd round)
25-Nov-2006 04:00 PM Mens Double (1st round)

We will have next rounds of each catetory on the same day. On that day matches of different categories will continue till 9:30 PM.

Please come and spent time in the tournament to show support for your favorite team! Last week it was a wonderfull start.

Tournament venue remains same, which is
Functional Hall of
402 Rindge Avenue
Cambridge, MA

Thank you,

Mohammad Khan (beeplove)

On behalf of
Tournament Committee
Bangladesh Indoor Sports Tournament 2006

Carte Blanche or Red Card – it's your choice

It is 30 years since the 1976 race law created the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE). Racism and Islamophobia are dramatically on the increase and yet now, when the CRE is needed the most, it is being axed.

With the death of the CRE, does the new Commission for Equalities and Human Rights (CEHR) offer a viable alternative?

One platform, one message:
Hear from leaders within the race and faith communities speak out against the ‘carte blanche’ given to increasing racism, Islamophobia and other forms of religious discrimination

You will see Race equality and Faith organisations working together, shoulder to shoulder, highlighting the increasing institutional, structural and persistent racial inequalities in every social sphere.

Be part of the challenge, say something, do something, do not submit to discrimination. Show your red card.


DO TWO THINGS ON THE 27th NOVEMBER:
ATTEND LEADERSHIP SUMMIT (evening)
ATTEND CRE WAKE AND HEAR THE EULOGY (morning)

1. ATTEND LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
DATE: 27th November 2006

TIME: 6pm till 9pm

VENUE: City Hall
The Queen's Walk
More London
Riverside
London SE1 2AA

This event is FREE to attend but booking is required
To book, send an email including your name (and organisation if relevant) to: summit@blink.org.uk or phone 0207 582 1990 (1990 Trust).

Speakers include:
Peter Herbert: Society of Black Lawyers
Tariq Ramadan: Lokahi Foundation; Oxford University
Dr Daud Abdullah: Deputy Secrertary General MCB
Keith Vaz: Member of Parliament
Lee Jasper: National Assembly Against Racism
Salma Yaqoob, Respect Party
Massoud Shadjareh: Islamic Human Rights Commission
Soumaya Gannoushi: Director of research IslamExpo
Harmander Singh: Sikhs In England
Rita Patel : Peepul centre Leicester
Simon Woolley : Operation Black Vote
Patrick Yu: Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities
Rami Ousta: Black and Ethnic Minorities Infrastructure in Scotland
David Weaver: 1990 Trust
Keith Jarrett: Chair, National Black Police Association
Maxie Hayles : Birmingham Racial Attacks Monitoring Unit
Chaired by Karen Chouhan: Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust Visionary Programme

"This is an important event which provides the opportunity for people who are among the poor, disadvantaged or oppressed to have their views represented. I offer my full support to the Summit"
Sir Herman Ouseley

2. ATTEND CRE WAKE AND HEAR THE EULOGY
DATE: 27th November

TIME: 10am

VENUE: Outside Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre ,
Broad Sanctuary,
Westminster,
London SW1P 3EE

Nearest tube St James Park or Westminster

Please wear mourning colours - black or white.

Fulham players robbed by sneak thief

Fulham Football Club (FFC) players lost £19,000 worth of personal items after a thief posed as a physiotherapist and entered the team's Motspur Park dressing room.
Read more ...

The Global Peace & Unity Event 2006

Carrom tournament

Dear All,
We are going to start the Carrom Tournament on 18th November 2006, 05:30 PM
On the first day we will have Carrom Men's Single.

Please join us to watch the game.
Tournament Venue:
Functional Hall of
402 Rindge Ave,
Cambridge, MA

Thank you,
Mohammad Khan (beeplove)

On behalf of
Tournament Committee
Bangladesh Indoor Sports Tournament -2006

Amani Foundation Football day

Young people at Amani Foundation recently enjoyed a fun filled day of football fun at Mulberry School for Girls.

"I really enjoyed myself and this was a treat as Sunday is a boring day for me" said Jannatul Hussain aged 9.

Amani Foundation is a Tower Hamlets based organisation that is working with disadvantaged youth and families from the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Newham. "We are operating on a self funded basis at present so it adds extra satisfaction to our work when we can arrange activities for our service users" said Kamruz Zaman; Project co-ordinator.

The best advert on TV

Freddy Eastwood Southend Manchester United 7 November 2006

Poem: Professor madcap and his kinky boots

With Kinnear’s health in decline, the Norseman set sail for England
The most successful manager in Norway ever
It was SW1 where he landed, the Dons of Wimbledon he took command
The purveyors of kick, rush, brawn and endeavour

Robbie the Earle said that Drillo wanted to raise higher the crazy gang spirit
‘His calmness has impressed me, he reminds me of Wenger’, said another with total adore
‘His scientific approach is now the trend, that much I’ll happily admit
‘We burnt his boots after a game, he just laughed and said he had four more.’

‘I only want to manage Wimbledon or Brazil’ on arrival he had said
As big Sam Hammam had pronounced a managerial coup
His disheveled make up and Wellington boots, were never likely to be the way ahead
Leaving the Welly clad Marxist leaving everyone feeling quite blue

In the end the eccentric chose to leave, with money safely in the bank
Better that way because it was only a matter of time he was made to walk the plank

© Emdad Rahman- 11.11.06

www.footballpoets.org

Tower Hamlets Labour Group Press Release

Galloway admits “I don’t give a f**k what anyone else thinks”
George Galloway, last week launched a sustained verbal attack on a group of students who attempted to question his opinions following at a speech he made to the Oxford Union. Student, Harriet Bradley asked Galloway about a claim he had made in his speech to the Union that democracy in Cuba is more “free” than in the UK. When questioned in the chamber, Galloway claimed that Oxford students are too privileged to understand what he was talking about.

Bradley said “I just thought I would ask him about it in a polite way. We made the point that we didn’t have to be posh to disagree with him. His response was, ‘You are confusing me with someone who gives a f**k’.”

Another student, William Cudmore added, “Dan said [to Galloway] that he was distressed at Galloway’s behaviour towards his friend Harriet. To this he replied, ‘I’m a little bit distressed that you think it’s any of your f**king business.’”

Galloway was reported as continuing ‘You are both confusing me with someone who gives a f**k what you think. I don’t give a f**k what you think.’”

Daniel Carall-Green then asked Galloway if he felt that this was the right way to speak to members of his electorate. Galloway allegedly responded, “I don’t give a f**k what anyone else thinks.” Carall-Green proceeded to ask him whose views he was in Parliament to represent. To this question, Galloway allegedly replied, “I don’t represent anyone’s views. I represent me. I don’t give a f**k what anyone else thinks.”

A spokesperson for Galloway defended his comments. “He is not prepared to apologise for his comments. He does not regret the language he used. The students seem to have taken offence easily.”

The four Magdalen students who put the questions to Galloway have confirmed his remarks, as has the Union President, James Wise.

Labour Council Leader Denise Jones said:

“It is clear from these comments that the only person Galloway cares about is himself. His record of MP for Bethnal Green and Bow has been one of neglect and contempt. Finally he has had the honesty to admit what he really believes. The people of Bethnal Green and Bow have now heard from Galloway himself “I don’t represent anyone’s views, I represent me””.

Poem: Monsieur Wenger's Rage

A s the family of football hail him a footballing Professor
R ed rages, not the the norm with Monsieur Wenger
S uccess, a byword of the mercurial one's career
E xuding sparkling mineral water, not so the traditional beer
N ever have we seen him so animated as against the Claret
E nvy and rage had him reaching for a heavy rounded fleurette
W est Ham, a place where passion runs en bloc
E njoin and agree, Professeur's emotions ran amok
N ow the time he did his best Mourinho impersonation
G reat story for the hacks, gleefully scribbling with jubilation
E nd this farce scream the blazer brigade
R eal fans pray this whichunt won't become a pointscoring crusade

(c) Emdad Rahman - 07.11.06
www.footballpoets.org

Lampard V Barcelona

Was this a fluke? I think he meant it!

Racism made Cyrille play even harder

http://www.kickitout.org/index.php?id=9&StoryID=2867