Parliamentary Privilege and a Jaundiced Judiciary

The recent case of a member of the House of Lords using parliamentary privilege to name Philip Green as the businessman who had gone to court to block the reporting of the non-disclosure agreements (NDA) he had entered into with staff employed by him raises issues of the role of the courts in promoting fairness and equality. It would appear the court decided the NDAs were entered into willingly and therefore should be considered valid and lawful.

I was brought up to believe that courts are meant to dispense justice with the objective of reinforcing social values and norms. It is hard to believe that NDAs entered into as a result of one party’s improper conduct should be considered worthy of protection over any consideration of public best interest. The fact that NDAs are very much the province of the rich and powerful raises the question of how fair it can be in real terms. And when it is used to buy the silence of workers who might have been wronged by an employer then it feels manifestly unfair.

Assaulting the American Constitution

The American constitution is revered because it was supposedly drawn up by honourable men to protect the liberty and dignity of all Americans. It is amazing how over the years that honourable intention has been left to a less than honourable partisan political system to uphold. Even more stark is that the subject of the current Supreme Court confirmation is a person who is far from open and trustworthy, and may possibly sitting on the Supreme Court and delivering interpretations of the constitution that will have an impact for a lifetime.

A lot of Brett Kavanaugh’s response to the sexual assault allegations seemed to depend on the absence of evidence and corroboration of the claims; and the fact that the Republican Party has a majority on the committee conducting the hearings. He was content to belittle Dr. Ford’s credibility and berate the Democrats on the committee without really making any effort to address the issue of his conduct on the night in question. He denied being at the party but didn’t really give an alternative account of exactly where he was on the night.

Kavanaugh was happy to invoke pity and sympathy for his family, while not making any effort to recognise or acknowledge the need and right of victims of sexual violence to speak out and be given a fair and compassionate hearing. And this should hold true even in cases of historical sexual assault. He had no problem making a direct reference to his daughter while diminishing the validity and significance of Dr. Ford’s account of the sexual assault she endured. And this in the week Bill Cosby was sent to prison after being convicted of sexual assault. It has to be of some concern that this is a man who will be expected to influence the course of law on gender and racial equality for the next thirty to forty years.

It is no surprise that Donald Trump very much enjoyed Judge Kavanaugh’s testimony. He would have recognised his own attitude to truth and personal accountability in Kavanaugh’s strident declamation of the confirmation process. In fact, he had compared the sexual assault claims against Kavanaugh to the claims that were made against him during the presidential elections. I’m not sure whether that would have done much for the public’s perception of Kavanaugh but it certainly seemed a chest beating moment for Trump.

If Americans truly have as much regard for the constitution as they claim then they must be a lot more discerning about the people they choose to up hold its values. If women cannot be made to feel safe when involved in political and judicial processes then a large portion of Americans cannot be considered to be truly free.

Which Way America?

Nationalistic politicians controlled by special interest groups. Right wing groups and individuals directing hatred and violence at foreigners and minority groups. Discriminatory and brutal law enforcement and criminal justice system. A culture of abuse and exploitation of women and young girls. Religious leaders exploiting their followers for money and power. Mass media that celebrates transient and superficial celebrity. Communities that are deprived, under educated, self destructive and losing touch with the mainstream.

Sounds like a fictional dystopia? Well, this is America!

This is the age of Trump; the culmination of long periods of social discontent from almost every section of America, eras of political mismanagement and a perceived loss of power and stature in global standings. Trump has become synonymous with untruthfulness, prejudice and ego driven self interest but the American malaise started long before his muddying of the waters. From two terms of GW Bush, to Sarah Palin being selected as a presidential running mate, to Obama's battles with Congress America has been teetering on the edge of a far right cesspit.

There is no doubt that America needed change. And certainly change that the people could believe in would have been nice. Unfortunately, that was change that Obama couldn't quite manage to make good his promise of. And change under Trump appears to be regressive, hate filled and brutal. So what are the chances of things changing for the better? And exactly how is that going to happen?

The upcoming midterm elections are not showing any convincing signs that the Democrats quite know what they need to do. It isn't entirely clear if they have figured out that the people who hate politicians far exceed those who hate Trump. If they are going to defeat Trump in the presidential elections they will need to choose a candidate who is good over a good candidate. In Hilary Clinton they had a good candidate, who they hoped would benefit from the Clinton name and legacy. Unfortunately in the eyes of the electorate she just wasn't a candidate they could relate to as a good person.

It is difficult to tell if America is at a crossroads right now but it is very right to say that the country is in turmoil. There is a growing alienation felt among those minorities who feel the government and establishment does not represent them in any way. There is also a tidal wave of seething fury in those who feel they need to take back control of a country they feel is becoming less like they imagined or wish it to be. It is no coincidence that whenever circumstances place either of these mindsets in close proximity of each other violence erupts.

Deposing Trump would bring some small satisfaction but it will not solve the conflicts and discontent that has started to break through the veneer of civility that has held it in check. In order for either group to start feeling safe a lot more will need to be done to tackle prejudice, crime, violence and social deprivation. Unfortunately these are generational problems and America is no closer to solving them now than it was just before the Civil War.

The Limits of Mindfulness

Self empowerment and personal development are essential parts of every person's progression towards a fulfilling existence. Reaching one's full potential requires being self aware and building up one's self esteem. The more a person comes to understand their self the greater the likelihood that they will be able learn and grow in line with their needs and potential.

However, there are many occasions in which doing what's best for you might not necessarily lead to a pleasant prospect for the rest of the world. Take for instance, that person who goes to the park to exercise but doesn't bother to close the enclosure gate. Those people who go to the playing field and park their cars across entrances and ramps, blocking them. Those who take phone calls in public with their phones on speaker mode while talking at the top of their voices. The generous 'manspreaders'. Those who hit all around them with their backpacks. People who spit in public without any consideration for those around them. Sometimes being at peace with oneself can leave one out of step with others.

The doctrine of mindfulness has become so popular it is almost becoming dogma. Mindfulness encourages the individual to take some time out to consider how one's thoughts, and the world around one generating them are not the essence of the actual individual. In taking a step back one is able to move oneself forward positively and holistically into a sounder and more positive path. Focusing on just the moment should allow one to experience that moment without all the usual pressures and anxieties that usually accompany our every waking moment.

Mindfulness' vanguard has presented personal growth as some sort of later life photosynthesis that doesn't need any sun. There is a suggestion that all the elements needed to grow are already right there inside of us. We just need to close ourselves off to all the blockages and obstructions in our way. However, a healthy sense of self needs dynamic biological and environmental settings in which to blossom. People cannot be their best selves outside the context in which they have to express themselves. Sometimes friction is required for an object to achieve its optimal form. One might require positivity to remain motivated but one also needs challenge to sustain drive and direction. There aren't too many situations in which one can just be regardless. That's not too say one shouldn't come up for air occasionally and get some relief from all the pressure. However, there are too many latent sociopaths out there who are acutely aware of their own rights without any commensurate acknowledgement of their responsibilities to others.

All individuals are personally accountable for their lives and what they do with them. Investing in one's wellbeing and development is one of the foremost requirements for living a worthy life. And it is right to take time to consider our own needs and the barriers that we might encounter in meeting those needs. However, it is also a human necessity to connect with people and work out a balance for harmonious interaction. That can happen casually or through very personal relationships. These connections are what truly define our character and how we fit into the wider world around us. Mindfulness does not advocate disregarding these connections but the tendency for them to become collateral damage in the pursuit of personal growth suggests that they might be dispensable. This is a worrying and dangerous trend. 

Make America White Again

It is probably no coincidence that the Trump administration has chosen to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council around the same time it introduced immigration control measures that  seem the exact kind of actions that would come under the purview of the Council. Separating children from their parents and then detaining he children in steel ringed camps was unreasonable and excessive. Withdrawing from the Human Rights Council would proved only a brief relief from the torrent of condemnation that followed revelations about children ripped away from parents at the US border.

Donald Trump claims his extreme anti immigration measures are designed to prevent America from being overrun by illegal immigrants. This seems a simplistic and racist feeding into right wing fears that the white American population will be exceeded by the population of people of colour at some point in the future. It is clear which people Trump has in mind when he paints his apocalyptic vision of an American future with foreigners running wild all over the land. He certainly doesn’t seem very concerned about the countless Europeans who are living in America illegally. Even the language he uses to describe non-caucasian migrants says a lot about his perception of them.

If Trump was truly interested in tackling illegal immigration then he would do more to tackle its causes. Businesses that hire migrant and seasonal workers could be given priority to apply for temporary visas for their workers. Some of the billions of dollars he wants to use to build walls could do a lot more good as development aid to neighbouring countries. At the very least he could have dialogue with his neighbours to look into migration and border security. Some cooperative efforts could go a long way to tackling the issue.

Nigeria Born Again

copyright: Asukwo eb

Since the return of party politics in Nigeria following the demise of military dictator Sanni Abacha the country has made some considerable strides. The economy is considered one of the key emerging economies in the developing world. There has been widespread access to mobile communications and internet services. Business magnate Aliko Dangote is considered the richest man in Africa. However social conditions have deteriorated. Poverty, unemployment and deprivation are rife. Wealth inequality has gotten worse. Corruption continues unchecked.

A lot of hope has been vested in incoming governments to curb corruption and neglect; and get development back on track. To date no government has been able to deliver on its promises. The current government under Buhari promised to fight corruption, instability and deprivation. It is widely acknowledged that it has failed to do this to any appreciable extent. However, Buhari has expressed an intention to stand for election to a second term as president. There has been a lot of debate on whether based on his performance he can be considered a worthy candidate. It is almost certain his party will support his candidacy but he himself has not distinguished himself as a saviour with the vision or will to bring about change in the country.

It’s incredible that in 2018 Nigerians are still hoping for an election campaign based on integrity, social and economic vision, and an honest manifesto; instead of cash distribution combined with thug driven violence. We still don’t have candidates who can give a good account of their past stewardship. Campaigns are rife with false claims, empty promises and personal abuse. The electorate deserves better and needs to hold political aspirants to a higher standard. The only way change will happen is if a new cadre of politicians is ushered in. The country desperately needs people with a passion for public service who are not driven by a desire for personal enrichment.

Nigeria is currently beset by extensive poverty, a lopsided economy, inadequate rural investment, wide ranging unemployment, unchecked crime and regional violence, poor access to healthcare, erratic power supply, decline in quality of education, mass emigration, and inadequate public services. Any politician not talking about these issues over the next year cannot possibly have very much to offer. Any campaigns that are not centred around offering solutions to these problems would only be trying to pull the wool over our eyes. Any chance of a better future will depend on the electorate demanding a better class of politician; and asserting their rights to have a political system that serves the nation as a whole.

From the Mountain Top

He had a mission for all to love their neighbour as themselves. 

He had a dream that all should be judged by the content of their hearts. 

He had a passion for all Black peoples to fight for their right to be equal. 

Two spikes could not dim the glory of the gospel.

One bullet could not stop the advancement of equal rights. 

A hail of gunfire couldn’t kill the message by any means necessary.

Just as the river brings life to the village, 

The egg gives birth to new life,

Blood infuses struggle with a legacy.

As we remember those who died so we could live 

Let us honour their missive

And keep giving all we have to give.

One bullet

One people 

One message 

Equality! ✊🏿