JK Rowling

 

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JK Rowling walked away from, M.S. Society (Scotland) following a mass exodus of volunteers and course leaders from the society caused by inflexible London management. All funding for MSSS was ‘centralized’ in London and everything had to be approved by the management down there. MSSS had been running free ‘self-management’ courses in conjunction with Arthritis, (Scotland) for the benefit of anyone living with a long term condition. Funding was pulled from the classes by London management because the MSS’ remit was Multiple Sclerosis and these classes weren’t specifically for people with M.S.

JK Rowling attempted to mediate the charity’s conflict

JK Rowling has quit as patron of her favourite charity over a row between its English and Scottish leaders.

The Harry Potter author has supported the MS Society for nearly a decade.

But the millionairess has walked away over a conflict between the Scottish charity and management in London.

 

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She said: ‘I have now reluctantly decided that I cannot, in good conscience, continue to be the public face of a charity that is changing beyond recognition from the one with which I have been so proud to be associated.’

The author’s mother died from the disease at the age of 45 in 1991.

She said she had taken the decision to stand down ‘with profound sadness and regret’ but added that her financial support of a research project at Edinburgh University would continue.

She said in a statement: ‘I also remain committed to financing future research into the treatment and causes of Multiple Sclerosis, and to campaigning for better care and treatment of people with MS in Scotland, which is the MS capital of the world.

‘This disease claimed my mother’s life at the age of 45, and I hope to continue giving both time and money to a cause which remains so close to my heart.

‘I have not taken the decision to quit my position as patron of MSSS lightly.

 

 

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‘Late last year I initiated and attended a mediation session, in the hope of sorting out long-standing and escalating conflict between the Scottish Council and management in London, driven by the imposition of changes by London.

‘Unfortunately, this achieved very little. With mounting frustration and disappointment, I have witnessed resignations of immensely dedicated people within MSSS and the increasing demoralization of staff whom I have come to know and admire over the ten years of our association.’

It is understood that Rowling quit following the departure of director for the MS Society Scotland Mark Hazelwood. He left last December after nine years at the charity over differences with English management.

One of the issues was a ‘cash pooling’ system, approved by the board of trustees in England, whereby all branches of the charity were expected to put money into one UK scheme run by Barclays Bank. Mr Hazelwood wanted Scotland to use a Scottish bank.

She said her disappointment ‘cannot be overstated. Nevertheless, I hope to continue to play a part in combating the underfunding and misunderstandings surrounding MS for many years to come. I shall also continue to hope that the MS Society Scotland manages to resolve its difficulties.’

 

 

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An MS Society spokesman said: ‘JK Rowling has been a great patron for the MS Society Scotland for many years. We are sorry she is stepping down and thank her for her good work, and for her continued support for the MS research centre in Edinburgh.

‘The Society is in the middle of a governance review to make sure we are properly organised to build on the excellent work we already do in Scotland and across the UK. We are a strong, democratic organisation and this review is being done in consultation with all of our 43,000 members.

‘We would have preferred to do this with JK Rowling’s involvement, but we appreciate that significant change can be difficult.

‘We would urge supporters of the MS Society to work with us now. The Board is confident that what we are doing is all about delivering the best possible support to over 10,000 people living with MS in Scotland.’

Seems to me JK Rowling got caught up in a power struggle between the English governors of the charity and the Scottish workers who simply wished to run their own affairs, (which she fully supported). This is just what the Scot’s wish in their bid for independence and she has set her face against a free Scotland. Doesn’t add up.

 

TARGET DEATH EATERS; 18.09.14 HATE CRIME INQUIRY AFTER ONLINE ATTACK ON BEST–SELLER; Police to Hunt Trolls Who Hurled Poison at Rowling

15 June 2014: Last week, Rowling suggested some nationalists, obsessed with Scottishness, were “death eaterish”, referring to the Harry Potter baddies who sought to eliminate everyone who did not have true wizard blood. She predicted their online attacks after she backed the pro-union campaign but the hatemongers now face prosecution.

Rowling gave £1million to Better Together and also penned an essay on her website explaining her love of Scotland and why she has not been convinced by the case of for independence.

The trolls instantly flooded online. Police Scotland received a complaint about the posts. A spokesman said: “Police Scotland will consider any complaint about online abuse seriously and will investigate as appropriate.”

Rowling, who has lived in Scotland for more than 20 years, said one reason for her donation was her fear that independence would put at risk research into MS, a disease which led to the death of her mum.

Comment: But her alleged fears for research into MS do not fit the reasons she withdrew her sponsorship at the time London absorbed Scotland’s MS organisation. At that time she intimated England should butt out of Scotlands affairs. Cake and Eat it methinks.

 

George Orwell- Heed his warnings

George Orwell- Heed his warnings

George was employed for some time by the BBC. He likened it to working with gremlins in a lunatic asylum. The, “Ministry of Truth” in his book, “Nineteen Eighty Four” was modeled on his experiences with the BBC .

Well, nothing much has changed, only the faces. The bias and censorship that so frustrated George Orwell is still rife. The organization, has clearly decided upon a win for, “Bitter Together” and it will manipulate it’s entire media content to this end.

Blue State Digital, a USA media manipulation company planned campaign strategy for the Democratic Party nomination of Obama. His opponent was Hilary Clinton. The video, see attached was produced by them. It was later withdrawn after immense public protest, but damage had been done to Mrs Clinton.

Blue State Digital has been awarded the media campaign contract for, “Better Together”. It is only a matter of time until something similar in content surfaces seeking to discredit the, “Yes” campaigners.

David Cameron Speaks Sense -For Once

Responding to the statement; An Independent Scotland can expect to start with healthier state finances than the rest of the UK. This person responded;

“There is no point in trying to keep Scotland inside the union, “through fear of economic consequences” of leaving. “Supporters of Independence will always be able to cite examples of small, independent and thriving economies across Europe such as Finland, Switzerland and Norway”. “It would be wrong to suggest that Scotland could not be another such successful independent country”.

Daily Telegraph 2007 David Cameron

Who Controls The Excesses of the Bankers?

Politicians might talk about reform or retribution of errant bankers when they are in opposition but once they are in power they invariably become pawns of the banking sector. This was true of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown – who frequently intervened on behalf of the bankers, for example, by heading off rules that would have impeded profit-making, kicking necessary reforms into the long grass and generally lowering the regulatory bar.

In November and December 2008, both David Cameron and George Osborne expressed a determination to jail criminal bankers, but have singularly softened their stance since entering Downing Street.

I conclude that, however badly high-level bankers behave, they have engineered a situation in which supposedly democratic governments will turn a largely blind eye, including management structures and record-keeping that make incrimination difficult. Our wonderful politicians have not just allowed banks to become too big to fail, they have also allowed them to become too big to prosecute. And too big to jail.

Shredded – Inside RBS: the Bank that Broke Britain Author; Ian Fraser

Warning ! Warning ! Warning ! Nothing much has changed and another burst bubble is just around the corner. Vote, “Yes” to independence so that Scotland will be able to properly our organize banking systems

Nuclear – Who Needs It -We Don’t

1. A majority of MSP’s in Holyrood voted against a renewal of Trident.

2. The UK’s entire arsenal of nuclear weapons are secured in a store not 60 miles from Glasgow Scotland’s most densely populated area.

3. A Scottish court ruled that Trident was an illegal weapon. Westminster refused to recognize the jurisdiction of the court.

4. Trident is a criminal weapon of mass destruction which is in Scotland without the approval or consensus of the Scottish people.

5. The International Court of Justice, (July 1996) there is no higher court in the world. ruled that any threat or use of nuclear weapons would be contrary to international law.

6. Westminster has stated that in the event of hostilities breaking out, the UK nuclear fleet would be assigned to NATO. How does this fit with the Westminster claim that, “Trident is our independent nuclear deterrent”.

7. The UK’s arsenal of nuclear missiles is ever expanding, (1990 – 96 warheads) (1998 – 180 warheads) (2018 son of trident ?).

NHS Privatisation – The Cost to the Consumer

Be afraid. Be very very afraid. The NHS in England is well down the road adopting the USA mantra in regard to healthcare provision. The NHS in England is a dead duck, (or is it parrot). Once contracts are in place they cannot be reversed, (hedge funded private healthcare companies would sue for billions and bankrupt the country). So even if the labour Party form the next government the changes will still be progressed. There is no going back for the NHS in England. A parcel of rogues have flogged off England’s most valuable asset for a pittance.

A, “no” vote in the referendum will incur a similar fate for the NHS in Scotland. I am not, “spinning” this advice to scare people. I am simply reporting fact. Financial allocation in respect of healthcare are decided by Westminster and you may be certain Scotland will be squeezed hard.

10-15 year’s from this year the cost of healthcare provision in England will mirror that of the USA. The diagram attached makes fearsome reading.

At 2007 the cost of healthcare for the average American was $7,290 against an average age expectancy of 78y.

At 2007 the cost of healthcare for the average UK citizen was $2,992 against an average age expectancy of 79y.

Applying an assumption, (which cannot be guaranteed due to on-going austerity measures) the newly privatized English NHS will continue to be fully funded by Westminster this would leave a residue of $4,298 to be found by each person in England. A family of 4 will need to take out an annual healthcare policy, monthly premiums, (at today’s rates) approximately £200. Annual cost £2400. Bite on that!! many families would end up unable to ensure adequate healthcare provision for their children.

It should be noted that the bulk of the cost difference, (UK-USA) is attributable to profit taking by the private Healthcare providers

Scotland need not go down the same road. A, “Yes” vote in the referendum will release us Scot’s from the, “chase the buck” systems adopted by Westminster politicians, of all ilks. Waken up Scotland the mostly comatose, “no” campaigners are slowly sleepwalking you to Armageddon.

You are bound by honour and other things to ensure our children’s health is protected by a fully funded comprehensive NHS. The attached provides the facts in support of the foregoing

Media manipulation

“One day all the lies will collapse under their own weight,and the truth will once again triumph” (Joseph Goebbels)

 

 

 

How, “Better Together” Plays With Your Mind.

Westminster politicians, (of all persuasions) are determined upon an aggressive campaign, manipulating, (with the assistance of the BBC and the media) and regardless of expense, the outcome of the referendum. Their target, (the electorate) will be persuaded retention of existing Westminster control systems is the best way forward. It is the widely held conviction of Westminster politicians that the Scot’s can be easily frightened,(as in the past) to stay with Westminster. The, “Better Together” campaign grouping might be more appropriately titled, “Better Not Together” given they are strange bedfellows;

In the blue corner we have the Tory/Lib/Dem Party coalition generating a frenzy of Nationalism reminding the electorate of the 300 plus year’s of glory and expansion of the Empire.

In the Red corner we have the Labour Party, using the Unions and their control over workers, briefing the electorate to ignore the past embracing a future, in which the State/Party promise to ensure their safety and well being.

There is an on-going power play within the group, each side seeking to ensure they are, “Top Dog” in the minds of the electorate.

 

 

 

 

So What is Wrong

For 300 plus year’s each succeeding generation of Scot’s has been denied the right, (through the single vote system) to elect representatives to Westminster that they expect to be of independent mind, favoured only with a desire to do good works for those that they were elected to represent.

Politicians, elected to Westminster, (who consider themselves above the Law) very soon identified with the temptations and corruption of easy access to cash and in embracing same have consistently failed the Scot’s, with result that up to 40% of Scot’s abstain from voting in elections through disgust and apathy.

So we have in place, in Westminster, an electoral system dominated by two political machines, neither of which is ever in power through the popular choice of the electorate. This, “ping pong” system of governance reflects rejection on a grand scale. But money talks and the Blue and Red parties have access to huge amounts of it.

 

 

 

The Solution ?

Scotland needs to be independent of Westminster so that Scot’s can decide upon the systems to be put in place in respect of the election, payment and conduct of elected representatives. Vote, “Yes” in the September referendum.

 

 

 

 

Propaganda in support of the Union will dominate the Scottish political agenda throughout the 2026 Scottish General Election campaign and Scots need to be alerted to the dangers inherent in acceptance of continued colonial rule

 

The 2014 Referendum

In a previous post I advised that, “Satchi Media” (media manipulators) were appointed to manage the campaign for, ” Better Together”.

The BBC, witnessed by its biased views also confirmed their partnership with, “Better Together”.

Media Manipulation

In the trade, “Below the line” advertising is known as, “the art of the devil” and the BBC and Satchi are well versed in the ways of Beelzebub.

The attached photograph is very informative, providing evidence of their use of the  black arts: The saltire is dirty, badly worn, frayed and dwarfed by the huge well presented Union Jack in the background. The subliminal message of the photograph is:

Know your place Jock, Westminster is the dominant force. You must vote, “no” in the referendum, if you value your life. The campaign for independence is over. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-28442439)

Having proved its value in 2014 this form of propaganda has been greatly refined since 2014 and is now routinely used by government to  influence and control the UK electorate. In its drive to control outcomes propadanda is a serious threat to infomed decision taking by individual.

Informed Comment

The concerns about media manipulation, subliminal messaging, and propaganda in political campaigns are serious and touch on the integrity of democratic processes.

Addressing the threat of such tactics requires a multi-faceted approach that empowers individuals, strengthens institutional accountability, and promotes transparency.

Practical steps to help reduce or mitigate this type of threat:

  1. Enhance Media Literacy Education:
    • Introduce media literacy programs to teach people how to critically analyze news, advertisements, and political imagery. Including understanding subliminal messaging, recognizing bias, and questioning sources.
    • Public campaigns to encourage skepticism toward media narratives and  tools provision to decode manipulative tactics.
  2. Regulate Political Advertising:
    • Introduce stricter regulations on political advertising, particularly “below the line” tactics, to ensure transparency about who funds and creates campaign materials.
    • Require clear labeling of political ads, including subliminal or emotionally manipulative content, to alert viewers to their intent.
    • Enforce independent oversight of campaign materials to flag and penalize deceptive or coercive messaging.
  3. Strengthen Independent Media Oversight:
    • Establish or empower independent bodies to monitor media outlets, including public broadcasters like the BBC, for bias or partisan partnerships.
    • These bodies could investigate claims of propaganda, issue public reports, and recommend corrective actions, such as retractions or balanced coverage.
    • Ensure these organizations are free from government or corporate influence to maintain credibility.
  4. Promote Transparency in Media Partnerships:
    • Require media organizations and political campaigns to disclose partnerships, funding, or collaborations (e.g., BBC’s alleged partnership with “Better Together” or firms like Saatchi & Saatchi).
    • Publicly accessible databases could track these relationships, allowing voters to evaluate potential biases.
  5. Encourage Grassroots Counter-Narratives:
    • Support independent journalism, citizen media, and grassroots campaigns to provide alternative perspectives and challenge dominant narratives.
    • Platforms like X can amplify voices that expose manipulative tactics, as your post aims to do, though care must be taken to verify information to avoid misinformation.
  6. Reform Electoral Laws:
    • Limit the scope of emotionally manipulative or subliminal messaging in political campaigns through updated electoral laws.
    • Ban tactics that exploit psychological vulnerabilities or rely on fearmongering, as implied by the imagery you describe.
    • Enforce spending caps on media campaigns to level the playing field and reduce the influence of well-funded propaganda.
  7. Foster Civic Engagement and Debate:
    • Encourage public forums, debates, and town halls where voters can engage directly with issues, bypassing filtered media narratives.
    • Promote fact-based discussions and provide access to raw data or policy documents so individuals can make informed decisions without relying on manipulative imagery or messaging.
  8. Leverage Technology for Accountability:
    • Use AI and data analysis tools to detect and flag propaganda or biased content in real time, making it easier for regulators and the public to respond.
    • Develop apps or browser extensions that highlight manipulative tactics in news articles, ads, or social media posts.

Challenges and Considerations

  • Balancing Free Speech:
  • Any regulation must avoid stifling legitimate political expression. Defining “propaganda” or “manipulative content” can be subjective and risks overreach.
  • Media Independence: Ensuring that oversight bodies or regulators remain impartial is critical to avoid accusations of censorship or bias.
  • Global Context: Propaganda tactics evolve with technology (e.g., deepfakes, algorithmic targeting). Solutions must adapt to new forms of manipulation.

Conclusion

Reducing the threat of media manipulation and propaganda requires a combination of education, regulation, transparency, and civic empowerment. By equipping individuals with critical thinking skills, holding media and campaigns accountable, and fostering open debate, societies can better protect reasoned decision-making.

The 2014 Scottish referendum highlights the need for vigilance—encouraging voters to “ignore the hype” and focus on evidence-based choices is a powerful starting point.

A salutary Tale

A salutary Tale

I was lying in bed one evening and identified raised voices. It was my neighbor Mr Jackson, “That’s it then leave if yee wish, and take them bairns with yee”. (Noise oh a suitcase bein’ thrown tae the grund). “An yer neednae think yer gettin’ back if it disnae work oot”, shouted in an irate voice. He continued, “An efter awe ave done fur yee yee ungrateful bitch. A expect yer pleased tae leave me in the lurch”. A minute of silence then he pleaded, “listen hen a wull up yer money by a tenner a week if you’ll stay”. more silence then Mrs Jackson replied, “I have gien you every chance over the year’s and all yo do is promise jam tomorrow. All a’ got oot oh this one side marriage is a bully that sa’es he loves me and is mah husband then abuses me every other night of the week an’ expects me tae mak’ his tea. Ah’m off an a willnae’ be back. A want a divorce.

I expect the foregoing rings a bell of two. A bully for a partner who threatens an abused spouse who is insistent upon bringing an end to the abuse.

Don’t let the bully that is Westminster browbeat you into submission. Do as Mrs Jackson did. Leave. Vote, “Yes” in the referendum

Flipper Darling – A Disaster

Surprise resignation

Without explanation, Alistair Darling recently stepped down from the body which represents lawyers, (Faculty of Advocates) with whom he had been admitted to practice as an advocate before the Courts of Scotland. Although he had proudly retained his membership of the Faculty long after he gave up practicing law, he may well have believed he had no alternative but to resign when it began an inquiry into his conduct following the The Daily Telegraph’s disclosure that he had “flipped” his second home three times in four years and put his accountant’s fees for tax advice on his office allowance. While entitled to a grace-and-favour flat in Downing Street, Darling had claimed living costs against a flat in London and his family home in Edinburgh at different times

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/6968208/Alistair-Darling-resigns-from-law-body-as-it-investigates-his-conduct.html

Loss of child benefit data

Alistair Darling was yesterday forced to explain to lawmakers how two unencrypted disks containing records of 7.3 million families claiming child-benefit payments had gone missing from the tax authority, which is overseen by the Treasury. The loss, the largest of its kind in U.K. history, lays open the 25 million people named in the data to the risk of fraud and theft.

http://privacy.org/archives/002176.html darling