Why I will no longer support York Against the War after its decision to invite Gilad Atzmon

I joined York Against the War in 2002 when it was clear the government were planning to invade Iraq.  It has done an excellent job over the years opposing the governments wars, and I have attended many of their meetings and marches, although admittedly fewer of the past few years.

I was dismayed to hear that they had decided to invite Gilad Atzmon (see http://www.yorkagainstthewar.org.uk/#gilad_atzmon).  Several people tried to warn YATW that Atzmon was an unsuitable guest due to the accusations of anti-Semitism against him.  I along with others objected to his invite, but the decision was made to go ahead with the invite.

I would recommend reading the following articles about Atzmon:

A Guide to the Sayings of Gilad Atzmon, the anti-Semitic jazzman by Tony Greenstein

The unlikely friends of the Holocaust memorial killer by Nick Cohen (although I would point out that the SWP don't have anything to do with him now either.  John Rose recently withdrew from a meeting when he found out he was to share a platform with Atzmon).

And if you are not convinced by the inappropriateness of Atzmon's invite read his own article on anti-Semitism at http://www.gilad.co.uk/writings/on-anti-semitism-by-gilad-atzmon.html

This event will do nothing to advance York Against the War's cause and I for one will have nothing to do with it.

Tabloids and invasion of privacy

Looking at the Sunday papers this morning I saw that once again the News of the World had hit new depths.  As the following was printed on the front cover:

How can such depraved stalking by the paparazzi be in the public interest?  I'm no defender of the Royals are their extended family, but like anyone else they should be allowed some privacy.  Why should Pippa Middleton be stalked by sleazy journalists and photographers?

When public figures and celebrities are at public events by all means it is fare game to photograph, but this sort of behaviour goes far beyond this.

Once again the News of the World and the Murdoch empire should be ashamed of themselves.

It is obvious that self regulation by the Press does not work and it is time for an official regulatory body as there is with other areas of the media.

Spitting Image certainly got it right when they portrayed tabloid reporters as pigs

Taking some time out to enjoy the Yorkshire coastline

Decided to take a rest from leafleting this morning to take a trip to Flamborough Head.  This is one of my favourite places on the Yorkshire coast and an excellent venue for me to practise my amateur photography: