Well, it’s nearly the end of a another year. In some ways, 2010 has been one spectacularly weird year…. general election which brought about the ConDem coalition who are, on a huge scale, destroying the welfare state and the public sector. These austerity cuts will have massive consequences for generations. But there has been a start of a fightback from student demos, occupations, strikes and protests targeting corporate capitalist tax cheats.Also we have seen the levels of police brutality and horrific violence aided and abetted by a biased media. When the ruling class feel under threat they use the police for their own means along with offering paramilitary solution after paramilitary solution, which is an attack on liberal democracy. So may 2011 bring forth a united fightback campaign resisting this hideous class war slash-fest orchestrated by the Bullingdon elite.
On a more personal level, this year has been mixed, some magnificent some depressing. This year marked the death of my parents that impacted on me more than I could ever imagine that led me to be in a state of denial, deep frustration, anger (mainly at myself), loss and so on. Now it’s just deep depression and anxiety and feeling I am stuck in a hole with no way out, also I have become a bit of a recluse, not relating much with the outside world so feel more frustrated as feeling I am not involved in the struggle, try best as I can to go to protests and demos (armed with camera) usually dragged my partner with me as I feel happier if someone’s with me as can’t do much by myself when it comes to the outside world.
Brussels
Another stressful time earlier this year was giving evidence against Sgt Smellie in court. Glad I did my duty even though the verdict was not much of a surprise.
The glorious times included coming third in the EWL photo competition which meant I travelled to Brussels to receive my prize and I sold a photograph to a magazine. Hurrah!
I have also met some wonderful comrades who I value personally and politically via Twitter, FB and in the comments box of my blog. Some I have met in person some I chat to via cyberspace. During my worst periods that kinda communication has been so valued and appreciated, more than anyone can realise. So thank-you for that.
Here’s to 2011 ….. the struggle and resistance continues!
Happy New Year to you all!
As I have come to expect, a good, insightful and honest blog from a cyber-chum who doubles up as my conscience occasionally!
Huge cyber-hug from South Wales xx
I truly hope that 2011 is a much better year for you, m’dear, and that we continue to chat, compare films and see some radical changes to the corrupt world of politics.
Aww cheers comrade!!
“I truly hope that 2011 is a much better year for you, m’dear, and that we continue to chat, compare films and see some radical changes to the corrupt world of politics”…
Me too!!
Huge cyber-hug from SE London xx
I do love the way the officer on the left is eyeballing her midriff in that first snap. Have a happy and productive New Year.
“Have a happy and productive New Year”.
Same to you Laban
I remember what depression is like so several times over the last year I wanted to email you, but then didn’t. There’s lots I wanted to say, but only one really – Happy new year.
Thanks David, it’s really kind of you to want to email me. Happy new year to you as well
I’m staying with family, so I’ll have to save my waffly comment for later. Just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year, Harpy.
Ace blog.
I’m going to try twitter – don’t anyone go and tell Nadine Dorries, now!
And a Happy New Year to you Tim!!
Btw you don’t make waffly comments!
If only when the clock hits 12, that the new year started (2011) would be without the ConDem(n) Government…
It will be a tough year ahead. It isn’t even sure if we can get rid of the Government due to the Fixed Term Parliament Bill … http://www.workprogramme.org.uk/20101129925/fixed-term-parliaments-bill-2010-11.html
Cuts to public services, education etc. but amongst the worst group to realise the cuts are those on welfare and the disabled. From 2011, job seekers will be placed on the Work Programme: a 7 year course!
There will be up to 3 years benefit sanctions for those who refuse to apply for jobs. But this evil regime has been exposed by my below post… which basically explains that such sanctions will be across the board and not just for anyone refusing a job. The 7 year course is likely to frustrated benefit claimants who are likely to receive sanctions too through their provider just like Flexible New Deal. Just the threshold rate are being moved to larger stages.
http://www.workprogramme.org.uk/20101230975/reducing-welfare-bill-successfully.html
Happy New Year everyone (it will be shortly..)
Hi comrade, Happy New Year! I recently started reading your blog, and it’s another vital voice in the resistance against the cuts in 2011. I’ll make sure to add you to my blogroll. Hope things go well with your writing, photography and life in general this year.
Hi Josiah, thanks for that, have included you on my blogroll. Hope 2011 brings more resistance against the cuts. Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year.
Re the anxiety and not going out – I had that for about ten months. I gave in to it in the end and didn’t go out unless I had my kids with me, and only then when we had to. Made me much happier as I didn’t have the constant anxiety. Eventually I started going bored, and started going out, slowly building this up.
Don’t rush things. Do what is best for you, not anyone else. It will pass eventually.
Thanks earwicga for that, much appreciated.
Happy New Year to you as well