Rochdale Talk
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

The Black Flag rises.

5 posters

Page 2 of 7 Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7  Next

Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  cyfrifia Sat Feb 21, 2015 5:10 pm

It is sad that youngsters want to join Islamic State. They stand a good chance of being blown to bits.

cyfrifia
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3139
Join date : 2012-09-16
Location : Todmorden

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  Atlas Sun Feb 22, 2015 3:01 pm

To be blown to bits for some mythical ideology shows a deplorable lack of respect for one's being or a warped mind-set. Fifteen year old's have a warped mind-set anyway. It's part of their evolution from childhood to adulthood. I would go as far as to say under 25 year old's all suffer the same malady - (although it is a natural malady and one from which they cannot escape other than with 'time'). It's that 'vulnerability' of which we were previously discussing. A natural progress of events one learns to 'rationalise' as one grows older (hopefully). The blame in this scenario lies with whomsoever 'appealed' to their malleable minds and drew them into the net.
It's almost impossible to stave off the crass junk flooding the 'internet' and therefore the only weapon in this country's armory is 'education' education' 'education'. Which in itself is useless if the 'educationalists' are giving out the wrong/maladroit messages. Again it comes down to a question of 'what should and should not be taught' within a child's upbringing.
You already know my views on that. Rolling Eyes
Atlas
Atlas
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3032
Join date : 2012-09-06
Location : Wales

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  cyfrifia Mon Mar 02, 2015 11:44 pm

As part of the media interest in the three girls who went to Syria as Jihadi brides, in a tv interview with a similar girl, she explained that if a muslim girl marries a Jihadi fighter before he is killed, the belief is, she inherits a place in paradise. Perhaps this belief explains why young ladies are heading for the killing fields?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31704408

cyfrifia
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3139
Join date : 2012-09-16
Location : Todmorden

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  Atlas Tue Mar 03, 2015 2:48 pm

And who is to blame for that twaddle? Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes
Atlas
Atlas
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3032
Join date : 2012-09-06
Location : Wales

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  cyfrifia Tue Mar 03, 2015 3:29 pm

Can't answer that, Atlas, a mystery beyond Googleing. Maybe it's a deeply held ancient belief, maybe the girl made it up on the spur of the moment. But if it is the underlying motivation attracting many young women to a war zone it would explain something that puzzles a lot of people.

cyfrifia
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3139
Join date : 2012-09-16
Location : Todmorden

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  Atlas Thu Mar 05, 2015 2:36 pm

I can. Parents, peer groups and brain-washing. You remember a song which went 'leave those kids alone'? It wasn't sung in jest. Teach them crap and all you will get thereafter is 'crap'. Mad Mad Mad
Atlas
Atlas
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3032
Join date : 2012-09-06
Location : Wales

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  cyfrifia Fri Mar 20, 2015 1:13 am

Even if you visit countries and chat to the locals, it's not easy to get a real understanding of what goes on. Tunisia has been a pleasant holiday for many people. Now journalists are telling us Tunisia has been dealing with Islamic extremists for decades, and that many Tunisians have gone to fight for Isis.

Getting a realistic understanding of the flow of events is difficult. The media tend to either sensationalise or fail to mention. Still, it's of interest, what goes on, and a test of understanding is to guess what will happen next.

Politicians tend to be, apparently, taken by surprise by events ordinary people can see coming a mile away, but is that 'surprise' real or just posturing?

Much of the middle east has been warzone for some time now, similar with parts of Africa and Asia, southern europe in economic near-collapse, so is there a pattern, what will be next? Is Isis intending to or poised to, strike at europe from north africa, and if so, where? Or will a new series of international events arise and shift the pattern of things unexpectedly?

Meanwhile, the mood in the UK seems to have shifted, even politicians don't want to get too involved with foreign policy now, the emphasis is much more on domestic issues, the economy, housing, the election.

cyfrifia
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3139
Join date : 2012-09-16
Location : Todmorden

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  Atlas Sat Mar 21, 2015 2:21 pm

That's because as we near the election time people are not interested. Foreign policy doesn't even enter the lists at election times. What amazes me as regards lists is that the NHS appears first??? Shocked Shocked Shocked I wonder just how many people realise that without an economy there's nothing at all. Would it be that they think the economy is sound and doesn't require their consideration. If so. Why are we bothering about having an election. If it isn't broken why try and change it? Not once - yet - have I heard the economy (remember that - we need a good one) been mentioned other than in terms of 'cuts' to spending. It's not about cuts. It's not about immigration. It's not about who runs or funds the NHS. It's about how much business we do with the rest of the world and profits/benefits accrued thereon. If that is 'good' and 'profitable' and 'progressive' then everything else falls into place. When - Oh when - will we ever learn.Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes
Atlas
Atlas
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3032
Join date : 2012-09-06
Location : Wales

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  cyfrifia Sat Mar 21, 2015 10:33 pm

You can't expect people to know what is never properly explained to them. The idea that the UK government has a finite amount of money to spend, and that that amount relates directly to the economy is not self evident, or even true?

While we give away billions in foreign aid that isn't used properly, spend billions on Trident that can't be used, fritter billions on inexplicable projects, pay billions to spitting footballers and useless celebrities, it all appears a crazy circus rather than a rational understandable economic system.

Immigration either costs us a fortune or contributes to the economy, whichever you believe, closing down industry makes economic sense, apparently, house prices beyond all practicality in london, and seriously depressed elsewhere, a pool of unemployed either an economic necessity or a blight, depending who is talking, fracking and breaking up the geology of the islands we live on being touted as economic common sense, etc etc. The buying and selling of lottery scratch cards is about as near to practical reality economics as most of the population can get. Cool

cyfrifia
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3139
Join date : 2012-09-16
Location : Todmorden

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  Atlas Sun Mar 22, 2015 3:57 pm

I refuse to believe they are all that thick! I can understand the younger end 16 -26 being in fairyland, which is why I wouldn't lower the voting age, but beyond that they should all have some understanding of how a 'household' works or a 'business'. They should all be able to see you can't have something for nothing in return. They should all have an inkling into when a person (politician) is giving them the run-around. They all should understand that IF IT LOOKS TOO GOOD IT GENERALLY IS. Not knowing the in's and out's isn't important. Simply the basics. If not then what they will get is what they deserve. Poorly run establishments, corruption and apathy. They might consider it is just a game. It is. A dangerous game if you don't care and a destructive game if you leave it all to others. The choice is theirs. Suspect Suspect Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Cool Cool Smile Smile

Atlas
Atlas
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3032
Join date : 2012-09-06
Location : Wales

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  cyfrifia Sun Mar 22, 2015 11:39 pm

There is a saying "Nobody ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the general public." The British public are no more thick than anyone else, but we do tend to think the best of people and so be rather more gullible than some.

cyfrifia
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3139
Join date : 2012-09-16
Location : Todmorden

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  Atlas Mon Mar 23, 2015 4:04 pm

In a democracy politics is far too important to be gullible or to be apathetic. The Nazi Party used just that to attain popularity and then bound it together with fear and intimidation thereafter. Jam today doesn't exist. Jam tomorrow is only a chance by design or pure luck. There is no 'real' jam. It's an illusion. Just the same as afterlife and astrological readings.
We have what we have. To get the best out of it you vote with your head - and keep a careful eye on the result. Half a loaf is better than none - or one with jam on it. Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Mad Mad Surprised Surprised
Atlas
Atlas
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3032
Join date : 2012-09-06
Location : Wales

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  cyfrifia Wed Mar 25, 2015 2:21 pm

Assuming the best of people and being gullible is, sadly, a serious misdemeanour, which often has tragic consequences. There are always people who see such gullibility as a weakness to exploit. Best to judge the honesty of people by their actions rather than their smiley faces and repetitive words, it takes a bit longer, requires independence of mind, observation and thought, but it's a better way of going on, for yourself and for those around you.

cyfrifia
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3139
Join date : 2012-09-16
Location : Todmorden

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  Atlas Wed Mar 25, 2015 2:38 pm

Indeed. But just how many of our 'informed, intelligent' voters (people) have the capacity or the inclination to study the form and make an intelligent, well considered choice. I would proffer that 10% vote for the one who is saying 'we can dump the EU tomorrow and stop any further immigration'. A further 10% will vote for the one who says 'no more cuts or at least only very small ones'. And another 10% will vote for the one who says ' we will raise taxes on the rich and stop the tax avoidance which will pay for everything we need'. That's 30% who will be swayed by what is nothing more than loose tongued, trust me I'm wonderful, rhetoric. Meanwhile we have to somehow put in place a government that will take the time and trouble to sort out those problems in a calm, logical, and intelligent manner. Otherwise we really will be in trouble.Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes
Atlas
Atlas
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3032
Join date : 2012-09-06
Location : Wales

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  cyfrifia Wed Mar 25, 2015 3:14 pm

Well, it's reality that matters, it's up to individuals to rely on their own judgement of what is going on in the country, set their own priorities, and not believe what anyone tells them they should believe.

cyfrifia
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3139
Join date : 2012-09-16
Location : Todmorden

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  Atlas Thu Mar 26, 2015 2:40 pm

One would hope so. But I suspect that by now most will have attached themselves to one band-wagon or another for its instant appeal and together with the mass will go forward as one voice under the flag of mass hysteria and mob rule and will put their cross in the square they are expected to use. You can always tell the 'instant remedy' merchants by their suffocating use of daily bloggings, postings and tweetings on every bit of media space that will allow them to participate, whilst the rational ones amongst us rarely respond or post on what is supposed to be a personal (and not open for discussion) democratic freedom. We don't need flags and brass bands and jam today merchants whistling their garbage up our nether-regions thank you.
It doesn't say much for the British people if they fall for the present tripe that is being expounded by today's pseudo-fascists and power greedy nationalists.   But I'm not holding my breath. Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes
Atlas
Atlas
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3032
Join date : 2012-09-06
Location : Wales

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  cyfrifia Sun Mar 29, 2015 2:08 am

"jam today merchants whistling their garbage up our nether-region" 

Shocked Best description of election campaigns.

cyfrifia
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3139
Join date : 2012-09-16
Location : Todmorden

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  Atlas Sun Mar 29, 2015 3:14 pm

Yes. I am expecting one or other of the nationalist parties to steal that one from my posts as descriptive of the main parties. I could remind everyone of one of Hitler's most favourite sayings whilst amongst his cronies -. "The bigger the lie -  the more it will be believed". Keep your ears flapping for the 'biggest' one coming over the hustings and then you will know who not to trust.
Works every time. Rolling Eyes Wink Wink Wink Wink Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy
Atlas
Atlas
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3032
Join date : 2012-09-06
Location : Wales

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  cyfrifia Mon Mar 30, 2015 11:47 am

Best not to believe anything except what you know, and keep an open mind. This thread has wandered from 'black flag rises' to the general election, will one connect with the other?

cyfrifia
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3139
Join date : 2012-09-16
Location : Todmorden

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  Atlas Tue Mar 31, 2015 1:02 am

Indeed it will. Any future government will have to fight against the 'Black Flag' (as it has in the past ref: IRA) from whatever direction it rises. Any government that doesn't will soon find itself out on it's rear end - over-populated in some places with immigrants or not. Crying or Very sad Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes
Atlas
Atlas
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3032
Join date : 2012-09-06
Location : Wales

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  cyfrifia Tue Mar 31, 2015 1:46 pm

Much of the election campaigns so far have been about domestic issues, budgets and so on. With the unstable international situation, the Islamic world in turmoil and terrorism, from Morocco to Bangaladesh and beyond, globally and into Europe, security, protection and safety must be somewhere on the agenda.

Organisations that conduct intelligence operations to foil terrorist plots seem pretty busy. Whatever government is formed will need to work well with and better co-ordinate those organisations. At the moment, things seem haphazard, people coming and going without checks on criminal records.

Perhaps the election campaign which has formally started now will avoid mentioning security issues, for fear of frightening the horses, it will be interesting to see if hints are dropped, or such matters are adressed directly as the campaigns go on.

cyfrifia
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3139
Join date : 2012-09-16
Location : Todmorden

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  Atlas Tue Mar 31, 2015 2:29 pm

I remember well one of my first ever history lessons. It concerned the 'Black Hand Gang' - Serbia 1900 - well known for their terrorist activities and leading to the First World War. I remember thinking that having dispensed with that organisation the world would go on to be a much safer place.
Boy - was I naive - and wrong. Terrorism has been and always will be with us. It's an extreme form of politics by other means. Foreign and domestic policies by individual countries will always produce dissent amongst populations and the consequence of that is - domestic and international terrorism.
It will NEVER be eradicated - a bit like malaria in some ways, for the construct is forever changing and evolving. As for 'our' governments and their 'policies' to handle it. Whoever gets control this time around will have to do whatever it takes. One just has to hope that the powers that be employ rational and logic amongst its employees instead of the usual all mouth and trousers brigade. As we say in the trade - Fair fortune. For that is the very best you can ever expect.
Atlas
Atlas
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3032
Join date : 2012-09-06
Location : Wales

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  cyfrifia Wed Apr 01, 2015 1:08 am

Of course, terrorism is nothing new, but it's gone into international overdrive of recent years and there seem to be no end of weapons available. It might influence voters one way or the other, or perhaps most UK voters are too protected from such realities to think much about security issues.

cyfrifia
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3139
Join date : 2012-09-16
Location : Todmorden

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  Atlas Thu Apr 02, 2015 2:35 pm

If you want 'overdrive' let me point you to two world wars - that's overdrive. There has never been a time in man's history when there hasn't been multiple wars and conflicts and terrorism (in one form or another) going on across the globe. We hear about 'every' one of them these days whereas in the past most occurred without our knowledge. It may seem 'overdrive' but believe me it's not. It's quite 'Normal'. Be rest assured. It will get no better. Man hasn't the capacity to live together without conflict. His brain is too small. Evolution - that's the trick. But will our species survive long enough to capitalise on it?
Atlas
Atlas
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3032
Join date : 2012-09-06
Location : Wales

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  cyfrifia Thu Apr 02, 2015 10:50 pm

World wars one and two were absolutely massive and traumatic wars, but they were officially wars, todays' terrorism is also massive, traumatic and ongoing for uncountable numbers of people in the countries most affected.
Whether evolution can or will sort out humanities' failures is an open question, depending on how you understand the workings of evolution. Whether it is simply adaptation to circumstances, or in some sense, going somewhere. Pleasant and balanced examples of evolution are usually found where complex communities of various species adapt and develop together.

cyfrifia
Time Lord
Time Lord

Posts : 3139
Join date : 2012-09-16
Location : Todmorden

Back to top Go down

The Black Flag rises. - Page 2 Empty Re: The Black Flag rises.

Post  Sponsored content


Sponsored content


Back to top Go down

Page 2 of 7 Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7  Next

Back to top

- Similar topics

 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum