Offensive?

An absolute sketch.

Pikey

For God and Ulster

Today’s Newsletter carries a report in which Rev. Stephen Dickinson objects to the presence of a chinese dragon as part of the proposed 11th Night parade in Tandragee, labelling it as “offensive” and “insults the name of Jesus Christ.”

The story carried over onto the Talkback programme today, when the Rev. Dickinson further elaborated on his objections, arguing that the dragon represented a drift into including ‘pagan’ elements within the Twelfth.

Taken at face value, the Rev. Dickinson’s objections could have been understood from the position of a religious figure not wanting what he believes is a celebration of protestantism to be further diminished in the same way that many religious leaders of all faiths object to the materialist ‘hijacking’ of key dates in their religious calendars.

At one stage he forcefully stated that “we need to put protestantism back into the Order.” However, his argument fell down badly when he skipped over the objections of a caller about what goes on at 11th Night bonfires. (Discussion about 39 mins into programme.)

The incident is also an unfortunate reminder of earlier opposition from within loyalism to the chinese community.

From Slugger O'Toole

I find the actions of these so called Christians repulsive.

The politicians talk of 'progress' and a 'vibrant Ulster' but in reality this is only the case if you are white and middle class.

There is inherent xenophobic undertones to many things I witness now whether that be muttering in the supermarket queue, or outright racist slurs.

The fact is that this has to stop. The demographics of the country are changing and this is the natural state of affairs in a post conflict society, therefore people need to open themselves and embrace their brother and sisters from around the world, who come to Ireland searching for a better life.

If the shoe was on the other foot would we want an opportunity to better ourselves?

Its time to scramble out of the dark ages and evolve. For some in this society that may be a big ask.

Pikey

And theres more..................................

PS: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2006/oct/22/race.ukcrime

Newspeak Triumphs

When is the "War on G;obal Terrorism" not the War on Global Terrorism"? When it becomes Politically Incorrect.

Ever since George Orwell coined the term "Newspeak" in the novel 1984, it has crept into real language.

The most obvious example was when the "War Department" was renamed "The Department of Defence", little by little words no longer had meaning.

Raise funding less than your opponents want and your accused of cutting funding. A tax increase becomes "Revenue Enhancement", you can find examples all around you.

Now instead of the "War on Global Terrorism" acceptable phrases include "the war in Iraq," the "war in Afghanistan, "operations in the Horn of Africa" or "ongoing military operations throughout the world." according to a Democratic memo.

As Margaret Thatcher might have said 'Words are becoming ‘Wobbly’ on us"

From Faroutfish Files

Pikey

Waterboard Bliss.....Perhaps Not

I must admit that I was shocked and a little dissapointed when I read the news about Christopher Hitchens this morning.

The outspoken, belligerent, but brilliant writer who has been an open advocate of the Iraq war took part in a waterboarding experiment to see if the CIA 'interogation' method constitutes torture.

He stood in typically imperious fashion exclaiming "I determined to resist if only for the honor of my navy ancestors who had so often been in peril on the sea", but succumbed after just seconds.

He went on to write: " ... if waterboarding does not constitute torture, then there is no such thing as torture."

The horrors of waterboarding have been highlighted by groups like Amnesty for some time now, but it seems that their detailed analysis is not enough for some people.

Incredibly Hitchens went on to describe waterboarding in his analysis as an "extreme interrogation", although even in the article he says he does "not trust anybody" who does not understand the viewpoint that "when contrasted to actual torture, waterboarding is more like foreplay".

Ok Now everyone can breath a deep sigh of relief.....................
Waterboarding is indeed a nefarious act. Thank you Mr Hitchens for proving it so.



Pikey

Tom Yum Prawn Soup

"Thai food is often a contrast of sweet, sour and salty flavors."

Combination Foods:
Spicy Prawn Salad (vegetable, meat)
Thai Ice Tea (other)
Pad Thai (grain, meat, fat)
Baked Custard (meat/protein, fat)
Hot and Sour Stir Fried Vegetables with Rice (vegetable, grain, fat)

Thai Lemon Grass Soup

175-225g (6-8 oz) raw large prawns
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
625 ml (20 fl oz/2 ½ cups) light fish stock
2 thick stalks lemon grass, finely chopped
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon fish sauce
3 kaffir lime leaves, chopped
½ fresh red chilli, seeded and thinly sliced
½ fresh green chilli, seeded and thinly sliced
½ teaspoon crushed palm sugar
coriander leaves, to garnish

Peel prawns and remove dark veins running down their backs; reserve prawns.

In wok, heat oil, add prawn shells and fry, stirring occasionally, until they change color. Stir in stock, bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain stock and return to wok; discard shells. Add lemon grass, lime juice, fish sauce, lime leaves, chillies and sugar. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Add prawns and cook just below simmering point for 2-3 minutes until prawns are cooked. Serve in warmed bowls garnished with coriander.

Serves 4