Monday 30 July 2007
community engagement
Along with various other councillors I attended a meeting with the audit commission to discuss its best value review of the city council which they described as an 'overwhelmingly positive report', particularly commending educational attainment and the new corporate governance arrangements for health & social care. It was an interesting all-party discussion - lots of reflection on improvements in waste refuse collection, the planning system and the challenges of neighbourhood partnerships. I don't mind sharing my own reservations about the new community planning arrangements which move forward on a trial and error, suck it and see kind of basis. I thought the SNP chap there made a good point: currently everybody is prioritising a promised review around geography, not on structures, accountability and outcomes: much time and faith has been invested in community councils as the natural well from which to draw community engagement: but my experience suggests community councils are seldom representative of the whole community and, expectations which are being raised dangerously high, can't or won't be met while officers (and politicians) are floundering to provide both perspective and direction. It will be interesting to watch its progress. I hope it doesn't all land flat on its face.
Thursday 26 July 2007
Authentic happiness
It's always encouraging when someone mentions they've read your blog - today two people phoned to ask me what I was yapping about in yesterday's post... 'authentic happiness'?
Following cancer treatment nearly three years ago I have been dogged by depression for which my GP prescribed medication. However, I am congenitally stubborn and believe I know best so won't take them. Instead I try to carry out a strategy of positive thinking (not always easy). Carol Craig's Centre for Confidence and Well Being ran a course on positive thinking and raising confidence which I attended. One of the speakers was Martin Seligman whose work in the psychology of positive choices leads the field. Admittedly it all sounds a bit new-agey, peace man kind of stuff, but I think it has some authority. Log on to www.authentichappiness.com and you'll find a survey that takes about 30 minutes to complete - at the end the programme will compute your 5 key signature strengths.
The point is to recognise that a key signature strength, used negatively, can end up damaging to your well being. So, for example, mine says perseverance, diligence and industry is a top score: so because I know I can get lots done quickly and well, I tend to take too much on and end up knackered which exaggerates negative emotions, which in turn affects my performance...if you get my drift. So the point is to use this information to try to avoid turning a positive into a negative.
However, in managing a large group of people I use the information to encourage people to use their key strengths positively for the team - so since the majority of my team has 'kindness & generosity' as their key strength I have to make sure that collectively their wish to help others doesn't come at the expense of either themselves as individual professionals or at the collective strength of the team. It's fascinating stuff and does produce results: I'd like to get the Labour Group to do the exercise and use it as part of a working to our strengths strategy - think how magnificent we'd be!
Following cancer treatment nearly three years ago I have been dogged by depression for which my GP prescribed medication. However, I am congenitally stubborn and believe I know best so won't take them. Instead I try to carry out a strategy of positive thinking (not always easy). Carol Craig's Centre for Confidence and Well Being ran a course on positive thinking and raising confidence which I attended. One of the speakers was Martin Seligman whose work in the psychology of positive choices leads the field. Admittedly it all sounds a bit new-agey, peace man kind of stuff, but I think it has some authority. Log on to www.authentichappiness.com and you'll find a survey that takes about 30 minutes to complete - at the end the programme will compute your 5 key signature strengths.
The point is to recognise that a key signature strength, used negatively, can end up damaging to your well being. So, for example, mine says perseverance, diligence and industry is a top score: so because I know I can get lots done quickly and well, I tend to take too much on and end up knackered which exaggerates negative emotions, which in turn affects my performance...if you get my drift. So the point is to use this information to try to avoid turning a positive into a negative.
However, in managing a large group of people I use the information to encourage people to use their key strengths positively for the team - so since the majority of my team has 'kindness & generosity' as their key strength I have to make sure that collectively their wish to help others doesn't come at the expense of either themselves as individual professionals or at the collective strength of the team. It's fascinating stuff and does produce results: I'd like to get the Labour Group to do the exercise and use it as part of a working to our strengths strategy - think how magnificent we'd be!
Wednesday 25 July 2007
Strengths & weaknesses
Been a busy few days both at PEP and the Council.
It's the last few days of the Summer Programme - so far over 400 people have participated in the various events. Today it was a ceilidh with stovies for lunch. Nearly 40 people jigging away, fair enjoying themselves - but it's hard work for the staff. They have to lead the dancing as well as do the food, serve, clear up and get the guests to and from the event! I'm always amazed at the staff's enthusiasm. Last year I asked them all to undertake a psychometric exercise (Authentic Happiness) as part of a team building event we were doing. Of the 14 staff who were there, 12 shared the top signature character strength of 'wanting to help people' - in events like today's they absolutely display that commitment to go the extra distance to make sure our clients get the most out of life. Of my 5 top strengths, working hard, and analysing & planning came out on top. Wanting to help people didn't feature. The other 3 were a sense of humour, wisdom and staying focussed. I'll leave others to comment on whether that's right or not. But the exercise certainly helped me appreciate that I have to try to use, what sometimes can be a weakness, always as a strength - both in myself and others.
I'm thinking about changing the format of this blog - more later.
It's the last few days of the Summer Programme - so far over 400 people have participated in the various events. Today it was a ceilidh with stovies for lunch. Nearly 40 people jigging away, fair enjoying themselves - but it's hard work for the staff. They have to lead the dancing as well as do the food, serve, clear up and get the guests to and from the event! I'm always amazed at the staff's enthusiasm. Last year I asked them all to undertake a psychometric exercise (Authentic Happiness) as part of a team building event we were doing. Of the 14 staff who were there, 12 shared the top signature character strength of 'wanting to help people' - in events like today's they absolutely display that commitment to go the extra distance to make sure our clients get the most out of life. Of my 5 top strengths, working hard, and analysing & planning came out on top. Wanting to help people didn't feature. The other 3 were a sense of humour, wisdom and staying focussed. I'll leave others to comment on whether that's right or not. But the exercise certainly helped me appreciate that I have to try to use, what sometimes can be a weakness, always as a strength - both in myself and others.
I'm thinking about changing the format of this blog - more later.
Monday 23 July 2007
The need for impartiality
Thirteen and a half litres of paint later the livingroom is finished - except for sealing the floor. I can relax now, though freshening up one room makes every other place look shabby. The Forth Bridge ain't nothing compared to this.
Had a very busy constituents' surgery at Muirhouse - 9 people along which pleased me if only because it means people have seen the notices and know that Lesley (who was well known) is no longer their representative - the problems they brought were very typical. All good folk, though.
I notice today that Jenny Dawe and Jim Lowrie are beginning to change their mind about Meadowbank - their game of hokey cokey is not amusing. I also note that last week both made clear their resistance to plans to redevelop Tynecastle High. I am perplexed, though. Jim is Chair of Planning and I am sure he will have been advised of the legal need for impartiality in the planning process. In a way, he is behaving in pretty much the same way that brought Trevor criticism - only in reverse. Leaving aside Trevor's rash gesture, if it wasn't acceptable for Trevor to attend a reception by Mountgrange since it implied public support for their development, then it surely can't be right for Jim to be issuing warnings in the press against another? Ok - he isn't accepting a glass of wine and a canape from the developer to say no, but he is accepting a pretty substantial responsibility allowance from the public to make sure the system is observed and conducted correctly. It is, I think, acceptable for him to set down guidelines for what he would prefer to see but to come right out against before a drawing is even laid before his eyes seems a little premature. And Jenny's very full statement of opposition rather implies there is a political agenda here, rather than simply dealing with the issue as part of the planning process which is where it should now properly lie.
Had a very busy constituents' surgery at Muirhouse - 9 people along which pleased me if only because it means people have seen the notices and know that Lesley (who was well known) is no longer their representative - the problems they brought were very typical. All good folk, though.
I notice today that Jenny Dawe and Jim Lowrie are beginning to change their mind about Meadowbank - their game of hokey cokey is not amusing. I also note that last week both made clear their resistance to plans to redevelop Tynecastle High. I am perplexed, though. Jim is Chair of Planning and I am sure he will have been advised of the legal need for impartiality in the planning process. In a way, he is behaving in pretty much the same way that brought Trevor criticism - only in reverse. Leaving aside Trevor's rash gesture, if it wasn't acceptable for Trevor to attend a reception by Mountgrange since it implied public support for their development, then it surely can't be right for Jim to be issuing warnings in the press against another? Ok - he isn't accepting a glass of wine and a canape from the developer to say no, but he is accepting a pretty substantial responsibility allowance from the public to make sure the system is observed and conducted correctly. It is, I think, acceptable for him to set down guidelines for what he would prefer to see but to come right out against before a drawing is even laid before his eyes seems a little premature. And Jenny's very full statement of opposition rather implies there is a political agenda here, rather than simply dealing with the issue as part of the planning process which is where it should now properly lie.
Sunday 22 July 2007
Pauline
I read the Scotsman magazine article on Lennonxlove with interest yesterday. I didn't know they had a bed formerly owned by Pauline Borghese, Napolean's sister.
She interests me: several years ago my husband gave me a white alabaster replica of a woman reclining semi - naked on a couch. She is holding an apple in her left hand and the expression on her face is one of pure 'cat that got the cream.' He didn't know anything about who she was and neither did I but I really loved that woman. It was like she had some great big secret and she wasn't going to share it. Much later, I was invited to a charity 'do' for Marie Curie Cancer Care. The reception, hosted by the British Ambassador to Paris was held in the Embassy. In the reception area was a life sized version of my lady and was told she was Pauline Borghese. The Embassy was originally her Parisian home but when Wellington defeated her brother she was forced to hand it over as part of the war reparation (she also apparently had a major affair with Wellington but that's another story).
When I got home I researched the internet for details of Napolean's sister and discovered the original statue had been carved in marble by Canova and at the time had caused a minor scandal - a famous society lady modelling naked. Her mother scolded her and she allegedly brushed it off with, 'Mama, I was covered by a scarf but the window was open and the wind blew and puff, it blew away.' The statue is named 'Amor Victrix'. Love Conquers All - I like her style.
The Canova original is in the Borghese Palace in Rome which, as a private and grand home, is closed to the public. I have stood at its gates and peered in [who says a cat can't look at a queen?] and wondered at what other fabulous treasures lie within.
The final part of my string of Pauline coincidences lies in another trip to Rome when I was hunting through an antique shop next to Piazza Navona. There in the back shop was a two thirds size marble copy of Pauline.
'How much,' I ask more in hope than expectation.
'39,000 euros,' says the vendor. 'You like her? You know who she is?'
I nod, trying to do the sterling conversion in my head and launch into a long conversation - I can tell he is impressed that I know something about her. He knows a lot more though. In the end he says, 'I can do a price.' I smile - it's the equivalent of a large bank loan which I would go for but there's no chance Mike would agree. 'Sorry,' I say. 'It's too much.' He gives me his card in case I should change my mind. I have it yet...in the meantime I enjoy my table sized replica and I know why she is smiling!
She interests me: several years ago my husband gave me a white alabaster replica of a woman reclining semi - naked on a couch. She is holding an apple in her left hand and the expression on her face is one of pure 'cat that got the cream.' He didn't know anything about who she was and neither did I but I really loved that woman. It was like she had some great big secret and she wasn't going to share it. Much later, I was invited to a charity 'do' for Marie Curie Cancer Care. The reception, hosted by the British Ambassador to Paris was held in the Embassy. In the reception area was a life sized version of my lady and was told she was Pauline Borghese. The Embassy was originally her Parisian home but when Wellington defeated her brother she was forced to hand it over as part of the war reparation (she also apparently had a major affair with Wellington but that's another story).
When I got home I researched the internet for details of Napolean's sister and discovered the original statue had been carved in marble by Canova and at the time had caused a minor scandal - a famous society lady modelling naked. Her mother scolded her and she allegedly brushed it off with, 'Mama, I was covered by a scarf but the window was open and the wind blew and puff, it blew away.' The statue is named 'Amor Victrix'. Love Conquers All - I like her style.
The Canova original is in the Borghese Palace in Rome which, as a private and grand home, is closed to the public. I have stood at its gates and peered in [who says a cat can't look at a queen?] and wondered at what other fabulous treasures lie within.
The final part of my string of Pauline coincidences lies in another trip to Rome when I was hunting through an antique shop next to Piazza Navona. There in the back shop was a two thirds size marble copy of Pauline.
'How much,' I ask more in hope than expectation.
'39,000 euros,' says the vendor. 'You like her? You know who she is?'
I nod, trying to do the sterling conversion in my head and launch into a long conversation - I can tell he is impressed that I know something about her. He knows a lot more though. In the end he says, 'I can do a price.' I smile - it's the equivalent of a large bank loan which I would go for but there's no chance Mike would agree. 'Sorry,' I say. 'It's too much.' He gives me his card in case I should change my mind. I have it yet...in the meantime I enjoy my table sized replica and I know why she is smiling!
Friday 20 July 2007
Rumour, scandal & cynicism
On a previous blog I wondered what drove Asst. Commander Yates to pursue the investigation on 'cash for honours' with such tenacity. Today's announcement leaves me still wondering at his motives. Perhaps it was nothing more than cynicism, a deeply held view that all politicans are corrupt and there must be something to hide. If so, he has failed in his duty to the public. His task was to collect the evidence, assess it dispassionately and take a view as to whether a crime has been committed. Exposed to the Crown Prosecution Service's scrutiny his evidence has been found wanting or absent. I hope Yates never suffers at the hand of an unfounded whispering campaign that starts out on a false premise and gathers momentum incrementally, stoked by those who wish him ill - he'll find it is no fun and desperately difficult to counter.
The BBC commentator says tonight that public trust in politics has been badly dented: which I thought was rather rich. Forgive me - wasn't it the BBC who had to fess up to cheating the public earlier this week? And wasn't it the Asst Commander of the Met who got it wrong? And wasn't it the politician and his colleagues who were proved innocent? I am forced to ask - who's been responsible for this erosion of public trust?
Personally, I believe that since the Gilligan/Kelly/Campbell dispute, journalists on the BBC have had it in for the Labour Government, too easily displaying the kind of cynicism apparently shared by Commander Yates. They're human and I guess they were left smarting when Campbell was proved right and their BBC colleague wrong. When cynicism becomes the nation's mood music it's no wonder the public loses trust in all the great institutions of State: Parliament, Police, Press - all mistrusted now and all to blame.
The BBC commentator says tonight that public trust in politics has been badly dented: which I thought was rather rich. Forgive me - wasn't it the BBC who had to fess up to cheating the public earlier this week? And wasn't it the Asst Commander of the Met who got it wrong? And wasn't it the politician and his colleagues who were proved innocent? I am forced to ask - who's been responsible for this erosion of public trust?
Personally, I believe that since the Gilligan/Kelly/Campbell dispute, journalists on the BBC have had it in for the Labour Government, too easily displaying the kind of cynicism apparently shared by Commander Yates. They're human and I guess they were left smarting when Campbell was proved right and their BBC colleague wrong. When cynicism becomes the nation's mood music it's no wonder the public loses trust in all the great institutions of State: Parliament, Police, Press - all mistrusted now and all to blame.
Thursday 19 July 2007
OPTIMUS PRIME
My baby's birthday today - 29 years old, 6 feet 4 inches, independent man of the world, single carefree, two boy racers, nice house, owner of one smelly male black labrador, youngest of my three: 'What would you like for your birthday, son?'
'Optimus Prime, ma.'
'Optimus what?'
'Optimus Prime, ma. A Transfomer.'
'But I gave you Transformers when you were wee, son.'
'A new generation of Transformers now, ma.'
'But I was gonna get you a lawnmower. You said you needed one.'
'When you can give me a lorry that converts into a robot? You're kidding me...'
Who's kidding who?
Optimus Prime it is.
And I'm definitely gonna see the movie when it opens next week.
'Optimus Prime, ma.'
'Optimus what?'
'Optimus Prime, ma. A Transfomer.'
'But I gave you Transformers when you were wee, son.'
'A new generation of Transformers now, ma.'
'But I was gonna get you a lawnmower. You said you needed one.'
'When you can give me a lorry that converts into a robot? You're kidding me...'
Who's kidding who?
Optimus Prime it is.
And I'm definitely gonna see the movie when it opens next week.
Went along to do a site visit of the Pennywell demolition area today - I hadn't appreciated how big it is - keeping it secure will be a marathon task. Had to smile though - there on the balcony the signs of resistance- Mr Gordon's balcony with flags fluttering in the breeze - he is not for moving. Yet I am told the whole demolition programme could be delayed because swallows are nesting in one of the blocks. An endangered species, they can delay progress where human beings can't.
The decorating proceeds slowly: I'd prefer to cut my throat!
The decorating proceeds slowly: I'd prefer to cut my throat!
Tuesday 17 July 2007
murder
The painting has begun - four hours just to undercoat the woodwork. A marathon 23 feet x 15 feet of sheer ruddy murder. What have I let myself in for?
This afternoon PEP's Strawberry Tea - 67 older people for a salad lunch, bucks fizz, strawberries, singing & dancing: hectic but fun.
Tonight? After the emails ...one very large, well earned gin & tonic...
This afternoon PEP's Strawberry Tea - 67 older people for a salad lunch, bucks fizz, strawberries, singing & dancing: hectic but fun.
Tonight? After the emails ...one very large, well earned gin & tonic...
Sunday 15 July 2007
The lull before the storm
The next Mrs Maginnis' Hen Night yesterday at the Hibs Club - very green, very cheap booze, very loud band and two flyers at bingo: see they hibbees...they know how to enjoy themselves...
And today the decorating starts...it's taken two hours just to clear the room...I can feel a headache coming on...
And today the decorating starts...it's taken two hours just to clear the room...I can feel a headache coming on...
Friday 13 July 2007
Security & safety
A couple of constituents advised me at the beginning of the week there were security problems at the Pennywell demolition site: they claimed kids were climbing to the top flats of the semi-demolished buildings and throwing stones at passing traffic: I went to take a look for myself and was shocked to see that at the corners of the site the demolition team had erected a barricade that would have graced the stage of Les Miserables - using rubble from the site. No way was it secure.
I passed this on to the local housing office and I have to say they have reacted with amazing speed.
Yesterday I received fulsome assurances that they had met with the contractors and the following responses are now in hand:
Now, I know nobody in their right mind plays on to a demolition site - but equally nobody in their right mind believes that kids won't go there for the adventure and risk if nothing else. I will be monitoring this situation closely: a serious or fatal injury would be too high a price to pay for slack security.
I passed this on to the local housing office and I have to say they have reacted with amazing speed.
Yesterday I received fulsome assurances that they had met with the contractors and the following responses are now in hand:
- increased night time security
- the local community policing team to be more closely involved
- the wholly inadequate perimeter fencing to be secured and repaired
- unsafe buildings which are as yet only partially demolished to be made either secure or pulled down
- the entrance to the still live electricity sub station to be blocked off
- signage put up warning of the live electricity dangers
Now, I know nobody in their right mind plays on to a demolition site - but equally nobody in their right mind believes that kids won't go there for the adventure and risk if nothing else. I will be monitoring this situation closely: a serious or fatal injury would be too high a price to pay for slack security.
Thursday 12 July 2007
Writing & diaries
No meetings so gardening last night then at 8 went in to watch Alistair Campbell's Diaries on BBC 2. Reported coverage so far suggests he has been very loyal to Tony Blair but the book will be a 'must read' for me this summer. I only met Campbell twice - and even then it was little more than a handshake and a 'how do you do.' So I only have impressions of him but they are vivid. Very sexy, total alpha male, guarded, watching everything...a kind of seen it all but hoping there might be more look. Wish I had a sample of his handwriting - there's a lot to learn from the way someone writes their name. I once analysed Princess Alexandra's handwriting - she was so impressed she had her lady in waiting write to thank me...it's a great ice-breaker and so long as I'm careful about not being too frank it's fun too!
Wednesday 11 July 2007
And the latest is...
Word back from Superintendent Moaynddin at Gayfield Square: not happy at all that Drylaw Police Station closes to the public during opening hours. Has promised it won't happen again and has instructed his officers that if the civilian officer isn't available for desk duties, one of them must be...RESULT for Muirhouse Community Council!
liars and honest men
Recently I was asked to intervene in an interesting anti social neighbour case - a group of neighbours approached me claiming their neighbour has been intimidating them persistently for several years (including a couple of physical assaults) and they are at the end of their tether. I ask them, why have you waited so long to seek my help. Shattering reply...'She said you were related to her and you wouldn't help...' I shake my head. None of it true. Not that I'm related to her or that, even if I were, I wouldn't have helped. Long overdue, the case is now progressing but I am left wondering how many other liars have used that excuse to get away with bad behaviour.
Several meetings this week - all related to local issues: property ownership, regeneration, transport - and then last night the West Pilton Community Council AGM and a vote for chairperson and vice chairperson. The status quo prevailed, though for the vice chair it was a tight run thing. The chair gave a full report and it is clear this community council has done good work responding to local concerns. He has led them well with impartiality and it is right that he was re-elected. People are funny - an honest broker chair is worth his weight in gold but as with all organisations, internal politics can be fierce. These nuances are thankfully lost on the outside world.
Several meetings this week - all related to local issues: property ownership, regeneration, transport - and then last night the West Pilton Community Council AGM and a vote for chairperson and vice chairperson. The status quo prevailed, though for the vice chair it was a tight run thing. The chair gave a full report and it is clear this community council has done good work responding to local concerns. He has led them well with impartiality and it is right that he was re-elected. People are funny - an honest broker chair is worth his weight in gold but as with all organisations, internal politics can be fierce. These nuances are thankfully lost on the outside world.
Monday 9 July 2007
I'm loving it
Can't tell you how excited I am - have been looking for AGES for a piece to fit the bay in our main room and I have found it...HER...to be precise. A lovely bronze ballerina standing maybe five feet tall, arms flung high, looking like she is LOVING life. Second hand rooms in Leith Walk- brilliant street. A shoppers paradise: the nearest thing to Portobello Road the city has.
Central Police are great
Holiday fortnight and things get much busier at PEP. Every summer we run a month long summer programme for older or vulnerable people who wouldn't otherwise enjoy a holiday: as usual the programme comprises a mix of day trips & picnics (Peebles, The Safari Park, Haddington, Culross, Stirling etc.) , learning classes (Ikebana, Fit n'Fun, Edinburgh's Old Town) and social occasions (Strawberry Tea, It's a Knockout, Mystery Tour etc.) Nothing costs more than £3 and everything is always oversubscribed. Last year over 200 people took advantage of the opportunity and this year it looks like there will be a lot more - the staff have to work extra hard but it feels worth it when you get phone calls saying as one old lady did, 'I have never laughed so much - it was the best fun.' We 'lost' a passenger last week: the first ever and it certainly caused a stir - she thought she had missed the rendezvous time and jumped on a bus back to Edinburgh. Meanwhile, we report her as a missing person. Central Police and Stirling's traffic wardens are brilliant, checking CCTV, birling round the town centre in police cars looking out for a 75 year old lady, short, with white hair, dressed in navy (I ask you - anybody could fit that description). They couldn't be faulted: she turned up safe and well: and we have revised our policies so that all passengers carry details of our emergency number so if they get separated they can always reach us...who said getting old made life any less exciting?
Saturday 7 July 2007
Reviewing current positions
More progress with the damp kitchen: EBS have really got the finger out - they've sourced the leak (a neighbour's washing machine), got my constituent temporarily re-housed and have promised to have the kitchen replastered, repainted, rebuilt and the old man back at home by 16 July...I am holding them to their promise.
Read Cardinal O'Brien's call in yesterday's Scotsman for a political review on the Abortion Laws and some of ther responses today. It is a difficult one isn't it? We have become a secular society - quite uniquely really - governed by secular law based on assumptions about shared morality yet there is plainly a point where those with firm faith find that public morality clashing with their personal viewpoint. Even those of us with no faith reach a point where public and private morality bump. Abortion is one of those areas, I think.
I can well remember the debates in the 60's when David Steele's bill was going through parliament. At the time I was firmly pro-choice, convinced by the medical arguments, by the reality of botched backstreet abortions, by the opinion that women had the right of choice over their own bodies. I guess those practical reasons have real force for me still. But, where once there was only certainty there is now creeping doubt.
I look at the ultra sound images of friends' and family babies in the womb and know I am seeing a real human being: I know too that human being is utterly dependent on its mother (and her medical team) for continued survival at least till birth and I wonder what's the difference between the womb and the maternity ward: science has completely blurred the boundaries of ante and post natality.
I know too I don't buy into arguments about life being random or casual or easily disposable. If my life's important so is every other one. The politican willing to compromising that principle has no place in democratic politics.
The reason for favouring abortion was principally about the life & well being of the mother and I don't resile from that. But as UK society grows wealthier and science changes medical realities it gets harder to make those arguments. I am reminded of, (I think, though I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong) Albert Einstein who said, 'when the facts change so does my opinion.' Of course, that doesn't address the dilemma of the woman who been been raped, or the girl who is still a child herself and is pregnant or the many, many other exceptions that will prove a rule...but on balance, yes. I do think we need to review the current position.
Read Cardinal O'Brien's call in yesterday's Scotsman for a political review on the Abortion Laws and some of ther responses today. It is a difficult one isn't it? We have become a secular society - quite uniquely really - governed by secular law based on assumptions about shared morality yet there is plainly a point where those with firm faith find that public morality clashing with their personal viewpoint. Even those of us with no faith reach a point where public and private morality bump. Abortion is one of those areas, I think.
I can well remember the debates in the 60's when David Steele's bill was going through parliament. At the time I was firmly pro-choice, convinced by the medical arguments, by the reality of botched backstreet abortions, by the opinion that women had the right of choice over their own bodies. I guess those practical reasons have real force for me still. But, where once there was only certainty there is now creeping doubt.
I look at the ultra sound images of friends' and family babies in the womb and know I am seeing a real human being: I know too that human being is utterly dependent on its mother (and her medical team) for continued survival at least till birth and I wonder what's the difference between the womb and the maternity ward: science has completely blurred the boundaries of ante and post natality.
I know too I don't buy into arguments about life being random or casual or easily disposable. If my life's important so is every other one. The politican willing to compromising that principle has no place in democratic politics.
The reason for favouring abortion was principally about the life & well being of the mother and I don't resile from that. But as UK society grows wealthier and science changes medical realities it gets harder to make those arguments. I am reminded of, (I think, though I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong) Albert Einstein who said, 'when the facts change so does my opinion.' Of course, that doesn't address the dilemma of the woman who been been raped, or the girl who is still a child herself and is pregnant or the many, many other exceptions that will prove a rule...but on balance, yes. I do think we need to review the current position.
Thursday 5 July 2007
Edinburgh - palaces and poverty
Garden Party yesterday and though plenty thunder not a drop of rain - a dry Garden Party in every sense. Caught up with lots of people I haven't seen for a while and had a good time. Just as I was leaving I bumped into Campbell Christie, holding a very fetching cream hat (for Betty who was in the loo). He told me he's just recovering from treatment for bowel cancer. 'Snap,' I said and we fell into a discussion on the relative merits of our respective treatments. We have both been very lucky. One in two people who contract it, die of bowel cancer: it was a sobering moment - two lucky survivors. Oh yes, and I did see the Queen and Princes Philip and Edward too...
And today, an elderly constituent contacted me - his kitchen is riddled with dampness and some months ago EBS arranged to visit to pull the ceiling down and remove the damaged plaster from his kitchen walls. Then, it seemed like they forgot about him 'cos several weeks later he asked me to visit to see the ruin he's been left with...
If you can imagine it, all his kitchen equipment is stacked in his livingroom, his kitchen ceiling has a gaping hole, perhaps a metre square, and the plaster that's left on the walls is riddled with dampness and black spores. Immediately, I get on his case but for some reason my email/letter goes missing so another month drags by before he comes back to ask what's happening and at last - easily 3 months after the first work started we see some action by the Council (and a very fulsome letter of apology citing mixed dates, missed appointments etc etc). Today I receive another phone call from him (elderly and on a low, fixed income) : a humidifier has been installed to dry the dampness but it's running away with his electricity card and he's had to switch the machine off - so my office gets involved in explaining the problem, looking for an answer. Now, I am pleased to say that the housing officer dealing with the case shows some understanding of the old fellow's dilemma and agrees to find out how he can be helped with the cost of running the machine...however, it takes a lot of energy, time and money to sort out what is, in effect, a problem of poverty and the casual assumptions that go on day in, day out about people and their circumstances.
Once again, I am struck by the immense contrast in our great city: palaces and poverty - three miles apart yet may as well be on different planets.
And today, an elderly constituent contacted me - his kitchen is riddled with dampness and some months ago EBS arranged to visit to pull the ceiling down and remove the damaged plaster from his kitchen walls. Then, it seemed like they forgot about him 'cos several weeks later he asked me to visit to see the ruin he's been left with...
If you can imagine it, all his kitchen equipment is stacked in his livingroom, his kitchen ceiling has a gaping hole, perhaps a metre square, and the plaster that's left on the walls is riddled with dampness and black spores. Immediately, I get on his case but for some reason my email/letter goes missing so another month drags by before he comes back to ask what's happening and at last - easily 3 months after the first work started we see some action by the Council (and a very fulsome letter of apology citing mixed dates, missed appointments etc etc). Today I receive another phone call from him (elderly and on a low, fixed income) : a humidifier has been installed to dry the dampness but it's running away with his electricity card and he's had to switch the machine off - so my office gets involved in explaining the problem, looking for an answer. Now, I am pleased to say that the housing officer dealing with the case shows some understanding of the old fellow's dilemma and agrees to find out how he can be helped with the cost of running the machine...however, it takes a lot of energy, time and money to sort out what is, in effect, a problem of poverty and the casual assumptions that go on day in, day out about people and their circumstances.
Once again, I am struck by the immense contrast in our great city: palaces and poverty - three miles apart yet may as well be on different planets.
Wednesday 4 July 2007
blessings in disguise
As if Ann hadn't enough to worry about with 3 bairns she phoned me today in a panic. A magpie flew down her chimney into her livingroom causing soot, mayhem and panic - flew about, shat everywhere till eventually, they managed to get it out the window. She wanted a loan of my carpet shampooer to clean up the mess - a blessing in disguise. Housework is not one of my lovely daughter's priorities or strengths.
I wonder what my eldest son will make of it. Had he lived centuries ago he would have been the village shaman: he sees omens in small, unusual events and has a certain level of intuition that is uncanny. For instance, he can predict who will be on the phone when it rings; intuits events; has instincts about people which, once shared, seem harsh but always come true. He can spot a phoney a mile off. On occasion it makes him very intolerant - it is a family trait.
I wonder what my eldest son will make of it. Had he lived centuries ago he would have been the village shaman: he sees omens in small, unusual events and has a certain level of intuition that is uncanny. For instance, he can predict who will be on the phone when it rings; intuits events; has instincts about people which, once shared, seem harsh but always come true. He can spot a phoney a mile off. On occasion it makes him very intolerant - it is a family trait.
Tuesday 3 July 2007
Worries
A sample of the curtain fabric (Romo Poppies Terracotta, if anyone is interested) arrived today and we matched it to the paint cards. Celtic green (which despite its name is the palest, muted shade of green) was the clear winner. We are agreed. A small step for domestic harmony...but still to decide whether it's silk or eggshell, matt or satinwood...these things take time...other people seem to manage these decisions easily but never us.
An interesting meeting this morning at Royston Mains: the Council proposes to sell a cleared plot of land to Dunedin Canmore where they will build a supported housing facility of 60 homes for older or vulnerable people. Initially, the idea was mooted by the community since the present sheltered housing complex is built at the foot of a steep hill which makes it difficult for older or disabled residents to get out and about. Today's event was aimed at testing opinion for what the new complex should contain: a shop, a hairdresser, a bar, some health facilities, a drop-in room for other agencies such as the police were all suggested. I think it is unlikely many of these ideas will survive the planning stages since they seem aimed more at isolating older people as opposed to encouraging them out into the community. There were also some good ideas about community meeting rooms etc. I made the point that several older people have recently contacted me for advice regarding their housing options: they bought their homes during Thatcher's housing revolution and now need to downsize or find homes more suited to their deteriorating mobility: they want to stay in North Edinburgh where their social ties exist and want to maintain some capital investment in property but can't afford what's available. I asked whether it was intended to include some shared equity properties in the new development. I am pleased that Dunedin and the Council seem willing to explore this as an option.
The latest information emerging about the suspects in recent terrorist incidents is deeply worrying. I should think if I were a Muslim working in the NHS I would be extremely concerned about what my colleagues are thinking. Suspicion and fear will be difficult to avoid - it is impossible to see how it could be otherwise.
An interesting meeting this morning at Royston Mains: the Council proposes to sell a cleared plot of land to Dunedin Canmore where they will build a supported housing facility of 60 homes for older or vulnerable people. Initially, the idea was mooted by the community since the present sheltered housing complex is built at the foot of a steep hill which makes it difficult for older or disabled residents to get out and about. Today's event was aimed at testing opinion for what the new complex should contain: a shop, a hairdresser, a bar, some health facilities, a drop-in room for other agencies such as the police were all suggested. I think it is unlikely many of these ideas will survive the planning stages since they seem aimed more at isolating older people as opposed to encouraging them out into the community. There were also some good ideas about community meeting rooms etc. I made the point that several older people have recently contacted me for advice regarding their housing options: they bought their homes during Thatcher's housing revolution and now need to downsize or find homes more suited to their deteriorating mobility: they want to stay in North Edinburgh where their social ties exist and want to maintain some capital investment in property but can't afford what's available. I asked whether it was intended to include some shared equity properties in the new development. I am pleased that Dunedin and the Council seem willing to explore this as an option.
The latest information emerging about the suspects in recent terrorist incidents is deeply worrying. I should think if I were a Muslim working in the NHS I would be extremely concerned about what my colleagues are thinking. Suspicion and fear will be difficult to avoid - it is impossible to see how it could be otherwise.
Monday 2 July 2007
Floods, War and Royal Garden Parties
I bet Gordon Brown is wondering if someone up there has it in for him: four days in - floods and war...he only needs pestilence and famine to complete the hand!
Had a good weekend despite the weather. Babysitting in Musselburgh on Friday - Ann's three are all very young and are great fun. Took them out for a walk (in between showers) to Luca's. The ice creams were so big the kids couldn't finish them, then home for bath and bed. It was a gentle, slow- paced evening and I enjoyed it. Wee Hollie is a sweetheart: she has captured my heart - big debate about nappy pants -'No granny. Mummy says I don't need them anymore.' 'Are you sure?'
Big solemn green eyes, 'Yes granny.'
I didn't argue the point. Soaking wet bed later. Two years old and she has me round her finger.
Then on Saturday Mike and I went shopping for rugs and curtains - we went to a wee shop in Haddington (Norman Craig) for the curtain fabric . They measure the windows and make the drapes up for a fraction of the price at John Lewis. That's our next DIY challenge: redecorating the main room. Oh joy...big argument in B&Q at the Dulux paint machine: he fancies lime zest, I want celtic forest. In the end we agree to disagree and leave without anything. How we're going to ever get the room done is anybody's guess. It'll be a stand-off till the rug arrives (in September - amazing thing this rug: ordered in Leith, woven in China, shipped to USA to be made to bespoke requirements, then back to Leith to finally be laid on a floor in Granton: think of the carbon footprint involved in that - Andrew Burns will have a lot of cycling & Mike Maginnis a helluva lot of recycling to offset that... I almost feel guilty) when we will be forced to make a decision and get on with painting the walls...in a rush, as we do most things...then we'll nark and moan and be sorry we ever started the damned thing in the first place. I can see it all unfolding before me. But it is 10 years since this room was touched and it can't be left for much longer.
Wednesday is the Garden Party - 4th July: American Independence Day; my parents' wedding anniversary - if my dad still lived it would be their 54th - he died on my 50th birthday and I miss him still. My mother misses him much more. I am going to the Party though the forecast is poor. Nothing different there, though. Every Royal Garden Party I've ever attended it has chucked at some point in the afternoon.
Had a good weekend despite the weather. Babysitting in Musselburgh on Friday - Ann's three are all very young and are great fun. Took them out for a walk (in between showers) to Luca's. The ice creams were so big the kids couldn't finish them, then home for bath and bed. It was a gentle, slow- paced evening and I enjoyed it. Wee Hollie is a sweetheart: she has captured my heart - big debate about nappy pants -'No granny. Mummy says I don't need them anymore.' 'Are you sure?'
Big solemn green eyes, 'Yes granny.'
I didn't argue the point. Soaking wet bed later. Two years old and she has me round her finger.
Then on Saturday Mike and I went shopping for rugs and curtains - we went to a wee shop in Haddington (Norman Craig) for the curtain fabric . They measure the windows and make the drapes up for a fraction of the price at John Lewis. That's our next DIY challenge: redecorating the main room. Oh joy...big argument in B&Q at the Dulux paint machine: he fancies lime zest, I want celtic forest. In the end we agree to disagree and leave without anything. How we're going to ever get the room done is anybody's guess. It'll be a stand-off till the rug arrives (in September - amazing thing this rug: ordered in Leith, woven in China, shipped to USA to be made to bespoke requirements, then back to Leith to finally be laid on a floor in Granton: think of the carbon footprint involved in that - Andrew Burns will have a lot of cycling & Mike Maginnis a helluva lot of recycling to offset that... I almost feel guilty) when we will be forced to make a decision and get on with painting the walls...in a rush, as we do most things...then we'll nark and moan and be sorry we ever started the damned thing in the first place. I can see it all unfolding before me. But it is 10 years since this room was touched and it can't be left for much longer.
Wednesday is the Garden Party - 4th July: American Independence Day; my parents' wedding anniversary - if my dad still lived it would be their 54th - he died on my 50th birthday and I miss him still. My mother misses him much more. I am going to the Party though the forecast is poor. Nothing different there, though. Every Royal Garden Party I've ever attended it has chucked at some point in the afternoon.
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