RSS

Tag Archives: politics

Greed

Some people want the whole damn pie,
Then steal your fork and ask you why.
They’ve filled their pockets, filled their plates,
And bought the locks upon our gates.


They con you with a charming grin,
Then tell you that you’ve got to fit in.
They twist the truth, they move the goal,
Then sell you back your own poor soul.


They want control of what you say,
What you believe, and how you pray.
They’d bottle freedom, brand the air,
Then charge you extra for a share.


They’ll preach of kindness, peace and light,
Then rob you blind before the night.
They’ll shake your hand, then pick your pocket,
And call it business, put it in the budget.


Oh, what a clever bunch we’ve grown,
With hearts of ice and egos overblown.
They count their money, worship gold,
And wonder why the world’s grown cold.


They build their empires on our backs,
Then blame the poor for what they lack.
They hoard the land, the food, the sea,
Then sell us dreams of being free.


Well, here’s a thought, you greedy lot,
The planet isn’t yours to squat
Upon like some entitled king,
Who thinks the world owes him everything.


You cannot eat your piles of cash,
Or hug your gold when forests crash.
You cannot buy a world reborn,
When every field lies stripped and worn.


We don’t need more who cheat and rule,
Or polished sharks who play the fool.
We don’t need bullies dressed in ties,
Or con artists selling paradise.


We need more people who give a damn,
Who help their neighbour, share the jam.
Who speak the truth, who stand up tall,
Who know there’s room enough for all.


Less taking, more giving, less ego, more grace,
Less winning at someone else’s expense in this race.
Less “Look what I’ve got!” and more “What can I do?”
Less “Me against them,” and more “Me and you.”


For no one gets out with a mansion in tow,
No golden parachute wherever we go.
We’re all just visitors, passing on through,
So perhaps we should leave something decent to do.


Let’s plant a few trees, let compassion take root,
Stop worshipping money as life’s sacred fruit.
Let’s teach our children that kindness is clever,
And being a decent human matters forever.


Because the world’s not short of wealth or power,
It’s short of a conscience in the darkest hour.
And if we want a planet worth passing along,
We need fewer people convinced they can’t be wrong.


So here’s to the kind ones, the brave and the true,
The ones who make space for somebody new.
The ones who choose love when hatred seems cheaper,
Who lift others up instead of climbing steeper.


The future won’t shine because someone got richer,
Or because some con artist became a bit slicker.
It starts when we choose to be better, together,
And stop treating our planet like disposable weather.


So, greedy little kings, here’s a thought for your throne,
You might own a fortune, but you don’t own this home.
This Earth belongs to no tyrant, no clan, no elite,
It’s the home of us all, with one shared heartbeat.


And if we want tomorrow to be greener and fairer,
Let’s be kinder, less selfish, more honest, more caring.
Because we don’t need a world full of people who take.
We need better people for the world’s own sake.
JH

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 17, 2026 in poetry, Ranting

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

Taking it back….

The archives remember kings
because kings built the archives

our names survived in fragments
stitched into the hems of uniforms
pressed into recipe books
buried inside letters no historian thought to unfold carefully

they called us muses
wives
witches
madwomen
assistants

anything but architects

for centuries they edited us down
cut us from photographs
quoted our work without saying our names
turned our bodies into evidence
our anger into diagnosis
our exhaustion into character flaws

they built entire institutions
out of the belief
that we would stay grateful for the corners

but something is changing now

you can feel it in the classrooms
in the courtrooms
in group chats that turn into movements before dawn
in daughters who no longer apologise before speaking
in women comparing notes
and suddenly realising the pain was never personal

we are recovering each other
like lost cities beneath water

there is fury in it
but also tenderness

the kind born when someone says
I thought I was alone in this

and another voice answers
you were never alone
they just worked very hard to keep us separate

now the old language is cracking

the words that kept us small
hysterical
difficult
too emotional
too ambitious
too loud

they no longer fit properly

we are outgrowing them

there are women alive right now
learning to take up space without apology
without shrinking their brilliance
without softening their edges into something more acceptable

women rebuilding themselves from the historical record outward

women who understand that survival was never the final goal

we did not endure centuries merely to remain decorative

we are returning to ourselves

not quietly
not perfectly
not all at once

but together

and that changes everything

JH

 
8 Comments

Posted by on May 18, 2026 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Not right or left

They do not arrive with books open,
or sleeves rolled for the hard mathematics of truth.
They arrive with one word,
thin as a matchstick,
sharp as something thrown from the back of a classroom.

“Lefty.”

And suddenly the debate is over.

No need to answer the question about hunger,
or why the rich man’s dog eats cleaner meat
than the child beside the station.
No need to explain the smoke climbing from wars
signed by smiling hands in tailored suits.
No need to untangle history,
that long electrical wire
still sparking under our feet.

Just say “lefty”
and the room exhales with relief.

Because names are easier than thought.
Labels fit neatly into pockets.
Arguments do not.

The hater loves shortcuts.
Loves exits marked with insults.
Loves the trapdoor beneath complexity.

Call someone “lefty,”
“dreamer,”
“woke,”
anything that folds a human being
into a cartoon shape.

Then you never have to meet their eyes.

You never have to admit
that compassion is inconvenient,
that empathy rearranges furniture in the mind,
that fairness asks difficult questions
and waits for difficult answers.

Hatred fears debate
the way moths fear daylight.

It survives in slogans,
in chants shouted over microphones,
in comment sections foaming like poisoned rivers.
It survives where nobody listens.

Because real debate
requires a dangerous thing,
the possibility of being changed.

And those who worship certainty
would rather burn libraries
than move one inch from themselves.

So they throw words like stones.

“Lefty.”

A tiny word attempting to bury
entire landscapes of thought.

But language remembers.

The teachers remember.
The workers remember.
The poets remember.
Every quiet soul who ever asked,
“Could this world be kinder than this?”

They remember.

And somewhere tonight,
beneath fluorescent lights humming like tired bees,
a student raises a trembling hand
to ask a forbidden question.

Not left.
Not right.
Just human.

And that question
is heavier than every insult
thrown to silence it.

JH

 
4 Comments

Posted by on May 11, 2026 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , ,

No Right No Left

There should not be a left
or a right
Only a circle
where we sit close enough
to feel each other breathe
Politics learned the language of corners
sharp words
pointing fingers
maps drawn with rulers instead of hands
But the heart has no party
it votes every morning
for warmth
for safety
for the simple miracle of being seen
A border is just a sentence
written by fear
it says stop
it says yours not mine
it forgets the grammar of kindness
We are made of shared weather
shared grief
shared laughter spilling over pavements
like rain that refuses to choose a country
Imagine power that listens
laws that kneel to humanity
flags lowered just enough
to wrap the cold
Respect is not radical
Care is not naïve
They are ancient
older than slogans
older than walls
There should not be a left
or a right
only forward
together
hands open
voices softer
eyes brave enough to recognise themselves
in everyone else
A future where we do not win over each other
but with each other
where the loudest statement
is how gently
we choose to live
JH

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on January 20, 2026 in poetry

 

Tags: , , , ,

How Can You Sit and Be Silent?

How can you sit and be silent,
while children fade from the sky?
Do your lips not burn with the question
how long, how long, and why?

A man builds thrones from his lying tongue,
and truth is left to die.
Your silence is a shadow’s song
and even shadows cry.

JH

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 11, 2025 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , ,

The strange thing about bullying and hiding behind a so-called “campaign”

It is a most peculiar and troubling spectacle to behold that J. K. Rowling, once exalted in the public imagination as a benevolent architect of whimsical childhood narratives, has instead refashioned herself into a crusader of antagonistic commentary, a self-appointed sentinel of “women’s safety” whose rhetoric, far from protecting, has functioned as a sharpened blade against other women, most notably those, like Emma Watson, who dare to articulate a vision of feminism that is inclusive rather than exclusionary. The paradox is almost Shakespearean: the very author who built her legacy on tales of courage, loyalty, and triumph over cruelty now appears to wield her influence as a weapon of cruelty itself, engaging in a pattern of online disparagement and public belittlement that seems less concerned with safeguarding women and far more invested in punishing dissenters. It is both astonishing and profoundly dispiriting that a writer of children’s literature, whose moral universe was once populated by lessons on compassion, solidarity, and the necessity of standing against bullies, has so visibly embraced the role of bully herself, hurling invective and fostering division under the guise of principle. The dissonance between the professed ideals of protection and the observable reality of aggression is so glaring that one cannot help but describe it as a tragic inversion, a betrayal of the very values her audience once sought within her pages. It’s tragic! To say the very least.
JH

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on September 29, 2025 in Ranting

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

Alligator Alcatraz: The American Mirror We Refuse to Face

There’s a sickness crawling through the heart of America, and no, it’s not new. It’s ancient. It’s the rusted chain rattling through centuries of history. But now it’s not even trying to hide.

Racism has stepped out of the shadows, dusted off its boots, and made itself at home. No more dog whistles. No more veiled language. It’s on the surface, slick and shameless, sitting in the front seat of power. Fueled by wealth. Driven by hate. And guarded by laws that pretend to serve justice, but really serve only the rich and pale-skinned privileged.

This isn’t paranoia. It’s policy.

People of colour, immigrants, the undocumented, the unprivileged they’re not just living under threat. They’re living under siege. At the border, in the neighbourhoods, in the courtrooms, in the schools. Detained without cause. Separated from children. Torn from homes. And the world just watches as if this were a movie, distant and fictional. But it’s not. It’s here. It’s real. It’s Alligator Alcatraz, a cold-blooded, state-sanctioned prison of fear.

The land of the free? Only if you can afford it. Only if you look the part.

Where are the morals? They’ve been auctioned off. Sold to the highest bidder with a PAC fund and a private jet. The Constitution gets quoted like scripture, but only the verses that benefit the gatekeepers. The rest is redacted black lines over brown bodies.

And so we ask: Why isn’t the world more angry?

Maybe because anger is exhausting.
Maybe because some people still don’t believe it’s happening.
Or worse maybe they do believe it, and they just don’t care.

But we care. And caring means we can’t stay quiet.

This Alcatraz of inhumanity, this Alligator that snaps at the heels of justice, must be shut down. Not just the physical camps or detention centres, but the mindset that built them. The machinery that feeds on fear. The silence that protects it.

Justice is not a luxury. It’s a birthright.
And those who have stripped it from others must be held accountable. No immunity. No exception.

This isn’t just about America. It’s a mirror to the world.
So let the world be angry.
Let it rise.
Let it roar.

Because silence is complicity, and we’re done whispering.

 
3 Comments

Posted by on July 12, 2025 in Ranting

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

The good vs bad perspective

The world has always been a place of duality—light and dark, good and evil, generosity and greed. This contrast exists in nature, human behaviour, and politics because balance often defines existence. In every society, there are those who act selflessly, striving for fairness and justice, while others manipulate systems for personal gain. Political ideologies reflect this divide, with some leaders seeking to uplift their people, while others exploit power for wealth and control. The struggle between good and bad is an inherent part of human nature, shaping the world in ways that ensure no singular force dominates completely.

In politics, this duality is especially evident. Some politicians work tirelessly for the well-being of their citizens, advocating for equality, social welfare, and economic stability. However, there are also those who prioritise personal ambition, using corruption, misinformation, and divisive tactics to maintain power. Greed plays a significant role in this, as those in positions of influence often put their interests above the needs of the public. This self-serving mindset can lead to policies that benefit the few while leaving the majority struggling. The pursuit of power and wealth can blind individuals to the suffering they cause, allowing greed to override morality.

People can be driven by an insatiable desire for more—more money, more power, more control—without considering the consequences of their actions. Greed strips individuals of empathy, making them prioritise their own gain at the expense of others. ( I could name a few!) This can be seen in corporate greed, where profit is placed above human welfare, and in politics, where leaders make decisions that benefit their interests rather than society. While there will always be those who fight for fairness and progress, the presence of greed ensures that the battle between good and bad will never truly end.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on March 1, 2025 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

The Blame Game: How Dictators Deflect Responsibility and Target Minorities

In times of political and economic crisis, in which the USA is seeing a rise of hate and racism, history has shown a familiar pattern: authoritarian leaders refuse to take responsibility for their failures and instead shift the blame onto vulnerable groups. From the rise of fascism in the 20th century to modern-day autocracies, dictators have repeatedly used minorities as scapegoats, fuelling division and fear to maintain their grip on power. While we are all fighting with each other, they are busy doing their thing. Distraction is the key.

The Dictator’s Playbook: Shifting Blame

Dictators thrive on control, and when things go wrong—whether it’s economic downturns, political unrest, or military failures—they rarely admit fault. Instead, they create enemies. These enemies are often minority groups, marginalised communities, or social movements that challenge the status quo. By pointing fingers elsewhere, authoritarian leaders distract the public from their own incompetence and corruption.

A classic example is Nazi Germany, where Adolf Hitler blamed Jewish people for economic struggles and political instability, leading to catastrophic consequences. Similarly, in Stalinist Russia, Joseph Stalin purged ethnic groups, intellectuals, and political dissidents, branding them as “enemies of the state” to consolidate his own power. And now the USA has the petulant orange man who won’t take any criticism whatsoever, and you are fired on the spot if you are not a “yes” man.

Weaponizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Rhetoric

In modern politics, movements that promote social justice—such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)have become convenient targets for authoritarian-minded leaders. Instead of addressing systemic inequalities, some politicians claim that DEI initiatives are to blame for economic problems, social divisions, or even declining national identity. By framing DEI as a threat rather than a means of creating fairer societies, autocrats can rally support from those who feel left behind or threatened by change. Can you see the pattern here?

For example, in Hungary, Viktor Orbán has openly attacked multiculturalism and LGBTQ+ rights, portraying them as dangerous Western ideologies undermining traditional values. Similarly, in the U.S., figures with authoritarian tendencies have targeted DEI efforts in education, business, and government, falsely suggesting that inclusion initiatives cause division rather than addressing pre-existing inequalities.

Why Dictators Target Minorities

  1. A Convenient Distraction – Blaming minorities for a nation’s problems diverts attention from government failures, corruption, or mismanagement.
  2. Creating an “Us vs. Them” Mentality – Dictators rely on fear to unite their base, convincing the majority that an “enemy” is responsible for societal decline.
  3. Destroying Opposition – Targeting activists, journalists, or minority leaders weakens resistance and silences dissenting voices.
  4. Maintaining Power – By controlling the narrative, dictators ensure loyalty and prevent citizens from questioning their rule. Look at North Korea, the population is terrified of uttering anything to anyone, for fear of prison or worse!

The Danger of Scapegoating

History warns us that once a leader begins blaming minority groups for national struggles, democracy is at risk. From the persecution of Jewish communities in the 1930s to modern anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, authoritarian regimes use division as a weapon. Today, when DEI efforts are framed as societal threats rather than progress, it serves as a red flag for growing authoritarianism. Blaming a group for just “being there” so they can commit genocide without any consequences!

Nigel Farage has long relied on anti-immigrant rhetoric to stoke fear and division, blaming migrants for issues that have little to do with them. Whether it’s the struggling NHS, housing shortages, or crime rates, Farage repeatedly points the finger at immigration rather than addressing deeper systemic problems like underfunding, government mismanagement, and economic inequality. His claims often lack evidence but serve a political purpose—distracting from real policy failures while inflaming public resentment. By portraying migrants as the root of the UK’s challenges, Farage perpetuates a misleading narrative that ignores the contributions immigrants make to society and diverts attention from those truly responsible for the nation’s problems.

Resisting the Blame Game

To counter this tactic, societies must:

  • Educate Against Misinformation – Understanding historical patterns of scapegoating helps prevent their repetition. This is a vital tactic.
  • Defend DEI and Human Rights – Advocating for fairness and inclusion is essential in resisting divisive rhetoric.
  • Hold Leaders Accountable – Governments must be scrutinised for their policies and failures rather than accepting convenient scapegoats. Money should not be why a political party is in power forever!

A dictator will always find someone to blame, but history has shown that societies that resist fear-mongering and advocate inclusion endure.

Art by Julan

 
4 Comments

Posted by on January 31, 2025 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Understanding Transgender Identity Among Youth: A Call for Respect and Understanding

In recent years, society has witnessed an increase in young people identifying as transgender, meaning their gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. This phenomenon has sparked extensive discussions, with varying opinions on its causes, prevalence, and implications. It is crucial to approach this topic with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to respecting the lived experiences of transgender youth.

Why Some Young People Identify as Transgender

The reasons behind a young person identifying as transgender are complex and multifaceted. Gender identity is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors. For some youth, identifying as transgender is an innate realization of their true selves, while for others, the journey involves exploring and questioning their identity over time.

  1. Biological and Psychological Factors: Research suggests that gender identity is rooted in the brain’s development and may not align with physical anatomy. Some studies point to differences in brain structure and function in transgender individuals, supporting the idea that gender identity is not merely a choice but a deeply ingrained aspect of one’s being.
  2. Social and Cultural Influences: Increased visibility and representation of transgender individuals in media and society have helped normalise discussions about gender diversity. This representation provides a sense of validation and possibility for young people who may feel different but lacked the language or role models to articulate their feelings in the past. We certainly do not need high-profile people bullying such groups because of their lack of knowledge or understanding. Or simply saying, “There are only boys or girls at birth”, or “Trans kids do not exist” is a damaging and uneducated statement. Which is bolstered on ignorance or an uncaring attitude towards the young.
  3. Emotional Well-being: For many young people, identifying as transgender is a crucial step in achieving emotional and mental well-being. Living in alignment with one’s true gender identity can alleviate feelings of dysphoria, depression, and anxiety. I have met many wonderful “trans” students. Who am I to tell them they are not who they feel they are?
  4. Peer and Community Support: Youth are more likely to explore and express their identities in environments where acceptance and support are present. The rise of online communities has given young people spaces to connect with others who share similar experiences. As an author and a visitor to many student places, understanding is essential. I have met many young people who are worried about what others think. I have always had to reassure them that it’s “Ok to be you”. As an author, it’s my duty to be respectful of everyone, not flounce around like it’s my duty to bully anyone.

How Common Is This?

Estimating the prevalence of transgender youth is challenging due to underreporting and varying definitions of gender diversity. However, recent studies suggest that about 1.4% of U.S. teens identify as transgender, with similar patterns observed globally. This number may continue to rise as societal acceptance grows and more young people feel safe to express themselves.

A quote from the 2021 census. UK

  • he census question on gender identity was a voluntary question asked of those aged 16 years and over. The question asked “Is the gender you identify with the same as your sex registered at birth?”.
  • Overall, 45.7 million (94.0% of the population aged 16 years and over) answered the question.
  • In total, 45.4 million (93.5%) answered “Yes” and 262,000 (0.5%) answered “No”.
  • The remaining 2.9 million (6.0%) did not answer the question

It is important to recognise that being transgender is not a trend or phase but a legitimate aspect of human diversity. The increase in visibility reflects greater societal acceptance and understanding rather than an increase in the occurrence of transgender identities.

The Importance of Respect and Support

Respecting the identities of transgender youth is a fundamental aspect of fostering inclusivity and reducing harm. Misunderstanding, discrimination, and lack of acceptance can have devastating effects on a young person’s mental health and overall well-being. Studies show that transgender youth are at a higher risk of experiencing bullying, mental health challenges, and even suicide due to societal stigma.

  1. Affirmation: Using a young person’s chosen name and pronouns significantly improves their mental health and fosters a sense of belonging.
  2. Education: Increasing awareness about gender diversity among families, schools, and communities can create supportive environments where all young people feel valued.
  3. Advocacy: Policies and practices that protect the rights of transgender individuals, such as anti-discrimination laws and access to gender-affirming healthcare, are essential for their well-being.

In the end…

The rising number of young people identifying as transgender reflects a broader societal shift toward understanding and accepting gender diversity. While the reasons for this are complex, the solution is simple: respect and support. By fostering empathy and creating inclusive environments, society can empower transgender youth to thrive and live authentically. Respecting their identities is not only a matter of kindness but also a recognition of their fundamental human rights. So think before you talk or type!

JH

 
5 Comments

Posted by on January 1, 2025 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,