Happy Independence day!

“Who are you to judge the life I live? I know I'm not perfect – and I don't live to be – but before you start pointing fingers.. make sure your hands are clean!”

An infamous quote from an absolute legend, and in my opinion, the epitomy of the Jamaican ideal. He represented freedom, love and the laid back attitude that so many now aspire to capture in their own lives. He gave a voice to the political and cultural issues of his homeland, spreading Jamaican music and the Rastafarian movement to the masses. And now, 50 years on from Jamaica's independence, it's easy to see that the Marley influence has weaved it's magic throughout the country, making it one of the most exciting countries in the world.

Marley's influence on music is sensational. The popularity of reggae music stems across the whole world. It's the type of music that just grabs you and pours it's way through your body... the instruments, the voice, the words, they all just command your attention. And it isn't just the hardcore reggae/ska music, its cast its shadow across popular music aswell.

You only need to take a look at the most eagerly awaited Olympic star to be reminded of the power of Jamaica. An audience of 20million watched Usain Bolt win Gold in the 100m final, smashing his own world record. He's been the talk of the games. And granted, he is the fastest man in the world, and to watch him sail through each race is exciting, but it's not just that. Bolt is the figure of coolness, he oozes it. His casual and jovial attitude is infectious... some call it arrogant, but I disagree. That boyish smile he flashes after everything he does and says reminds us that he just doesn't take himself that seriously. He knows he's great, but he'd have to be a fool to not realise that.

And for such a small country, it's up there with one of the most popular travel and holiday destinations. It's a country ripe with history, with some of the most beautiful scenaries you'll find. Gleaming beaches, mouth watering cocktails... it's just pure relaxation and bliss. But most of all, I think people go there to take a small slice of the lifestyle. In a society overwhelmed by worries and fears, a country known for their “no worries” approach to life is definitely appealing. And rightly so! Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to sit here and claim life in Jamaica is perfect... for years they've been home to some of the most dangerous gangstas around, and often that stigma refuses to let go. But how rare is it to find a country that isn't shadowed by some form of danger in this day and age?

We could all do with taking a leaf out of their book. There's too much trepidation about the most miniscule things, too much worry about things that really don't matter. Life is fragile, and it should be enjoyed without the judgement of others or the fear of the unexpected. Afterall, in the wise words of Mr Marley: “Don't worry about a thing, 'cos every little thing is gonna be alright.”

   

Let the games begin!

It was the most eagerly anticipated show in British history... and I for one thought it was brilliant.  And it seems a large majority of the nation share this feeling with me, however, as is life, there will always be those who want to take a negative spin on anything that gets positive critical acclaim.

I can understand the ominous claim that the Olympic Ceremony may have been money ill-spent, especially in such a tough financial climate.  But if it hadn't been for the Olympics, the money would not have been there... and the revenue that it's going to bring to Britain should be fantastic.  And come on, this is history!  We as a nation are planting a massive footprint in the history of the world, and it will always be there.

I've seen so many articles about the ceremony being a "leftie extravaganza", or complaints about the inclusion of multiculturalism in the ceremony... incessant moans over the prominence of the NHS within the show.  Firstly, in my opinion, the show was neither "left" nor "right".  It was just a representation of our history... I don't believe that political stances came into it.  And secondly, how can the inclusion of multiculturalism be a bad thing?  One of the wonderful things about Britain is our expansive list of cultures that we are home to.  To not represent this would be a misrepresentation of the country.  And if they hadn't represented it... well imagine the backlash then.  You can never win.  And then the NHS onslaught... we are privileged to have such a service, are we forgetting that not everyone has free healthcare?  Not everyone has healthcare at all!  The only thing that could improve the NHS would be if more money was driven towards it.

The Olympics are supposed to be about nations coming together.  There is to much hatred for Britain, particularly from Brits themselves.  Of course we're not perfect... but what country is.  So lets leave the negativity at the door for once and finally unite, showing what a brilliant country we truely can be.  

Cuts, cuts and more cuts

"The tough financial climate"... It's a phrase we've all heard countless times now.  And although it does reflect an ever so serious matter in the UK, I can't help but feel the Tories means to eradicate it are... lets say, unjust.  It's hardly breaking news that the Tories policies don't exactly represent the average working person.  

One of their first policies they implemented after being brought into power was the increase in University fees... pretty much saying, if you've got the money you deserve to go to University.  If you're a brain box living in a council house with not so many privileges, yeah, not so much.  It was a highly unpopular decision by the party, but that hasn't stopped them continuing to scavenge together money through unfair means.

The latest cuts revolve around the NHS, a service which has had its fair share of cuts at the hands of the government.  There's been a recent disposal of NHS walk-in centers across the country, proving they're the latest casualty in the financial crisis.

The walk-in centers have been a flagship policy of the previous Labour government.  Not only is the closing-down of them up and down the country a middle finger to the previous government, but it also is a reminder that the NHS isn't getting nearly enough support and funding off our current government as it deserves.

The centers are popular with patients as they're a much quicker means of being seen and treated for minor problems.  The government says despite the centers being closed, the services are still available in hospitals.  But isn't the whole point of these centers to relieve the pressure on A & E departments?  An increase of people being sent to A & E with minor problems thanks to there being no where else to go is going to not only increase the already ridiculous queues for these services, but give Doctors and Nurses that extra burden that they could easily do without.

Of course, this won't be a problem for those lucky enough to receive private health care.  It seems to me the Tories don't understand quite how important the NHS is to the country.  Whilst they sip from their diamond encrusted mugs, us "commoners" rely on the NHS to save ours and our loved ones lives.  Surely it should be the service that receives the least cuts?  But alas, this is just another example of our choices within the NHS being taken away from us, all in the name of "efficiency savings".

Welcome to Read my lips!

I've decided to create a new blog revolving around the environment I one day want to work directly in... Politics and current affairs.  Throughout this blog you'll find a tongue in cheek, often opinionated view of many of the events going on around us in our everyday lives, ultimately effecting the lives we live.  This won't be your standard political blog.  Expect a feisty outlook on current affairs and a possibly controversial opinion on the stories cropping up in the media.  You may not agree with what I say, you may not like what I say.  But I hope you enjoy what I write about, and possibly get a slightly different insight into the political affairs of our country.