Birmingham Mail - Veron Graham

Grow A Pair and Get Rid of Blatter

2011-11-20T06:12:01Z

Was that too strong? I'm sorry but I thought I should get straight to the point. World football chief Sepp Blatter has outdone his own previous 'foot-in-the-mouth' moments this week by claiming that racism doesn't exist in football and that racial issues can be settled with a handshake.

What?!

The FIFA boss couldn't have picked a worse week to trot out his latest piece of rubbish; with separate high profile cases fought by Black players in England, Anton Ferdinand and Patrice Evra who accuse John Terry and Luis Suarez respectively of racial abuse.

I would love to know what qualifies this privileged White man from a different place and time to speak on issues of race. But I suppose him hurriedly digging out and releasing to the media fabricated photos of him cuddling up to the nearest Black man he could find makes everything alright again?

With so many football figures having criticised Blatter's latest gaffe, why can't the other national football authorities around the world join them and force the resignation of this horrible individual?

Football chiefs you need to grow a pair and get rid of Blatter. With all the issues that need to be addressed in society, we can do without a clown like Blatter muddying the water.

'Forgiven' for a Mystery Offence

2011-11-13T12:32:10Z

Warning all drivers! If you are brave enough to drive into a shop's car park, make sure you keep your receipts! The bad news is that even if you do, you could be hit up for £110, like our dear friends from ParkingEye tried to do to me after their cameras spotted my car legally parked up next to Morrisons in Solihull.

What gives these people the right to send intimidating letters demanding money without stating exactly how the rules were broken? What if I didn't have the receipt from that day's shopping - it was from a few weeks back?

Well, thank God I did but when they appealed against the decision, they told me they will send an official response in the post, which may not be actioned for 10 days and if I hadn't paid in 13 days, I would have to pay the charge of £80 plus £30 admin fee! Where do they get their figures from? Thin air, I think.

When I got their response, it was by email; so they make their own crazy rules and then break them.

By the way, they decided to "cancel the charge" as a "gesture of goodwill."

Goodwill?! Yeah right. I didn't do anything wrong!

Drivers beware!

Take Steps To End Jaywalking

2011-10-03T05:08:33Z

As a driver, I'm tired of the growing trend of jaywalking; people who risk life and limb by casually and deliberately stepping out in the way of traffic.

How many times have you drivers had to break sharply or swerve suddenly to avoid one of these people, sometimes doing their best 'talk to the hand' gesture?

It was really sad to hear of the death of a Solihull teenager last month, but truth be told, all the evidence points to the fact that he was playing 'chicken' on a busy 'A' road with friends.

What in the world made him and his pals think that this was a good way to pass the time?

I'll tell you: every council and law enforcement body that has stood silent or conveniently looked away while this practice becomes common practice.

And the romantic coverage of this accident waiting to happen hasn't helped either, as it obscures the real issue.

This practice needs to criminalized, so innocent drivers aren't victimised and pedestrians realise the law will no longer protect their stupidity.

Here We Go Again .... So What Now?

2011-08-09T16:28:13Z

If you empower children while disenfranchising parents and teachers, turn a blind eye to bad parenting, fail to properly punish crime and undermine the uniting merits of religious faith, what you get is what we've seen this last few days.

I'm not surprised - I wish I could say I was.

These riots have nothing to do with the cuts, unemployment or youth disaffection, it's simply the fruit of what the authorities have allowed to happen over these last two generations.

After the disturbances of 1981, 1985 and even in 2005, the government have thrown money at the supposed problems as they've seen it. Well, there is no money to give out to community projects, so what now?

There will be no change and what we've seen these last couple of days in Birmingham and elsewhere will happen again unless the authorities go back to correctly punishing criminality, instilling discipline in schools, supporting the reconstruction of family values and putting Religious Education back onto the curriculum.

But will they?

£38m Africa Cash Is Tiny Payback

2011-07-05T06:29:07Z

The right-wing press have already gone nuts at the revelation that the UK government is to pay £38 million to help save Ethiopia from its worst drought for a decade, where 2.3 million people are in need of emergency aid.

Yes, we are in a recession here in the UK.

Yes, there's much need to be met in this country.

But many of the problems in Africa are down to the fact that European countries spent close to 400 years taking the best of it's people and natural resources through slavery and imperialism. The charge was led by the UK. Then after World War II bled the UK dry, it simply got off, left a mess behind and looked back wondering what's wrong.

The UK and co cannot physically, emotionally and economically rape these countries' and destroy countless generations of its people and their culture over such a long period of time and expect everything to be OK.

Yes, there are continuing problems with civil war and corruption in Africa, but when countries like the UK stretch forward a bloody hand to offer a little recompense, please don't think of them as generous.

The cash they are giving back to just one of the many African countries they helped destroy is a tiny payback.

Honourable Kervin Chose God Over Money

2011-06-23T19:26:54Z

The Bible tells us (Matthew 6:24) that we can't be devoted to God and money; we will love one and despise the other. But often carrying out the visions God gives us calls for money, which is often in short supply. That is why I admire Kervin Julien's stance so much.

The Coventry-based anti-homelessness campaigner Kervin Julien for returning the money to Sue Stone, who 'offered' the money as part of the Secret Millionaire show which was screened late last month.

It seemed Sue didn't agree with how Kervin wanted to spend the money to further his work with Anesis, who feed the homeless on the streets of Coventry every week.

Newsflash Sue: I thought the money was a gift to a special work. Isn't that the point of Secret Millionaire?

Big respect Kervin, Anesis and the leadership of Northpoint Church for returning the money.

We really can't serve God and money; besides my Bible also tells me that everything belongs to God. His purposes won't be prevented for want of a mere £15,000.

Some of us have come too far to think that God won't take us the rest of the way.

Actually, Chocolate Ad WAS in Bad Taste

2011-06-04T11:18:07Z

I am glad that Cadbury saw fit to apologise for their likening Naomi Campbell to a chocolate bar in their most recent advertising campaign.

It's sad that they had to be pressured first by the likes of Operation Black Vote, but the recognition of a mistake is all that can be asked for once it has been made.

Let's hope Cadbury keeps its promise and does not go there again because regardless of Naomi's infamous diva-ish behaviour over the years, there is no excuse for using such derogatory and racist references which anyone with any ounce of intelligence would know are offensive.

As for those writers and other crumbs who have criticised those who opposed the advert: until they know what it is like to endure racism at the point of name-calling, ill-treatment and violence, I would advise them to keep their mouths shut.

It's interesting how folks who have no real understanding of what it feels like to be on the sharp end of racism, because they have a platform, elevate themselves as authorities in these matters.

The rogue tree that bears the fruits of hate and disenfranchisement stem from bitter roots that grew from tiny innocent-looking seeds called disrespect and a little harmless fun; seeds that were planted as many looked away or doubted they could do any harm.

When Will Gov't Stop Talking About Labour?

2011-04-18T15:28:30Z

It's a bit rich, (pun intended) for our dear esteemed PM David Cameron to be blaming the education system for failing to prepare youth to be able to get jobs.

Then along comes his mini-me, Deputy Nick Clegg blaming privileged parents for using their influence to help their children get internships. Isn't that how young Nick got into banking as a teen?

It's all good for Cam 'N' Clegg to spew out all this hot air while they cut teaching staff and programmes like The Future Jobs fund that is getting young, long-term unemployed people into the world of work.

This government is over a year old (and it makes as much sense as a one year old) and it still using Labour policies as an excuse for the current national situation.

Guess what ConDems? The election is done and you've got the power now so how about spending more time on doing something positive now than banging on about the old government didn't do then?

Maizetta's Story Gives Us Hope For the Japanese

2011-03-21T05:51:33Z

Amongst the horror and devastation of the recent Japanese earthquake and tsunami, I was reminded me of the strength of the human spirit and how blessed many of us are in comparison.

The other day I saw a news clip of some of the Japanese people, whose lives and belongings have literally been washed away, as they suffered from extreme stress, shock, bitter weather and hunger. Yet they stood in orderly queues to collect precious food and supplies from rescue workers.

None of the victims could be seen rioting or looting but literally standing together in their collective moment of need. How many of us would act like that in that situation? Would I?

Hmmm.

This brings me back to January 2005, when poor old I thought myself hard done by having been made redundant from a job I loved the previous Christmas.

Don't get me wrong, it was a bitter blow but nothing compared to what the people of the south Pacific were going through, after being hit by a tsunami.

Also, much closer to my Handsworth home, in fact on the same street where I lived, was a friend who was fighting for her life and livelihood after having a stroke.

She was just 31.

So both half a world away and just across the street were examples of people who were standing strong as inspirational figures to anyone who dared look their way.

I'm so happy to know that my friend and fellow Christian, Maizetta Trotman, is winning that battle against that cruel stroke, so much so that her story is featured in a recent edition of The Birmingham Mail and is currently among a collection of inspiring stories from local people on Christian Media Services' website, www.faithlivesinbrum.org.uk.

It's is times like this when I count it a real blessing to be working in the media and to be able to bring out good news despite the presence of the bad.

I am sure we all hold out the hope that the survivors in Japan will, like Maizetta, one day fill the pages of our newspapers and websites to tell the story of how they overcame too.

God bless you,

Veron

NO-bamas!

2011-02-26T14:57:25Z

So the big royal wedding is on with dignitaries and leaders from all over the world expected to be in attendance ... all except President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama.

What?

So much for the special relationship that Cameron's been banging on about when the Obamas announced their state visit to the UK in May.

Here comes the spin from the royal camp: this wedding doesn't count as a "state occassion" because it does not involve an heir to the throne, so there is no requirement to invite world leaders.

Then why were President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy invited to Fergie and Andrew's wedding back in '86. Andrew was then as William is now, second in line to the throne.

Another line: the couple want to invite activists, charity workers and exceptional citizens. Is that why that legendary campaigner, French President Nicolas Sarkozy is on the guest list?!

What's all that about?

Julia's Back: BBC Taking a Stand Against Sexism?

2011-01-31T19:53:27Z

As a fan of newsreaders of a certain vintage, it was nice to know that the old, I mean, former BBC presenter Julia Somerville, has returned to our screens.

We've seen the likes of Moira Stuart and Angela Rippon disappear from our screens in recent years, while their silver-haired male contemporaries remained.

I personally have always had a hard time understanding all of this sexist behaviour, including the carry on at Sky Sports with Richard Keys and Andy Gray.

Most of my bosses, including my current one, have been female. Even as a child, my primary school football coach was a woman - Miss Marsh at James Watt Junior School -and at St James School, there was a girl in the boys' football team.

Hey, Julia's return is all good and I'm glad she's back but how long will she be allowed to stay?

Is this a definite shift in BBC attitudes or a temporary measure to stave off criticism after being sued by sacked Countryfile presenter Miriam O'Reilly?

Be Thankful For What We 'DO' Have

2010-12-25T11:39:40Z

With so much bad news continually pumped out by the mainstream media, it's no coincidence that I have chosen to remind us how blessed many of us are this Christmas.

Barbara Williams' loved ones have woken up to resume yesterday's nightmare. Yes, their dear relative/ friend was savaged to death by a vicious dog in her own home in London.

Likewise, the parents of Joanna Yeates have to deal with Christmas not knowing where their daughter is or even what happened to her since she was last seen in Bristol last week.

In our age when so much focus is put on what others have that we don't, perhaps we should reverse the trend. What about the things that we have that others don't? Things as easy to take for granted as our relative good health? How about the love and presence of our nearest and dearest?

In our merriment and celebration of all that is good about this Christmas season, let's not take anything or anyone that blesses our lives for granted.

Merry Christmas.
God bless you and yours

Veron x

Prisoners To Vote? Put Your 'X' Here

2010-11-07T09:07:26Z

Our new government's has been nicknamed the ConDems in some quarters but it seems that prison life is increasingly no condemnation to offenders.

Thanks to an incoming European ruling, prisoners will soon be able to vote so as not to deny their human rights.

Wait a minute ...

What about the rights of the victims who've had their property, health, confidence, dignity and their very lives taken away by offenders?

So much politicking seems to be so concerned with helping those in the wrong.

The way I see it, if you choose crime, you reject liberty and the majority of your human rights.

Remember that Public Enemy rap music track that started with Rev Jesse Jackson's words: "Brothers and sisters, I don't know what this world is coming to?"

Time to get a rewind methinks.

Big Society, Big Dangerous Mistake?

2010-10-05T03:39:50Z

I would have thought that our government would have thought this Big Society idea through thoroughly.

Perhaps it has but is still happy to encourage communities to re-organise themselves and self-manage.

Hasn't the increased terror plot around the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham forced any of the ConDems to connect the dots?

What do you get if you encourage a society already plagued by racial and social division to divide itself up further in the name of Big Society?

I'm no mathematician but surely this sum equals more division and the likelihood of similar terror alerts on a more regular basis.

It's hard for a country to pull together when its sitting government is trying to separate it.

Government needs to factor in the unseen costs of their Big Society.

Is Big Society a big dangerous mistake?

Be Careful of 'Pope' Idolism

2010-08-15T09:15:02Z

Just a word of caution while many people in our city and wider afield get all 'Popestar' crazy as the historic papal visit approaches, it is important to remember that Pope Benedict XVI is a man, flesh and blood, like you and I. Obviously he is a important minister and the leader of the international Catholic Church but sometimes I wonder if some are getting things out of proportion.

Putting aside the historic element of a papal visit to the UK, it's crazy when you consider that hundreds of thousands of people will be clamouring to be present when the Pope comes to our city on September 19.

The Pope, while instantly recognised the world over, is not God. He is a Christian minister from whom we are supposed to learn more about God, how to live for Him and better serve each other.

We need to be careful in these days of celebrity culture that it doesn't infiltrate the Church, in which believers doggedly contend to catch a glimpse of the Pontiff wherever he may be appearing. I wonder how many of these pilgrims are as strident in maintaining their relationship with God, if they have one at all?

It goes the same for those of us who deify and 'worship' Gospel artists, mega church leaders and televangelists: they all have their place, but they should not be the one we should reserve for God.

There is a danger in idolising other people - they aren't perfect and make mistakes whereas God is and doesn't. Respect leaders but follow God, not the other way around.