Gun Control Perspectives

The following is my view on the US attitude to gun control, and the current mindset that is prevalent in the powerful pro-Gun Lobby:

 It was a sunny Sunday afternoon in Sydney way back on 28th April 1996. I was making my way to the local gym when I heard on the radio that a gunman had been on a killing spree in Tasmania. Initially, only a small number of people had lost their lives and when I got to the gym, the number of deaths had risen to 23. I mentioned this to my gym instructor. His response was that it was the gunman’s form “of self-expression”. The instructor was reading the Celestine Prophecy at the time, which probably explained his comments. Personally, I preferred the term “madman”.

 The gunman was named Martin Bryant and the final death toll was 35. How could anyone kill 35 innocent people? There was an outpouring of disbelief and anger in the community. The whole of Australia was in shock. How could we stop this from happening again?

 The Prime Minister at the time was John Howard, and he had only been in the role for only a few months. How would he respond? What could he do from a government point of view? The nation held its collective breath.

 John Howard had to act fast. He introduced strict gun laws into Parliament. This had the bi-partisan support of the opposition Labor Party, led by Kim Beasley. The new gun controls had to also be made law via the State and Territory Parliaments. A number of citizens, particularly in Tasmania and Queensland, were outraged at the new laws. This outrage was fuelled by the support of the Christian Coalition and amazingly the US National Rifle Association.

 New gun controls were finally made law Australia wide after a lot of intense debate. In addition, the Federal Government implemented a 12 month amnesty/buyback scheme to allow people to hand in any illegal firearm without running the risk of prosecution. Amazingly, 643,000 firearms were handed in at a cost to the taxpayer of $350M.

 Since the laws were established, it has become extremely hard to purchase a rifle or indeed any gun. A number of valid reasons and references need to be supplied before a gun can be sold. Naturally, if there is a genuine reason to have a gun, and the person appears mentally stable, then they will be able to purchase one, subject to the relevant State and Territory requirements. It is safe to say that John Howard’s tough stance that he took all those years ago has paid dividends. Since that fateful day in 1996, Australia has not had any gun related massacres.

 I mention the above purely to give any American reader an idea of how gun control can be implemented. Australians were deeply shocked at the Sandy Hook school massacre in Newtown last December. It is not hard to feel the shock and sadness, especially as it happened so close to Christmas, the time of traditional family gatherings. I feel for the parents who lost their children and the families of all those that were killed in that terrible shooting.

 To outsiders, the US has way these type of shootings way too often. For pro-gun lobbyists to claim the Second Amendment as a right to bear arms in today’s modern society, is at best a bad joke! The question is a very simple one - how many more people have to lose their lives before action is taken? Yes the GOP (Republican Party) and the NRA are bed partners, and yes there are radicals in both organisations. Do ordinary citizens really require a semi-automatic weapon to protect their property?

The answer, one suspects, has to be a resounding ‘No’. The US has to tighten up its gun laws immediately. It is the only way to go to restore faith with the public at large. Barack Obama needs to act decisively, and he requires the GOP and others to support any proposed law changes. The good old days of “gun toting” are over. Let’s logically move on and ensure that our children and innocent bystanders are not used as “shooting practice” by a madman.

 If the US can instigate tougher gun controls, I am sure its citizens will be able to sleep better at night. It will send out a message to the rest of the world that, finally, the US is serious about the
implementation of stricter gun laws.

Ebbsfleet United v Stockport County

The following is my programme article for the Ebbsfleet United v Stockport County game played on the 16th February.  The game ended in a draw.

February is certainly turning out to be a month of home games for the Fleet.  In fact, the whole of this month revolves around Ebbsfleet not venturing away from the hallowed turf of Stonebridge Road.  That said, it is safe to say there are more than a few away games coming up between now and the end of the season.  This includes some very long road trips to Hyde, Barrow and Gateshead.  The players will certainly have plenty of time then to master their card skills.  Who will emerge as the Poker king? Time will tell.

Fortunes can change very quickly in football.  Two games ago, and in front of the television cameras, the Fleet suffered a humiliating 0-4 defeat to Macclesfield Town.  Then a week ago, the team got back on track with a well-earned 3-1 victory over Gateshead.  This has now put the Fleet within 4 points of the safety zone. 

Liam Daish has brought in a number of players to try and ensure that the team remains in the Blue Square Premier for another season.  One of them, Josh Scott, scored two of the goals against Gateshead.  There were also impressive performances from other new boys Gareth Gwillim and Stefan Payne.  There is a new air of optimism within the club that the Fleet can stay up this season.  A win today would certainly help that cause!

Today’s opponents, Stockport County, are one of the ‘name’ teams in the Blue Square Premier.  It is only a few years ago that The County were playing a number of the ‘big boys’ in League One. Go back a few more years and Stockport were in a League Cup semi-final, before losing 2-1 on aggregate to Middlesbrough. So there certainly is a lot of tradition in the club.  Interestingly, Stockport’s highest league attendance this season so far was for the visit of one Ebbsfleet United!

Given the league table, this is a crucial game for both of these teams.  A win for the Fleet draws us closer to safety.  A win for Stockport helps pull them away from a potential relegation battle.  Hopefully the attendance today will be on the healthy side, especially given the importance of this game to both teams. 

A couple of days ago it was Valentine’s Day.  Hopefully all the ladies in the ground today were spoilt rotten by their husbands, boyfriends, beau’s and secret admirers!  However, if there are any ladies here today looking for a present for their man, then can I suggest a MYFC membership.  What better present than giving your footy mad partner, or even yourself, a chance to become an owner of the club! Please go to www.myfootballclub.co.uk or speak to one of the club officials here today about becoming a member. 

Finally, a huge welcome to the officials, players and supporters of Stockport County who have made the long journey down from the North West.  We hope you enjoy your visit – but not too much!

Enjoy the game today.  Get behind the team and cheer the lads onto victory!

UP THE FLEET!

Ebbsfleet United v Macclesfield Town

The following is my programme article for the Ebbsfleet United v Macclesfield Town game that was played on 1st February.

It was a televised match - the first time the Fleet had been on television for many seasons.  Despite this, it was not a good game as Macclesfield ran out 4-0 winners! 

January is certainly a crazy month in footballing terms.  The inclement weather has meant that a number of teams in the lower leagues have had an “extended break”.  Whilst snow can look nice, and create picturesque photos, it can also be a nightmare for football teams.  A manager may have his team on a run of undefeated games, and then find their progress halted.  On the flipside, a team could have been experiencing some bad results, but with the postponements a re-grouping happens and, all of a sudden, the results pick up.

From our point of view, we hope that the Fleet can go on an undefeated run, and hence move away from the bottom of the league.  Liam Daish has been pro-active by bringing in defenders Gareth Gwillim and loan signing Jack Saville to bolster the defence. At the same time the club has parted ways with Jay Folkes and Ben Greenhalgh.  Psychologically, the Ebbsfleet players must view the remaining league games as if the season has just started. A clean slate, so to speak.

The fans also have a role to play in the Fleet ‘renaissance’.  We must ensure that we get behind the team and cheer them onto a much deserved victory.  A vocal crowd can truly make a difference, and help the players to give 110%.  Such are the league positions that 2 or 3 wins can see a club quickly move up the league.

Tonight’s game should certainly be an exciting one.  Macclesfield have done the Blue Square Premier proud with their fantastic FA Cup run, and narrow 4^th Round defeat to Premier League Wigan Athletic.  To side track for a brief moment, congratulations to Luton Town on their giant killing exploits against Norwich City.  To see a non-league team in the last 16 of the FA Cup is truly amazing to say the least!

I should also mention two other things in relation to this evening’s game.  Ebbsfleet’s last victory in the league was against Macclesfield Town back in November.  Hopefully the Fleet can do the ‘double’ over the Silkmen tonight and get 3 valuable points.  One player who will need no introduction is the Macclesfield goalkeeper, Lance Cronin. Lance, of course, played many games for Ebbsfleet in his career including 10 games on loan last season. I am sure, if selected, he will get a big cheer from the locals.

Tonight’s game is being televised.  It isn’t often that a ‘less glamorous’ team like Ebbsfleet United is shown live so let’s make the most of it!  Hopefully, a largish crowd will be there to witness a fantastic game.  If you are a passionate fan of the Fleet and want to play a pro-active role in the future of the club, then please consider joining My Football Club – the community owners of the team.  Details can be found at www.myfootballclub.co.uk.

Finally, a big hello to all the Macclesfield Town officials, players and supporters who have made the long trek to North Kent.  Enjoy your time tonight and have a safe trip home, albeit a pointless one! 

January was also a crazy time in Sydney. Temperatures of 42C and then a record breaking 46C were certainly hard to endure.  For those of you who hanker for hot weather, I can ensure you it is overrated - at times! 

As I write these notes Queensland and New South Wales are suffering from floods, wild winds and torrential rain.  If only it snowed in Sydney…..

UP THE FLEET!

Ebbsfleet United v Dartford

The following is the article I wrote for the New Year's Day local derby between Ebbsfleet United and Dartford.  Ebbsfleet came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2. 

Firstly, a very Happy New Year to all the supporters of Ebbsfleet United and Dartford.  Here’s hoping that 2013 is a fantastic year, not only for you personally, but also for both of our North Kent clubs.  I also hope that you didn’t all get too merry last night, especially when the clock struck twelve!

The Festive Season is certainly one that involves an abundance of food, drink, family time and relaxation.  It is also fair to say that the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day football matches are part of that tradition too.  Nothing beats getting away from the house to go to the local football ground to support your team to a win.

Before I go any further, please spare a thought for me.  I have had to spend Christmas and the New Year here in Australia.  As you can imagine it is a tough life that I lead, especially when the sun is shining and the temperature is hovering around the 30C mark! Wearing t-shirts and shorts all the time also becomes quite boring too! Oh, and I won’t mention the New Year’s Eve fireworks…

Anyway, today is the match that the Fleet fans have been waiting for all season.  A home game with a bumper crowd, against our near neighbours from ‘just up the road’.  I think it is fair to say that when the fixtures were released in the summer, that this match was probably the first one pencilled in.

Football derbies are always hotly contested and this one is sure to be no different.  The form book and league table positions are thrown out of the window, as ‘Local Pride’ takes precedence.  The fact that this is the second game between these two clubs in six days adds an extra bit of spice to this afternoon’s meeting.  Both our own Liam Daish and Dartford’s Tony Burman will certainly have their squads primed for 110% effort in what is expected to be a closely contested game. 

Dartford have had a fantastic season so far.  They have probably exceeded their own expectations, which is a tribute to their coach and players.  From a Kentish point of view, it is great to see how they have progressed.  However, I am sure they are due an off-day sometime soon!

New Year is also a time for resolutions.  It is like the slate has been wiped clean for all of us now it is January!  At MYFC we are always looking to expand our membership which, in turn, helps the club.  The more members we have, the more we can contribute funds to help bolster and improve our squad.  

Why not make a resolution to help Ebbsfleet United by becoming a MYFC member.  Please contact the club for more details, or visit www.myfootballclub.co.uk .  Your membership DOES make a huge difference to the club, so please come and join us.

Finally, with a huge crowd expected today, please get behind the team.  Players respond much better to vocal support, so please cheer on the Fleet to a well-earned victory.

Although I will not be at the match, and believe me I would love to be there, I will take solace in having a nice cold drink whilst sunbathing on one of Queensland’s fantastic beaches.  Anyone want to swap places with me?

UP THE FLEET!

Gun Control

It was a sunny Sunday afternoon in Sydney way back on 28^th April 1996.  I was making my way to the local gym as, in those days, I was a regular gym junkie.  Just before I left my home, I heard on the radio that a gunman had been on a killing spree in Tasmania.  At that stage only a small number of people had lost their lives.  When I got to the gym, the number of deaths had risen to 23.  I mentioned this to my gym instructor.  His response was that it was the gunman’s form “of self-expression”.  The instructor was reading the Celestine Prophecy at the time, which probably explained his comments.  I personally preferred the term “madman”.

The gunman was named Martin Bryant and the final death toll was 35.  The whole of Australia was in shock. How could anyone kill 35 innocent people?  There was an outpouring of disbelief and anger.  How could we stop this from happening again? 

The Prime Minister at the time was the right wing conservative John Howard.  He had been in the role for only a few months.  How would he respond? What could he do from a government point of view?  The nation held its collective breath.

Before, I go any further, I need to give some background information.  Australia is very similar to the United States.  Both are large countries, both were built from migrants, both have large agricultural areas and culturally we are very similar.  Naturally, we speak the same language – well sort of! Guns in Australia are typically kept in the large rural areas. Farmers need to be on alert for scavengers of the animal kind, especially foxes.  Although in parts of the country snakes and crocodiles can also be a problem.

John Howard had to act, and act fast.  He introduced strict gun laws into Parliament.  This had bi-partisan support of the opposition Labor Party led by Kim Beasley.  The new gun controls had to also be made law via the State and Territory Parliaments.  Initially Queensland and Tasmania were against tightened gun control.   A number of citizens were outraged at the new laws. This outrage was fuelled by the support of the Christian Coalition and the US National Rifle Association!  

Finally, the new gun controls were made law Australia wide after a lot of intense debate.  In addition, the Federal Government implemented a 12 month amnesty/buyback scheme to allow people to hand in any illegal firearm without running the risk of prosecution.  Amazingly, 643,000 firearms were handed in at a cost of $350M.

Since the laws were established, it is now extremely hard to buy a rifle or indeed any gun.  A number of valid reasons and references need to be supplied before a gun can be sold.  Naturally, if there is a genuine reason to have a gun, and the person appears mentally stable, then they will be able to purchase one, subject to State and Territory requirements.  It is safe to say that John Howard’s tough stance has paid dividends.  Since that fateful day in 1996, Australia has not had any gun related massacres.

I mention the above purely to give any reader from the United States an idea of how gun control can be implemented.  Naturally, all Australians were shocked at the Sandy Hook school massacre in Newtown.  I have two daughters aged 9 and 10 and I certainly felt shock and sadness, especially as it happened so close to Christmas, the time of family gatherings.  I feel for the parents who lost their children and the families of all those that were killed in the shooting.

To outsiders, the United States has way too many shootings.  For pro-gun lobbyists to claim the second amendment as a right to bear arms in today’s modern society, is a bad joke at best! The question, a very simple one, how many more people have to lose their lives before action is taken? Yes the GOP and NRA are bed partners, and yes there are lunatics high up in both organisations.  But do ordinary citizens really require a semi-automatic weapon to protect their property?  The answer has to be a resounding ‘No’. 

The US has to tighten up its gun laws immediately.  It is the only way to go, and also to restore faith with the public.  Not only does Barack Obama need to act decisively, it also requires the GOP and others to support any proposed law changes.  The good old days of “gun toting” are over.  Let’s logically move on and ensure that our children and innocent bystanders are not used as “shooting practice” by a madman.

Finally, do not underestimate the rest of the world’s opinion towards the US and its lax gun laws.  I can virtually guarantee you that the feeling of most people is that the US gun laws are a complete joke.  It is now up to the United States to ensure that the joke comes to an end.

Ebbsfleet United v Grimsby Town

The following is the article I wrote for the Ebbsfleet United v Grimsby Town Match-day programme. 

It seems like only a couple of weeks ago that the Blue Square Premier League season 2012/13 kicked off.  But here we are in December and fast approaching the halfway mark of the season.  I am sure that both managers will have differing views about how the season has gone thus far.  As we know, Grimsby Town are flying high at the top of the BSP, whilst Ebbsfleet are just above the relegation zone.

I am sure that the Mariners joint managers, Rob Scott and Paul Hurst, together with our own Liam Daish will agree on one thing – A win today!  At present a mere three points separate the top five teams , and only four points separate the bottom seven teams.  So it is a very tightly contested league at present.

At this time of year the general thoughts of most people turn towards Christmas. In less than a month, a rather portly old man with long white hair and beard, will pay us all a visit and bring gifts to the well behaved amongst us.  Naturally, all football clubs have a Christmas wish list.

For football managers the wish will be for as many wins as possible whilst hoping that the players do not get injured.  Add in a good cup run or two, coupled with a promotion and a victory in a local derby and the season will be deemed a success.

Goalkeepers will be wishing for as many clean sheets as possible.  Not conceding a goal equates to a win, or at least a draw for the team.  A dramatic penalty save or two and they will generally be happy.

The midfield players will be hoping for great performances in the middle of the park.  These players are the engine room of the team.  So keeping fit and not being injured will be high on their list of priorities.  Throw in a goal or two and a few crucial tackles and the season will be complete.

Strikers will be wanting one thing.  No prizes for guessing what that would be – goals!  All forwards will be hoping that Santa provides them with the ability to score lots of goals in the remaining games.  For those that are in a goal scoring slump, the hope will be that the goals return.  A hat-trick or two will also be most welcomed.

Club officials will have a number of things on their wish list.  First and foremost will be that the club continues to survive.  As we all know, a large number of teams in virtually every division are under huge financial constraints, and for some, just managing to keep going is a huge issue.  Naturally, a promotion or a good cup run will be welcomed with opened arms. 

At MYFC, we are keen to ensure that Ebbsfleet United continues to survive and move forward.  Being a part-time team on a small playing budget does make it hard to compete against the bigger teams.  However, MYFC makes regular donations to the club to assist with costs etc.  In addition, there have been a number of initiatives put in place to also assist the club.  These will continue as the season progresses. 

If you are looking for a Christmas present for a loved one, or a treat for yourself, then I can suggest a MYFC membership.  Contact the club or MYFC for further details.

Finally, a big welcome to the fans, players and officials from Grimsby Town.  Let’s hope it is a great game.

Groundhog Day

Life really is full of repetition.  It seems to be the same old thing, day after day. Be honest, how often do you feel like you are repeating things over and over and over again?

Just like that great movie Groundhog Day, when Punxsutawney Phil makes an appearance to decide if winter is coming to an end or not, Bill Murray lives the same day over and over again.  Despite its comedic theme, the film does make a good point that our lives do seem to be stuck living the same old scene.

To make my point, I will give you an overview of how most of my days go.  Normally the weekdays rather than weekends, where there is a bit of flexibility.

On most workdays I take my two daughters to their school which is about a 7 minute walk from where we live.  We really have to leave home at 8am, to ensure that I can catch a train to work and get there at a respectable time. Nine times out of ten, this is never the case.  Even though I am ready, my daughters hardly ever are!

After dropping my girls off at their Primary School, I swiftly make my way to the railway station.  On the way, I take a short cut past the local library.  Every day I see two teenage schoolkids - one a boy and one a girl embracing each other and kissing.  They go to different schools judging by their uniforms.  The first view I have that they are there is when I see their school backpacks on the floor.  Young love is great, I wonder if their pre-tempestuous relationship will last?

About 10 metres on I always come across a middle-aged man.  He is overweight and is normally smoking a cigarette.  By the look on his face it would seem that he has the worries of the world on his shoulders. He is always deep in thought.  Is he thinking about his troubled relationship? Is he worried about his children? Or does he have a pile of impossible work deadlines? Who knows.  In truth, who cares?  He does carry a briefcase.  I often wonder if he is a hen-pecked accountant. 

I walk on and get to the railway station.  Within minutes I am on the train heading to the city.  Every time I try and find a seat I come across a couple of obstacles.  Sometimes I have to ask a  female to mover her handbag so that I can sit down.  Quite often there will be a sigh from the woman as she begrudgingly moves her (non-ticket paying) bag before I can sit!

On other occasions I come across a passenger who has a seat but wants to take over most of another seat.  In this case, I do get to sit down, but end up feeling like a sardine in a can.  Often, if you ask them to move over, they will move the barest minimum of distance.

 Once I reach my destination, I alight from the train and form a human (or is it sheep) line to get through the ticket gates.  There I see an Asian lady, probably in her late thirties,holding a photo of herself, and I guess her mother.  When I first saw her I thought she was waiting for her mother - who, presumably, had just arrived in Australia.  However, having seen this Asian lady many times with the same photo, it became obvious to me that this is not the case.  

Maybe she is waiting, in false hope, that her mother is going to get off a train and find her.  I hope she does.  It would satisfy my curiosity.  I often have felt like asking the Asian lady what she is doing.  However, I am a morning zombie like most others.

So there you go.  Groundhog Day over and over again. I am sure you, dear reader, can totally empathise with me on this!