Auschwitz - 60th Anniversay of Liberation

Yesterday was the 60th anniversasy of the liberation by Soviet troops of the Nazi Death Camp, Auschwitz.

Nearly one and a half million people, mostly Jews, were gassed to death there, and we should never allow anyone to forget this horrific crime. However, it should not be manipulated by anyone either, and certainly can not be used to justify the policy of the current Israeli government towards the people of Palestine. The path towards defeating Anti-Semitism lies in respect. Respect for all peoples. There needs to be a complete withdrawl of Israeli troops and settlers from the occupied territories, the dismantling of the "security wall/fence", and the agreement of the Right of Return for Palestinian Refugess. The Palestinian Authority has been willing to give up large parts of its country in order to accomadate an Israeli State, but this does not stretch to Palestinian land being confined to small enclaves.

Hate breeds hate, and the strong-arm tactics of the Israeli Army, bulldozing houses - declared illegal as 'Collective Punishment' , and frequent killing of Palestinian children, as well as the targeting of UN buildings including schools, only servers to spread the anti-semitism which does exist, and make Israeli security weaker, not stronger.

I've ranted long enough here, so I'll go, but I pray (well, I would if I was religious) for both sides in the conflict to understand that their actions do not serve their own interests, and only dialogue and compromise can bring about peace and security.

Helloo!

Well, my very first blog. Was just checking out Bob's cool blog, and thought I could get me one of those. Doubt anyone will care, but hey, you never know...

Today I cut off nearly five months of hair growth, and went back to my short hairstyle. God my head was cold. Wasn't sure if I should do it or not, and now I think maybe not, bu I can't exactly go and tell them to stick it back on.

Also got some Euros for my 3 day trip to Nice starting this Saturday. Won't be very warm, but it'll be a bit warmer than here, and much sunnier at least. Fingers crossed anyway. Just needed to get away from here for a bit, after all the stress of coursework (though thankfully no exams this time - lucky me).

I'm tired and going to bed soon, so nite all x

P.S. I s'pose I best start off with an Ale of the Week, seen as that's the title of the blog...
Old Speckled Hen it is!