It is surely a coincidence of almighty proportions that within months of bagging a £10,000 grant from the “Mayor’s Community Chest” fund, the Tower Hamlets Council of Mosques has been able to produce its first ever newsletter in which praise and thanks are offered to our Great and Dear Leader.
[A warning: what you’re about to read will never be reported in the Bangladeshi press because they’re also the lucky prize-winners from the Mayor’s pot of monopoly money (the London Bangla Press Club has been given a £9,000 prize to produce a “business plan”).]
The Council of Mosques has a website here and for some reason it seems to have permission from the town hall to use the Tower Hamlets Council logo. This isn’t surprising: they’re very close.
They’re also very grateful to Lutfur Rahman.
Here’s the newsletter:
p1
p2
p3
p4
Two quotes in particular on p1 stand out:
“I am extremely pleased to announce that 24 mosques and Islamic centres have benefitted from the first round of the Mayor’s Faith Building Fund. I’m sure all faith organisations appreciate the hard work of Mayor Lutfur Rahman in securing the funding for this scheme that will improve the facilities which serve tens of thousands of residents.”
“..special funding is given to the recent funding boost from Tower Hamlets council through the Mayor’s Funding scheme to support faith institutions.”
The second quote is from Hira Islam, secretary general of the Council of Mosques.
Sound familiar? Well, Hira is, as I disclosed here a few years ago, also a heavy-hitter in the Islamic Forum of Europe.
The IFE, you’ll recall, featured heavily in Andrew Gilligan’s Channel 4 Dispatches documentary three years ago when the principal claim was that the group was trying to infiltrate Tower Hamlets Council and to influence Lutfur Rahman into directing town hall grants to its pet projects.
And Hira Islam was the “Mr A” mentioned in that Dispatches documentary, the serving council officer said to be a key figure in Lutfur’s mayoral campaign.
Both claims were mocked by the borough’s large flock of ostriches.
As I detailed here in June, 24 mosques have been given £383,000 out of a total of £600,000 awarded in the first round of the Mayor’s three-year £3million programme to renovate faith buildings with taxpayers’ money. The wealthy East London Mosque has been given £10,000, none of which is going to the needy among its worshippers but instead to polish its sign and to repaint its dome and minaret.
The IFE and the CoM were instrumental in this, holding a large meeting in March to discuss how the funds could be distributed. Helpfully, the Mayor was on hand to explain the process. All above board. See here:
Here are some more of their photos showing how the men at the Council of Mosques decide things:
Did you spot any women in any of those photos? (Maybe that’s why Tower Hamlets Borough Commander Dave Stringer policeman looked a bit miffed in one of those pictures.)
Here’s the Equalities Impact carried out by the council before the awarded the grants:
A “neutral” effect on gender in the borough apparently.
And here are the two councillors appointed by Lutfur to his Corporate Grants Programme Board, the body which “advises” which groups receive the money.
Lutfurites Alibor Choudhury and Maium Miah.
Seems they don’t much trust women when it comes to making decisions about money for religious buildings.
Surely if Lutfur truly was committed to equality (as he says he is), he’d have made it a strict condition of these grants that more women have to be involved in running the buildings?
Has he even raised these concerns during his regular meetings of the Council of the Mosques? Maybe he’s not even noticed the lack of women there.
Trial by Jeory 
That council of mosques newsletter looks more than a little like a LBTH council publication …
The whole ‘funds for faith buildings’ thing stinks. But then it always was going to; the sole surprise is that ONLY £383K of the £600k handed out has gone to mosques – I’d have expected it to be nearer 90% than the 64% those figures work out as. (And, as an aside, £600,000. Really? Nearly two thirds of a million pounds, handed out in London’s poorest borough, in order to buy a forthcoming election? That’s deeply, deeply smelly and I had forgotten just how big the sum of money was.)
I’ve commented on here about Lutfur’s links with the IFE, and apparently he has denied all connections (a denial someone on here – I can’t remember who – was daft enough to actually believe.) Your comments in this article are therefore interesting, thanks.
Tim.
No doubt Muslim women appreciate the crusade, Ted.
I don’t get this piece – it seems to be delivering news that some Mosques got funding from the council, but then has this peculiar ‘sexism’ undercurrent running through it. Having been shocked by your headline I was waiting with baited breath, expecting to read whatever outrageously sexist quote you’d uncovered in the Council of Mosques newsletter, but nothing! The only link to sexism appears to be in your head.
Why spend so much time having a go at mosques? Mosques, for heaven’s sake! Surely there are worthier opponents than a house of God (for those who are believers), a temple where religious people from an oppressed minority go to pray.
Canary Wharf Group’s board is 100% male. Shame that, but it’s the way they’ve always done things. It would be good to see women on there, and it would be good to see more women running mosques and it would be great to see the back of sexism…but none of these things will be achieved by penning articles sneering at how backward those scrounging Muslims are.
Oppressed minority? Seriously? Where do you live???
And anyway, forget the institutionalised sexism in mosques and consider the fact that on Brick Lane there is not a single woman employed at any of the curry houses and also not a single person whose not Bengali. Lots of people want waiting jobs but they never advertise and only employ men of their own kind. It’s disgraceful.
That’s bollocks. I’ve been served by women on Brick Lane.
How fascinating, please advise which curry house that was.
Sonargoan
I think you’re telling porkies
Go in there and see for yourself then, you idiot
Even if one restaurant employs one woman, which I doubt, shouldn’t their be equal opportunities? Those curry houses should advertise their jobs openly and aim to employ 50% women and people other than Bangladeshis, don’t you think?
good point made about more involvement of women. That needs to be noted by all politicians this is getting boring to point out.
Election year! There are more to come! Has anyone been to the “Mayors Iftar” held on the 1st August? Wonder how much the council flogged out on this event? Has any one notices how new plaques are turning up in all the mosques these days praising the Mayor? All apparently are bought/ bribed by some silly donations to mosques; if they don’t agree to put a plaque on the internal wall they do not get the funding. Election years all always the year to look out!
This huge amount of money for cleaning/repairing religious buildings is ridiculous and unnecessary. But, there is no mention of Christian or Jewish buildings being awarded anything! This type of money, in a poor borough, should be spent wisely. I think the Mayor etc need to be sacked or voted out.
In fairness, I understand the money has been given to buildings of other religions – see here:
https://trialbyjeory.wordpress.com/2013/06/24/council-gives-600k-to-faith-buildings-for-repair-works-the-vote-buying-begins/
It’s just that the Mosques got twice their share … quelle surprise.
Completely agree with your final statement. And the solution to that is down to us – voting him out.
Tim.
where is the borough commander in these photos eh?
Ted you idiot!
Why look for a conspiracy in everything Lutfur does then justify and get sympathy for it under the guise of fighting for women’s rights? This country has had one women Prime MInister in it’s whole history. The country is institutionally sexist. Why do you care if women are involved with mosques or not?
Am I right in thinking you once worked for the LBTH Council, are you bitter about something? Don’t let your acrimony for individuals in LBTH insult the judgement of the people who democratically elected Lutfur. Are you calling us stupid for allegedly having the wool pulled over our eyes by Lutfur?
The word is woman, not women.
Do you care about the rights of women?
No, never worked for LBTH; have you?
And, yes, I am calling you stupid if you had the wool pulled over your eyes.
The 10% of the borough who elected Lutfur because the other 90% are so appalled they boycotted the vote, and the whole mayoral petition and referendum were flawed and corrupted processes aimed at excluding everyone but the Bangladeshi community from power and influence.
The day will come.
Do you have any evidence for this? Please keep deluded opinions out of debates. it lowers the quality. You may have boycotted due to your own opinions, the 90% don’t subscribe to your opinions. I believe in democracy and accept whatever result it delivers. I also believe (based on strong evidence) our systems are sufficiently transparent to deal with elections in a fair manner. Bangladeshis are a minority in this Borough, and according to democracy they wouldn’t have the casting vote. The day will come when you will be forced into taking medication for delusions, seek therapy now.
the Trial by Jeory is not a qualified Journalist. After reading his blog, i see countless number of rookie mistakes. Resulting in lowering his credibility.
Also Jeory is taking images from other organisations without permission or referencing it. All these acts shows of a rogue character and must not be adhered to.
Thanks, the Mike.
I am a bit of a rogue, aren’t I.
Did you write your comment in Google Translate?
“Adhered to” obviously you’re not really called “Mike”
“resulting in [a] lowering [of] his credibility”
“without [their] permission or referencing [them]”
Need I go on…
Yeah, cause a white name like ‘Mike’ wouldn’t really make such mistake(s). “You’re not white like us mike!”
” adhered to.” meaning the rogue behaviour should not be implemented
Keep going Mike – you’ll be in Australia soon with that hole you are digging for yourself! (You can give your native Bangladesh a wave on the way past.)
Tim.
come on guys. that is a bit harsh. English is not the easiest language to pick up, most English people at school had failed their own language. what hope do the people with English as a second language have.
Why wouldn’t the extremist linked Mayor, who refuses to condem the homophobic behaviour of his colleagues who gives money to his friends in the extremist linked, homophobic IFE, be sexist as well?
Not sure why you’re attacking people’s English language Ted? Would be interesting to know if you can speak a second language as well as these guys. Stinks of desperation to me.
Re grants for faith buildings; a great political master plan from Lutfur. Giving money to churches and synagogues; the man’s a genius. Even Tim is outmaneuvered by this.
And, before everyone gets all morally high and mighty, read the commentary on all pre election budgets.
Hope Biggs has a master plan of himself otherwise Ted will have to rename this blig to ‘Failed by Jeory’
What makes you think ‘Mike’ can speak a second language?
Politically genius to use churches and synagogues as cover for a blatant vote buying exercise?
Transparent and cynical, no?
Absolutely right. I’m glad some people have the courage to speak out. Thank you Ted.
I’m not sure the impact statement is properly done. There is surely a Negative impact on “race” in our “hyper diverse” (See NewSpeak dictionary) borough.
What is the big deal with mosque’s receiving a share of council funds, are the worshipper’s not taxpayers who deserve some sort of a rebate?
The council already “subsidises” hapless single mothers, drug addicts and other sections of the community that we all may not agree with it.
How is the Mayor’s behaviour any different from the Hasidic Jewish Councillors in Hackney, many of whom are more zealous than the Mayor?
Women are not required to worship at Mosque’s, if anything prayer facilities for them are a bonus. So why are they required in the decision making? Please don’t reply that the mosques are getting council money and therefore should promote equality blah blah.
Your style of writing Mr Jeory is nothing less than an incitement against the Muslims/Bengalis of Tower Hamlets. I wouldn’t be surprised if the EDL start quoting you at their rallies.
You have a problem with the Mayor – deal with it! Just don’t drag the name of the Muslim community into the gutter.
As far as I am concerned, the Bangladeshis have spilled enough blood to get to the pinnacle. They deserve whatever they can now get,
“As far as I am concerned, the Bangladeshis have spilled enough blood to get to the pinnacle. They deserve whatever they can now get,”
Comments like this elegantly explain the widespread dislike for muslims and Bangladeshis. Thank you for putting things into such sharp focus Saracens.
I’d be very surprised if it was a Bengali who wrote that.
I could believe it was a (west) Bengali who wrote that Ted, but would share your surprise if it was a Bangladeshi.
Although I made no observation about who I thought had written it – are you confusing this with one of my other posts?
Maybe in the bigoted circles you frequent Tim that vile generalisations about the Bangladeshis & Muslims are casually made. Read up about the history of the Bangladeshi settlers and then you’ll see why they deserve their mosques and community centres.
@Ted- Why wouldn’t a Bengali make such remarks?
The fact of the matter is this; regardless of what you write about the Mayor, the vast majority of the Bangladeshi community will back their own.
The Imams will rally the congregations in favour of Lutfur, oh and don’t forget Channel S too.
Well, are you Bengali?
And don’t you find your penultimate par sad/or and patronising?
My race is irrelevant. What is relevant are my points.
Is it sad that the Bangladeshi’s will back their own over anybody else? Possibly.
However, if you look at what the Bangladeshis have had to go through, then you can appreciate why they mistrust anybody outside their own.
The Lib-Dems in TH appeased the fascists to hold onto power. I suppose to a certain extent you can see this policy of appeasement-for-power even in the Con-Dem coalition.
Peter Golds and his merry men come across as out of touch closet-racists, regardless of what their intentions may be. The fact that Golds is always digging into any initiative that the Mayor takes, which is oriented towards the benefit of the Bangladeshis, doesn’t do him any favour.
John Biggs has a pretty clean record, but he will never be as generous as Lutfur. He’s already stated that he will review the funding allocated to the mosques, etc.
So you tell me why the Bangladeshis shouldn’t back one of their own?
I know many Bangladeshis who can’t stand Lutfur, but will vote for him because they see Lutfur’s election as a step in the right direction for the community.
They know if Biggs gets elected, then TH will not see another Bengali Mayor anytime soon.
After finally getting a Bengali MP, who came 13 years too late [Oona King was a usurper], they won’t risk ousting a Bengali Mayor,
Hmm, you seem to think Bengalis are a homogenous bloc who think nothing but skin colour when they come to vote.
How v backward.
Let me clarify.
The politically active Bangladeshis are the elder generation, who have tribalist thinking. They tend to be the ones who dwell in the mosques day and night, and guess who their boy wonder is?
They won’t vote based on skin colour, they will vote based on the fact that a Bengali Mayor will look after the interests of other Bengalis. They would trust a Bengali idiot rather than an untested non-Bengali.
I know of many hardcore Labour activists [Bengali] who will vote for Lutfur.
Saracen,
Thanks for clarifying. Your description is clear and precise. However if it was re-written with the word “English” substituted every time you wrote “Bangladeshi” then it would be castigated as deeply racist. Indeed, you have already accused me of being ‘bigoted’ and yet go on to excuse and defend open and extreme bigotry from the Bangladeshi community.
In most circles this is called hypocrisy. But I am sure you will find some way of claiming it isn’t in your case, because of ‘what you have had to go through’.
Tim.
Tim – I’m just painting the picture as it is, black and white, without caring about political correctness.
The behaviour of the Bangladeshis is not illogical. It doesn’t matter if it is “backwards” by your standards.
If you’re afraid to use the word English, then shame on you.
Racism to me is an economic problem. It is simply the result of a competition between communities for the acquisition of scarce resources. This competition will last till the end of time.
Saracens,
Your post is nothing if not honest – I’ll give you that.
However it well known that racism in TH is simply being critical of someone more Bangladeshi than yourself. Your post has clearly answered what race you are, despite you claiming it to be ‘irrelevant’.
That you see nothing wrong with holding the points of view you do means I can’t see us having any meaningful discussion, so I’ll bow out at this point.
Tim.
What does it matter if the man who wrote this was Muslim or Bangladeshi, or not? What matters is, what he writes is true. How sad, how hateful, how horrid it is that the majority of Bangladeshis in Tower Hamlets will think not “Who do I agree with most, whose ideology fits best with mine” but “Who can be relied on to shovel the most cash in the Bengalis’ direction?”
This borough is becoming the home of the Islamist. More and more, then men can be seen in the long white skirts and white shirts. There is no need, in the cold British climate, to wear these garments, which might be necessary for cool in Saudi Arabia. They’re only worn to say to everyone else: “F___ you, this is our area, we own this place and we’ll dress as we like”. It is cultural imperialism.
Yes, yes, it’s nasty and horrid to point this out. But it’s true. Bury your heads in the sand all you like.
It is clearly the unwritten policy of the mayor and his supporters that the Bangladeshi and/or Muslim organisations should receive a large share of council funds, disproportionate to their numbers. It is not “Islamophobic” to point out this fact.
The solution is simple – if you agree with this policy, vote for Lutfur – if not, vote against him. Presumably, non-voters don’t mind either way. Sadly, we will have to wait until next May to give our verdict.
It is also true that mosques have a disproportionate number of males in positions of power, but they are not the only organisations where this is the case.
Teddy is clutching at straws now, attacking peoples language and spelling after his journalist aptitude was punctured by his Borough Commander clanger.
And even if funding of faith building is a political move, so be it. End of the day the local community benefits first, Lutfur Rahman second. I saw your friend Helal Abbas once in a Stepney Mosque, shamelessly, go up uninvited (acc. to the committee) through a local, and make a point of announcing a small donation he had made and requested people to pray for his success in the Labour mayoral candiate s/election. Now that’s desperation.
Lutfurs – genius!
Borough Commander clanger?
In what way does the local community benefit? Pray tell.
I don’t usually make serious points here, don’t take politics and politicians seriously as they are all bunch opportunists who would sell their granny to get elected, including our dear leader. But on the point of funding faith buildings the following is worth noting.
My throway comment about Lutfur doing this for political gain may be true but its also true faith buildings, particularly mosques in Tower Hamlets are pivotal for the local community. Its where the elder generations congregate to exchange ideas, where the youngsters look for guidance when searching for identity.
Like it or not mosques are the new East End ‘pubs’. Its where the new East Londoners ‘hang out’. If we look beyond it being simply a place of worship for Muslims, we’ll notice it has huge social significance. Local authorities like TH should recognise this and support these institutions.
The point regarding these places being male dominant is true. But places like East London mosque, yes that place where all council ‘decision’ are made is trying to change this. Only recently they opened a multimillion pound women’s centre. Its a slow cultural change which will take time.
Mosques are also serving one particular community. This is also true. Not sure how to address this. Again East London mosque holds open days for local non Muslims to come and convert. If people don’t take this opportunity not sure what else they can do. Don’t take this comment too seriously folks!
Many mosques provide valuable community services like evening classes for children, advise sessions for women, elders and disadvantage people, drugs rehab/awareness courses etc etc. Its true mostly Muslims benefit from these but does this make them less valuable?
I have no doubt churches and other such places are doing similar great work. I grew up attending a youth centre run by Christ Church in Spitalfields. No idea who funded it but it was money well spent.
If a mosque ran a similar centre where local kids hang out instead of loitering on street corners, would it be wrong for the council to fund this?
I’m not naive about the faith building fund but as a local resident can totally see this money is well spent. If Lutfur is boasting about this, so he should.
Regarding 60% going to mosques, what is the point of funding a building that is used by Mr & Mrs Jones and their dog but no one else? Sorry had to make light hearted comment, was getting a bit too serious. Hope don’t offend anyone.
Conclusion, Biggs needs to promise funding a new Bengali TV channel to trumph Lutfur 🙂
Imran,
That’s an interesting and well-written post, thanks.
If the purpose of mosques are as you say – simply places to ‘hang out’ – then they are divisive, as they are places for only one religion to hang out. The fact that East London mosque has open days to convert others says it all – where are these ‘others’ going to go the rest of the time, and why should they only be allowed in if they are going to be converted? Churches don’t operate like this – as your comments about your youth make clear. And this is before you include the IFE angle, which is as shameful as it is absurd.
What funding is being given to places for non-muslims to ‘hang out’? Is the council giving money to support local pubs – the non-muslim equivalent? Not that I have heard of.
Mosques are getting twice their share of the money (on a per-capita basis), and at least one of them is linked to a fundamentalist and terror-backed organisation. That money is going to the only section of the population which supports the mayor and the mayor is appealing directly to that section of the population for his re-election campaign. These facts between them raise significant questions about the partiality of the distribution of the funds and are cause for significant concern.
Tim.
I agree it’s a really thoughtful and thought-provoking comment and worthy of a post in itself.
I like your line about the new East End pubs.
But as Tim has asked, it does beg the question why the need for taxpayers’ money? Pubs are taxed, not subsidised.
No taxpayers money should be given to any religious organisations. All religion is primitive suspicion that has no place in civil society. Keep your religion private.
The silent majority of anti theists are deeply offended by taxes that could be better spent being squandered on people who believe in fairy tales (albeit very dangerous ones).
Ted every word you write or speak is Islamaphobic and all coz you don’t like the Mayor and his gang you think its ok to paint all Muslim with the same brush. I quite like the Council of Mosque Newsletter particularly coz of the message it send to all the mosques about the Woolwhich attack and the importance of maintaining cohesion and working as one borough but maybe these kind of positive messages slipped your Islamaphobic eyes? Of course any organizations receiving funding will acknowledge the source of the funding and maybe this newsletter goes a bit too far. The Council of Mosque is a very credible organization representing the majority of the mosques in the borough so dont try to drag it down with your dirty politics. Perhaps you would like to explore (As a credible journalist shoudl) in depth the value and the money the Council saves from engaging with faith organisations from improving school attendance, reducing substance misuse, reducing crime and improving cohesion or picking up the mess being made of the community from the ConDem Government policies. This will be the same policy if John Biggs came into power (who by the way is begging the Council of Mosque for support) or Peter Golds (Ofcourse that will never happen, haha Peter). In a borough where over 80% of the community have religious belief we should not shy away from working with faith organisations no matter what secularist says as long as we can create a community where EVERYONE can respect each other and get on but this does not mean they have to be best friend. A journalist is supposed to be fair, independent, respectful but I don’t think you know what these words mean. Your like a puppet of Andrew Gilligan and I see the same kind of relationship that used to exist between George Bush and Tony Blair 🙂
Why aren’t any women involved in the decision-making CoM’s process?
Do you think they should be?
And are you saying it’s Islamophobic to ask?
“improving cohesion” – see NewSpeak dictionary:
“consolidating Muslim self-ghettoisation”
80% of people have faith? You cannot possibly know that.
There is no such thing as Islamaphobia. A phobia is an irrational fear. There is nothing irrational in rejecting Islam. We don’t want Britain to become an Islamic country, we don’t want to be governed by Islamic rules.
I’ll say it again, religion has no place in civil society. Take your desert dogma elsewhere.
He means 80% of people in LBTH are Bangladeshi
you’re way off. check latest census. Deluded people are a danger to society.
The comments by Saracens clearly demonstrate that Lutfur’s policy is: “all residents will contribute taxes on an equal basis, but the lion’s share of the benefits will go to Bangladeshi male dominated organisations”. It is not surprising that virtually all of his support comes from that community. Those who challenge this policy, such as Peter Golds, are dubbed racists.
70% of tower Hamlets electors are not Bangladeshi and should be well motivated to kick him out at the first possible opportunity.
the only problem is kicking out Lutfur means restoring Labour to power and after all Lutfur (et al) were all Labour. It will be a return to the status quo ante which was far from satisfactory and kept all the shit we hate so much a secret. The 70% need to vote to kick Lutfur (ex Labour) and Labour out, forever.
I think people play the race card too frequently thereby doing a disservice to the community they are defending. It is perfectly okay to question the motives behind some of the policies the mayor has introduced. It is also right and proper to ask why some communities vote in certain ways.
I think there are some good explanations for both here. Its upto individuals to make their own judgements.
For what its worth I think Ted is tunnel visioned in his petsuit to prove the mayor is corrupt, but he’s not racist. Ted is asking legitimate questions about the mayor and the Bangladeshi community. However, deliberately or otherwise, Ted is not talking about the great progress Tower Hamlets has made in terms of education, housing, regeneration etc.
It would be worth analysing who is responsible for these. As the commander in chief, Lutfur would probably take credit so it doesn’t fit Ted’s agenda, hence the silence.
Clearly this is a subjective look at TH politics from Ted’s tower block. He just needs a pair of binoculars.
Imran – Ted Jeory is not an elected politician and has no obligation to keep everybody happy. If you don’t like this blog, you don’t have to read it, and you can write whatever you like.
Lutfur is an elected politician, and has to justify himself to the voters.
On some of the issues you mention – it is difficult to see how Lutfur can claim responsibility for progress in education. This is financed by government grants.
Housing policies seem to favour the Bangladeshi community. For example, the policy that homes should have separate kitchens rather than open plan is an issue for Muslim communities, where men and women socialise separately. The increase in the proportion of 4/5 bedroom homes being built is designed to meet the needs of those who live in extended family units.
Large grants are given to mosques masquerading as community organisations, such as the Docklands Community Organisation, which has been handed a site which on the open market would be worth millions.
There must also be serious questions as to how the proposed Island Gardens development was even considered by officers.
The old Poplar Town Hall was sold at a knock down price of £800,000 to an offshoot of Channel S. Limehouse Library was also sold at a knock down price.
the list goes on…..
Thanks, Imran..but you’re wrong about the tunnel-visioned suggestion. I’m well aware of the progress being made in various areas and they’re documented ad nauseam in East End Life.
It’s my general view that politicians are too easily blamed for some policy failures and too quick to take credit for the success of others. The progress in education from a v low base pre-dates Lutfur and I suspect thanks should really go to some brilliant teachers and headteachers as well as Christine Gilbert, Kevan Collins and, to a less degree, Isabel Cattermole.
Lutfur should take credit for not interfering with this.
However, this blog will continue to probe those areas over which Lutfur does have real control and that’s where he should be really judged. His abuse of the grants system to buy votes and reward cronies and criminals (I speak of the power behind Channel S) using the largely bullshit cover of One Tower Hamlets and equality is particularly worrying.
Sorry folks, just killing time waiting for the early morning meal for Ramadan. Won’t have time to write rubbish like this from Thursday onwards 🙂
I don’t mean to dig, but if you think for yourself for just a short time you will see that there is no such thing as divinity. Nobody has ever been given divine messages from god, because there is no god. It does not matter whether they call themselves Muslims or Christians. Get used to it guys this is it, there is no heaven. Make the most of your time on earth. It’s time we dumped religion all together. It is holding us back as a species and diving us as a borough.
Why didn’t you say this a month ago? I just starved myself for a whole month. If nothing else, managed to loose some weight. Also feel greatly enegised and strangely enlightened. Not a bad return on a little bit of effort. You should try it next year.
I’ll keep reading this blog if its okay Andrew. What can I say, I’m a nosy neighbour.
Eid Mubarak to those celebrating end of Ramadan.
I’m no fan of religion myself but if your measured and good-humoured comments are Ramadan-inspired, I think you’re right; a few more of Ted’s readers should give fasting a go next year. I do think it’s right to scrutinise those in power though. I’ll give Ted the benefit of the doubt that he’d be questioning whoever was in power if they were buying votes or selling favours. Like they do.
You clearly aren’t aware of my work on the ELA when Labour was in power. I’ve had daggers from all sides.
Afraid of the light, Freedom?
If you want to feel enlightened I suggest you delve into the rich literature that there is in the English language as well as opening your eyes to the many scientific facts about how the Earth became to be and how we evolved as a species. And how we are lucky that we exist in a time where life expectancy in high. Note that the majority of humans that have ever been born did not make it past their 25th birthday.
As planet earth is over 4.5 billion years old, its a little odd is it not that god only decides to put in an appearance in the last say 2 thousand years? Bear in mind humans have existed for around 150,000 years.
None of the above had anything to do with a man in the sky and or his chosen ‘messenger’/prophet’.
And if you need primitive superstition to guide you to lose weight, then I really can’t help you.
Peace to all atheists out there. Lets hope the human race survives long enough to be saved from all the theists who’s delusions threaten our existence as a race.
These leaflets are now being scattered across the Isle of Dogs, indiscriminately. Clearly plugging the Mayor in “THIRD PARTY” leaflets, without any imprint, is the latest way Lutfur has of evading laws on election expenses.
They’ll be lots of things like this over the next few months and rather than attacking the Mayor we as residents should ask Labour and the Conservatives for definitive responses, that is after all what opposition parties are meant to do. I think the quality of opposition in this borough is appalling.
Labour should be forced to either support these types of programs or risk losing the support of people who are not wedded to patronage politics. Ted I think you have a bit of a role to play here, and wherever possible I think you should ask political leaders to respond directly to these issues now that we’re in the run up to the local elections.
Cllr Sirajul Islam gave a rabbling response on the grant programme and John Biggs’ wasn’t much better:
“We are committed to the decisions the mayor has made this week [Faith Grants Programe ] we don’t give him a blank cheque. We consider each decision he makes and weigh it up against his commitments and justifications and other priorities.”
Well aren’t the Conservatives going to I don’t know – ask Labour why they are ‘committed to the decision’? Isn’t there an interesting response there to be teased out? Isn’t anybody going to ask Labour to justify given the content of this blog post where Labour has ‘weighed it up against his commitments and justifications and other priorities’? Don’t any of our opposition Cllrs have any sharp questions to ask at the full council? If not what good are they?
Lutfur and the Independents are what they are and I don’t think there’s any steam in attacking them for that or expecting better behaviour but on the same premise why don’t you guys say anything to Labour who have been running around at these sorts of events, there are many photographs plastered all over social media of them doing it. The Labour Party is the group of people who we should expect better from.
Women are not required to and traditionally don’t attend mosques. An explanation for why they don’t have meaningful representations on mosque boards perhaps?
You’re a bit of a cretin aren’t you? From the choice of pictures to the convenient omission of context and objective representation to the lazy, cock-eyed narcissism that convinced you the template of tropes used against Jews historically can be applied to Muslims as well (because religious types are all plotting your demise presumably?), I don’t think I’ve ever failed not to notice the gutter brand of yellow journalism you produce whenever I’ve taken a cursory look here.
You are an embodiment of the rot within the Labour party, a party that is out of ammo and feeding on droppings to enervate its muscles. Tosser.
Before your ego starts seeking comfort, I am not, never have been or will be any associate of Respect, Lutfur or IFE. I am an ordinary TH British Muslim with Labour leanings alas. Not anymore and certainly not with stunted dunderheads like you about.
Faisal
Thanks.
Would you like to see more women on mosque boards?
PS – am not in any way associated or aligned with the Labour Party. Though I do q like their values around equality and women’s rights.
…and Faisal, you are the embodiment of the rot inside England, to paraphrase your diatribe
Ted, it’s been a while since you posted here! perhaps on your holidays. Anyway, hope to read about you keeping up the good work soon !!
It has been a while and apologies: I’ve been on holiday and clearing my head on TH antics for a while! The blog will return next week.
Ted please consider an article on the Liberal Democrat and Tory Mayoral candidates. Surely they must have chosen one by now?