What happened to us? We used to see success as a good thing; we encouraged, supported and applauded it – even socialists did not begrudge people their financial successes, they just said: ‘that’s not for me’

The right believed in enterprising and a smaller state where people are bigger than the government. Where individuals are trusted to know what’s best for them and the government’s job was to protect its citizens and help those who needed help by giving them a hand up. The left believed government knew best and decided how people should live their lives and gave handouts. But in spite of their ideological differences both celebrated and cheered achievements when and where ever they happened.

I appreciate times are hard, and believe we all need to pull together if we are to ride this tide. But also believe in personal responsibility and private charity, and in nudging those with deeper pockets to do more for their communities. That’s why I find the vulturous attitude towards some extremely disturbing, it is that mentality what created the divisions we see in our society today. That ‘us and them’ attitude inherited from 13 years of confused socialism is what gave birth to the entitlement mindset we saw burning and looting in London Streets last August.

And when politicians and clergymen make it their business to incite division who can we turn to for balance and sound guidance?

I might not sound ‘progressive’ but maybe it is time for some good old fashioned Keep Calm and Carry On. However, it is definitely time we stop demonizing success and those who succeed because success is not the enemy.

Calls for Sir Fred Goodwin, to be stripped of his Knighthood are mean-spirited plus they are demeaning for the Honors system and consequently our nation. I think all three party leaders are dodging the real issue here and should focus on finding solutions to the banking system, its regulation, practices and other functions – specially leading.

Besides, why now, what suddenly changed!?

I understand if Sir Goodwin was found guilty and convicted of a crime in a court of law – which then means he has dishonored the crown and the nation – but not because we now don’t like bankers he should be made the scapegoat, especially when we have convicted jail birds still titled!

And, even though Fred Goodwin was the head of the Royal Bank of Scotland, he is not the only person to blame for its collapse. What happened in banking and the culture of banking, whether in the UK or the US, is far too complex to balm on anyone person, and it is the duty of politicians to understand it and legislate to protect the public form it happing again – but not pass sentences to temporarily appease those who scream the loudest.

Furthermore, if an independent body decides who should or should not be honored then it’s the duty of that body or a similar body to decide who should or should not be stripped off that honor, but definitely not politicians.

The culture of having someone or something to blame when things go wrong is a dangerous trap and both leaders and politicians should be careful not to fall in it. Fred Goodwin made mistakes during his leadership but so did Gordon Brown, Tony Blair, John Major and Baroness Thatcher, many people do every day. People make mistakes but we need to remember that only those who take risks chance making mistakes because the ones who play it safe don’t.

Punishing Goodwin for making a mistake – for decisions that at the time had the blessings of everyone – is a bigger mistake than him losing RBS’ money because of the signal it sends. If we start rewarding people for doing good then later when we feel different dishonor them, no one will risk taking a chance on anything – and just imagine a world without exploring and looking for new solutions, cures and ways of doing things better.

All those who are today calling for his head need to be very, very careful were their calls might lead to. They will undoubtedly set a precedent, maybe even open a Pandora’s Box and no telling who or what mistake will fall prey next!

It’s a big mistake, very, very big, HUGE mistake!

Michael Ashcroft gives HERE the best economic and enterprising argument and justification for why Britain and the Commonwealth should make building a privately – financed replacement for Britannia for HM the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee a priority. He also led the way and set the ball rolling by donating £5 million to a charitable trust for the project – which I am sure many philanthropists will follow suit.

Just think about the jobs and the goodwill such a project will create. I would like to add my support to this project and once a trust is in place I too will donate albeit a far more modest amount to this cause.

It feels like no one is listening nor cares what Labour is saying anymore!

First came the no polices blank sheet of paper we want the public to decide business. Then they opposed everything the coalition government put forward, without offering any alternatives, or putting anything on their blank sheet of paper. This weekend Ed Balls accepted (and Ed Miliband didn’t reject) that the cuts the current government implementing were inevitable and Labour can’t promise if they win the next election they will reverse them. Yesterday the unions shamed their partners (Labour) and
Harriet Harman denied everything the two Eds said just a few hours before.

Nevertheless, the public and even some lefties don’t seem too bothered – they don’t seem to care what Labour says or not say – seems people just simply stopped bothering with Labour!

Saw Beyoncé‘s latest promotional poster and had to do a double take, because the person on the poster looked nothing like the Beyoncé we know and love. For a nanosecond, I considered it might be me, maybe my prescription needed changing. Joking aside, I took a long look at the very beautiful photo of the stunning woman and wondered if it’s the industry, success or both?

Remember Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall Album Cover? Years later when his mega platinum album Thriller came out, the Michael on the cover wasn’t the same one we saw growing up. Back then photo shopping wasn’t what it is today, but still we saw what an obsession with changing more than hair colour and style looked like by the time Invincible came out.

Is Mrs. Carter going down the same route and if so…why!?

How is it acceptable for Diane Abbott MP, two weeks ago, to say: “White people love to divide and rule, we should not play their game” and keep her frontbench post!

But when Tom Harris MP used a spoofed Hitler clip it cost him his job!?

Putting to one side the taste, political correctness and everything about the contents of either incident, the method the Labour party handled the two situations raises serious concerns about their judgment and thoroughness and the message that sends.

As a black/African/nonwhite mother of two, I am concerned that Ms. Abbott only escaped punishment either because of her gender, her skin colour or both – and very troubled of the message that discrimination sends to young people across the country. Especially when we are constantly told that we are equals, and share equal opportunities with equal responsibilities!

Will any Labour official care to explain why there is one rule for Abbott and another for Harris?

Well, if they are, today is not ….

*Michael Gove suggesting we buy our Queen a Royal Yacht, was surprisingly meet with objections by non other than the Deputy Prime Minster, how bizarre! The said Yacht could cost between 60, 65 million pounds, a lot on money by any account. However, the yacht will not stay tucked away and only get used by Her Majesty! It will be used for trade, events (official and otherwise), bring in business and pay for itself many times over.

To put it in prospective, it will cost every man, woman and child one pound each, but it’s returns and significance will far surpass whatever money we spend on building it.

*Cllr Colin Barrow resigning as leader of Westminster City Council shows the measure of the man. I’m positive his borough will miss him but his decision to step down so he can help others to learn from his experiences in business and politics is honorable and a great example that should be mirrored in other corridors.

*Sad to see Jon Huntsman withdraw from the Republican race but elated at the news that he will today endorsed Mitt Romney, who most believe is the best candidate to beat President Barack Obama in November. Let’s get this show on the road!

*Last but by all means not least, is Luke Bozier defecting from Labour to the Conservatives. Luke might not be a high level party personality but nonetheless he is a successful businessman, a Bairite Labour Party official who became disaffected by the direction Labour is taking and decided to join the Conservatives.

He said: “I had the privilege to work alongside our most successful leader, Tony Blair, and I look back at that time fondly. But when I watch Tony’s old speeches, it makes me confused and sad about the direction the party is now taking.”

Watch and Enjoy – The ever changing always tantalizing Madonna

Is the lasted Obamamania to hit the airwaves, all complete with Oprah’s bosom buddy Gayle King CBS interview and other defenders like James B. Peterson coming to the first lady’s aid.

It all started on Tuesday when Jodi Kantor, the New York Times reporter who’s new an authorized biography book about America’s first family, The Obamas, hit the stands. Kantor, who reported extensively on the First Lady for the Times since the election, got in trouble when the White House described her book as “an overdramatization of old news” claiming that she hadn’t spoken to either of her subjects in years. That was followed with a list of alleged inaccuracies and the CBS interview.

Out of 200 interviewed for the book, 33 were with White House staffers who gave accounts of witnessed clashes between the First Lady and staff including the then – White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel and the former – press secretary Robert Gibbs. Since the book’s launch only Mr. Gibbs apologized for cursing at Mrs. Obama in frustration with her relentless demands.

However, we all remember, when in February 2008 Michelle Obama said: “for the first time in my adult life I am proud of my country because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback”. Many will see that remark as the frustrations of an angry woman!