£1.50
spectrum
March 1, 2017
Issue no. 1
: d l a n o D e h T A month of et? Y t a e r G a ic r e Is Am
BREXIT
Does anyone know what it means? Page 10
EXTREMISM IN EUROPE The right-wing tsunami Page 18
SYRIASLY?
Western hypocrisy to Syria Page 26
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WELCOME
“MAKE POLITICS GREAT AGAIN” A very big welcome to the first edition of ‘spectrum’ - a political magazine that aims to inform you of current affairs in the form of entertainment. If you find reading political stories boring but want to keep updated with what’s going on in the world, you’ve come to the right place. From now on, you will want to read about politics. This month has been, busy, to put it nicely. Donald Trump has completed his first month as president of the United States, Theresa May has had a tough time trying to negotiate Britain’s exit from the European Union and the seismic right-wing tsunami across Europe is showing no signs of showing down. This issue of spectrum will cover all these aspects and more, offering an often sarcastic, satirical and opinionated take on all things politics. We would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the making of this magazine, and all those who have picked up our first copy. We hope you enjoy! the
ISSUE NO. 1
Owen McMahon Editor
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team
John Kesrouani Editor
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AMERICA
EUROPE
4
Trump’s America: A Month Gone
18
Rise Of The Far-Right In Europe
6
The Wall Of Shame
20
Le Pen & Trump: A Perfect Match
Iraq: Count Us Out Mate
22
EU Referendum: The Key Dates
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A month has passed since Donald Trump moved into the White House. So, just how much damage has he done?
Trump gets all the media attention for his administration’s actions, but what about his staff? We’ve got it covered!
The first attempt failed, and so did the second - Trump is having great trouble with banning Muslims from his country.
Europe is being infiltrated by far-right political groups mimicking the success of Trump, UKIP, etc. But who are they?
Both outsiders. Both polarising. Both, interesting, characters. They’re a match made in right-wing heaven (or hell?)
From Britain's decision to leave the European Union to Article 50 being triggered - a timeline of 'Brexit'.
"Your Friendly Neighbourhood Gun Shop" America and guns - a tragic love story. Come and explore Chuck's friendly neighbourhood gun store!
REST OF WORLD BRITAIN 10
Brexit: What Does It Actually Mean?
12
Crossed My Fingers So It Doesn't Count
13
Don't Worry Grandpa, The Tab's On Us
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Jeremy Corbyn: Politician or Cult Leader?
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25
Use Them Or Lose Them
26
Syriasly?
Our prime minister insists ‘Brexit means Brexit’ - but does she even know what it means? Does anyone know what it means?!
Theresa May inherited a manifesto she didn't create - so why should she stick to the promise her party made to Britain?
The Tories have worn down our NHS to the brink. Looks like we're going to have to help the elderly ourselves.
You either love him, or you hate him. But is Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn more of a fictional cult leader than a politician? It seems that way...
Sturgeon's Brave Take On Independence Fair play to her, she's passionate. But not so clever. Nicola Sturgeon has got her wish: A second referendum on Scotland's status in the United Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia isn't exactly a safe place. More so for women than men. Use them, or they'll leave.
The west: The situation in Syria is devastating, we have to help them. But we should also bomb them too!
ADDITIONAL 28
The Pensioner's Section: Economics & Finance
29
Word Search & Our Monthly Quiz
30
Donald Trump's Tweets Of The Month
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TRUMP’S AMERICA: A MONTH GONE
By Owen McMahon Well that was a shit storm, wasn’t it? We had all predicted and come to expect a turbulent first month for Donald Trump as 45th president of the United States - and he hasn’t disappointed (in that sense). From the questionable cabinet appointments to the controversial executive orders and erratic late-night tweet rants – let’s look back at the Donald’s first month in his new job. Where to start? Okay, okay, let’s begin with the Muslim ban. Or as Donald calls it, the ‘travel ban’. You know, because the change of wording makes the executive order to ban citizens from seven majority Muslim countries from the US completely and utterly not racist. One of the new president’s very first actions was to ban citizens from Syria, Somalia, Sudan Libya, Iraq, Iran and Yemen from entering the United States. For now, anyway. In the mind of a moral citizen, what a horrific concept. America is moving backwards.
However, his ‘fans’ (good god) believe this is the best presidential action of all time. The 1863 Emancipation Proclamation? Pfft. It’s got nothing on the 2017 Muslim Ban. See what I mean about America moving backwards? Ironically, there are several majority Muslim countries, that pose a significantly higher risk to the US than those on the list, that Donald has conveniently forgotten about. Saudi Arabia? Turkey? Lebanon? What do these all have in common? Trump does business in these countries. Of course. AMERICA FIRST! Next up, the wall. It took Donald only five days to sign an executive order on getting started with building the bloody wall. If, for some bizarre reason, you don’t know what ‘the wall’ is - it’s (going to be) a physical barrier covering the entire US-Mexico border. Oh, and Mexico will (not) be funding the $15billion wall that they don’t want. The president reacted to these claims on Twitter: “Mexico will pay every dollar of the wall. Sick of all this FAKE news.”
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(Photo sourced from CC)
We’ll get on to his Twitter later. That’s a whole different spectacle. But first, we have to mention the fact that Donald, who claims to love and respect women (despite several sexual harassment accusations and evidence of him degrading women in the past) has taken a real step to winning them over. How? He has removed funding for organisations that provide or discuss abortions. Because of this action, a woman who is raped and consequently falls pregnant, cannot abort that baby. Good work, president.
“BECAUSE OF THIS ACTION, A WOMAN WHO IS RAPED AND CONSEQUENTLY FALLS PREGNANT, CANNOT ABORT THAT BABY. GOOD WORK, PRESIDENT.” On top of all this, positive, presidential action - we have to look at Trump’s Twitter.
Bored at night? Ran out of Netflix shows to watch? I can assure you, Donald Trump’s social media presence is as entertaining as ‘Game of Thrones’ or ‘Walking Dead’. Whether it’s making the outrageous claim that Barrack Obama has had the Trump tower wire tapped for the last few months or going after Hollywood legends such as Meryl Streep for simply having an opinion, it never disappoints in terms of entertainment. Expect daily references to ‘fake news’, excessive capitalisation and generally farfetched, not very presidential claims. So what can we conclude here? President Donald Trump (still sounds god awful doesn’t it) has had an, interesting, thirty days in his new job. He’s gone after Muslims, Mexicans, Hollywood, women, the former president... And that’s only touching on a few. On a serious note, Trump has further divided the American people and now foreign leaders and their citizens are extremely sceptical of what is arguably the most powerful country on earth. Thirty days too much, America.
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Donald Trump is a divisive figure who incites discrimination against a variety of ‘minority groups’ across the United States. This is well-known and well-documented by the media. However, a lot of the controversial executive orders comes from those behind the scenes - his administration. So, we have taken it upon ourselves to pick apart the president’s cabinet and give some of his colleagues the ultimate honour - a place on spectrum's 'Wall Of Shame'.
Name: Betsy DeVos Age: 59 Occupation: Secretary of Education
Name: Jeff Sessions Age: 70 Occupation: Attorney General
Why Betsy? Betsy’s ability to be given the most important role in the education sector without ANY experience in education is an outstanding feat. Her ability to dodge questions at a hearing about her new role was inspirational. I’m sure she earned her role off merit, not her billionaire status. Obviously.
Why Jeff? Where to start? He’s praised the KKK, he’s lied under oath and he has had ‘secret’ meetings with Russia. We can only speculate what else Jeff is up to. This, along with all his other questionable views, makes him one of the most worthy of a spot on the Wall of Shame. Congratulations, Jeff!
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Name: Stephen Bannon Age: 63 Occupation: Chief Strategist
Name: Ben Carson Age: 65 Occupation: Secretary of Housing
Why Stephen? Where do we start with big Steve? Maybe the fact that he ran ‘Breitbart News’ - a “news site” promoting white supremacy, anti-LGBTQ+ and antiMuslim views. An inspiration to the kids of today. Truly. What a legend!
Why Ben? Similar to Betsy, we’re looking at the Secretary of Housing who has no experience in the housing industry and has never lived in government housing. Not many other men could accomplish such a thing. Marvelous.
Name: Tom Price Age: 62 Occupation: Secretary of Health
Name: Rick Perry Age: 67 Occupation: Secretary of Energy
Why Tom? The man is absolutely filling the women of America with confidence in the new establishment. I mean, believing women shouldn’t have the right to abort is simply, admirable. But hey, that’s a discussion for another day. Well done, Tom.
Why Rick? ‘If you ignore the problem, it doesn’t exist’ - Isaac Newton. Perry is part of the ‘climate change is a hoax’ crew. It was made up by China. It’s not real! Definitely the type of person you want running the energy sector! You're in safe hands, America.
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United States
(Photo sourced from CC)
IRAQ: Count us out mate A fresh new law banning citizens from Muslim majority countries has been revised after Mr trump didn’t get his way first time round. A second banning law has been implemented after Nearly a month after Trump’s first one on the 27th of January to ban citizens from seven different Islamic countries from entering had been denied. The new travel ban comes into place on the 16th of March, in oppose to imminently where citizens from these Islamic countries were 30,000 ft up in the air on their way to the US with no clue that they would be denied entry.
By John Kesrouani
The revised order now only applies to future visa applications, ones with current visa arrangements will not be banned from the “land of the free”. Oh one more thing, Iraq was having none of it. After its prime minister rang up Mr trump asking why their citizens were banned when they’re fighting the same people,Trump replied with “ Oh yeah I forgot about that, your welcome any time” - well not exactly that, but probably along those lines. This new ban has a similar problem to the first one: there is no clear explanation of how the restrictions on banning
citizens from seven Muslim majority countries enhances national security. The new order includes a few sentences from the state department report of 2016 explaining how these restrictions enhances national security, but yet the order can be compared to a student essay - containing no support for its thesis. The thinking behind categorical bans for Muslim majority countries to enhance national security remains as suspect as ever. Or, this is a plausible way of covering the fact that he just wants to ban Muslims: The thumb-print of Mr Trumps campaign promise.
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(Photo sourced from CC)
“Your Friendly neighbourhood gun shop”
By John Kesrouani
Deep into the suburbs of Chicago sits a town named Riverdale. This town is like any other town. It has restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets, and a dignified funeral establishment. This establishment offers funeral services for those who have sadly passed away starting for reasonable prices. Right next to this place is a Gun store. Yes thats right, A GUN STORE. Chuck’s gun store seems like a reasonable safe store, where those with permits can buy guns for hunting or to feel safe when absolutely necessary, because guns are designed to keep violence at bay right? According to the Brady campaign, more guns involved in violent crimes were traced back to our friend Chuck between 1996 and 2000 than anywhere else. 2370 weapons to be exact. Dan Gross, of the Brady campaign, believes that gun stores should follow the Brady code to prevent dangerous people from acquiring guns.
The Brady code includes looking for signs from potentially dangerous buyers or rogue dealers and prevent guns falling in to the wrong hands. The code includes looking out for buyers that look clueless, these are people usually employed by others to obtain guns for them, or someone waiting outside in a car, whilst the purchase for the gun is being made. According to Adam Winkler at the University of California, the most effective way to reduce gun violence is by ensuring background checks on all gun dealers. Current laws state that background checks apply only to licensed gun dealers. The problem is, 22% of gun sales occur at gun fairs or over the internet, where a background check is not a necessity. Each state has different laws which differ
from state to state. Students in Utah, Colorado and Idaho, permit students to carry firearms onto campus premises. So not only do students in these states have the pressures of achieving high grades, blossoming in social situations, planning their future for a job, making sure they are financially secure - but also have the pressure of sitting next to someone in their end of year chemistry exam knowing that a nuthead next to them could be packing. There is no indication that the violence involving guns is coming to an end, nor do any reform changes on gun laws in the United States. After all, it’s no coincidence that a funeral store is set up next door to Chuck’s friendly neigbourhood gun shop.
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BREXIT: WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY MEAN?
(Photo sourced from CC)
spectrum
By Owen McMahon BREXIT means Brexit. Well, that’s what Theresa May has been saying ever since the British people voted to leave the European Union in a nationwide referendum on June 23rd. Despite her reassuring words, it seems to be all talk but no action. What does it actually mean? In it’s very basic form, Theresa May isn’t wrong. Brexit quite literally means Britain’s exit from the European Union. However, it’s never that easy, is it? Not when it comes to possibly the nation’s biggest political decision in modern history. People are calling for the Prime Minister to elaborate on her infamous ‘Brexit means Brexit’ statement, with the future of many Britons heavily depends on what deal Theresa May can get from this ordeal. Confusion with the whole Brexit matter is that, no one really knows what they have voted for. An extra £350million per week for the NHS? Nope. Nigel Farage has already played down that suggestion on daytime television. A reduction in immigration? Well, there is still talk that despite leaving the European Union - Britain will negotiate a deal that keeps them in the single market, henceforth keeping freedom of movement with European allies. So maybe not. It is apparent that the British government have given their people a referendum, without
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a plan for moving forward should the Leave campaign win. David Cameron knew that, should the Leave campaign win, he would be resigning anyway. So why should he leave Downing Street with a plan for Brexit? Why should he, you know, do his job (?) and serve the British people until his very last day in office? It’s fair to say that, in her defence, Theresa May didn’t inherit a stable situation as leader of Great Britain.
“BREXIT QUITE LITERALLY MEANS BRITAIN’S EXIT FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION. HOWEVER, IT’S NEVER THAT EASY IN POLITICS, IS IT?” However, she has given it a go. She has tried to give the people an answer to the ‘what does it mean’ question. But it was never going to be smooth. The government were initially taken to court under the concept that elected MPs should get a say on whether or not Britain should trigger Article 50. Isn’t that what the referendum was for? Why give power to the people, just to backtrack when the decision isn’t what you wanted? I personally did not want this result, but democracy is democracy. Anyway, they won that court case, even though the vote
ended up being in favour of leaving the European Union. Again. What a waste of bloody time. After the legal hurdles, it was all on our Prime Minister to lead us out of the European Union, and lead us well. Has she delivered? Nope. Well actually, we don’t know. We haven’t been told, so we can assume no. We have seen Theresa meeting with several European leaders to, we can only assume (as we don’t get told anything) discuss postBrexit relationship terms. Despite not being her biggest fan, our Prime Minister deserves some respect for how she has gone about delivering Brexit. Left with no plan but the responsibility to take Britain through the biggest political movement in it’s modern history, she’s done a good job. However, do we actually know what Brexit means? No. We now know that on March 29th, Theresa May will officially sign a document that triggers Article 50, meaning Britain will one hundred percent be leaving the European Union. We know it will be a ‘hard Brexit’ - leaving the single market meaning no free movement, nor free trade with European allies. But that is about all we know. I suppose we will only find out more after the leaving process finally begins on March 29th. Brace yourself, Britain.
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The conservative party manifesto
Crossed my fingers so it doesn't count By John Kesrouani
(Photo sourced from CC)
A U-turn on the national insurance tax rise leaves a A U-turn on tax has made us budget hole of £2 billion question the point of that fancy pounds and forecasters looking red briefcase across London believe that the office for budget Lets get straight to the point, the responsibilities deficit Tories have yet again caused forecasts are too optimistic public dissaray with a huge and risk leaving a £7.1 amount of backlash, especially billion pound gap in the from those who are self employed. government’s plans next The Conservatives made a pledge year. The national debt in their 2015 election manifesto could grow by tens of that they would not increase billions of pounds over the national insurance tax. What the next few years if the does Mr Hammond say will be weaker fiscal performance increasing in the opening minute continues. of his speech? You guessed it. Mr Hammond’s budget To much of Hammond’s plans are based on OBR humiliation, just one week later, estimates that borrowing the government have announced a will fall drastically next complete U-turn on increasing tax, year, dropping by just and have abolished these plans. under £18 billion pounds. Since David Cameron stepped Instead borrowing is likely down, the political outlook of the to fall much slower to £47 Tories has changed and appears billion pounds predicted unclear. The status of that red by independent forecasts briefcase that Hammond holds, compiled by the treasury, in comes in to question. oppose to OBR’s
prediction of £40.8 billion. Theresa May’s future for the Conservatives remains unclear, with many promises that David Cameron made being contradicted by May’s views. For example, the 2015 manifesto included plans to turning all underperforming schools into independent academies. May’s agenda seems to not include that, instead, her plans are to open up ‘selective’ grammar schools and completely ignore the under performing schools. There seems to be many gaps in Theresa’s game plans for the direction of the party and seems to be, that she genuinely believes that because she was not head of the Tories when the manifesto was made, that she is exempt from sticking to any of its promises.
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The NHS and social care
(Photo sourced from CC)
Don't worry grandpa, the tab’s on us By John Kesrouani
The government is prepared to put more money in to social care, but where is this money coming from? A report from last week concluded that the financial health of the NHS continues to fall which is affecting the quality of care and that the situation is unsustainable with deficits building up. As the ageing population continues, so does the demand for adequate healthcare across the UK.
The red cross made a statement in January stating
This has put a lot of pressure on the health department, and as such, they have resorted to that the NHS was facing a moving £950 million pounds “Humanitarian crisis” from the long term capital budget with almost 100% of hospitals investment to the NHS. in full occupation and only With Hammond repeatedly 86% of people seeking stating that there is simply no medical attention were seen in new money available, we are left the desired time of four hours. with two options: the government The PAC reports that the simply increases social insurance total deficit of the NHS which is automatically deducted equated to £2.5 billion from pay checks, which young pounds with a 44% increase people have slammed, with the from 2014-15. argument that they should pay The Local authorities across more tax so that the older people the UK, who are responsible can avoid using their pension, or for social care, were slammed add a compulsory levy tax. with a 10% spending cut.
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JEREMY CORBYN POLITICIAN OR CULT LEADER?
Jeremy Corbyn. You either love him, or you hate him. There’s no in-between. Jeremy is Marmite. Those that dislike him (Also known as: Tories, the media, the entire right-wing, half of his cabinet) really dislike him. They’ll do anything in their power to stop him getting any say in British politics. They label him ‘dangerous’ (really?!) and clueless (that’s a bit better). But those that like him? They love him. ‘The nicest guy in politics’. ‘The only honest politician we have’. ‘He actually cares about this country’. All comments you’d find hard to disagree with. However, the real, and more important, argument is based around his capabilities. Could he lead a country if he has such problems leading his own party? It’s a fair argument. If you trust the polls, not only are you crazy, you know the Labour leader isn’t doing so great. When reading up on social media to get views of the Jeremy Corbyn ‘fans’ to Labour’s polling - you get the same old, forgive me, ignorant views. ‘The polls are wrong anyway’. Correct. But something tells me they aren’t THAT wrong. We caught up with a self-confessed ‘Jeremy Corbyn superfan’ to find an answer to our question: A politician, or cult leader?
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An interview with... AMY MATTHEWS
Q: Why do you love Jeremy Corbyn so much? A: Well firstly, he’s a breath of fresh air for British politics. He’s actually honest, unlike most politicians these days. He’s kind, he actually cares about the people of this country and, let’s face it, he’s adorable. Q: How do you feel about the pressure on Jeremy as Labour leader, and the significantly low polling levels? A: I think the Tory-controlled media is doing exactly what it did during the 2015 general election - manipulating everyone to think the Labour leader ‘doesn’t have what it takes’. And we’re falling for it. Q: Finally, would you consider yourself a Jeremy Corbyn ‘superfan’? A: Oh definitely. I’m not crazy, mind, but I am completely passionate about Jeremy becoming our next Prime Minister. CONFIRMED: CULT LEADER.
(Photo sourced from CC)
Amy, 19, met the Labour leader in his constituency of Islington in January
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Britain Scotland
Sturgeon’s brave take on independence By John Kesrouani Surely Nicola Sturgeon is taking a massive risk in attempting to part ways with the united kingdom? I very much doubt that the country will be able to survive on trying to flog haggis to tourists to survive on their economy? The first minister thinks otherwise. Ms Sturgeon demands a referendum between 2018-19 , right in to the Brexit process, but before Britain officially takes a step outside of Europe. Ms Sturgeon popped the proposal to Theresa May, but was promptly shut down with Theresa May saying that Ms Sturgeon was “Playing politics” and creating “uncertainty and division”. However, the first minister is keen to take advantage of the ever growing support for independence. There has been a turnaround of supporters for independence with 46% of the Scots wanting to leave Britain, that’s twice as many as there were supporters in 2012. Support for an independence is growing rapidly among the young, and therefore could be a waiting game until they have the right to vote and to their advantage, fewer of the elderly unionists would be around. But even if the politics look to be in favour for Ms Sturgeon, the economy does not. The leader of Scotland insists that free trade between
(Photo sourced from CC)
Scotland and the rest of Britain will blossom, regardless of the result of the independence referendum. But this would become extremely difficult if Scotland rejoined the EU, even maintaining open borders with England would be a dooming task. Scotland sends two thirds of its trade to Britain and less than a fifth to the rest of the EU. Scotland based financial firms are quietly installing foundations in England to allow for a swift exit down south, if all goes south. A reduce in quantity of investment in the oil and gas sector has contributed to a slowdown in Scotland’s financial books. Last year Scotland’s GDP only grew by 0.7% with the rest of the country running circles around them with a 2.4% increase. This is unsustainable for a small country like Scotland and could cause many economical problems in the future. So Ms Sturgeon, forget about Independence and stick with the southerners, because lets face it, no one really likes haggis anyway.
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JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN FOR 2017! ‘Votes for 16 and 17 year olds in all public elections’
16 and 17 year old are denied the opportunity to influence key decisions that affect their lives on a day to day basis. They pay income tax and National Insurance, can get married or enter a civil partnership: they can even become the director of a company. But they can’t vote? THIS NEEDS TO CHANGE. A big step has already been made when 16 and 17-year-olds were deemed eligible to vote in all Scottish elections since May 2016. Now we need to make this nationwide. Please visit our website down below for more information. With support from:
Co-ordinated by:
ukyouthparliament.org.uk/campaign/votes-for-16and-17-year-olds-in-all-public-elections/
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Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
Europe Right wing leader profile:
Frauke Petry
Frauke Petry, aged 41, is chair of Alternative for Germany, an anti EU party found in 2013. Since becoming party leader she has stated that border police should use firearms if necessary when dealing with refugees.
Geert Wilders Greet Wilders, leader in nationalist party for freedom, founded in 2006. The 53 year old is currently on trial for allegedly provoking hatred against Dutch Moroccans, having been released of hate charges five years ago after making anti-Islam remarks.
Marine Le-Pen Marine Le-Pen, 48, leader of France’s National front has claimed that she would pull France out of NATO and that borders should “Push migrants who want to come to Europe back into international waters”. She told the BBC that she will become the third part of a global revolution after Brexit and Donald Trump.
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(Photo sourced from CC)
(All photo's below sourced from CC)
Jimmie Akesson Jimmie Akesson, aged 37, became the leader of the Sweden Democrats, whom have grown from supremacist roots, in 2005. He has created an international campaign against refugees coming to Sweden, and would like to remove the country from the EU.
Andrej Babis Andrej Babis, aged 62, current finance minister of the Czech, started the centrist ANO as an anti-corruption movement. In September he was forced to apologise to the Romanian’s after denying the existence of a second World War concentration camp.
Norbert Hofer Norbert Hofer, aged 45, is the leader of Austria’s Freedom Party and has warned that the public should arm themselves with guns as a precaution to the refugee crisis. “Those who do not value our country, Who fight for ISIS or who rape women, This is not your homeland”.
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DATING PROFILE Age: 48 Lives: Neuilly-sur-Seine, France Occupation: Party leader Likes: French (white) people Hates: Anyone who isn’t French About Her: Marine Le Pen is a French politician/lawyer who currently leads right-wing political party, ‘Front National’. She is running to become prime minister in the upcoming 2017 elections. It is reported that Le Pen is quite the romantic. According to reports, Le Pen once took a British date (called Nigel) to Nando’s - paying the entire bill and then going for drinks in spoons! Looking for: A nice, strong, white man. Orange will do. Must love France and hate immigrants.
LET’S FIND HER A MATCH, SHALL WE?
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searching...
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EU Referendum: The key dates As Britain prepares for the official proceedings in triggering article 50, here is a time-line of key dates you need to know
March 2017: On the 29th of March Theresa May signed the letter that will trigger Brexit and leave 47.5% of the British public unhappy, not so popular are you May?
February 2017: The Brexit bill was sent through to the parliament with a debate lasting for two days where a vote was conducted to send the legislation to the next parliamentary stage. MPs backed the Brexit bill which was made to give Theresa May the right to invoke Article 50. The bill went through a committee stage which gives MPs the opportunity for further revisions of the bill. The house of Lords tried to amend the right because they have some common sense, but unfortunately this was rejected and has now been given royal clearance. (Photo sourced from CC)
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April 2017: Donald Tusk has announced that European leaders will meet on the 29th of April for a British summit to agree on a response for Britain's demands. Theresa May’s official spokesperson said “It will precipitate a shift in our role in the World and see Britain begin a bold new chapter as a prosperous, open and global nation.” But how does closing borders see Britain as an “open” nation? Guess we’ll have to wait to find out.
2019: See you later Europe? The UK is scheduled to leave the EU by the end of March 2017. Britain may withdraw from the EU two years after it signs to leave. During this time there will be lengthy negotiations between the UK and Europe on agendas such as free movement and trade deals. The British prime minister has said “I want us to have reached an agreement about our future partnership by the time the two-year Article 50 process has concluded. From that point onwards, we believe a phased process of implementation.” With all that said, with the rise of the right wing status in Europe, maybe, just maybe, Theresa May might be on to something for a prosperous future of freeing Britain from the shackles of Brussels rule.
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Saudi Arabia
Use them or lose them By John Kesrouani
Sick and tired of being treated as inferior, some Saudi women are setting off. Can the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia keep its women? The restrictions for women offer little power for financial gain, power and say. Although not well documented around the world, the only country with a female driving ban imposes harsh limitations that are seen as absurd to the western world. Saudi women will need the consent of a Wali - A male guardian in order to travel, work or study, receive an ID card or even receive treatment at a hospital. Women have been jumping ship out of this conundrum by escaping on family trips abroad, going abroad to study with no intention of returning, at the governments expense. Other have spent expenditure on men willing to whisk them abroad by offering them marriages of convenience. Hassan al-Maliki, a theologian in Riyadh, who has previously been jailed for his ‘free-thinking’ explains that these Saudi laws are not rooted from Islam itself but from the Bedouin customs that hold power and sway in many Arab countries. These are people that have descended
(Photo sourced from CC)
from tribes in the land of Arabian countries that have lived outside cities or towns. Hassan explains that the prophet Mohammed’s first wife, Khadija, was a merchant. His other wives traveled from Medina to Mecca without him, thus being freed. Saudi Arabia is losing many of its talent, subsequently losing money, making the state poorer. Saudi Arabia sends 150,000 students a year to study abroad, with more than a quarter of students being women. The government spends $5 billion dollars a year in trying to educate its students, and are put in a magnificent financial loss when they learn that
many of their female students choose to defer their return indefinitely. Najah alOsaimi is a Saudi student that traveled to Britain to study who is one of many who has settled with no plans of coming back to her homeland.
“ Saudi Arabia is losing the battle to keep its talent”
Nonetheless many women are revolting with the traditional laws rooted from th Bedouin norms and are seen riding motorbikes, skateboards, wheelies, rollerskates any other wheeled vehicles that they can legally
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SYRIASLY?
By Owen McMahon
The Syrian Civil War has been arguably the most devastating conflict of modern times. We have seen entire cities destroyed. We have seen dead children found washed up on beaches. We have seen a long and deadly conflict. Over five years since the fighting begun and over 250,000 Syrians are reported to have lost their lives. 11 million people have been displaced from their homes. That’s not even mentioning some of the barbaric killings that have been carried out and broadcast by the so-called Islamic State. Because of this, the situation in Syria is on high alert. We’re all aware of the conflict. We’re all aware of the refugee crisis. So why do we, the west, continue to hypocritically sit back and do nothing, despite delivering all the right rhetoric? Just sit back and consider this a minute. Because initially, it took myself a while to realise just how ironic the whole situation is. In 2016 alone, then-president Barrack Obama dropped exactly 12,192 bombs on Syria. Meanwhile, Obama delivered several speeches, often against Trump’s ‘antiimmigration’ ideology, saying we need to do all we can to help the people of Syria. On December 2nd, 2016, British politicians voted in favour of a bill that allows the British air force to begin a series of aerial assaults on Syria. Yet both
then-Prime Minister David Cameron and current Prime Minister Theresa May have, on countless occasions, spoke in favour of helping Syrian refugees find safety in Britain. The irony is somewhat comical for a very serious issue. The hypocrisy doesn’t stop there, either. It’s not just western leaders and politicians, it lies with the public too. ISIS have gunned down hundreds in a French theatre? Disaster. ISIS have blown up an entire village in Syria? Happens there all the time. Tragic terror attack in Germany? Time to change our Facebook profile pictures, light up the Eiffel Tower and express our solidarity in a time of need. Tragic terror attack in Syria? No profile pictures. No lighting up the Eiffel Tower. No unity. It is down-right hypocrisy and shows that the west care very little for what happens East of Germany. It’s time to change. Why do we care more for our Western allies than the East? We need to start treating Syria the same as we do our European allies. We need to stop dropping bombs on their heads. We need to stop being hypocrites and help bring a peaceful end to their deadly civil war.
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(Photo sourced from CC)
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The pensioner’s section: Economic and financial indicators
Markets Index March 15
One week
20,950.1
+0.5
+6.0
+6.0
China (SSEA)
3,394.6
nil
+4.5
+5.0
Britain (FTSE 100)
7,368.6
+0.5
+3.2
+2.0
Japan (Nikkei 225)
19,577.4
+1.7
+2.4
+4.2
Canada (S&P TSX) 15,520.9 Euro area (FTSE euro 100) 1,154.2
+0.2 +0.8
+1.5 +3.8
+1.2 +4.6
Austria (ATX)
+0.1
+7.6
+8.4
United States (DJIA)
2,816.8
In local currency
In dollar Terms
Belgium (BEL 20)
3,759.8
+1.6
+4.3
+5.1
France (CAC 40)
4,985.5
+0.5
+2.5
+3.3
Germany (DAX)
12,0009
+0.4
+4.6
+5.4
Greece (Athex Comp)
633.0
-2.5
-1.7
-0.9
Italy (FTSE/MIB)
19,774.0
+1.5
+2.8
+3.6
Spain (MADRID SE)
1,006.2
+1.2
+6.6
+7.5
Czech Republic (PX)
979.2
+0.7
+6.2
+7.1
Denmark (OMXCB)
824.3
+1.4
+3.3
+4.1
Hungary (BUX)
32,636.2
+0.3
+2.0
+2.3
Netherlands (AEX)
511.7
+1.8
+5.9
+6.7
Norway (OSEAX)
769.0
+0.5
+0.6
+0.6
Poland (WIG)
Turkey (BIST)
59,109.2
89,445.5
+0.9
+14.2
+17.5
Switzerland (SMI)
8,688.9
+0.7
+5.7
+6.6
India (BSE)
29,398.1
+1.7
+10.4
+14.1
Indonesia (JSX)
5,432.4
+0.7
+2.6
+3.4
Hong Kong (Hang Seng)
23,792.9
Malaysia (KLSE)
1,717.4
Thailand (SET)
1,540.8
nil
nil
+14.5 +8.1
+8.1
+7.9
-0.5
+4.6
+5.5
-0.7
-0.1
+1.5
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Word search and Quiz
World Leaders Word Search 1. Donald Trump 2. Theresa May 3. Narendra Modi 4. XI Jinping 5. Mauricio Macri 6. Kim Jong Un 7. Vladimir Putin 8. Justin Trudeau 9. Enrique Pena Niet 10. Francois Hollande
Quiz of the month
1. Which author did Tim Kaine quote during his joint concession speech with Hillary Clinton? 2. Who won New Hampshire’s Senate race? 3. As election results rolled in, which TV commentator said racial tensions caused a “white-lash” that helped drive Donald Trump’s Rust Belt victories? 4. Who won Wisconsin’s Senate race? 5. Which TV network scored the first interview with President-elect Donald Trump? ANSWERS 1. william faulkner 2. Maggie Hassan 3.Van Jones 4. Ron Johnson 5. CBS
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(Photo sourced from CC)
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Donald Trump’s
Tweets of the month
page 31
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