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Principles under fire: does it still make sense to be neutral?
31-12-2003 Article, Humanitarian Exchange, December 2003
Five arguments frequently advanced against neutrality are discussed in this article by Marion Harroff-Tavel, the ICRC's Deputy Director for International Law and Cooperation within the Movement, originally published in the December 2003 edition of "Humanitarian Exchange" (UK).
Neutrality, a commonly misunderstood principle of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is once again in the line of fire.
Yet those of us who work for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) firmly believe that neutrality provides a sound basis for action.
This article discusses five arguments frequently advanced against neutrality, and raises some questions of its own at a time when world views are becoming increasingly oppositional, seemingly leaving little room for neutrality.
The ICRC and neutrality
First, a few words about neutrality as we see it in our daily work. To the ICRC, neutrality does not imply aloofness, but compassion for war victims, in the etymological sense of 'suffering with', or being by their side. Nor does neutrality imply coldness or lack of feeling.
It is precisely because the feelings we have towards the suffering of those we seek to assist are not 'neutral' that we must adhere to political, religious and ideological neutrality – for that is what enables us to gain access to them. It is because we refuse to accept a world torn apart by conflicts of interest, ideology and civilisation that we strive to convince all parties that our action is impartial and cannot in any way be construed otherwise.
This is our way of building bridges in a highly polarised world. People are not born neutral, they choose to become so. And people do not struggle against their own nature without good reason. While refusing to despair of mankind may denote a lack of realism, refusing to take sides does not signify a lack of courage.
Five misconceptions about neutrality
Neutrality is naïve
Some people contend that it is naive to believe that any humanitarian action can be neutral. All such action is necessarily political – for it has a political impact.
In this view, the days of apolitical humanitarian action are over. While the maxim that humanitarian and political action must be kept apart admittedly failed to take into account the full complexity of the underlying issues, it drove home the point that humanitarian agencies have no political agendas of their own and that their work is disinterested.
Although visiting a prominent member of an opposition group in prison may well have political repercussions, the organization's aim in so doing is purely humanitarian. Neutrality in this case means that the ICRC does not comment on the grounds for incarceration or on any ideological matters.
Neutrality is a smokescreen
The second argument given against neutrality stems from the belief that humanitarian agencies, while claiming to be neutral, not only have political leanings but also belong to a loosely defined 'opposition' that uses the defence of human rights as a smokescreen for a political agenda of its own, be it toppling a regime or putting pressure on an occupying power.
The error here is to lump together a host of organisations that consider themselves humanitarian but in fact have very different identities, mandates and p rinciples of action. Some are tied to political movements while others, like the ICRC, are independent.
Among those that have political leanings, some oppose their governments while others are instruments thereof.
While ICRC delegates have their own personal political views, which no doubt cover a broad spectrum of opinion, as representatives of a neutral organisation they cannot express those views. It is therefore important to examine all aspects of the problem and avoid hasty generalisations.
The above argument raises the question of whether the term 'humanitarian' should only be applied to organisations that meet a specific set of criteria. A number of organisations, considering that this is precisely what is required in order to preserve the integrity of humanitarian action, have adopted a code of conduct.
Certain criteria are deemed especially important, i.e. assistance must correspond to existing needs and be given without discrimination; the organisation in question may espouse certain political or religious opinions, but the aid it provides cannot be used to promote those opinions; and humanitarian organisations cannot serve as instruments of a government's foreign policy.
By adopting a code of conduct, these organisations made their position on these issues clear for all to see. It is far more constructive to acknowledge the differences that exist than to indiscriminately label as 'humanitarian' a wide range of activities carried out by a variety of organisations.
Neutrality is passivity
A third argument frequently heard is th at being neutral is the same thing as failing to take a stand against behaviour that deserves to be condemned or – worse – that it is tantamount to a shameful surrender of principle.
In this view, neutrality is considered as cowardly, if not complicit, silence in the face of acts of aggression or violations of humanitarian law. With the resurgence of the notion of total warfare, it is all the more urgent to reply to this criticism.
Neutrality should not be confused with confidentiality. The ICRC's neutrality has a very specific purpose, namely to enable the organisation to gain the trust of all the parties to a conflict, whatever their stance, and thus to come to the aid of all the victims. Neutrality is simply a means to this end. If it were not neutral, the ICRC would be unable to evacuate the wounded or repatriate prisoners across front lines.
If it carried armed soldiers in its ambulances, the latter would immediately be shot at. As for confidentiality, it is a working method, a means of persuasion that is the ICRC's preferred approach. The organisation enters into agreements based on trust with the parties to a conflict, whereby it undertakes to inform them confidentially of any violations it finds in places that come under their authority, especially prisons, and the parties in turn commit themselves to putting an end to those violations.
This is not the same thing as silence, or cowardice, or compromise. It is more difficult to say to a security minister that a country's prisons are unsanitary, overcrowded and run by staff that torture inmates than to publish an article denouncing these facts in the press.
Confidentiality, however, has limits. In cases where ICRC delegates note serious and repeated violations of humanitarian law, where their confidential approaches fail to make a difference and where the ICRC believes that going public would be in the in terest of the people it seeks to protect and assist, the organisation informs the States party to the 1949 Geneva Conventions of the situation, drawing their attention to the obligation they have under the Conventions to ensure respect for humanitarian law.
In other words, the ICRC is fully aware that there are limits to persuasion and that public denunciation – the means of action favoured by organisations like Human Rights Watch or Amnesty International – can sometimes, albeit not always, be more effective.
When the ICRC decides to take a public stand on violations of humanitarian law because its efforts at persuasion have been to no avail, it is not departing from the principle of neutrality but from the practice of confidentiality.
The ICRC can object publicly to attacks against civilians, the destruction of homes and summary executions, for example, without taking sides in the conflict that has brought on such tragedies, as long as it does so objectively and on the basis of principles that apply equally to all.
In other words, it should be understood that those who criticise the ICRC for failing to publicly condemn violations of humanitarian law are calling into question not its neutrality but its judgement in relying too long, in a given conflict, on persuasion as an effective means of putting an end to violations.
And sometimes they are right, as the ICRC has acknowledged with respect to its action in the Second World War. It can therefore be useful to challenge the ICRC's position. But in calling into question the ICRC's neutrality, critics are involuntarily harming the very cause they wish to defend. The ICRC's reliance on the principle of neutrality is t he result of long years of steadfast determination and practical experience.
A humanitarian organisation cannot be partially neutral or intermittently neutral. Yet it can occasionally make an exception to the rule of confidentiality provided it does so in accordance with clearly-defined criteria.
Neutrality and 'just war'
A fourth argument advanced is based on the re-emerging notion of 'just war'. Those who believe they have good reasons to wage war tend to misunderstand the motives of those who, owing to their neutrality, do not support them.
If a cause is just, they feel, then war is legitimate and the ends justify the means. That being the case, everyone should take part in their struggle.
In our view, however, the notion of 'just war' makes neutrality all the more necessary for an organisation whose aim is to bring assistance to conflict victims on the ground. There are few belligerents who do not consider their war as just, but this does not make it just for their adversaries.
The ICRC must not fall into the trap of stating that some wars are just and others not, which would be tantamount to ruling on issues of jus ad bellum – the law governing recourse to force – whereas its mandate requires it to ensure respect only for jus in bello – the rules that apply in wartime.
Those who carry out so-called humanitarian interventions may do so in the name of lofty ideals, or to put an end to human rights violations, but they may at the same time be defending national or geostrategic interests.
Likewise, those who fight in the name of ideology, ethnicity or religion may be using that as a means of appropriating the natural resources of an enemy. If there is one issue that humanitarian organisations must approach with great caution, it is that of the legitimacy of a cause.
The ICRC cannot take a position on the grounds for a conflict or the legality of a war under the UN Charter, for example; it can only determine what is right and wrong in relation to behaviour in combat, on the basis of humanitarian law and considerations of humanity.
The ICRC cannot discriminate between victims depending on their attachment to the 'good' side or the 'bad' side.
Neutrality and 'guilt'
As for the fifth argument, its proponents claim, on ethical grounds, that some people entitled to protection under international humanitarian law are less deserving than others, namely those who have committed atrocities before being wounded, falling ill or being captured.
If the ICRC were to follow such a line of thinking, it would have to pass judgment on those it sought to help and thus distinguish between the 'innocent' and the 'guilty'.
This is a slippery slope that could lead to judgment on the basis of group affiliation rather than individual behaviour. This approach would contravene the principle of impartiality, which is a cornerstone of humanitarian law and action.
While ICRC delegates may well have little sympathy for certain causes or disapprove of certain acts committed by people with whom they come in contact, they strive to set aside that feeling to the extent necessary to provide those individuals with the protection and assistance to which all human beings are entitled.
The work of ICRC delegates is based on the premise that the moral, physical and spiritual integrity – the dignity – of each and every person must be respected, without discrimination, in accordance with the international treaties that provide for protection of the individual.
In any event, distinguishing between the 'innocent' and the 'guilty' would be unworkable as it would require humanitarian organisations to presume guilt in advance of any judicial process. The ICRC is not a tribunal and its delegates are not judges. Furthermore, the organisation's role is precisely to protect those people on whom states or groups may seek to take revenge.
The complexities of neutrality
Thus, neutrality remains as valid a principle as ever. Does adherence to this principle make life any easier for the ICRC? If only things were that simple!
First, neutrality carries an unfortunate connotation of distance, coldness. Yet it does not imply an absence of feelings. The ICRC can and must talk about human suffering, but to what extent can its delegates show what they feel when confronted with it without appearing to take sides?
Furthermore, neutrality can be misunderstood as meaning that one must strike a perfect balance in any public positions adopted or admonishments given. How can such a pitfall be avoided?
Lastly, tomorrow's conflicts are likely to be accompanied by increasing acts of sabotage and terrorism, which will no doubt lead to mounting pressure for public condemnation. While it is legitimate to condemn acts aimed at spreading terror, such criticism makes it all the more difficult to maintain the trust of the local population who may view the perpetrators as heroes.
On the other hand, endeavouring to uphold the law that confers protection on people suspected of having committed such crimes is sometimes v iewed with suspicion by those who support the fight against terrorism.
The truth is that our task is far from easy and that humanitarian organisations may differ in their views of what neutrality entails.
We face dilemmas and sometimes have to weigh different options, knowing that there are no perfect answers – this is why dialogue among humanitarian organisations can lead to more informed choices. But one thing we are sure of is that independent, neutral and impartial humanitarian action must not be allowed to become a casualty of all-out war.
Further reading
'Action by the ICRC in the Event of Breaches of International Humanitarian Law', International Review of the Red Cross (IRRC), no. 221, March–April 1981, pp. 76–83.
'Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief', approved by the Council of Delegates, Birmingham, 29–30 October 1993. See also J. Borton (ed.), Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief, Network Paper 7, 1994.
La neutralité, sésame humanitaire?, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), report on a public debate held on 19 May 2001 during the General Assembly of the Swiss branch of MSF.
Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, adopted by the 25th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, Geneva, 1986; under the principle of neutrality, the preamble to the Statutes states: 'In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature'.
François Bugnion, The International Committee of the Red Cross and the Protection of War Victims (Geneva: ICRC/Macmillan, October 2003).
Marion Harroff-Tavel, 'Neutrality and Impartiality: The Importance of These Principles for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the Difficulties Involved in Applying Them', IRRC, no. 273, November–December 1989, pp. 536–52.
Jean Pictet, The Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross: Commentary (Geneva: Henry Dunant Institute, 1979).
This document is reproduced by kind permission of the Humanitarian Practice Network (HPN) , an independent forum where aid workers, managers and policy-makers in the humanitarian sector share information, analysis and experience.
HPN publications can be downloaded free of charge from www.odihpn.org or obtained on a CD-Rom, also available free of charge from HPN.
For information on obtaining print copies or on membership of HPN, go to www.odihpn.org or write to email@example.com .


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Hendrick is dedicated to total service in today's competitive marketplace. We've been producing metal products continuously for over 130 years. We are an IS0-9001 registered company.
Hendrick's quality starts with the customer and ends with the customer. Every architectural order is identified and manufactured to our architectural quality standard. Our employee's are trained and committed to producing product at a level of quality that leads the industry. Every job is checked at each operation for the three F's (Fit, Form & Finish) to insure our customers receive Hendrick quality. Here at Hendrick our philosophy is: "Quality is everyone's job".

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Is your dream vacation starting to seem like a mirage in the sweltering summer heat? Perhaps you're seeking a little extra cash to get yourself something nice?
The Moberly Monitor-Index is currently accepting submissions for its 2013 Family Fun Photo Contest, with a grand prize, five-day getaway to a resort of one's choice, and $1,000 in air credits up for grabs. Submissions at the local level can also win a $50 gift card in each of the three contest categories — funny photos, local tourism, and family vacation.
Photographs can be submitted at moberlymonitor.com/familyphoto until this Friday, July 19, at 11:59 p.m.
Winners in each category will be chosen by public vote between the dates of Saturday, July 20, and Friday, Aug. 2.
All submitted photos will also be featured in an online photo gallery on the Moberly Monitor-Index webpage.
All submissions are free of charge.
Deadline for photo contest looming
Jul 16, 2013 at 10:46 AM
Jul 16, 2013 at 10:48 AM


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Sydney's Event Journal
Thursday October 13, 2011 / 7:30pm
Disney on Ice: Treasure Trove
4 tickets
Sections 212-213
How was your experience?
This was a fun event for the kids. They enjoyed most of the music, though there were a couple songs that were slow and didn't really capture their attention. While they definitely enjoyed the show,they were ready to leave about 20 minutes before it ended - we stayed because several of the princesses hadn't yet performed.


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International mailing
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Complete ballet
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Symphonies - Philippe Jordan A pleasure to see and hear
vital imagination
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Always expect the unexpected
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Wilhelm GROSZ (1894-1939) Violin Sonata in E major, Op. 6 (1918) [31:08] Jazzband, concert piece for violin and piano (1923) [7:04] Louis GRUENBERG (1884-1964) Violin Sonata No. 2, Op. 18 [25:41] Christoph Schickedanz (violin) Dieter Lallinger (piano) rec. 5-7 April 2004, Studio 1, Bayerischer Rundfunk, Munich, Germany TELOS MUSIC TLS 135 [63:58] The essay in the booklet notes to this Telos release describes the shockwave that the arrival of jazz sent through Europe in the early 1920s - how a generation of young composers saw jazz as a way of defying the traditions of their antecedents. For them it was a novel way of expression, even becoming a lifestyle choice. As a result elements of jazz began to appear in serious music including that of Wilhelm Grosz and Louis Gruenberg the two relatively unknown composers featured here. Telos state that these works are world premiere recordings. Wilhelm Grosz was born in Vienna in 1894 into a family of Jewish jewellers. Following a move to Berlin the rise of the National Socialists in Germany forced his departure to London where he began writing popular songs. At the invitation of the younger composer Eric Korngold, an old school friend, Grosz travelled in 1939 to New York to take up a film contract but died there unexpectedly the same year. Grosz'sengagingViolin Sonata in E major, Op. 6 was composed in 1918 whilst he was completing his studies with Franz Schreker. There are discernable Jazz elements in the four movement score and it seems that Grosz's writing also drew parallels with Korngold's music. The opening movement is passionately yearning and warmly nostalgic. At times I was reminded of Brahms and also the character of many of the works being written by some of Stanford's pupils at the Royal College of Music. Fresh and breezy, scampering and often frenetic the Scherzo has a distinct outdoor feel with a calmer and reflective central section. The Adagio consists of affectionate music that feels generously compassionate as well as rather pastoral. The Finale is predominantly vivacious and carefree. Along the way there are episodes of yearning introspection. The music takes on a weighty character and ends in a determined manner. From 1923 Grosz's concert piece Jazzband, intended for the violinist Francis Aranyi evinces a fusion of late-Romantic and jazz idioms. The booklet notes comment that the score "illustrates Grosz's growing interest in light music", however, the score doesn't feel "light", just different in character. Notably percussive, Jazzband is a highly confident and extrovert score. Predominantly lively and full of energy there's a contrasting central section where nervy calm is the order of the day. Such an appealing score wrapped in a swirl of sound makes a significant impact and certainly deserves to be heard. Born in Russia in 1884, Louis Gruenberg's Jewish family emigrated to America when he was still an infant. A talented pianist as well as a composer he studied in Berlin with Friedrich Koch and later returned to Europe to study with Busoni in Vienna where came under the influence of Schoenberg's circle. In 1912 Gruenberg had the honour of appearing as a piano soloist with the Berliner Philharmoniker, Busoni conducting. The outbreak of the First World War resulted in Gruenberg returning to America where he was able to devote much more time to composition. He employed a style that often contained American elements/influences; most notably jazz and ragtime. He wrote operas and a number of film scores, also a Violin Concerto that was commissioned and recorded by Jascha Heifetz. We are not given the composition date of Gruenberg's three movement Violin Sonata No. 2, Op. 18, however, it seems that it was published in 1924. Spiky and restless, the opening movement expends large reserves of energy. Even the contrasting slower sections feel uneasy as if unable to settle. The salon-inflected Allegretto presents a number of styles in slivers such as the waltz and polka. Everything feels a touch tongue-in-cheek but without ever approaching the level of sardonic wit that Shostakovich employs. Confident and highly appealing, the energetic Finale is essentially similar in character to the opening movement. This Telos release comprises three highly attractive if rarely heard works. Recorded in 2004 at the Bayerischer Rundfunk, Munich the splendid sound quality is clear and well balanced. Christoph Schickedanz and Dieter Lallinger perform throughout with a sure sense of integrity. Seemingly striking sparks off each other their vibrancy and assurance produces an abundance of excitement. This is a quite splendid release that should especially appeal to those looking for something lesser known yet of high quality. Michael Cookson


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Ring of Honor is still very much in a transition phase, as it is still working out it's issues with Sinclair and dealing with the departures of many of its top performers. The company is slowly being built up as they develop new talent that will hopefully stick soon enough.
From a talent standpoint, it actually reminds me quite a bit of how the WWF was in the mid-1990's. The company had lost an incredible amount of its stars in a 3-4 year span, and that by 1996 the company was really a shell of its former self. Young guys such as Steve Austin, the Rock and HHH were in their formative years getting ready for the main event while a few of the company stalwarts, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart and the Undertaker held down the fort. In ROH, they suffered a litany of similar departures, so they are currently awaiting the development of some of their younger stars ( Michael Elgin, Jay Lethal and Adam Cole to name a few) while a few last holdovers like Kevin Steen, the American Wolves and the Briscoe's steady the ship. It will be interesting to see how the company develops in the future.
Lastly, a big problem with ROH is that there are a percentage of fans who would like to get into the company, but have no idea how/where to start. Thankfully, ROH has made that step very easy in the past few years. Simply follow them on Facebook or Twitter to read about all their upcoming news and events, as well as reading the news provided for you on Wrestling Inc. of course. To watch their weekly television show, simply go to rohwrestling.com and create a free account. They present a new, hour long episode every Thursday. I also recommend in investing in a DVD deal or two, since ROH is always selling DVD's for $5-$10 on their website.
Ring of Honor is a definite alternative to the larger companies, and the attention they put towards wrestling and their matches is really something that is unmatched in any company. If you are interested in something different, watching ROH is a great way to go.
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Loss Of Coolant - Pretty Gutted.
Posted 26 July 2014 - 11:31 PM
Spent the afternoon prepping my exige pre the meet. Went to fill up with fuel. Took a detour home, half way through I saw what looked like a washer jet squirt from the front passenger grill onto the windscreen. Thought I was seeing things at first. Drove a mile keeping my eye ion temps which stayed stable. About another half of a mile saw the temps raise to 95,pulled into layby to watch the remaining coolant pour out of the front of the car. Sat there and had a little cry. Watched my very clean car cry with me. Called for a low loader and waited until 11:30pm for it to arrive.
Have just got back home. Car is now in the garage but needs to be inspected. I imagine my radiator has broke or the pipes to it. This is my start of learning how to remove a clam. Fingers crossed for me.
Gutted I can't make the meet tomorrow. I would have loved to have been there as I loved my elise and the exige is even better.
I hope it's a good day for you all.
Posted 27 July 2014 - 4:50 AM
Audi power --- mmmmmmm
XF-R power --- grrrrr grrrrrrrrrrr
Posted 27 July 2014 - 4:58 AM
What a mare, car stuck in my little garage, face forward which has a slope to it so I can't get it out to get to a specialist if I struggle for space
Edited by Cbaileyuk, 27 July 2014 - 5:00 AM.
Posted 27 July 2014 - 5:30 PM
Is this on the new Exige? Can only be the Rad. If you get stuck with anything just gibve me a bell
Posted 27 July 2014 - 6:00 PM
If you need help taking the clam off let me know and i can always pop over to give you a hand, ive got a low profile jack I use on my car and my car will be lower than yours so it will work.
Posted 27 July 2014 - 8:29 PM
If you need help taking the clam off let me know and i can always pop over to give you a hand, ive got a low profile jack I use on my car and my car will be lower than yours so it will work.
Hi all, thanks for the awesome offers... (Johnny, yes, new exige damned 9k garage queens).
The rad is completely fooked. Clam is now off. Attached garden hose to it, completely squirting up the seam of the right hand side
Need an alloy replacement. I am a little flummoxed by how it comes out. It seems to be intertwined with aircon stuff.
This is progress to date:
Edited by Cbaileyuk, 27 July 2014 - 8:30 PM.
Posted 28 July 2014 - 9:54 PM
My AC was removed a while ago btw which bust the brittle fans so replaced with Pro Alloy fan kit and rad. Edit yes no oil coolers either, got rid of them too so may be a case of just loosen the shroud with said double bolts out etc (reminded via exiges.com).
Edited by jonnyfox, 28 July 2014 - 10:33 PM.
Posted 28 July 2014 - 10:43 PM
I'm getting a right rep on that can! It was a celebratory beer after a crazy weekend!
I read this on another forum:
I managed to remove the radiator without unplugging the AC or anything else! The trick is to lift the rear of the radiator as far as it will go, then reach in and up from the front of the car where the air comes in, and undo the 2 nuts that mount the front of the radiator to the AC condenser. Then undo the 4 screws on the rear side - those are easy to see and access.
Any use?
Posted 29 July 2014 - 6:41 AM
It would be a right pain to have to re do the work in the near future.
S2 Exige - Sold after 9 year's and 72,000 amazing miles
Posted 29 July 2014 - 3:26 PM
Posted 31 July 2014 - 7:18 AM
Posted 31 July 2014 - 7:25 AM
Seem to remember when I bought mine that Elise-shop were the cheapest for the condenser.
S2 Exige - Sold after 9 year's and 72,000 amazing miles
Posted 31 July 2014 - 8:40 AM
Posted 02 August 2014 - 4:57 PM
Slight update.
New rad in, just need to get coolant in and bled now. Job for tomorrow.
It's a long job to swap a rad in an exige. About 16 hours for me atm but a bit of a novice. I expect 23 hours when complete. I think lotus do it in 10. Massive novice alert but really enjoyed it.
You might find this interesting
Posted 04 August 2014 - 5:45 AM
But at least the wheel arches sparkle now
For those that may need this doing...
I'm not a skilled mechanic, just a patient and methodical novice . I can do discs, pads, oils changes on my old cars, have a reasonable collection of good tools now, a couple of decent jacks, etc but I am eager to learn new things and lotuses, despite their weaknesses are pretty simple beasts. I read lots of guides, posted threads and talked to people. It's essentially a big meccano kit but everything is dead sharp and my hands are scratched to fck. Getting things in and out takes time. Like stated, it's a 22hr job for my skills and I still have a tray to screw on.
What is good advice is buy some freezer bags and make labels and name the bags and put the fasteners in the bags and tape them to the thing you took off. That means you have a good understanding when reassembling. I would have got confused when I did that bit had I not kept good control.
Also when refilling coolant I thought you poured it in and away it flowed but it's a little more involved than that. I fashioned a pressure kit and got it in, did a lot of bleeding and refilling, then idling and testing and it was done. Can you remove a rad only, without disturbing ac in an s2? Yes you can. Do you need to drill or cut anything? No you do not. But, a hinged ratchet spanner in 8 and 10 Mill is a tool from the gods. Without those, things would be different. Go and buy a set now. Do it. Even if you don't use them, just look at the wonder of them. I love that tool. Absolutely brilliant.
So what did I do?
Stripped the front end clam off
Removed internals to permit restricted radiator access
Removed split rad
Cleaned ac condenser
Dc tested fans
Refitted new alloy radiator
Kurusted any surface rust I could see
Fitted new silicon hoses (rip off 90 quid)
Fitted new stainless tow post as old one was nasty
Reassembled and copper greased
Oh and cleaned anything I could get my hands on.
Also swapped rusty old fittings where necessary
If anyone need this doing, and lives in the North /Midlands please contact me as I would like to payback some of the help people have given to me. It will take 2 weekends but anyone with a good methodical approach and the correct tools can do this job.
Any advice from other newbs, message me and I'll try to help.
Edited by Cbaileyuk, 04 August 2014 - 5:54 AM.


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Thoughts, feelings experience are stored by use of reality testing and judgment organized in a spatial format. Read More »
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Java Draw Created Apr 20, 2012 1024 x 736px Unless noted Copyright 2012 sweetlove15.
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He hair is stunning. I really need to work on drawing hair.. You, Par, and Kat are so good at it.. 5/5.
I wish my hair looked this pretty when there's wind in my face ;w; Haha, beautiful drawing! 5hrtz~!!
Outstanding talent. Just brilliantly captured. Phenomenal. I LOVE your referenced work but especially your "own" work - mmmm well guess I love it all.


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Thank you for visiting GoEco!
The project you are looking for is currently unavailable, however here are some other great volunteering options that may interest you:
Ecuador - Agriculture and Eco-tourism on Isabela Island
Come visit the exquisite Galapagos Islands to volunteer for this family-run ecological center aimed at providing their community with the education and means to live a more sustainable life! Contribute to agricultural, conservation, and educational initiatives, all while getting to know the natural beauty and diversity of the Galapagos Islands, home to Darwin's "Origin of Species."
Fast Facts
Location of Project | Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador |
Project Length | Min 3 weeks - Max 12 weeks |
Arrival Airport | Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito (UIO) |
Volunteer Work | Agriculture, conservation, eco-tourism |
Number of Participants | Up to 3 international volunteers |
Age | 17 - 80 |
What's Included
Accommodation | Small family-run hostel |
Food | 3 meals a day (except Sunday) |
Support | Local in-country team and 24 hour emergency support |
Airport Transfers | Pickup in Quito upon arrival |
Pre-Departure Kit | Full project details will be sent following registration |
Orientation | Cultural orientation and 5-day Spanish class in Quito upon arrival |
Flights | Round-trip flights between mainland Ecuador and Baltra Island |
Insurance | Comprehensive travel health insurance with volunteer abroad coverage |
What's Not Included
The Galápagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago (cluster of islands) that lies on the equator off the coast of Ecuador in South America. The islands, designated as national parks, marine reserves, as well a World Heritage Site, are most well-known for the vast amount of animal species that are unique to the region and that inspired Charles Darwin to write "The Origin of Species" about the theory of evolution. The animals are notoriously fearless - giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas, and different bird species can all be seen and approached by humans.
This project takes place outside the small, coastal village of Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, the largest and youngest island in the Galapagos. Isla Isabela is home to 6 volcanoes, 5 of which are active.
About the Project
Before volunteering at the project, participants will stay in the capital city of Quito for 6 days for an orientation and five-day Spanish course.
Following orientation, volunteers will be transported to the island Isabela where they will begin their volunteer placement working within a local, family-run ecological center which aims to spread awareness about how we can best use and appreciate the earth's natural resources. They have a few different initiatives from working with sustainable agriculture, tortoise conservation, and eco-tourism promotion which reaches out into the community and tourists passing through.
Orientation and Spanish Course
Participants should plan to arrive in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, on Saturday. Sunday morning there will be an orientation that will help volunteers get acquainted with Ecuadorian culture and customs. Starting Monday there is a five-day private Spanish course that runs two hours per day. The courses are offered at all levels of Spanish from beginner through to advanced. During this week participants will stay with a local family in Quito and will have ample time to explore the city and culture before heading out to the Galápagos for their volunteer work.
Volunteer Work and Contribution
Your volunteer duties will change around amongst the different initiatives. Your responsibilities may include:
- Showing tourists around the project site and explaining what the project is about
- Maintenance of the grounds – cutting the grass, cleaning paths for visitors, and making informational signs
- Reforestation/planting new plants when needed
- Maintaining the habitats of the tortoises
- Collecting fruits and vegetables on the farm
- Helping to build a database on the island's flora and fauna
Independence and taking initiative on new ideas for this project is highly encouraged and necessary to get the most out of the project!
You will be working from about 7:00 am to 3:00 pm from Monday through Friday. These hours may vary depending on the specific work you will be doing that day.
It is important to remember that the needs of projects are constantly changing so your duties may vary. It is important to keep an open and flexible mind regarding your volunteer duties and remember that your contributions, no matter the nature, are always valued.
Living Arrangements
Accommodations: volunteers will stay with a local couple who runs their home like a small hostel in Puerto Villamil, located right along the beach. There will be shared rooms/bathrooms. The home will be located about 20 minutes from the project location; transportation cost to/from the project site is the volunteer's responsibility (about $1 each way).
Food: 3 meals a day are provided, except Sunday where only 1 meal is provided.
Minimum Requirements
- High beginner level Spanish
- High level of independence
- Interest to work with nature
- Ability to work well with others
- Flexible attitude
- Good physical fitness


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As we continually rush to name the Next Best Thing (often more to gain attention for the tastemaker than the artist tapped), the world is opening up to new, distinct acts. It's getting easier, in some ways, to get noticed. If you step out on your own musical ledge, someone is bound to champion you, and it'll snowball from there. To a point. The drawback to this cycle is that while it might make it (relatively) easier to get noticed, it is much harder to last in this catch-and-release promotion and criticism.
But then there's cases like Glasser, the one-woman act of Cameron Mesirow, that cut right through that trend. While she, like plenty others, gained attention on the strength of a self-made EP, her first full-length, Ring, is a cohesive and bracing statement, the kind of record that doesn't realize modest promise but instead begins a fruitful career.
This album builds on new versions of the songs that caught our ear on her Apply EP. In fact, this new take on "Apply" -- made here with, you know, a studio, and not just on Mesirow's computer -- has got to be in the running for single of the year. While Mesirow deals in heady, triumphant atmosphere, it's the way she beds it down in a damp, jungle thump on that makes the song stand out. "If the walls were too thin," she sings, "you would break right in," which is a fitting opening line for a song that rumbles and swells to bursting for a steady, tense five minutes.
"Apply" also serves as the perfect tone-setter for this beguiling set of songs, where the airy atmospherics pull fitfully at the terra-firma beats they've been tethered to. The best of the songs build on variations of "Apply"'s distinct churn. The odd, dyspeptic bubbling on "Home" sounds every bit like the collapsing structures Mesirow wails about in the song, while heavy tom work on "Tremel" shifts wandering layers of vocals into a volatile gallop. The whole record contains this deep, resonant pulse, but some songs do ease back on more straightforward beats. The industrial thump and cold synth of "T" recalls too easily moody '80s pop, for example, and the simple beat on "Mirrorage" seems too thin to hold up the thick layers of sound Mesirow piles on it.
What saves those simpler moments is the feel of the record as a whole. Ring is mirrored on the chiastic (or "ring") structure found in oral tradition in which there is no set ending or beginning. And though there are standouts, and each song is distinct, there is a feel that this is all one big sound. It all comes together, each piece blends into the next, and it does feel like you could drop into this record anywhere and find your way all right. This structure also reflects some of the themes of isolation and landscape. These songs often find people surrounded -- by flimsy walls, by giant cloudbanks, by oceans of water. Sometimes Mesirow meshes with all the space around her, and sometimes it highlights her isolation, but either side of that coin comes out in these expansive, shimmering tracks.
To be sure, Ring is an ambitious and impressive statement, and one that should help Glasser avoid that one-off attention to become a lasting artist. Its highlights are unique and mesmerizing, and the few lesser (and by lesser, I mean not flat-out fantastic) moments leave room for her to grow from here. This is exactly what you should want out of a debut record: that excitement of discovery, and the space to build on it in the future.
Band: http://www.glassermusic.com
Label: http://www.truepanther.com
Audio: http://www.myspace.com/glasssser
Over the past year, Glasser, the bedroom-pop project from LA's Cameron Mesirow, has released a few 12-inches and an EP and has been remixed by the likes of Delorean and the xx. Ring is Glasser's debut full-length and features a mix of new cuts and recent singles. The typical Glasser track begins with an echoey vocal figure before flowering into a lush synthscape undercut by choppy tribal drums -- think "Love Lockdown" and Kate Bush bedding down for a weed dream. "Home" is arguably Glasser's finest moment so far, a beautiful package of aching vocals, strident keyboards, and searing strings that's as cathedral-appropriate as it headphone-perfect. If the rest of Ring can match the power of "Home" -- and Mesirow is able to keep her imposing influences from crashing in on her -- then the album will be one not to be missed.
Bruno Mars - Doo-Wops & Hooligans | Hercules & Love Affair Blue Songs |


text:
Whoa, I need a break from this Texas heat! So, let's head back to cooler days of Sarah and Michael's winter wedding in Bryan, Texas. For this fabulous wedding I had the pleasure of working with my friend, Kelly Hornberger. Sarah and Michael were such a cute couple and I felt blessed to be part of their wedding day.
I've always said that cloudy days are God's natural softbox and this was a perfect example. I love the wintery feel the natural light gives the photos.


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Topic: Keys... (Read 1664 times)
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My Son Aidan... :-)
November 10, 2006, 10:06:39 AM »
I hear Roman Catholics talk about 'keys to bind and loose'. Can someone who is knowledgeable please speak to me about these and what Orthodox Tradition has to say about their power?
St Basil the Great (330-379 A.D.): "I think then that the one goal of all who are really and truly serving the Lord ought to be to bring back to union the churches who have at different times and in diverse manners divided from one another."
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Re: Keys...
Reply #1 on:
November 10, 2006, 11:34:24 AM »
Catholics make a distinction between the power to bind and loose and the keys, saying the former is given to all apostles, the later to Peter alone. I have read that passage in Matthew many times and the other verses that are pertinent and just don't see the distinction.
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Past posts reflect stages of my life before my baptism and may not be accurate expositions of Orthodox teaching. Also, I served as an Orthodox priest from 2008-2013, before resigning.
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Re: Keys...
Reply #2 on:
November 12, 2006, 08:00:58 AM »
I'm having this same argument at the moment on a Catholic forum
From the Catechism...
881: The Lord made Simon alone, whom he named Peter, the "rock" of his Church. He gave him the keys of his Church and instituted him shepherd of the whole flock. "The office of binding and loosing which was given to Peter was also assigned to the college of apostles united to its head." This pastoral office of Peter and the other apostles belongs to the Church's very foundation and is continued by the bishops under the primacy of the Pope.
The Catholic argument is that the Bible mentions keys specifically only in relation to Peter.
Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
20 Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
However not long after this Jesus gives the rest of the Apostles the rights to bind and loose. Matthew 18:18 "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
No doubt Peter had the keys. But did he have them 'alone'? How one gets to 'bind and loose' without the keys is interesting. Some Church Fathers recognise that the other Apostles also got the keys
Hilary of Poitiers is quite clear that all who hold that faith have the keys for binding and loosing...
37. This faith it is which is the foundation of the Church; through this faith the gates of hell cannot prevail against her. This is the faith which has the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatsoever this faith shall have loosed or bound on earth shall be loosed or bound in heaven. This faith is the Father's gift by revelation; even the knowledge that we must not imagine a false Christ, a creature made out of nothing, but must confess Him the Son of God, truly possessed of the Divine nature
Hilary of Poitiers "On the Trinity" Book VI.
â€ÂFor the Son of thunder *, the beloved of Christ, the pillar of the Churches throughout the world, who holds the keys of heaven, who drank the cup of Christ, and was baptized with His baptism, who lay upon his Master's bosom, with much confidence, this man now comes forward to us now†John Chrysostom, "Homilies on the Gospel of John, Homily 1.1â€Â
quoted in Schaff, P, "Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers†(Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1956), Volume XIV, p1 Also at:
*that is the Apostle John
and Origen
Commentaries on the Gospel of Matthew: Book XII. "The Promise Given to Peter Not Restricted to Him, But Applicable to All Disciples Like Him."
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My Son Aidan... :-)
Re: Keys...
Reply #3 on:
November 13, 2006, 03:45:48 PM »
Thank you very much montalban. Great Post.
St Basil the Great (330-379 A.D.): "I think then that the one goal of all who are really and truly serving the Lord ought to be to bring back to union the churches who have at different times and in diverse manners divided from one another."
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Re: Keys...
Reply #4 on:
November 14, 2006, 02:07:42 AM »
Quote from: ignatius on November 13, 2006, 03:45:48 PM
Thank you very much montalban. Great Post.
Many thanks. Even Augstine notes this...
Chapter 18.-The Keys Given to the Church.
17. He has given, therefore, the keys to His Church, that whatsoever it should bind on earth might be bound in heaven, and whatsoever it should loose on earth might be, loosed in heaven; that is to say, that whosoever in the Church should not believe that his sins are remitted, they should not be remitted to him; but that whosoever should believe and should repent, and turn from his sins, should be saved by the same faith and repentance on the ground of which he is received into the bosom of the Church. For he who does not believe that his sins can be pardoned, falls into despair, and becomes worse as if no greater good remained for him than to be evil, when he has ceased to have faith in the results of his own repentance.
"On Christian Doctrine" Book I.18.17
"...Peter, the first of the apostles, receive the keys of the kingdom of heaven for the binding and loosing of sins; and for the same congregation of saints, in reference to the perfect repose in the bosom of that mysterious life to come did the evangelist John recline on the breast of Christ.
For it is not the former alone but the
whole Church
, that bindeth and looseth sins; nor did the latter alone drink at the fountain of the Lord's breast, to emit again in preaching, of the Word in the beginning, God with God, and those other sublime truths regarding the divinity of Christ, and the Trinity and Unity of the whole Godhead."
On the Gospel of John
Tractate CXXIV.7
Though I am not an expert on Augustine and I don't know if he retracted either or both these statements
Oops, forgot to add more from the Bible and my fave Saint
John 20:23 "If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
Matthew 18:19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.
"As a king sending forth governors, gives power to east into prison and to deliver from it, so in sending these forth, Christ investeth them with the same power.
John Chrysostomon
On the Gospel of John
Homily LXXXVI
Last Edit: November 14, 2006, 02:14:46 AM by montalban
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How high will a ball taking a million seconds to fall travel?
Was it possible that this dangerous driving penalty was issued in error?
Investigate the relationship between speeds recorded and the distance travelled in this kinematic scenario.
1) Suppose that the spool is rotating with an angular speed $\omega$ about a point A. The spool is a rigid body, this means that the angular speed is the same for all points. Write equations for points B and C:
$$\omega_C = \frac{v_C}{R}, \omega_B = \frac{v_B}{R + r}$$
but $\omega_B = \omega_C = \omega$ and $v_B = u$ because the board does not slip on the spool. Thus, $v_C = \frac{R}{R+r}u$. This means that the speed at which the man is approching the spool is $v = u - v_C = u -\frac{R}{R+r}u =\frac{r}{R+r}u$. This means that the time needed for the man to reach the spool is $$t = \frac{l}{v} = \frac{l(R+r)}{ru}\;.$$
2) The man will travel $s = ut = \frac{l(R+r)}{r}$.
3) If $r = R$ then $s = 2l$.
4) Plug numbers to the equations but do not forget to change units, $t = 6.48\mathrm{s}$ and $s = 6.48\mathrm{m}$.


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I am not touching this regardless of how it sounds till I see reports of reliability and survival rates in the wild. I just received a PM a day ago by a fellow HFier who bought my first HE-5 informing me that one of the drivers had gone dead. 15 months and then kaput.
Hopefully they fixed whatever manufacturing inconsistencies and problems from the get go on the new model.
Audez has also had it's issues as you WELL know. Both companies have shown a strong customer service ethic and willingness to iron out the wrinkles. It's time for you to stop being so obvious with your extreme biases and try to actually become more objective.


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On April 23, 2014, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) filed financial results for the second quarter of its fiscal 2014 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. At Apple, Q2 2014 covered the recent three-month period ended March 29, 2014. Outside of the Holiday Season, Apple CEO Tim Cook and the technology commentariat hailed Q2 2014 as the most successful quarter in the history of the corporation. Highlights of the Q2 2014 report included bottom line net income of $10.2 billion upon $45.6 billion in net revenue. The stellar financial results were largely due in part to 43.7 million in Q2 2014 iPhone unit sales. Going forward, Apple also pledged to significantly expand its capital return program -- to return a total of $100 billion back to shareholders by the end of 2015.
Wall Street was clearly pleased with the news. On April 24, 2104, traders bought Apple shares up to $567.77, for an 8.2% gain on the trading session. Still, contrarians, or haters, promptly came out of the woodwork to dismiss Apple's good fortune as being short lived. Both Haley Tsukayama of The Washington Post and Chris O'Brien of the Los Angeles Times honed in upon the "shocking drop-off" in iPad sales through Q2 2014. Apple bears have intimated that flagging iPad sales renewed pressures for Apple to deliver fresh product to market. The "Apple is Doomed" catcalls, however, will be exposed as mere conjecture. Apple remains well positioned to leverage the inevitable shift towards phablets and cloud computing within the mobile industry. The sky is not falling at Apple.
Apple iPad Sales Performance
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
Apple Revenue |
iPad Revenue |
iPad Unit Sales |
iPad Revenue Per Unit Sold |
$666.67 |
$583.59 |
$530.02 |
$450.70 |
$446.15 |
$463.41 |
iPad % of Apple Revenue |
7.7% |
17.7% |
19.7% |
18.7% |
20.0% |
16.7% |
Source: Apple Earnings Releases and SEC Filings
A more nuanced review of Apple iPad sales performance figures may serve to counter the hysterical click bait headlines of Apple being "doomed." Be advised that Apple did ship a record 26 million iPads to generate $11.5 billion in Q1 2014 operating segment revenue. This iPad sales performance broke down further to $442.31, upon a per unit basis. For Q1 2014, the iPad platform actually achieved respective year-over-year 14% and 7% growth rates in unit sales and revenue. Apple's first quarter, of course, largely coincided with the peak Holiday Season. The sequential decline in iPad sales between Apple's Q1 and Q2 is part of a larger cyclical trend. The Q2 2014 figures may have been further depressed in the aftermath of "channel stuffing," when third-party retailers aggressively backed up the truck to stock shelves with iPads, in anticipation of Black Friday and Christmas demand.
The iPad Revenue Per Unit Sold is a helpful statistic to gauge shifts within the Apple product mix over time. For 2013, Apple iPad Revenue Per Unit Sold declined significantly from $530.02 to $450.70. Interestingly, Apple iPad Revenue Per Unit Sold went on to rebound sharply off $446.15 to $463.41 between Q2 2013 and Q2 2014, despite the doom and gloom rhetoric. In effect, the average consumer has been in the market for the 16GB Wi-Fi iPad Air, which retails for $499.00. Be further advised that the 16GB Wi-Fi iPad Mini retails for $299, while the top-of-the-line 128GB iPad Air with Wi-Fi and Cellular connectivity prices out at $929.00.
On November 5, 2013, research firm IHS released supple chain cost results for the iPad Air. According to IHS, the 16GB Wi-Fi iPad Air carries $274.00 in total bill of materials ($269.00) and manufacturing ($5.00) costs. The 16GB Wi-Fi iPad Air, again, retails for $499.00, which would also calculate out to $225, or 45.1% estimated gross margins per unit sold. In all, the iPad platform may have accounted for $3.5 billion of Apple's $21.8 in Q2 2014 gross margins. The IHS report also concluded that iPad bill of materials and manufacturing costs have declined by 6% over the past year. Going forward, Apple will continue to leverage its massive buying power to drive down the costs of shared iPhone and iPad component costs. Expanding iPad gross margins may buffer against slight unit sale declines.
The Phablet and Cloud Computing
The phablet and cloud computing are the next logical steps within the mobile revolution. The term "phablet," of course is a play upon the words smartphone and tablet. As such, phablets are notable for their larger screens and brighter resolutions that are more so ideal for gaming, sharing video, and reading text. Over time, premium phablets may offer productivity applications that rival basic tablet and personal computer workstations. Above all, the cloud provides consumers with access to virtual servers, from which files may be accessed from individual desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets across the globe. Within the past month, fierce rivals Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) finally made their Office, Docs, and Sheets productivity software available to the Apple mobile ecosystem. For its part, Apple has steadily built out its own iCloud, as an integrated storage network for iOS work and entertainment files.
Apple, of course, has maintained a well-documented history of cannibalizing its own product. The iPhone and iPad launches precipitated the obsolescence of the standalone iPod music player. For Q2 2014, Apple reported a respective 2.8 million and $461 million in iPod unit sales and revenue, which was half the production of the year-over-year quarter. In 2005, the iPod tallied 22.5 million in unit sales. At that time, the iPad generated $4.5 billion in revenue, which also accounted for 32.6% of Apple total net sales. Interestingly, iTunes, Software, and Services operating segment sales have consistently remained between 10% and 15% of company revenue over the past decade. Apple customers, or fan boys, have remained fiercely loyal to this ecosystem. As such, relatively weak iPad results should be of little concern for long-term shareholders.
Both Phone Arena and Pocket Lint identified the Samsung (OTC:SSNLF) Galaxy Note 3 as the top phablet on the marketplace heading into 2014. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 features a 5.7-inch screen that displays graphics at 1080 X 1920-pixel (386-ppi) density and resolution. In response, MacRumors has speculated that the looming iPhone 6 launch will ultimately branch off into two separate 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screen handsets, in a somewhat similar vein to the 5s - 5c launch.
Rather than price, the separate iPhone 6 handsets would then be distinguished according to handset size. KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo has already projected that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would display images at 1080 X 1920-pixel (401-ppi) density and resolution, which would better the aforementioned Galaxy Note 3 specifications. In terms of size, the larger iPhone 6 handsets would fall between the 4-inch 5s and conventional phablet territory. The iPad Mini screen does measure out at 7.9 inches, diagonally. Still, a successful iPhone 6 launch may further erode iPad sales, as the two platforms gradually merge together. For Q2 2014, the 14% year-over-year advance in iPhone revenue to $26.1 billion more than made up for the slight dip in iPad sales performance.
The Bottom Line
Perhaps most importantly, Apple closed out its Q2 2014 books with $150.6 billion in cash and investments above a mere $85.8 in total liabilities. Within the past six months, Apple has generated $36.2 billion in cash flow from operations and also bought back at least 53.9 million shares of stock. Apple did list out 874.8 million basic shares outstanding used in computing Q2 2014 earnings per share. Going forward, Apple can lock in a semi-annual 5% improvement in earnings per share simply through buybacks. Again, Apple has already pledged to increase its capital return program by $55 billion - to return a total of $100 billion back to shareholders by the end of 2015. Of this amount, Apple has significantly expanded its pledged share buyback authorization program from $10 billion to $60 billion.
Per snapshot valuations, the May 29, 2014 balance sheet did include $8.3 billion in deferred revenue. This deferred revenue, of course, will transition over to the net income statement, which would ultimately equate to $77.5 in total Apple liabilities. In theory, Apple would be left with $73.1 billion in cash and securities, after paying off all liabilities. This liquidity position would calculate out to roughly $85.00 per share. Apple shares did close out the May 8, 2014 trading session at $587.99. Investors are therefore agreeing to trade Apple for a mere 11 times estimated earnings, after backing out net liquidity. For the sake of comparison, online retailer Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) now carries a price-to-earnings ratio that approaches 500.
The decision to buy and hold Apple stock is still a no brainer. The Apple iPad sales slowdown fear mongering has been exposed as pure malarkey.
Disclosure: I am long AAPL. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.


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Order of Calatrava
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The Order of Calatrava (Spanish: Orden de Calatrava Portuguese: Ordem de Calatrava) was the first military order founded in Castile, but the second to receive papal approval. The papal bull confirming the Order of Calatrava as a Militia was given by Pope Alexander III on September 26, 1164. Most of the political and military power of the order dissipated by the end of the 15th century, but the last dissolution of the order's property did not occur until 1838.
Origins and foundation[edit]
It was founded at Calatrava la Vieja in Castile, in the twelfth century by St. Raymond of Fitero, as a military branch of the Cistercian family.[1][2] The etymology of the name of this military order, Calatrava, conveys the meaning: "fortress of Rabah".
In the Cistercian Order, then only recently formed (1098), there had been a large number of knights or sons of knights. In Calatrava, on the contrary, those who had been monks became knights. Monastic life has been called "a warfare", and it would be a mistake to suppose those rough medieval warriors sought in the cloister only a comfortable asylum after a troubled career. In both lives there was an heroic struggle to sustain, whether against one's passions or against the Muslims, and the austerities of an ascetic life could not have been more dreadful to them than the privations of camp life and the wounds of battle. These impetuous natures, who did nothing by halves, were eager to take Heaven, as they took earthly strongholds, by storm (Matt., xi, 12). However, the Order of Calatrava owes its origin not to any deliberately prepared plan, but to fortuitous circumstances, the recital of which would seem to be mere romance if the teller, Rodrigo of Toledo, did not add that he himself had known in his youth the hero of the story. It runs as follows:
"Calatrava is the Arabic name of a castle recovered from the Moslems, in 1147, by the King of Castile, Alfonso VII, called el Emperador. Located in what was then the southernmost border of Castile, this conquest was more difficult to keep than to make, especially at a time with neither standing armies nor garrisons were known. In part to correct this deficiency, the military orders such as Knights Templars were founded, where men could fulfill a vow of perpetual war against the Muslim. The Templars, however, were unable to hold Calatrava, and the king found further volunteer warriors when Raymond, Abbot of the Cistercian monastery of Fitero offered himself.
This step is said to have been suggested to the abbot by Father Diego Velázquez, a simple monk, but one who had been a knight, and thus was well acquainted with military matters. Diego was inspired with the idea of employing the lay brothers of the abbey to defend Calatrava. These Cistercian lay brothers--at that time a recent innovation in monastic life--not being in Holy orders, were variously employed in manual trades such as those of tending herds, construction, farm labor, or husbandry. Diego recommended that they become soldiers of the Cross. Thus a new order was created in 1157.
Motivated by the desire for religious and pecuniary rewards, these brethren were eager to take the offensive against the Moors. When the Abbot Raymond died (1163), a certain Don García started to lead them in battle as their first grand master. At the same time, the choir monks, not without protest, left Calatrava to live under an abbot whom they had chosen, in the monastery of Cirvelos. Only Velasquez and a few other clerics, to act as chaplains, remained in Calatrava with the knights, Velasquez becoming prior of the whole community. This somewhat revolutionary arrangement was approved by the general chapter at Cîteaux, and by Pope Alexander III (1164).[1]
A general chapter held at Cîteaux in 1187 gave to the Knights of Calatrava their definitive rule, which was approved in the same year by Pope Gregory VIII. This rule, modeled upon the Cistercian customs for lay brothers, was imposed upon the knights, besides the obligations of the three religious vows, the rules of silence in the refectory, dormitory, and oratory; of abstinence on four days a week, besides several fast days during the year; they were also obliged to recite a fixed number of paternosters for each day Hour of the Office; to sleep in their armour; to wear, as their full dress, the Cistercian white mantle with the scarlet cross fleur de lisée. Calatrava was subject not to Cîteaux, but to Morimond in Champagne, the mother-house of Fitero, from which Calatrava had sprung. Consequently, the Abbot of Morimond possessed the right of visiting the houses and of reforming the statutes of Calatrava, while the highest ecclesiastical dignity of the order, that of grand prior, could be held only by a monk of Morimond."
Battles during the Reconquista[edit]
The first military services of the Knights of Calatrava were highly successful, and in return for the exceptional services they had rendered they received from the King of Castile new grants of land, which formed their first commanderies. They had already been called into the neighbouring Kingdom of Aragon, and been rewarded by a new encomienda (landed estate), that of Alcañiz (1179). But these successes were followed by a series of misfortunes, due in the first instance to the unfortunate partition which Alfonso had made of his possessions, and the consequent rivalry which ensued between the Castilian and Leonese branches of his dynasty. On the other hand, the first successes of the Reconquista in the 12th century, soon met up with a new wave of Islamic warriors, the invasion of the Almohads from Morocco. The first encounter resulted in a defeat for Castile.
Battle of Alarcos[edit]
After the disastrous Battle of Alarcos, the knights abandoned their bulwark of Calatrava to the Almohads (1195). Velasquez lived long enough to witness the failure of his daring scheme. He died the next year in the monastery of Gumiel (1196).[3] The order in Castile appeared to be finished, and the branch of Aragon sought primacy. The Knights of Alcañiz actually proceeded to elect a new grand master, but the grand master still living in Castile claimed his right. Finally, by a compromise, the master of Alcañiz was recognized as second in dignity, with the title of Grand Commander for Aragon.
The scattered remains of Castilian knights sheltered in the Cistercian monastery of Cirvelos, and there began to regroup and expand. They soon erected a new bulwark, Salvatierra Castle, where they took the name, which they kept for fourteen years, of Knights of Salvatierra (1198). But Salvatierra itself fell to the Almohad Caliphate in 1209.
Summoned by Pope Innocent III, foreign crusaders joined Iberian Christians. An early battle was the reconquest of Calatrava (1212), which was returned to its former masters. In the same year the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa turned the tide of Muslim domination in Spain. Having recovered its stronghold, and resumed the title of Calatrava (1216), the order nevertheless removed to more secure quarters of Calatrava la Nueva, eight miles from old Calatrava (1218). In 1221 the Order of Monfragüe was merged into that of Calatrava.
With the decline of Muslim power, new orders sprang up, including the Alcántara in the Kingdom of León and Avis in Portugal. Both began under Calatrava's protection and the visitation of its grand master. This age marks the climax of Iberian chivalry: it was then that King Ferdinand the Saint, after the definitive coalition of Castile and León (1229), in (1235) captured the capital of the old caliphate, Cordova, soon afterwards Murcia, Jaén, and Seville. The European crusade seemed at an end. Encouraged by these victories, Ferdinand's successor, Alfonso X, the Wise, planned a crusade in the East and contemplated marching, with his Castilian chivalry, to restore the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem (1272).
Calatrava had developed abundant resources of men and wealth, with lands and castles scattered along the borders of Castile. It exercised feudal lordship over thousands of peasants and vassals. Thus, more than once, we see the order bringing to the field, as its individual contributions, 1200 to 2000 knights, a considerable force in the Middle Ages. Moreover, it enjoyed autonomy, being by its constitutions independent in temporal matters and acknowledging only spiritual superiors—the Abbot of Morimond and, in appeal, the pope. These authorities interfered, in consequence of a schism which first broke out in 1296 through the simultaneous election of two grand masters, García Lopez and Gautier Perez.
Lopez, dispossessed a first time by a delegate of Morimond, appealed to Pope Boniface VIII, who quashed the sentence and referred the case to the general chapter at Cîteaux, where Lopez was re-established in his dignity (1302). Dispossessed a second time, in consequence of a quarrel with his lieutenant, Juan Nuñez, Lopez voluntarily resigned in favour of Nuñez, who had taken his place (1328), on condition that he should keep the commandery of Zurita; as this condition was violated, Lopez again, for the third time, took the title of Grand Master in Aragon, where he died in 1336. These facts sufficiently prove that after the fourteenth century the rigorous discipline and fervent observance of the order's earlier times had, under the relaxing influence of prosperity, given place to a spirit of intrigue and ambition.
Peter of Castile entered into a conflict with the order. That prince had three grand masters in succession sentenced to death, as having incurred his suspicion: the first of these was beheaded (1355) on a charge of having entered into a league with the King of Aragon; the second, Estevañez, having competed for the grand mastership with the king's candidate, García de Padilla, was murdered in the royal palace, by the king's own treacherous hand; lastly García de Padilla himself, a brother of the royal mistress, fell into disgrace, upon deserting the king's party for that of his half brother, Henry the Bastard, and died in prison (1369).
At the same time began the encroachments of royal authority in the election of the grand master, whose power was a check upon that of the king. For instance, in 1404, Henry of Villena, Enrique de Villena, was elected twenty-fourth grand master merely through the favour of Henry III of Castile, although Villena was married, a stranger to the order, and by papal dispensation entered upon his high functions without even the preliminary of a novitiate. A schism in the order ensued and was healed only after the king's death, in 1414, when a general chapter, held at Cîteaux, cancelled the election of Villena and acknowledged his competitor, Luis González de Guzmán, as the only legitimate master. After the death of Guzman in 1442, a new encroachment of John II of Castile gave rise to a new schism. He had succeeded in forcing upon the electors his own candidate, Alfonso, a bastard, of the royal stock of Aragon (1443); but Alfonso having joined a party formed against him, the king sought to have him deposed by the chapter of the order.
This time the electors divided, and a double election issued in not fewer than three grand masters: Pedro Giron, who took possession of Calatrava; Ramirez de Guzman, who occupied the castles of Andalusia; and the bastard Alfonso of Aragon, who continued to be recognized by the knights of the Aragonese branch. At last, through the withdrawal of his rivals one after the other, Pedro Giron remained the only grand master (1457). Giron belonged to an eminent Castilian family descending from Portugal; an ambitious intriguer, more anxious about his family interests than about those of his order, he played an important part as a leader in the factions which disturbed the wretched reigns of John II and Henry IV, the last two lamentably weak descendants of St. Ferdinand of Castile.
By turns, Giron sustained first Henry IV, in a war against his father, John II, then Alfonso, who pretended to the throne, against Henry IV. Such was Giron's importance that Henry IV, to attach him to his cause, offered him the hand of his own sister, Isabella I of Castile. Giron had already had his vow of celibacy annulled by the pope, and was on his way to the court, when he died, thus saving the future Queen of Castile from an unworthy consort (1466). The same pope, Pius II, granted to Pedro Giron the extravagant privilege of resigning his high dignity in favour of his bastard, Rodrigo Telles Giron, a child eight years old.
Thus the grand mastership fell into the hands of guardians—an unheard of event. The Abbot of Morimond was called upon to devise a temporary administration, until Telles should reach his majority. The administration was entrusted to four knights elected by the chapter, and from this period date the definitive statutes of the order known as "Rules of Abbot William III" (1467). These statutes recognized in the order seven high dignitaries: the grand master; the clavero (guardian of the castle and lieutenant of the grand master); two grand comendadores, one for Castile and the other for Aragon; the grand prior, representing the Abbot of Morimond in the spiritual government; the sacristan (guardian of the relics); and the obrero (supervisor of buildings).
The order, having reached its apogee of prosperity, now held sway over fifty-six commanderies and sixteen priories, or cures, distributed between the Diocese of Jaén and the Vicariate of Ciudad Real. Its lordships included sixty-four villages, with a population of 200,000 souls, and produced an annual income estimated at 50,000 ducats. The kings whose fortune the mismanagement of the late reigns had depleted could not but covet these riches, while such formidable military power filled with distrust the monarchs who were obliged to tolerate the autonomous existence of the order. During the struggle between Afonso V of Portugal and Ferdinand of Aragon for the right of succession to Henry IV of Castile, the last male of his house (1474), much depended upon the attitude of Calatrava.
The knights were divided. While the grand master, Rodrigo Giron, supported Portugal, his lieutenant, Lopez de Padilla, stood by Aragon. The battle of Toro (1479), where the pretensions of Portugal were annihilated, ended this schism, the last in the history of the order. The grand master, reconciled with Ferdinand of Aragon, fell, during the war against the Moors, at the siege of Loja (1482). His lieutenant, Lopez de Padilla, succeeded him and, as the last of the twenty-seven independent grand masters of Calatrava, revived for a season the heroic virtues of his order's better days. A mortified monk in his cell, a fearless warrior on the battlefield, the glory of Padilla shed its last rays in the war of the conquest of Granada, which he did not live to see completed.
After the fall of Granada[edit]
At Padilla's death (1487), Ferdinand of Aragon exhibited to the chapter, assembled for the election of a new grand master, a Bull from Innocent VIII that invested him with authority to administer the order, and to this decree he compelled the electors to submit. Thus ended the political autonomy of the Order of Calatrava. The reason of its being—the struggle against the Moors—seemed, indeed, to end with the fall of Granada (1492).
The canonical bond between Calatrava and Morimond had been relaxing more and more. The King of Spain was too jealous of his authority to tolerate any foreign—especially French—intervention in the affairs of his kingdom. The canonical visits of the Abbot of Morimond ceased; difficulties were raised when the grand prior came from Morimond to take possession of his dignity. The last French prior was Nicholas of Avesnes, who died in 1552.
After a long contest, a compromise was effected in 1630, leaving to Morimond its right of electing the grand prior, but limiting its choice to Spanish Cistercians. Moreover, the knights of the order were virtually secularized: Pope Paul III commuted their vow of celibacy to one of conjugal fidelity (1540).
As members of the order were allowed to found families, and were authorized by Julius III (1551) to make free use of their personal property, the vow of poverty also passed into virtual desuetude. In 1652, under Philip IV, the three Spanish orders took a new vow: that of defending the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. This was the last manifestation of any religious spirit in the orders. The military spirit, too, had long since disappeared. The orders had, in fact, fallen into a state of utter inactivity.
The commanderies were but so many pensions at the king's free disposal, and predictably granted by him to the high-born rather than to the deserving in character, whatever their social status. In 1628 the Order of Calatrava was declared to be inaccessible not only to tradesmen, but even to sons of tradesmen. The last attempt to employ the knights of the three orders for a military purpose was that of Philip IV, in quelling the rebellion of the Catalans (1640–50), but the orders restricted their efforts to the complete equipment of one regiment, which has since been known in the Spanish army as "The Regiment of the Orders".
In 1750 the singer Farinelli was made a Knight of the Order of Calatrava.
When the Bourbon dynasty occupied the throne, Charles III, having founded the personal order of his name, levied upon the old orders a contribution of a million reals to pension 200 knights of the new order (1775). Their revenues being the only remaining raison d'être of the order, confiscation necessarily led to dissolution. Confiscated by King Joseph (1808), re-established by Ferdinand VII at the Restoration (1814), the possessions of Calatrava were finally dissipated in the general secularization of 1838.
See also[edit]
- ^ a b Peter Linehan, 10.
- ^ "Military Order of Calatrava". Catholic Encyclopedia.
- ^ "Diego Velázquez" (in Spanish). Gumiel de Izan.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "article name needed". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton.
- Peter Linehan, Spain:A Partible Inheritance, 1157-1300, Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 2011.
- Joseph F. O'Callaghan: The Affiliation of the Order of Calatrava with the Order of Cîteaux, Analecta Cisterciensia 16 (1960), 3-59.
- Sophia Menache, "Medieval states and military orders: the Order of Calatrava in the late Middle Ages," in Iris Shagrir, Ronnie Ellenblum, and Jonathan Riley-Smith (eds), In laudem Hierosolymitani: Studies in Crusades and Medieval Culture in Honour of Benjamin Z. Kedar (Aldershot, Ashgate, 2007) (Crusades - Subsidia, 1),


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I am a law-abiding citizen, so just in case I get asked to a meeting with Boris Johnson, should I put it in my diary as "Meeting with the Mayor of (controlled representation)" (letters, 17 July)? To travel there, will it be an offence to display my Oyster card, bearing the words "Transport for London"?
I assume that I would not be able to stop off at a Little Chef for an Olympic Breakfast on the way, but if I went into a pub afterwards, would the landlord and I be guilty of conspiracy if I ordered a pint of London Pride or Summer Ale?
Mike Perry
Ickenham, Middlesex
The deployment of the "brand army" is yet another example of the draconian and complex legislation surrounding the Games, and multimillion-pound marketing deals benefiting corporate sponsors.
LOCOG's marketing and business restrictions have already left a bitter taste with businesses stifled by these regulations, and these so-called "experts in trading and advertising" will only damage further the prospects of tens of thousands of small businesses that might otherwise share in the Olympics feelgood factor.
Legislation is necessary to protect the sponsors of the Games, but these overly stringent guidelines are not in the spirit of the Olympics and are creating a climate of fear among smaller business owners.
It is our nation of shopkeepers who will be the real casualties of this crackdown, and the legislation will be detrimental to our Olympic legacy and the British economy.
David Thorp
Head of Research and Information, The Chartered Institute of Marketing, Maidenhead, Berkshire
Your report confuses complex issues about the regulation of advertising, branding and trading during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Olympic Delivery Authority is responsible for enforcing legislation that applies only within a few hundred metres of competition venues, shortly before and during the Games.
Regulation of open-air trading is designed to ensure that spectators can get to the events they have paid to see without delay or obstruction, and authorisation has to be obtained for some types of advertising in the same limited areas to prevent so-called "ambush marketing".
The ODA is employing about 250 specialist enforcement officers to do this at 28 venues and events, in uniforms similar to those of thousands of Games Maker volunteers. Our staff will not be "enforcing multimillion-pound marketing deals" for anyone.
While working for the ODA, they have no responsibility outside these limited "event zones". Enforcing wider rules about branding is a matter for the London Organising Committee, Locog, and local authorities.
Alice Nugent
Olympic Delivery Authority, London E14
Wrong to mutilate children in the name of religion
A German court has ruled that circumcision of boys could be considered a criminal offence (report, 13 July) because it causes bodily harm and infringes a child's "right to integrity".
Quite right, most people would think, as do most Germans, an opinion poll shows. But it prompted the president of the European Conference of Rabbis to suggest that because of this ruling, "Jews and Muslims were no longer socially acceptable in Europe".
Then Jewish and Muslim leaders claimed it was "an affront to our basic religious and human rights". Even the Green Party came out in defence of the practice by wanting laws to guarantee the right to circumcision on religious grounds.
How can anyone, especially in what we think of as civilised Europe, consider it acceptable to permit the mutilation of young children in the name of religion? Do we care about children's rights? Let grown adults mutilate themselves for whatever reason, maybe, but let adults do this to children?
If a parent tried snipping off parts of their four-year-old child's body, they'd be in court and the child in care. But claim some special divine exemption in the name of a religious belief and what otherwise would be child abuse is perfectly fine.
The circumcision of young girls is generally considered unacceptable and is widely campigned against, but circumcision of young boys? It is no longer good enough to use religion as justification for the abuse of children. It's time we all woke up and got real.
Ian Layzell
Carving the genitals of children to mark them with the religion of their parents is a violation of their religious freedom and autonomy. Genital cutting of children is also a violation of their most basic human rights.
James Loewen
Vancouver, British Columbia
G4S cash better spent on police
If the £280m paid to G4S had been passed to our police forces then security at the Olympics would have been prepared and performed by professionals.
The police are trained and experienced in managing safety and security of crowds of excitable people at football matches and other events often exceeding 100,000. Our armed forces have little or no training in crowd control and safety.
Had this money gone to our police forces a year ago, the redundancy of 6,000 officers could have been delayed and recruitment and training of new officers could have been accelerated. The CEO of G4S has apologised, but he did not fully explain why the staff he has recruited for security at the Games do not, in many cases, have any relevant training; many do not have command of English.
As in the case of all privatisations of national assets, public services and national security the profits have been privatised and the debts have been nationalised. The taxpayer will pick up the cost and the companies will pick up the profit.
The security at the Olympic Games should never have been handed to a private company. Our national reputation and people's security has been put at risk on the altar of privatisation and profit.
Martin Deighton
Woodbridge, Suffolk
Jihadists have poisoned the well
Owen Jones's impassioned plea against Islamophobia (13 July) had its heart in the right place. Yet the nation's fear of attack is not without good cause. Because of previous Islamist "martyrs" we now have an aircraft carrier on the Thames, and the deployment of helicopter gunships as well as Tornados waiting to be scrambled. Passenger flights worldwide are preceded by massive neurotic security in which even very young children must divest themselves of belts, boots, and liquid containers.
Jihadists have poisoned the well even more than the IRA, the latter at least not being inclined to suicide. Add to this the extremes of sharia law such as amputation for theft and stoning for adultery, honour killing of dissenting daughters in certain communities, and a general prejudice against Muslims soon becomes easily explicable among the rest of the population.
The fear lingers because we have been warned that somewhere among the Islamist community are people who would love to kill as many of us non-believers as possible and would do so at the first opportunity.
Graham Wade
Withernsea, East Yorkshire
Cruelty of closing Remploy factories
Faced with the eloquent arguments of both your correspondents (letters, 11 July) it is hard to imagine that the Government can bulldoze through its ill-conceived plan to close the Remploy factories, which have served the disabled so well.
Maria Miller, the Disability Minister, seems impervious to all arguments. A party that can inflict such heartless cruelty on the most vulnerable, and try to disguise it as an improvement, when it is nothing more than a penny-pinching money grab, is not one that can be trusted with the wellbeing of the citzens of this country, and I hope that that will feature in people's thinking when they next come to the ballot box.
The disabled lobby is well-organised and powerful, and I hope the Government will be held to account for the fate of all those dispossessed of work, independence and companionship if the factories do close. A reversal of this decision would be a very welcome U-turn.
Sierra Hutton-Wilson
Evercreech, Somerset
Nick Boles is not only intent on robbing older people of their independence and dignity by abolishing pensioner benefits. He also attacked the "lazy sentimentalism" of Sure Start centres for children.
This not only lends further weight to the impression of a resurgent Nasty Party tendency in the Conservatives. It also underlines that the wealthy public school-educated Mr Boles and his ilk are hopelessly out of touch with the reality of ordinary people's lives.
Mr Boles also reminds us why the Conservatives failed to gain a majority at the last election and last won outright victory more than two decades ago. The more Nick Boles opens his mouth in public, the more likely a majority Conservative government will soon be unknown to anybody under 40.
Anthony Rodriguez
Staines, Middlesex
Creationist nonsense
You report (14 July) that in Newark the DoE stated that "the new school would be banned from teaching creationism in science classes, but it would be allowed in religious education lessons". How can the Government, in pursuing its ideological commitment to free schools, get away with such nonsense and dissembling?
Mike Brooks
Ty Newydd, Vale of Glamorgan
Hub hubbub
Brian Roberts (Open Jaw, July 14) misunderstands hub airports. Airlines that "support" Northern airports are only feeding passengers to their own hubs, KLM to Amsterdam, Lufthansa to Frankfurt and so on. Northern airports are just spokes for full-service airlines, not hubs. By opening a new link to Leeds, BA is actually supporting Northern airports by enabling more Northerners to connect into its network hub in London?
Jonny Price
Good for Trump
Donald Trump has to be congratulated for the £100m he spent on his golf course which is great for Scotland. I can also understand his objection to the wind farm. Wind farms are not easy on the eye, but the people around Chernobyl and Fukushima would wish that was their only concern.
John Connor
Dunfermline, Fife
Buck never stops
It has been an amazing year for hearing senior executives, all paid fantastic sums for managing their businesses, deny any responsibility or knowledge of what is happening below them, matched by government ministers making similar claims and all exhibiting a shared collective amnesia.
Tom Simpson
Eye'll keep watch
I've enjoyed the letters on the train warnings in different countries and how these can reflect national character. At Bradford, I saw a notice at eye-level on the door, "Smile, you're on CCTV".
Mark Kesteven
London calling
Artillery pointing skywards; RAF stations ready for anything; everyone grumbling and getting on with the job. Reminds me of old times (I'm 84).
Terence Davidson
Twickenham, Middlesex
Reuse content


text:
By Marty Russell
Well, the election is finally over, at least we hope. As I'm writing this on Tuesday I don't have a clue as to who won or if we even know at this point who the winner is. Doesn't matter. It's time to support whichever candidate came out on top.
For most of us, that's easy to do. Most of us realize that a presidential candidate can promise anything they want during the campaign but, once elected, they still have to face that brick wall known as Congress to actually implement anything. So we tend to vote along ideological lines knowing that nothing is really likely to change. We just like one team's colors better than the other's.
It's like football, especially here in the South. You're either a State fan or an Ole Miss fan, and we show our support for our chosen team by showing up for the games sporting our side's logos, mocking the opposition and pulling for our side to win. But when it's over and your team loses, what do we say? We say wait until next year and go on about our lives. The world hasn't suddenly come to an end, and no one forces us to change sides, just to accept the outcome and start planning for next season which, in the case of presidential elections, unfortunately, will probably start this afternoon.
But I fear that we're losing that ability to agree to disagree. We're becoming so polarized as a nation that we can no longer accept losing and will go to any lengths to win or to obstruct the winner if we lose. It's our way or the highway, and we're no longer willing to even listen to what the other side has to say. I've actually known friends, and even family members, who no longer speak to each other because they supported different candidates in the election, people who have "unfriended" people on Facebook because they posted something in support of another candidate. Some "friend."
That just ain't right. Even football players shake hands with opposing teammates after the game, regardless of who won or lost. It's called sportsmanship, another word for civility, which is something sorely missing in today's politics and the reason we have so much gridlock in the political process. No one is willing to reach across the aisle and shake the other side's hand because that would be seen as a sign of weakness or defeat.
It's time to wake up and realize that no one of us or one political philosophy has all the answers. If you think you're right and your way is the only way, chances are you're wrong, even if others think the same thing. The best solutions come from considering all viewpoints. So support our new president, whoever he may be. As someone once said, it's impossible to think and hit someone at the same time.
Marty Russell writes a Wednesday column for the Daily Journal. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.