iGURU!’s – Weekly Review – 29th September 2019 Last week saw the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, rule on the ‘action’ of Britain’s Prime Minister, Mr. Boris Johnson. The ‘act’ upon which the judges ruled on, was the prorogation of Parliament, which resulted in the temporary suspension of Parliament (for further info - click here.) This court decision was a major constitutional decision. Again, it seems that Brexit – a political crisis, that has tormented the people of the United Kingdom - and devastated the country’s political elite, for the past 3 years, not only ‘runs on’ – but continues to reveal and expose the fragile fabric – some would say ‘façade’ of the United Kingdom’s ‘constitutional framework’ - the fragility of its ‘politics’ and its ‘societal structures.’ Further, it has served to highlight the weakness and disunity of its political elite. Brexit has already exposed the wide chasm which can now clearly be seen existing in this 'disunited Kingdom.' This ‘division’ is fundamental – and because of its poor handling – largely due to an inept political class – this ‘divide’ has increased with time. Exposed for all to see on the ‘UK stage,’ is civil disorder, political hatred and social chaos. The curtains have been pulled back – all is revealed – there is nowhere to hide – and so - the show must go on! “But wait! - there seems to be a Knight in shining armour – Glory! Glory! - Enter the Supreme Court!” The Supreme Court, delivered a judgment last week - damning in its content - it was critical of the UK Prime Minister, Mr. Boris Johnson. It ruled that his ‘attempt’ to prorogue parliament / shut it down, was 'unlawful, void and of no effect' (to read the article click here.) “Glory Glory!” – Who would have thought that the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom - could wave its magic wand - and cast a spell - to remove the recent weeks of rancor, bitterness, trauma the country has experienced. No - not so simple - that will have to wait – wait until Britannia can find a Consort - and the pair can then rule with dignity once again and restore to its people – hope! Anyway – the Supreme Court’s judgment, was hailed by many, as a - ‘return to the Rule Of Law’ (for Gina Miller's speech - click here) – and the dispatching of a 'wanna be tyrant' (for related article click here,) dressed in parliamentary garb. Viewed in this light – the Supreme Court appears as the saviour of the United Kingdom’s 'democratic rights' - I am sure you get a picture. This reaction was well summed up in an article I read titled - 'Like it or not, Boris Johnson still has two paths to election victory' - commenting on the ‘Remainers’ who were no doubt celebrating this court decision, this article, refers to the 'Duchess of Richmond’s Ball.’ (For the significance of that reference click here.) This event – ‘a Ball before a War’ – highlights the tragedy of a celebration, conducted prior to or in the midst of war. In general, if one takes an impartial view of this matter, it could properly be said that the Supreme Court was praised for its courageous decision – since three other courts had given determinations, two of which conflicted. The High Court of Northern Ireland – High Court of Scotland and the High Court of England gave decisions on the lawfulness of PM Mr. Boris Johnson's actions (click here for link.) So it fell to the Supreme Court, to decide what was the correct legal and constitutional position, with regards to Mr. Johnson’s prorogation of Parliament. The court’s task was a hapless one – since given the vitriolic hatred – which each side has for the other (namely, Brexiter vs Remainer) – you are bound to offend a sizeable portion of the country – whatever you decide. In addition, since 3 previous senior courts have given two conflicting decisions, you cannot simply rely on the ‘legal logic argument’ of your decision – since ‘legal logic’ itself has come to different decisions. In other words, there was no ‘obvious legality' or 'illegality' to Mr. Johnson’s actions. Thus, Brexit revealed a serious constitutional lacuna ‘hole’ / ‘gap’ which the Supreme Court judges had to fill. In brief, the Supreme Court was compelled to ‘create’ / ‘make’ Law in their decision. Why is this understanding important? – It’s important because inevitably ‘Brexiters’ (those who lost) will complain of ‘bias’ on the part of the Supreme Court judges. Indeed, we are seeing this happening already (click here for article.) Brexit has now pitched the judges into the mix. Since the Supreme Court’s decision was of necessity ‘creative lawmaking’ by the judges. It had to be - given the vagaries of the British constitution and the conflicted previous decisions. Given the country’s current Brexit woes – this understanding about the ‘creative lawmaking’ by the judges is important, as the political temperature rises still further – The Judiciary (as an institution) too will now become fully embroiled in the Brexit struggle – which is in reality a struggle for the control of a Nation. Why is this understanding important? – It is important because whilst your everyday citizen in the United Kingdom may not appreciate the niceties and the legal distinctions of ‘legal logic’ – they can ‘intuit’ the ‘creative nature’ of the Supreme Court’s decision - in terms of legitimising or delegitimising political action. In brief, the court has to take a side and will be perceived by the public as having taken a side. As a consequence, they too will become targets in this ongoing ‘constitutional crisis.’ The public, are able to ‘intuit’ this ‘creative lawmaking’ (taking of sides?) because they are currently existing in extraordinary political and social circumstances. These circumstances are a situation, caused by the failings of their political elite, into which they have been led. They are therefore, understandably not so ‘trusting’ – more ‘suspicious’ - and therefore, more ‘politically sensitised’ to the actions of the political elite, whether those acts be ‘bureaucratic,’ ‘parliamentary,’ ‘executive,’ or ‘judicial,’ in nature. So – some hailed the decision as historic and ‘constitutionally creative’ - however, as can be expected, others accused the judges of 'treachery' – one politician referred to it as a ‘constitutional coup’ (to read article - click here) and so the torturous progress of Brexit continues. Up until now the people have been marshaled into two camps – Brexit or Remain – this has morphed into the ‘People versus Parliament’ – these are no mere academic matters, since it is clear that a number of MP’s do genuinely fear acts of physical violence from members of the public. In an article titled - 'Boris Johnson seeks to divide and conquer with his incendiary rhetoric' the author Andrew Rawnsley writes -“I have never known a time when so many parliamentarians live in fear that something terrible will happen to them or their loved ones.” Andrew Rawnsley continues in this article regarding the current political process and inevitable forthcoming political election - that this election will be - “…the nastiest contest in Britain’s modern history.” The latest development now – is the pitching of the ‘People against the Judiciary’ – again, it is quite clear that ‘Brexiters’ will find it easy to see the Supreme Court decision as one of ‘Remainers’ on the bench (in the guise of judges) trying to thwart the ‘Will of the People’ – clearly expressed in the Brexit referendum of 2016 (for the article - ‘There is only one law: there must be no Brexit'– click here.) Put simply, they would view the judiciary as part of the establishment ‘Stop Brexit Campaign.’ Are the Supreme Court judges ‘Liberators’ or ‘Traitors?’ - Such incendiary language is now commonly used, in the UK rational discussion about the Brexit issue. This - is the issue that fascinates me. I am always cautious when my attention is directed to ‘high profile,’ ‘issues,’ ‘campaigns’ – ‘causes’ – you know - the type of community action - where celebrities abound! However, I’ve often found that if you poke about a little – and try to look beyond the veneer of hype – what one often sees can shock you. And so – it was with this in mind that I considered the position of those Supreme Court judges, who delivered their judgment. Let’s not just look at this Boris Johnson ruling – how about we take a look - at what is really happening - with regards to the ‘Rule Of Law’ in the 'court system' of the United Kindgom. Brexit - is gonna get messier, nastier, noisier – and its going to claim more establishment scalps. The judiciary, have now been pitched into this ‘constitutional crisis’ - and like the politicians before them – they will emerge discredited, because behind the hype of ‘Rule Of Law,’ the legal system as it currently operates within the United Kingdom, offers no such service. Away from the hype of such high profile cases – an analysis of what is really going on in the legal system in the United Kingdom - will reveal that over the last 2 decades or so, the populous as a result of various legal reforms, have been increasingly deprived of access to the courts and therefore justice. These changes – 'bureaucratic' and 'subtle' in their nature, have meant that for most ordinary people, access to the courts is something they cannot afford - and therefore it becomes virtually impossible to enforce one’s rights in almost every sphere of individual, social and community life. Most individuals find it almost impossible to access justice in areas as diverse as - personal injury – employment – housing – discrimination – police and crime etc etc – I could go on. Given all of that, there can be no ‘Rule Of Law’ in the United Kingdom. In addition, to what I have recounted above in terms of denial of access through lack of funds – there is also a deliberate denial of access to justice in two important other respects. The first, is the denial of 'physical accessibility' to the courts. For example, in a majority of court buildings one cannot simply walk into a courtroom, sit in a public gallery and observe a case. For all practical purposes, that has gone. In most instances having been processed through initial security, member of the public are questioned about what they are doing in court, typically asked ‘which case your in?’ If your reply is that you want to sit in on a case to observe, your access is not guaranteed and in many instances, you will not be permitted to enter a court, through the application of various ‘bureaucratic rules’ and ‘practices’ by staff. Such restrictions are especially significant, when cases involving community interests are being decided – and litigants (often acting in person) are seeking the support of family, friends and colleagues. Such people are often denied access on the basis of these ‘bureaucratic rules’ and ‘procedures.’ It is virtually impossible to challenge these practices since their origins are usually lost in some distant and administratively Byzantine labyrinth. In this the UK legal system has somehow managed to “out kafka – kafka!” The second is the withdrawal of legal resources, books and materials from community public space - e.g. libraries. Once upon a time, you could go to your local library and any decent local library would have a Law section, whereby you could prepare your own cases. Some of these libraries were very well stocked and became internationally renowned for their Law Library. One such library was Holborn Public Library in London and I recall family friends of my mother recounting, how they had pursued their legal studies part time through accessing the Holborn Public Law Library. Indeed a crop of independence leaders (1950s-60s) – from Africa, the Caribbean and Asia ‘graduated’ – from this Public Law Library – many went on to become not only distinguished lawyers, judges, civil servants, but also, well known independence leaders. What a shame – what a disgrace – to visit Holborn Public Library today. Regarding affordability – financial access – most ordinary people can’t afford lawyers - and a once sufficiently funded public provision (legal aid) has virtually disappeared. The courts are filled with 'Litigant’s in Persons' – ordinary individuals attempting to access justice unrepresented – and most, struggling to cope with the often complicated and bureaucratic administrative rules, which now infests the UK legal system and which has destroyed the basic 'Communal Humanity,' which was often to be found in the Common Law system. So - you decide not to pay for a lawyer (because you can’t afford one) but your problems are only just beginning. There are court fees – they start in the 100’s of pounds region - amazingly these fees are ‘graduated’ (they go up) – meaning the fee you pay the court, depends on the size of claim you are making – and so the fee you pay will go up according to your claim (note you haven’t won your case – you’ve barely started your case, yet you are being treated – i.e. the amount you pay, is valued on the success of a 'prospective case.' Your case is being valued as a 'future financial product.') Mercifully – the limit is capped at £10,000! ($12,288) – yes £10,000 to make a claim! – note the median annual income for a citizen of the UK is £28,400 (this figure is from the financial year ending 2018.) This sum you pay to the court – is euphemistically called “court fees” – These are not court fees – This is a court tax! This is a tax – a tax to access the legal system – This is a tax to obtain Justice! - a Justice Tax. Revolutions – civil tumult and the overthrowing of tyrants – are often caused by 'tax revolts' – one of the causes of the American Revolution, was said to have been the imposition of unjust taxes by the British Crown. In continuation of this discussion on the ‘Rule Of Law’ in the UK courts I have observed - as your case proceeds - you will receive 'intermittent demands' at certain stages of your case. Whilst there is no doubt some obscure procedural, administrative legislative authority that legitimises these demands – to most ordinary citizens – these demands come as a shock – a bolt from the blue – can’t pay? – you’ll have to stop your case. I have heard numerous accounts of homes having to be sold or remortgaged to fund litigation – not to pay for lawyers, but to pay for court's costs! Try to get a hearing in a court before a judge – virtually impossible nowadays - unless of course you’re not human – by that I mean - you’re a 'corporation.' Nowadays you have to write to the court for permission to do almost anything – it is styled an ‘Application’ – but you are it seems in reality, ‘petitioning’ for a ‘favor’ - you’ll get a response in a couple weeks or so – it’s called a 'Court Order' from the court - but it could just as well have been a 'memo' - from some distant branch of the civil service – these are no longer courts they are 'bureaucratic and distant structures.' Most alarmingly, for those who have proficient political understanding, of what is taking place, is that it seems that the United Kingdom Courts are being prepared for – 'Privatisation' – yes 'Privatisation' – the 'Privatisation' of ‘Justice.’ This is not new to Europe – private courts were a feature of European civil society in the Middle Ages ‘Manorial Courts’ where local elites (Lords, Barons) dispensed local justice to those who served them (Serfs.) As the world shifts into a higher gear we are now seeing a 'global neo-liberal economic' philosophy on steroids – 'private Courts' - will again return as a significant structure in this neo-feudalism which some have in store for western societies. The United Kingdom appears to be the testing ground. Where were / are the Lawyers? Where were / are the so called liberal institutions? I could go on – and indeed perhaps at some point through the assistance of affiliates, associated with the Daily Info… (Advocacy Rights UK) we will do a more in depth report on what’s going on in the UK – so here’s the point. The Judiciary have now been pitched into the Brexit debacle – and as the realization of the People increases - and an awareness that things will never be the same again manifests – they will also realize that the Judiciary presided over the stripping down and removal of a fundamental right – namely, a right to access justice – much of which was done quietly through bureaucratic procedural mechanisms. The consequence of this for the Judiciary, is that this realisation will inevitably get 'mixed up' with the 'toxicity of Brexit' – the judges will not come out unscathed. Like the Parliamentarians before them, their failings will be seen and highlighted, as people are able to realise and understand that away from the 'high profile' cases like – the Proroguing of Parliament Case – their interests have not been well served by those who were / are supposed to serve them and uphold for them - the ‘Rule Of Law.’ The significance of what is happening in the courts in relation to Brexit on this matter, is that - I predict that the Brexit woes will engulf the UK legal system – but not along the simple lines of ‘Brexit versus Remain’ – since the denial of access to justice is something ordinary people on both sides experience – and I predict, that this will be the ‘unifying factor’ which shall finally destroy the current political established order in the United Kingdom. REFERENCES TO ARTICLES, VIDEOS ETC To view the contents of this index – click on the subject of interest below. ALPHABETICAL ORDER
B Boris Johnson - A PM who puts himself above the law is a tyrant (25-Sep2019) - Boris Johnson seeks to divide and conquer with his incendiary rhetoric (29-Sep2019) - Like it or not, Boris Johnson still has two paths to election victory Brexit & The Rule Of Law - Brexit in the Supreme Court: when populists attack the rule of law, everyone loses ‘There is only one law: there must be no Brexit' D Duchess Of Richmond Ball - Duchess of Richmond’s ball before Waterloo H High Court Judgments - Scots judges rule parliament suspension unlawful (on Youtube 11-Sep2019) - The UK Supreme Court will not only decide Johnson’s fate, it will declare whether Scotland’s constitutional tradition still matters - 14-Sept2019 - The Independent P Proroguing Parliament -Boris Johnson move to suspend parliament sets up clash with MPs R References to other articles, videos etc related to the article - About Brexit Index U UK - Supreme Court Ruling - Attacking Supreme Court justices for doing their job has nothing to do with your rights - Gina Miller reacts to Supreme Court win against prorogation - Jacob Rees-Mogg brands Supreme Court ruling a 'constitutional coup' as MPs prepare to grill Boris Johnson - Johnson's suspension of parliament unlawful, supreme court rules - Scottish lawyers praise Supreme Court decision against proroguing of Parliament - Supreme Court: Suspending Parliament was unlawful, judges rule - UK’s Supreme Court says Boris Johnson’s suspension of Parliament was unlawful
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iGURU!’s – Weekly Review – 22nd September 2019 What we need is a ‘meeting place’ – or ‘space’ – where there can be a convergence of Minds – a coming together of thoughts – ideas. An opportunity to reflect – and to discuss the ‘mechanisms’ necessary for a civil - and at last – just and fair society. What would this ‘meeting place’ comprise? – A joyous community of individuals who share the view that each of us, as individual Beings, are sovereign and free. With each aspiring to live the ‘noble life’ – to pursue superior ideals – ‘the dream’ – to bring Heaven down to Earth. I hear some say – ‘a utopian dream’ – surely a place like this does not - and cannot exist… this ‘meeting place.’ Others will say - surely a place like this can exist – and must exist – because if it doesn’t – we’re in trouble. Tommy Robinson – a ‘populist’ UK campaigner and activist – (for info click here) known for his outspoken comments about Muslims, race, immigration, child grooming and sex abuse - was released from prison this week. Interviewed upon release – in addition to comments about his imprisonment – interestingly, referred to a conversation he allegedly had with Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, whilst in prison - and highlighted the latters current plight – still being held in Belmarsh prison for breach of bail and extradition (to read more about Julian Assange's story - click here.) Tommy Robinson articulated a damning insight into the UK judicial system – in particular, the country’s contempt laws under which provision he had been jailed (to read the article - click here.) In relation to the imprisonment of both Julian Assange and Tommy Robinson - there are serious question marks about why these men were jailed in the first place. As a UK ‘populist’ some would say 'rabble-rouser' on immigration – others would use even harsher words like ‘racist’ (links to some of his critics are provided at the end of this article) – I am aware that Tommy Robinson is usually regarded as a polarising force – but it is in relation to the imprisonment, both men have experienced, which is of interest here – since through this shared experience, it seems that they may have found a ‘commonality of purpose.’ This is important, because it seems to me that in the light of the serious social and civil liberties issues facing our communities and raised by both men – ‘commonalities of purpose’ and ‘meeting places’ – of ‘Minds’ and ‘ideas’ are extremely important. As with all things - the first point of conception is in the Mind – it all starts with an idea – a dream – Martin Luther King – most famously articulated his dream – which in fact, was the people’s dream, buried deep within their anguished minds and lives – was hope. (click here for Martin Luther King's speech.) It is clear that one man or woman’s dream or vision - can in fact become the reality for the masses – and all can reap the benefits of a vision that once began in the Mind of an individual – who refused to accept the injustice, inequality and sheer human brutality, they had witnessed or experienced. We have seen such cases in history, time and time again. There is great power that can be found in a ‘meeting space’ – where individual Minds – with individual ‘dreams’ – come together – and find common purpose - with one another. A ‘meeting place?’ - where individual ‘visions’ – ‘thoughts’ and ‘ideas’ – come together to form one ultimate vision – for Humanity – what is this vision? - What will it look like? …Perhaps, the answer can be found, in what each leader – and indeed each human being - has in common with one another? The right to – true Individual Sovereignty - Liberty – Freedom of speech. It seems to me – this is what Humanity should be moving towards – a ‘meeting place’ - for all! REFERENCES TO ARTICLES, VIDEOS ETC To view the contents of this index – click on the subject of interest below. J Julian Assange - Julian Assange - News Feed - The Guardian - Wikipedia M Martin Luther King Jr. - Martin Luther King "I have a Dream" speech R References to other articles, videos etc related to the article - About Wikileaks - Freedom of Speech T Tommy Robinson I thought that by attending a Tommy Robinson speech I could understand his arguments – but there were none, only hate (12-Jul2018) - Tommy Robinson announces support for Julian Assange after ‘talking to WikiLeaks founder in prison’ - 16-Sept2019 - The Independent - Tommy Robinson is a far-right, Islamophobic extremist. Here’s why. - Tommy Robinson - News Feed - The Independent - Wikipedia iGURU!’s – Weekly Review – 15th September 2019 About a month ago following a meeting with staff at iGURU! Teaching Systems, we decided to launch ‘Wordpressed’ – the idea being that a ‘word for the day’ would be selected and linked to its explanation and use. From the responses we’ve had – it appears to be very popular and will continue to be a regular feature on the Daily Info… it seems that ‘words matter.’ Yes it seems that words - really do matter - and its deep, in a way that most people cannot conceive. My attention was caught by an article – 'You great big girl’s blouse' – Johnson appears to insult Corbyn during PMQs' which reported that Boris Johnson (current UK Prime Minister) referred to a fellow politician - Jeremy Corbyn (opposition leader) – as a “great big girl’s blouse” – and David Cameron (a former colleague and a previous UK Prime Minister) as - “a girly swot” - here is the link. What is it with these leaders? – Who find powerful feminine qualities, like maturity (big girl) and intelligence (swot) a term of abuse – I’m prepared to give Mr. Johnson the benefit of the doubt and assume that these were jovial – if though childish jibes – still however, it says something about the state of mind of the speaker – this is inescapable. I don’t believe most men are like this, but it is clear that among the ruling masculine elite, this attitude is prevalent. What makes him think calling someone a girly swot – or a big girls blouse are insults? Maturity and intelligence are qualities, which are much needed in leadership today. In another article called 'Insights... ‘big girl’s blouse’, ‘girly swot’? The prime minister should choose his insults more carefully' – the article begins with the phrase – “Words matter” – yes they do - it seems that other writers picked up on this point (here is the link). Language is the method through which we communicate - our thoughts, feelings, ideas etc… Words matter – because the language we use is a reflection of our consciousness – and the power of that understanding is that, our consciousness is an expression of who and what we really are. Prior to starting iGURU! Teaching Systems with a colleague, I practiced as a Intuitive Guide and Healer working holistically to help individuals with their health, wellbeing and healing processes. I found most of my work involved listening – listening to people as they expressed – ‘in their own words’ - the ailments that troubled them – the disorders – that plagued them – the doubts and fears of their lives – that stalked them – yes words matter – they can be used as a great tool in healing. Such practices are not new – the modern practice of psychology is based upon listening and analysing the content of what is revealed through the spoken word and other 'keys' to the mind – but there is a ‘New Psychology,’ which is going to take this process further – and by this I mean a true and deeper understanding as to how this process works. In brief, one can describe it as an understanding of the truly vibratory nature and power of the words we speak – and how they can effect not just others – but ourselves. A passing thought – to leaders of both genders – and to any whom the community look to for guidance and stewardship – you should pay careful attention to your speech – not just for the obvious political reasons – or for the damage and harm you may cause to others – but also thinking purely in terms of self interest – the damage such speech, can cause to yourselves! REFERENCES TO ARTICLES, VIDEOS ETC To view the contents of this index – click on the subject of interest below.
iGURU!’s – Weekly Review – 8th September 2019 We are living in very interesting and exciting times. This week I saw a man pay for his shopping by tapping his wristwatch onto a card reader machine – maybe I'm old school – but I watched in fascination because it is still unknown and unfamiliar territory for me. I am sure that others who are clued up about this topic – namely, owners of the latest gadgets and technologies - and / or - well researched individuals - would probably look at me and say - ‘get with the times woman!’ - Well maybe so, but there’s a lot more happening with this technology than we may realise, in that - it is clearly shaping society - and indeed Human Consciousness, in ways that perhaps were not intended. For example most of the technology in your pocket has its origins in military research and military hardware (if you are interested in this subject - click here.) In a video I watched this week called ‘Is my phone listening to me?’ – they were discussing the implications of technologies that offer voice recognition facilities – namely smartphones and virtual assistant technologies such as ‘Amazon Alexa,’ ‘Amazon Echo,’ ‘Google Home’ etc… It is openly acknowledged that companies such as Apple, Google and Amazon (to name a few) have been using such technologies to gather information / data about its users. In the video it was said that these devices, even when they are not in use, they are still active, as they are listening for 'key words' (referred to in the video as the ‘wake word’) – I am horrified by this information - but it doesn’t stop there. The information / data that these devices collect are then processed / transcribed by individuals – who are then able to sell this data / information for all sorts of purposes to third parties. I find such activities alarming, since the provider of such information, namely you and I, were not fully informed as to the consequences and use of our information - and almost certainly have no idea what is happening with the our information and where it will ultimately end up. It seems that we are being ‘mined’ for our information – our very lives and existences have been commodotised and we have no say over this process – neither do we reap any significant financial reward. Can this be right? In another video I watched this week called - 'Users ‘should be aware’ technology is spying on us' – the presenter quoted the warning issued with Samsung Smart TV (which uses voice commands) – it said - “Please be aware that if your spoken words include personal or sensitive information, that information will be among the data captured and transmitted to a third party, through your use of voice recognition.” I find such open admissions of potential conduct by such companies quite startling. – In reality there is no balance since ‘big tech companies’ have a monopoly of the technology and thus there can be no ‘negotiation’ as to the terms of use. We are indeed presented with a ‘fait accompli.’ When it comes to such devices it is worth noting that when these technologies were first introduced to the public – it was not disclosed that these technologies would be ‘gathering,’ 'recording' and 'storing' our personal information / data. Thus, this activity has been conducted without the prior consent of the public. It is now coming to light that these companies have not only been collecting personal data of individuals, but are using their technology to manipulate public Consciousness for profit. In particular – in another video that I watched this week, Google was described as a ‘highly biased political machine,’ which purposely manipulates its algorithms to control what people see when they use the Google search engine. (To watch this video - click here.) In the movie ‘The Great Hack’ (which can be found on Netflix) – a participant in that movie, Brittany Kaiser stated - “data is the most valuable asset on the Earth” – this is a powerful statement – 'the personal data of individuals - is the most valuable asset on earth…?' - Who profits from this data? What is this data used for? Well it would seem that big companies, political parties and those associated with the ‘political machinery’ of government and politics - are currently profiting from the information / data that is gathered about individuals – and the gathered information / data is being used to manipulate members of the public - whether it be to vote for a particular political party – or to influence buyers on what goods and services they are to buy – consumer choice. Of course it all comes down to personal choice – some individuals will weigh up the pros and cons of using their technological devices and decide that using their device is more important than the implications (this was discussed in the video mentioned earlier - ‘Is my phone listening to me?’) I feel that the value of privacy has decreased significantly with the introduction of social media and modern technology. What is all this leading to and what are the issues, which we ought to be concerned about? I can think of 2 that concern me from the handful of videos that I’ve recently watched. One is the manipulation of Human Consciousness, in its most overt form it can be seen in the 'mining' of personal data, which is then used to manipulate individual choice / decisions - for profit by institutions and organisations. who are not accountable to anyone for their actions. There is also the issue of – how this technology is subtlety 'altering' and 'changing' Human Consciousness itself. It is clear that our interaction with these technological gadgets is not just ‘one way’ - and that the impact of such technologies clearly has a long lasting impact on our ‘thought processes,’ our ‘speech’ - and our ‘actions.’ These are significant consequences, which will have an impact not just on our societies and communities as they currently exist but almost certainly for generations to come. This is such a vast and important subject that I propose to deal with this in a separate review at some later point in time. Finally, on this subject ‘big tech,’ ‘information,’ ‘privacy’ and ‘society’ – there is the undeniable impact such technologies are having on the nature of the societies we all live in. A great deal of this technology has been and is being used not just to ‘profit’ from our daily activities, but also to surveil and monitor us. This surveillance is currently so extensive and so global in its reach, that it already exceeds the dire warnings of fiction expressed in such works as George Orwells 1984. His Orwellian dystopian nightmare vision of society through the potential of these technologies has already been exceeded – many of us are just not aware of it. The assault on individual liberty through the erosion of privacy in the guise of technology is therefore a serious concern. It would seem therefore, that we are already in the Age when the most valuable commodity is not ‘financial’ or ‘monetary’ - and cannot be measured with gold – since the most valuable commodity it seems now - is ‘Privacy.’ REFERENCES TO ARTICLES, VIDEOS ETC To view the contents of this index – click on the subject of interest below. ALPHABETICAL ORDER G - Google’s immunity must be stripped after leaks – Ben Swann (on Youtube 15-Aug2019) - This is how Google is spying on everything you do (on Youtube 6-Oct2018) M Mobile Phones - Is my phone listening to me? | The Stream (on Youtube 27-Aug2019) P Personal Data - DMV profiting off your personal data R References to other articles, videos etc related to the article – Modern Technology, Social Media & Society – Modern Technology & Society - Surveillance Society S Spying - Users ‘should be aware’ technology is spying on us (on Youtube 29-Aug2019) T The Great Hack - The Great Hack | Official Trailer | Netflix (on Youtube 11-Jul2019) |
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