A Red Top Caught Red Handed?

I'd like to begin by saying that if I ever buy a copy of the Sun newspaper, it will only be for it's ultra-absorbent qualities and in fact I would go so far as to say that those are probably it's only qualities. I think like any other right minded person in Britain, my reaction to being greeted with a headline about our entire island catching fire and sinking would be to assume that somewhere on the south coast a journalist had his beach barbeque washed out by the tide.

So when the Sun published a list containing a number of prominent Jewish figures, tabloid darling Amy Winehouse among them, it's reasonable to suspect that in piecing the story together, the Sun might have exaggerated or at best failed to check their facts. Even the most Jaded of Times readers, however, could be forgiven for popping a monocle over what appears to be a very serious accusation which have arisen following the Sun's publication (and, it would seem, silent withdrawal) of that particular gem of an article.

From what I can gather, the administrators of the forum, which is not, as far as I can tell, intended as a platform for propagating terrorism, have alleged that the post which the article makes reference to, calling for the publication of a list of "top Jews" to to target in protest, was in fact posted by a freelance journalist, who then followed this up with his own list after his request was ignored. The blog I have linked to further alleges that the rather tragic figure behind this charade is a man named Glen Jenvey, an anti-terror warrior perhaps not quite possessed of all the qualities you would expect of someone with a background in international counter-terrorist espionage. And by that, I mean that he apparently edits his own Wikipedia entry. Winner.

If these allegations are true, then it really is a sad state of affairs that we find ourselves in. That a mainstream publication with such high circulation as the Sun might be able publish such an alarmist and fear-mongering accusation is a sad incitement of the sloppy standards to which we hold our press.

Another great piece from the Daily Show

John Oliver pointing out the minor flaw in the game plan of terrorists; the fact that their actions do absolutely nothing to progress towards their goals:

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Mumbai Tragedy

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Leaks and Cameron's Man

Just found this on the BBC website, my particular favourite part of it is the quote from the tory official that say "As shadow immigration minister, Mr Green has, on a number of occasions, legitimately revealed information which the Home Office chose not to make public".

Now maybe its just me but I would think that if the Home office which is the organisation that is in charge of the fight against crime and terrorist activity as well as the Immigration Department has decided not to release something to the public then maybe its not a conspiracy maybe they actually have a good reason.

You know the sort of thing, ongoing criminal investigation, not wanting immigration rings to know stuff, you know the sort of thing whats it called again, aye that's right PROTECTING THE PUBLIC.

Clearly doing that is the last thing on this tories mind.

Statement from the Prime Minister on the attacks in Mumbai

Gordon Brown has spoken of his shock and outrage at the terror attacks that took place overnight in Mumbai and pledged assistance to British nationals caught up in the violence.

Speaking to journalists in Downing Street, the PM said that British counter-terror officers were on their way to the Indian city to assist local authorities and that a crisis centre had been set up at the Foreign Office for concerned friends and relatives.

The PM said:

“I think I speak for the whole world - shock and outrage at the tragic destruction of innocent lives. I have already sent my sympathy and support to Prime Minister Singh of India and to say we will do everything we can to help the Indian government.

“Our first duty is towards British people caught up in this terror in Mumbai…it is too early to say any numbers for the numbers of people who are injured - we will give that during the course of the day - what I can assure you is we are doing everything within our power.”

A number of terrorist gunmen launched coordinated attacks in various locations in India’s financial capital last night, including at the Chatrapathi Sivaji rail station and the Taj Mahal hotel. Reports suggest that more than 100 people may have lost their lives.

The Prime Minister pledged to “root out terrorism” and called for the sharing of information between countries on the activities of suspected extremists. The world “has to come together to fight these terrorist groups”, he said.

The 24-hour Foreign Office helpline is +44 (0)20 7008 0000. More information can be seen on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website