Well done Obama

Love him or hate him - he ran a fantastic campaign, and raised a record breaking amount of money for his campaign. Not dominated by big donations from the wealthy, but rather millions of small donations. The widows mite a good analogy as his campaign has been almost Messianic. And not wishing to over play the analogy, but I fear white supremacists will be out to crucify him, before he can get to the White House, or as soon as possible thereafter.

It will be interesting to see if his vision that has captured the heart of America is translated into reality. Obama has the legitimacy of a land slide victory, the good will of many foreign nations. Change is something that is yearned for the world over. And nothing needs change more drastically than American foreign policy. So a vision has been created, there has now been created great anticipation. What now will be delivered? And delivery is everything, as every mid-wife will tell you.

I wish him well. I was surprised that Republicans chose a fine but aged man to run, but all so easy to say in hindsight. I personally liked Mit Romney and Rudy Giuliani. But maybe this election was not the one to get selected for. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. The hour now is Obama's, and justly deserved. He ran the best campaign, was the most charismatic, and created the vision that connected with most Americans. He was for the most part positive and concentrated on what he would deliver, and came across as a formidable statesman.

All men are more equal now in America. This election alone has redeemed the hypocrisy that there has been on this fundamental decree in the American Constitution for centuries. And the most moving images for me have been those of the people that choose to call themselves 'African- Americans'. Millions have waited to register, and the tears and joy on the faces of this American underclass have been remarkable. Hope has replaced despair. I hope for them it is not a false dawn. They have taken far too high a mortal toll in home and foreign policy.

I hope the other great unequal group will emerge now with more confidence in the political arena - women. I like Sarah Palin. The left wing media and press has tried to vilify her, and make us feel guilty admitting it - but I like her. She is young, new and inexperienced, and I hope this election has not been her ruin. We shall see.

So opens a new chapter in American and world politics. We have arrived at a cross road, and an American dream has been realised, or may there may be trouble ahead ....

Republican campaigning in Mississippi

My nephew Jared gets invited to help with the McCann campaign, as Republicans look for characters to stop Obama

Nathan abducted by aliens

My nephew Nathan cannot quite understand exactly what is going on. I can almost hear him saying "I'm sure Dad is in here somewhere"

London South Bank University

I absolutely love being a student. I never forget what a privilage it is to get University education, especially here in London. I am three quarters of the way through my post-graduate degree, and still cannot believe I have not been kicked out yet.

This course contributes points to a Masters in Public Administration, and we have just completed some study on employment law and good governance. The tutors are excellent, and I really enjoy the company of the other students. It has really been a big help in understanding my role as a councillor and my only regret is I did not have the chance to do this course a year or so after being elected as a councillor a life time ago.

The more I study the more I realise two things.

1. Rushmoor is a very well run Council, with first class officers.

2. Borough Councillors have been stripped of too much power and ability to lead and represent properly their communities. Too much policy and directives come from Whitehall, and not enough is coming from the ground up - so no wonder it often does not work or meet the needs of residents.

More power and authority needs to be devolved down to Borough Councillors, and we need to play a greater role in making local decisions and setting local policy. Too much power has been taken further away from the people that power effects.

It is time for the tide to turn.

16 arrested in drugs raids

A total of 16 people have been arrested and substantial quantities of Class A drugs seized during a police operation targeting transient drug dealers in north and east Hampshire.

The operation, which began on Wednesday this week, has brought together officers from North and East OCU together with colleagues from Specialist Operations teams to target people coming in to the north of the county specifically intent on dealing drugs, and the violence associated with their criminal activity.

This operation is ongoing and the latest part of Operation Spartan, Hampshire Constabulary’s response to the threat of gun, knife and drug crime in the two counties.
The results of the operation so far include:

16 arrests
11 vehicle searches
31 drug searches
12 warrants executed

In total, police recovered £4,000 of crack cocaine and heroin in wraps, and have this morning opened a safe that was seized from an address in London which was found to contain a substantial amount of crack cocaine, the value of which is currently being calculated but is believed could have a street value of between £50,000 and £100,000.

Officers also travelled to London last night (Thursday, October 24), and executed a number of warrants and searches, resulting in the arrest of three men, who are suspected of travelling into Hampshire to deal drugs.

Three people have so far been charged with possession with the intent to supply Class A drugs and with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Superintendent Paul Brooks, who co-ordinated the operation, said: “We are still currently investigating a number of people in custody, and this operation will continue for the foreseeable future.

“By putting officers from across the force and local intelligence teams out on the streets together, we believe we have already severely disrupted the supply to this area.”

Chief Superintendent Mark Chatterton, local police commander, said: “This OCU has been, over the last 12 months, the safest place in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This sort of pro-active operation is part of the reason why this is the case.

“It is my intention to keep it that way.

“Your Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be out and about in your community, and you should feel free to stop them and discuss any concerns you may have. Information from the community plays a real part in influencing the way we police, so I would encourage you to let us know what issues are important to you.”

Anyone with information about drugs being dealt in their neighbourhood can contact their local Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 0845 045 45 45, or leave information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For more information about your local policing team, please visit www.hampshire.police.uk