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@astrologica wrote:
how is it that Mathias has been a Company Director. Also ..if he has been granted asylum...why is he being sent home to Togo. I understand if you do not want to answer these questions...he is obviously a friend. But I am genuinely interested after reading the article in the Ipswich newspaper, which doesn't explain much. I realise that like all asylum seekers, he does have a story, and it is quite hurtful to be called a racist, bigot, whinger etc, when I know that I am not.
So there you have it..an expression of regret for using your friend to get at you. Just to show that I can be fair. And I have my teddies back now.

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Fair play for acknowledging for your error, and give my regards to teddy.

Mathias sought asylum in UK as he thought it was his best chance of Asylum considering his good command of English. It was either here or the US - at that time Dubya was in the Whitehouse, and thought the UK offered a better "hope".

He was due to be deported in 2008, but won a last minute reprieve due to a public campaign by locals and the intervention of MP Chris Mole. afaik he was granted UK Citizenship in 2009 due to the authorities being impressed with his "good character" and work with young people in deprived areas - If anything he helps people get off benefits and into work. I find it exasperating a couple on this thread finds this something to condemn or criticise, and can't help but think this is motivated simply through prejudice.

As far as accusations of racism are concerned, I'm afraid your (and others) posts do come across that way at times. It may not be your intention, but when I see untruths, exaggerations, and myths repeated again and again when proved false, I can't think of any other reason but to demonise people of a particular race, nationality or religion.  Also, afaik your area is not home to many immigrants, thus I can't help but think your views are formed mainly from media stereotypes and sensationalism. However, saying that I also appreciate sections of older generation find the cultural change facilitated by globalisation difficult to understand and relate to.

I often see accusation towards Muslims and foreign nationals that they "don't integrate" - ask yourself this - if you were a Muslim or foreign national would you feel "at home" posting on RT? If anything, the hostility towards Muslims as a mass homogenous group plays right into the hands of twisted headbangers like ISIS.

Integration is a two-way street imo, and whilst unacceptable cultural practices should be challenged, so should demonisation. No one wins by creating suspicion between communities. It's notable that many former manufacturing-based Northern Towns and places like Luton have issues with divided communities, whereas multicultural places that have Unis (e.g Cambridge/London) and the potential for prosperity have far better integration

I admit my posts are rather combative, sardonic and facetious at times, but in my defence I don't think they are any more hostile or goading than several others on this board - esp when i'm addressed directly. If i'm posting informally i'm "rude" - if i'm posting with a "sensible head" on i'm a "smug know it all linkaholic ". I can't win either way.