Jonathan Goddard's An occasional commentary on the fundamental things in life

University of Portsmouth education protection racket

Jonathan Goddard — Tue, 06 May 2008 10:30:40 GMT

As some of you may know, I've been suffering from financial issues, stemming partly from the University's lust for funds. The student loans company isn't playing ball, and neither is the university.
I called them today to offer an arrangement over the summer to cover my fees, but they're not interested. Any financial institution worth their salt would be fair enough to at least consider an offer like this, since it displays a willingness to pay up, but not the University of Portsmouth. It makes me wonder if they're struggling to pay their bills, since I can't imagine £1,200 making all that much difference to their coffers otherwise.
Instead, the University are doing what they do best. threatening to expel me tomorrow after sending me a letter that arrived on Saturday, giving me a grand total of ONE DAY to try to arrange payment. I've told them numerous times that I am currently suffering from severe depression, and I'm getting counseling and taking anti-depressant medication, but hey I guess it's not their problem.
Part of me wants to threaten to leave my blood on their hands, but I know that's blackmail.

Cam anyone help me out here? Advice would be greatly appreciated.

Back to the police again, and living with depression

Jonathan Goddard — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:29:44 GMT

You may recall that I was arrested back in January, and then I put in a complaint. The story has come to a close and it turns out that it was a lawful arrest and detention. I'm still not right after it, but it's a learning process, amirite?
I thought I'd use this experience as a way of sharing some understanding of the law in all its intricacies. It turns out that you can be arrested and locked up for up to 24 hours on the say-so of one person, regardless of supporting evidence. This is on the grounds that a signed statement is legally evidence and assumed to be a true account of events. In my case, I knew it was all rubbish, but the police didn't. They are legally obliged to follow up any allegations and that usually means arresting and questioning the suspect.
The officer assigned to my complaint explained the reasons for my arrest and I have to grudgingly admit that he's right, but hell, I was in agony and I nearly went insane. I'm still on a knife-edge emotionally, but that's not the police's fault.
I'm also going to share, for the first time, what it feels like to live with clinical depression. I'm sure most people can guess, or already know, but I'm hoping that by sharing, I can lose some of the weight from my shoulders.
I recently started taking anti-depressant medication and I can't even tell if they're working. Some days I feel cheery and chipper and other days I feel like I'm staring over the edge of a cliff. It's an old cliché but so apt. I'm hoping that the meds are starting to work, because I'm sick of feeling like this.
I've been depressed for probably about ten years, but I was only diagnosed in September. Since then I've been getting worse, which makes me wonder if I should have gone to get diagnosed.
The worst thing about my mind is that I'm constantly trying to figure out what's wrong with me, which can escalate my problems as I start to fret about these things on top of my existing depression.
I'm sorry for blathering on, but I'm hoping that someone else out there can help me, or that someone else can see there's others like them.

Student as stereotype

Jonathan Goddard — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:42:19 GMT

I brushed on the subject of the student stereotype in one of my earlier blogs, saying that there is a general feeling among non-academics that students are lazy, drunk, beans-on-toast-eating, soap dodging, drug-dustbins. I asked why it is that we are happy both to live down to that stereotype it and to not try to disprove it.
We are educated, or at least being educated, people and we should know a lot better than we make out.
I'm an old fogey compared to most people on my course (I'm 25), so maybe I'm a little more hurt by that criticism, but I can't help thinking that it doesn't do anyone any good if we're running around shirtless in December with "PORTSMOUTH UNIVERSITY RUGBY TEAM: I LOVE COCK" written in permanent marker across our backs in Guildhall Square at three in the morning, while singing songs about doing unspeakable things to our team-mates.
There are, it must be said, many elements in the student body that are responsible for encouraging binge-drinking and hooliganism and, lets be honest here, the sportos are one of the biggest. Of course, the bars and clubs don't help matters with their low price alcohol offers. I've been to clubs where it's cheaper to buy alcopops than it is to drink soft-drinks!
I've done a lot of thinking about causes for the stereotypical student behaviour, and I think a lot of it is the sense of freedom that first-years have, that makes them want to drink unpleasant cocktails to the point of vomiting, then get stoned out of their trees, coupled with the "expectations" that they have of university life.
I on't want to attack anyone's lifestyle or their enjoyment, but we need to address for ourselves the damaging aspects of student culture. Encouraging excess and recklessness does't do the University or the Union's reputations any good. I think that we should be shouting more about our socially responsible achievements, like our ViP programme and our political activism. These activities show that we are socially aware, and of course we have our wonderful PUGWASH Media, which has done lots for the Union's communication and letting students find out about what's going on in their university.

All I'm saying is we need to look at our attitudes and what we value about our Union and our Uni. Take pride in what you do!

Organ donation: opt in or opt out?

Jonathan Goddard — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:34:40 GMT

I'd like to get a debate going on the subject of organ donation. Gordon Brown has approved the "opt-out" system of organ donation, replacing the current "opt-in" system, whereby people who give no express order to have their organs kept are buried with them. Personally, as a student of health sciences, I feel that this is a step in the right direction, as so many people neglect to express a wish either way and as a result, thousands or millions of people die for want of viable organs. At the moment, there are probably millions of people who have no great wish to have their organs when they're buried or cremated but who haven't expressed a wish to donate them to needy people. I've seen so many people already griping over this proposal, saying it's an erosion of their rights. Their rights to what, exactly? To rot in one piece? To go up in smoke with the lives of maybe six other people? I realise that some people may be religious and think that maybe god won't let them into heaven after giving their organs to save someone else's life, but really it smacks of vanity and greed. To these people, I ask: If it was you who needed that organ, would you condone this behaviour? If it was a member of your family that needed a new heart, would you be complaining about this "harvesting"? Having worked in a hospital, I can fully understand the dearth of organs in the NHS organ transplant system and it irks me that people think that doctors are harvesting people with their eyes and notebooks. The doctors' first job is to preserve the lives of their patients, not other people's. Giving your organs to another person after you die is the greatest gift a person can give, it's passing on your fading life to give someone a new, fuller life. I realise this almost sounds like I'm being paid to sell the idea, but I know that when I die, I want to give my organs to someone else. It's a tragedy that so many organs go to waste because of apathy and ignorance. If people are really so vehemently opposed to giving their organs, they can say so. Those who are ignorant or indifferent are hardly likely to be too offended once their brains cease to function and they die, are they? And if their families are worried, they can opt out on their behalf, or one would hope so. Hopefully, the consultation will iron things out in this respect.

I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks about this situation too. Please share!

P.S. Thanks to James, AKA Orwellian Trash on LiveJournal for the inspiration for this blog.

An innocent person's guide to surviving arrest

Jonathan Goddard — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 22:29:17 GMT

As some people may already be aware, I was arrested on Friday afternoon, out of the blue on a trumped up (for which read "fake") and uncorroborated allegation of common assault.
I'll set the scene for you briefly:
A police officer called by at 8AM to inform my girlfriend that she would be arrested and taken into custody at 1PM the same day, and I went along to give her moral support (the same made-up charge applied to her). She was taken in, and I sat bored and impatient outside the police station wondering what was going on, til 4PM, when a policeman came out, asked me who I was then proceeded to arrest me on suspicion of a common assault that apparently happened a month previous. Here's where the lesson begins.

Lesson 1: Co-operate fully with the police

When they arrest you, do exactly as they say, be polite and answer any pertinent questions. When you're booked in, you're offered the right to read the police codes of practice and the right to legal representation, take this up! Do not answer anything related to the case, but give all identifying information to the custody sergeant and be as helpful as you can. I was doubled over in agony after an operation, but I tried to be as helpful as possible.

Lesson 2: Be friendly to the police and custody officers

I cannot overstate how handy this can be. In my case, I made conversation with my arresting officer and kept the mood light. This can form a rapport between the two of you and make the process a little less uncomfortable for you. When you're shown to your suite, you may be offered a hot drink and some food. It's worth accepting this offer, as nasty as the food may be. You might need the energy for the next step. Also, be nice to your custody officer and they're likely to be nicer to you. Nice= newspapers, hot drinks etc.

Lesson 3: Know your rights

You are entitled to read a copy of the Police Codes of Practice, taken from the Police And Criminal Evidence Act, 1984. When you're comfy in your presidential palace, ask the custody officer for a copy of the aforementioned publication. Read up on your rights in custody (Code C) but also, if you ARE innocent, pay close attention to Code G, which outlines the police statutory powers of arrest under section 24 of PACE. Briefly, police are only meant to use their power of arrest if no other suitable alternative can be found, such as issuing a summons to attend a police station, or street bail. One of your rights under Code C is the right to read the codes of practice in your cell. Of course, if you're a novice to this whole business, which I hope you are, you might also want to exercise your right to legal representation and guidance. You should bear in mind that this can delay your interview on a busy day/night by some time, but it can mean the difference between a stitch up and freedom.

Lesson 4: RELAX!

Now that you're settling into your new home, practise some zen and just chill out. Being locked up is a pain in the arse, but it's not the end of the world. Wait for your lawyer, read the Codes of Practice and figure out if you've been done up in some way. If they got you fair and square then just level with them, it's a damn sight easier than lying. If you're sure you're innocent, piece everything together before the interview and make sure it's clear in your head. And make sure you're calm. Going crazy will only make it harder when they come to deal with you.

Lesson 5: TELL THE TRUTH!

I cannot emphasise enough how important this is. Don't get all "stroppy teenage angst" at the interviewer when you're under caution. It comes through on the tape and it makes you seem less credible. You should be cool, calm and collected. And you should tell it like it happened. Try to use open body language and tell the story as completely as you can. The truth always beats a lie, and your guilt will always come to haunt you if you lie.

Lesson 6: If You Feel You've Been Wronged...

... tell the Independent Police Complaints Commission, they take complaints about police mistreatment and are independent of the police forces themselves. When you file this complaint, make sure to get as much info as possible, and do your research. Make your complaint as precise and as intelligent as possible. Where possible, refer to broken laws or where best practice was not adhered to and don't rely on the IPCC to make your case for you. I've put a complaint in for my own, and I was super comprehensive in mine. Put in anything you find relevant.

Lesson 7: Stay safe, and don't have nightmares!

The ultimate lesson here is "don't get arrested" or at least "don't do anything bad". If you can't avoid it, just follow my proven method and keep your nose clean. The police are public servants, not predators. Let's try to keep it that way.

I hope this has helped anyone who's read it.

This is what makes me wonder, generally...

Jonathan Goddard — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 22:59:38 GMT

I often spend my free time pondering things that would make interesting scientific theses.
I've recently been wondering a lot to do with genetics, such as the level of effect that slavers had on the African-American and black-Caribbean populations, in terms of their physical attributes. You can really tell I'm a scientist, can't you?

More scientific still is whether the "real" reason for the autism/MMR thing is due to a genetic predisposition, or some other unconsidered factor. I have a whole pHD proposition in my head for this, and EVERYTHING.

I don't know why I think about this stuff, I guess I just find it more worthwhile than football. If anyone here is a pHD scientist or knows if there's any scientific research on these points, please point me to it.

Next up...Religion?

Apathy? Who cares about apathy?

Jonathan Goddard — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 20:15:55 GMT

So, I should probably do the polite thing and introduce you to my shiny new blog, but you're not really that interested, and I don't really want to waste yours and my time by writing personal nonsense that is both irrelevant and boring.
So, without further ado, a rant about apathy from the archives of unpublished material by me:

Apathy is, and has been for a very long time, a big deal for Students' Unions and political parties alike. It's getting to the point where people are so apathetic, they don't know what apathy is. To quote an NUS publication, apathy is defined as "indolence of mind, indifference to what is calculated to move the feelings, or to excite interest or action". It's really easy to go down the route of "nobody told me", or "I didn't know", or "I don't understand it", but if you look past that, it's pretty obvious that a lot of people hide behind a carefully constructed wall of ignorance to protect them from tough decisions.

One of the more "Leftist" arguments to why apathy is so rife in general is that the economic boom of the 1980s produced a generation of materialist consumers, bred to buy and satisfy their every want. It has its appeal, but I prefer to hope that at least some students are socially aware. There is an awful lot of complaint without action now though, and it is a symptom of our new service culture, wanting everything now and cheap. We're really frittering away the greatest gift of the technology age here, the internet. It's the greatest tool for getting educated and getting your views out to other people. Most people use it to, let's face it, look at other peoples' bits, and funny cats with captions, in between checking your Facebook every five minutes. But used correctly, it's your very own press office and presswire in one, if you know what you're doing.

I know a lot of students who are stung by that old chestnut of a stereotype, the drinking, stinking, beans-on-toast-munching, Diagnosis-Murder/Neighbours/Simpsons/This Morning-watching layabout. It's pretty obvious that most students aren't like that, but who among us can honestly say they've fully stood up and proven them wrong? Should we revel in a stereotype, especially one so damaging?It's only a small example, but it's true. Another example, for your consideration...

...If the Union decided to stop four sabbatical officer's positions and raise the price of snakebite to £2.50 a pint, what would get the most protests?
Honestly?
Exactly.
The sabbs do a hell of a lot for us as students, but heads would roll if drinking was affected, and that's just the way it is. It wouldn't take an awful lot to change it, but as the cash register manual says of the cash drawer, "Change comes from within." Before any organisation can encourage activism, we have to look within ourselves and find the guts to do something bold.

If we look back in history, students across the world have laid down their lives for a principle, from Kent State in 1970, to the Burmese Student Uprising of 1988, to the famous Tiananmen Square Protests in China in 1989. Students have been involved in real democratic change in recent years too. In Ukraine, the Orange Revolution succeeded mostly due to student activism. I look at actions like these and wonder why we can't take the time to protest the biggest outrage of recent times, the Iraq War. If we even did one protest, every student as one, we could send a clear signal to the world. If only to honour the fallen students of the past, or show solidarity with suffering students in places like Burma.

Taking action is tough, but it's worth doing. People often say "I can't make a difference, I'm one person, I'm no-one." We've all been there, but the Union is there to give us a voice and fight our corner. The NUS has been fighting against tuition fees and campaigning for the reinstatement of student grant. If every student put their voices to the shout, went to protest at Parliament Square, would we still be borrowing thousands of pounds a year?

And it's not just the NUS that's there. We're lucky enough to belong to a university full of enthusiastic and exciting societies, dying to show you how to make a change, waiting to give you a voice and meet new people too. Nobody's asking you to risk your life to make a point, but a day out of your life is a small price to pay for the opportunity to take a stand and make your voice heard.