Blacksmith Bureau

by Inspectorfrost 14.02.13 23:49

Nice and just hatchet job job on Kate Mccanns ungratitude! And vindictiveness.

http://blacksmithbureau.blogspot.co.uk/
rotfl

Enter hate, stage left

Whatever Amaral’s qualities, the fact is that the Portuguese state has been a great deal more supportive to the McCanns since 2007 than it has to one of its own servants since he came under Duarte’s attack. Portugal's "fairness" to the McCanns was met with this 2011 reward from Kate McCann, her considered reflection on the people who had endeavoured to find her child – and their legal system, their "sub-consciousness", sexual mores and attitude to innocent foreigners:

"Perhaps Amaral had tapped into some kind of national subconscious desire for this to all just go away. The country was already reeling from a child-abuse scandal involving Casa Pia, a state-run institution for orphans and other disadvantaged children (when this finally came to court in 2010, six men, including a TV presenter and a former UNESCO ambassador, would be convicted) – the first such case ever to be tried in Portugal. Perhaps it was more convenient and less troubling to lay Madeleine’s disappearance at the door of her foreign parents, put an end to the matter and move on. Who knows?"

Quite why this ungrateful, foul-mouthed ("f****** *******") verbally poisonous (see paragraph above) Liverpool fishwife was, and remains, so indulged by the Portuguese authorities while their own ex-inspector was ground into the dirt using their machinery remains a mystery. Sometimes Amaral has seemed a very lonely figure in his own country compared with the couple who have added to their celebrity glitz loud and unequivocal support from the English bench, notably judges Liverpool Leveson and Family Court Hogg. All we can do is to pay tribute to those like Joana Morais and her circle who have helped him so unselfishly and passionately throughout his ordeal. A carnation to you all!

by plebgate 15.02.13 1:54

Yes we can all pay tribute to Joana Morais and all who have helped Mr. A. Blacksmith Bureau 3711883763

I would also like to pay tribute to all who have helped TB with his struggle Blacksmith Bureau 3711883763

and pray things will go well for Tony next Thursday.

by lj 15.02.13 5:15

I think fishwife is a very apt description.

Kate is about the worst of the worst.

by Olive_Boyle 15.02.13 7:53

I know this a bit off topic but I wondered if there are any Portugese members on this site? I would love to know what kind of legacy this case has left behind.

I have been to Portugal twice (before this happened) and have always said that this is the friendliest country, with the most welcoming people, that I have ever been to.

Have Portugese people changed their view of the British as a whole? Are we tarred with the McCann brush?

by Guest 15.02.13 9:14

I know we have InPortimao who lives in Portugal so let's hope for a response from him or her.

Let's hope that there won't be an uprising of good honest fishwives upset at being lumped together with Kate!

by Mirage 15.02.13 10:35

Olive_Boyle wrote:I know this a bit off topic but I wondered if there are any Portugese members on this site? I would love to know what kind of legacy this case has left behind.

I have been to Portugal twice (before this happened) and have always said that this is the friendliest country, with the most welcoming people, that I have ever been to.

Have Portugese people changed their view of the British as a whole? Are we tarred with the McCann brush?

I second that Olive_Boyle. I have been to Portugal several times and have always found the people there lovely. I, too, would hate to think that this horrible pair's malign influence has engendered mistrust or dislike of British people in general.

People everywhere know that political interference, and worse, is rife in their own, and every other nation's ruling class. That is what has happened in both countries in this case and is what has left Dr Amaral marginalised in his own land.

I would be very interested to hear the view of InPortimao on this.

by Olive_Boyle 15.02.13 13:42

Yes, it would be great if InPortimao or someone could come on and give an honest opinion.

It really angers me that the Portugese might think that it is normal for us British parents to leave our children alone while we go out socialising, in the way that THEY suggested was normal. Not a single parent that I know has ever done this, nor would do.

And the stuff that came afterwards of slating the country and Police was horrendous.

by garfy 15.02.13 13:53

Jean wrote:I know we have InPortimao who lives in Portugal so let's hope for a response from him or her.

Let's hope that there won't be an uprising of good honest fishwives upset at being lumped together with Kate!

well said jean ...without making a fuss [i counted to ten honest] .. i would like to defend the many many fish wives of my area who are passionate ... salt of the earth people....

by russiandoll 15.02.13 14:36

IF thanks for the interesting part of the BS piece you copied over and I note you provided a link to the rest. While I understand your wish to concentrate on Kate McCann, BS wrote that section as part of a whole so it should imo be put in context.

Before ENTER HATE STAGE LEFT, BS wrote the following :

Hopeful signs.

A long road

From
what we now hear Goncalo Amaral’s struggle to defeat the attempt to
silence and ruin him that was launched in 2009 appears to be in its
closing stages. Nobody
in the UK, and, one suspects, few in Portugal, knew that the shadowy
recesses of Portuguese law could be used so effectively against an
individual before Isabel Duarte sprang the ambush for Gerry and Kate
McCann in 2009 .
At
almost every step it has raised large and unpalatable points of
principle. It has demonstrated just how fragile is the post –1974 soil
in which the famous Portuguese carnations grow: how a young democracy
but an ancient society can somehow take imported human rights law,
founded almost exclusively for the protection of individuals against
arbitrary legal action, and use it to align state power behind one of
the parties to strip human rights arbitrarily – and as it turns out
quite wrongly – from the other. Leaving the libel trial aside Goncalo
Amaral surely has a cast-iron human rights case against the Portuguese
state at the ECHR, should he bother to pursue it – not for the toad-like
Duarte’s ambush but for the length of time that it took for the appeal
court to reach the correct verdict while leaving the victim in his arbitrary legal chains for the whole period.
Nor
is it to the credit of the Portuguese justice system, and in particular
to the Attorney-General’s department, that it has never quashed the
very well-known and internationally circulated statements made by “those
close to the McCanns’ legal team” that the archiving summary criticised
(“mocked and belittled”) its own criminal police force.

The superfluous and overblown
references to Durrenmatt and Agatha Christie’s Poirot in the summary’s
closing paragraphs, particularly given the words of the well-known
interview by the then head of the PJ in 2007, were either naïve or a
betrayal of the police. Which was it? A simple statement from the
Attorney-General’s department at any time over the last five years would
have sufficed to tell everybody. The Portuguese people never received
it.

and as his final part of ENTER HATE STAGE LEFT, BS wrote the following :

So his travails, which we
believe are finally over, have combined large human questions – of
assessment and judgement, mistakes and regrets, ambition, revenge,
loyalty, hatred (“I want him to feel fear”) and determination –
with larger principles of law, politics (was there ever a more political
legal document in a democratic society than the archiving summary) and
that so-elusive animal, justice. Hence the significance of his case and
why we are proud to have tried to add an ounce or two to that support –
as well as criticism – over the last four years for a difficult, complex
and very human hero. The
hatred and vituperation which he continues to receive from some
quarters in the UK – and which will be triggered once more by this post
– will remain for a while longer. But Amaral's critics lack staying
power and tend to gravitate to whichever they think is the winning side.
In the face of his coming vindication and its irrevocable implications
they will melt away. As
to the other legal process going on at present in which sacrifice and
heroism, as against wind-baggery and self-publicising, are in rather
short supply – best to say little except those words of Marx: history repeats itself, first as tragedy and then as farce.

by Olive_Boyle 15.02.13 16:33

Thanks RD I didn't realise it was a longer piece.

And thanks to BS.

Mr Amaral truly is a hero. A real man who I admire very much, with a backbone made of steel.

Hopefully an announcement very soon.

by mank 15.02.13 16:51

Just to say there's a new posting from Blacksmith Olive_Boyle Blacksmith Bureau 636506

by mank 15.02.13 16:53

Sorry Olive_Bolyle, here's the link Blacksmith Bureau 2699404744

http://blacksmithbureau.blogspot.co.uk

by **tigger** 15.02.13 17:07

Glad to see he's got the measure of David Smith, the very same who was 'briefed' by GM after the Rothley meeting. I believe there's another one of his tearjerkers in Timesonline dec. 07 following the briefing from Gerry who was still an arguido at the time, who was not supposed to be meeting with witnesses but who nevertheless instructed Smith as to what he wanted in print.

by Liz Eagles 15.02.13 18:05

Why would the McCanns need the press now? Isn't a platform in the political arena a much better fish to fry?

Talking of fish by the looks of the latest search for Madeleine 'campaign' things in the fish department have moved on from sardine and sea bass to Russian sturgeon.

by InPortimão 15.02.13 21:03

Jean wrote:I know we have InPortimao who lives in Portugal so let's hope for a response from him or her.

Let's hope that there won't be an uprising of good honest fishwives upset at being lumped together with Kate!

You called! Blacksmith Bureau 977352

I know this is rather off-topic, so please feel free to move mods.

I've spoken at length to friends and family 'back home' about the case since day one, but it is only recently that I've actually broached the subject with my Portuguese friends. I was prompted to do so after ordering a copy of Dr. Amaral's book last summer. Overall, I get the sense that it is a delicate subject and not necessarily one that they wish to talk too much about after all this time. They did indulge me just a little though...

Firstly, on the subject of leaving the children alone. My friends were surprised to hear that it really isn't 'the norm' with British families and that many of us were as outraged by the supposed neglect as they were. I think the UK media has done such a great disservice to the British people in pushing the "it was like dining in our backyard" and "within the bounds of responsible parenting" lines. If the neglect did indeed take place, it was never and will never be acceptable to most right-minded people, regardless of nationality.

They were also surprised to learn that I, along with many other British people, do not believe the abduction story. Again, the way the media has spun the story and censored 'anti-McCann' comments in the past has given the impression we all believe that particular version of events. Hopefully the recent trend for allowing such comments is a sign that things will soon change and the true scale of scepticism will become clear.

In general terms, I don't feel any less welcome here than before May 2007. I'm often greeted with a smile when I speak in Portuguese even when it is abundantly clear it is not my native language. I have found Portuguese people to be generous with their time, and will go out their way to help me. If the case were to reopened, particularly now in a time of such severe austerity when there is genuine poverty and suffering? I do not know how I would be viewed. But my experience of this beautiful country and its people means I feel certain that for the meantime at least, you will be welcomed with open arms!

by Ashwarya 15.02.13 21:14

We were in Praia da Luz last year, slightly out of the main season, and it was full of holiday makers having a lovely time. The Portuguese were absolutely lovely to us, and we loved the place. No-one mentioned the MCs although there was a dusty photo of Maddie on the church notice board. There were lots of British families all apparently looking after their children beautifully, and we were made to feel very welcome, so I don't think the locals blame the British people for the actions of this awful pair. Will definitely be going back again, and I think despite the MCs best efforts tourism is not affected. Didn't see any sinister people either, despite the huge numbers of them apparently hanging round there in May 2007.

by Mirage 15.02.13 21:22

InPortimão wrote:
Jean wrote:I know we have InPortimao who lives in Portugal so let's hope for a response from him or her.

Let's hope that there won't be an uprising of good honest fishwives upset at being lumped together with Kate!

You called! I know this is rather off-topic, so please feel free to move mods.

I've spoken at length to friends and family 'back home' about the case since day one, but it is only recently that I've actually broached the subject with my Portuguese friends. I was prompted to do so after ordering a copy of Dr. Amaral's book last summer. Overall, I get the sense that it is a delicate subject and not necessarily one that they wish to talk too much about after all this time. They did indulge me just a little though...

Firstly, on the subject of leaving the children alone. My friends were surprised to hear that it really isn't 'the norm' with British families and that many of us were as outraged by the supposed neglect as they were. I think the UK media has done such a great disservice to the British people in pushing the "it was like dining in our backyard" and "within the bounds of responsible parenting" lines. If the neglect did indeed take place, it was never and will never be acceptable to most right-minded people, regardless of nationality.

They were also surprised to learn that I, along with many other British people, do not believe the abduction story. Again, the way the media has spun the story and censored 'anti-McCann' comments in the past has given the impression we all believe that particular version of events. Hopefully the recent trend for allowing such comments is a sign that things will soon change and the true scale of scepticism will become clear.

In general terms, I don't feel any less welcome here than before May 2007. I'm often greeted with a smile when I speak in Portuguese even when it is abundantly clear it is not my native language. I have found Portuguese people to be generous with their time, and will go out their way to help me. If the case were to reopened, particularly now in a time of such severe austerity when there is genuine poverty and suffering? I do not know how I would be viewed. But my experience of this beautiful country and its people means I feel certain that for the meantime at least, you will be welcomed with open arms!

Thank you for giving us your perspective, InPortimão. I love Portugal and its people and have found them just as you describe.

It is sad to reflect on the damage that has been caused by this case. It is quite palpable in the way you say, "Overall, I get the sense that it is a delicate subject and not necessarily one that they wish to talk too much about after all this time".

I hope those responsible for contributing to this unhelpful breakdown of understanding between two nations will take time to reflect on their part in a thoroughly ignominious chapter.

by olipet 15.02.13 22:13

I am half Portuguese (Mother).
I visit Lisbon, the Dao region and Algarve every year.
The Portuguese can be haughty when around tourists but generally have a friendly and happy demeanour.
As with many European countries, the children are held in high esteem. They are very, very important.
I have found the Portuguese to be reticent to comment on this case. I think most are disgusted but hesitant to discuss for fear of further upsetting tourism perhaps. In my experience as with InPortimao - they believe that UK are in full support of Dr and Mrs Mccann.

by Inspectorfrost 15.02.13 22:24

olipet wrote:I am half Portuguese (Mother).
I visit Lisbon, the Dao region and Algarve every year.
The Portuguese can be haughty when around tourists but generally have a friendly and happy demeanour.
As with many European countries, the children are held in high esteem. They are very, very important.
I have found the Portuguese to be reticent to comment on this case. I think most are disgusted but hesitant to discuss for fear of further upsetting tourism perhaps. In my experience as with InPortimao - they believe that UK are in full support of Dr and Mrs Mccann.

I too would be miffed if a bunch of negligent uk doctors had strolled through my village, cursed it with their disgusting lies and buggered off to make millions of pounds
And then go on to write a book criticising so many people who tried to help to rub salt inthe wounds

Karma

by plebgate 15.02.13 23:19

and as his final part of ENTER HATE STAGE LEFT, BS wrote the following :

So his travails, which we
believe are finally over, have combined large human questions – of
assessment and judgement, mistakes and regrets, ambition, revenge,
loyalty, hatred (“I want him to feel fear”) and determination –
with larger principles of law, politics (was there ever a more political
legal document in a democratic society than the archiving summary) and
that so-elusive animal, justice. Hence the significance of his case and
why we are proud to have tried to add an ounce or two to that support –
as well as criticism – over the last four years for a difficult, complex
and very human hero. The
hatred and vituperation which he continues to receive from some
quarters in the UK – and which will be triggered once more by this post
– will remain for a while longer. But Amaral's critics lack staying
power and tend to gravitate to whichever they think is the winning side.
In the face of his coming vindication and its irrevocable implications
they will melt away. As
to the other legal process going on at present in which sacrifice and
heroism, as against wind-baggery and self-publicising, are in rather
short supply – best to say little except those words of Marx: history repeats itself, first as tragedy and then as farce.[/quote]

Are we being given a hint that Mr. A. has won?
If so maybe we the reason why the dead man in Russia has been reported in the papers.