When I became an NEC member one of the most exciting parts of the job was the idea of writing blogs. That you could rant about whatever you liked and it would always spark some kind of debate. But when it came to writing one at the beginning of July-I wasn't really sure where to start. Should I defend my politics? (After all so many people have critisised the independents), Should I prove I'm as political as everyone else, or should I just use my first official blog to talk about what I want to achieve this coming year? I decided on that option, mainly because of the fantastic time we all had at our NEC training in Lancashire. I have never realised so much how NUS can cloud your opinions of individuals, of groups and especially and alarmingly highlight how judgmental we can all be from time to time.

Unfortunately I wasn't afforded that opportunity. The disgusting, brutal and savage incidences in our capital just over a week ago has provided me with enough blogging ammo for a lifetime. Being part of that experience is something I never want to be involved in again. Sitting in a random café in London wondering whether Derfel was ok at Liverpool St, whether Judith was safe at the Tavistoke Hotel along with many others was not a situation I would want my worst enemy to be put in. Luckily we were all ok - if a little shaken.

What that day did make me think about is the issue of internationalism. Over the past year I've been shocked at the amount of times NUS has had in defend it's involvement in International politics. 'What's it got to do with students?' has been the constant cry at many of our events and conferences. And it's made me a little annoyed, but on Thursday that annoying feeling turned to anger. It's difficult not to get angry in these situations. Emotional, shaken and tired I sat and wrote a blog (which was a bit long so i chucked it) about the wider issues we all face, about the importance of the BIGGEST democratic student movment in the WORLD being a part of them, and how sometimes- hell all the time, we have to recognise the role we must play in that.

I can't believe that anybody would disagree that individually we all have a part to play in combating terrorism, combating racism and fighting for a peaceful and united planet. So why not NUS? Why shouldn't we use some of our resources to help combat these problems? So Iraq doesn't effect the majority of students in the UK but it DOES effect many, many here and certainly many students in Iraq- why cant some NEC members use their time to campaign for peace in those countries? Do you really think what is happening in Iraq or Darfur or Zimbabwe doesn't effect a single student on your campus? Think again.

Just as the first ever NUS officer's didn't want, I don't want war, I don't want racism- I want a united student movement that understands the role it must and WILL play in the wider world.

I recognise I'm probably preaching to the converted, I realise that many of you will probably ignore this slight rant, but there you have it- it's my blog and I'll rant If I want to.

Good Luck for the year ahead,

Stephen x

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