politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » It appears Brexit and the handling of Covid-19 by the Scottish

CarlottaVance said:

https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1279876376305242113?s=20

Art for arts sake,
Money for Gods sake

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

Benpointer said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Off Topic - The day US Border Control agents detained a Mexican immigrant and denied him water on a hot desert day - his 96th birthday.

Turned out he was the former Governor of Arizona.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/us/arizona-immigration-new-nativists.html?searchResultPosition=6

I think it’s shocking that a Democrat President could allow such cruel behaviour on his watch

He didn't know about it until it had happened. Problem was & is inbred racism of forces of order, esp. border guards. Which Trump has tried to exacerbate for political and personal reasons (God help him on both counts). NOT the case with his predecessor.

Of course. With the democrats it’s the fault of the border guards. With the Republicans it’s the fault of the political leadership

How much do you think the current Republican President is doing to improve the situation?

I suspect very little.

But my point is I dislike double standards and hypocrisy by political activists like @SeaShantyIrish2

That's harsh, dude - yours truly is a hack NOT an activist.

Sorry - I’m sure I remember an article by you a few years ago that described you as a Democratic activist in Seattle

Well, it's really matter of definition - no worries. As for double-standards & hypocrisy, am trying (continuously) to correct my sins & curb my enthusiasm.

However, got to cut me a bit of slack - it IS an election year. Of course, over here they ALL are - but 2020 is the Big Kahuna.

I grew up around politicians. I have a healthy contempt for the whole damn lot.

Guilty until proven innocent. Or at least pardonable (by me, not President or Governor).

BTW, do you feel free to name one you know or knew who was a cut above?

For me, the best example is & think always will be late, great Sen. Paul Simon of Illinois.

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

Benpointer said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Off Topic - The day US Border Control agents detained a Mexican immigrant and denied him water on a hot desert day - his 96th birthday.

Turned out he was the former Governor of Arizona.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/us/arizona-immigration-new-nativists.html?searchResultPosition=6

I think it’s shocking that a Democrat President could allow such cruel behaviour on his watch

He didn't know about it until it had happened. Problem was & is inbred racism of forces of order, esp. border guards. Which Trump has tried to exacerbate for political and personal reasons (God help him on both counts). NOT the case with his predecessor.

Of course. With the democrats it’s the fault of the border guards. With the Republicans it’s the fault of the political leadership

How much do you think the current Republican President is doing to improve the situation?

I suspect very little.

But my point is I dislike double standards and hypocrisy by political activists like @SeaShantyIrish2

That's harsh, dude - yours truly is a hack NOT an activist.

Sorry - I’m sure I remember an article by you a few years ago that described you as a Democratic activist in Seattle

Well, it's really matter of definition - no worries. As for double-standards & hypocrisy, am trying (continuously) to correct my sins & curb my enthusiasm.

However, got to cut me a bit of slack - it IS an election year. Of course, over here they ALL are - but 2020 is the Big Kahuna.

I grew up around politicians. I have a healthy contempt for the whole damn lot.

Guilty until proven innocent. Or at least pardonable (by me, not President or Governor).

BTW your December 2011 header describes you as a “writer, researcher and Democratic political hack”... I didn’t link as it names you

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

Benpointer said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Off Topic - The day US Border Control agents detained a Mexican immigrant and denied him water on a hot desert day - his 96th birthday.

Turned out he was the former Governor of Arizona.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/us/arizona-immigration-new-nativists.html?searchResultPosition=6

I think it’s shocking that a Democrat President could allow such cruel behaviour on his watch

He didn't know about it until it had happened. Problem was & is inbred racism of forces of order, esp. border guards. Which Trump has tried to exacerbate for political and personal reasons (God help him on both counts). NOT the case with his predecessor.

Of course. With the democrats it’s the fault of the border guards. With the Republicans it’s the fault of the political leadership

How much do you think the current Republican President is doing to improve the situation?

I suspect very little.

But my point is I dislike double standards and hypocrisy by political activists like @SeaShantyIrish2

That's harsh, dude - yours truly is a hack NOT an activist.

Sorry - I’m sure I remember an article by you a few years ago that described you as a Democratic activist in Seattle

Well, it's really matter of definition - no worries. As for double-standards & hypocrisy, am trying (continuously) to correct my sins & curb my enthusiasm.

However, got to cut me a bit of slack - it IS an election year. Of course, over here they ALL are - but 2020 is the Big Kahuna.

I grew up around politicians. I have a healthy contempt for the whole damn lot.

Guilty until proven innocent. Or at least pardonable (by me, not President or Governor).

BTW, do you feel free to name one you know or knew who was a cut above?

For me, the best example is & think always will be late, great Sen. Paul Simon of Illinois.

Edward Carson
William Graham
John Boyd-Carpenter

all come to mind

MrEd said:

Floater said:

China's leadership continue to lose the plot

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8491801/Chinese-state-media-says-aircraft-carrier-deployment-South-China-Sea-pleasure.html

Smoking drugs. The US could take out the Chinese navy relatively easily.

It could, if it wanted to start WW3.

rottenborough said:

https://twitter.com/DPJHodges/status/1279888269199769600

He LIKES attacking Fox from time to time. Thinks it makes him look fair & balanced.

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

Benpointer said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Off Topic - The day US Border Control agents detained a Mexican immigrant and denied him water on a hot desert day - his 96th birthday.

Turned out he was the former Governor of Arizona.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/us/arizona-immigration-new-nativists.html?searchResultPosition=6

I think it’s shocking that a Democrat President could allow such cruel behaviour on his watch

He didn't know about it until it had happened. Problem was & is inbred racism of forces of order, esp. border guards. Which Trump has tried to exacerbate for political and personal reasons (God help him on both counts). NOT the case with his predecessor.

Of course. With the democrats it’s the fault of the border guards. With the Republicans it’s the fault of the political leadership

How much do you think the current Republican President is doing to improve the situation?

I suspect very little.

But my point is I dislike double standards and hypocrisy by political activists like @SeaShantyIrish2

That's harsh, dude - yours truly is a hack NOT an activist.

Sorry - I’m sure I remember an article by you a few years ago that described you as a Democratic activist in Seattle

Well, it's really matter of definition - no worries. As for double-standards & hypocrisy, am trying (continuously) to correct my sins & curb my enthusiasm.

However, got to cut me a bit of slack - it IS an election year. Of course, over here they ALL are - but 2020 is the Big Kahuna.

I grew up around politicians. I have a healthy contempt for the whole damn lot.

Guilty until proven innocent. Or at least pardonable (by me, not President or Governor).

BTW your December 2011 header describes you as a “writer, researcher and Democratic political hack”... I didn’t link as it names you

Don't call myself an activist, cause rarely go to party meetings, rallies & etc. Instead, do my plotting in small, out-of-the-way cubicles in dingy back rooms, with dim lighting and deplorable catering.

Note that Republicans are MUCH more likely to have semi-corporate quarters & conditions, partly cultural but mostly because other GOPers will NOT trust or respect them IF they work & live like Democrats.

But definitely partisan, which was my point, independent of your specific role

CatMan said:

Mexicanpete said:

HYUFD said:

SandyRentool said:

Scott_xP said:

https://twitter.com/George_Osborne/status/1279847991680081920

Doesn't sound like a focus on the Red Wall / Blue Wall.

I guess we'll discover whether Rishi Rich prefers opera or ballet.

The Tories need to defend Esher and Walton and Kensington too

I notice you didn't mention Chingford. A defence resource too far? Even if Johnson gets another landslide I am expecting and looking forward to IDS's Portillo moment in 2024 with some relish.

If he loses, he'll just be given a seat in the Lords and it will be like it never happened. God bless British Democracy.

I'll enjoy the moment, as the smile is wiped from that smug face. Then contemplate another Johnson landslide!

MrEd said:

Floater said:

China's leadership continue to lose the plot

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8491801/Chinese-state-media-says-aircraft-carrier-deployment-South-China-Sea-pleasure.html

Smoking drugs. The US could take out the Chinese navy relatively easily.

The Chinese Navy are either going to push their luck too far or make a military mistake in the South China Sea at some point. They’re playing with fire, the whole area is way too important for international trade to allow one country to choke the seas.

We can add it to the treatment of the Urghars, Hong Kong, Coronavirus, Spyware technology and currency manipulation as reasons to stop buying Chinese goods - starting with Huawei infrastructure.

MrEd said:

Floater said:

China's leadership continue to lose the plot

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8491801/Chinese-state-media-says-aircraft-carrier-deployment-South-China-Sea-pleasure.html

Smoking drugs. The US could take out the Chinese navy relatively easily.

Sure, but if the Chinese can take out the US Navy with land-based missiles relatively easily they might accept the trade.

I'm a little bit worried that one of our new large carriers is called the Prince of Wales. Not a happy precedent.

TimT said:

IanB2 said:

TimT said:

Floater said:

Sandpit said:

Anyone looking forward to international plane travel for a holiday - look away now:
https://www.thenational.ae/uae/transport/coronavirus-six-passengers-test-positive-after-taking-emirates-flight-to-australia-1.1044487

Interesting

I have (virtually) attended two seminars on air travel and CVD and this might make a good case study.......

And what is the received wisdom on air travel in a time of COVID? I have my views, but would be interested in what was suggested before divulging them.

Never touch the inside door handle of the toilet

LOL. Wasn't that the case before COVID?

Please do NOT cough in the pilot's face or (this means you TT) goose the stewardess

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

Benpointer said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Off Topic - The day US Border Control agents detained a Mexican immigrant and denied him water on a hot desert day - his 96th birthday.

Turned out he was the former Governor of Arizona.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/us/arizona-immigration-new-nativists.html?searchResultPosition=6

I think it’s shocking that a Democrat President could allow such cruel behaviour on his watch

He didn't know about it until it had happened. Problem was & is inbred racism of forces of order, esp. border guards. Which Trump has tried to exacerbate for political and personal reasons (God help him on both counts). NOT the case with his predecessor.

Of course. With the democrats it’s the fault of the border guards. With the Republicans it’s the fault of the political leadership

How much do you think the current Republican President is doing to improve the situation?

I suspect very little.

But my point is I dislike double standards and hypocrisy by political activists like @SeaShantyIrish2

That's harsh, dude - yours truly is a hack NOT an activist.

Sorry - I’m sure I remember an article by you a few years ago that described you as a Democratic activist in Seattle

Well, it's really matter of definition - no worries. As for double-standards & hypocrisy, am trying (continuously) to correct my sins & curb my enthusiasm.

However, got to cut me a bit of slack - it IS an election year. Of course, over here they ALL are - but 2020 is the Big Kahuna.

I grew up around politicians. I have a healthy contempt for the whole damn lot.

Guilty until proven innocent. Or at least pardonable (by me, not President or Governor).

BTW, do you feel free to name one you know or knew who was a cut above?

For me, the best example is & think always will be late, great Sen. Paul Simon of Illinois.

Edward Carson
William Graham
John Boyd-Carpenter

all come to mind

JB-C easily wikied, think I may have read something about him somewhere, sounds like interesting guy, including Margaret Thatcher's first ministerial boss; was he peeved at Sir Alec Douglas-Hume?

EC - was he son of Lord Carson; Dubs are still proud of him as a native son, though kind of the same way New Mexicans are proud of Billy the Kid.

WG - only ones I found on wiki were a bit ahead of your time, methinks.

Think I found William Graham - former Welsh Assembly Conservative leader, also sounds like interesting fellow, who did what he believe right & willing to pay price if need be.

rcs1000 said:

Richard_Nabavi said:

MaxPB said:

ydoethur said:

Scott_xP said:

ydoethur said:

The bigger story might just be the Wirecard scandal on the front page.

Remind me about the financial sector decamping to Frankfurt again?

I have 2 cards from UK, World leading Fintech, next-gen providers.

Both used Wirecard as the back-end.

Which makes it very important that such firms are not in Germany, or even the EU, given the nature of its regulators.

It definitely raises questions over the quality of regulatory oversight in Germany, the EU has opened an investigation into the whole situation. Honestly, I can't see this happening here. The FCA has its own set of flaws and auditors I've come across always strike me as dull rather than criminally incompetent.

Auditors are internationally incompetent.

How on earth can anyone do an audit, and miss €1.7bn of fake bank deposits? It absolutely beggars belief. I'm sure in the old days it was standard practice for auditors to write to banks, and to major creditors and debtors, to ask for confirmation of the account balances. What on earth do auditors do if they don't do that?

The "faked bank accounts" issue is (sadly) a common one.

Parmalat did it in 2003, hiding something like EUR13bn of losses. Polly Peck, IIRC correctly, did the same. And I was involved in uncovering a similar scandal at Lernout & Hauspie about twenty years ago.

Most recently, in the UK, the management at Patisserie Valerie had faked letters from banks confirming there was no outstanding debt.

To my mind, the real offence that has been committed here is by BaFin, which took the word of the Wirecard CEO and went after short-sellers. Heads should roll at the German financial regulator, because it's one thing to miss an insolvent firm, it's another thing to be an effective accessory in a cover up.

Might I recommend this insightful article - ahem - https://barry-walsh.co.uk/on-juries-and-experts/ - on BaFin’s behaviour.

rcs1000 said:

Richard_Nabavi said:

MaxPB said:

ydoethur said:

Scott_xP said:

ydoethur said:

The bigger story might just be the Wirecard scandal on the front page.

Remind me about the financial sector decamping to Frankfurt again?

I have 2 cards from UK, World leading Fintech, next-gen providers.

Both used Wirecard as the back-end.

Which makes it very important that such firms are not in Germany, or even the EU, given the nature of its regulators.

It definitely raises questions over the quality of regulatory oversight in Germany, the EU has opened an investigation into the whole situation. Honestly, I can't see this happening here. The FCA has its own set of flaws and auditors I've come across always strike me as dull rather than criminally incompetent.

Auditors are internationally incompetent.

How on earth can anyone do an audit, and miss €1.7bn of fake bank deposits? It absolutely beggars belief. I'm sure in the old days it was standard practice for auditors to write to banks, and to major creditors and debtors, to ask for confirmation of the account balances. What on earth do auditors do if they don't do that?

The "faked bank accounts" issue is (sadly) a common one.

Parmalat did it in 2003, hiding something like EUR13bn of losses. Polly Peck, IIRC correctly, did the same. And I was involved in uncovering a similar scandal at Lernout & Hauspie about twenty years ago.

Most recently, in the UK, the management at Patisserie Valerie had faked letters from banks confirming there was no outstanding debt.

To my mind, the real offence that has been committed here is by BaFin, which took the word of the Wirecard CEO and went after short-sellers. Heads should roll at the German financial regulator, because it's one thing to miss an insolvent firm, it's another thing to be an effective accessory in a cover up.

Kind of amazing how an industry responsible for accounting for billions of dollars hasn't managed to adopt even simple tech from the 1970s like digital signatures.

Favorite Republican politicos whom I've met:

>> Joel Pritchard, US Representative & WA Lieutenant Governor - a moderate and more important a mensch, very warm & approachable; inventor of popular Seattle family game Pickleball.

>> Chris Vance King Co Councilmember, chairman WA State Republican Party & 2016 US Senate nominee - a conservative and skilled political infighter, also a man of principle; fought hard for Dino Rossi, who barely missed being Governor after epic, extremely close contested election; in 2016 as GOP nominee declared he would NEVER vote for Trump;

One I never met but who affected my family:

>> Bob Livingston, US Representative from Louisiana, conservative battler & Deep South pioneer who was briefly Newt Gingrich's successor as GOP House leader, but resigned before being elected Speaker due to past extramarital affair.

Why a favorite? Because at one point, my parents lived in his congressional district. And my mother saw an article somewhere, and contacted Rep. Livingston for help in obtaining a memorial stone for her brother who went Missing in Action over Japan in 1945. His office was VERY helpful, and in reasonably short order, the stone was place, next to the graves of his mother and father.

My mom was a Democrat, and proud of it. Who had nothing but GOOD things to say about Bob Livingston. And that goes for our whole family - and always will.

edmundintokyo said:

rcs1000 said:

Richard_Nabavi said:

MaxPB said:

ydoethur said:

Scott_xP said:

ydoethur said:

The bigger story might just be the Wirecard scandal on the front page.

Remind me about the financial sector decamping to Frankfurt again?

I have 2 cards from UK, World leading Fintech, next-gen providers.

Both used Wirecard as the back-end.

Which makes it very important that such firms are not in Germany, or even the EU, given the nature of its regulators.

It definitely raises questions over the quality of regulatory oversight in Germany, the EU has opened an investigation into the whole situation. Honestly, I can't see this happening here. The FCA has its own set of flaws and auditors I've come across always strike me as dull rather than criminally incompetent.

Auditors are internationally incompetent.

How on earth can anyone do an audit, and miss €1.7bn of fake bank deposits? It absolutely beggars belief. I'm sure in the old days it was standard practice for auditors to write to banks, and to major creditors and debtors, to ask for confirmation of the account balances. What on earth do auditors do if they don't do that?

The "faked bank accounts" issue is (sadly) a common one.

Parmalat did it in 2003, hiding something like EUR13bn of losses. Polly Peck, IIRC correctly, did the same. And I was involved in uncovering a similar scandal at Lernout & Hauspie about twenty years ago.

Most recently, in the UK, the management at Patisserie Valerie had faked letters from banks confirming there was no outstanding debt.

To my mind, the real offence that has been committed here is by BaFin, which took the word of the Wirecard CEO and went after short-sellers. Heads should roll at the German financial regulator, because it's one thing to miss an insolvent firm, it's another thing to be an effective accessory in a cover up.

Kind of amazing how an industry responsible for accounting for billions of dollars hasn't managed to adopt even simple tech from the 1970s like digital signatures.

Re digital signatures, here in great state of WA our Secretary of State, Republican Kim Wyman, has ruled that digital sigs are NOT acceptable for purpose of qualifying proposed voter initiatives & referenda for the general election ballot.

Doubt Democrats will challenge this, even though Wyman is up for re-election in 2020. Why? Mostly due to concern with potential computer hacking, specifically being certain person whose sig it is really is person submitting it; note that with handwritten sigs are checked against voter registration records, and any that appear photocopied are rejected along with mismatches & duplicates.

Andy_JS said:

Looking at the RCP polling averages for swing states, Trump needs a swingback of about 3.5% between now and the election. Pennsylvania is the crucial state, where Biden has an average lead of 7%.

One big reason why Uncle Joe may pick a Black woman for VP, is to boost turnout in Philadelphia, where African Americans are over 40% of population.

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

edmundintokyo said:

rcs1000 said:

Richard_Nabavi said:

MaxPB said:

ydoethur said:

Scott_xP said:

ydoethur said:

The bigger story might just be the Wirecard scandal on the front page.

Remind me about the financial sector decamping to Frankfurt again?

I have 2 cards from UK, World leading Fintech, next-gen providers.

Both used Wirecard as the back-end.

Which makes it very important that such firms are not in Germany, or even the EU, given the nature of its regulators.

It definitely raises questions over the quality of regulatory oversight in Germany, the EU has opened an investigation into the whole situation. Honestly, I can't see this happening here. The FCA has its own set of flaws and auditors I've come across always strike me as dull rather than criminally incompetent.

Auditors are internationally incompetent.

How on earth can anyone do an audit, and miss €1.7bn of fake bank deposits? It absolutely beggars belief. I'm sure in the old days it was standard practice for auditors to write to banks, and to major creditors and debtors, to ask for confirmation of the account balances. What on earth do auditors do if they don't do that?

The "faked bank accounts" issue is (sadly) a common one.

Parmalat did it in 2003, hiding something like EUR13bn of losses. Polly Peck, IIRC correctly, did the same. And I was involved in uncovering a similar scandal at Lernout & Hauspie about twenty years ago.

Most recently, in the UK, the management at Patisserie Valerie had faked letters from banks confirming there was no outstanding debt.

To my mind, the real offence that has been committed here is by BaFin, which took the word of the Wirecard CEO and went after short-sellers. Heads should roll at the German financial regulator, because it's one thing to miss an insolvent firm, it's another thing to be an effective accessory in a cover up.

Kind of amazing how an industry responsible for accounting for billions of dollars hasn't managed to adopt even simple tech from the 1970s like digital signatures.

Re digital signatures, here in great state of WA our Secretary of State, Republican Kim Wyman, has ruled that digital sigs are NOT acceptable for purpose of qualifying proposed voter initiatives & referenda for the general election ballot.

Doubt Democrats will challenge this, even though Wyman is up for re-election in 2020. Why? Mostly due to concern with potential computer hacking, specifically being certain person whose sig it is really is person submitting it; note that with handwritten sigs are checked against voter registration records, and any that appear photocopied are rejected along with mismatches & duplicates.

I think there's some sense to it in that context in that the issue for a petition or a nomination is whether you can fake *lots* of signatures. Arguably with an electronic system it's harder to fake one specific person's signature than with paper, but easier to fake thousands.

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

"China has never interfered in the internal affairs of the UK."

Reckon MI-5 may beg to differ.

And who we give British passports to is our internal affair, in any case, not that of the Chinese.

HYUFD said:

Yet Panelbase has 58% of English Tories and a massive 85% of Scottish Tories saying Boris should block indyref2, so there is zero chance of Boris granting one even if the SNP win a majority next year as the Tory base is so opposed to it.

https://wingsoverscotland.com/shiny-beads-and-trinkets/


However 54% of English Labour voters think indyref2 should be granted, so it looks like the SNP will have to wait until a Starmer Premiership for the chance of a second referendum being allowed by Westminster.

The comparison with the 2016 EU referendum is not really valid as that was 41 years after the first EEC referendum of 1975, indyref1 was only 6 years ago and No won what was in Salmond's words 'a once in a generation referendum.'

Indeed in Quebec it took 15 years for them to have their second referendum on independence from Canada in 1995 after their first in 1980

You lot miss the point, time and again.

Governance is with the consent of the governed.

If you don't have that, you're running a tyrannical empire.

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

rottenborough said:

https://twitter.com/DPJHodges/status/1279888269199769600

He LIKES attacking Fox from time to time. Thinks it makes him look fair & balanced.

He seems to be regularly commenting on liking OAN - One America News.

Tim_B said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

rottenborough said:

https://twitter.com/DPJHodges/status/1279888269199769600

He LIKES attacking Fox from time to time. Thinks it makes him look fair & balanced.

He seems to be regularly commenting on liking OAN - One America News.

Hey, T-B, how tricks? Don't think I've seen you since I returned to the parish.

Gabs3 said:

https://www.twitter.com/BruceBartlett/status/1279920295751581698

A former Reagan advisor!

As a Democratic partisan (most of the time) it's the Democratic crooks, con-artists & crumb-bums I hate the most - hang 'em high (am now viewing "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly")

As Republican with at least a modicum of moral & political sense, reckon the author feels the same about GOP crap-heads, shysters and scum-buckets.

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Tim_B said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Tim_B said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

rottenborough said:

https://twitter.com/DPJHodges/status/1279888269199769600

He LIKES attacking Fox from time to time. Thinks it makes him look fair & balanced.

He seems to be regularly commenting on liking OAN - One America News.

Hey, T-B, how tricks? Don't think I've seen you since I returned to the parish.

Doing good - how about you? being of a certain age and with a slight touch of asthma, I am mainly resting in place with occasional sallies forth to restaurants or the market for provisions. GA opened up at the start of May. How the poor buggers in England (like my sister in law) put up with it for so long is beyond me.

Glad you & yours are (mostly) healthy & (hopefully) happy. And staying crazy in the good old cracker way. Yes, what we call lock-down in Sea (and now in Altanta) is a joke compared to UK. Personally am risky (including medically) have been staying in place save for short trips for provisions, and to meet friend (outside on front porch) for coffee,

SO who do you think will prevail in GA US Senate race this Fall? AND any thoughts re: Alabama runoff this month?

Glad you're well.

Regarding the fall elections, to be honest I've yet to take much of an interest even though the first debate is on 9/29 at Notre Dame. So it's probably time I did.GA is becoming a purple state

Re: Alabama US Senate GOP runnoff primary, I'm torn.

As a Democrat, rather hope Jeffie pulls it out, just because that would REALLY get under Trumpsky's skin. But otherwise choice between cutting your cocktail with kerosene or turpentine.

As an LSU graduate, a plague on both your houses, 'Bama and Auburn. BUT yours truly likes former UA star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. So again have to give the nod to Beauregard.

https://twitter.com/NewStatesman/status/1279769561152327680

"Coronavirus traces found in March 2019 sewage sample, Spanish study shows"

https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-spain-science/coronavirus-traces-found-in-march-2019-sewage-sample-spanish-study-shows-idUKKBN23X2HQ

FrancisUrquhart said:

Bianca Williams: Athlete accuses police of racial profiling after vehicle search

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/53301318

So are the police supposed to ignore cars been driven on the wrong side of the road and not chase them if they refuse to stop and speed off, in the cases of where drivers are black? And then just walk away when the occupants refuse to get out of the car?

It sounds like the individuals did everything you shouldn't do, then wonder why the police give them a hard time.

We do seem to be getting a drip drip of reports at the moment concerning black people claiming that they've been picked on by police, but lack the context to determine whether or not this is true. For all we know, coppers patrolling a particular stretch of road may have stopped 28 cars in a week, 27 with white drivers and 1 with a black driver. The media are primed and ready to jump on the 1 case the moment the individual concerned cries foul; nobody is interested in the other 27.

It's very awkward because a fair amount of genuine discrimination still exists in society but it does not, of course, follow that every claim of unfair treatment is true.

"The Prisoner is more accurate than Orwell
Everyone lives in fear of saying the wrong thing, not joining in, and being declared ‘unmutual’
By Gareth Roberts"

https://unherd.com/2020/07/why-the-prisoner-is-more-accurate-than-orwell/

Nigelb said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Bianca Williams: Athlete accuses police of racial profiling after vehicle search

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/53301318

So are the police supposed to ignore cars been driven on the wrong side of the road and not chase them if they refuse to stop and speed off, in the cases of where drivers are black? And then just walk away when the occupants refuse to get out of the car?

It sounds like the individuals did everything you shouldn't do, then wonder why the police give them a hard time.

On the other hand, I’m fairly sure a white couple with an infant child in the car would not have been handcuffed and subjected to a 45 minute search.

The Met have form...
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/04/police-smash-car-window-ryan-colaco-tv-interview-racism
... When an officer smashed in the window of Ryan Colaço’s car, after he was wrongly accused of concealing drugs, they did not know he was driving home from a TV interview in which he told of institutional racism in the police after being stopped and searched the week before.

In the original incident, in Northumberland Park, north London, at 11am on 23 May, Colaço said he was stopped after being “aggressively tailgated” by the Metropolitan police, with officers then running to his car and banging on his window. They later said they had been able to smell cannabis from his car.

As he queried why he was being stopped, Colaço, 30, was forced into handcuffs, video footage shows. He agreed to leave his car and stood with officers who searched him, while others combed through his BMW and found nothing...

Oh, well I'm sure the police are always in the wrong then.

My police office friend says it's getting to the stage where cops don't want to do anything proactive in the slightest. Basically, they'll investigate crimes when they've happened, but as for preventative measures, forget it.

DecrepiterJohnL said:

tlg86 said:

Nigelb said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Bianca Williams: Athlete accuses police of racial profiling after vehicle search

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/53301318

So are the police supposed to ignore cars been driven on the wrong side of the road and not chase them if they refuse to stop and speed off, in the cases of where drivers are black? And then just walk away when the occupants refuse to get out of the car?

It sounds like the individuals did everything you shouldn't do, then wonder why the police give them a hard time.

On the other hand, I’m fairly sure a white couple with an infant child in the car would not have been handcuffed and subjected to a 45 minute search.

The Met have form...
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/04/police-smash-car-window-ryan-colaco-tv-interview-racism
... When an officer smashed in the window of Ryan Colaço’s car, after he was wrongly accused of concealing drugs, they did not know he was driving home from a TV interview in which he told of institutional racism in the police after being stopped and searched the week before.

In the original incident, in Northumberland Park, north London, at 11am on 23 May, Colaço said he was stopped after being “aggressively tailgated” by the Metropolitan police, with officers then running to his car and banging on his window. They later said they had been able to smell cannabis from his car.

As he queried why he was being stopped, Colaço, 30, was forced into handcuffs, video footage shows. He agreed to leave his car and stood with officers who searched him, while others combed through his BMW and found nothing...

Oh, well I'm sure the police are always in the wrong then.

My police office friend says it's getting to the stage where cops don't want to do anything proactive in the slightest. Basically, they'll investigate crimes when they've happened, but as for preventative measures, forget it.

Is that really the dichotomy? Either the police are always in the right or the police are always in the wrong.

No, that was the point of my post.

OldKingCole said:

tlg86 said:

Nigelb said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Bianca Williams: Athlete accuses police of racial profiling after vehicle search

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/53301318

So are the police supposed to ignore cars been driven on the wrong side of the road and not chase them if they refuse to stop and speed off, in the cases of where drivers are black? And then just walk away when the occupants refuse to get out of the car?

It sounds like the individuals did everything you shouldn't do, then wonder why the police give them a hard time.

On the other hand, I’m fairly sure a white couple with an infant child in the car would not have been handcuffed and subjected to a 45 minute search.

The Met have form...
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/04/police-smash-car-window-ryan-colaco-tv-interview-racism
... When an officer smashed in the window of Ryan Colaço’s car, after he was wrongly accused of concealing drugs, they did not know he was driving home from a TV interview in which he told of institutional racism in the police after being stopped and searched the week before.

In the original incident, in Northumberland Park, north London, at 11am on 23 May, Colaço said he was stopped after being “aggressively tailgated” by the Metropolitan police, with officers then running to his car and banging on his window. They later said they had been able to smell cannabis from his car.

As he queried why he was being stopped, Colaço, 30, was forced into handcuffs, video footage shows. He agreed to leave his car and stood with officers who searched him, while others combed through his BMW and found nothing...

Oh, well I'm sure the police are always in the wrong then.

My police office friend says it's getting to the stage where cops don't want to do anything proactive in the slightest. Basically, they'll investigate crimes when they've happened, but as for preventative measures, forget it.

AIUI, it's not so much that the people in these two incidents were stopped, it's the aggressive way the police went about it.

From the BBC piece:

They fear they were targeted because they are black and drive a Mercedes.

OldKingCole said:

tlg86 said:

OldKingCole said:

tlg86 said:

Nigelb said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Bianca Williams: Athlete accuses police of racial profiling after vehicle search

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/53301318

So are the police supposed to ignore cars been driven on the wrong side of the road and not chase them if they refuse to stop and speed off, in the cases of where drivers are black? And then just walk away when the occupants refuse to get out of the car?

It sounds like the individuals did everything you shouldn't do, then wonder why the police give them a hard time.

On the other hand, I’m fairly sure a white couple with an infant child in the car would not have been handcuffed and subjected to a 45 minute search.

The Met have form...
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/04/police-smash-car-window-ryan-colaco-tv-interview-racism
... When an officer smashed in the window of Ryan Colaço’s car, after he was wrongly accused of concealing drugs, they did not know he was driving home from a TV interview in which he told of institutional racism in the police after being stopped and searched the week before.

In the original incident, in Northumberland Park, north London, at 11am on 23 May, Colaço said he was stopped after being “aggressively tailgated” by the Metropolitan police, with officers then running to his car and banging on his window. They later said they had been able to smell cannabis from his car.

As he queried why he was being stopped, Colaço, 30, was forced into handcuffs, video footage shows. He agreed to leave his car and stood with officers who searched him, while others combed through his BMW and found nothing...

Oh, well I'm sure the police are always in the wrong then.

My police office friend says it's getting to the stage where cops don't want to do anything proactive in the slightest. Basically, they'll investigate crimes when they've happened, but as for preventative measures, forget it.

AIUI, it's not so much that the people in these two incidents were stopped, it's the aggressive way the police went about it.

From the BBC piece:

They fear they were targeted because they are black and drive a Mercedes.

Do the police in the Territorial Support Group use police or unmarked cars? Genuine question.

I have no idea - what would the significance be of them using either?

Philip_Thompson said:

Charles said:

isam said:

It makes no sense not to have another referendum on Scottish Independence.

How can anyone argue that the decision in 2016 by the UK to leave the EU, while Scotland voted to Remain, doesn't constitute significant change to the basis on which they voted to stay part of the UK in 2014 is beyond me. Especially as a lot of the people making that argument did want another EU referendum just because the Remainers in parliament wouldn't respect the will o' the people

The criteria of “significant change” was made up by advocates of another referendum.

There need to be clear and simple principles on how often the question can be asked. Time is the easiest and most transparent. I like 20 years because it gives a frequent review without overshadowing the normal business of government

Why not once per Parliament if that's what the public votes for?

No Parliament can bind its successor and if people want to stop having referenda they can stop electing politicians pledged to holding them.

Charles is thinking of his bankbook not democracy, he would prefer we remain a colony against our will.

tlg86 said:

OldKingCole said:

tlg86 said:

OldKingCole said:

tlg86 said:

Nigelb said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Bianca Williams: Athlete accuses police of racial profiling after vehicle search

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/53301318

So are the police supposed to ignore cars been driven on the wrong side of the road and not chase them if they refuse to stop and speed off, in the cases of where drivers are black? And then just walk away when the occupants refuse to get out of the car?

It sounds like the individuals did everything you shouldn't do, then wonder why the police give them a hard time.

On the other hand, I’m fairly sure a white couple with an infant child in the car would not have been handcuffed and subjected to a 45 minute search.

The Met have form...
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/04/police-smash-car-window-ryan-colaco-tv-interview-racism
... When an officer smashed in the window of Ryan Colaço’s car, after he was wrongly accused of concealing drugs, they did not know he was driving home from a TV interview in which he told of institutional racism in the police after being stopped and searched the week before.

In the original incident, in Northumberland Park, north London, at 11am on 23 May, Colaço said he was stopped after being “aggressively tailgated” by the Metropolitan police, with officers then running to his car and banging on his window. They later said they had been able to smell cannabis from his car.

As he queried why he was being stopped, Colaço, 30, was forced into handcuffs, video footage shows. He agreed to leave his car and stood with officers who searched him, while others combed through his BMW and found nothing...

Oh, well I'm sure the police are always in the wrong then.

My police office friend says it's getting to the stage where cops don't want to do anything proactive in the slightest. Basically, they'll investigate crimes when they've happened, but as for preventative measures, forget it.

AIUI, it's not so much that the people in these two incidents were stopped, it's the aggressive way the police went about it.

From the BBC piece:

They fear they were targeted because they are black and drive a Mercedes.

Do the police in the Territorial Support Group use police or unmarked cars? Genuine question.

I have no idea - what would the significance be of them using either?

Even if I'd been driving for a short distance on the wrong side of the road, if someone in an unmarked car started tailgating me I wouldn't stop unless it was clearly safe to do so. In other words, where there were plenty of people about.
Or if I saw a police station.

FrancisUrquhart said:

Bianca Williams: Athlete accuses police of racial profiling after vehicle search

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/53301318

So are the police supposed to ignore cars been driven on the wrong side of the road and not chase them if they refuse to stop and speed off, in the cases of where drivers are black? And then just walk away when the occupants refuse to get out of the car?

It sounds like the individuals did everything you shouldn't do, then wonder why the police give them a hard time.

On the very few occassions I have had dealings with plod over the years, after a motor accident or for being stopped for having a dirty rear number plate (which was an automotive safety issue apparently) I remained respectful at all times. Respecting the police was what my parents taught me.

Nonetheless, Jack Regan and Gene Hunt live on in a few coppers I have rubbed shoulders with through my wife's social services work.

FrancisUrquhart said:

Bianca Williams: Athlete accuses police of racial profiling after vehicle search

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/53301318

So are the police supposed to ignore cars been driven on the wrong side of the road and not chase them if they refuse to stop and speed off, in the cases of where drivers are black? And then just walk away when the occupants refuse to get out of the car?

It sounds like the individuals did everything you shouldn't do, then wonder why the police give them a hard time.

On the very few occassions I have had dealings with plod over the years, after a motor accident or for being stopped for having a dirty rear number plate (which was an automotive safety issue apparently) I remained respectful at all times. Respecting the police was what my parents taught me.

Nonetheless, Jack Regan and Gene Hunt live on in a few coppers I have rubbed shoulders with through my wife's social services work.

FrancisUrquhart said:

Bianca Williams: Athlete accuses police of racial profiling after vehicle search

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/53301318

So are the police supposed to ignore cars been driven on the wrong side of the road and not chase them if they refuse to stop and speed off, in the cases of where drivers are black? And then just walk away when the occupants refuse to get out of the car?

It sounds like the individuals did everything you shouldn't do, then wonder why the police give them a hard time.

Driving on the wrong side of the road in residential London? A necessity on nearly journey to avoid parked cars.

Mexicanpete said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Bianca Williams: Athlete accuses police of racial profiling after vehicle search

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/53301318

So are the police supposed to ignore cars been driven on the wrong side of the road and not chase them if they refuse to stop and speed off, in the cases of where drivers are black? And then just walk away when the occupants refuse to get out of the car?

It sounds like the individuals did everything you shouldn't do, then wonder why the police give them a hard time.

On the very few occassions I have had dealings with plod over the years, after a motor accident or for being stopped for having a dirty rear number plate (which was an automotive safety issue apparently) I remained respectful at all times. Respecting the police was what my parents taught me.

Nonetheless, Jack Regan and Gene Hunt live on in a few coppers I have rubbed shoulders with through my wife's social services work.

It doesn't happen now I'm an old man, but on a couple of occasions when much younger I was treated very aggressively in spite of being polite and respectful.
Of course that was a long time ago.

DecrepiterJohnL said:

tlg86 said:

Nigelb said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Bianca Williams: Athlete accuses police of racial profiling after vehicle search

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/53301318

So are the police supposed to ignore cars been driven on the wrong side of the road and not chase them if they refuse to stop and speed off, in the cases of where drivers are black? And then just walk away when the occupants refuse to get out of the car?

It sounds like the individuals did everything you shouldn't do, then wonder why the police give them a hard time.

On the other hand, I’m fairly sure a white couple with an infant child in the car would not have been handcuffed and subjected to a 45 minute search.

The Met have form...
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/04/police-smash-car-window-ryan-colaco-tv-interview-racism
... When an officer smashed in the window of Ryan Colaço’s car, after he was wrongly accused of concealing drugs, they did not know he was driving home from a TV interview in which he told of institutional racism in the police after being stopped and searched the week before.

In the original incident, in Northumberland Park, north London, at 11am on 23 May, Colaço said he was stopped after being “aggressively tailgated” by the Metropolitan police, with officers then running to his car and banging on his window. They later said they had been able to smell cannabis from his car.

As he queried why he was being stopped, Colaço, 30, was forced into handcuffs, video footage shows. He agreed to leave his car and stood with officers who searched him, while others combed through his BMW and found nothing...

Oh, well I'm sure the police are always in the wrong then.

My police office friend says it's getting to the stage where cops don't want to do anything proactive in the slightest. Basically, they'll investigate crimes when they've happened, but as for preventative measures, forget it.

Is that really the dichotomy? Either the police are always in the right or the police are always in the wrong.

Yeah, well that's why good policing is difficult. Not all the bad guys wear black hats and good ones white.

Anyway that is all 'old hat' so to speak and reasonable people as well as reasonable coppers know the reality is always more difficult than the theory, so instead of labouring the matter I'll tell you a funny and mildly related story.

I used to walk my dog late at nite around the parks of Wanstead. We'd often see drug dealers hanging around, looking shifty. They weren't bothered by us, and I just ignored them, but the dog didn't like them. She would snarl and growl as we went past, pulling at the lead and staring back at them until we were well by. She knew. It was just the vibe.

Now wouldn't she have made a good copper! No question of color prejudice with her, and no holding back either.

OldKingCole said:

Mexicanpete said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Bianca Williams: Athlete accuses police of racial profiling after vehicle search

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/53301318

So are the police supposed to ignore cars been driven on the wrong side of the road and not chase them if they refuse to stop and speed off, in the cases of where drivers are black? And then just walk away when the occupants refuse to get out of the car?

It sounds like the individuals did everything you shouldn't do, then wonder why the police give them a hard time.

On the very few occassions I have had dealings with plod over the years, after a motor accident or for being stopped for having a dirty rear number plate (which was an automotive safety issue apparently) I remained respectful at all times. Respecting the police was what my parents taught me.

Nonetheless, Jack Regan and Gene Hunt live on in a few coppers I have rubbed shoulders with through my wife's social services work.

It doesn't happen now I'm an old man, but on a couple of occasions when much younger I was treated very aggressively in spite of being polite and respectful.
Of course that was a long time ago.

I went to the funeral of aady in her 90s a couple of years ago. Her father had been a policeman in the early part of the 20th Century. Her son regaled how as a child she was emotionally scarred for life by the beating she and her mother and sister would get most evenings after he came back from work.

I would like to think that sort of aggressive superiority is a thing of the past.

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

Benpointer said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Off Topic - The day US Border Control agents detained a Mexican immigrant and denied him water on a hot desert day - his 96th birthday.

Turned out he was the former Governor of Arizona.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/us/arizona-immigration-new-nativists.html?searchResultPosition=6

I think it’s shocking that a Democrat President could allow such cruel behaviour on his watch

He didn't know about it until it had happened. Problem was & is inbred racism of forces of order, esp. border guards. Which Trump has tried to exacerbate for political and personal reasons (God help him on both counts). NOT the case with his predecessor.

Of course. With the democrats it’s the fault of the border guards. With the Republicans it’s the fault of the political leadership

How much do you think the current Republican President is doing to improve the situation?

I suspect very little.

But my point is I dislike double standards and hypocrisy by political activists like @SeaShantyIrish2

That's harsh, dude - yours truly is a hack NOT an activist.

Sorry - I’m sure I remember an article by you a few years ago that described you as a Democratic activist in Seattle

Well, it's really matter of definition - no worries. As for double-standards & hypocrisy, am trying (continuously) to correct my sins & curb my enthusiasm.

However, got to cut me a bit of slack - it IS an election year. Of course, over here they ALL are - but 2020 is the Big Kahuna.

I grew up around politicians. I have a healthy contempt for the whole damn lot.

Guilty until proven innocent. Or at least pardonable (by me, not President or Governor).

BTW, do you feel free to name one you know or knew who was a cut above?

For me, the best example is & think always will be late, great Sen. Paul Simon of Illinois.

Edward Carson
William Graham
John Boyd-Carpenter

all come to mind

JB-C easily wikied, think I may have read something about him somewhere, sounds like interesting guy, including Margaret Thatcher's first ministerial boss; was he peeved at Sir Alec Douglas-Hume?

EC - was he son of Lord Carson; Dubs are still proud of him as a native son, though kind of the same way New Mexicans are proud of Billy the Kid.

WG - only ones I found on wiki were a bit ahead of your time, methinks.

EC was lord carson. WG was (I think) early 19th century - his dad was behind Graham’s port

Philip_Thompson said:

Charles said:

isam said:

It makes no sense not to have another referendum on Scottish Independence.

How can anyone argue that the decision in 2016 by the UK to leave the EU, while Scotland voted to Remain, doesn't constitute significant change to the basis on which they voted to stay part of the UK in 2014 is beyond me. Especially as a lot of the people making that argument did want another EU referendum just because the Remainers in parliament wouldn't respect the will o' the people

The criteria of “significant change” was made up by advocates of another referendum.

There need to be clear and simple principles on how often the question can be asked. Time is the easiest and most transparent. I like 20 years because it gives a frequent review without overshadowing the normal business of government

Why not once per Parliament if that's what the public votes for?

No Parliament can bind its successor and if people want to stop having referenda they can stop electing politicians pledged to holding them.

Because Parliament is for day to day government

No one benefits from a permanent state of constitutional upheaval

Gabs3 said:

https://www.twitter.com/BruceBartlett/status/1279920295751581698

A former Reagan advisor!

Isn’t there some saying about the fanaticism of the convert?

Hardly value added commentary in any event

OldKingCole said:

tlg86 said:

OldKingCole said:

tlg86 said:

OldKingCole said:

tlg86 said:

Nigelb said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Bianca Williams: Athlete accuses police of racial profiling after vehicle search

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/53301318

So are the police supposed to ignore cars been driven on the wrong side of the road and not chase them if they refuse to stop and speed off, in the cases of where drivers are black? And then just walk away when the occupants refuse to get out of the car?

It sounds like the individuals did everything you shouldn't do, then wonder why the police give them a hard time.

On the other hand, I’m fairly sure a white couple with an infant child in the car would not have been handcuffed and subjected to a 45 minute search.

The Met have form...
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/04/police-smash-car-window-ryan-colaco-tv-interview-racism
... When an officer smashed in the window of Ryan Colaço’s car, after he was wrongly accused of concealing drugs, they did not know he was driving home from a TV interview in which he told of institutional racism in the police after being stopped and searched the week before.

In the original incident, in Northumberland Park, north London, at 11am on 23 May, Colaço said he was stopped after being “aggressively tailgated” by the Metropolitan police, with officers then running to his car and banging on his window. They later said they had been able to smell cannabis from his car.

As he queried why he was being stopped, Colaço, 30, was forced into handcuffs, video footage shows. He agreed to leave his car and stood with officers who searched him, while others combed through his BMW and found nothing...

Oh, well I'm sure the police are always in the wrong then.

My police office friend says it's getting to the stage where cops don't want to do anything proactive in the slightest. Basically, they'll investigate crimes when they've happened, but as for preventative measures, forget it.

AIUI, it's not so much that the people in these two incidents were stopped, it's the aggressive way the police went about it.

From the BBC piece:

They fear they were targeted because they are black and drive a Mercedes.

Do the police in the Territorial Support Group use police or unmarked cars? Genuine question.

I have no idea - what would the significance be of them using either?

Even if I'd been driving for a short distance on the wrong side of the road, if someone in an unmarked car started tailgating me I wouldn't stop unless it was clearly safe to do so. In other words, where there were plenty of people about.
Or if I saw a police station.

They have a red light that they use to signal people to stop

noneoftheabove said:

Sandpit said:

tlg86 said:

OldKingCole said:

tlg86 said:

Nigelb said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Bianca Williams: Athlete accuses police of racial profiling after vehicle search

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/53301318

So are the police supposed to ignore cars been driven on the wrong side of the road and not chase them if they refuse to stop and speed off, in the cases of where drivers are black? And then just walk away when the occupants refuse to get out of the car?

It sounds like the individuals did everything you shouldn't do, then wonder why the police give them a hard time.

On the other hand, I’m fairly sure a white couple with an infant child in the car would not have been handcuffed and subjected to a 45 minute search.

The Met have form...
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/04/police-smash-car-window-ryan-colaco-tv-interview-racism
... When an officer smashed in the window of Ryan Colaço’s car, after he was wrongly accused of concealing drugs, they did not know he was driving home from a TV interview in which he told of institutional racism in the police after being stopped and searched the week before.

In the original incident, in Northumberland Park, north London, at 11am on 23 May, Colaço said he was stopped after being “aggressively tailgated” by the Metropolitan police, with officers then running to his car and banging on his window. They later said they had been able to smell cannabis from his car.

As he queried why he was being stopped, Colaço, 30, was forced into handcuffs, video footage shows. He agreed to leave his car and stood with officers who searched him, while others combed through his BMW and found nothing...

Oh, well I'm sure the police are always in the wrong then.

My police office friend says it's getting to the stage where cops don't want to do anything proactive in the slightest. Basically, they'll investigate crimes when they've happened, but as for preventative measures, forget it.

AIUI, it's not so much that the people in these two incidents were stopped, it's the aggressive way the police went about it.

From the BBC piece:

They fear they were targeted because they are black and drive a Mercedes.

It’s a horrible situation for the police, they’re damned if they do and damned if they don’t.

They only ever have a brief description to go from, so they get reports almost every night of “Two black men in a silver BMW, dealing drugs in Brixton”

There’s always information missing from these stories, and it’s definitely easier to accuse the police of racism on your large platform than it is to admit you might have being doing something that drew their attention.

Accusations of racism, or more accurately the fear of them, are contributing factors towards certain areas of London having a big problem with gang violence.

Well if accusations of racism are a problem, perhaps the police might kindly stop being so blatantly racist? Stuff like saying they can smell cannabis from someones car is just nonsense.

If he is being uncooperative it gives them probable cause.