A little more on that communtation: "Just before Christmas in 1921, [President Warren G.] Harding, a conservative and mild-mannered Republican, commuted the 10-year sentence of the Socialist [Eugene] Debs, who had been convicted of violating the Espionage Act of 1917. On Dec. 26, Harding welcomed Debs to the White House, eager to meet him before he returned to civilian life after being released from federal prison in Atlanta. . . . Though most of his advisers and the first lady argued against the commutation, Harding believed that his use of the pardon power would help heal a divided nation after the deadliest war in world history and a flu pandemic that killed at least 675,000 Americans and tens of millions around the globe. . . . On the same day he freed Debs, Harding commuted the sentences of 23 other political prisoners, activists and Industrial Workers of the World union members who spoke out against the war." source$: https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2022/01/06/warren-harding-eugene-debs/
Gosh.
Hadn't the Communists suffered enough in prison without trying to make sense of Harding's garbled efforts at English?
Harding did far more than his share of bloviation.
However, he also coined "normalcy" which in the past century has gone from being regarded as mangling the English language, to (methinks) a perfectly respectable English word.
Speaking as one of the very few - perhaps only - PBer to have paid my person respects at the Tomb of Warren G. Harding.
"I DEEM it a privilege to join here in the dedication of the tomb of Warren G. Harding, 29th President of the United States. . . . He gave his life in worthy accomplishment for his country. He was a man of delicate sense of honor, of sympathetic heart, of transcendent gentleness of soul – who reached out for friendship, who gave of it loyally and generously in his every thought and deed. He was a man of passionate patriotism. He was a man of deep religious feeling. He was devoted to his fellow men. . . ." - Herbert Hoover, June 16, 1931
'He gave his life in service of his country:' wasn't it a heart attack brought on by banging his secretary? Or am I misremembering that bit?
You're misrembering.
He died, it appears, as unintended consequence of visiting Seattle, Washington.
"Harding went to bed early the evening of July 27, 1923, a few hours after giving the speech at the University of Washington. Later that night, he called for his physician Charles E. Sawyer, complaining of pain in the upper abdomen. Sawyer thought that it was a recurrence of stomach upset, but Dr. Joel T. Boone suspected a heart problem. The press was told Harding had experienced an "acute gastrointestinal attack" and his scheduled weekend in Portland was cancelled.
He felt better the next day, as the train rushed to San Francisco, where they arrived the morning of July 29. He insisted on walking from the train to the car, and was then rushed to the Palace Hotel, where he suffered a relapse. Doctors found that not only was his heart causing problems, but also that he had pneumonia, and he was confined to bed rest in his hotel room. Doctors treated him with liquid caffeine and digitalis, and he seemed to improve. Hoover released Harding's foreign policy address advocating membership in the World Court, and the president was pleased that it was favorably received.
By the afternoon of August 2, Harding's condition still seemed to be improving and his doctors allowed him to sit up in bed. At around 7:30 pm that evening, Florence was reading to him "A Calm Review of a Calm Man", a flattering article about him from The Saturday Evening Post; she paused and he told her, "That's good. Go on, read some more."
Those were to be his last words. She resumed reading when, a few seconds later, Harding twisted convulsively and collapsed back in the bed, gasping. Florence Harding immediately called the doctors into the room, but they were unable to revive him with stimulants; Harding was pronounced dead a few minutes later, at the age of 57. Harding's death was initially attributed to a cerebral hemorrhage, as doctors at the time did not generally understand the symptoms of cardiac arrest. Florence Harding did not consent to have the president autopsied."
Crass remarks indeed. The kind of thing you hear everyday in a kind of “my missus/mother in law” way, but not really what you expect from senior politicians
What did George Osborne say about Theresa May? Chop her up and put her in his freezer? I was always surprised he didn’t get more stick for it. Alastair Meeks and I argued about it on here at the time, I was surprised that he thought it was fair comment
How about the Labour MPs who wanted to hang Esther McVey or the comments that Angela Raynor made about stories?
There is a very unpleasant / immature edge to many of our politicians who don’t understand what is acceptable behaviour
Don’t think any Labour MPs said such. David Dimbleby had to read out John McDonnell’s denial of the claim by Esther McVey on the 2015 election programme that he had called for her lynching.
You’re right.
He called her “a stain on humanity”. And repeated someone else’s remark that she should be lynched.
That’s still not ok
John McDonnell has refused to apologise for repeating an offensive remark about new Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey.
The Shadow Chancellor described the then-disabilities minister as “a stain on humanity” during an outburst two years ago.
At a separate event, he also recounted a comment he had heard in which someone said Ms McVey should be "lynched" for her part in implementing welfare cuts.
Slalom only campaigned for him to be Chancellor twice
Rishi only appointed misogynist mass murderer failed comedian James Cleverly to be Home Secretary once (and Foreign Secretary once). What's your point? Politicians have strong yet flexible views. It comes with the job.
A little more on that communtation: "Just before Christmas in 1921, [President Warren G.] Harding, a conservative and mild-mannered Republican, commuted the 10-year sentence of the Socialist [Eugene] Debs, who had been convicted of violating the Espionage Act of 1917. On Dec. 26, Harding welcomed Debs to the White House, eager to meet him before he returned to civilian life after being released from federal prison in Atlanta. . . . Though most of his advisers and the first lady argued against the commutation, Harding believed that his use of the pardon power would help heal a divided nation after the deadliest war in world history and a flu pandemic that killed at least 675,000 Americans and tens of millions around the globe. . . . On the same day he freed Debs, Harding commuted the sentences of 23 other political prisoners, activists and Industrial Workers of the World union members who spoke out against the war." source$: https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2022/01/06/warren-harding-eugene-debs/
Gosh.
Hadn't the Communists suffered enough in prison without trying to make sense of Harding's garbled efforts at English?
Harding did far more than his share of bloviation.
However, he also coined "normalcy" which in the past century has gone from being regarded as mangling the English language, to (methinks) a perfectly respectable English word.
Speaking as one of the very few - perhaps only - PBer to have paid my person respects at the Tomb of Warren G. Harding.
"I DEEM it a privilege to join here in the dedication of the tomb of Warren G. Harding, 29th President of the United States. . . . He gave his life in worthy accomplishment for his country. He was a man of delicate sense of honor, of sympathetic heart, of transcendent gentleness of soul – who reached out for friendship, who gave of it loyally and generously in his every thought and deed. He was a man of passionate patriotism. He was a man of deep religious feeling. He was devoted to his fellow men. . . ." - Herbert Hoover, June 16, 1931
'He gave his life in service of his country:' wasn't it a heart attack brought on by banging his secretary? Or am I misremembering that bit?
You're misrembering.
He died, it appears, as unintended consequence of visiting Seattle, Washington.
"Harding went to bed early the evening of July 27, 1923, a few hours after giving the speech at the University of Washington. Later that night, he called for his physician Charles E. Sawyer, complaining of pain in the upper abdomen. Sawyer thought that it was a recurrence of stomach upset, but Dr. Joel T. Boone suspected a heart problem. The press was told Harding had experienced an "acute gastrointestinal attack" and his scheduled weekend in Portland was cancelled.
He felt better the next day, as the train rushed to San Francisco, where they arrived the morning of July 29. He insisted on walking from the train to the car, and was then rushed to the Palace Hotel, where he suffered a relapse. Doctors found that not only was his heart causing problems, but also that he had pneumonia, and he was confined to bed rest in his hotel room. Doctors treated him with liquid caffeine and digitalis, and he seemed to improve. Hoover released Harding's foreign policy address advocating membership in the World Court, and the president was pleased that it was favorably received.
By the afternoon of August 2, Harding's condition still seemed to be improving and his doctors allowed him to sit up in bed. At around 7:30 pm that evening, Florence was reading to him "A Calm Review of a Calm Man", a flattering article about him from The Saturday Evening Post; she paused and he told her, "That's good. Go on, read some more."
Those were to be his last words. She resumed reading when, a few seconds later, Harding twisted convulsively and collapsed back in the bed, gasping. Florence Harding immediately called the doctors into the room, but they were unable to revive him with stimulants; Harding was pronounced dead a few minutes later, at the age of 57. Harding's death was initially attributed to a cerebral hemorrhage, as doctors at the time did not generally understand the symptoms of cardiac arrest. Florence Harding did not consent to have the president autopsied."
A little more on that communtation: "Just before Christmas in 1921, [President Warren G.] Harding, a conservative and mild-mannered Republican, commuted the 10-year sentence of the Socialist [Eugene] Debs, who had been convicted of violating the Espionage Act of 1917. On Dec. 26, Harding welcomed Debs to the White House, eager to meet him before he returned to civilian life after being released from federal prison in Atlanta. . . . Though most of his advisers and the first lady argued against the commutation, Harding believed that his use of the pardon power would help heal a divided nation after the deadliest war in world history and a flu pandemic that killed at least 675,000 Americans and tens of millions around the globe. . . . On the same day he freed Debs, Harding commuted the sentences of 23 other political prisoners, activists and Industrial Workers of the World union members who spoke out against the war." source$: https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2022/01/06/warren-harding-eugene-debs/
Gosh.
Hadn't the Communists suffered enough in prison without trying to make sense of Harding's garbled efforts at English?
Harding did far more than his share of bloviation.
However, he also coined "normalcy" which in the past century has gone from being regarded as mangling the English language, to (methinks) a perfectly respectable English word.
Speaking as one of the very few - perhaps only - PBer to have paid my person respects at the Tomb of Warren G. Harding.
"I DEEM it a privilege to join here in the dedication of the tomb of Warren G. Harding, 29th President of the United States. . . . He gave his life in worthy accomplishment for his country. He was a man of delicate sense of honor, of sympathetic heart, of transcendent gentleness of soul – who reached out for friendship, who gave of it loyally and generously in his every thought and deed. He was a man of passionate patriotism. He was a man of deep religious feeling. He was devoted to his fellow men. . . ." - Herbert Hoover, June 16, 1931
'He gave his life in service of his country:' wasn't it a heart attack brought on by banging his secretary? Or am I misremembering that bit?
You're misrembering.
He died, it appears, as unintended consequence of visiting Seattle, Washington.
"Harding went to bed early the evening of July 27, 1923, a few hours after giving the speech at the University of Washington. Later that night, he called for his physician Charles E. Sawyer, complaining of pain in the upper abdomen. Sawyer thought that it was a recurrence of stomach upset, but Dr. Joel T. Boone suspected a heart problem. The press was told Harding had experienced an "acute gastrointestinal attack" and his scheduled weekend in Portland was cancelled.
He felt better the next day, as the train rushed to San Francisco, where they arrived the morning of July 29. He insisted on walking from the train to the car, and was then rushed to the Palace Hotel, where he suffered a relapse. Doctors found that not only was his heart causing problems, but also that he had pneumonia, and he was confined to bed rest in his hotel room. Doctors treated him with liquid caffeine and digitalis, and he seemed to improve. Hoover released Harding's foreign policy address advocating membership in the World Court, and the president was pleased that it was favorably received.
By the afternoon of August 2, Harding's condition still seemed to be improving and his doctors allowed him to sit up in bed. At around 7:30 pm that evening, Florence was reading to him "A Calm Review of a Calm Man", a flattering article about him from The Saturday Evening Post; she paused and he told her, "That's good. Go on, read some more."
Those were to be his last words. She resumed reading when, a few seconds later, Harding twisted convulsively and collapsed back in the bed, gasping. Florence Harding immediately called the doctors into the room, but they were unable to revive him with stimulants; Harding was pronounced dead a few minutes later, at the age of 57. Harding's death was initially attributed to a cerebral hemorrhage, as doctors at the time did not generally understand the symptoms of cardiac arrest. Florence Harding did not consent to have the president autopsied."
Yes, I was confusing him with Felix Faure. I knew he was banging his secretary and I just generally assumed that it was at the time of death as well.
IIRC, Harding's mistress (the one you're thinking off, anyway) was never his secretary; instead, he got her job(s) working as secretary or similar for others.
Like him, she was from Marion, Ohio and as a young girl developed a serious crush on him (he was a handsome guy with considerable charm) that eventually led to an affair over number of years.
He & she had to stay clear of Mrs. Harding aka The Dutchess who knew (more than) enough to keep a sharp eye on her "Wurr'n".
BTW, perhaps the most insightful comment on Harding was made by his own father (himself a bit of a rogue)"
Father - "Warren, it's a good thing you were born a boy."
Son - "And why do you say that?"
Father - "Because you never could say 'no'."
Another comment, also close to the bone, by Alice Roosevelt Longworth:
Crass remarks indeed. The kind of thing you hear everyday in a kind of “my missus/mother in law” way, but not really what you expect from senior politicians
What did George Osborne say about Theresa May? Chop her up and put her in his freezer? I was always surprised he didn’t get more stick for it. Alastair Meeks and I argued about it on here at the time, I was surprised that he thought it was fair comment
How about the Labour MPs who wanted to hang Esther McVey or the comments that Angela Raynor made about stories?
There is a very unpleasant / immature edge to many of our politicians who don’t understand what is acceptable behaviour
Don’t think any Labour MPs said such. David Dimbleby had to read out John McDonnell’s denial of the claim by Esther McVey on the 2015 election programme that he had called for her lynching.
You’re right.
He called her “a stain on humanity”. And repeated someone else’s remark that she should be lynched.
That’s still not ok
John McDonnell has refused to apologise for repeating an offensive remark about new Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey.
The Shadow Chancellor described the then-disabilities minister as “a stain on humanity” during an outburst two years ago.
At a separate event, he also recounted a comment he had heard in which someone said Ms McVey should be "lynched" for her part in implementing welfare cuts.
Slalom only campaigned for him to be Chancellor twice
Rishi only appointed misogynist mass murderer failed comedian James Cleverly to be Home Secretary once (and Foreign Secretary once). What's your point? Politicians have strong yet flexible views. It comes with the job.
Skeir Starmer is nailed on to be our next PM
Pointing to examples of his slalomic nature hardly seems unreasonable
Crass remarks indeed. The kind of thing you hear everyday in a kind of “my missus/mother in law” way, but not really what you expect from senior politicians
What did George Osborne say about Theresa May? Chop her up and put her in his freezer? I was always surprised he didn’t get more stick for it. Alastair Meeks and I argued about it on here at the time, I was surprised that he thought it was fair comment
How about the Labour MPs who wanted to hang Esther McVey or the comments that Angela Raynor made about stories?
There is a very unpleasant / immature edge to many of our politicians who don’t understand what is acceptable behaviour
Don’t think any Labour MPs said such. David Dimbleby had to read out John McDonnell’s denial of the claim by Esther McVey on the 2015 election programme that he had called for her lynching.
You’re right.
He called her “a stain on humanity”. And repeated someone else’s remark that she should be lynched.
That’s still not ok
John McDonnell has refused to apologise for repeating an offensive remark about new Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey.
The Shadow Chancellor described the then-disabilities minister as “a stain on humanity” during an outburst two years ago.
At a separate event, he also recounted a comment he had heard in which someone said Ms McVey should be "lynched" for her part in implementing welfare cuts.
Slalom only campaigned for him to be Chancellor twice
Rishi only appointed misogynist mass murderer failed comedian James Cleverly to be Home Secretary once (and Foreign Secretary once). What's your point? Politicians have strong yet flexible views. It comes with the job.
Skeir Starmer is nailed on to be our next PM
Pointing to examples of his slalomic nature hardly seems unreasonable
"Nailed on" so long as the Tories don't eject Soon Hacked Off before the election
Crass remarks indeed. The kind of thing you hear everyday in a kind of “my missus/mother in law” way, but not really what you expect from senior politicians
What did George Osborne say about Theresa May? Chop her up and put her in his freezer? I was always surprised he didn’t get more stick for it. Alastair Meeks and I argued about it on here at the time, I was surprised that he thought it was fair comment
How about the Labour MPs who wanted to hang Esther McVey or the comments that Angela Raynor made about stories?
There is a very unpleasant / immature edge to many of our politicians who don’t understand what is acceptable behaviour
Don’t think any Labour MPs said such. David Dimbleby had to read out John McDonnell’s denial of the claim by Esther McVey on the 2015 election programme that he had called for her lynching.
You’re right.
He called her “a stain on humanity”. And repeated someone else’s remark that she should be lynched.
That’s still not ok
John McDonnell has refused to apologise for repeating an offensive remark about new Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey.
The Shadow Chancellor described the then-disabilities minister as “a stain on humanity” during an outburst two years ago.
At a separate event, he also recounted a comment he had heard in which someone said Ms McVey should be "lynched" for her part in implementing welfare cuts.
Slalom only campaigned for him to be Chancellor twice
Rishi only appointed misogynist mass murderer failed comedian James Cleverly to be Home Secretary once (and Foreign Secretary once). What's your point? Politicians have strong yet flexible views. It comes with the job.
Skeir Starmer is nailed on to be our next PM
Pointing to examples of his slalomic nature hardly seems unreasonable
You’re kidding! It will be a banning offence soon if some of his cheerleaders get their way
Heart-warming human interest story of how a young Black boy was inspired to climb the class ladder by meeting the Prime Minister, only slightly spoiled by the revelation that his father was a lawyer.
Heart-warming human interest story of how a young Black boy was inspired to climb the class ladder by meeting the Prime Minister, only slightly spoiled by the revelation that his father was a lawyer.
Apparently the father didn’t have much to do with the lad, though.
Crass remarks indeed. The kind of thing you hear everyday in a kind of “my missus/mother in law” way, but not really what you expect from senior politicians
What did George Osborne say about Theresa May? Chop her up and put her in his freezer? I was always surprised he didn’t get more stick for it. Alastair Meeks and I argued about it on here at the time, I was surprised that he thought it was fair comment
How about the Labour MPs who wanted to hang Esther McVey or the comments that Angela Raynor made about stories?
There is a very unpleasant / immature edge to many of our politicians who don’t understand what is acceptable behaviour
I suspect the majority of Labour MPs would've loved McDonnell to resign, given they thought their leadership team a disaster. Plus he held no official role when he made the comments. They just resurfaced later because they could be pinned on him when Shadow Chancellor. Not that it makes them any better of and in themselves but it does make the situation rather different. McDonnell's long history of saying some obnoxious things was a reason lots of Labour MPs were horrified when Corbyn won and appointed him.
As for Rayner, her comments were unpleasant and bad politics but nothing more.
As I understand it, the reasoning for calling on Cleverly to resign is that it's just incredibly stupid and damaging to make that kind of joke while Home Secretary as it undermines your efforts to reassure those who have been affected, or fear they may be, that it's a problem you take very seriously. Like if an airline CEO joked about bumping off his wife by saying he'd buy her a ticket on his airline as there's a fair chance it'd crash.
If it had resurfaced from years ago, it would likely be more of an apology, and a promise not to act the arse in future now he's got big govt. responsibilities. Whether or not it's a resigning matter as it is maybe down to the quality of personnel you can draw upon.
Heart-warming human interest story of how a young Black boy was inspired to climb the class ladder by meeting the Prime Minister, only slightly spoiled by the revelation that his father was a lawyer.
Apparently the father didn’t have much to do with the lad, though.
I remember watching a documentary many years ago about the secret services keeping tabs on people. A lad of about 12 who's waited up to see them then PM (Wilson, maybe?) attend a local event and who had a file opened for his troubles. Kept up to date through his whole life - every in and out. At various stages the services had 'given a nod' to potential employers that they were keeping an eye out.
That'll teach him to be aspirational but the wrong class.
Hey, a friend of mine is getting nicked because he's more smashed than a civil servant after the fifth works meeting. Let's take a selfie.
I think you'll find there was no party and anyone who says there was is just talking Britain down. And besides, the wine was just from the local Tesco so double-plus doesn't count.
Crass remarks indeed. The kind of thing you hear everyday in a kind of “my missus/mother in law” way, but not really what you expect from senior politicians
What did George Osborne say about Theresa May? Chop her up and put her in his freezer? I was always surprised he didn’t get more stick for it. Alastair Meeks and I argued about it on here at the time, I was surprised that he thought it was fair comment
How about the Labour MPs who wanted to hang Esther McVey or the comments that Angela Raynor made about stories?
There is a very unpleasant / immature edge to many of our politicians who don’t understand what is acceptable behaviour
Don’t think any Labour MPs said such. David Dimbleby had to read out John McDonnell’s denial of the claim by Esther McVey on the 2015 election programme that he had called for her lynching.
You’re right.
He called her “a stain on humanity”. And repeated someone else’s remark that she should be lynched.
That’s still not ok
John McDonnell has refused to apologise for repeating an offensive remark about new Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey.
The Shadow Chancellor described the then-disabilities minister as “a stain on humanity” during an outburst two years ago.
At a separate event, he also recounted a comment he had heard in which someone said Ms McVey should be "lynched" for her part in implementing welfare cuts.
Slalom only campaigned for him to be Chancellor twice
Rishi only appointed misogynist mass murderer failed comedian James Cleverly to be Home Secretary once (and Foreign Secretary once). What's your point? Politicians have strong yet flexible views. It comes with the job.
Skeir Starmer is nailed on to be our next PM
Pointing to examples of his slalomic nature hardly seems unreasonable
You’re kidding! It will be a banning offence soon if some of his cheerleaders get their way
I always find that the ultimate answer from the Keir cheerers is "But Boris was worse"
They do not care for one second that they have no idea whether Starmer will be Blair or Corbyn reborn once in power (BJO cares, but he can't believe the latter) he'll just definitely be better
I've got to admit that I've been really rather impressed and pleased by his resolute standing with Ukraine, and how he hasn't at all bent towards the anti Israel view quite prevalent in his party
But it wasn't that long ago that he was a full on Red. He's now dressing up as a soldier
Hey, a friend of mine is getting nicked because he's more smashed than a civil servant after the fifth works meeting. Let's take a selfie.
I think you'll find there was no party and anyone who says there was is just talking Britain down. And besides, the wine was just from the local Tesco so double-plus doesn't count.
Well, I know civil servants are meant to be non-party but I have my doubts.
I've been quite struck by the increase in people on my local subreddit who are really struggling with mental health problems. Not quite at the 'suicide risk' point where emergency services might leap into action - but very much at the "I can't hold my job down and am risk of losing my accommodation" level. No sign of any help unless they can afford private counselling.
Heart-warming human interest story of how a young Black boy was inspired to climb the class ladder by meeting the Prime Minister, only slightly spoiled by the revelation that his father was a lawyer.
Apparently the father didn’t have much to do with the lad, though.
Oh indeed but it does mean the son would likely have had middle-class aspirations, or at the very least have known such a path was possible. Heart-warming fare nonetheless.
Are we having the usual present tomorrow? Will Santa @MikeSmithson and the elves @TSE and @rcs1000 be bringing us the Xmas Crossword Of Impossibility And Puns?
Yes, StJohn sent me the PB Christmas crossword a week last Sunday.
If you all denounce Die Hard as a Christmas movie now then I shall publish it tomorrow.
I denounce it as an unrepentant Christmas movie.
As non-Christmas Christmas films go, The Long Kiss Goodnight takes some beating:
A happy xmas to people here with no reservations....we may disagree but no one here are particulary bad people in my view
Backhanded compliments of the season.
Sorry what was backhanded about that?
Just a jest. Merry Xmas, you’re not a particularly bad person. Just struck me as humourous, apologies.
shrugs it was a genuine sentiment, there are people that think differently and I disagree with. I was acknowleding still their views and mine didnt mean the came from a bad place, merely a different point of view of what is best.
Of course I can't make that expression without someone demeaning it with by being the random arsehole who wants to keep everyone divided
A happy xmas to people here with no reservations....we may disagree but no one here are particulary bad people in my view
Backhanded compliments of the season.
Sorry what was backhanded about that?
Just a jest. Merry Xmas, you’re not a particularly bad person. Just struck me as humourous, apologies.
shrugs it was a genuine sentiment, there are people that think differently and I disagree with. I was acknowleding still their views and mine didnt mean the came from a bad place, merely a different point of view of what is best.
Of course I can't make that expression without someone demeaning it with by being the random arsehole who wants to keep everyone divided
Just as well you're not falling into the trap of issuing an angry riposte then.
A local hospital invites me to the Clinical Diagnostic Unit, in the Orange Zone, opposite Outpatients. Helpfully there is a full-colour map of the hospital. Less usefully, the only orange on the map is the wall of the multi-storey car park and amongst the departments named is neither the CDU nor Outpatients.
This is symptomatic of Britain today. Clearly they have made an effort to be helpful but no-one has paid attention to the details. It's like poorly-sited road signs, or uncoordinated bus or rail timetables.
A happy xmas to people here with no reservations....we may disagree but no one here are particulary bad people in my view
Backhanded compliments of the season.
Sorry what was backhanded about that?
Just a jest. Merry Xmas, you’re not a particularly bad person. Just struck me as humourous, apologies.
shrugs it was a genuine sentiment, there are people that think differently and I disagree with. I was acknowleding still their views and mine didnt mean the came from a bad place, merely a different point of view of what is best.
Of course I can't make that expression without someone demeaning it with by being the random arsehole who wants to keep everyone divided
Just as well you're not falling into the trap of issuing an angry riposte then.
That was not an angry riposte it was a sad riposte, I made a gesture of solidarity because I believe there is more that connects us than divides us whether left or right....i riposted against one person only who questioned it. I think most here took it as meant
A happy xmas to people here with no reservations....we may disagree but no one here are particulary bad people in my view
Backhanded compliments of the season.
Sorry what was backhanded about that?
“Not particularly bad”.. I’ll take that.
Happy Xmas.
I won't that is not a good thing...now most will know for example ther e are left wingers here I butt heads with. We disagree completely....kinablu being an example...I however do not in anyway think he is a bad person....we merely disagree, he thinks his views are good...I think mine are.
Describing someone as not particularly bad....sorry thats an insult. I would not decribe anyone here that way no matter the disagreement
Are we having the usual present tomorrow? Will Santa @MikeSmithson and the elves @TSE and @rcs1000 be bringing us the Xmas Crossword Of Impossibility And Puns?
Yes, StJohn sent me the PB Christmas crossword a week last Sunday.
If you all denounce Die Hard as a Christmas movie now then I shall publish it tomorrow.
I denounce it as an unrepentant Christmas movie.
As non-Christmas Christmas films go, The Long Kiss Goodnight takes some beating:
A happy xmas to people here with no reservations....we may disagree but no one here are particulary bad people in my view
Backhanded compliments of the season.
Sorry what was backhanded about that?
Just a jest. Merry Xmas, you’re not a particularly bad person. Just struck me as humourous, apologies.
shrugs it was a genuine sentiment, there are people that think differently and I disagree with. I was acknowleding still their views and mine didnt mean the came from a bad place, merely a different point of view of what is best.
Of course I can't make that expression without someone demeaning it with by being the random arsehole who wants to keep everyone divided
Just as well you're not falling into the trap of issuing an angry riposte then.
That was not an angry riposte it was a sad riposte, I made a gesture of solidarity because I believe there is more that connects us than divides us whether left or right....i riposted against one person only who questioned it. I think most here took it as meant
Cleverley to be sacked under cover of Christmas. This gaff isn’t a problem for Sunak, but a huge opportunity. Replacing Mr “Rwanda plan is bat shit crazy” with a right winger will bring back on board many who otherwise in the New Year would have caused him issues. What a gift wrapped opportunity to shore up a weakening flank. This is the reason Cleverley is now toast.
Cleverley to be sacked under cover of Christmas. This gaff isn’t a problem for Sunak, but a huge opportunity. Replacing Mr “Rwanda plan is bat shit crazy” with a right winger will bring back on board many who otherwise in the New Year would have caused him issues. What a gift wrapped opportunity to shore up a weakening flank. This is the reason Cleverley is now toast.
Sunak appointed Stupidly as Home Sec as his heir apparent. That isn't working out too well.
So that leaves a vacancy as the Not Swivel Eyed candidate for the leadership.
Crass remarks indeed. The kind of thing you hear everyday in a kind of “my missus/mother in law” way, but not really what you expect from senior politicians
What did George Osborne say about Theresa May? Chop her up and put her in his freezer? I was always surprised he didn’t get more stick for it. Alastair Meeks and I argued about it on here at the time, I was surprised that he thought it was fair comment
How about the Labour MPs who wanted to hang Esther McVey or the comments that Angela Raynor made about stories?
There is a very unpleasant / immature edge to many of our politicians who don’t understand what is acceptable behaviour
Don’t think any Labour MPs said such. David Dimbleby had to read out John McDonnell’s denial of the claim by Esther McVey on the 2015 election programme that he had called for her lynching.
You’re right.
He called her “a stain on humanity”. And repeated someone else’s remark that she should be lynched.
That’s still not ok
John McDonnell has refused to apologise for repeating an offensive remark about new Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey.
The Shadow Chancellor described the then-disabilities minister as “a stain on humanity” during an outburst two years ago.
At a separate event, he also recounted a comment he had heard in which someone said Ms McVey should be "lynched" for her part in implementing welfare cuts.
Slalom only campaigned for him to be Chancellor twice
Rishi only appointed misogynist mass murderer failed comedian James Cleverly to be Home Secretary once (and Foreign Secretary once). What's your point? Politicians have strong yet flexible views. It comes with the job.
Skeir Starmer is nailed on to be our next PM
Pointing to examples of his slalomic nature hardly seems unreasonable
You’re kidding! It will be a banning offence soon if some of his cheerleaders get their way
I always find that the ultimate answer from the Keir cheerers is "But Boris was worse"
They do not care for one second that they have no idea whether Starmer will be Blair or Corbyn reborn once in power (BJO cares, but he can't believe the latter) he'll just definitely be better
I've got to admit that I've been really rather impressed and pleased by his resolute standing with Ukraine, and how he hasn't at all bent towards the anti Israel view quite prevalent in his party
But it wasn't that long ago that he was a full on Red. He's now dressing up as a soldier
He was never full on 'red'. He was a resigner in 2016. What he was, if one wants to try and describe it, was a soft left Labourist - someone who sits in the relative middle of Labour, and agrees with the Labour right on some things and the left on others. And whose views usually evolve as the party does and sees what works and what doesn't. Initially lots of people were quite worried about that, and that he might not have the strength of will to fully turn the page on the Corbyn and Miliband years. But he seems to have a ruthless streak and his internal opponents have helped him out massively by doing stuff that has forced his hand to decide between party and public, and of course the public win every time on that front.
A local hospital invites me to the Clinical Diagnostic Unit, in the Orange Zone, opposite Outpatients. Helpfully there is a full-colour map of the hospital. Less usefully, the only orange on the map is the wall of the multi-storey car park and amongst the departments named is neither the CDU nor Outpatients.
This is symptomatic of Britain today. Clearly they have made an effort to be helpful but no-one has paid attention to the details. It's like poorly-sited road signs, or uncoordinated bus or rail timetables.
Listen, Betty. Don't start up with your Orange Zone shit again!
Heart-warming human interest story of how a young Black boy was inspired to climb the class ladder by meeting the Prime Minister, only slightly spoiled by the revelation that his father was a lawyer.
Apparently the father didn’t have much to do with the lad, though.
Crass remarks indeed. The kind of thing you hear everyday in a kind of “my missus/mother in law” way, but not really what you expect from senior politicians
What did George Osborne say about Theresa May? Chop her up and put her in his freezer? I was always surprised he didn’t get more stick for it. Alastair Meeks and I argued about it on here at the time, I was surprised that he thought it was fair comment
How about the Labour MPs who wanted to hang Esther McVey or the comments that Angela Raynor made about stories?
There is a very unpleasant / immature edge to many of our politicians who don’t understand what is acceptable behaviour
Don’t think any Labour MPs said such. David Dimbleby had to read out John McDonnell’s denial of the claim by Esther McVey on the 2015 election programme that he had called for her lynching.
You’re right.
He called her “a stain on humanity”. And repeated someone else’s remark that she should be lynched.
That’s still not ok
John McDonnell has refused to apologise for repeating an offensive remark about new Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey.
The Shadow Chancellor described the then-disabilities minister as “a stain on humanity” during an outburst two years ago.
At a separate event, he also recounted a comment he had heard in which someone said Ms McVey should be "lynched" for her part in implementing welfare cuts.
Slalom only campaigned for him to be Chancellor twice
Rishi only appointed misogynist mass murderer failed comedian James Cleverly to be Home Secretary once (and Foreign Secretary once). What's your point? Politicians have strong yet flexible views. It comes with the job.
Skeir Starmer is nailed on to be our next PM
Pointing to examples of his slalomic nature hardly seems unreasonable
You’re kidding! It will be a banning offence soon if some of his cheerleaders get their way
I always find that the ultimate answer from the Keir cheerers is "But Boris was worse"
They do not care for one second that they have no idea whether Starmer will be Blair or Corbyn reborn once in power (BJO cares, but he can't believe the latter) he'll just definitely be better
I've got to admit that I've been really rather impressed and pleased by his resolute standing with Ukraine, and how he hasn't at all bent towards the anti Israel view quite prevalent in his party
But it wasn't that long ago that he was a full on Red. He's now dressing up as a soldier
He was never full on 'red'. He was a resigner in 2016. What he was, if one wants to try and describe it, was a soft left Labourist - someone who sits in the relative middle of Labour, and agrees with the Labour right on some things and the left on others. And whose views usually evolve as the party does and sees what works and what doesn't. Initially lots of people were quite worried about that, and that he might not have the strength of will to fully turn the page on the Corbyn and Miliband years. But he seems to have a ruthless streak and his internal opponents have helped him out massively by doing stuff that has forced his hand to decide between party and public, and of course the public win every time on that front.
He worked for the International Marxist Revolutionary Tendency
Crass remarks indeed. The kind of thing you hear everyday in a kind of “my missus/mother in law” way, but not really what you expect from senior politicians
What did George Osborne say about Theresa May? Chop her up and put her in his freezer? I was always surprised he didn’t get more stick for it. Alastair Meeks and I argued about it on here at the time, I was surprised that he thought it was fair comment
How about the Labour MPs who wanted to hang Esther McVey or the comments that Angela Raynor made about stories?
There is a very unpleasant / immature edge to many of our politicians who don’t understand what is acceptable behaviour
Don’t think any Labour MPs said such. David Dimbleby had to read out John McDonnell’s denial of the claim by Esther McVey on the 2015 election programme that he had called for her lynching.
You’re right.
He called her “a stain on humanity”. And repeated someone else’s remark that she should be lynched.
That’s still not ok
John McDonnell has refused to apologise for repeating an offensive remark about new Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey.
The Shadow Chancellor described the then-disabilities minister as “a stain on humanity” during an outburst two years ago.
At a separate event, he also recounted a comment he had heard in which someone said Ms McVey should be "lynched" for her part in implementing welfare cuts.
Slalom only campaigned for him to be Chancellor twice
Rishi only appointed misogynist mass murderer failed comedian James Cleverly to be Home Secretary once (and Foreign Secretary once). What's your point? Politicians have strong yet flexible views. It comes with the job.
Skeir Starmer is nailed on to be our next PM
Pointing to examples of his slalomic nature hardly seems unreasonable
You’re kidding! It will be a banning offence soon if some of his cheerleaders get their way
I always find that the ultimate answer from the Keir cheerers is "But Boris was worse"
They do not care for one second that they have no idea whether Starmer will be Blair or Corbyn reborn once in power (BJO cares, but he can't believe the latter) he'll just definitely be better
I've got to admit that I've been really rather impressed and pleased by his resolute standing with Ukraine, and how he hasn't at all bent towards the anti Israel view quite prevalent in his party
But it wasn't that long ago that he was a full on Red. He's now dressing up as a soldier
It's not that I don't care - but what can I do?
Am I going to vote Tory because I fear Starmer might be Blair Mk2 or Jezza in disguise?
Am I fuck.
(*I'd like hime to be midway between Blair and Corbyn if you want to know. I fully expect him to disappoint me a bit one way or the other, or possibly both at the same time. But after the past 13 years of shit government, I'll take anything that is not a Tory-led administration.)
It’s been hard getting ready for Christmas this year with an eleven month old but finally seem to have made it! Excited for his first Christmas tomorrow, with his 84 year old grandad sporting a new hip as of Friday… Merry Christmas one and all. Be kind.
Crass remarks indeed. The kind of thing you hear everyday in a kind of “my missus/mother in law” way, but not really what you expect from senior politicians
What did George Osborne say about Theresa May? Chop her up and put her in his freezer? I was always surprised he didn’t get more stick for it. Alastair Meeks and I argued about it on here at the time, I was surprised that he thought it was fair comment
How about the Labour MPs who wanted to hang Esther McVey or the comments that Angela Raynor made about stories?
There is a very unpleasant / immature edge to many of our politicians who don’t understand what is acceptable behaviour
Don’t think any Labour MPs said such. David Dimbleby had to read out John McDonnell’s denial of the claim by Esther McVey on the 2015 election programme that he had called for her lynching.
You’re right.
He called her “a stain on humanity”. And repeated someone else’s remark that she should be lynched.
That’s still not ok
John McDonnell has refused to apologise for repeating an offensive remark about new Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey.
The Shadow Chancellor described the then-disabilities minister as “a stain on humanity” during an outburst two years ago.
At a separate event, he also recounted a comment he had heard in which someone said Ms McVey should be "lynched" for her part in implementing welfare cuts.
Slalom only campaigned for him to be Chancellor twice
Rishi only appointed misogynist mass murderer failed comedian James Cleverly to be Home Secretary once (and Foreign Secretary once). What's your point? Politicians have strong yet flexible views. It comes with the job.
Skeir Starmer is nailed on to be our next PM
Pointing to examples of his slalomic nature hardly seems unreasonable
You’re kidding! It will be a banning offence soon if some of his cheerleaders get their way
I always find that the ultimate answer from the Keir cheerers is "But Boris was worse"
They do not care for one second that they have no idea whether Starmer will be Blair or Corbyn reborn once in power (BJO cares, but he can't believe the latter) he'll just definitely be better
I've got to admit that I've been really rather impressed and pleased by his resolute standing with Ukraine, and how he hasn't at all bent towards the anti Israel view quite prevalent in his party
But it wasn't that long ago that he was a full on Red. He's now dressing up as a soldier
It's not that I don't care - but what can I do?
Am I going to vote Tory because I fear Starmer might be Blair Mk2 or Jezza in disguise?
Am I fuck.
(*I'd like hime to be midway between Blair and Corbyn if you want to know. I fully expect him to disappoint me a bit one way or the other, or possibly both at the same time. But after the past 13 years of shit government, I'll take anything that is not a Tory-led administration.)
I'm quite excited, as a political nerd, to find out which way he'll go
But I don't imagine that I'll tire from pointing out his swerving
According to BBC4 the home Secretary has resigned due to an unfortunate drink drive incident, the prime minister has also resigned and the party chairman has been elected unopposed as his successor with the help of a speech attacking the European Commission's proposals for abolishing the British Sausage!
Cleverley to be sacked under cover of Christmas. This gaff isn’t a problem for Sunak, but a huge opportunity. Replacing Mr “Rwanda plan is bat shit crazy” with a right winger will bring back on board many who otherwise in the New Year would have caused him issues. What a gift wrapped opportunity to shore up a weakening flank. This is the reason Cleverley is now toast.
According to BBC4 the home Secretary has resigned due to an unfortunate drink drive incident, the prime minister has also resigned and the party chairman has been elected unopposed as his successor with the help of a speech attacking the European Commission's proposals for abolishing the British Sausage!
Couldn’t they have hushed up a mere drink driving incident - what did he do, detail a train carrying nuclear waste? Though even that’s not like he’s told a daft joke to a room of journalists expecting them to keep their word not to leak it!
Two carol services done (with our new vicar!). 6pm service was absolutely packed - standing room only. Midnight Mass and Christmas Day morning service still to do. Going to go for an easy final voluntary at midnight because I’m frankly wilting. Merry Christmas all.
According to BBC4 the home Secretary has resigned due to an unfortunate drink drive incident, the prime minister has also resigned and the party chairman has been elected unopposed as his successor with the help of a speech attacking the European Commission's proposals for abolishing the British Sausage!
Cleverley to be sacked under cover of Christmas. This gaff isn’t a problem for Sunak, but a huge opportunity. Replacing Mr “Rwanda plan is bat shit crazy” with a right winger will bring back on board many who otherwise in the New Year would have caused him issues. What a gift wrapped opportunity to shore up a weakening flank. This is the reason Cleverley is now toast.
Sunak appointed Stupidly as Home Sec as his heir apparent. That isn't working out too well.
So that leaves a vacancy as the Not Swivel Eyed candidate for the leadership.
Oh Sandy. Claire Coutinho the next Chancellor, Is Sunak’s choice for heir apparent and non crazy candidate for leadership. She’ll get it too.
Cleverley to be sacked under cover of Christmas. This gaff isn’t a problem for Sunak, but a huge opportunity. Replacing Mr “Rwanda plan is bat shit crazy” with a right winger will bring back on board many who otherwise in the New Year would have caused him issues. What a gift wrapped opportunity to shore up a weakening flank. This is the reason Cleverley is now toast.
Nadine Dorries!
She'll shore up the loony tunes....
The next Home Secretary should be Baron Johnson of Uxbridge, following his elevation in the New Year honours list. Then it will just be Ms May and Ms Truss to return to the cabinet.
According to BBC4 the home Secretary has resigned due to an unfortunate drink drive incident, the prime minister has also resigned and the party chairman has been elected unopposed as his successor with the help of a speech attacking the European Commission's proposals for abolishing the British Sausage!
Can't see him keeping his constituency at the election, his majority is only just over 1000.
Cleverley to be sacked under cover of Christmas. This gaff isn’t a problem for Sunak, but a huge opportunity. Replacing Mr “Rwanda plan is bat shit crazy” with a right winger will bring back on board many who otherwise in the New Year would have caused him issues. What a gift wrapped opportunity to shore up a weakening flank. This is the reason Cleverley is now toast.
Sunak appointed Stupidly as Home Sec as his heir apparent. That isn't working out too well.
So that leaves a vacancy as the Not Swivel Eyed candidate for the leadership.
Oh Sandy. Claire Coutinho the next Chancellor, Is Sunak’s choice for heir apparent and non crazy candidate for leadership. She’ll get it too.
Is being Sunak's heir apparent going to be much of a bonus when the time comes?
Anyway, now the children are unambiguously asleep, there's wrapping to do and Father Ted to watch in the background.
Two carol services done (with our new vicar!). 6pm service was absolutely packed - standing room only. Midnight Mass and Christmas Day morning service still to do. Going to go for an easy final voluntary at midnight because I’m frankly wilting. Merry Christmas all.
I'm doing Christmas Day, but not the Midnight. I'm going to give the three people who turn up at 9.30 some decent Stanford.
Two carol services done (with our new vicar!). 6pm service was absolutely packed - standing room only. Midnight Mass and Christmas Day morning service still to do. Going to go for an easy final voluntary at midnight because I’m frankly wilting. Merry Christmas all.
I’ve got a speaking part at midnight. 😇
Before Jesus, in Old Testament, lambs were sacrificed for sins, then God gave baby Jesus to be killed like a lamb for our sins - so we could live forever, and lambs could be spared. So the birth of Jesus was good news for lambs I will say.
Two carol services done (with our new vicar!). 6pm service was absolutely packed - standing room only. Midnight Mass and Christmas Day morning service still to do. Going to go for an easy final voluntary at midnight because I’m frankly wilting. Merry Christmas all.
I'm doing Christmas Day, but not the Midnight. I'm going to give the three people who turn up at 9.30 some decent Stanford.
What Stanford are you giving them? I like the Stanford symphonies.
Two carol services done (with our new vicar!). 6pm service was absolutely packed - standing room only. Midnight Mass and Christmas Day morning service still to do. Going to go for an easy final voluntary at midnight because I’m frankly wilting. Merry Christmas all.
I'm doing Christmas Day, but not the Midnight. I'm going to give the three people who turn up at 9.30 some decent Stanford.
What Stanford are you giving them? I like the Stanford symphonies.
Two carol services done (with our new vicar!). 6pm service was absolutely packed - standing room only. Midnight Mass and Christmas Day morning service still to do. Going to go for an easy final voluntary at midnight because I’m frankly wilting. Merry Christmas all.
I'm doing Christmas Day, but not the Midnight. I'm going to give the three people who turn up at 9.30 some decent Stanford.
Two carol services done (with our new vicar!). 6pm service was absolutely packed - standing room only. Midnight Mass and Christmas Day morning service still to do. Going to go for an easy final voluntary at midnight because I’m frankly wilting. Merry Christmas all.
I'm doing Christmas Day, but not the Midnight. I'm going to give the three people who turn up at 9.30 some decent Stanford.
According to BBC4 the home Secretary has resigned due to an unfortunate drink drive incident, the prime minister has also resigned and the party chairman has been elected unopposed as his successor with the help of a speech attacking the European Commission's proposals for abolishing the British Sausage!
The new Prime Minister has denied suggestions that the appointment of Steve Backley, Fatima Whitbread and Tessa Sanderson to the three great offices of state indicates that he wants to throw the election.
Whole area NOT big on celebrating on December 25, as Santa likely already knows.
Something I learned as a little kid, living in area with large number of Eastern Orthodox neighbors.
Uhraine has moved to celebrating Christmas on the 25th, as a further move away from Russian Eastern Orthodoxy.
(Santa seems to have safely negotiated his journey through the Russian air defences. "What air defence doing?")
Ukraine seem to have taken another step forward in the air war recently, downing a few more Russian jets that were operating in a way they were previously thought safe.
Some rumour that a new Patriot system may have been deployed to the South.
Cleverley to be sacked under cover of Christmas. This gaff isn’t a problem for Sunak, but a huge opportunity. Replacing Mr “Rwanda plan is bat shit crazy” with a right winger will bring back on board many who otherwise in the New Year would have caused him issues. What a gift wrapped opportunity to shore up a weakening flank. This is the reason Cleverley is now toast.
Nadine Dorries!
She'll shore up the loony tunes....
The next Home Secretary should be Baron Johnson of Uxbridge, following his elevation in the New Year honours list. Then it will just be Ms May and Ms Truss to return to the cabinet.
What's the collective noun for ex Tory Prime Ministers?
Two carol services done (with our new vicar!). 6pm service was absolutely packed - standing room only. Midnight Mass and Christmas Day morning service still to do. Going to go for an easy final voluntary at midnight because I’m frankly wilting. Merry Christmas all.
I'm doing Christmas Day, but not the Midnight. I'm going to give the three people who turn up at 9.30 some decent Stanford.
What Stanford are you giving them? I like the Stanford symphonies.
Cleverley to be sacked under cover of Christmas. This gaff isn’t a problem for Sunak, but a huge opportunity. Replacing Mr “Rwanda plan is bat shit crazy” with a right winger will bring back on board many who otherwise in the New Year would have caused him issues. What a gift wrapped opportunity to shore up a weakening flank. This is the reason Cleverley is now toast.
Nadine Dorries!
She'll shore up the loony tunes....
The next Home Secretary should be Baron Johnson of Uxbridge, following his elevation in the New Year honours list. Then it will just be Ms May and Ms Truss to return to the cabinet.
What's the collective noun for ex Tory Prime Ministers?
Two carol services done (with our new vicar!). 6pm service was absolutely packed - standing room only. Midnight Mass and Christmas Day morning service still to do. Going to go for an easy final voluntary at midnight because I’m frankly wilting. Merry Christmas all.
I’ve got a speaking part at midnight. 😇
Before Jesus, in Old Testament, lambs were sacrificed for sins, then God gave baby Jesus to be killed like a lamb for our sins - so we could live forever, and lambs could be spared. So the birth of Jesus was good news for lambs I will say.
I will have a picture of a lamb with me. And it was my idea to use 100th Psalm of Thanksgiving. Well they did ask for suggestions, and I got the idea from bees humming it.
I feel so wide awake and on it tonight. But I have to log out for a while to do things I have to do and spend time with my family.
A little more on that communtation: "Just before Christmas in 1921, [President Warren G.] Harding, a conservative and mild-mannered Republican, commuted the 10-year sentence of the Socialist [Eugene] Debs, who had been convicted of violating the Espionage Act of 1917. On Dec. 26, Harding welcomed Debs to the White House, eager to meet him before he returned to civilian life after being released from federal prison in Atlanta. . . . Though most of his advisers and the first lady argued against the commutation, Harding believed that his use of the pardon power would help heal a divided nation after the deadliest war in world history and a flu pandemic that killed at least 675,000 Americans and tens of millions around the globe. . . . On the same day he freed Debs, Harding commuted the sentences of 23 other political prisoners, activists and Industrial Workers of the World union members who spoke out against the war." source$: https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2022/01/06/warren-harding-eugene-debs/
Gosh.
Hadn't the Communists suffered enough in prison without trying to make sense of Harding's garbled efforts at English?
Harding did far more than his share of bloviation.
However, he also coined "normalcy" which in the past century has gone from being regarded as mangling the English language, to (methinks) a perfectly respectable English word.
Speaking as one of the very few - perhaps only - PBer to have paid my person respects at the Tomb of Warren G. Harding.
"I DEEM it a privilege to join here in the dedication of the tomb of Warren G. Harding, 29th President of the United States. . . . He gave his life in worthy accomplishment for his country. He was a man of delicate sense of honor, of sympathetic heart, of transcendent gentleness of soul – who reached out for friendship, who gave of it loyally and generously in his every thought and deed. He was a man of passionate patriotism. He was a man of deep religious feeling. He was devoted to his fellow men. . . ." - Herbert Hoover, June 16, 1931
'He gave his life in service of his country:' wasn't it a heart attack brought on by banging his secretary? Or am I misremembering that bit?
Heart-warming human interest story of how a young Black boy was inspired to climb the class ladder by meeting the Prime Minister, only slightly spoiled by the revelation that his father was a lawyer.
Another 'Sliding Door' moment. My next door neighbour is the one member of the 'Sliding Door' threesome no one can remember!.
A happy xmas to people here with no reservations....we may disagree but no one here are particulary bad people in my view
Backhanded compliments of the season.
Sorry what was backhanded about that?
Just a jest. Merry Xmas, you’re not a particularly bad person. Just struck me as humourous, apologies.
shrugs it was a genuine sentiment, there are people that think differently and I disagree with. I was acknowleding still their views and mine didnt mean the came from a bad place, merely a different point of view of what is best.
Of course I can't make that expression without someone demeaning it with by being the random arsehole who wants to keep everyone divided
Just as well you're not falling into the trap of issuing an angry riposte then.
That was not an angry riposte it was a sad riposte, I made a gesture of solidarity because I believe there is more that connects us than divides us whether left or right....i riposted against one person only who questioned it. I think most here took it as meant
To be fair your post was in the category of “damning with faint praise”
Cleverley to be sacked under cover of Christmas. This gaff isn’t a problem for Sunak, but a huge opportunity. Replacing Mr “Rwanda plan is bat shit crazy” with a right winger will bring back on board many who otherwise in the New Year would have caused him issues. What a gift wrapped opportunity to shore up a weakening flank. This is the reason Cleverley is now toast.
Nadine Dorries!
She'll shore up the loony tunes....
The next Home Secretary should be Baron Johnson of Uxbridge, following his elevation in the New Year honours list. Then it will just be Ms May and Ms Truss to return to the cabinet.
What's the collective noun for ex Tory Prime Ministers?
Not a noun but still fair comment: postremo primi ministrorum
Cleverley to be sacked under cover of Christmas. This gaff isn’t a problem for Sunak, but a huge opportunity. Replacing Mr “Rwanda plan is bat shit crazy” with a right winger will bring back on board many who otherwise in the New Year would have caused him issues. What a gift wrapped opportunity to shore up a weakening flank. This is the reason Cleverley is now toast.
Nadine Dorries!
She'll shore up the loony tunes....
The next Home Secretary should be Baron Johnson of Uxbridge, following his elevation in the New Year honours list. Then it will just be Ms May and Ms Truss to return to the cabinet.
What's the collective noun for ex Tory Prime Ministers?
An austerity of Tory ex PMs
( I assume you meant that rather than what you actually wrote!!)
Cleverley to be sacked under cover of Christmas. This gaff isn’t a problem for Sunak, but a huge opportunity. Replacing Mr “Rwanda plan is bat shit crazy” with a right winger will bring back on board many who otherwise in the New Year would have caused him issues. What a gift wrapped opportunity to shore up a weakening flank. This is the reason Cleverley is now toast.
Nadine Dorries!
She'll shore up the loony tunes....
The next Home Secretary should be Baron Johnson of Uxbridge, following his elevation in the New Year honours list. Then it will just be Ms May and Ms Truss to return to the cabinet.
Still got Mr Major to choose from, too. Presumably his omission is accidental!
Cleverley to be sacked under cover of Christmas. This gaff isn’t a problem for Sunak, but a huge opportunity. Replacing Mr “Rwanda plan is bat shit crazy” with a right winger will bring back on board many who otherwise in the New Year would have caused him issues. What a gift wrapped opportunity to shore up a weakening flank. This is the reason Cleverley is now toast.
Nadine Dorries!
She'll shore up the loony tunes....
The next Home Secretary should be Baron Johnson of Uxbridge, following his elevation in the New Year honours list. Then it will just be Ms May and Ms Truss to return to the cabinet.
What's the collective noun for ex Tory Prime Ministers?
An austerity of Tory ex PMs
( I assume you meant that rather than what you actually wrote!!)
Well a 'knob' has alreadt been taken by geese so back to the drawing board......
According to BBC4 the home Secretary has resigned due to an unfortunate drink drive incident, the prime minister has also resigned and the party chairman has been elected unopposed as his successor with the help of a speech attacking the European Commission's proposals for abolishing the British Sausage!
The new Prime Minister has denied suggestions that the appointment of Steve Backley, Fatima Whitbread and Tessa Sanderson to the three great offices of state indicates that he wants to throw the election.
When he appoints Geoff Capes as Home Secretary - that's when we'll know it's finally over.
Cleverley to be sacked under cover of Christmas. This gaff isn’t a problem for Sunak, but a huge opportunity. Replacing Mr “Rwanda plan is bat shit crazy” with a right winger will bring back on board many who otherwise in the New Year would have caused him issues. What a gift wrapped opportunity to shore up a weakening flank. This is the reason Cleverley is now toast.
Nadine Dorries!
She'll shore up the loony tunes....
The next Home Secretary should be Baron Johnson of Uxbridge, following his elevation in the New Year honours list. Then it will just be Ms May and Ms Truss to return to the cabinet.
What's the collective noun for ex Tory Prime Ministers?
Not a noun but still fair comment: postremo primi ministrorum
According to BBC4 the home Secretary has resigned due to an unfortunate drink drive incident, the prime minister has also resigned and the party chairman has been elected unopposed as his successor with the help of a speech attacking the European Commission's proposals for abolishing the British Sausage!
The new Prime Minister has denied suggestions that the appointment of Steve Backley, Fatima Whitbread and Tessa Sanderson to the three great offices of state indicates that he wants to throw the election.
When he appoints Geoff Capes as Home Secretary - that's when we'll know it's finally over.
Comments
mass murdererfailed comedian James Cleverly to be Home Secretary once (and Foreign Secretary once). What's your point? Politicians have strong yet flexible views. It comes with the job.Like him, she was from Marion, Ohio and as a young girl developed a serious crush on him (he was a handsome guy with considerable charm) that eventually led to an affair over number of years.
He & she had to stay clear of Mrs. Harding aka The Dutchess who knew (more than) enough to keep a sharp eye on her "Wurr'n".
BTW, perhaps the most insightful comment on Harding was made by his own father (himself a bit of a rogue)"
Father - "Warren, it's a good thing you were born a boy."
Son - "And why do you say that?"
Father - "Because you never could say 'no'."
Another comment, also close to the bone, by Alice Roosevelt Longworth:
"Harding was not a bad man. He was just a slob."
Pointing to examples of his slalomic nature hardly seems unreasonable
(Santa seems to have safely negotiated his journey through the Russian air defences. "What air defence doing?")
Experts link 44% increase in four years to a growing mental health crisis and underinvestment in health services
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/24/500000-under-35s-out-of-work-long-term-illness-uk
Something is up. No good answers in the story.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/dec/24/photo-of-swansea-police-arresting-drunk-likened-to-renaissance-art
Ernest Owusu says encounter with Iron Lady on TV in 1980 gave him confidence to ascend class ladder
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/dec/24/man-who-questioned-margeret-thatcher-as-boy
Heart-warming human interest story of how a young Black boy was inspired to climb the class ladder by meeting the Prime Minister, only slightly spoiled by the revelation that his father was a lawyer.
As for Rayner, her comments were unpleasant and bad politics but nothing more.
As I understand it, the reasoning for calling on Cleverly to resign is that it's just incredibly stupid and damaging to make that kind of joke while Home Secretary as it undermines your efforts to reassure those who have been affected, or fear they may be, that it's a problem you take very seriously. Like if an airline CEO joked about bumping off his wife by saying he'd buy her a ticket on his airline as there's a fair chance it'd crash.
If it had resurfaced from years ago, it would likely be more of an apology, and a promise not to act the arse in future now he's got big govt. responsibilities. Whether or not it's a resigning matter as it is maybe down to the quality of personnel you can draw upon.
That'll teach him to be aspirational but the wrong class.
They do not care for one second that they have no idea whether Starmer will be Blair or Corbyn reborn once in power (BJO cares, but he can't believe the latter) he'll just definitely be better
I've got to admit that I've been really rather impressed and pleased by his resolute standing with Ukraine, and how he hasn't at all bent towards the anti Israel view quite prevalent in his party
But it wasn't that long ago that he was a full on Red. He's now dressing up as a soldier
(j/k)
Of course I can't make that expression without someone demeaning it with by being the random arsehole who wants to keep everyone divided
Happy Xmas.
A local hospital invites me to the Clinical Diagnostic Unit, in the Orange Zone, opposite Outpatients. Helpfully there is a full-colour map of the hospital. Less usefully, the only orange on the map is the wall of the multi-storey car park and amongst the departments named is neither the CDU nor Outpatients.
This is symptomatic of Britain today. Clearly they have made an effort to be helpful but no-one has paid attention to the details. It's like poorly-sited road signs, or uncoordinated bus or rail timetables.
Describing someone as not particularly bad....sorry thats an insult. I would not decribe anyone here that way no matter the disagreement
Hmmmm. That might be a bit far-fetched. I mean, nobody's ever seen a good cracker joke.
My Christmas has begun
Morally dubious, perhaps, but hugely enjoyable.
So that leaves a vacancy as the Not Swivel Eyed candidate for the leadership.
He wasn't under the bed
There’s quite a lot of Konglish.
Am I going to vote Tory because I fear Starmer might be Blair Mk2 or Jezza in disguise?
Am I fuck.
(*I'd like hime to be midway between Blair and Corbyn if you want to know. I fully expect him to disappoint me a bit one way or the other, or possibly both at the same time. But after the past 13 years of shit government, I'll take anything that is not a Tory-led administration.)
Merry Christmas one and all. Be kind.
But I don't imagine that I'll tire from pointing out his swerving
Maybe like some kind of skeir
She'll shore up the loony tunes....
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Holden_(British_politician)
Anyway, now the children are unambiguously asleep, there's wrapping to do and Father Ted to watch in the background.
A Cool Yule to you all, and especially to you.
Before Jesus, in Old Testament, lambs were sacrificed for sins, then God gave baby Jesus to be killed like a lamb for our sins - so we could live forever, and lambs could be spared. So the birth of Jesus was good news for lambs I will say.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dgpmS0bwCw
https://youtu.be/WICWD3Mn9BE?si=quM2WC3z2uhiuKPb
(I play it a bit faster with that and with more on the pedal in the second half.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvweJ1lLcZc
Some rumour that a new Patriot system may have been deployed to the South.
I feel so wide awake and on it tonight. But I have to log out for a while to do things I have to do and spend time with my family.
Merry Christmas all PBers everywhere ✨
May be his secretary was particularly attractive?
Merry Xmas to all
From the land whose capital boast a Beretania Street.
It was not a particularly bad effort…
For translation, see Boris Johnson.
( I assume you meant that rather than what you actually wrote!!)