Many people (I would guess mainly but not exclusively the young) don't buy newspapers, watch on demand TV (but not the news) and don't listen to the brief new snippets on the radio. It is going to be increasing difficult to get people engaged in politics.
That's right. Increasingly I find that non-party people who find I'm heavily involved in politics react with the same detached, polite, strictly limited curiosity as though I said I was a Mormon or a stamp-collector - "How interesting, it must take you a lot of time, but I'm sure you find it satisfying."
Is that a common experience for folk here?
I find it's better to say that I enjoy betting on politics. It sounds attractively rakish and disreputable.
I've found telling people I occasionally guest edit a website that David Cameron reads, leads to comments like "So that's why the county's going down the pan"
There are photographs of Cameron campaigning against NHS cuts when Labour were increasing funding hand over fist, and Didn't Hague go on an anti cuts march recently?
Come now, tim, half the Labour cabinet would campaign against the Labour government's health policies. Sometimes by photoshop. Andy Burnham even has the cheek to tweet about the evils of privatising the NHS these days!
On the press, its role has always been overrated, it was never 'the Sun what won it' more 'the Sun wot reflected it' but newspapers can still set the story for the day during election campaigns. In any case, the rise of twitter, facebook, the use of emails etc will be ever more important, as it was in the last US election
@AveryLP - BTW I know you have a weakness for attractive young posh ladies of the left, so here's a nice picture specially for you, courtesy of the Guardian:
The wonderful pashmina frames the beautiful lines of her face and makes the NHS placard an essential accessory.
Perhaps Roger was out photographing rather than parading yesterday?
Now all we need is a constituency in which she can stand.
Andrea! Any suggestions?
P.S. What is it that people see in Stella Creasey? A pretty face, but unthinkable as a mistress and unbearable as a wife. Imagine your eyes straying while out with Stella. It is enough to make me feel total sympathy for Toby Young.
Many people (I would guess mainly but not exclusively the young) don't buy newspapers, watch on demand TV (but not the news) and don't listen to the brief new snippets on the radio. It is going to be increasing difficult to get people engaged in politics.
That's right. Increasingly I find that non-party people who find I'm heavily involved in politics react with the same detached, polite, strictly limited curiosity as though I said I was a Mormon or a stamp-collector - "How interesting, it must take you a lot of time, but I'm sure you find it satisfying."
Is that a common experience for folk here?
Do they rapidly change the subject?
I have to when with my bro-in-law and his friends start on politics. They tend to be a bit to the right of Norman Tebbit!
Fortunately the next family gathering includes a left-wing US Democrat and a Scottish LD District Councillor.
Extraordinary drop in Guardian readers at 38%. Last year they lost £31m. At these rates of decline, their losses could accelerate rendering a paper version unfundable. 500+ hacks to produce a paper that will soon only be bought by 150,000 seems madness. The cash pile supporting the Guardian was £250m. Each of its paper's reader cost £165 a year to keep...
The only conclusion I could reach, looking at their accounts was that they must just enjoy putting out the paper as an expensive hobby. There is no business sense in it whatsoever !
I buy a copy of the Guardian on Saturdays. However, I look at the website at least daily, just to be sure I'm not drifting too far away from the approved Left of Centre position after reading PB! Once upon a time I bought it daily; indeed before I retired I had it delivered.
Am I atypical (of Guardian readers)?
I get the Guardian on Saturdays only. Observer on Sundays.
There is absolutely no way I'd have the time to read a newspaper every day. I think most people are the same these days regarding their free time available for newspapers. I suspect that and the Internet are the reasons for their decline.
The rate of decline is so rapid that the weight given to their opinions is already very overrated. Sooner or later that will catch up and politicians will start openly ignoring them.
I note the decline in newspaper sales from my own family buying patterns from 50 years past.
In Scotland at breakfast the "Scotsman" and "Herald" were taken together with the previous days "Daily Telegraph", "The Times" and Sunday counterparts.
In England we had the reverse plus "The News Chronicle", "Manchester Guardian" and the "Sporting Life" for the "Dowager Lady W".
Wind on to the 1980's and "The Times" was dropped as was "The Herald" and the "News Chronicle" disappeared in the 60's.
Now we take no daily regularly, the "Daily Telegraph" on Saturday and "The Observer" and the "Sunday Times".
@AveryLP - BTW I know you have a weakness for attractive young posh ladies of the left, so here's a nice picture specially for you, courtesy of the Guardian:
Disappointed to see no figures for The Sunil on Sunday in Mike's table
The "Auchentennach Bugle" was snubbed too.
I think it was the Co-op's influence on Mike following the Bugle's racy page 3 picture spread of the local post mistress baring an arm as she tossed the caber at the local Highland games - she won against all comers. They don't call her "Margo the Barbarian" for nothing and certainly not to her face !!
@AveryLP - BTW I know you have a weakness for attractive young posh ladies of the left, so here's a nice picture specially for you, courtesy of the Guardian:
The wonderful pashmina frames the beautiful lines of her face and makes the NHS placard an essential accessory.
Perhaps Roger was out photographing rather than parading yesterday?
Now all we need is a constituency in which she can stand.
Andrea! Any suggestions?
P.S. What is it that people see in Stella Creasey? A pretty face, but unthinkable as a mistress and unbearable as a wife. Imagine your eyes straying while out with Stella. It is enough to make me feel total sympathy for Toby Young.
I have been on record in this forum in stating that I wouldn't entirely be disappointed if I was washed up on a desert island with Stella Creasey. And Rachel Reeves....
@AveryLP - BTW I know you have a weakness for attractive young posh ladies of the left, so here's a nice picture specially for you, courtesy of the Guardian:
The wonderful pashmina frames the beautiful lines of her face and makes the NHS placard an essential accessory.
Perhaps Roger was out photographing rather than parading yesterday?
Now all we need is a constituency in which she can stand.
Andrea! Any suggestions?
P.S. What is it that people see in Stella Creasey? A pretty face, but unthinkable as a mistress and unbearable as a wife. Imagine your eyes straying while out with Stella. It is enough to make me feel total sympathy for Toby Young.
I have been on record in this forum in stating that I wouldn't entirely be disappointed if I was washed up on a desert island with Stella Creasey. And Rachel Reeves....
"P.S. What is it that people see in Stella Creasey? A pretty face, but unthinkable as a mistress and unbearable as a wife. Imagine your eyes straying while out with Stella."
This made laugh! If it wasn't for Richard's post tipping Jeremy Hunt as a future PM it would have been the funniest of the day.
@AveryLP - BTW I know you have a weakness for attractive young posh ladies of the left, so here's a nice picture specially for you, courtesy of the Guardian:
The wonderful pashmina frames the beautiful lines of her face and makes the NHS placard an essential accessory.
Perhaps Roger was out photographing rather than parading yesterday?
Now all we need is a constituency in which she can stand.
Andrea! Any suggestions?
P.S. What is it that people see in Stella Creasey? A pretty face, but unthinkable as a mistress and unbearable as a wife. Imagine your eyes straying while out with Stella. It is enough to make me feel total sympathy for Toby Young.
I have been on record in this forum in stating that I wouldn't entirely be disappointed if I was washed up on a desert island with Stella Creasey. And Rachel Reeves....
Well, as this is my proper job (online newspaper software) I thought it sensible to comment rather than lurk as usual.
Print sales are declining across the board, there is certainly no getting away from that. However, I reject the premise that this therefore means a newspaper has less influence. Newspapers, both local and national, have huge databases of readership comment, email addresses, Twitter/Facebook followers and the like. The local press will also often own (or be owned) by the local radio station and whilst detailed political discussion might be unlikely most still provide at least 2 minutes of news updates per hour.
Candidates will inevitably still give interviews to the local press and radio (as readership remains in the demographic that predominantly votes) and, if anything, comment can be more scrutinised and publicised more widely thanks to social networks. So, whilst the numbers purchasing a physical print copy may decline the number of eyes and ears that are aware is consistent (if not higher).
The real problem is the wholesale distrust of the political process. Unless you're one of the very few involved in politics or have first hand experience of a good councillor/MP your default position is that all politicians 'suck' - I cannot see how a relaxation of TV advertising would assist in altering that premise.
@AveryLP - BTW I know you have a weakness for attractive young posh ladies of the left, so here's a nice picture specially for you, courtesy of the Guardian:
The wonderful pashmina frames the beautiful lines of her face and makes the NHS placard an essential accessory.
Perhaps Roger was out photographing rather than parading yesterday?
Now all we need is a constituency in which she can stand.
Andrea! Any suggestions?
P.S. What is it that people see in Stella Creasey? A pretty face, but unthinkable as a mistress and unbearable as a wife. Imagine your eyes straying while out with Stella. It is enough to make me feel total sympathy for Toby Young.
I have been on record in this forum in stating that I wouldn't entirely be disappointed if I was washed up on a desert island with Stella Creasey. And Rachel Reeves....
Many people (I would guess mainly but not exclusively the young) don't buy newspapers, watch on demand TV (but not the news) and don't listen to the brief new snippets on the radio. It is going to be increasing difficult to get people engaged in politics.
That's right. Increasingly I find that non-party people who find I'm heavily involved in politics react with the same detached, polite, strictly limited curiosity as though I said I was a Mormon or a stamp-collector - "How interesting, it must take you a lot of time, but I'm sure you find it satisfying."
Is that a common experience for folk here?
It's why we are here. Almost every poster on here has more interest in politics and indeed government policy than all of my friends put together. Attempts to start discussions about such things offline are, in my experience, met with a pained silence.
As it happens I am reading a biog of US Grant that I acquired in America at the moment. Lincoln's famous debates in the Senatorial race for Illinois are surely the other extreme. Of course there was no day time TV or celebs in those days...
Yep. Many people think that politics is something people did before social media were invented. Mind you, there are lots of popular habits that are dying in the same way. I picked up a Peter Robinson detective novel the other day (Pieces of My Heart, pretty good), with some of the scenes set in the 70s. The detective's assistant explains hippiedom to the Inspector - otherwise, what is there to do except go to the pub every night to talk to their boring mates? Do many people still do that?
The particular problem, though, is that many people think that politics of all kinds has failed, neither socialism nor free enterprise actually work, and politicians are at best blundering along hopefully and at worst deliberately spinning lies. Naturally they think it curious and slightly embarrassing to meet someone involved.
It's why we are here. Almost every poster on here has more interest in politics and indeed government policy than all of my friends put together. Attempts to start discussions about such things offline are, in my experience, met with a pained silence.
As it happens I am reading a biog of US Grant that I acquired in America at the moment. Lincoln's famous debates in the Senatorial race for Illinois are surely the other extreme. Of course there was no day time TV or celebs in those days...
Are you not entertained? Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?
Some of us do, although to address your underlying point. Most people I know have the view that no matter who you vote for, we all get screwed by the political classes.
Many people (I would guess mainly but not exclusively the young) don't buy newspapers, watch on demand TV (but not the news) and don't listen to the brief new snippets on the radio. It is going to be increasing difficult to get people engaged in politics.
That's right. Increasingly I find that non-party people who find I'm heavily involved in politics react with the same detached, polite, strictly limited curiosity as though I said I was a Mormon or a stamp-collector - "How interesting, it must take you a lot of time, but I'm sure you find it satisfying."
Is that a common experience for folk here?
It's why we are here. Almost every poster on here has more interest in politics and indeed government policy than all of my friends put together. Attempts to start discussions about such things offline are, in my experience, met with a pained silence.
As it happens I am reading a biog of US Grant that I acquired in America at the moment. Lincoln's famous debates in the Senatorial race for Illinois are surely the other extreme. Of course there was no day time TV or celebs in those days...
otherwise, what is there to do except go to the pub every night to talk to their boring mates? Do many people still do that?
@AveryLP - BTW I know you have a weakness for attractive young posh ladies of the left, so here's a nice picture specially for you, courtesy of the Guardian:
The wonderful pashmina frames the beautiful lines of her face and makes the NHS placard an essential accessory.
Perhaps Roger was out photographing rather than parading yesterday?
Now all we need is a constituency in which she can stand.
Andrea! Any suggestions?
P.S. What is it that people see in Stella Creasey? A pretty face, but unthinkable as a mistress and unbearable as a wife. Imagine your eyes straying while out with Stella. It is enough to make me feel total sympathy for Toby Young.
I have been on record in this forum in stating that I wouldn't entirely be disappointed if I was washed up on a desert island with Stella Creasey. And Rachel Reeves....
I can hear your mother, now, Sunil.
"You wait half your life for a bus and then two arrive at once".
Only an idiot or an inept spinner couldn't see the obvious decline in influence and it's not about to stop.
The primary bias which affects the newspapers has little to do with politics as a cursory look at the website arm of some of the bigger newspapers websites will show you. It's all about sensationalism and celeb gossip because that's what gets the clicks.
When newspapers do some actual investigative reporting that bears fruit is when they can most influence politics but that costs time, money and takes some skill so is increasingly rare.
I have no idea why Mike thinks political advertising would be a good thing given how it works in America as there are few things which would bankrupt and cripple the smaller parties faster. Nor would the bigger parties be left unscathed as a media arms race would be inevitable.
The lesson from the U.S. is quite clear in that the Dems and GOP are spending more and ever more on such advertising because they know perfectly well that the diminishing influence of newsprint and news media outlets has to be countered by an ever bigger spend on campaigning either directly on the airwaves or through the internet. They are not spending such vast amounts for a laugh or because they think friendly media outlets can do the job for them.
If you want to make a difference at the sharp end in the ground war then the only solution is to grow your base and membership or at the very least keep it enthused and from withering away. Those political parties that can do so most effectively will prosper, those who don't won't.
@AveryLP - BTW I know you have a weakness for attractive young posh ladies of the left, so here's a nice picture specially for you, courtesy of the Guardian:
The wonderful pashmina frames the beautiful lines of her face and makes the NHS placard an essential accessory.
Perhaps Roger was out photographing rather than parading yesterday?
Now all we need is a constituency in which she can stand.
Andrea! Any suggestions?
P.S. What is it that people see in Stella Creasey? A pretty face, but unthinkable as a mistress and unbearable as a wife. Imagine your eyes straying while out with Stella. It is enough to make me feel total sympathy for Toby Young.
I have been on record in this forum in stating that I wouldn't entirely be disappointed if I was washed up on a desert island with Stella Creasey. And Rachel Reeves....
I can hear your mother, now, Sunil.
"You wait half your life for a bus and then two arrive at once".
My advice is to continue to try her patience!
LOL! I'm not sure how to respond to that Avery, but it made my day
"Scottish police have apologised after its official Twitter account was used to brand journalist Toby Young ‘a right t*t’.
The Police Scotland feed posted the insult during a debate on Twitter abuse on BBC2’s Newsnight.
The force is now reviewing who has access to its official account.
Mr Young was a panellist on the BBC show last night, debating rape threats posted online with Labour MP Stella Creasy, who has been the target of abuse.
He has been an outspoken opponent of details anti-harassment rules being imposed on Twitter.
During the discussed the @policescotland account: ‘A revelation for #newsnight (UK) viewing tonight seeing @toadmeister make a right t*t of it with @stellacreasy #longwaytogoladies.’
But today Police Scotland had deleted the message and issued an online apology.
It said: ‘We apologise for the tweet sent to @toadmeister & for any upset caused. The matter is being investigated & we're reviewing Twitter access.’
In response, Mr Young said that he told police he hopes ‘the poor, overworked drudge who probably confused his/her personal Twitter feed with the official one he/she is responsible for, wouldn't get into trouble’."
As I walked past 'M&M World' in Leicester Square yesterday - dodging the congregation streaming out clutching M&M bags with religious fervour - I was thinking that politicians may be considered fairly powerless and thus pointless in the grand scheme of things by the potential voters of times to come; unlike now when many 'party politics voters' see them as merely untrustworthy and useless.
Mr McLeish said there was “too much venom and hatred aimed at the SNP” in Better Together, which is an alliance of Labour, Tories and the Lib Dems.
He called on the Labour leadership in Scotland to leave the group and “forge a new campaign” with Lib Dem supporters of greater devolution.
The Better Together campaign is led by former Labour chancellor Alistair Darling, but the leadership of the group includes senior Scottish Tories such as David McLetchie, who is a director of the campaign.
Mr McLeish said that the anti-independence campaign was “tied to the utterings of David Cameron and the Scottish Tories” as he called for a new Unionist Labour-Lib Dem campaign.
He also said that Better Together was involved in a “constant haranguing of Scots” in a campaign he claimed is dominated by Westminster and London-based politicians.
Mr McLeish said: “There are fear and scare stories such as that we’ll have passport controls at the Border and won’t have access to blood transfusion supplies. Next they’ll be saying there will be seven years of famine in an independent Scotland and that aliens will land here.
“By leaving Better Together, Labour can start to reinforce its identity.”
The former first minister’s attack on his party’s decision to support Better Together came as it emerged that senior figures within Scottish Labour had refused to join the cross-party campaign because of Tory involvement.
"Scottish police have apologised after its official Twitter account was used to brand journalist Toby Young ‘a right t*t’.
The Police Scotland feed posted the insult during a debate on Twitter abuse on BBC2’s Newsnight.
The force is now reviewing who has access to its official account.
Mr Young was a panellist on the BBC show last night, debating rape threats posted online with Labour MP Stella Creasy, who has been the target of abuse.
He has been an outspoken opponent of details anti-harassment rules being imposed on Twitter.
During the discussed the @policescotland account: ‘A revelation for #newsnight (UK) viewing tonight seeing @toadmeister make a right t*t of it with @stellacreasy #longwaytogoladies.’
But today Police Scotland had deleted the message and issued an online apology.
It said: ‘We apologise for the tweet sent to @toadmeister & for any upset caused. The matter is being investigated & we're reviewing Twitter access.’
In response, Mr Young said that he told police he hopes ‘the poor, overworked drudge who probably confused his/her personal Twitter feed with the official one he/she is responsible for, wouldn't get into trouble’."
Given the nature of Toby Young's indiscretion, as exposed on Newsnight, Police Scotland's tweet seems highly appropriate.
Relax. There's more chance Suarez will eat the entire Liverpool back line than Jeremy will become PM
Argh!!! Official confirmation!!! It's only a matter of time now. Well, I might as well pile in on it at the current odds so I at least profit financially from this.
I think the demise of the pub is one of the reasons that people feel unhappier in life generally. I used to love popping over my local, and we used to have a good swig every Thursday after rugby training, me and a load of lads and girls from my estate. I bet I could count 100 new friends just from those 'scruffy Thursday's' when there'd be about 30 of us in the pub, playing loud music, talking rubbish and drinking more than we should've done.
The only downside was the Friday in work, feeling ropey.
With the cost of a pint reaching about £3.20, people just stopped going and in the end there were about six of us. Then scruffy Thursday's stopped, the old, dingy, smoky and atmospheric pub disappeared and was designed into a new, fresher, cleaner pub/restaurant. Nobody really goes there now. Sad really.
There are lots and lots of different memories you can look back at through life. Just about all my memories of being in pubs are good ones.
When you get your MPship back, please vote to BRING BACK THE PUB
Mike Buchanan will be contesting Bedford at the next general election as a candidate of the Justice for Men and Boys (and the women who love them) party:
I have lost count of how many times you have posted this article since it was published. But for the record, the impact of Mcleish's views have long since lost their potency within Scottish Lab so you keep hugging him tight like a cute little SNP squirrel.
Mr McLeish said there was “too much venom and hatred aimed at the SNP” in Better Together, which is an alliance of Labour, Tories and the Lib Dems.
He called on the Labour leadership in Scotland to leave the group and “forge a new campaign” with Lib Dem supporters of greater devolution.
The Better Together campaign is led by former Labour chancellor Alistair Darling, but the leadership of the group includes senior Scottish Tories such as David McLetchie, who is a director of the campaign.
Mr McLeish said that the anti-independence campaign was “tied to the utterings of David Cameron and the Scottish Tories” as he called for a new Unionist Labour-Lib Dem campaign.
He also said that Better Together was involved in a “constant haranguing of Scots” in a campaign he claimed is dominated by Westminster and London-based politicians.
Mr McLeish said: “There are fear and scare stories such as that we’ll have passport controls at the Border and won’t have access to blood transfusion supplies. Next they’ll be saying there will be seven years of famine in an independent Scotland and that aliens will land here.
“By leaving Better Together, Labour can start to reinforce its identity.”
The former first minister’s attack on his party’s decision to support Better Together came as it emerged that senior figures within Scottish Labour had refused to join the cross-party campaign because of Tory involvement.
I hope fitalass is not going to allow her partisan politics to start retweeting some of Toby's jolly jape tweets, or the particularly nasty stuff Delingpole was sending him
The TV companies keep asking him on to embarrass himself, surely its time they stopped
It could only be bettered if Newsnight or some other enterprising proggie wheeled on Dan Hodges and Louise Mensch for a battle of the 'giants'.
The PB Hodges would be beside themselves with excitement.
"Scottish police have apologised after its official Twitter account was used to brand journalist Toby Young ‘a right t*t’.
The Police Scotland feed posted the insult during a debate on Twitter abuse on BBC2’s Newsnight.
The force is now reviewing who has access to its official account.
Mr Young was a panellist on the BBC show last night, debating rape threats posted online with Labour MP Stella Creasy, who has been the target of abuse.
He has been an outspoken opponent of details anti-harassment rules being imposed on Twitter.
During the discussed the @policescotland account: ‘A revelation for #newsnight (UK) viewing tonight seeing @toadmeister make a right t*t of it with @stellacreasy #longwaytogoladies.’
But today Police Scotland had deleted the message and issued an online apology.
It said: ‘We apologise for the tweet sent to @toadmeister & for any upset caused. The matter is being investigated & we're reviewing Twitter access.’
In response, Mr Young said that he told police he hopes ‘the poor, overworked drudge who probably confused his/her personal Twitter feed with the official one he/she is responsible for, wouldn't get into trouble’."
Given the nature of Toby Young's indiscretion, as exposed on Newsnight, Police Scotland's tweet seems highly appropriate.
I think he asked about both a right and a left tit.....
"Scottish police have apologised after its official Twitter account was used to brand journalist Toby Young ‘a right t*t’.
The Police Scotland feed posted the insult during a debate on Twitter abuse on BBC2’s Newsnight.
The force is now reviewing who has access to its official account.
Mr Young was a panellist on the BBC show last night, debating rape threats posted online with Labour MP Stella Creasy, who has been the target of abuse.
He has been an outspoken opponent of details anti-harassment rules being imposed on Twitter.
During the discussed the @policescotland account: ‘A revelation for #newsnight (UK) viewing tonight seeing @toadmeister make a right t*t of it with @stellacreasy #longwaytogoladies.’
But today Police Scotland had deleted the message and issued an online apology.
It said: ‘We apologise for the tweet sent to @toadmeister & for any upset caused. The matter is being investigated & we're reviewing Twitter access.’
In response, Mr Young said that he told police he hopes ‘the poor, overworked drudge who probably confused his/her personal Twitter feed with the official one he/she is responsible for, wouldn't get into trouble’."
Given the nature of Toby Young's indiscretion, as exposed on Newsnight, Police Scotland's tweet seems highly appropriate.
I think he asked about both a right and a left tit.....
but the impact of Mcleish's views have long since lost their potency within Scottish Lab
We all know just how acute your political insight is, what with your infamous scottish tory surge, but you really do have your head up your posterior if you think all is well within SLAB these days or that it's just McLeish who wants to keep as far away from the tories as possible in SLAB.
Did the fact that Gordon Brown launched his own separate "United with Labour" (no that is not a joke, that's what it's called) to distance labour from better together somehow pass you by?
Seriously, what's interesting is this is the first time in alt least 30 years the overall size of the print market has changed significantly. It would be fair therefore to be dubious that the amount of "news" people take in has changed; rather they take it in in a new form.
I think we should have a list of all Assem Allam's clients so we can find out if we can smear them ... Oops, my mistake. That only applies to Tories.
Has he been appointed a strategist for Labour then, like Lynton "F*cking Muslims" Crosby. Go and tell your wife which gutter Cameron trawls in, google Lord Ashcrofts comments about Muslim Victoria Cross winners while you are at it
@GuidoFawkes If you are a genuine, Labour Party card carrying supporter of Scottish independence, please get in touch. Both of you.
Marvellous to see PB Unionists clasping SLAB to their bosoms as their great, last hope for the Union.
Wee Euan McCombover's 'scoop' was actually a photo put on Facebook back in December by LFI, where all the participants were named and identified as fellow Yes supporters (not Labourites) by, you guessed it, a Labour Party card carrying supporter of Scottish independence.
I hope fitalass is not going to allow her partisan politics to start retweeting some of Toby's jolly jape tweets, or the particularly nasty stuff Delingpole was sending him
The TV companies keep asking him on to embarrass himself, surely its time they stopped
It could only be bettered if Newsnight or some other enterprising proggie wheeled on Dan Hodges and Louise Mensch for a battle of the 'giants'.
The PB Hodges would be beside themselves with excitement.
Wait until the Dan/Toby play comes out, the posters who get everything wrong will be drooling over the playwrights who get everything wrong.
"England had just got the World Cup and David Miliband was Labour leader"
You left out the part where in this wonderful alternate history little Ed is toppled by a scathing column from a fearless idiot and Toby helps make Gove tory leader and is subsequently made Education Secretary after a shock by-election where Toby enters and wins easily.
I think we should have a list of all Assem Allam's clients so we can find out if we can smear them ... Oops, my mistake. That only applies to Tories.
Has he been appointed a strategist for Labour then, like Lynton "F*cking Muslims" Crosby. Go and tell your wife which gutter Cameron trawls in, google Lord Ashcrofts comments about Muslim Victoria Cross winners while you are at it
So you bring my wife into it.
At least I mention my wife's and my own backgrounds in order to be honest and give context about my life, unlike a certain PB coward with over 7,000 posts who is rather keen to smear people from the safety of his keyboard. And my wife would be more pi**ed off at your comments than Ashcroft's (indeed, I might ask her when she's finished the current episode of the excellent 'Chuck').
The hilarious thing is that you repeatedly called members of the cabinet 'cowards' last year. You called people who stand up for election to suffer the slings and insults of asshats like you 'cowards', whilst hiding behind anonymity on the 'net.
So go, tell us some of your background. You're an intelligent chap, you should be able to do it without telling us your identity. What sort of schooling did you have, what sort of upbringing. What sort of job and earnings you have.
I've given plenty enough information on here for people who wanted to work out who I am (and I am essentially a normal voter, a non-entity). Indeed, I've even linked to my website once. Even if they cannot work out my identity, they can work out how my background has influenced my opinions.
As for gutters, tell me to avoid the one you're in. But I fear you got swept into the sewers years ago.
(Note to mods: as Tim feels it is fine to bring my wife into this, I feel free to ask him why he cannot mention his own background).
@GuidoFawkes If you are a genuine, Labour Party card carrying supporter of Scottish independence, please get in touch. Both of you.
Marvellous to see PB Unionists clasping SLAB to their bosoms as their great, last hope for the Union.
Wee Euan McCombover's 'scoop' was actually a photo put on Facebook back in December by LFI, where all the participants were named and identified as fellow Yes supporters (not Labourites) by, you guessed it, a Labour Party card carrying supporter of Scottish independence.
Cheer up divvie there's only 13 months of the most dire campaign in UK electoral history. As entertaining as a wee free sermon on a rainy Sunday in February.
@GuidoFawkes If you are a genuine, Labour Party card carrying supporter of Scottish independence, please get in touch. Both of you.
Marvellous to see PB Unionists clasping SLAB to their bosoms as their great, last hope for the Union.
Wee Euan McCombover's 'scoop' was actually a photo put on Facebook back in December by LFI, where all the participants were named and identified as fellow Yes supporters (not Labourites) by, you guessed it, a Labour Party card carrying supporter of Scottish independence.
Cheer up divvie there's only 13 months of the most dire campaign in UK electoral history. As entertaining as a wee free sermon on a rainy Sunday in February.
Sean Connery: "A great day, comrades! We sail into history!"
which is about the same as the third of SNP voters who want to stay in the Union.
Not quite. You left out the part where that is support for DevoPlus which isn't on the table.
"Meanwhile, the poll released today by think-tank Reform Scotland shows 28 per cent of SNP supporters agree Scotland should remain in the UK under the enhanced “devo-plus” arrangement that would see Holyrood control most taxes, including income and corporation tax, as well as Scotland’s geographic share of oil revenue. A further 6 per cent backed the current devolved set-up, while 63 per cent of Nationalists endorsed full independence."
The Ipsos Mori poll is polling on the actual referendum question not hypotheticals that won't apply.
which is about the same as the third of SNP voters who want to stay in the Union.
Not quite. You left out the part where that is support for DevoPlus which isn't on the table.
"Meanwhile, the poll released today by think-tank Reform Scotland shows 28 per cent of SNP supporters agree Scotland should remain in the UK under the enhanced “devo-plus” arrangement that would see Holyrood control most taxes, including income and corporation tax, as well as Scotland’s geographic share of oil revenue. A further 6 per cent backed the current devolved set-up, while 63 per cent of Nationalists endorsed full independence."
The Ipsos Mori poll is polling on the actual referendum question not hypotheticals that won't apply.
Devo Plus means staying in the Union.
i can't see why you're surprised, there will be people who vote for parties for a variety of reasons. Salmond's version of independence is basically Devo plus with abit of overseas summits thrown in. It's not actually real independence.
Alan, I'm waiting for a spoof 'SNP for the Union' campaign to appear any day now online. Oh what fun that would bring on those two bastions of impartiality, Newsnet Scotland and Wings over Scotland.
Alan, I'm waiting for a spoof 'SNP for the Union' campaign to appear any day now online. Oh what fun that would bring on those two bastions of impartiality, Newsnet Scotland and Wings over Scotland.
You've mentioned your wife on many occasions when rightly slapping down the racists on here.
Personally I would not advise posting any personal details while the posters who put photos of my house up on here and tracked my family are still active
You can email me through Mike if you want to know more detail
Yes, I've mentioned my wife in several ways (and not just wrt her background) - even if it is particularly troublesome wrt the situation in her home country at the moment. Mentioning her gives people context for my views, and in some cases (as in this morning) I mention her views verbatim as it may be of interest to a few. There's also a great deal I don't say, and I bet people are thankful for that. ;-)
I have also rarely 'slapped down' anyone on here, particularly racists. Indeed, I doubt that there any of what I would call 'real' racists on here.
That doesn't necessarily give you the right to mention her wrt a political point, particularly where the word 'gutter' is also used. Especially when people cannot respond in kind because you hide your background.
As an example: I've often said we don't have children when I talk about childcare. Because whilst I may have an opinion about it, my practical experience of modern childcare is limited.
This context is important. You cannot expect to post as frequently as you or I do (and as controversially) and not expect people to ask questions about how we have come to those views. I try to be relatively honest, and say what I can. You choose not to, as is your right. But you cannot blame people if they take your views slightly less seriously as a result.
PB is the only website on which I do not use either my real name or the alias I have been using on-line since 1989, so I do have some sympathy. Hopefully I've done enough to stop the casual (although not determined) observer from working out who I am, whilst still letting people know how my opinions may have formed.
I'm not saying you should give up your identity, just that some context may make people understand where you are coming from a little more.
which is about the same as the third of SNP voters who want to stay in the Union.
Not quite. You left out the part where that is support for DevoPlus which isn't on the table.
"Meanwhile, the poll released today by think-tank Reform Scotland shows 28 per cent of SNP supporters agree Scotland should remain in the UK under the enhanced “devo-plus” arrangement that would see Holyrood control most taxes, including income and corporation tax, as well as Scotland’s geographic share of oil revenue. A further 6 per cent backed the current devolved set-up, while 63 per cent of Nationalists endorsed full independence."
The Ipsos Mori poll is polling on the actual referendum question not hypotheticals that won't apply.
Devo Plus means staying in the Union.
i can't see why you're surprised,
It isn't on the ballot Alan, the unionist parties leaderships made sure of that.
Why would I be surprised at inept attempts to spin a poll as something it's not? It's no more surprising than fitalass hilariously trying to insist that Annabel Goldie wasn't going anywhere mere hours before she quit.
which is about the same as the third of SNP voters who want to stay in the Union.
Not quite. You left out the part where that is support for DevoPlus which isn't on the table.
"Meanwhile, the poll released today by think-tank Reform Scotland shows 28 per cent of SNP supporters agree Scotland should remain in the UK under the enhanced “devo-plus” arrangement that would see Holyrood control most taxes, including income and corporation tax, as well as Scotland’s geographic share of oil revenue. A further 6 per cent backed the current devolved set-up, while 63 per cent of Nationalists endorsed full independence."
The Ipsos Mori poll is polling on the actual referendum question not hypotheticals that won't apply.
Devo Plus means staying in the Union.
i can't see why you're surprised,
It isn't on the ballot Alan, the unionist parties leaderships made sure of that.
Why would I be surprised at inept attempts to spin a poll as something it's not? It's no more surprising than fitalass hilariously trying to insist that Annabel Goldie wasn't going anywhere mere hours before she quit.
You're rambling Mick, the isue is quite simple not all people who vote for unionist parties are tied to the union and not all people who vote for nationalist parties are sold on independence . can't see why this simple issue would set you off.
The Lawrences suffered a terrible injustice, but I sometimes wonder if, in this case, some terrible injustices are more equal than others.
I also wonder whether their cause has been at times been used to pursue an agenda rather different from getting justice for their son.
The huff leads on a rather sad comment by one Nick Griffin about Doreen's elevation.
That's very much the tone of the remarks about it elsewhere. Why she got to carry the Olympic flag remains another mystery... she also carried one of the torches.
which is about the same as the third of SNP voters who want to stay in the Union.
Not quite. You left out the part where that is support for DevoPlus which isn't on the table.
"Meanwhile, the poll released today by think-tank Reform Scotland shows 28 per cent of SNP supporters agree Scotland should remain in the UK under the enhanced “devo-plus” arrangement that would see Holyrood control most taxes, including income and corporation tax, as well as Scotland’s geographic share of oil revenue. A further 6 per cent backed the current devolved set-up, while 63 per cent of Nationalists endorsed full independence."
The Ipsos Mori poll is polling on the actual referendum question not hypotheticals that won't apply.
Salmond's version of independence is basically Devo plus with abit of overseas summits thrown in. It's not actually real independence.
which is about the same as the third of SNP voters who want to stay in the Union.
Not quite. You left out the part where that is support for DevoPlus which isn't on the table.
"Meanwhile, the poll released today by think-tank Reform Scotland shows 28 per cent of SNP supporters agree Scotland should remain in the UK under the enhanced “devo-plus” arrangement that would see Holyrood control most taxes, including income and corporation tax, as well as Scotland’s geographic share of oil revenue. A further 6 per cent backed the current devolved set-up, while 63 per cent of Nationalists endorsed full independence."
The Ipsos Mori poll is polling on the actual referendum question not hypotheticals that won't apply.
Salmond's version of independence is basically Devo plus with abit of overseas summits thrown in. It's not actually real independence.
which is about the same as the third of SNP voters who want to stay in the Union.
Not quite. You left out the part where that is support for DevoPlus which isn't on the table.
"Meanwhile, the poll released today by think-tank Reform Scotland shows 28 per cent of SNP supporters agree Scotland should remain in the UK under the enhanced “devo-plus” arrangement that would see Holyrood control most taxes, including income and corporation tax, as well as Scotland’s geographic share of oil revenue. A further 6 per cent backed the current devolved set-up, while 63 per cent of Nationalists endorsed full independence."
The Ipsos Mori poll is polling on the actual referendum question not hypotheticals that won't apply.
Devo Plus means staying in the Union.
i can't see why you're surprised,
It isn't on the ballot Alan, the unionist parties leaderships made sure of that.
Why would I be surprised at inept attempts to spin a poll as something it's not? It's no more surprising than fitalass hilariously trying to insist that Annabel Goldie wasn't going anywhere mere hours before she quit.
You're rambling Mick, the isue is quite simple not all people who vote for unionist parties are tied to the union and not all people who vote for nationalist parties are sold on independence . can't see why this simple issue would set you off.
You really didn't know that DevoPlus isn't on the ballot? Maybe you shouldn't post about things which you seem to know very little about. Next time and try not to get so amusingly upset when someone points out your inept misrepresentation of a poll.
which is about the same as the third of SNP voters who want to stay in the Union.
Not quite. You left out the part where that is support for DevoPlus which isn't on the table.
"Meanwhile, the poll released today by think-tank Reform Scotland shows 28 per cent of SNP supporters agree Scotland should remain in the UK under the enhanced “devo-plus” arrangement that would see Holyrood control most taxes, including income and corporation tax, as well as Scotland’s geographic share of oil revenue. A further 6 per cent backed the current devolved set-up, while 63 per cent of Nationalists endorsed full independence."
The Ipsos Mori poll is polling on the actual referendum question not hypotheticals that won't apply.
Devo Plus means staying in the Union.
i can't see why you're surprised,
It isn't on the ballot Alan, the unionist parties leaderships made sure of that.
Why would I be surprised at inept attempts to spin a poll as something it's not? It's no more surprising than fitalass hilariously trying to insist that Annabel Goldie wasn't going anywhere mere hours before she quit.
You're rambling Mick, the isue is quite simple not all people who vote for unionist parties are tied to the union and not all people who vote for nationalist parties are sold on independence . can't see why this simple issue would set you off.
You really didn't know that DevoPlus isn't on the ballot? Maybe you shouldn't post about things which you seem to know very little about. Next time and try not to get so amusingly upset when someone points out your inept misrepresentation of a poll.
Now you're just being silly, we've covered the indyref questions numerous times on PB, if you're miffed some nat voters won't vote yes, take it up with them.
'That's very much the tone of the remarks about it elsewhere.'
The Lawrences do not come across well in the media. They appear sullen and contemptuous, even as society bends over backwards to afford them recompense for what was done to them.
As I walked past 'M&M World' in Leicester Square yesterday - dodging the congregation streaming out clutching M&M bags with religious fervour - I was thinking that politicians may be considered fairly powerless and thus pointless in the grand scheme of things by the potential voters of times to come; unlike now when many 'party politics voters' see them as merely untrustworthy and useless.
Government has less influence over people's lives, so people become less bothered about Government and political engagement (and turnout) declines.
The Lawrences suffered a terrible injustice, but I sometimes wonder if, in this case, some terrible injustices are more equal than others.
I also wonder whether their cause has been at times been used to pursue an agenda rather different from getting justice for their son.
The huff leads on a rather sad comment by one Nick Griffin about Doreen's elevation.
I really don't think that any Tory supporter who is aware of David Cameron's sickening recorded of exploiting bereaved relatives and victims of crime down the years should be commenting on this.
Nor should any Labour critic of Cameron.
It is interesting though as evidence of panic stricken misjudgment at Labour HQ. Boy are they rattled.
The Lawrences do not come across well in the media. They appear sullen and contemptuous, even as society bends over backwards to afford them recompense for what was done to them.
That has to be one of the most bizarre comments I've ever read on pbc and we know that's saying a lot.
Cheer up divvie there's only 13 months of the most dire campaign in UK electoral history. As entertaining as a wee free sermon on a rainy Sunday in February.
I always see it as a positive when a partisan like yourself admits his own side is duff.
Accepting your premise, it'll then come down to who can inject a bit of passion & excitement in the next year. Your loathing of the SNP and associated independistas apart, do you honestly think your lot have a better chance of managing that?
'That's very much the tone of the remarks about it elsewhere.'
The Lawrences do not come across well in the media. They appear sullen and contemptuous, even as society bends over backwards to afford them recompense for what was done to them.
I don't think anything would make Mrs Lawrence happy. It's a very sad situation but reminds me of Keith Bennett's mum - a life consumed by the death of a child.
The point made earlier that the press remain influential because they set the news agenda is absolutely right.
But on the other hand, most people consume news in chunks from the telly, which is far less partisan than the Tory-dominated print media (so Tories hoping for a "Kinnock effect" in 2015 might be disappointed)
Actually, most people don't even watch bite sized politics news chunks on telly. They absorb politics through the general "noise" that's going on around them, perhaps paying attention to the odd big story here and there, their own experiences, chats with mates, what they think they might have read or heard somewhere.
Now you're just being silly, we've covered the indyref questions numerous times on PB, if you're miffed some nat voters won't vote yes, take it up with them.
You can't claim I'm being silly while trying to misrepresent support for DevoPlus as something it's not. There's actual real figures on the Ipsos Mori which shows the correct amount of SNP voters who will vote No on the referendum question, but you simply overreached and tried to spin your own poll which is on a hypothetical that won't apply.
It would be like only relying on polling on how many people would vote tory if Boris was leader. It's just not on the cards and he isn't even an MP so it has no bearing on the general election result. Unless he somehow gets in and is made tory leader before 2015. None of which looks remotely likely right now.
"...Take my distant cousin Henry. This magnificent Victorian specimen, universally known as “Odger”, led a life of quite singular accomplishment. An admiring Vanity Fair profile records how, as a 24-year-old Guardsman, “he paddled his own canoe from Dover to Calais on Derby Day, quite untended, after which, acting a policeman in an amateur pantomime at the Gaiety Theatre, his agility and his fight with the dummy were applauded by all, except one poor man whom he nearly killed.
Then he grew serious and made a trip through Morocco disguised as a native. He was appointed Musketry Instructor; married a wife and took her up in a balloon navigated by himself on his wedding day; went back to Morocco with his wife; crossed the unexplored country between Fez and the Algerian frontier with her; wrote a book descriptive of the journey called A Ride in Petticoats and Slippers; came back, and was appointed aide-de-camp to General Sir Leicester Smyth, Commanding at the Cape of Good Hope...”
Cheer up divvie there's only 13 months of the most dire campaign in UK electoral history. As entertaining as a wee free sermon on a rainy Sunday in February.
I always see it as a positive when a partisan like yourself accepts his own side is duff.
Accepting your premise, it'll then come down to who can inject a bit of passion & excitement in the next year. Your loathing of the SNP and associated independistas apart, do you honestly think your lot have a chance of managing that?
I have no hesitation in saying the BT campaign has been duff so far. I'm simply surprised that the Nat campaign has been just as bad given the great noises be made two years ago. Of course the campaign might actually kick off next year as Salmond has said, however there are enough positive things to say on the Union so let's hope for something a bit more uplifting from all sides. Arguably BT are better placed on this since having spent the last year spouting doom and getting the message home a shift to sunny uplands gives them a more upbeat message next year.
If only Seth O Logue was here to spin that positively for Cammie. Oh that's right, he is.
"Mr Justice Tugendhat said the allegations received the maximum possible publicity and were very grave. “Mr Cruddas has suffered great personal distress, both directly, and through his family and the employees of his company. He has suffered public humiliation from the Prime Minister.”
That'll teach him to go to a comprehensive school
Oh dear. That is most unfortunate. I fear we need a musical interlude to help lighten the mood.
Comments
Has anyone ever voted based on what the newspaper they read told them to do so?
Perhaps Roger was out photographing rather than parading yesterday?
Now all we need is a constituency in which she can stand.
Andrea! Any suggestions?
P.S. What is it that people see in Stella Creasey? A pretty face, but unthinkable as a mistress and unbearable as a wife. Imagine your eyes straying while out with Stella. It is enough to make me feel total sympathy for Toby Young.
I have to when with my bro-in-law and his friends start on politics. They tend to be a bit to the right of Norman Tebbit!
Fortunately the next family gathering includes a left-wing US Democrat and a Scottish LD District Councillor.
In Scotland at breakfast the "Scotsman" and "Herald" were taken together with the previous days "Daily Telegraph", "The Times" and Sunday counterparts.
In England we had the reverse plus "The News Chronicle", "Manchester Guardian" and the "Sporting Life" for the "Dowager Lady W".
Wind on to the 1980's and "The Times" was dropped as was "The Herald" and the "News Chronicle" disappeared in the 60's.
Now we take no daily regularly, the "Daily Telegraph" on Saturday and "The Observer" and the "Sunday Times".
I've pretty much stopped by the Times since I took out my iPad subscription ?
I think it was the Co-op's influence on Mike following the Bugle's racy page 3 picture spread of the local post mistress baring an arm as she tossed the caber at the local Highland games - she won against all comers. They don't call her "Margo the Barbarian" for nothing and certainly not to her face !!
Mind you me as well grrrrr.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/bruno-in-brussels-eu-unplugged/brusselsbruno/406/britains-bill-for-eu-membership-has-more-than-tripled-over-last-10-years/
"P.S. What is it that people see in Stella Creasey? A pretty face, but unthinkable as a mistress and unbearable as a wife. Imagine your eyes straying while out with Stella."
This made laugh! If it wasn't for Richard's post tipping Jeremy Hunt as a future PM it would have been the funniest of the day.
It makes a piling rig sound pleasant.
Surely there must have been an angle. Has he stopped trying?
Print sales are declining across the board, there is certainly no getting away from that. However, I reject the premise that this therefore means a newspaper has less influence. Newspapers, both local and national, have huge databases of readership comment, email addresses, Twitter/Facebook followers and the like. The local press will also often own (or be owned) by the local radio station and whilst detailed political discussion might be unlikely most still provide at least 2 minutes of news updates per hour.
Candidates will inevitably still give interviews to the local press and radio (as readership remains in the demographic that predominantly votes) and, if anything, comment can be more scrutinised and publicised more widely thanks to social networks. So, whilst the numbers purchasing a physical print copy may decline the number of eyes and ears that are aware is consistent (if not higher).
The real problem is the wholesale distrust of the political process. Unless you're one of the very few involved in politics or have first hand experience of a good councillor/MP your default position is that all politicians 'suck' - I cannot see how a relaxation of TV advertising would assist in altering that premise.
It is their local side after all.
The particular problem, though, is that many people think that politics of all kinds has failed, neither socialism nor free enterprise actually work, and politicians are at best blundering along hopefully and at worst deliberately spinning lies. Naturally they think it curious and slightly embarrassing to meet someone involved.
Most people I know have the view that no matter who you vote for, we all get screwed by the political classes.
"You wait half your life for a bus and then two arrive at once".
My advice is to continue to try her patience!
The primary bias which affects the newspapers has little to do with politics as a cursory look at the website arm of some of the bigger newspapers websites will show you. It's all about sensationalism and celeb gossip because that's what gets the clicks.
When newspapers do some actual investigative reporting that bears fruit is when they can most influence politics but that costs time, money and takes some skill so is increasingly rare.
I have no idea why Mike thinks political advertising would be a good thing given how it works in America as there are few things which would bankrupt and cripple the smaller parties faster. Nor would the bigger parties be left unscathed as a media arms race would be inevitable.
The lesson from the U.S. is quite clear in that the Dems and GOP are spending more and ever more on such advertising because they know perfectly well that the diminishing influence of newsprint and news media outlets has to be countered by an ever bigger spend on campaigning either directly on the airwaves or through the internet. They are not spending such vast amounts for a laugh or because they think friendly media outlets can do the job for them.
If you want to make a difference at the sharp end in the ground war then the only solution is to grow your base and membership or at the very least keep it enthused and from withering away. Those political parties that can do so most effectively will prosper, those who don't won't.
http://bettertogether.net/blog/entry/250
Relax. There's more chance Suarez will eat the entire Liverpool back line than Jeremy will become PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-23508096
"Scottish police have apologised after its official Twitter account was used to brand journalist Toby Young ‘a right t*t’.
The Police Scotland feed posted the insult during a debate on Twitter abuse on BBC2’s Newsnight.
The force is now reviewing who has access to its official account.
Mr Young was a panellist on the BBC show last night, debating rape threats posted online with Labour MP Stella Creasy, who has been the target of abuse.
He has been an outspoken opponent of details anti-harassment rules being imposed on Twitter.
During the discussed the @policescotland account: ‘A revelation for #newsnight (UK) viewing tonight seeing @toadmeister make a right t*t of it with @stellacreasy #longwaytogoladies.’
But today Police Scotland had deleted the message and issued an online apology.
It said: ‘We apologise for the tweet sent to @toadmeister & for any upset caused. The matter is being investigated & we're reviewing Twitter access.’
In response, Mr Young said that he told police he hopes ‘the poor, overworked drudge who probably confused his/her personal Twitter feed with the official one he/she is responsible for, wouldn't get into trouble’."
*chortle*
I think the demise of the pub is one of the reasons that people feel unhappier in life generally. I used to love popping over my local, and we used to have a good swig every Thursday after rugby training, me and a load of lads and girls from my estate. I bet I could count 100 new friends just from those 'scruffy Thursday's' when there'd be about 30 of us in the pub, playing loud music, talking rubbish and drinking more than we should've done.
The only downside was the Friday in work, feeling ropey.
With the cost of a pint reaching about £3.20, people just stopped going and in the end there were about six of us. Then scruffy Thursday's stopped, the old, dingy, smoky and atmospheric pub disappeared and was designed into a new, fresher, cleaner pub/restaurant. Nobody really goes there now. Sad really.
There are lots and lots of different memories you can look back at through life. Just about all my memories of being in pubs are good ones.
When you get your MPship back, please vote to BRING BACK THE PUB
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21789336
Ray Barry is contesting Wolverhampton South West for the same party.
The PB Hodges would be beside themselves with excitement.
If you are a genuine, Labour Party card carrying supporter of Scottish independence, please get in touch. Both of you.
http://glpo.st/1cnYfCU
BTW - 'editing' time seems to have collapsed from an hour to minutes....
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2116495/A-100-000-gift-Eds-ride-tycoons-Rolls-The-real-story-Labour-leader-NHS-rally-was.html
I think we should have a list of all Assem Allam's clients so we can find out if we can smear them ... Oops, my mistake. That only applies to Tories.
We all know just how acute your political insight is, what with your infamous scottish tory surge, but you really do have your head up your posterior if you think all is well within SLAB these days or that it's just McLeish who wants to keep as far away from the tories as possible in SLAB.
Did the fact that Gordon Brown launched his own separate "United with Labour" (no that is not a joke, that's what it's called) to distance labour from better together somehow pass you by?
Maybe you should stick to Toby.
The vacancy's occurred because the incumbent was caught shoplifting in Poundstretcher
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/politics/update_ukip_councillor_to_resign_after_shoplifting_in_thetford_1_2233674
Seriously, what's interesting is this is the first time in alt least 30 years the overall size of the print market has changed significantly. It would be fair therefore to be dubious that the amount of "news" people take in has changed; rather they take it in in a new form.
Oh, and the Tories are frankly dismal online.
Facebook:
Labour 147,000
Conservatives 159,000
LD 91,000
Twitter:
Conservatives 89,000
Labour 94,000
LDs 46,000
Farmer tim uses back copies to line the sty.
Wee Euan McCombover's 'scoop' was actually a photo put on Facebook back in December by LFI, where all the participants were named and identified as fellow Yes supporters (not Labourites) by, you guessed it, a Labour Party card carrying supporter of Scottish independence.
http://tinyurl.com/lxpevmn
Bettertogether, 2012's news, 1912's views.
The PB Hodges would give it a standing ovation.
At least I mention my wife's and my own backgrounds in order to be honest and give context about my life, unlike a certain PB coward with over 7,000 posts who is rather keen to smear people from the safety of his keyboard. And my wife would be more pi**ed off at your comments than Ashcroft's (indeed, I might ask her when she's finished the current episode of the excellent 'Chuck').
The hilarious thing is that you repeatedly called members of the cabinet 'cowards' last year. You called people who stand up for election to suffer the slings and insults of asshats like you 'cowards', whilst hiding behind anonymity on the 'net.
So go, tell us some of your background. You're an intelligent chap, you should be able to do it without telling us your identity. What sort of schooling did you have, what sort of upbringing. What sort of job and earnings you have.
I've given plenty enough information on here for people who wanted to work out who I am (and I am essentially a normal voter, a non-entity). Indeed, I've even linked to my website once. Even if they cannot work out my identity, they can work out how my background has influenced my opinions.
As for gutters, tell me to avoid the one you're in. But I fear you got swept into the sewers years ago.
(Note to mods: as Tim feels it is fine to bring my wife into this, I feel free to ask him why he cannot mention his own background).
http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/uk-economy-close-escape-velocity-115822178.html
No doubt about it, potentially a real game changer.
I'm quite surprised by how many aren't.
http://www.ipsos-mori.com/Assets/Docs/Scotland/SPOMFeb13/Scotland_SPOMFeb13_charts_130213.pdf
http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/scottish-independence-snp-has-failed-to-open-any-talks-with-uk-government-bodies-on-independence-1-2390893
"Meanwhile, the poll released today by think-tank Reform Scotland shows 28 per cent of SNP supporters agree Scotland should remain in the UK under the enhanced “devo-plus” arrangement that would see Holyrood control most taxes, including income and corporation tax, as well as Scotland’s geographic share of oil revenue. A further 6 per cent backed the current devolved set-up, while 63 per cent of Nationalists endorsed full independence."
The Ipsos Mori poll is polling on the actual referendum question not hypotheticals that won't apply.
i can't see why you're surprised, there will be people who vote for parties for a variety of reasons. Salmond's version of independence is basically Devo plus with abit of overseas summits thrown in. It's not actually real independence.
The Lawrences suffered a terrible injustice, but I sometimes wonder if, in this case, some terrible injustices are more equal than others.
I also wonder whether their cause has been at times been used to pursue an agenda rather different from getting justice for their son.
The huff leads on a rather sad comment by one Nick Griffin about Doreen's elevation.
I have also rarely 'slapped down' anyone on here, particularly racists. Indeed, I doubt that there any of what I would call 'real' racists on here.
That doesn't necessarily give you the right to mention her wrt a political point, particularly where the word 'gutter' is also used. Especially when people cannot respond in kind because you hide your background.
As an example: I've often said we don't have children when I talk about childcare. Because whilst I may have an opinion about it, my practical experience of modern childcare is limited.
This context is important. You cannot expect to post as frequently as you or I do (and as controversially) and not expect people to ask questions about how we have come to those views. I try to be relatively honest, and say what I can. You choose not to, as is your right. But you cannot blame people if they take your views slightly less seriously as a result.
PB is the only website on which I do not use either my real name or the alias I have been using on-line since 1989, so I do have some sympathy. Hopefully I've done enough to stop the casual (although not determined) observer from working out who I am, whilst still letting people know how my opinions may have formed.
I'm not saying you should give up your identity, just that some context may make people understand where you are coming from a little more.
Guardian - Coronation Street sting: ITV accuses Channel 4 of 'shoddy journalism'
Why would I be surprised at inept attempts to spin a poll as something it's not?
It's no more surprising than fitalass hilariously trying to insist that Annabel Goldie wasn't going anywhere mere hours before she quit.
I'm not commenting on Doreen's elevation. I'm commenting on the response to it.
The Lawrences do not come across well in the media. They appear sullen and contemptuous, even as society bends over backwards to afford them recompense for what was done to them.
There's a PhD in there somewhere *cough*
It is interesting though as evidence of panic stricken misjudgment at Labour HQ. Boy are they rattled.
Accepting your premise, it'll then come down to who can inject a bit of passion & excitement in the next year. Your loathing of the SNP and associated independistas apart, do you honestly think your lot have a better chance of managing that?
The point made earlier that the press remain influential because they set the news agenda is absolutely right.
But on the other hand, most people consume news in chunks from the telly, which is far less partisan than the Tory-dominated print media (so Tories hoping for a "Kinnock effect" in 2015 might be disappointed)
Actually, most people don't even watch bite sized politics news chunks on telly. They absorb politics through the general "noise" that's going on around them, perhaps paying attention to the odd big story here and there, their own experiences, chats with mates, what they think they might have read or heard somewhere.
It would be like only relying on polling on how many people would vote tory if Boris was leader. It's just not on the cards and he isn't even an MP so it has no bearing on the general election result. Unless he somehow gets in and is made tory leader before 2015. None of which looks remotely likely right now.
I suppose your comments at the time were supportive of Mr Cruddas?!
"...Take my distant cousin Henry. This magnificent Victorian specimen, universally known as “Odger”, led a life of quite singular accomplishment. An admiring Vanity Fair profile records how, as a 24-year-old Guardsman, “he paddled his own canoe from Dover to Calais on Derby Day, quite untended, after which, acting a policeman in an amateur pantomime at the Gaiety Theatre, his agility and his fight with the dummy were applauded by all, except one poor man whom he nearly killed.
Then he grew serious and made a trip through Morocco disguised as a native. He was appointed Musketry Instructor; married a wife and took her up in a balloon navigated by himself on his wedding day; went back to Morocco with his wife; crossed the unexplored country between Fez and the Algerian frontier with her; wrote a book descriptive of the journey called A Ride in Petticoats and Slippers; came back, and was appointed aide-de-camp to General Sir Leicester Smyth, Commanding at the Cape of Good Hope...”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/10213996/The-cry-goes-up-its-time-to-pardon-the-Bethlehem-One.html
Oh dear. That is most unfortunate.
I fear we need a musical interlude to help lighten the mood.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WCFUGCOLLU