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Post by Latecomer on Nov 30, 2019 19:06:02 GMT
“A fair amount of policy is just ridiculous, the WASPI policy to take one example. Giving money to (often well enough) pensioners and taking it away from the young? What on earth is happening there? On Conservative policy I know full well how awful it is, but there cannot be left to just two opposite options, one not as bad as the other, if the country is not to fall into further chaos. “
Labour are right- 5 years notice of a major change is not enough. This was theft pure and simple. I am younger (born 1963) so I have had 19 years notice so that’s fair enough. And If these women are rich then they will pay tax. Labour are not about taking all the rich people’s money. They are about fairness and justice and balance. If they can change the goalposts for these women at such notice what it to stop them doing the same thing to YOU next time?
“Having failed catastrophically in the eighties in a similar way to this, the Labour party made necessary changes to ensure that the right were kept out of power for over a decade. I've seen this retreat to purity in Labour before and I see it now and it leads to nowhere. The eighties took Kinnock taking on the entryists but now they are in charge so that's unlikely to happen any time soon. They really do prefer purist opposition to the compromises needed to have power.“
And gave us Tory-lite Tony Blair. Hmmmm. The city continued on it’s merry way, the house prices kept going up....I don’t remember much council house building (perhaps I missed that?) I do remember hospital PFI building programmes that have now saddled hospitals with huge debts? In those days it felt like there was no-one to vote for except the Liberal Democrat’s and we all know how that ended.
New Labour were not the answer. They were an attempt to side-step the structural issues of our country to make themselves electable. I’ll give you that they were far better than this Government but it’s a low bar.
I think Corbyn is electable. Whether people will is another matter. But radical change is needed in this country. Tinkering round the edges isn’t going to do it. They said we couldn’t build houses after the war and setting up free medical care was folly. But we did it anyway.
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 30, 2019 18:38:48 GMT
I don’t think I’m left wing. I went to a girls Direct Grant school in Manchester, then Oxford University (at the same time as all those awful Bully boys but a much poorer college!) and then did teacher training, again at Oxford University. I taught for a year in a local comprehensive but left as I got depressed at all the cuts (late 80s) - even the paper for photocopying was rationed- and went into presenting market research and then marketing for Unilever. I bought an ex-council house as soon as I had my first job after university (I think probably 80% of my friends did the same) and life was very easy (think booming 80s)
My family didn’t give me money (they were not rich) so I have not inherited wealth but the property market is bizarre....the last house we bought for £135,000 24 years ago is now worth probably half a million. My first house in 1986 (2 bed ex-council house) was £36,500. So I have just acquired wealth from owning something...it’s like a Ponzi scheme.
I had free education, including university, free dentistry, cheap housing, a well paid job.
Why do people who have so much begrudge paying a little more to help other people?
I don’t think I’m Left wing. I just wonder what has happened to other people - where did all the compassion go?
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 30, 2019 17:26:40 GMT
Labour is being kept out of power by its ideologues who so want a hard left government, that all of the good things a touch of moderation would bring to it are not acceptable to their cause. On the other hand, the Conservatives have been similarly changed by entryists, so that they are also prepared to destroy the country in pursuit of their hard right and libertarian goals. So, do I vote for a party that I disagree on half their policies to stop a party who I agree with much less? Maybe the whole country needs to burn to bring it back to its senses. I think in Europe Labour’s policies would not be considered hard left! They are really not that radical. Plus the way our voting system works a Labour Government is hardly likely to get a majority these days (Scotland has seen to that). So the REAL question is....do you want Boris Johnson to get a large majority with unfettered power? Because it’s right there, in his manifesto....the Voter ID that would suppress voting and the “have a look at the courts” as they don’t think judicial review should be used on Government.....have a look if you don’t believe me. So short answer....do anything you can to stop the far Right. |
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 30, 2019 13:15:30 GMT
Politically, we are in a truly sorry state. I'm a centrist, believe in compromise and generally think collaboration is the best way of working. I find the current state of all three major political parties depressing beyond words. Genuinely don't know how I can vote for any of them with a clear conscience. Those leading our parties are all either deplorable or incompetent. The press has gaslighted us over Corbyn for years....if you look at what he has ACTUALLY achieved it is remarkable.When Boris Johnson recently announced that he is NOT cutting corporation tax as it would “save £6 billion” I gasped....do the Tories not believe that cutting taxes on business raises MORE money? Austerity is rolled back...who do you think we have to thank for that? I always get quite grumpy when people are critical of Corbyn - he knows facts and history. He is principled. He talks sense even when it would be easier not to. He is stubborn but if you look at Brexit he has listened and the party has moved but he has not thrown out democracy like the Lib Dems because he is right - if we ignore half the country it will create division (and I say this as a fervent remainder!) Why do you think he is in politics? Do you think he will leave and do the circuit of after dinner speaking, or get a well paid job with a bank afterwards? No. Read the manifesto. They have asked experts. The policy starts from belief and principle. For example they have abolished the Marriage Allowance that the Conservatives brought in as it discriminates against couples who are not married. My brother has been with his partners for 15 years and raised 2 children but he’s not allowed to claim as his relationship is seen as second rate? His front bench is class and yes, I include Diane Abbott in this as if you look back she warned about Windrush and her occasional slips with numbers are treated far more harshly than the Conservatives. Who would you rather have involved in the Brexit negotiations? Kier Stammer or those idiots we sent who hadn’t a clue about detail? I haven’t really met many people who deny that the Labour manifesto contains good ideas (even the borrowing to invest as interest rates are so low and it wouldn’t be out of line with other developed countries). People do doubt they could actually achieve it all...as we have lost faith in things being run well (private and public companies) but isn’t it better to have a go, properly to fix society? What is the choice if we don’t...my children will be in a world where things get worse and society gets ever more hateful. |
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 30, 2019 8:43:56 GMT
www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-47623277The problem is not unemployed “scrounging”. It’s worse than that.....Read this article and then tell me it’s them to blame. We need to rethink how we do stuff. The cleverest thing rich people do is try and make poor people blame other poor people for the problem. Austerity - “we are all in it together”. I don’t think that was or is true. But like mugs we fell for it....and when a library closed or a day care centre for the elderly was shut or a youth club closed we still believed it. The Governments (Tory and Labour) blamed the immigrants, they told you to hate these people....they had your job, they had your house, they had your doctors appointment, the school place your child wanted. It was a lie. They paid in more than they took. When a council house is sold the Local Authority gets to keep only 30% of the price to build a new one (!) and has to spend that money within 3 years or they have to give that 30% (along with the original 70% and interest on the 30%) to central government. In all walks of life there will be elements who cheat a system (look at the MPs expense scandal)....it’s not the Unemployed who are causing the mess we are in now.
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 29, 2019 15:28:06 GMT
I’ll let you have as much money as you like when the neediest are properly looked after. I don’t doubt people give to charity but my point is that this is the job of the state. And if the state is not raising enough money through fair taxation and looking after society (and this includes the rich, who no doubt go to the library, use the NHS, the streets, the parks etc etc) then this is MORALLY WRONG.
So when I see someone driving a Porsche or spending obscene amounts of money on a meal I will judge. When everyone in this country has shelter, education, food and access to health care then feel free to buy your Porsche or 7 course meal.
As for charity - we didn’t need to have food banks I don’t want you to decide where to spend your money. I want experts to work out things that are fair for everyone.
In rich areas schools get more donations from parents. The whole system is messed up if Government fails it’s citizens.
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 29, 2019 12:51:58 GMT
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 29, 2019 12:50:01 GMT
I am just going to say Please Don’t vote Conservative! They have a dreadful plan for Brexit that will bring down this country and have no vision for this country. Labour has ambitious plans for where to take this country and a far better plan for Brexit (if it happens). On a personal note I for one and fed up with going to the theatre and walking past homeless people (for whatever reason) looking dirty and despairing on the streets. How can people be shelling out £95 for a theatre ticket to enjoy an evening out in all conscience when we have food banks and people who cannot afford basic decent housing and we CHARGE nurses £50,000 to do a degree to get a job in an underfunded crisis riven National Health Service? I see the cars in London, I see the shops that have security guards outside as only the rich are expected to enter. I see the huge houses in Hampstead and the new banks of investor apartments being built. Please, please vote for a different model and a more equal future. You may doubt that Labour will deliver but I can guaranteee that the Conservatives won’t. And you will not like the society of hatred and division that they cause. I am not silly or naive or gullible. I have a degree in Mathematics , I have been a teacher, I have worked as a Product Manager at Unilever, I work in Libraries, I am married to a systems analyst who worked for a multinational company for many years and I have 2 young adult children who have degrees (and the debt) and are making their ways in the world.I would personally be a little worse off under Labour. Go and look at YouGov Election page (google it) and work out whatever party can beat the Conservatives in your constituency and vote for them. The Tories will not make this country better. Ok, not going to argue this out with anyone on here, so feel free to wade in, but had to get it out there!!!  |
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 27, 2019 15:39:59 GMT
It’s an imagining...like Shakespeare in Love! I thought it was fun and then went home and googled lots of stuff....the play does make it clear that it isn’t actual fact but I quite like that. It rather like the Stoppard one? I agree it’s rather confusing unless you suspend all disbelief and just sit back and enjoy! |
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 25, 2019 10:47:34 GMT
Lovely to hear about it! Sounds fabulous! |
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 24, 2019 13:31:14 GMT
And if you watch closely the second “absolutely vital” does not seem to be from that question? Look at the x behind him, it’s in different places on the two clips ....this second “absolutely vital” is not right.... word emphasis also subtly different.
BBC please stop this!
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 24, 2019 13:23:53 GMT
Is this BBC news footage doctored? Yes. I have complained to the BBC. You cannot edit to miss out a section (including crowd laughing in derision, him faffing, and some of his answer) as it changes the tone of the piece, and as the editing is seamless it misleads the viewer. |
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 17, 2019 9:19:00 GMT
I find it offensive as you just stated “so unfeminine” as a closed sentence, like a judgement. So that’s a man telling a woman what is feminine. You didn’t say “I personally don’t like it” or “I find it unfeminine” I think you may need a little training on not being such an idiot. But perhaps pointing out that you are being a bit offensive is also unfeminine? I’ll shut up like women should. Charming! First you tell me I'm rude now I'm an idiot. You have a good weekend now. I’m sorry alece10, I was rather strident and a bit rude. It’s just it’s very hard being a woman sometimes. Starts early with all the pink toys and princess outfits and being told that “good” girls are nice and kind and, yes, feminine. While boys are “scamps” and “strong” and [mostly] superheroes! I think the stereotypes for girls are even worse than when I was growing up and sometimes I despair! I am sorry if I leapt on you in a grumpy fashion but if we don’t call it out how will we ever change things? I apologise for my tone but perhaps you could also have a read through of thoughts that you post and double check for unconscious stereotype judgements? |
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 16, 2019 22:56:14 GMT
I find this comment quite rude....a nose ring is a fashion choice and she should be free to choose whatever makes her feel good! Get over it! My opinion and I'm allowed to have it. Dont really care if you find it rude or not. And im sure she isnt going to get rid of it just because I dont like it. Get over it yourself! I find it offensive as you just stated “so unfeminine” as a closed sentence, like a judgement. So that’s a man telling a woman what is feminine. You didn’t say “I personally don’t like it” or “I find it unfeminine” I think you may need a little training on not being such an idiot. But perhaps pointing out that you are being a bit offensive is also unfeminine? I’ll shut up like women should. |
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 16, 2019 20:51:49 GMT
Yes agree the scoring is very OTT tonight. And I wish Saffron would get rid of that nose ring. So unfeminine. I find this comment quite rude....a nose ring is a fashion choice and she should be free to choose whatever makes her feel good! Get over it! |
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 13, 2019 20:46:38 GMT
Yes!
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 10, 2019 19:26:35 GMT
An interesting take on hedonism redemption and the detachment of the ruling classes. In all much better than I was expecting, went with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. Knew very little of Botticelli beforehand and also did some googling afterwards, the story can be extrapolated from the historical and biographical details on Wikipedia with very little artistic license. Good to hear Dickie Beau’s own voice as the only other time I’ve seen him, he was mesmerisingly miming in his homage to past Hamlets. One thing that was surprising was the explicitness of the piece, definitely more nudity than I was expecting especially for this Theatre. Yes, more nudity than the matinee audience were expecting too, I think! Plus swearing. Didn’t bother me but a few there that just sat, rather shell shocked. Also not as much laughter at the funny (and sometimes shocking) lines to the audience...would have been different at a younger venue! |
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 10, 2019 9:32:03 GMT
Feeling rather blue today - currently having some health issues, and god bless the NHS I have a scan in 10 days, but my anxiety is currently through the roof at the possible outcome of that scan (which may be very serious, or could on the other hand be nothing to worry about!) and I am struggling to bear the thought that it will be like this for the next 10 days... Sorry, this seemed like the only place I could just vent. Hope you manage to cope ok...it’s horrible dreading things isn’t it. Do come and vent on here, we are all here to try and cheer each other up (or at least provide support) Be kind to yourself *big hug* |
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 7, 2019 21:08:41 GMT
The BBC have finally caught up with the flooding up North....I hadn’t realised there had been extreme weather until I came on here earlier....hope all ok with @tallpaul and that londonpostie feels ok!
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 6, 2019 19:26:22 GMT
Well, that was dramatic! If you are at all afraid of fire I wouldn’t sit too close....they have had quite some fun with their special effects! I liked the play....I felt it was a little disjointed, almost like a series of sketches or paintings that all together lacked a tiny bit of fairy dust to make complete magic but A+ for imagination and effort! Plus not dull and had me skuttling to Wikipedia like my pants were on fire afterwards to see what was true and what imagined! |
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Post by Latecomer on Nov 5, 2019 18:57:28 GMT
There tomorrow for the matinee! Looking forward to it! |
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Brexit
Oct 25, 2019 10:20:20 GMT
Post by Latecomer on Oct 25, 2019 10:20:20 GMT
Young adults don’t watch the BBC news....if my 28 and 25 year old and their cousins (7 of them) and all their friends are anything to go by....they have long since switched off and get news from other sources....
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Oct 25, 2019 8:36:28 GMT
Post by Latecomer on Oct 25, 2019 8:36:28 GMT
It’s a shame that potentially the BBC is the loser in all this. Once impartiality is questioned the core value on which the BBC is founded is undermined why should it be considered differently from all other media companies with its unique funding structure. Ironically political correspondents will likely achieve what Murdoch and the Barclay brothers couldn’t achieve. Never thought I would be watching Sky News over the BBC.....weird times. Has anyone else noticed that the BBC tries to explain things in very simple childish way these days....I would say “like Newsround used to be” but probably not to even that standard! I am sure it has “dumbed down”. I get the impression it thinks it has to, as the issue is complicated, but actually it needs less time on random interviews with people in the street and just clear concise reporting. |
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Post by Latecomer on Oct 24, 2019 7:27:50 GMT
LOL. He's right on the money. No one would come on and debate with him - says everything. Well done for calling out Kuenssberg.
Can I assume Oborne wasn't invited anywhere on any BBC news programming ..
He was also on radio 2 show earlier. It’s very funny when he actually names names (Laura K and Peston worst offenders) and the person interviewing him, in both shows goes “oh, I’m not sure we can say that” in a horrified way! It is exactly what we have been saying on here...basically allows Johnson to get out propaganda headlines that fill the newspapers with effectively Fake News. And allows him to “face two ways”, says one thing as “reasonable Johnson” and then briefs out another. For example the “photocopy” he sent of the letter to EU was not ACTUALLY a photocopy....same words, reformatted into different type face and spacing. Small detail perhaps, but Johnson wanted you to think all he had done was more slapdash, with no thought, dashed off in a second, insulting etc etc |
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Brexit
Oct 21, 2019 13:21:26 GMT
Post by Latecomer on Oct 21, 2019 13:21:26 GMT
Latecomer still difficult not to equate Sky News with Murdoch, not watched a lot, definitely a shift since it was sold to Comcast. Not always as good as last night I think but far better than the BBC coverage and their political editor was spot on yesterday...clear and insightful about what will be just noise and what will not today. |
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