Politicians

[Viking Warrior]

Watched a bit if the Andrew Marr showed and listened to millipede . What a Tosser so far up his own backside but then that is the case for many mps which ever party they represent . I just wish they would stop slagging each other off and jointly get together and put this country back on a firm footing . Instead of scoring cheap shots . Millipede avoids accepting it was the last gov who got us into this mess . The current lot do not seem to engage every member of our society . Millipede bleats on about the poor people of Manchester what about you and I . The everyday worker . I have worked hard for everything I have achieved . Yes I was made redundant twice . Did I get any support no . I have just moved into the 40% tax band . Through my life savings and grade . But in real terms my salary is on par with the £16 k I was earni g in the early 90's the really wealthy have git very wealthy but in terms of mr joe public I am basically on the same salary I was on 20 years ago . Mps need to get real and help the truly poverty stricken but also acknowledge mr joe public . Oh and for mr cable he can go . Rant over let the mps work together not fight each other

[the stain]

What do you think they should work together on?

[mack rill]

What do you think they should work together on?

 

Coordination so that they can all jump at the same time off tower bridge with s feckin rope around there necks,

[swannymere]

To be fair the majority of MP's are quite hard working and they genuinely do their best for their constituents, it's no coincidence that the you only hear about the arseholes, they crave publicity and nothing sells like bad news.

[Viking Warrior]

They act as a group of spoilt brats in a playground trying to score cheap shots against each other . The country is in a finacial mess poor finacial management by previous governments have not helped along with the world finacial Instability and reckless bankers . We need a coherent strategy from all sides to get us back on an even keel . Instead it's the complete opposite. The greens will soon get there way when none can afford to travel or afford fuel or energy costs . How much does the tax man have to pay for these conferences accommodation , security etc . Let them use the commons during the recess it will be a cheaper option .

[bridge too far]

Conferences are paid for out of party funds. Security, outside the normal DPG afforded to leading politicians (both government and opposition) will also be paid out of party funds. So it doesn't really cost the taxpayer anything and does bring a little boost to the local economies (I had to pay my own hotel bills when I was a conference delegate).

 

Hold conferences in the Commons and all parties will be seen to be even more out of touch with ordinary people and 'Londoncentric'.

[LGTL]

I think Cameron should start calling the leader of the Labour party Ed Millipede, that'll be sure to dampen the playground behaviour...

[the stain]

They act as a group of spoilt brats in a playground trying to score cheap shots against each other . The country is in a finacial mess poor finacial management by previous governments have not helped along with the world finacial Instability and reckless bankers . We need a coherent strategy from all sides to get us back on an even keel . Instead it's the complete opposite. The greens will soon get there way when none can afford to travel or afford fuel or energy costs . How much does the tax man have to pay for these conferences accommodation , security etc . Let them use the commons during the recess it will be a cheaper option .

 

Without wanting to appear rude, you are simply ranting like an angry man, but making very little sense or suggesting anything practical.

[Suomi Saint]

Senior politicians are only in it for what they can get out of it - Blair anyone? He now jets around the world making millions when he should be tried in the Hague as a war criminal. The expenses scandal told you all you need to know about politicians. Basically, they are low-life, thieving, lying, scum with plummy voices. But that's what the masses have accepted. The alternative? Demand a change in their behaviour - a return to decent values.

[pap]

Senior politicians are only in it for what they can get out of it - Blair anyone? He now jets around the world making millions when he should be tried in the Hague as a war criminal. The expenses scandal told you all you need to know about politicians. Basically, they are low-life, thieving, lying, scum with plummy voices. But that's what the masses have accepted. The alternative? Demand a change in their behaviour - a return to decent values.

 

What really grates me about Blair's post PM career is his role as peace envoy for the Middle East. Bit like asking Hitler to be peace envoy for Europe in 1945.

[Clapham Saint]

Conferences are paid for out of party funds. Security, outside the normal DPG afforded to leading politicians (both government and opposition) will also be paid out of party funds. So it doesn't really cost the taxpayer anything and does bring a little boost to the local economies (I had to pay my own hotel bills when I was a conference delegate).

 

Hold conferences in the Commons and all parties will be seen to be even more out of touch with ordinary people and 'Londoncentric'.

 

Tory I presume?

[Suomi Saint]

How many more examples do we, as citizens of a once great nation, need before we chase these people out? I think the "plebs" comment was the ultimate indication that politicians inhabit a parallel Universe. But the most appalling thing for me is that millions of decent, hard working people will become victims of the pensions ticking time bomb - a whole generation infact. And their answer? Keep raising the age of retirement. So look forward to 80 year old's collecting trolleys in Lord Sainsbury's car park.

[buctootim]

What really grates me about Blair's post PM career is his role as peace envoy for the Middle East. Bit like asking Hitler to be peace envoy for Europe in 1945.

 

First invoking of Godwin's Law 8.20am. Possibly a new record.

[Saint in Paradise]

How about only people who pay above a certain percentage of their wages as income tax are allowed to vote.

This would stop freeloaders voting for politicians who promote all kinds of "benefits" to the scroungers so that

they will get their votes.

[dubai_phil]

Yeah Politicians, shoot the lot of them you cry.

 

Countries that have no Politicians just cronies & a Dictator shoot the lot of them you cry give them Politicians

 

Countries that have "Monarchies" shoot the lot of them and give them Politicians

 

Look, we are quite happy, we have seen what Politicians are, it's one of the reasons we got the hell out of there.

 

They are yours - KEEP THEM, stop trying to impose your idiots on us

 

 

 

 

 

[scotty]

What really grates me about Blair's post PM career is his role as peace envoy for the Middle East. Bit like asking Hitler to be peace envoy for Europe in 1945.

 

First invoking of Godwin's Law 8.20am. Possibly a new record.

 

 

He's right though.

[EastleighSoulBoy]

How many more examples do we, as citizens of a once great nation, need before we chase these people out? I think the "plebs" comment was the ultimate indication that politicians inhabit a parallel Universe. But the most appalling thing for me is that millions of decent, hard working people will become victims of the pensions ticking time bomb - a whole generation infact. And their answer? Keep raising the age of retirement. So look forward to 80 year old's collecting trolleys in Lord Sainsbury's car park.

 

Apparently, Huhne is up before the beak today for committal to trial. If he fails his case then he'll be on trial this week.

 

Supposedly all hush hush with a legal press blanket on it all.

 

Could be a by election in Eastleigh soon.

[pap]

First invoking of Godwin's Law 8.20am. Possibly a new record.

 

Yeah, I'm not proud, Tim. But like Scotty says, quite true.

 

Was reading an interview with Kofi Annan in the Guardian concerning Blair's role. Unsurprisingly, he hasn't done much.

 

In 2007, Blair was appointed special envoy to the Quartet, a diplomatic mission created in 2002 by Annan himself to represent the US, EU, UK and Russia in peace talks on Palestine. I found Blair's appointment baffling, and tell Annan I struggle to see how he could … "Do it?" Annan completes the sentence. "Yeah, yeah." So he shares the bewilderment? "I share some of that. I was surprised that he accepted the role. And nothing much is happening on that dossier. For the past four to five years there has been no real Middle East mediation."

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/30/kofi-annan-dont-pick-fight

[buctootim]

Yeah, I'm not proud, Tim. But like Scotty says, quite true.

 

Was reading an interview with Kofi Annan in the Guardian concerning Blair's role. Unsurprisingly, he hasn't done much.

 

 

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/30/kofi-annan-dont-pick-fight

 

Yes it was an 'odd' appointment but tbh it would have made very little difference if Mother Theresa or the Dalai Lama or Henry Kissinger were appointed instead - and not just because two of them are dead.

 

I dont know what the solution to the ethnic, religious and tribal conflicts in the middle east is - beyond massacring everybody and starting again. So maybe Tony Blair is the right man for the job afterall.

[pap]

Yes it was an 'odd' appointment but tbh it would have made very little difference if Mother Theresa or the Dalai Lama or Henry Kissinger were appointed instead - and not just because two of them are dead.

 

I dont know what the solution to the ethnic, religious and tribal conflicts in the middle east is - beyond massacring everybody and starting again. So maybe Tony Blair is the right man for the job afterall.

 

I think it actually starts with political will. Tony Blair is the perfect appointment for the amount of political will that presently exists, which is close to zero in the countries that actually matter.

 

Like you say, there are so many variables at play when it comes to the Middle East that is almost impossible to untangle them into a coherent plan for resolution. Even so, there are steps that the UK can take to be in a better position to influence things later on. An independent foreign policy would be a start.

[ecuk268]

Anyone who wants to become an MP should have been in a "proper" job for at least 10 years.

 

None of this leaving University, getting a post as a researcher for some MP, fighting a hopeless seat and then getting a more winnable one.

 

No experience of the real world or what it's like to work for a company that has to make a profit or you lose your job.

[pap]

Anyone who wants to become an MP should have been in a "proper" job for at least 10 years.

 

None of this leaving University, getting a post as a researcher for some MP, fighting a hopeless seat and then getting a more winnable one.

 

No experience of the real world or what it's like to work for a company that has to make a profit or you lose your job.

 

There is a lot of sympathy with this view. Another huge problem, perhaps related to this, is authenticity of politicians. Seeing a politician on TV espouse the party line and repeatedly refuse to be drawn into any sort of genuine dialogue is one of the biggest turn-offs in politics.

 

It's less about saying what you believe in and much more about parroting the party line and staying on-message.

[Viking Warrior]

Only provoking a debate - Stain nothing more nothing less.

 

Good points PaP re hitler , but then who became the education minister for norhern ireland?

[pap]

Good points PaP re hitler , but then who became the education minister for norhern ireland?

 

I'd argue that the situation in Northern Ireland is a little different. One of the consequences of the Good Friday Agreement was that all communities would have democratic representation in Stormont. At the time, a lot of people were expecting the likes of the UUP and the SDLP to clean up in the consequent elections, especially since both did so much to get the peace process to where it was.

 

When push came to shove, people ended up voting for the more extreme parties, such as the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein. They ended up getting into power and ministerial posts were divvied out based on who the people had voted for. No-one really voted for Blair to be Middle East peace envoy. The positions lacks democratic legitimacy.

 

Another stark difference is likely participation. Irrespective of what you think of them, DUP and SF will be part of Northern Ireland's future and will have to work together for peace. Apart from helping to kick the whole thing off, Tony is not really part of the fabric of the Middle East, and is more likely to prevent progress than accelerate it.

[badgerx16]

Good points PaP re hitler , but then who became the education minister for norhern ireland?

 

How many Israeli Prime Ministers, etc, were convicted 'terrorists' under the British Palestinian mandate ? What about Archbishop Makarios on Cyprus ?

 

One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.

[Viking Warrior]

Badger

 

I was going to mention a a range of terrorists particularly Israeli PM's but thats another debate and Yes makarios. Tha takes me back . i was serving with the UN in Nicosia when that kicked off in 1974. The Death of George Grivas, Col Samson and the subsequent short term aftermath of those characters. . As you say one mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter

 

Although I dont think you can class the likes of pol pot and co under that banner.

[the stain]

Only provoking a debate - Stain nothing more nothing less

 

Well, I think you were doing more than that in your original post. You were saying, why can't mps work together. And my question was "on what". What do you want to see happen? You seem quite happy to moan, but haven't offered any sensible points about how things could be made better. So, I repeat....what would you like to see happen? What do you want them to work together on?

[Lord Duckhunter]

The problem with politicans today is that you can't disagree with anything they say.

 

They all speak in terms that are so wholly there's no counter arguement. "We have/need a plan for growth", "we are on the side of hard working families", "we want the richest to pay their fair share", "we face difficult choices"

 

What I found so fascinating about politics in the past has been lost in a mush of bland sound bites. There is no great divides and no great ideological debates, it is just one party of middle class wets slightly to the left argueing with another party of middle class wets slightly to the right. Politicans are led by focus groups instead of leading the public. Party conferences are now stage managed to aviod frightening the floating voters. It's all very sad, no wonder the turnout at elections is so poor.

[Viking Warrior]

Stain

 

I stand by my general comments re politicians working together. Take education the coalition have come up with a set of re education and the way forward. Labour have come up with different proposals. If the coalition implement the changes before the labour get reelected. then labour will then introduce their own educational reforms. This is not good for the country or pupils alike. Labour introduced many changes . Have they been succesful , Probably in some but not in the majority. Education should not be used as a political football but should be something all politicians work towards for the benefit of the country and pupils , not for their own egos.

 

I listened to Alan Sugars TV . and I agree with his comments about getting proper experience on the work floor. not in some sterile condition . His comments about the lathe worker starting at the bottom and aspiring to become the manager. Thats what is important.

Lets have some coherent and relevent education strategy for the less academically mind pupils. instead of some fluffy qualification.

 

Oh and back to a Rant . Its all well and good millipede harping on about going to comprehensive. which university did he go to ? Havard

and poncing around with his havard collegues in manchester was just awesome. was he too embarrased to have somebody from his former comprehensive school there with him bloody hypocript

[bridge too far]

Stain

 

I stand by my general comments re politicians working together. Take education the coalition have come up with a set of re education and the way forward. Labour have come up with different proposals. If the coalition implement the changes before the labour get reelected. then labour will then introduce their own educational reforms. This is not good for the country or pupils alike. Labour introduced many changes . Have they been succesful , Probably in some but not in the majority. Education should not be used as a political football but should be something all politicians work towards for the benefit of the country and pupils , not for their own egos.

 

I listened to Alan Sugars TV . and I agree with his comments about getting proper experience on the work floor. not in some sterile condition . His comments about the lathe worker starting at the bottom and aspiring to become the manager. Thats what is important.

Lets have some coherent and relevent education strategy for the less academically mind pupils. instead of some fluffy qualification.

 

Exactly what Miliband is proposing as outlined in today's speech.

Oh and back to a Rant . Its all well and good millipede harping on about going to comprehensive. which university did he go to ? Havard - no, he went to Oxford and then the LSE. Where is a clever student supposed to go? Portsmouth?

and poncing around with his havard collegues in manchester was just awesome. was he too embarrased to have somebody from his former comprehensive school there with him bloody hypocript

 

Political parties won't always be able to agree on e.g. education, health etc. because the basic tenets of each party are so very different. How would you propose to get MPs of different political persuasions to work together?

[Viking Warrior]

bring in a law that stops all the parties using education as a political football f. It should be made a non political and manifesto topic to ensure there is a consistent approach to educating our youngsters what ever the mps political views or loyalties

[CB Saint]

Stain

 

I stand by my general comments re politicians working together. Take education the coalition have come up with a set of re education and the way forward. Labour have come up with different proposals. If the coalition implement the changes before the labour get reelected. then labour will then introduce their own educational reforms. This is not good for the country or pupils alike. Labour introduced many changes . Have they been succesful , Probably in some but not in the majority. Education should not be used as a political football but should be something all politicians work towards for the benefit of the country and pupils , not for their own egos.

 

I listened to Alan Sugars TV . and I agree with his comments about getting proper experience on the work floor. not in some sterile condition . His comments about the lathe worker starting at the bottom and aspiring to become the manager. Thats what is important.

Lets have some coherent and relevent education strategy for the less academically mind pupils. instead of some fluffy qualification.

 

Oh and back to a Rant . Its all well and good millipede harping on about going to comprehensive. which university did he go to ? Havard

and poncing around with his havard collegues in manchester was just awesome. was he too embarrased to have somebody from his former comprehensive school there with him bloody hypocript

 

It was Balls who went to havard and oxford, as well as private school.

[landford.saint]

To repeat the old saying....

 

POLITICS ......... Poly means many... and Tics are bloodsuckers.

[the stain]

Stain

 

I stand by my general comments re politicians working together. Take education the coalition have come up with a set of re education and the way forward. Labour have come up with different proposals. If the coalition implement the changes before the labour get reelected. then labour will then introduce their own educational reforms. This is not good for the country or pupils alike. Labour introduced many changes . Have they been succesful , Probably in some but not in the majority. Education should not be used as a political football but should be something all politicians work towards for the benefit of the country and pupils , not for their own egos.

 

I listened to Alan Sugars TV . and I agree with his comments about getting proper experience on the work floor. not in some sterile condition . His comments about the lathe worker starting at the bottom and aspiring to become the manager. Thats what is important.

Lets have some coherent and relevent education strategy for the less academically mind pupils. instead of some fluffy qualification.

 

Oh and back to a Rant . Its all well and good millipede harping on about going to comprehensive. which university did he go to ? Havard

and poncing around with his havard collegues in manchester was just awesome. was he too embarrased to have somebody from his former comprehensive school there with him bloody hypocript

 

Sounds to me like you want to go and live in communist china, mate. You won't get these problems of having too many parties out there. Personally, I prefer democracy and the free world.

[Viking Warrior]

Ha Ha Stain

 

You want to live in Scotland and listen to BBC Scotland . the MPs up here are a strange lot. They go on as if it is already a separate country. This MP was going on about how the UK government had got things wrong but the Scottish government had so far done everything correctly . I thought we were still one nation.

 

thats a good lead into CB's comment I sure that that Millipede studied for two years at Harvard and also taught there for a while. must check wikipedia.

 

Ed Balls did go there but he also went to a private Boys school in nottingham. also Whilst at Oxford Balls dressed as a Nazi at a "dictators" party.[9] He was also a founding member of the all-male drinking club, The Steamers.[10][11]

 

one rule for one and a condemnation for others