Disqus - Latest Comments for leon

Re: The BNP on Question Time

leon — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:50:16 -0000

I'd like to see Bob Crow from the RMT on there, agreed about Vince Cable, for the Tories I'd like Eric Pickles. And for fun how about adding George Galloway and airing it at 9pm?

Re: Daily Star bigs up English Defence League

leon — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:48:37 -0000

We don’t want to live under Sharia do we? I sure as hell don’t

I wouldn't mind that bit about no interest on loans...

Re: Restating the need to talk to Hamas

leon — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:10:59 -0000

I'm going to look the gift horse in the mouth:

I'm impressed this thread is as civil and constructive as it is being that it's about i/p! Incredible, Sunny did you lock up all the loons or something!? :D

Re: Lessons for lefties from Obama’s healthcare fight

leon — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:37:10 -0000

Lesson 5

Those who ignore history are condemned to repeat it.

Seriously are the left in the US idiots or what? Anyone over the age of 30 and interested in politics must remember what Clinton went through. Why Obama's team didn't expect this fight to pan out like this is beyond me...

Re: Shame on these partisan left-wing journalists!

leon — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 09:44:22 -0000

So much of Westminister journalism today seems less about facts and more about whose side you are on.

Welcome to politics...

Re: Rod Liddle makes his blogging debut

leon — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:18:17 -0000

So we both want the same thing- proper teaching of history in our schools.

I've got no problem with BHM existing until it achieves some stated aims but yes I'd say we do.

Re: Rod Liddle makes his blogging debut

leon — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:15:09 -0000

Well...the reason Black History Month came about was because we were not taught real British history at school.

I've long advocated the BHM should actually be a progressive campaign to change the curriculum rather than a mix of that and 'celebration' of BME people's contribution to history...

Re: Rod Liddle makes his blogging debut

leon — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:52:48 -0000

Black History Month is historically unsound? What does that mean?

Re: Alan Johnson refuses to share platform with fascists

leon — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:40:35 -0000

I reckon Labour should put up Lord Mandleson...

Re: Was it al-Muhajiroun that turned Harrow nasty?

leon — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:34:19 -0000

Sunny, seems to me you're whispering in a storm...

Re: More reasons why we can’t give up on Afghanistan

leon — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:42:12 -0000

It's so easy to sit at a keyboard argueing we should commit this military action than to go fight, or be one of those who see their loved one come back dead. This is one of things that sicken me about the left, far too many people with no experience of war telling everybody when and where we should send our troops...

Re: English Defence League leadership revealed

leon — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:31:04 -0000

Heh great move by those idiots to wear balaclavas. THAT doesn't provoke any negative mental images now does it? :D

Re: Now Jim Fitzpatrick MP wants a ban on ’segregation’

leon — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:47:54 -0000

Leons’s *humour* is symptomatic of the present moral confusion. Change rooms and bathrooms must by necessity be gender segregated,not because of gender-apartheid, but for reasons for privacy and decency. It is for the same reason that even in mens bathrooms ( and womens of course) every toilet is segregated… in a closed cubicle.

Decency? What a loaded term...

Re: Now Jim Fitzpatrick MP wants a ban on ’segregation’

leon — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:44:13 -0000

Sounds like the smoking ban to me- people trying to tell consenting adults how they should lead their lives.

C'mon you can't compare the two, one causes cancer and the other indignation...!

Re: Now Jim Fitzpatrick MP wants a ban on ’segregation’

leon — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:43:10 -0000

Wrong title, it should read:

"Jim Fitzpatrick wants mixed gender toilets"

or

"Jim Fitzpatrick demands mixed changing rooms in gym/swimming bath/etc"

or

"Jim Fitzpatrick demands Stag Do's and Hen Party's to be outlawed"

Re: Youths attack police in Luton

leon — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:12:45 -0000

I don't think a few idiot teenager are comparable to hardened fascists...

Re: Daily Telegraph goes for naked racism

leon — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:57:21 -0000

Many immigrants to the UK want all the benefits of globalisation and free markets as long as they don’t have to have white relatives.

That’s kind of nakedly racist too.

And making negative generalisations about ethnic groups is what? You're a fucking prick.

Re: CifWatch: Idiots with too much time on their hands

leon — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:33:47 -0000

Haha very good point Sonia #87!

Re: CifWatch: Idiots with too much time on their hands

leon — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:42:14 -0000

And there was me thinking 'oh I've been away for a few days, haven't checked PP, wonder if anything new is happening' just before seeing this thread..........

.........

sigh.....

Re: Luton demo by English Defence League banned

leon — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:27:24 -0000

I’m going to invent an iPhone application that automatically writes ‘Those who are prepared to sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither’ so I don’t have to write the same bloody thing everytime someone comes out with that comment.

Heh I'd pay for that no question. :D

Re: Luton demo by English Defence League banned

leon — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:55:46 -0000

i would rather have ‘curtailing of civil liberties’ to ensure a few months peace in my hometown than have racist thugs given an open platform to create unrest again.

And that's why authoritarians will win because idiots like you will swallow anything for any easy life. Why can't they take each march/protest on a case by case basis? Why a blanket ban??

Re: Luton demo by English Defence League banned

leon — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:42:49 -0000

In fact, as a precautionary measure, all marches have been banned in the town for the next three months.

Oh look yet more using the excuse of extremism to curtail our civil liberties...

Re: Releasing Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi

leon — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:58:13 -0000

Excellent piece Rumbold, especially agree on your views on prison and punishment.

Re: Let’s not confuse standing up against sexism with standing up for racism

leon — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:26:34 -0000

I didn't call racist or bigotted as it's clear this was nothing but cheap identity politics....

Re: Far left crazyness

leon — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:42:53 -0000

I don't know what's worse: taking a SWP Taliban supporting line or supporting the Afghan government with it's new law which allows men to starve women if they wont have sex...

Re: Hitler and Usain Bolt

leon — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:46:00 -0000

Dear god I'm so fucking bored of these bloody videos...that said how come no one did an Cameron/#welovethenhs one? That might have made me laugh...

Re: Segregated weddings and opportunistic MPs

leon — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:15:22 -0000

Anyway, if he didn’t make a scene how the hell did it end up all over the media?

Current wisdom is he sent a press release out. Not seen that confirmed mind...

Re: Segregated weddings and opportunistic MPs

leon — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:58:53 -0000

It's long been assumed dickyboy is that stalker idiot TF...

Re: Israelis sour on Obama’s Emanuel

leon — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:29:43 -0000

And this is why I believe people like Pilger now don’t understand politics.

You might want to qualify that a bit otherwise it's going down as the most comical thing I've heard this year!

Re: The NHS debate

leon — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:42:06 -0000

Rumbold, here's a doozy for you: the European working time directive means that junior Doctors won't be allowed to work enough hours to get the proper on the job training they require. ;)

Re: The NHS debate

leon — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:31:45 -0000

too many doctors and nurses have to spend too much of their time filling out pointless forms

Care to give some examples of these pointless forms? Genuine question. My partners a Doctor and none of the forms she's detailed are pointless, in fact quite the opposite (I'm thinking Crem forms for those who know what that is).

Re: Segregated weddings

leon — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:49:32 -0000

The seat has had a boundary change, it's taken on a few wards which mean something like another few thousand Muslim votes. Also Galloway is standing there next time, couple both of those with just how unpopular Labour are nationally and you can see why JF decided to go this route...

Re: Segregated weddings

leon — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 07:43:14 -0000

It's not complicated, if you don't like it you don't go. This MP is clearly using this couples wedding as a cynical vote getter due to knowing he's likely to lose against Galloway.

Re: Good video of Birmingham mass-brawl

leon — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 06:12:29 -0000

Heh watching the fash get set upon by the Babylon is a sweet image indeed!

Re: Idolising historical figures

leon — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:18:38 -0000

Despite everything, Norman Bates never once forgot the birthday of his dear old Mum.

Heh yeah was thinking something similar reading all this...

Re: Virendra Sharma and Indian independence

leon — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:08:54 -0000

Heh I've never seen ol' Rummy get so animated. Never get the goat up of an historian I say...

Re: Virendra Sharma and Indian independence

leon — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:53:11 -0000

What did Churchill say about gas and north Africans...?

Re: Virendra Sharma and Indian independence

leon — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:53:10 -0000

partisan grandstanding at its best.

Er isn't this post that too!? :D

Re: From a NF supporter at B’ham riots

leon — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:56:42 -0000

But you act like a complete tosser to those who could easily be allies...I have to say I've very little interest in meeting you.

Re: From a NF supporter at B’ham riots

leon — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:41:54 -0000

Aint gonna happen Amrit, there's more likelihood of Sunny and David T calling a truce! :D

Re: From a NF supporter at B’ham riots

leon — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:12:28 -0000

Sanctimonious prick you are Mix Together — Who the fuck gave you the right to judge anyone?

MT is a cock of the highest order, I've tried so many times to be sympathetic towards him because of his experience and the site he runs but he's a fucking idiot.

Re: Far-right protests in Birmingham

leon — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:30:19 -0000

As usual things aren't as black and white as MixTogether would like us to believe.

There is a complex web of dynamics at work when it comes to what creates and maintains a cultural/etc commonality. Just because you feel a certain kinship doesn't mean you're fascist.

If I say my parents taught me the importance of my black heritage, and I felt a connection to that (more than my white heritage) it doesn't then follow that I'm a black supremacist who hates white people.

Re: Far-right protests in Birmingham

leon — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:03:10 -0000

@48, Dalbir,

My view is simple: let the person define themselves. If Obama considers himself black then I aint gonna be one of these types to bang on about his white parentage (there's interesting parallels between them and the birthers).

Respect the person's right to choose how they identify themselves and try not to impose your opinion on what they should considered as.

Re: Mass killings of females in Guatemala

leon — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 06:24:26 -0000

Yeah I've long believed that d/cing drugs is something worth serious consideration...

Re: War by any other means

leon — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 11:23:19 -0000

Beauty as they say is skin deep.

You have a very limited concept of what beauty is.

Re: War by any other means

leon — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 05:55:45 -0000

Sunny, telling people they don't get it (especially those who have a great deal of experience in politics and political campaigning) and that you see no reason to listen to anybody is a little reminiscent of Emperor Nero...

Re: Twitter is down…

leon — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:13:08 -0000

I reckon productivity actually went up today in offices across Britain...

Re: Blog wars!

leon — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 05:53:24 -0000

Can we leave the potentially libelous speculation out of this please?

Re: Blog wars!

leon — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 05:30:14 -0000

The London Mela is on its last legs now anyway, especially after the Rise Festival car-crash.

You really think we're going to have a Tory run administration in London forever? Do you seriously think this blog war will have any electoral impact?

It’s a shame you see it merely as a willy-waving competition but oh well.

Well it's being going on for bloody months with no clear objective until you tacked one on in the last couple weeks. I call it as I see Sunny, I consider you a friend and a political ally in most respects but on this one I think you're wasting your time.

I’m not sure when it started becoming bad etiquette to start cussing other bloggers but it was still ok to cuss organisations and journalists. I don’t discriminate between stupid people, know what I mean?

Oh please enough with the straw men! I never said that, I've pointed out countless times publicly and privately that your obsession with HP is serving no discernible purpose (ok fine it may be exciting for you and raising traffic but is that really enough?). I'm not alone on this as you well know (have a re-read of Amrit's open letter and reflect on those tagged there in who agreed with it).

Re: Blog wars!

leon — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:18:02 -0000

Also, Leon and Amrit – it’s a shame neither of you two get it. When people start claiming, in a couple of years, that festivals like the London Mela or Vaisakhi in the Square or Notting Hill Carnival are responsible for the growth in BNP support – then you’ll suddenly wonder why the fuck people are so stupid and how it became received wisdom. This is why I’m trying to whack these moles now when they come up.

You seriously think that the NHC (which has survived both Blair AND Thatcher) wont survive unless you save it with a six month willy waving competiton with HP?! :D

Re: Blog wars!

leon — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:24:11 -0000

Another big fucking waste of time...

Re: Battered women’s shelter to shut for not catering to men

leon — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:23:58 -0000

Not sure why them living in the same building as men is such an issue.

Jesus...*shakes head in disbelief*

Re: Sorting out edit function

leon — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:16:00 -0000

No luck here.

Re: Sorting out edit function

leon — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:15:28 -0000

I'm out so this is from my iPhone...

Re: Trusting others

leon — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:57:18 -0000

Maybe I missed something but where in the judicial system is there such a thing as a 'Muslim crime'?

Re: Trusting others

leon — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 14:51:29 -0000

Fucks sake Leon, it is as obvious as the nose on my face that anobody and others aren’t responsible for any of this shit. But, it is done in their name.

That's fucking horseshit. If Richard Dawkins tortured a bunch of religious people I'll be damned if I'll be held accountable for his actions.

You're talking out of your arse mate, and I was prepared to give you the benefit of the doubt on account of the booze but I'm not so sure now. You have this seething streak of bigotry going on in you it seems.

Re: Trusting others

leon — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:40:24 -0000

Doug point is why should they? They aint responsible for this shit. It's exactly that type of 'thinking' PP is against.

Re: Trusting others

leon — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:52:36 -0000

It's Douglas, at least going by his email address.

Doug, you're going to have to explain yourself and well.

Re: Pickled Politics meetup in early September

leon — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:31:29 -0000

That comment was directed @ marvin. ;)

Re: Pickled Politics meetup in early September

leon — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:30:56 -0000

Not at all, in fact it's makes things even cooler when you meet the people and find they are are in fact very nice in person (even me!). :)

Re: Comment ‘edit’ facility

leon — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:59:33 -0000

Sorry, couldn't resist. :P

Re: Comment ‘edit’ facility

leon — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:38:35 -0000

I disagree.

;p

Re: The civil war in Iran shows why religious governments don’t work

leon — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:33:08 -0000

One small thing to help them if you're on Twitter is to change your location to Tehran as the security services are searching for Tweets from Iran by searching location (rather than via #tags which give you a stupid amount to sift through).

Re: Israel: still dedicated to peace…

leon — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:03:31 -0000

Only took us 260 odd posts...used to take about 400, we are getting better at this. :)

Re: Israel: still dedicated to peace…

leon — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:30:35 -0000

Can we please stop with the smearing of Faisal please? So he's left. Get over it. So he has different views to you, get a fucking grip.

I'm sorry to have a go Refresh because I actually value you as a contributor and do look forward to meeting you one day but this has gotten infantile.

Play the ball, not the man.

Re: Israel: still dedicated to peace…

leon — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:20:38 -0000

Well said.

Re: Israel: still dedicated to peace…

leon — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:34:53 -0000

Denim give it up, like we don't need shit stirrers.

Re: Israel: still dedicated to peace…

leon — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:26:18 -0000

The point about Pickled Politics is to give voice to stories that might not get picked up by the mainstream media in the same way.

Pickled Politics is in fact , more democratic, for it. Coz it doesn’t just peddle what the mainstream is doing.

Well quite. Also, we have jobs, lives, increasingly annoyed partners (joke!) we can't cover everything in the way every one would like. Nor should we try and please everyone.

Sometimes something is covered so extensively [in the msm] we don't feel we can add anything new. Other times we get caught up in the news agenda. We're not perfect.

Oh yeah I think a mistake is being made here, too many people are looking at Sunny's output in very narrow terms as in PP. He's linking to stuff on Twitter, a lot too. It may not always be PP but then he's involved in so many things PP can't always be a high priority for him...

And finally,

I'll say it again, if you don't like what we're covering, how we're covering or what we're not covering. You have two simple options:

1) Write your own blog
2) Offer to write a piece for our Speakers Corner day

Re: Israel: still dedicated to peace…

leon — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:16:22 -0000

Has there been a falling out? Sunny himself has said he and Faisal are friends, and in fact when out for a drink just the other day. The net has a way of amplifying people's disagreements into looking like a full blown war.

Of course it doesn't help with various people cheer leading what see as being Sunny or Faisal's sides...

Re: Israel: still dedicated to peace…

leon — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:33:23 -0000

you’ve become a mirror of Melanie Phillips Faisal.

Sunny, that's uncalled for. Seriously mate, let's not get into smearing our friends (and Faisal is your friend because you said so yourself), difference of view and tactics doesn't mean we all become like that idiot Phillips.

We're still broadly all in favour of the same kind of society.

Re: Israel: still dedicated to peace…

leon — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:30:44 -0000

Sad to see Sid has moved on, although instructive.

It is, in what way?

Re: Israel: still dedicated to peace…

leon — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:40:33 -0000

When it comes to I/P talk of thread derails is redundant because those discussions are always nothing but one big mess of derails and flame baiting...

Re: Michael Martin (the T-1000 version) returns

leon — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:47:28 -0000

You sure you've never made light about the colour of Sunny's skin DK?

Personally I think the point is being lost; you're not a twat, you are an obnoxious little cunt.

Re: Michael Martin (the T-1000 version) returns

leon — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:31:58 -0000

Of all the candidates who should they have voted for?

Re: Galloway shamelessly plumps for Ahmedinijad

leon — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:56:35 -0000

And Galloway isn’t much good either…

Haha! I didn't mean Manure...

Re: Galloway shamelessly plumps for Ahmedinijad

leon — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:47:06 -0000

What a fucking tool...

Re: I’m speaking at City Circle on the BNP, Friday

leon — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:56:36 -0000

You sound like an extremist.

Cut it out, you know full well he's talking about religious observance.

Re: I’m speaking at City Circle on the BNP, Friday

leon — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:13:19 -0000

I’ll be trying my best not to play to the crowd and instead take up things with Salma Yaqoob, the Respect train-crash, and the future of identity politics.

That should be fun, she is a formidable opponent. I might make it along to this as it's not too far out of the way for me...

Re: Assorted: on environmentalists, BNP, Spiked, Dan Hannan and more

leon — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:07:33 -0000

Re: what can we do about Iran.

Well as pointed out, I'd like very careful public wording by our so called leaders. The last thing the people on the streets need is being characterised further as being incited by foreign powers...

What can we as British citizens do? Harder question to answer to be honest...

Re: Assorted: on environmentalists, BNP, Spiked, Dan Hannan and more

leon — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:24:41 -0000

On the subject of the surveillance protesters – the reason you won’t find many Tories and Libertarians standing up for them is that the concept of solidarity is lost on them.

Left wing libertarians aren't opposed to solidarity...

Re: Anti-terrorism “expert” Glen Jenvey converts to Islam?

leon — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 06:46:37 -0000

Bloody hell, you really couldn't make this shit up. The old saying is true: fact is stranger than fiction! :D

Re: Celebrating the egging of Nick Griffin

leon — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:53:57 -0000

Jesus Kulvinder talk about grabbing the wrong end of the stick. How you can compare victims of racisms sympathetically to fascists is beyond me...

Re: Celebrating the egging of Nick Griffin

leon — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 20:14:20 -0000

It is our democratic right to signal disgust at fascists and the pelting didn’t go completely over-board. Though I would probably draw the line at Unite Against Fascism basically stalking the guy and trying this at every possible event.

So it's better to pelt an egg and then let them go around as they please the rest of the time?

The way I see it you either throw eggs and harrass them left right and centre until they cease or you find other tactics.

Sunny I'm a little surprised, I'd thought you'd appreciate the Alinsky rule being followed here: make your enemy go outside their experience at every turn. ;)

Griffin is trying to smarm around as a media darling wannabe (hence the choice of location for the press conference that never was), harrasing him at every attempt disrupts his tactic and forces him off balance. :D

Re: Boris Johnson cancels London Jewish cultural festival

leon — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 10:10:29 -0000

But if there is one, it should be funded either by the people running it or the people visiting it, not by the taxpayer.

Aren't those who visit it tax payers too?

Re: Iran convulsed

leon — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:47:07 -0000

Barack Obama has also come across rather well during this.

That might change if the extent of US covert operation under his command come to light and they show little change from the Bush admin...

Re: Questions for the BNP: part five

leon — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:49:06 -0000

I swear, no one plays the race card like the BNP do.

Well said.

Re: Questions for the BNP: part five

leon — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 10:11:28 -0000

Asians can’t hide behind victimhood for much longer.

Examples of Asians 'hiding behind victimhood' please?

Re: Questions for the BNP: part five

leon — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:41:48 -0000

Shamit, no idea. I haven't touched anything...!

Re: Questions for the BNP: part five

leon — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:57:50 -0000

Why is it we have such a shitty version of nationalism in England? The Scots and the Welsh have got it right when it comes to nationalism I can tell you...

Re: Dress employment ruling

leon — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:30:43 -0000

So hantsboy I guess you're one of the BNP types who think rape isn't a crime because either?

Re: Dress employment ruling

leon — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:56:51 -0000

Damages? Emotional distress?

Personally I've no problem with the amount, the only way fuckers like this are going to give a shit about this behaviour is a swift kick in the wallet.

Re: Nick Clegg adopts SNP policy on Trident

leon — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:24:54 -0000

Joe, I'm not sure if your being purposely obtuse in pursuit of your own political outlook or not.

The post clearly states it's the Guardian that called it the first mainstream party. The post also clearly points out that the point is this is a SNP policy, and laments the lack of credit given. I've always found Barack Obama's line about it not being the hugeness of the problems but the smallness of the politics interesting. That's where I'm coming from.

[For the record: I have friends in most if not all the major parties, and respect and admire them for the work they do even if we don't always see eye to eye.]

Ironic that this post is a side swipe at tribal/partisan politics (not too mention spin) and your posts provide further evidence of just how distasteful it can be... :D

Re: Nick Clegg adopts SNP policy on Trident

leon — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:11:38 -0000

I thought my 'angle' was revealed in the last line? Would be nice if more politicians ventured a few feet beyond party lines more often...Oh as for 'hostility' I tend to blog with some bite. ;)

Re: Blogging is in the public interest

leon — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 06:18:31 -0000

I'm surprised no one's torn into Rupert Murdoch over this...

Re: Blogging is in the public interest

leon — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:35:51 -0000

...that said I guess a case can be made that public scrutiny must be suspended if it would curtail serving public interest?

Hmmmmm....

Re: Blogging is in the public interest

leon — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:14:54 -0000

Hmmmm...I'm conflicted about this, while I agree about protecting whistle blowers my view generally is the more public influence the more public scrutiny you deserve.

Blogs are public and can wield real influence...

Re: Questions for the BNP: part four

leon — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:50:13 -0000

I think the Harman Equality Bill is an abomination and as a person who runs a business

Ironically it may actually be a useful weapon against the BNP... :D

Re: Questions for the BNP: part four

leon — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:29:04 -0000

I think Nick Griffin has a stronger resemblance to Mugabe

That's not a bad idea, compare him to him.

'Nick Griffin: the English Mugabe. If you want to see what Britain would be like under BNP rule, take a look at Zimbabwe...'

Re: Questions for the BNP: part four

leon — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:31:55 -0000

Blaming low paid immigrants for your problems

A long time ago I had a heated 'discussion' with a builder mate. He was rightwing and complaining bitterly about his wages going down due to immigrants working for less. I laughed at the irony of his opposition to unions and love of boss system was so royally fucking him over...blame the bosses not the workers!

Re: Questions for the BNP: part four

leon — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:30:15 -0000

I didn’t see anything regarding Northern Ireland policy or policy regarding Scottish/Welsh devolution.

There are natural fault lines within the BNP that they’re never going to resolve.

Interesting point, I think you're onto something there. Especially when you contrast the Welsh and Scottish nationalist parties with the far rights vulgar variant...

Re: Breaking the law without breaking the law

leon — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:36:40 -0000

Wow. That's some step towards a federal European government, I'm surprised this hasn't caused real uproar amongst the right...!

Re: Mixed-race genetics

leon — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:17:10 -0000

Did anyone watch the programme last night? Thoughts..?

Re: Mixed-race genetics

leon — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:45:55 -0000

Yet I am also uncomfortable with the talk about mixed-race children being more attractive.

It depends on the context, I've seen it used in a 'see people from radically different backgrounds can make it work' kinda way. I'm obviously biased being mixed 'race' but I've never been uncomfortable with it because it's said with love, I mean no one I've known has ever meant that non mixed race people are somehow uglier!

I guess human beings just love diversity and change on some level and mixed children represent a new and possibly more hopeful children to some...?

Re: Immigration and Demography

leon — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:44:10 -0000

Any flame baiting, general abuse etc is going to get deleted.

Re: New blogs and other weekend links

leon — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:57:04 -0000

I also find it odd that a blog dedicated to “new writing and new voices in journalism” would hire Laurie. She is an excellent writer and easily good enough to write for them, but since she already writes for the Guardian and others she is hardly a “new voice.”

Yep I thought the same. Not sure what the point of this new blog is...

Re: Griffin mashup

leon — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:04:55 -0000

Hehe that's pretty good! :D

Re: BNP Question Time review

leon — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:28:59 -0000

Rumbold #27 Like I said, to who? Who would now see him as diminished that hadn't already seen him that way?

Re: BNP Question Time review

leon — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:38:39 -0000

Nick Griffin came out of this evening diminished

In the eyes of who? If anything he's going to pick up more support because he'll just play the victim. His supporters and sympathisers aren't going to be persuaded by him being bashed about by a bunch of liberals either.

Re: BNP Question Time review

leon — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:34:21 -0000

Bonnie Greer did better than Warsi imo. She actually understood the nature of the beast. Dimbo was a real tool for not letting her speak at times and then letting others speak for ages. His worse line was something like ten minutes before the end saying he didn't want the show to be about the BNP after letting the show be about the BNP!

Re: BNP threaten British generals with hanging

leon — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:19:33 -0000

Odd, my comment above was in reference to Rumbolds statement about Muslims originally...

Re: BNP threaten British generals with hanging

leon — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:01:42 -0000

#10

very well said.

Re: BNP threaten British generals with hanging

leon — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:17:28 -0000

Wow. Have to say of the stupidest responses that the BNP could give that's definitely one of thickest!

Re: Hindu orgs slam BNP claims

leon — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:52:08 -0000

Try to look at it this way. If someone compiled a list of 20 clever and relevant question about the Labour Party (e.g. “Where are the weapons of mass destruction which you insisted were present in Iraq?”), and you put those questions to the Labour Party, would it collapse? Would all its voters simply abandon it?

Christ alive you are one stupid fucking idiot...

Re: Why would they want to join anyway?

leon — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:15:00 -0000

Edsa is either a master satirist or a fucking idiot...

Re: Why would they want to join anyway?

leon — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:36:50 -0000

I'm going to join, hell if the EDL can have a mixed guy running tings then why not the BNP?!! :p

Re: BBC Question Time panel confirmed

leon — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:34:26 -0000

Right now Bonnie Greer, Huhne and Straw are left-wing. Only Warsi is right-wing (centrist). So Bailey would only bring political balance.

What I'm pointing out is the BBC wouldn't allow more than one party member per party so your ideas make no sense because they're not possible...

Personally I'd like Vince Cable, John Cruddas, Warsi, Bob Crow.

Re: BBC Question Time panel confirmed

leon — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:33:06 -0000

If you remove Greer you'd lose Warsi too because Bailey is a Tory PPC...

Re: Why didn’t Radio 1’s BNPgate get highlighted earlier

leon — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:42:02 -0000

Yep Bonnie Greer is on the panel...should be an interesting show.

Re: Iain Dale, candidate for Bracknell, advocates hosing protestors

leon — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:59:57 -0000

Heh I think we can file this under 'proving by nerve hit'. ;)

Re: Bruce: There is no funny side of racism

leon — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:29:09 -0000

There's a simple test Brucie. Walk down Southall, go up to five random Asian people (of varying ages) and say 'Good morning Paki!'

Observe the reaction and let that help you decide whether the term causes offence or not.

Re: The importance of ‘interventions’ to drive a left agenda

leon — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:30:11 -0000

Are you supposing there is room for a leftist version of this?

How many lefties actually go to a pub and not a 'bar'?

Re: The importance of ‘interventions’ to drive a left agenda

leon — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:43:52 -0000

Ok, I think the EU thing is missing Sunny's (excellent point and post) but a country mile. Try and stay on topic people..!

Re: Sayeeda Warsi criticises ’state multi-culturalism’, English Defence League

leon — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:59:18 -0000

You do realise MT it's you that normally acts like a complete wanker on here provoking the reaction you get?

That said it's nice to see you can post in a sane manner for once, please do continue.

Re: Sayeeda Warsi criticises ’state multi-culturalism’, English Defence League

leon — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:27:43 -0000

The term state multiculturalism has been around for sometime before the NGN...

Re: Inayat Bunglawala sticks up for gay Muslims

leon — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:01:01 -0000

Can somebody PLEASE explain to me why a lot of straight men get so weird about gay men?

What's your evidence for 'a lot'?

Re: Church wars!

leon — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:29:44 -0000

LOL! That church is just down the road from me. Those church goers judging their neighbours might like to reflect on the fact that the church was a massive squat once well known in the area for being a place to buy your drugs (Reclaim The Streets was born there too apparently). It was called the Rainbow Centre...

Re: The BBC continues pandering to the BNP

leon — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:43:59 -0000

MixTogether

Provide some actual and credible evidence or kindly fuck off.

Re: The Polanski case

leon — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:21:08 -0000

but we are still left with a case where someone has pleaded guilty to raping a thirteen year old, and this is what seems to escape many people.

Yep, it's incredible really. But you know famous people have better connections, more money and can make other people a lot of money so there's a vested interest in protecting them...

Re: The BNP on Question Time

leon — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:24:25 -0000

Does that cause lack of basic language skills, Leon?

Yep it affects all the higher functions of the brain. Right now his brain is functioning at such a low level I'm actually surprised he's still remembering to breath.

Re: The BNP on Question Time

leon — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:39:36 -0000

Lee is clearly suffering from a severe case of testosterone intoxication.

Re: The BNP on Question Time

leon — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:37:29 -0000

The stench of your fear is palpable.

Senior BNP member admits to being a dog.

Re: The language of demonisation

leon — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:46:53 -0000

Chomsky is instructive on the use of language in political discourse. This is no surprise...

Re: ‘Women Uncovered’- a new blog

leon — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:28:55 -0000

Good find, heh love their tag line:

"Where Brown British women bitch"

:D

Would be good if they managed more than two posted in two months though...

Re: Questions for the BNP: part 3

leon — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:35:11 -0000

‘44. What will be the total financial amount required in order to provide this “generous financial incentive” for up to 6 million people?’

‘Question 44′ is the BNPs ‘Lothian Question’.

I like that, the BNPs West Lothian Question...although the one about how the NHS will be affected by a serious % of it's staff suddenly leaving is up there also...

Re: Questions for the BNP: part 3

leon — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:28:41 -0000

Indeed. As I've stated above PP have no reason to answer their derail intended questions as we're not in the public interest. The BNP are by the fact that they are a political party with elected people.

This thread and it's associated campaign are to scrutinise them, to hold them to account, not to waste time over whether some writers smoked dope or something at some point.

Re: Questions for the BNP: part 3

leon — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:19:08 -0000

Can't see much value in answering any BNP questions about us until they've answered all the ones about them. There is a clear public interest in them answering. And a need for the media to be better briefed when it comes to interviewing them.

Re: Questions for the BNP: part 2

leon — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:50:50 -0000

So, while I applaud the asking of difficult questions in the BNP’s direction, I personally don’t see them as enough of a threat to lose much sleep over. (Which isn’t to say I don’t engage in anti-fascist activism on a regular basis anyway.)

While it’s unlikely that the BNP will ever gain power, they certainly are agitators.

I'm not sure what you're saying here. On the one hand you say you don't see them as a threat (I'm sure minority ethnic people in this country might feel otherwise) but then saying they manage to influence all the main parties into following if not their policies but rethoric?

Read Micro Trends by Mark Penn then tell me if we should stop trying to counter them...

Re: Questions for the BNP: part one

leon — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:05:20 -0000

I wonder what the BNP will do with me.

“Repatriate” me. Israel or Poland? Makes no difference, I am fluent in neither language.

I've thought the same about me, I can trace my English family back to Kent, parts of the North and Ireland. Where as my Dad's side is Barbados (and further back Africa). Exactly where do people like myself go? I was born here, lived here all my life...

Re: Trading racist jokes

leon — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:48:41 -0000

Ok, I think we're crossing a line here with these 'examples' of jokes. Fine for stupid pub discussions but not the kind of thing we really want to be known for online.

Re: The “race industry” and blaming the left for racism

leon — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:08:09 -0000

Good post, particular liked the point about the continued need to play within the cultural arena to make racism unacceptable. The loss of Rise is a particular blot on the current London administration.

Re: Abott makes fun of Keith Vaz sucking up

leon — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:21:46 -0000

Yeah funny...

Re: Is Nick Cohen scared of us?

leon — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:51:37 -0000

Hmmm...

Sunny you make a couple of rather big assumptions here. One that he's scared, this might be just common sense. Why would anyone want to be interviewed by someone who could be that hostile?

Two, that he's going around with this stuff. You've just described hearsay, freely admitting it might not be true then used that as a the basis for the notion it might have happened more than once.

This leads me back to...your frankly odd compulsion to waste energy on such a busted flush, politically in terms of Euston, lefty neo cons etc, as Cohen.

We've won, they lost. Let's move on and do something constructive with our time eh? ;)

Re: My article on the BNP today

leon — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:53:34 -0000

It's on the front page of the Guardian website, well done Mr H for a very decent piece!

Re: Andrew Brons: the BNP’s other MEP

leon — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:05:46 -0000

In my view the BNP gets let off too easily as a result of this concentration on their racism. They have other, equally sinister policies that their ability to limit the area of debate helps them keep under wraps.

That's a fair point. Perhaps if we achieve success with this campaign, we can contact various campaign groups in those equalities strands and suggest they use the model?

Re: What If Allah Had Facebook?‏

leon — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 12:03:30 -0000

What would you ask if you had just one question

Why lord did you subject us to Britney Spears?

Re: What If Allah Had Facebook?‏

leon — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 10:07:32 -0000

I am not alone in finding the idea of this fan page more than a little disrespectful.

Can you really disrespect something that doesn't exist?

Re: David Cameron doesn’t know how many houses he owns

leon — Thu, 28 May 2009 10:53:12 -0000

Heh given you were a McCain supporter (another rightwinger who couldn't remember how many houses he had) it's no surprise you're excusing him! :P

Re: Taliban blamed for Lahore attack

leon — Thu, 28 May 2009 05:31:29 -0000

I hope that Pakistanis quickly realised the true nature of the Taliban,

You think they will while they keep having their friends and family killed by US predator attacks?

Re: Birmingham Tory Councillor in hot water over ‘endorsement’

leon — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:00:12 -0000

i heard labour were trying to poach salma sometime back, like she’d ever switch like some of them other spinless london ex-respect councillors!!

Yeah that's been a rumour for a while, I heard once there were supposed secret talks between Labour and her locally and she'd basically said she'd only defect if they gave her a safe Parliamentary seat to win...but then you never know, these rumours could be just started by other parties to undermine her/respect and/or get them and Labour fighting...

Re: Birmingham Tory Councillor in hot water over ‘endorsement’

leon — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:47:31 -0000

birmingham and soas.

Haha very true! :D

Re: Supreme court nominations & identity politics battle

leon — Wed, 27 May 2009 06:58:59 -0000

It’s like the West Wing and Supreme Court Justice Bill Adama, I mean, Roberto Mendoza..

Heh that was my first thought too. :D

Re: Do BBC journos have a right to lecture MPs?

leon — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:18:55 -0000

It also turns out her co-presenter earns nearly a 100,000 more than her a year! nearly 200k! The BBC pays its people far too much.

Oh dear, I bet there's been some 'interesting' discussions off camera about that...

Re: Do BBC journos have a right to lecture MPs?

leon — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:17:56 -0000

That’s absolutely correct. Except for the really senior hospital consultants & surgeons, it’s only GPs who earn £80k+, and that’s only when they reach a certain level of seniority in the practice they’ve joined (if they work with one or more other doctors in the GP partnership).

Which doesn’t mean the rest of them are stuck on £20k, of course, but junior doctors in particular and even hospital doctors in the early years of their stint as consultants don’t actually earn anywhere near as much as one might think, especially compared to doctors in “private practice” (ie. non-NHS) and most of all compared to various parts of the private sector in the business world.

Many f1's are on about 24k which is shit if you think they've done 6 years study, accrued about 30-40ks worth of debt and doing an important job...

Re: Do BBC journos have a right to lecture MPs?

leon — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:24:06 -0000

Doctors earn ~£80,000 a year and upwards.

I don't know what kind of Doctors you earn but I can tell you as fact that they don't all earn that!

Re: Do BBC journos have a right to lecture MPs?

leon — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:22:53 -0000

It suggests that no one should be in a position to publicly criticise the MPs. Its giving them a carte blanche. I do not feel inclined to engage in the argument about BBC salaries (although I have strong feelings there too).

Indeed, I actually thought it was quite gutsy of her to fess up on how much she was earning. Her point about not making personal calls at the expense of the BBC was also good.

Re: Quilliam statement on Avigdor Lieberman

leon — Wed, 13 May 2009 16:42:52 -0000

I am actually beginning to admire your fairness. You expose Islamists, but you’ve also got the balls to take on Israel’s extremists too.

Brave move really, putting the organisation between a rock and a hard place like that.

Re: Quilliam statement on Avigdor Lieberman

leon — Wed, 13 May 2009 11:01:39 -0000

Indeed. The QF have gone up in my estimation.

Re: The empire will save us from terrorism!

leon — Tue, 12 May 2009 05:41:32 -0000

No, it was often middle class people in trains or people on buses, in the street, all over India.

I guess that makes sense, the higher classes have the most to gain from an occupation...

Re: Think Again, Vote Green

leon — Fri, 15 May 2009 08:25:42 -0000

The Green Party is still full of nutjobs

Would you say the party has a higher proportion of oddballs than the BNP, or UKIP or the three main parties?

Re: Think Again, Vote Green

leon — Tue, 12 May 2009 05:47:32 -0000

It's an excellent video that shoves a stake through the popular prejudices the Green Party are subjected to. It's well made, very watchable and has a great strap: Think Again.

It shows the party are serious (finally!) about power and what they can use it for.

Re: Mixing at the BBC Asian Network

leon — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:05:47 -0000

This thread is so absurd I’m struggling to understand what its point is.

Yep.

Amrit, you're talking about this in a vacuum, in the real world things are quite different. It's a shame you can't see that, I have you wrong it appears.

Re: Mixing at the BBC Asian Network

leon — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:54:41 -0000

It’s alright for the guys, eh?

You know damn well that's not what I'm saying.

As for your other comment, you telling me you don't know how power works? How majorities marginalise and in some case oppress minorities. What kind of naive fucking world do you live in??

Re: Mixing at the BBC Asian Network

leon — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:44:48 -0000

given that 10% of all married Asians had a spouse from a different ethnic group,

What's your source for this?

Some Asians are racist. Just as some white people are racist. As are people of all ethnic groups. I don’t really see what is so wrong about complaining about this.

Not all racists are equal though given we live in a white majority country...

Re: Shock poll finds Muslims patriotic and homophobic

leon — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:43:39 -0000

I’d like to see similar surveys conducted for Christians, Jews, Hindus and Sikhs

Me too, it'd give this poll some proper context.

Re: Richard the Lionheart (part II)

leon — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:07:54 -0000

Wow. Just WOW. That picture. Wow...

He's nuts.

Re: Govt unveils ‘banned list’ of nasty people

leon — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:17:50 -0000

I’m not sure how Phelps’s: ‘god hates fags’ is inciting violence though.

Because some religious nut will see this as an order to go kill some gay people?

Re: The anti-jihadi alliance crumbles – article

leon — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:57:39 -0000

and i’m not even having the discussion about the discussion. i’m discussing the fact that we’re discussing the discussion about the discussion.

Please stop, my head hurts. :(

Re: The anti-jihadi alliance crumbles – article

leon — Tue, 05 May 2009 07:22:35 -0000

Jihad means struggle, people apply much more on top of that to suit their own agendas. Simple really.

Re: The anti-jihadi alliance crumbles – article

leon — Tue, 05 May 2009 05:24:23 -0000

You clearly don’t know your way around Wikipedia.

I do in fact I only posted that as saying 'I've known plenty of Muslims of different types' isn't good enough as a back up for what is claimed.

Re: The anti-jihadi alliance crumbles – article

leon — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:58:51 -0000

How does opposition to islam, constitute racism? Islam isn’t a race, it’s a belief system.

It doesn't automatically follow but in this country something like 70% of Muslims are of Asian origin. For some people and certain groups (like the far right) 'opposing Islam' is a thinly veiled attempt at justifying racism against non white people.

Re: The anti-jihadi alliance crumbles – article

leon — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:57:06 -0000

I’m anti-jihadist, or any other Holy War.

You do know that Jihad doesn't mean holy war right? It means struggle; it can be applied and interpreted in all manner of contexts. In fact you can reasonably argue that Christian customs like Lent is a Jihad.

Before we start proclaiming opposition to something perhaps it's best we agree upon what it actually is.

More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jihad

I would say I'm anti imposing (by imposing I mean imposing on others) dogmatic or fundamentalist interpretations of religious texts. Peaceful non imposing religious observance makes no difference to me and is thus tolerable as an Atheist.

Re: Geert Wilders slammed for “hatred”

leon — Mon, 04 May 2009 12:34:36 -0000

?

What I said innit, tactical warfare. Slate Muslims, they rise to it, Christians then feel marginalised. Soon enough they'll be at each others throats and Atheists can point and laugh.

This was a jokey off the cuff remark btw not a tactic I endorse...

Re: Geert Wilders slammed for “hatred”

leon — Sun, 03 May 2009 20:52:50 -0000

Katy's comment #43 is without doubt one of the best thing I've read on PP lately. More please.

Re: Geert Wilders slammed for “hatred”

leon — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:34:02 -0000

Funnily enough, I and Lord Parekh both have noticed that it’s increasingly atheists and agnostics peddling Islamophobia. Why? I’d say, presumably as a means to discredit all religion and/or because they are still tied to Christian culture but can’t admit it to themselves.

Nope, it's because then they have to defend themselves which puts the shits into the Christians who will have to retaliate. Causing conflict between religons means Atheists win. :P

Re: Islam Channel: Islamist TV Evangelism

leon — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:47:18 -0000

Play nice please, there are real issues to be discussed here and throwing infantile remarks about isn't helpful.

Re: Where is the outrage over Sri Lanka?

leon — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:59:43 -0000

But I agree with all those saying that the PP/HP thing is boring as hell to those of us for who don’t particularly care what the commenters on HP have to say.

Boring doesn't even begin to describe it now. I'm actually on the verge of tying Sunny to a chair and beating him until he swears on his Mothers life he wont utter another word on the subject.

....

Man I need a drink...

Re: Where is the outrage over Sri Lanka?

leon — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:16:05 -0000

Of course not but you know couldn't help point out the obvious in all this absurdity...

Re: Where is the outrage over Sri Lanka?

leon — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:05:32 -0000

5000 dead and all the Picklers can talk about is Sunny giving Dave T a good fucking...

Re: Where is the outrage over Sri Lanka?

leon — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:54:26 -0000

I'm nodding off with all this nodding...

I just wonder why people don’t feel the same about human rights abuses generally.

It's a good question although I feel outrage fatigue and focus (focus meaning limited time and energy) have a lot to do with it...

Re: Where is the outrage over Sri Lanka?

leon — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:55:33 -0000

Beyond Irony. Hmm, might make a good blog name that.

Re: Gurkhas betrayed once again

leon — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:23:13 -0000

For me, the issue seems quite simple. If you sign up to the British armed forces, then you are willing to risk death to protect me and those I love. In my view, you can come and live here for as long as you want.

Totally and utterly agree. This is a fucking shameful way to treat these people.

Re: Budget open thread

leon — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:43:15 -0000

50% on the top rate for those earning over 150k a year seems to be big one...not sure how much money that will actually raise but I reckon there's a fair number of lefties popping champagne over it.

Re: Homosexuality in Sikhism

leon — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:24:13 -0000

I thought Sikhism was more enlightened than this.

All religions are subject to human prejudice...that said Sikhism is one of two religions I'd be drawn to if I believe in the existence of God etc...

Re: Republicans attack Prince Charles

leon — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:25:24 -0000

combine to make me a monarchist.

I'm not sure monarchism and libertarianism are actually compatible...

Re: Republicans attack Prince Charles

leon — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:19:32 -0000

but a lot of money that goes to the royals is spent on buildings, which are major tourist attractions.

If they are those tourists would have no problem paying for their upkeep. Why should the British tax payer be lumped with this bill?

Re: Republicans attack Prince Charles

leon — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:07:04 -0000

Therefore, the debate ultimately boils down to little more than personal preference.

And the amount of money they use.

Re: Picklers meetup tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon

leon — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:06:29 -0000

You mean people who agree with your political views.

The biggest shock you'd have is we are all very nice human beings. Imagine that...

Re: Will the BBC bow down to anti-Muslim bigotry?

leon — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:12:52 -0000

And please let’s not get into a wrangle about whether this country is a Christian nation - It is and it isn’t.

Indeed it is for those that are Christian and isn't for those that aren't. We only get trouble if either group(s) try to impose their view on the other.

You have to feel sorry for the papers. They’re a dying breed, and this is the last way they can make a few bucks.

Papers were producing this type of idiocy long before the internet etc...

Re: Mark Thomas says vote Green!

leon — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:00:17 -0000

In addition I'd urge people to check out his podcast series on the economy, very interesting listening!

http://www.markthomasinfo.com/section_audiovideo/

Re: Mark Thomas says vote Green!

leon — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:58:58 -0000

I've never known anyone to cheer MT and sneer BGT...MT makes a lot of sense and is a much needed voice on the left in this country.

I'm not one of these people that says you have to be dirt poor to have socialist views, it's what you do with your time and the effect you have that matters more than how many bedrooms your house has.

Seriously, who doesn't want a better life for themselves and their loved ones?

Re: Mark Thomas says vote Green!

leon — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:01:33 -0000

Before I make up my own mind I think I will also need to check what Harry Hill, Ronnie Corbett and Alan Carr are telling me to do.

That's such a bizarre reaction!

Mark aint giving anybody orders and as I said as a political activist (and highly respected and effective one I might add) his words carry a little bit more weight than other comedians...

Re: Is Shami Chakrabarti tipped to replace Trevor?

leon — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:44:35 -0000

Why would it be true equality only if led by a white person?

Re: Is Shami Chakrabarti tipped to replace Trevor?

leon — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:08:58 -0000

feck it, i’ll do the job meself

You got my vote, brother. ;)

Re: Is Shami Chakrabarti tipped to replace Trevor?

leon — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:08:23 -0000

Zaffer, I didn't say it was just that it's looking like one at the moment. From the outside it looks like a mess and the fact the Trevor Phillips has gone to ground and not come out fighting makes it all the worse...

Re: Is Shami Chakrabarti tipped to replace Trevor?

leon — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:27:00 -0000

Shami probably would be the most popular replacement but I seriously doubt she'd take it. The EHRC is looking like a poisoned chalice at the moment...

Re: The ‘expose’ – from embarrassing to downright stupid

leon — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:02:38 -0000

And so the tedious blog war with HP continues...yawn.

Re: Taliban code of conduct book issued

leon — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:44:57 -0000

A third possibility could be that this is simply war time propaganda?

Re: House of Saud and British immigration policy

leon — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:13:49 -0000

Yes, the intelligence they provide is undoubtedly valuable

Yeah they did a great job in stopping September 11...

Re: Harry’s Place in selective hysteria shocker

leon — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 13:26:16 -0000

If my 15 year old opinions were widely known I'd probably be arrested under anti terrorism laws...

Re: Harry’s Place in selective hysteria shocker

leon — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:36:13 -0000

Indeed. Please stop it or it will be a case of deleting shitty comments left right and centre.

Re: Harry’s Place in selective hysteria shocker

leon — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:05:08 -0000

Look – I don’t really care whether people get bored of my writings or not, or want to elevate this into a ‘blog war’.

I’m not having a blog war with anyone. I point out what I think needs to be pointed out on occasion when I feel like it. Please don’t read too much into it.

Sorry mate but that's horseshit, by your very own words you've indicated clearly you had an agenda of constantly attacking HP.

This is a blog war because you've made it that way, it'd be easy to believe what you wrote above had this been a rare or irregular type of posting but it isn't.

Re: Harry’s Place in selective hysteria shocker

leon — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:11:57 -0000

If DaveT had to live with the fall out of what his blog does then he wouldn’t do it.

What, he should get a smack in the mouth every time he says something we don't like, is that it?

You know the guy aint the fucking devil (he's actually very nice in person)?? I must say I'm way past bored of Sunny's insistence at continuing this futile blog 'war' with HP. Seriously, I really can't see any value in it at all...

Re: Harry’s Place in selective hysteria shocker

leon — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:55:31 -0000

What blog or media outlet isn't selective? What blog or media outlet doesn't have a bias? What blog or media outlet doesn't have a political agenda?

Re: Trevor Phillips: unable to take people with him

leon — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:59:29 -0000

You don't half talk some shite, as for mentally ill I think that label applies more to you than anyone else.

Re: There’s no faith left in Trevor Phillips any more

leon — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:01:50 -0000

Good point although it's not like there wasn't criticism of the single equalities agenda which led to the consolidation of equality strands into the EHRC...

Re: There’s no faith left in Trevor Phillips any more

leon — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:41:44 -0000

True say Zaffer but that's how political smears work isn't it? People conveniently forget the actual situation in favour of a perception that suits their agenda...

Re: There’s no faith left in Trevor Phillips any more

leon — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:31:03 -0000

Bit late now for this isn't it Sunny? He's already been re-appointed for another three years and I really can't see him going anywhere. People can resign all they like but all that will do is give him the opportunity to bring in some new talent!

A more pertinent question though would be, who exactly do you think should be running the EHRC and what should their vision be?

Re: The CSC’s BNP report is a farce

leon — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:19:44 -0000

In fact I think Pickled Politics/eGov did a better job in attacking the BNP with our 85 questions directed at the BNP.

It's not a competition mate. There are no anti fascist league tables for us to climb. We're all pulling broadly in the same direction with regards to the BNP.

I'm no fan of Douglas Murray but have met people from CSC and they're decent folk with integrity and a genuine interest in making Britain a better place. I'm more than happy for every org and activist to go at the BNP with whatever resources they have available.

I'm not going to sit there getting bogged down in distractions like tactics. You've read Alinsky, don't you remember what he said about building coalitions and the focus on objectives not means?

As in war the same in politics at times: the enemy of my enemy is my friend. I'm more than happy to link arms with Harry's Place, CSC, The Spittoon and friends here at PP against the BNP.

It's called pragmatism, I thought you of all people understood the concept?

Re: The BNP on the internet

leon — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:07:59 -0000

I don’t agree with everything Edmund Standing says. But it doesn’t mean that this isn’t a useful report, for the reasons outlined above. It is perfectly reasonable to disagree with people on certain issues, then agree with them on others- how do you think political parties are formed?

I can't see why that's not considered a reasonable view. I share it...the point is the more orgs/people expose the BNP the better. We may not all agree 100% time or on tactics but we all want broadly the same outcome.

Re: The case for staying in Afghanistan

leon — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:20:39 -0000

Shamit, easy on the calling people a stupid idiot. Anon's post contained no such attack on you.

Re: The case for staying in Afghanistan

leon — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:11:22 -0000

In the long term, trying to stabilise Afghanistan is way more humanitarian than leaving the place as it is.

Same was said about Iraq. Doesn't matter how many people are killed or which global powers' corporations reap the benefit then..?

Re: The case for staying in Afghanistan

leon — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:55:57 -0000

Lol PP the pro war blog...so much for liberal humanitarianism.

Re: Banning our resident racist scum?

leon — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:18:46 -0000

freedom of speech is freedom of speech.

Banning them from here wouldn't curtail their fos. They have the whole Internet to use to make themselves heard...

Re: Proof the BNP are scum

leon — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:24:38 -0000

It’s very noticeable that the BNP leadership (and their more vocal supporters) do seem to have a particular — and peculiar — unhealthy obsession with “Africans”.

It's because they're in denial about our shared ancestry; go back far enough and we're all African.

Re: Proof the BNP are scum

leon — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:59:40 -0000

What the hell does 'Africanising Britain' even mean?? Why don't those who want a racially pure Britain fuck off to the Isle White or something..? :P

Re: Proof the BNP are scum

leon — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:35:39 -0000

I'm humouring them Doug because clearly their attempts at spinning this on behalf of Griffin is bullshit. I figure one way to expose their inhumanity is to express my humanity.

The point is clear for all to see the BNP are scum; Nick Griffin has provided yet more conclusive proof of that fact.

Re: Proof the BNP are scum

leon — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:54:55 -0000

He didn’t advocate killing anyone.

He did, he can't prove who can swim or not, thus people will die. Also, you can't sink a boat without either ramming it or firing some form of weapon at it. Being under fire on a boat would cause panic and thus people would die. When the boat sinks it's be a massive mess of debris floating about, fire etc, screaming people, children crying and people drowning. Throwing a life raft into that is not a humanitarian response.

What ever way people such as yourself spin it Griffin is advocating murdering innocent civilians.

Re: Proof the BNP are scum

leon — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:04:36 -0000

Henry, it is clear that there's no way that you can tell if someone can swim let alone what sea conditions would be like. Thus Griffin's policy, if enacted, would result in many deaths of innocent civilians.

This is the true face of the BNP. They are vile. They are scum.

Re: Even the other racists won’t play with them

leon — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 05:36:53 -0000

Speaks volumes really, BNP are the lowest of the low.

Re: Riz MC: Sour Times

leon — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 05:20:26 -0000

Good vid, a few familiar faces in there including the excellent Scroobius Pip. :D

Re: These ‘babes’ are for the BNP

leon — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:58:52 -0000

i can’t stop laughing

Me too. :D

Re: BNP activists are the new whiners and scroungers

leon — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:39:40 -0000

Woops! Accidentaly deleted the first post by that idiot. Ah well...no harm no foul.

Re: Green Thursday

leon — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:41:16 -0000

Come along to the Iran one, they nip onto the tube to the Vote for a Change! ;)

Re: Immigrants don’t jump the housing queue

leon — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:59:34 -0000

The term jumping the queue is a nonsense, housing is allocated on need (there's a point system in place), you can't 'jump it', you get housing because you deserve it based on your circumstance.

Well, at least that's the theory, it may not be perfect (what is?) but the real issue here is the policy of selling off housing stock thus increasing the waiting list and sharpening the views of those who aren't as vulnerable.

Re: Will Douglas Murray now condemn Bishop Nazir-Ali?

leon — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:49:04 -0000

However there are Official PP Contributors who resort to personal attacks and you need to also warn them.

Sorry but I wont be taking orders on how to moderate PP from the likes of you.

Re: Will Douglas Murray now condemn Bishop Nazir-Ali?

leon — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:16:08 -0000

BB was responding to provocation which is different in my book.

Re: Will Douglas Murray now condemn Bishop Nazir-Ali?

leon — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:23:32 -0000

banana brain, you bearded inbred, you seem a little inconsitent here.

You can make your point without resorting to personal attacks like that. Please desist.

Re: 100,000 signatures wanted for anti-BNP campaign

leon — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:13:16 -0000

I DO. *raises sword in threatening manner*

Re: Israeli military attacks humanitarian boat

leon — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:54:05 -0000

You were shit stirring, the matter was resolved but you chose to tell me to stop implying nothing happened, which I clearly wasn't doing.

Re: Israeli military attacks humanitarian boat

leon — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:41:22 -0000

In short Israel didn’t need to do this so stop trying to imply nothing happened.

I didn't imply nothing happened, I was concerned with the apparent tabloid style headline of the post. All cleared up 15 minutes before your post so quit your shit stirring.

Re: Israeli military attacks humanitarian boat

leon — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:40:04 -0000

They rammed the boat and damaged it.

Oh right, didn't read that bit.

Re: Israeli military attacks humanitarian boat

leon — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:51:58 -0000

Um, how is boarding a ship an attack? Sunny, seriously when you say attack it gives the impression the Israeli's shot missiles or gunfire at the boat...

Re: Taking on the BNP’s arguments (at City Circle)

leon — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Freedom fighters man! Seriously, I was just having a bit of Atheistic fun at your experience, don't take it to mean anything malicious.

Re: Taking on the BNP’s arguments (at City Circle)

leon — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:24:36 -0000

So you are saying Islam is slavery?

Sorry couldn't resist. :D I was implying that all religion is slavery...

Re: Taking on the BNP’s arguments (at City Circle)

leon — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:42:28 -0000

What is a Muslim without Islam?

Free.

Re: Obama finally takes stance on Honduras coup

leon — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:45:49 -0000

Shamit, I think you'll find history provides ample reason to be tempted to believe this was a US 'inspired' coup...

Re: Another white terrorist against ‘non-British’ caught

leon — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:56:32 -0000

Skipping over your great showdown on Friday? Your many ‘fans’ in the audience will be disappointed…

You care to try and stay somewhere in region of the topic at hand? There's already a thread for discussing that event.

Re: Michael Jackson: It don’t matter if you’re black or white, he said

leon — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:54:16 -0000

I knew someone was gonna say that!

Couldn't resist playing the Tory 'all Liberals want to ban everything' stereotype. :D

Re: Michael Jackson: It don’t matter if you’re black or white, he said

leon — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:17:16 -0000

Interesting, though, like the sadness with the passing of Lady Diana – except this is bigger for many people around the globe.

Comparison would be a good article ..

I agree it's bigger than her passing, also agree it's about as meaningful...

Re: Michael Jackson: It don’t matter if you’re black or white, he said

leon — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:16:17 -0000

Even the words ‘community’ or ‘communities’ should be banned.

Banned by whom? And enforced how?

Re: Going to atheist camp

leon — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:47:03 -0000

Note to the ranters: Dawkins is not the Pope of Atheism. It is neither organized not a religion.

Get a grip mate, nobody's ranting. You can't deny the guy loves publicity and always jumps at the chance to push Atheism (for the record, I'm an Atheist) when ever he can. By default he's making it look like an organised movement whether he likes it or not...

Re: Going to atheist camp

leon — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:33:22 -0000

Really don't know what to make of this. I can see plus sides and negatives in almost equal measure.

Must say I'm getting a little bored of Richard Dawkins being a 'leading light' amongst Atheists...

Re: The big showdown is tonight

leon — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:45:14 -0000

Yeah, report Mr Hundal!

Re: Comment ‘edit’ facility

leon — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:00:34 -0000

One thing I've noticed is when you click on a name in recent comments instead of taking you to the comment it bounces right back to the top of the post.

Re: Mark Thomas says vote Green!

leon — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:22:44 -0000

Mark Thomas is a comedian and political activist. He's campaigned tirelessly for years on issues that matter. I'd hardly think it's fair to compare him to the likes of Britney Spears of bloody Bono...

Re: What binds Brits together

leon — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:05:46 -0000

I know Muslims who come to the pub but drink juice, the pub is a most excellent invention. :D

Re: Event: What do Britons have in common?

leon — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:17:32 -0000

I'd say sense of humour. We've the best in the world.

Re: Rightwing sense of self-importance reaches epic levels

leon — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:22:55 -0000

I wouldn't worry about Hannan, he'll be slapped down once the European elections are out of the way.

As for the net being left or right, well that's a bit of a joke from where I sit. It's like saying oil is left or rightwing. It's not it is, it's what you make of it.

Re: Easter Greetings

leon — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:18:16 -0000

Happy Easter ya God bothering people ya!

*whistles 'Always look on the bright side of life'* :D

Re: Should first cousin marriages be outlawed?

leon — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:34:39 -0000

That’s like asking how should one advertise awareness of domestic violence without giving huge ammo to women who think men are all pigs

That doesn't track but anyway, there's a difference with the issue. DV is something that happens across all cultures/communities. I reckon if you broke it down you couldn't say the same for people marrying their first cousins. No amount of royals will have any significant impact on the numbers...

How it's handled is key to stopping it (if that is your wish).

Re: Should first cousin marriages be outlawed?

leon — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:54:21 -0000

Bit of a double edged blade though isn't it?

How do you advertise that this isn't necessary the best practice for a healthy society without giving huge amounts of ammo to people who hate Pakistani/Asian/Muslim people?

Re: Should first cousin marriages be outlawed?

leon — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:04:22 -0000

So you can marry your 1st cousin but not a brother or sister?

Re: Should first cousin marriages be outlawed?

leon — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 10:54:12 -0000

Is marrying first cousins legal in the UK?

Re: Islam’s first secular scholar

leon — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:05:06 -0000

First piece in the Guardian, congrats mate!

Re: Let’s Have an Open Thread!

leon — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:55:32 -0000

It's true, the Pickled massive is meeting and even I will be there, as ordered by Emperor Hundal. :D

Re: Let’s Have an Open Thread!

leon — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:07:08 -0000

Could we please have one designated day of the week - say Saturday.

We used to do them every weekend but kinda slipped...glad it's back though!

Re: Let’s Have an Open Thread!

leon — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:08:55 -0000

I've been lazying around watching series 7 of the West Wing. Man I love four day weekends! :D

Re: I’m in this video!

leon — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:42:36 -0000

Haha great video, I love seeing this kind of enthusiasm!

Re: Confusion over the liberal-left and Islamism

leon — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:52:52 -0000

It's good the wider context has been detailed here (particulary because it includes your history Sunny) but I wonder, where is this going? What's the aim other than to engage in a bit of easy blog pwnage?

Re: Happy Passover

leon — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:31:27 -0000

So, um where are these donuts?

Re: Happy Passover

leon — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:54:21 -0000

@ The Common Humanist, that's for another thread. This is a celebration thread.

Re: Happy Passover

leon — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:53:45 -0000

Happy Passover! :D

Re: Video reveals G20 police assault on man who died

leon — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:08:07 -0000

Ignore LFAT the guy is an idiot.

Re: Video reveals G20 police assault on man who died

leon — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 06:10:55 -0000

Why are people so prone to believing the make-believe official version of events? Shame on them for being so weak, and those whose callousness caused this death.

Because of the reach and power of the mass media and those in the political class that are complicit. The reason why social media is important is it democratises documenting and distribution of events/information.

If the mainstream aren't doing a good enough job it's up to the rest of us to make up the difference.

Re: So where were the Muslims?

leon — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:51:15 -0000

Muslims and BME people generally aren’t so far removed from mainstream society that they don’t hear about such events.

LOL! If you really think the there's this interconnected movement of activists all intertwined with 'mainstream society' you really...well...let's just say that if you do think that it's rather amusing from where I sit!

Heh @ Dave Bones, nah it couldn't be that. Much better to blame 1.6 million Muslims for not reaching the 'Hundal Standard On Political Activism'! :D

Re: So where were the Muslims?

leon — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:41:58 -0000

But when an opportunity comes up for them to build links with mainstream civil liberties organisations, to see what debates are taking place and how they can get involved - they’re nowhere to be seen. Frankly, its rather disgraceful and lame.

What Muslim groups did you have mind?

Besides that, it's a very good question but it might have simple answers like how much the groups behind the CoML are connected to any Muslim groups. How the promotion for the CoML was undertaken (I never received info from anyone I know involved in various BME groups)? Was it advertised or promoted on any websites 'brown' people tend to visit?

Typically, when I do an event and it doesn't reach a group of people I think should be there I first ask myself what did I do (or didn't do) to reach out before blaming them for lack of interest.

Re: Forced marriages event in Wales

leon — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 06:53:39 -0000

Code words encouraging marriage outside ones community? If so, bit Imperialistic, no?

How on earth is that imperialist?? All people in this country should feel able to marry who the hell they want without some village elder mindset holding them back.

Re: Un-Cocooning

leon — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 06:43:58 -0000

Ok if Tim is seen as too sane enough, how about Peter Hitchens?

Re: Un-Cocooning

leon — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 11:51:35 -0000

Oh yeah Shariq, what happened to the idea of using the live blog software to interview people (I seem to remember author interviews being one idea?)?

Re: Un-Cocooning

leon — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 11:49:54 -0000

Nope talking about you. The others wouldn't actually engage in any meaningful sense, where as I believe you would.

Re: Un-Cocooning

leon — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:30:51 -0000

Tim Worstall the best of your suggestions; the guy has integrity, intelligence and from what I can see isn't dogmatic to the idiotic extreme like the others.

Re: The biggest leftwing budget in history

leon — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:02:54 -0000

I helped elect this man - that feels good.

*bows*

Thank you, Sunny, for giving us the world's first African-American president.

:D

Re: We’re on Twitter

leon — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:11:37 -0000

It's great, it's basically a short notification service. The beauty being you can update people on all manner of things and unlike FB it isn't a walled garden so everyone can see what you're saying.

It's good to cover live news events with, or alerting people to something, or commenting on something without having to write a full blog post.

Expect to see the PP Tweets making an appearance on the site here at some point too.

Re: What should happen when a paper apologizes

leon — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:11:13 -0000

*has a Family Guy flashback*

Re: What should happen when a paper apologizes

leon — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:46:50 -0000

I agree with something [I think] Unity said, the apology should have the same place and amount of space as the story that caused it. So if it's a big splash on the front page then that's where the apology should be....

Re: Is Bobby Jindal’s presidential bid over?

leon — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:49:09 -0000

I didn't say I believed that just that it's not totally insane to speculate on it. Like I said, you'd have to be mad (or a real political amateur) at this point to be dismissing Jindal or Palin and what they might end up doing in three years time.

Re: Is Bobby Jindal’s presidential bid over?

leon — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 10:04:12 -0000

That 2012 presidential bid looks over.

I wouldn't be so sure of that mate; a lot can change in the next few years. It isn't completely insane to wonder if we might see a Palin/Jindal ticket in 2012...

Re: Getting off lightly

leon — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:17:04 -0000

I'm sorry but he's not going to get away with you defending his language and tone on the basis that somehow how Sid was provocative.

Re: Getting off lightly

leon — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:51:48 -0000

Hang a second, Fug's language let alone tone are unacceptable, let's not act like somehow he's a little child that knows not what he's done...

Re: Getting off lightly

leon — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:36:01 -0000

Heh heh.

Re: Getting off lightly

leon — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:26:38 -0000

Fug, any more of that shit and you're posts wont survive the hour.

The Government is currently preparing legislation which will ‘un-enoble’ any member of the House of Lords who goes, or has been, in prison having been found guilty.

Didn't know that, sounds like great news. All we have to do now is catch them all out for cash for access and we'll have HoL reform almost overnight! :D

Re: Peter Hitchens stakes his claim

leon — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:56:40 -0000

Don't think much of his drink soaked popinjay brother however...

Re: Peter Hitchens stakes his claim

leon — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:28:27 -0000

I actually really like Peter Hitchens, he's my favourite bona fide rightwinger. He's a pure joy to watch on things like Question Time, and while I disagree with pretty much EVERYthing he says I respect his integrity in standing by his views.

Re: More criticism for Preventing Violent Extremism

leon — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:21:54 -0000

(disclosure: I’ve also been part of a project myself)

Which one?

Re: From Julie Burchill to Christian Evangelism to the BNP

leon — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 06:28:18 -0000

I’m a Christian Zionist, as well as a Christian feminist and a Christian socialist.

Really don't know where to begin with that...

Re: Exclusive memo: Home Office denies spying on Muslims

leon — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:15:48 -0000

his name is really Rimmer?

I had a 'Red Dwarf moment' upon reading his name...

Re: In today’s Guardian – religion & violence

leon — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:25:17 -0000

Yeah, but that nicely excludes Hitler and Stalin

Ah yes that old and very tired conflation...

Re: In today’s Guardian – religion & violence

leon — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:05:35 -0000

From your piece:

It is a common refrain among atheists and agnostics that religion is a source of violence and that eradicating it would go some way in easing the world's conflicts.

Er it is? I don't know what you mean by 'common' (or in fact what data you're basing this assertion on) but in my experience it isn't that common. What's more common amongst us (and I use the word 'us' with caution) is a 'we don't care about faith, and only do when the doctrinaire/religious groups try to impose their beliefs on us' kinda attitude...

What is common is that when a group think they are 'right' (Orwell wrote some good stuff on the idea that believing you're right often leads to a bully mentality) with no doubt or external constraint they will at some point turn to violence to get their way. This happens in all societies, whether religion or a staunch lack of it exists, at some point.

Re: Civitas endorses mind control over Muslims

leon — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:23:12 -0000

Cast them adrift I say.

I would shed no tear over their passing...

Re: Civitas endorses mind control over Muslims

leon — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:54:57 -0000

You know Sunny there's only so far you can take your current war with HP before continuing to link to them as a 'Comrade' will start to look a little...odd.

Re: Lost Decades?

leon — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:50:43 -0000

My question is whether it is rational for each economist to grab a gun and shoot the other one as fast as possible?

They'd have to be pretty fucking dumb if they did, don't they know they're on an island, surrounded by water, which will in all likelihood have fish?

Re: The Wit and Wisdom of Abu Qatada

leon — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 11:00:18 -0000

… why you started this new ‘drinking buddy’ theme, to portray one of our regulars as a bad Muslim, yada yada yada does not speak for Muslims.

Indeed, I was thinking it's that or an attempt to cast friendships as some kind of secret conspiracy...

Btw, I'm not getting into a cynical exercise in 'debate' over PP moderation. The agenda at work is too plain to see.

Unsurprisingly, Muslim regulars are always welcome at our meetups. Since I started going to the gatherings, we have only met once in a pub. At least one Muslim broke their Ramadan fast with us. Given the amount of time we spend holding anti-Muslim stories and groups to account, I do rather resent the implication that we are some cosy anti-Muslim gang.

Very well said. But the point about pubs is a non starter, who cares where we meet, people are free to drink and eat what they like...the point is we are a varied bunch and enjoy each others company. And are not interested in the tribalistic cynicism of people like Ashik.

Re: The Wit and Wisdom of Abu Qatada

leon — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 17:34:17 -0000

I called you a fucktard because you're acting like one.

The problem with PP

There's no problem with PP other than idiots like you who are determined to just attack people.

PP people, both writers and readers, meet up often and have all manner of relationships which are highly valued but it doesn't determine moderation policy.

PP is a community and the community will be defended by fucktards such as yourself purposely mis-representing or attacking it or it's constituent parts.

Re: The Wit and Wisdom of Abu Qatada

leon — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:30:03 -0000

I've deleted the bullshit and responses to the bullshit by Ashik, PP isn't a playground for fucktards to attack people in.

Re: The Wit and Wisdom of Abu Qatada

leon — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 11:32:09 -0000

Right, I'm bored of this now. Blah, your tedious stalking of Sid is off topic, consider any more of this crap a good candidate for deletion.

There's a topic at hand, argue that, stop with this whole 'trial by blog commentariat' shite and play the ball not the man.

Re: The Wit and Wisdom of Abu Qatada

leon — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:47:41 -0000

PP loses a lot of credibility because of Sid’s articles.

Does it fuck, his articles are of the highest quality and while I don't always agree I always enjoy them. Any way more to the fucking point: Sid's a real fucking dude!

Re: Will the recession lead to violence?

leon — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:00:57 -0000

I can see it too, more worryingly is the possibility people may turn to fascism as things gets worse.

I remember reading a couple years back that MI5 had started re-calibrating themselves to deal with political extremism born out of economic hardship so the state is expecting the same.

If we end up in a depression there's no telling how bad things could get; consider the level of anger possible, violent protest and add in the already draconian laws and you have a heady mix perfect for a full blown fascist government.

Re: Why I’m hardline on environmental issues

leon — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:19:51 -0000

A South Asian?

Sorry, I thought Sunny was British!

Can't he be both?

Re: Is it April Fools’ day already?

leon — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:56:12 -0000

War criminals have never had so good!

Re: Times article – Salman Rushdie

leon — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:21:21 -0000

The Salman Rushdie affair prompted all of us to examine what it means to be British.

It did? I don't quite remember it being covered like that at the time...

Re: Blame the crisis on promiscuous couples!

leon — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:58:05 -0000

Amusing given Tim is allegedly having it away with Nadine that he thinks this...and LOL at the quick and dutty blogging! :D

Re: New York Times does a hatchet job on M.I.A.

leon — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:48:33 -0000

Nah I got a friend who tried to get me to like her too.

Re: New York Times does a hatchet job on M.I.A.

leon — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:02:15 -0000

Being descended from a Tamil Tiger is different from being the son of a Black Panther, but it’s the same cricket field no?

Chuck D has talent. M.I.A. has little so no not the same 'cricket field.

Re: New York Times does a hatchet job on M.I.A.

leon — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 06:36:41 -0000

The asian Lily Allen?

Haha excellent comparison!

Re: Pickled Politics meetup in early September

leon — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:03:13 -0000

Yeah I really can't see Munir wanting to be there...might be fun if David T comes and Sunny and him can do a Newsnight style debate with me playing Jeremy Paxman. :D

Re: Pickled Politics meetup in early September

leon — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:04:11 -0000

Everyone is welcome.

Re: Does more immigration cause BNP support and racism?

leon — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 06:12:56 -0000

I just asked a question Leon. It’s your newly found friends from HP that are jumping all over the thread trying to find out what’s going on inside my head.

LOL @ 'newly found friends'! :D

Seriously though are you surprised? You're well known for sounding out people before revealing your thinking (usually that's no bad thing), but lately you're hell bent on boring us all to death with this blog war against HP...when did PP become 'HP Watch'?

Re: Does more immigration cause BNP support and racism?

leon — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:15:34 -0000

Oh man let this not be yet another bloody HP thread!

Re: Comment policy restated

leon — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:02:13 -0000

Anyway, this thread has served it's purpose and will not be used by idiots for their own disruptive agenda.

Re: Comment policy restated

leon — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:00:35 -0000

Can someone define the length of time between occasions, and also how often is doing something consistently?

No because what's happening here is the usual moderation policy trolling. Wankers like IK love to pick holes in every little thing done to try and pull things apart and cause arguments. That's why I'm not playing his stupid games.

We do our best on here, we don't ban often and we don't ban easily. We try to be fair as best we see it, we account for the longer view but we wont allow wankers to use our good intentions against us. Nor will be dictated to who we should and should not ban.

If you don't like that state of affairs there
are over 100 million other blogs you can fuck off too.

Re: Comment policy restated

leon — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:05:15 -0000

Sorry I ain't playing that game! You don't like the decisions we make there is a simple answer: fuck off.

Re: Comment policy restated

leon — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:23:06 -0000

The policy will be consistent as much us possible and by our criteria.

Re: Comment policy restated

leon — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 06:47:18 -0000

Yeah, bring back weekend threads. We need recipes and gardening tips and general frivolity. Katy and Clairwil, you had that really working, I miss it.

Yeah me too...

Re: Comment policy restated

leon — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:51:25 -0000

Imran Khan, and you think that simply condemning rather than meeting face to face will change anything?

Re: Comment policy restated

leon — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 06:51:10 -0000

I’ve a comment – why don’t you and the HPers actually meet face-to-face for a pow-wow before this Mehdi thing gets completely out of hand…?

I wouldn't take this pointless blog war so seriously. I met David T for the first time recently and got on well with him. We don't agree on a number of things but that doesn't mean we're gonna have a punch up in person! But on the broader point yes real world meets do tend to add contexts that aren't obvious on the net (it's one reason why we have semi regular PP meets)...

Regarding the comment policy and the new banning, as Rumbold said it isn't something we take lightly, we've discussed this as editors of this site in some detail. It's considered the best decision for the community that coalesces on this blog.

That's always been my view and the reason why I've no problem banning a commenter. If their behaviour has got to the point where they are disrupting the experience of the site for other people than they have to go. It's not censorship, as they have the whole Internet to make their noise on.

Re: Is Shami Chakrabarti tipped to replace Trevor?

leon — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:22:59 -0000

More on the EHRC and what it does here: http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/our-job/what...

And here's how they asses the impact: http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/our-job/our-...

What they lack is case studies or testimonials...

Re: Is Shami Chakrabarti tipped to replace Trevor?

leon — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:18:29 -0000

Can anyone justify the cost of a £70 million commission, when the money could be used for rape crisis centres, or social housing? What does the EHRC actually do that costs £70 million?

That's the issue, it's track record isn't clear. In fact it's come in for criticism for it's lack of bite over the years. I don't think it's fair to say these things are mutually exclusive however. 70 million is a drop in the ocean compared to other things the government spends our money on. How about a bit more scrutiny of the under writing we do for the arms industry (for e.g.)? Perhaps the tax payer value for money agenda should be a bit more comprehensive...

Zaffer, regarding Trevor vs Lee comparisons, I hear ya but Lee was an adviser that was used to undermine an elected figure. Trevor is the head of the EHRC and as such needs to be held more directly accountable. He should come out fighting, and soon because it's looking more and more that he's not going to survive this.

When you're back is against the wall the only option you have is to fight.

Re: Picklers meet-up this Sunday

leon — Wed, 27 May 2009 06:57:01 -0000

I won't be there. ;)

Re: Caste riots across Punjab amongst Sikhs

leon — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:21:17 -0000

The ironic thing is that many Sikhs would say Sunny himself isnt a Sikh since he doesnt have a beard or wear a turban

How many? What proportion of all Sikhs do you think view him this way?

Re: I’m Haroon Saad and I’m standing for European elections

leon — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:48:42 -0000

We Can Europe? Hmmmm sounds a bit like someone LOL catting an Obama slogan...

Re: 4 arrested in US terrorist plot

leon — Thu, 21 May 2009 05:57:25 -0000

Let’s see how this all enfolds.

I think that's the wisest comment possible at the moment on this.

Re: In praise of “military means”

leon — Thu, 21 May 2009 05:58:27 -0000

What Random Guy said.

Re: On the resignation of the Speaker

leon — Wed, 20 May 2009 06:08:28 -0000

Very true indeed.

Re: Is Newsquest lying about taking BNP money?

leon — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:00:48 -0000

Heh great bit of telephone journalism Sunny!:D

Re: What if … In a BNP Britain

leon — Fri, 15 May 2009 05:38:05 -0000

and offer generous cash payments to people who wish to return to their lands of ancestry.

So where do mixed race people go? I can trace my white family back well over several centuries in England.

The BNP doesn't seem to understand demographics. Take a look at the data on the number of mixed race people in this country (a huge number are under 16). We're going to be the biggest ethnic minority group within 30 years.

Re: New York Times does a hatchet job on M.I.A.

leon — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:28:00 -0000

Is it just me, or does every issue that gets a random celebrity tagged onto it immediately become less interesting?

It's not just you.

M.I.A. is a thoroughly boring and talentless music 'artist' in my opinion irrelevant of her views on SL or the Tamils...

Re: ‘No more blank check for Israel’

leon — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:25:29 -0000

Good move, not sure I see it having any effect but we can but hope the US with holds it's 'aid' to Israel until the occupation ends...

Re: Donal Blaney

leon — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:10:54 -0000

And what kind of fucking name is Donal? It's like Donald but not quite, it's a little more than we need on a Don. Bad mojo that...

Re: Donal Blaney

leon — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:35:37 -0000

Donal who?

Re: Israeli minister excuses more war crimes

leon — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 07:03:30 -0000

Whatever is happening to the people of Gaza is to an extent their own fault for electing Hams although how free and fair that was is open to discussion.

So they Israeli occupation and persecution in Gaza only began with Hamas being elected? You sure about that...?

Re: Universally Unacceptable

leon — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:27:15 -0000

British Jews are entitled to use their local gym without a soundtrack of foul-mouthed abuse,

British Jews and all other decent British folk. No one, Jew or non Jew, should have to see shit like that fucking idiot.

Re: Universally Unacceptable

leon — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:48:16 -0000

Yep, huge rise in traffic. Not all of it up to scratch.

Huge rise in traffic yes, a smattering of new comments as well. I'm sure it'll level off in time and the reasonable forces will re-assert themselves. Those worried they won't should take the long view.

Re: Universally Unacceptable

leon — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:16:13 -0000

Is that last sentence for the HP visitors or something?

Not wishing to speak on Sid's behalf I should point out that we've seen a HUGE rise in traffic in the last 5 weeks. With that comes new people, it's wise in that circumstance to re-iterate our basic stances.

Re: Universally Unacceptable

leon — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:41:03 -0000

Sounds, how do you say, unstable.

I did wonder but it doesn't excuse anything, how this fucker (and he is a fucker) got as far as he has with those kind of views is a bigger story imo.

Re: If the pro-war left is dead, what’s next?

leon — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:24:43 -0000

I'm not against war, I'm against illegal wars that aren't thought through or have clear objectives.

Re: If the pro-war left is dead, what’s next?

leon — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:37:22 -0000

Or were the American public stupid enough to believe Saddam was in cohoots with Bin Laden and about to give him WMDs?

Stupid probably isn't the right word. You have to realise the sheer amount of propaganda they were subjected to, and how they were susceptible to it given the Sept 11 attacks...

Re: If the pro-war left is dead, what’s next?

leon — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:35:43 -0000

Leon, were you pro Afghan war?

No.

Re: If the pro-war left is dead, what’s next?

leon — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:36:18 -0000

There was a world before “democracy” and there will be a world long after it too.

Yeah it's called the stone age and I have no wish to return to it.

Re: If the pro-war left is dead, what’s next?

leon — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:26:37 -0000

It is.

Re: If the pro-war left is dead, what’s next?

leon — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 19:55:40 -0000

Weird I thought I'd posted that I could post on here?!

Re: If the pro-war left is dead, what’s next?

leon — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 11:25:10 -0000

Tell me, do you think Hamas could make peace?

End the occupation: destroy all the settlements, withdraw to the 1967 borders, start respecting international law and Hamas' support will drain away.

Re: If the pro-war left is dead, what’s next?

leon — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 11:23:48 -0000

'Pro war left' is an oxymoronic term.

Re: Mind your language!

leon — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:06:48 -0000

Haha great editing!

Re: She might not be racist but she’s still vile

leon — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:48:18 -0000

Now the idiot Boris Johnson has waded in to say she shouldn’t have been fired.

Heh amusing.

Re: Tax Payers’ Alliance – helping the rich on your behalf

leon — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 06:40:53 -0000

Have any of the critics of corporate tax avoidance ever bought duty-free booze or cigarettes? It’s the same thing - tax avoidance.

Not quite the same scale though is it?

Re: Obama will talk to Hamas

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:15:27 -0000

Back channel communications is the way to go, in fact probably the only way to go from the outset for this situation. Establish the contacts, build trust, work out how the public stuff will work etc.

But yes this does raise a small hope we might see some difference with the new admin.

I'm not going to start 'praising' him just yet until we see how this pans out once he's sworn in. This could be a little test the water to see the response than a real disclosure of intentions...

Re: Morons attack Jews

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:03:06 -0000

Per post? Haha you're getting ripped; MI5 pay me £1 per word to keep you distracted from doing any meaningful political activity! :D

Re: Morons attack Jews

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:22:08 -0000

The same percentage as are working for Hamas’s publicity machine.

Amusing. I very much doubt anyone here is being paid to post stuff.

Re: Morons attack Jews

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:17:43 -0000

Don’t delate SE - he/she is just so entertainingly stupid. It has been ages since I have witnessed such witlessness.

I'm sorry but that's not how it works.

Re: Morons attack Jews

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:42:43 -0000

We are legion. ;)

Re: Morons attack Jews

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:20:42 -0000

You guys should look at #33 before posting. The eyes of the world are on you...

Re: Morons attack Jews

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:24:46 -0000

Nonono, there is no obligation on anyone to write anything.

It depends on what kind of obligation your talking. I think we do have some kind; we have a reason people come here and expectation or reputation we should preserve (and progress!).

We've seen a huge rise in the traffic to this site in the last ten or so days, those new people aren't necessarily going to go digging into the archive to get a feel for the site, they'll read what they see and respond. Hence it's critical they get the best introduction to the site.

If we're to serve some kind of purpose (no matter how small our influence) I think it's wise to consider how we're received from time to time.

Re: Morons attack Jews

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:05:28 -0000

I should go onto say, I think it's equally important, being that we're meant to be progressives, to show those Israeli's that are against this action.

I just think with all the new people reading and commenting we need to re-iterate how we see things, make sure we're clear and try and be fair where our understanding of the facts allow.

Re: Morons attack Jews

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:02:56 -0000

However, given the amount of antisemitic comments that Leon has had to work overtime (to to speak) to remove

Me, Rumbold, Sunny to be clear.

One reason I never got round to writing a similar piece to Rumbold's (although I wouldn't have had quite the same character as his) was the few minutes I had here and there during the work day to do it was taken up with deleting those bloody comments.

As for the rest of your comment, I'm not so sure it's that straight forward. No one is talking about holding Jewish people collectively responsible. But surely a public figure (whether Jewish or not) should be held accountable for their views?

Re: Morons attack Jews

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:37:43 -0000

Point taken. But the statement is sadly still true.

Whether it's true or not is immaterial given the context I'm driving at. We don't need yet another round of people digging up ancient history to prove their ethnic group is worse off than others at the moment.

Re: Morons attack Jews

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:24:30 -0000

The Jews have been demonised more than most throughout their history.

I'm not sure statements like that are helpful the point isn't to create a league table of who've been the most victimised ethnic group in human history.

Re: The march this Saturday

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:31:30 -0000

yeah well, when the going gets tough, the tough get pimped

Re: The march this Saturday

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:47:18 -0000

Dunno if that pimp analogy will be tolerated for even a second, Jai.

If anything the girls you'll be with will be your pimp...:P

Re: The march this Saturday

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:22:49 -0000

(you might not et a choice of what it says so ill try and keep a neutral one safe for sunny)

Or just bring some tacks and pin on your own slogans...;)

Re: The march this Saturday

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:14:07 -0000

Yeah I heard about this.

Re: The march this Saturday

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:32:46 -0000

I recommend going up to the israeli embassy but not really hanging around till long.

My experience is things tend to get worse when it's dark, when the majority of the marchers have gone and the police think they can get away with rushing people (on top of the usual idiot riotbwoys)...

Re: The march this Saturday

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:01:23 -0000

Cool, 12.30 or bit earlier?

Re: The march this Saturday

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:53:11 -0000

Ahh, you’ve met the Met then. I know, this is a serious problem and a long running one and we shouldn’t trivialise at a time like this.

Plenty of times, I know exactly how they do things.

Re: The march this Saturday

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:46:54 -0000

I do hope the Met is in a foul mood that day……

Peaceful protest - yes
Chavlim jihadiwannabees - most definately not.

The problem is the police often choose not to tell the difference and use one as an excuse to brutalise the other...

Re: The march this Saturday

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:38:22 -0000

I'll be there, you want to meet somewhere near Hyde Park corner instead?

Re: Israeli minister says he doesn’t care about dead civilians

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:13:36 -0000

Clearly your agenda supersedes your “humanity”.

Good line, I think we're seeing that a lot on here recently...

Re: Israeli minister says he doesn’t care about dead civilians

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:18:06 -0000

What in the world does culturally anti-semitic mean?

Re: Israeli minister says he doesn’t care about dead civilians

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:34:15 -0000

Now, either the Israeli government is composed of very stupid individuals who can’t see further than their own nose, or they are aware of the group dynamic described. If the latter then this renders most of the discussion about intentionality as mostly cant. Given a certain military culture certain types of incident will be unavoidable whenever you send the tanks in.

You know on one level it's a bit weird that people are surprised that IDF are filled with jarheads...

Re: Israeli minister says he doesn’t care about dead civilians

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:03:42 -0000

Israel has a vibrant economy which is a powerhouse especially when it comes to creating companies and making them globally successful especially in the tech arena.

How real is that economy given the billions in subsidy American tax payers pay each year?

Re: Israeli minister says he doesn’t care about dead civilians

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:47:06 -0000

this whole situation did not start last month..

And therein lay the problem.

Re: Telegraph scaremongers about British Muslims

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:08:51 -0000

so i suppose you will likewise support a similar campaign to write to UK muslim personalities to complain about the butchery in Dafur, Somalia, Irag, Afganistan etc etc.

You know I'm tired of this weird accusation that if you somehow don't vocally and activelly oppose EVERY single injustice the world nothing you do has value or principle.

It comes from people who, as far as I can see, have no real experience of political activism, the realities of campaign work and no consideration of the fact that we're not all super humans with 100 hours a day to spare.

It's easy to sit a computer writing this nonsense but it does little than make a mockery of the sheer hard work and commitment people who are getting off their backsides undertake.

Re: Ariane Sherine is intent on world domination

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:52:20 -0000

It’s a heck of a lot of money spent on self-congratulatory antics and preaching to the converted. Oh and riling relgious nuts and stoking their fervour.

Eh? How is this 'self-congratulatory antics'? If it's preaching to the converted as you just as critical of all those religious adverts that get posted up?

The money is a drop in the ocean compared to the millions religious groups spend each year 'spreading the word'...

Re: Ariane Sherine is intent on world domination

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:57:27 -0000

Fight fire with fire?

Yes. As long as moderators stay out of the way

The day London transport allows PP moderators any power over their advertising then you'd see a whole new form or moderation. ;)

Re: Ariane Sherine is intent on world domination

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:20:17 -0000

Fight fire with fire?

Sometimes that's the best option. ;)

Re: Ariane Sherine is intent on world domination

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:18:34 -0000

Yes they are. They are not only telling me their opinions on God, but also instructing me to “stop worrying about it and get on with my life.”

Seriously dude, you're taking this far too personally. If you don't like it you can always avert your eyes after reading the first word. :P

Re: Ariane Sherine is intent on world domination

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:56:13 -0000

Money has been raised in order to lecture me, and others, on what we should believe.

Hang on a bloody minute: nobody is lecturing you. It's a questioning point made to highlight those who would really lecture you or impose their beliefs on you.

Hit the real target mate not the shadow.

Re: Ariane Sherine is intent on world domination

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:53:55 -0000

Beware religious people, your foe is more powerful than you think.

And cuter too.*

*(I know we're not meant to say things like that on an uber feminist blog like this but it's true!)

Re: Ariane Sherine is intent on world domination

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:52:29 -0000

I was very cynical about this at the time too but seeing the amount of money they raised (and how fast?!) changed my mind. Cha-ching! :D

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:39:15 -0000

…..with the Benny Hill theme tune playing in the background.

;)

Haha! Definitely! :D

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:28:14 -0000

But good luck to everyone who makes it, whether they are taking a simple placard or a scroll laden with disclaimers.

Heh no placards for me, I'm genetically against carrying them things. I'll be bringing a camera to shoot people of interest.

If you find someone walking against the flow of the march, that’ll be Peter Thatchell. Tell him I’ve got his book and want to know where to return it to.

Heh, I imagine the conversation would be like:

Me: Hey Peter! Peter! *waves* Yeah Refresh wants to know where to return your book too??

PT: Who the f**k are you??

Me: Dude, Refresh wants to give you your book back (really nice meeting you finally btw)!

PT: Who the f**k is 'Refresh'?? What's this about!? Who are you?!

Me: Ugh..you know...um....Refresh...and stuff.

PT: Get the f**k away from me man!!

Cue PT running down the road with me chasing him shouting Refresh and book in random intervals....

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:47:22 -0000

Refresh, are you going Saturday?

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:45:31 -0000

Yes, make your intentions known on the new thread!

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:13:13 -0000

Yeah saw that on Iain Dale's blog today, yet more 'evidence' for the right mind that going on these protests is supporting Hamas...

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:49:15 -0000

ERDF?

Heh no probs, I fully understand the importance of funding bids. ;)

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:38:57 -0000

So...er Sonia, you coming on Saturday (with possibly the most nuanced placard in protest history!?)?

Re: Andrew Gilligan skewered!

leon — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 06:59:33 -0000

Gilligan has form for being extremely misleading,

That's quite an understatement.

That’s not the kind of thing that’s done here, you know.

And you know this as fact do you?

Allow me to ask the haterz, tell me exactly what criminal charges have been brought on Lee Jasper? What convictions have been made? How much prison time has he done for the things you allege?

Answer the above sensibly and we'll start taking your Gilligan ass kissing seriously.

Re: Nick Cohen: blah blah blah… please buy my book!

leon — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:57:28 -0000

Sunder may have called truce on our little spat with Nick Cohen but I’ve certainly not, yet.

Don't you think saying that kinda undermines the efforts made in that letter you signed? Seems odd that you've signed an 'olive branch' letter yet saying that the olive branch is a waste of time and should be used to hit him with here!

Re: How it all happened, and why we’re still fucked

leon — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:11:39 -0000

He does, gonna try and get to see his show soon, haven't seen him for years doing stand up...

Re: How it all happened, and why we’re still fucked

leon — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:36:22 -0000

It’s only tweaking the ear of the barstewards but at least Mark Thomas (http://www.markthomasinfo.com/) is having a go…

Heh well said.

Re: How it all happened, and why we’re still fucked

leon — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:32:34 -0000

NL is not a monolithic entity.

Maybe so but it's hardly a vibrant and diverse ideology now is it?

Re: How it all happened, and why we’re still fucked

leon — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:27:16 -0000

We’re fucked because the people who traditionally should be rising up in anger and forcing accountability don’t exist, at least in the UK. The United States at least has Jon Stewart. Here, they’re either coopted by the system (New Labour) or they can’t string together a coherent sentence in economics.

Hmmmm...how do you reconcile that with your involvement with New Labour at it's higher levels via LC?

Re: Pickled Pension Advice

leon — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:45:37 -0000

I didn't realise a hairdryer on wheels could get up to the speeds needed to damage anyone...?

Re: letter – Nick Cohen is wrong about the liberal-left

leon — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 08:57:43 -0000

We make a comradely call on Nick Cohen to stop shouting, to rejoin the conversation, engage with the work going on across the liberal-left and to become part of the solution.

Haha I wouldn't hold your collective breaths! :D

Re: Obama records video for Iranians

leon — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:10:27 -0000

His Leno appearance contains an off the cuff joke at the expense of disabled people:

http://www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Le...

Re: Obama records video for Iranians

leon — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 07:00:21 -0000

...And, on the 6th anniversary of the Iraq invasion too. Very shrewd.

Re: Obama records video for Iranians

leon — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:58:47 -0000

And also today/now is the Persian new year...clever dude that Obama...

Re: Obama records video for Iranians

leon — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:56:24 -0000

Clever how they did this the same time he was on Leno...

Re: Nick Cohen back-pedals, rather furiously

leon — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:44:15 -0000

Nooo! Nooo! Don’t insult me Bicky! How on earth will I live with myself for having criticised Nick Cohen?!

Heh, the way I look at it if idiots like him don't like me I'm doing something very very right.

Re: Nick Cohen back-pedals, rather furiously

leon — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:19:11 -0000

I would like to say that the only idiot around here is you but unfortunately Amrit seems to fall into that category as well.

Fuck off troll.

Re: Nick Cohen back-pedals, rather furiously

leon — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:20:11 -0000

I don't know why we care, Cohen's an idiot. Need any more be said?

Re: The Guardian’s own Melanie Phillips

leon — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:20:30 -0000

Apparently the US is now planning to attack/invade Iran, and has been for some time. This, to me, sounds plausible. But if this is the case, then why, as Milne claimed, would the US and Iran have cooperated in backing Shia death squads?

Haha, seriously you can't see that that isn't a contradiction when it comes to the Great Game?? :D

Re: The Guardian’s own Melanie Phillips

leon — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:53:11 -0000

I supported the war because of the potential humanitarian benefits

And they were..?

Re: The Guardian’s own Melanie Phillips

leon — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:55:00 -0000

I'm not sure he is the Guardian's own MP, he's confused where as she is quite blatantly insane.

Re: What planet is Nick Cohen on?

leon — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:08:27 -0000

If this was Menace 2 Society, which I watched yesterday,

Lend me that! Aint seen that in years.

Re: Sex and the disabled

leon — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:17:15 -0000

I am not saying that it is realistic that everyone should see beyond a person’s looks and just judge them on their personality.

I was responding to the first comment which I don't think makes much sense.

Re: Sex and the disabled

leon — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:29:12 -0000

Attraction is based on looks as well as personality. Biologically we're hard wired to look for certain signs in a person that would make them a good mate.

Obviously I don't think this should be used as a basis for prejudice but you can't simply say everyone should only like someone based on their personality. That just doesn't make sense.

What we should be discussing is different concepts of beauty.

Re: The ‘fascist’ in Israel

leon — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:53:36 -0000

Go on Leon, say it…do you mean like Fascist Germany? And you deleted me for saying just that a few weeks ago!

My first thought was actually South Africa and America and McCarthyism...

Re: The ‘fascist’ in Israel

leon — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 06:57:05 -0000

I'm not sure it's fair to compare not being allowed to live in another country due to your ethnicity to having your rights stripped of you in your own for not showing 'loyalty' to another ethnic groups idealism.

Anyway as an aside the guy is scum, real nasty piece of work. Much of what he's saying would not be out of place in many other parts of the world at various troubled times in history...

Re: The first duty of the state

leon — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:46:55 -0000

His piece is beyond grotesque.

Re: MPs shut down anti-semitic site

leon — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:15:14 -0000

Heh I think I just had a "We the people..." moment...:D

Re: MPs shut down anti-semitic site

leon — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:14:53 -0000

But, one of the interesting things about this here site is that it does allow a dialogue, maybe not the best of dialogues admittedly, between people that might never encounter each other in real life.

Indeed, and some of us have taken that a little further into the real world. Ideally, I'd like to see more real world meets, meeting the humans behind the words adds a context no amount of commenting or blogging can achieve.

Further to that, creating a real social fabric increases civil conduct in my view. I've met Katy and Sid in recent times, both posters I've had heated discussions with in the past, and can attest that they are indeed two of the loveliest people you're likely to meet. It means that when I read their words I'm put in mind the person while I evaluate the post/argument put forward.

I'd encourage more commenters and writers to meet up and also not to just wait for the big formal/Sunny attended meets either. Each of us can create and re-create this place for the better.

Re: MPs shut down anti-semitic site

leon — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:01:32 -0000

The Protocols of Zion? Hahahaha you'll be telling the stuff in the bible is true next! :D

Re: MPs shut down anti-semitic site

leon — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 22:46:26 -0000

The probable truth that god doesn't exist kinda puts a kink in your laughable claims about the shroud....

Re: MPs shut down anti-semitic site

leon — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:07:03 -0000

Dear lord...

Ok, people seriously, look out side, the sun is shining, it's a beautiful day. Step away from your keyboards and go re-discover just how amazing the world can be again.

If it helps, think of the good people in your lives, your friends, your family and partners. :)

Re: Why we need a politics of coalitions

leon — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:21:07 -0000

Of course, Tony Blair fucked it up, because now hardly anyone trusts New Labour as a political vehicle for the left.

Heh.

Re: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

leon — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 08:58:47 -0000

That's about the only good thing about that film....

Re: Surely they should get rid of ‘red nose day’?

leon — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:20:00 -0000

Hilarious. Leon, Sid, Sunny — one incident an all of a sudden you oppose the BBC and want it priviatised!

I'm sorry but you're an idiot. My view on the BBC has been shifting steadily against it's license fee over the last three or four years.

Think of all those billions the BBC sucks up, and what we could do with that money if we weren't forced by law to spend it.

Re: Surely they should get rid of ‘red nose day’?

leon — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 17:12:09 -0000

Two things happened:

1) I doubled my donation to the DEC Gaza Appeal
2) I strongly want the BBC to be privatised so that it’s status as a nationalised and non-partisan news agency does have any bearing on it’s politcs.

I never quite believed in the BBC to the same degree as Sid but the above applies equally to me. I see no point in it being 'publicly' owned now and want it privatised.

Re: Melanie Phillips remains confused

leon — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:10:44 -0000

Seems you have to spend more time playing whack-a-mole with trolls than debating with serious people these days. No reflection on the mods, who have to tread a line between encouraging various voices and dealing with an infestation of fleas.

Yeah...

Re: Online narcissism

leon — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:41:27 -0000

Has someone swapped Sunny with Samuel L Jackson?

Re: Returning artefacts to their owners

leon — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:14:57 -0000

Heh careful Rummy you'll be wondering about whether descendants of slaves should get reparations next (show me the money!) next...:D

Re: Lee Jasper hits back at Andrew Gilligan

leon — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 22:14:30 -0000

Certainly rattled your cage haven’t I. Once again people will either simply not read what is written, or do, and then filter it through their own prejudices.

Bullshit, you're a troll and a waste of fucking space.

Re: Lee Jasper hits back at Andrew Gilligan

leon — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:13:41 -0000

Leon,

Grow up son.

Go fuck yourself.

Re: Lee Jasper hits back at Andrew Gilligan

leon — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 20:02:39 -0000

Halima,

Billydickie is well known for trolling, trying to derail and generally talking out of his arse on here. Any attitude he gets is well deserved.

Re: Lee Jasper hits back at Andrew Gilligan

leon — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:27:47 -0000

Andrew Gilligan's got a really weird fixation with Livingstone and even though his chosen candidate won (and a whole year later) he still can't move on.

Very odd character indeed...

Re: Washing after a Number Two

leon — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:13:19 -0000

Well some people do say we talk shit on PP, so I guess this post will be the proof they need...

Re: Tories attack ‘community leaders’

leon — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:28:00 -0000

This is largely a Cameron thing, btw. No guarantee it will outlast him.

Indeed. Cameron's the best thing to happen to the Tory party in a long time.

Re: Nothing in Pakistan is sacred anymore

leon — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:42:48 -0000

Interesting piece. Title is a bit over the top though.

Re: Gunmen attack SL cricket team in Lahore

leon — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:06:02 -0000

I'm not so sure...but don't see much alternative. The UN should be the one doing this job with their blue hat soldiers but that institution seems pretty bloody useless now.

Re: ‘Black Eastenders’ gets 250 complaints

leon — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:02:28 -0000

LOL @ Rumbold #11!!!

Re: So where were the Muslims?

leon — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:39:36 -0000

On the point about engagement, I agree that perhaps we should have made more of an effort to get an organised Muslim presence there. CagePrisoners and Muslim Safety Forum were supporting panels and there were quite a few Muslim speakers, but perhaps we could have done more to engage Muslim groups with a mass membership.

It's good to see this kind of self reflection.

Re: So where were the Muslims?

leon — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:25:50 -0000

it was a good thing and it took a lot of work - so lets not diss the work a lot of people put in. And for a good cause too.

But when one of the speakers says it was disgraceful that none of the 1.6 million Muslims in the UK attended isn't it right people scrutinise how the event was promoted and put together that led to such a short fall of brown folk?

The alternative view is Sunny made a sweeping bigoted statement about an entire community that's hard for him to be challenged on because he's brown. Personally I don't buy the alternative view for one second.

Re: So where were the Muslims?

leon — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:20:00 -0000

You seem to be talking about commercial style events, flogging a product, or whatever. That is not the same thing at all.

Again you get me wrong. I'm talking primarly about political events (and training seminars, and hustings, and lectures...). And yes sometimes you have to pay because you can't always get the venue at cost, sometimes they wont let you use anything other than their contracted caterers...

Re: So where were the Muslims?

leon — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:16:20 -0000

I mean I have put on events with bigger numbers, far bigger speakers and come in at roughly 30% the price this cost but it had other variables. And we didn't provide food. Food and drink I find eats up your budget before you even get to spend on anything that makes an event memorable...

Re: So where were the Muslims?

leon — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:14:25 -0000

Why don’t you and I organise an event and see if we can put it together for less than £52,000?

Perhaps it should be the same topic, but with the specific aim of drawing in an audience who could not attend this one.

Leon seems to have some experience

Heh, yeah 'some'. *chuckles*

Could I put on the same event for 52k or less? Can't say, I don't know what the overheads were. If they provided food and drinks (including coffees etc) that's a bout 20 quid of that 35 right there. The venue plus tech could easily be another 10 quid per head. And I don't know whether this London even subsidised any of the regional events either...

Re: So where were the Muslims?

leon — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:08:29 -0000

I don't need to pay 35 quid to hear a bunch of familiar people tell me things I already know (and have heard them say before).

Doug, you've missed the point Rumbold was making by a country mile. I'm hoping you're being purposely obtuse for the reasons of humour. If not I give up on you, I truly do.

Would I be wrong in thinking that you saw writing here as an opportunity to correct a few wrongs?

Yes, you would be wrong.

Re: So where were the Muslims?

leon — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:53:19 -0000

The problem is, did the Convention on Modern Liberty actually achieve anything, or was it just a case of preaching to the converted? How many people went who actually supported the government’s erosion of civil liberties?

In my mind, the real test doesn’t come from convincing people like us, but convincing the Sun-reading man on the street that 42 days and CCTV is a bad idea. And how do you do that? If you can’t do that, then such events don’t matter that much.

Very well said.

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:43:07 -0000

yeah man, I share your night-owl tendencies.

Besides, its easier meeting at trafalgar square than before while people are marching, knowing from experience.

Ah yeah point. And if we get bored we can always go to the pub nearby (because beer always is a wise move when at a protest!)! :D Kidding...

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:41:53 -0000

the car bombing happened in france and the molotov cocktail was in the netherlands. there has been at least one arson attack on a synagogue here already which i’m not sure has made it into the press.

Oh right, there was pitifully small amount of coverage on the news about attacks against Jewish businesses(my gf had to endure me ranting at the tv in anger on Monday evening). I had intended to find a piece about it and highlight it here yesterday but didn't have time...

I meant what I said, I'm sickened by those people that are using this conflict to subject Jewish people to racism and racist attacks. They're scum.

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:31:25 -0000

I’ll be there on Sat, and I don’t suspect things will change overnight, but its one small thing I can do.

Cool, would be good to see ya, you gonna meet up with me and Sunny or let the universe guide you to us on the day? ;)

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:22:34 -0000

Leon, 1:30pm trafalgar square? I think people will get to Trfalgar square eventually, and its probably best to meet there… whaddya reckon?

I like the time (being a night owl like you!) but isn't that where the march finishes? I was thinking of bringing a camera to take a few snaps along the way...but yeah I'm up for going.

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:21:21 -0000

but sometimes it’s up long enough for us to see it and that, combined with things like this:

That's a fair comment, we do everything our work, relationships and lives permit to catch them as quick as possible.

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:57:35 -0000

Anyway....

Sunny: what time and where for Saturday?

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:52:04 -0000

Should I take this as an invitation not to comment here anymore, or were you just taking a pop at me for the heck of it?

It didn't look that way to me. Look, I've only said what I've said in retaliation to BB's unprovoked attacks. You've not said anything to me or in reference to me comparing me to racist scum.

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:50:31 -0000

I think the majority position is that people are sick of Israeli bombing the hell out of Palestine and getting away with it internationally. That’s the only thing people have been saying to me. I’m afraid the Harry’s Place crew doesn’t reflect any popular opinion by any stretch of the imagination.

Yep.

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:48:45 -0000

Is that what you think I’m doing?

No but you then you're being reasonable and not lumping all PP regulars and writers together in the manner he is. I see a real distinction between BB and you, proven by the fact that I consider you a real friend. But I stand by my opposition to his accusations.

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:47:11 -0000

I’m sorry, it is not “blackmailing” you to point out that BB doesn’t need therapy because he has become upset about the tone of some of the comments on this site in recent days.

Upset doesn't justify lumping us all in with those vile people whether you call it blackmail or not.

The jibe about needing therapy may be considered bad taste but from where I sit he's losing it and fast and therapy or some kind of reflection on why perspective is being lost to the extent that is evident is needed.

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:44:25 -0000

A critical analysis of the palestinian crisis (the way israel wants you to see it)

And you know what's as bad. Those who give every excuse for war crimes can easily be dismissed by the same absurd and limited world view.

We get nowhere with this shit, really don't.

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:42:02 -0000

how surprised are you that your Jewish commenters are fed up with reading it too?

I can imagine but as I say above I will not tolerate bullshit by racism wankers or people using it as an excuse to label everyone on PP as no different. Nor will I tolerate the behaviour of said racist fuckers being used to silent my opinions on Israel's actions.

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:40:13 -0000

It's getting out of hand because of completely unfair accusations being hurled about everyone on PP.

provides the discourse necessary for idiot lefties and rent-a-beards to drive petrol-bomb-filled cars into synagogues and . you may not understand this, but i do. these people are not playing by your rules - and that has actual, tangible consequences for me and people i know and love - not just in the middle east, but right here in london.

And you think that I and everyone on PP condone that shit or shouldn't be critical of Israel because what a bunch of racism scum may do?

Bullshit.

I'm not responsible for their disgusting behaviour (where was this car driven into a Synagogue in London btw, I've not seen that on the news?).

I utterly oppose those using Israel's actions as cover for racism against Jewish people (and along with other moderators I have been deleting anything that comes even close to anti-sematism plenty of times in the last week on here).

I will not be blackmailed into keeping my mouth shut over the horrors Israel is subjecting innocent Palestinians to in Gaza.

I oppose the war crimes of both the IDF and Hamas.

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:45:11 -0000

BB, if you're seriously believing half the crap spewing out of your fingers onto the keyboard about everybody on here you need more than time away from PP. You need therapy.

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:04:49 -0000

Oh yeah Sunny as for slogans of what you've written it should be:

No to the IDF!
No to Hamas!
Stop attacks on Gaza!

or

No to the IDF!
No to Hamas!
FREE PALESTINE!

Four lines is too wordy...personally I prefer the second because it's a well used slogan for this current set of protests and you'd be feeding into it in a slightly subversive way.

Oh yeah, where and when you meeting? I think I'll drag myself out of my cynical state and join you on this one (you could probably do with a big guy or two with you once you hoist that placard too!).

Re: March with me this Saturday

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:57:51 -0000

Sunny, you got a meeting point and time for those interested in attending?

Re: Bombing for Votes

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:37:07 -0000

israelis want peace as much as anyone else.

The 'wanting peace' line is one of the most meaningless ever without context. Everyone wants peace, Bush does, Israel does, Bin Laden does, even Hitler wanted peace. The question is what type of peace, and for whom?

Re: Bombing for Votes

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:36:56 -0000

Israel is creating its own future war

That much is true.

Re: Bombing for Votes

leon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:17:23 -0000

Well while we're on wild speculation, maybe Hamas' real plan was to provoke a wild and violent reaction from Israel leading to world condemnation etc...heh and I thought I wasn't a conspiracy theorist!

Re: Strike on Gaza school ‘kills 30′

leon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:34:33 -0000

The UN gave Israel a map of where all it's buildings where and what they were.

Is targeting a school knowing full well you'll be killing innocent children acceptable?

Re: What shall I write about?

leon — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:40:43 -0000

Write condoning the full legalisation of all drugs, to be sold in outlets the way booze is now. :D

Re: Pilger manages Obama article without ‘Uncle Tom’ jibe!

leon — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:38:06 -0000

Both are painful man, painful! :D

Re: Pilger manages Obama article without ‘Uncle Tom’ jibe!

leon — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:03:33 -0000

Idiot thinks he’s down with tha kids for calling a black man Uncle Tom.

I don't know what makes me cringe more, the thought that you might be right or the fact that you just used the words 'down the kids'!

Re: Pakistan: Obama’s Nightmare

leon — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:42:23 -0000

he talks of core and periphery in the world system - rather than the ‘third world’

I really like that terminology, will have to dig out some more of this guys stuff...

Re: PP meetup this Saturday

leon — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 19:28:19 -0000

LOL! Look at this! Y’all aren’t exactly showing your feminist colours here *giggles*.

Haha! I'm not a feminist, and worse I'm cursed; words appear as real imagery in my head (despite my best efforts to stop them)!

Re: PP meetup this Saturday

leon — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:23:46 -0000

Too much info!!!

Re: PP meetup this Saturday

leon — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 11:44:18 -0000

To add to the above I now consider this the end of the matter and will not be commenting further (bar a Hundal intervention).

Apologies for not making it yesterday, my day started a little later than planned, a few things I wanted to get done kinda got away from me (I'm not in the best of moods this week as perhaps you can tell)...hope to meet all you lovely people at some point early in the New Year! :)

Re: PP meetup this Saturday

leon — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 11:41:13 -0000

I thought ‘Hussein Hundal’ was a Obama-based joke. ‘Saddam Hundal’ would have been a ‘Saddam Hussein based joke. Just some crossed wires I think.

That was my assessment also, and why I thought Doug overreacted. But the fact remains that he only used words, ill chosen words, and the other guys raised the stakes with a threat of violence.

I stand by my judgement (of both posters responses) and by my actions resolutely.

Re: PP meetup this Saturday

leon — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:40:50 -0000

Sid,

As I saw it, Douglas was mouthing off, not particularly nice but still only words. Muhamad's post was a threat of violence if seen in real life. I've had words with Douglas on more than one occasion about his attitude but he hasn't (as far as I can remember) threatened anyone directly in the same manner. He's just been an occasional twat.

I stand by what I said, I will not tolerate threats of violence real or virtual against anyone.

Muhamad, don't be a pathetic wanker and go crying to Sunny. He can make up his own fucking mind. If he wants to over-rule me on this then I can live with that. No problem at all but it aint your fucking place to start throwing threats about like you did.

Douglas, please stop with the unprovoked attacks, it really doesn't suit you and I know you're better than that. If you continue you'll leave me no choice but to delete your shit and give you a serious fucking bollocking.

Re: PP meetup this Saturday

leon — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:31:03 -0000

I've deleted the aggressive crap. Please in future ignore threats like that as they will be deleted also.

I will not tolerate threats of violence (real or virtual) against anyone on PP. If anyone engages in this kind of behaviour they will be banned.

Re: PP meetup this Saturday

leon — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:02:23 -0000

Good point, Rumbold. I should probably stop talking now…..

Indeed....you'll be talking about Priya Rai next.. :P

Re: PP meetup this Saturday

leon — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:37:34 -0000

There's a draft of the British constitution?

And what about your second born son?

Hmmmm Leon the 3rd? :D

Re: PP meetup this Saturday

leon — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:06:10 -0000

What now for the possibilities of Leon and Sonia as first names!

No way man, Leon is reserved for my first born son!

“Rumbold Hundal bestrode the Earth, his goodness oozing from every pore… When the forces of the Dale attacked….”

Haha! I like it!! :D

Re: PP meetup this Saturday

leon — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:27:12 -0000

MWA HAW HAW! :D

Seriously, it only took hold because Sunny's reaction to the suggestion was so amusing initially! :)

Re: PP meetup this Saturday

leon — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:16:18 -0000

Or Hilary Hundal if it's a girl?

Re: PP meetup this Saturday

leon — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:34:08 -0000

Lol@Leon again.

;)

Re: PP meetup this Saturday

leon — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:20:13 -0000

sunday afternoonish would work for me as long as i can either bring a kid or two or get an exeat from mrs bananabrain, so yes!

Heh PP meets can be made family friendly quite easily I suspect, besides it'd be good for Sunny in preparation for his impending Fatherhood. :D

Re: PP meetup this Saturday

leon — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:27:49 -0000

could the next one be on a weeknight, so i might possibly make it?

Ah yeah we had this conversation a little while ago...weeknights are generally quite difficult due to work stuff. Does Sunday (afternoonish) work for you?

Re: Will Hutton on Multiculturalism

leon — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:58:54 -0000

we should have another great Pickled Politics book swap.

Definitely! Although I'd like to expand it to DVDs too.

Re: Will Hutton on Multiculturalism

leon — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:31:52 -0000

On race being no longer a factor - I’d argue that all social identities are an issue at a particular time and place - and are moving targets. In some contexts, they won’t be an issue and in other contexts they will . Something about diveristy and disadvantage being a continium - not a linear process.

I'd say there's something to this.

When someone says race is no longer a factor I wonder how many people that knew Anthony Walker (for instance) would agree, or what those Asian's who've been told they can't form relationships with people from other backgrounds think about this claim...

Re: Tariq Ali and Jeremy Clarkson suck

leon — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:15:29 -0000

Heh yeah it is a bit out there...

Re: Tariq Ali and Jeremy Clarkson suck

leon — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 06:02:24 -0000

that even if we didn’t go into Afghanistan and Iraq - 9/11 would have still happened.

Didn't September 11 happen BEFORE the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq?

Re: Abedin freed in Bangladesh

leon — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 11:52:48 -0000

As Douglas and others have pointed out, the ‘mentally unfit’ aspect of this situation does not lie with Dr Abedin but with those who think forcibly imprisoning her was a reasonable response to a adult making an adult decision.

Indeed. Ashik, your opinions are quite simply appalling...

Re: Abedin freed in Bangladesh

leon — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 09:39:24 -0000

For what it’s worth, I hope this young woman gets to marry whoever she loves.

I hope that after her ordeal her life is full of every last drop of happiness and joy.

If in the process she can choke you and everyone who thinks as you do, that would be the icing on a most sumptuous cake for me

Totally agree. Especially the last paragraph.

Re: Abedin freed in Bangladesh

leon — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 09:19:22 -0000

You are becoming a complete utter nutter

Becoming?

Re: Powell slams Palin

leon — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:29:16 -0000

He makes a lot sense, particularly the closer that the GoP have to take a hard look at themselves...

Re: Why getting out of Iraq may be a bad idea

leon — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 09:21:50 -0000

Ashik, and how would you deal with control of the oil?

Re: Why getting out of Iraq may be a bad idea

leon — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:55:22 -0000

…And what a bastard html truly is.

Yeah I sorted it, I do the same every now and then, forget to close one of the tags and it formats the whole post...

Re: Why getting out of Iraq may be a bad idea

leon — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:01:21 -0000

there is no neat and tidy solution i am afraid.

I'm not expecting a neat one but I do find it interesting that no one on here appears to want to venture a guess/speculation on what might be an idea...

Re: Why getting out of Iraq may be a bad idea

leon — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:52:56 -0000

So, what's the solution?

Re: Why getting out of Iraq may be a bad idea

leon — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:21:01 -0000

So if we can't stay and we can't leave, what's the solution?

Re: Reasons to love Obama even more

leon — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:30:58 -0000

You lot are cynical.

If we're cynical that must make you Mr Gullible 2008.

Re: Reasons to love Obama even more

leon — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:27:21 -0000

Mel Phillips will no doubt be spitting blood.

A very good thing indeed.

I can't say I like the idea of encouraging anyone to 'love' a politician. In fact its downright dangerous, for some very good historical reasons, to have a deep emotional attachment to a powerful figure...

Re: Progressive London Conference

leon — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:17:38 -0000

I'd definitely like to see a programme for the day too...

Re: Progressive London Conference

leon — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:01:47 -0000

What do they mean by “waged” and “unwaged”

Not sure, I'd hope it means those on benefits, students, senior citizens being unwaged and those in employment being waged...

Re: Progressive London Conference

leon — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:17:15 -0000

Heh and people call me cynical!

Re: Tobacco displays to be banned

leon — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:50:38 -0000

Cheers for the stats Sofia, much appreciated (when you gonna write something for us btw??). :)

Re: Tobacco displays to be banned

leon — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:14:09 -0000

People who smoke don’t have to smoke when they are out. They have a choice.

You obviously have never been addicted to anything. Speaking as a former smoker (40 a day toward the end) it's not as simple as that.

Re: Tobacco displays to be banned

leon — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:00:07 -0000

What about the loss of tax due to people dying early, or missing work due to illness?

Re: Tobacco displays to be banned

leon — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:15:22 -0000

Wouldn't the money lost from sales tax be made up by the money gained from healthier people working more, longer and being taxed. Also, wouldn't money saved via the NHS (think of all that cancer treatment that wouldn't need to happen) be worthwhile too.

Or is all those billions bigger than any of the above?

Re: Video reveals G20 police assault on man who died

leon — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:57:30 -0000

In the comments below, Stephen Moss (Guardian staff) states:

“When the Guardian offered this astonishing footage to the BBC News at 6, apparently the response was “No thanks, we’re not covering this, we see it as just a London story.” Great news sense down there at TV Centre.”

I couldn't believe it when I read that. Anyone with half a brain cell can see this is going to be a real story...

Fuck the BBC. Let them get sold off, and let the rags go under. Fuck ‘em for not reporting this.

With you on that one. I've had it with the BBC and see no value in them being publicly funded. Let them swim the sharks I say...

Re: The Muslim terrorist story media ignored

leon — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:21:59 -0000

We don’t have the staff to have a reporter sitting in court all day anymore. LOADS of interesting things going on court are now completely unreported.

But if no one wants to invest in news and journalism such is life.

Hmmm I reckon there's a real opportunity here for a trans-regional citizen journalism project here...

Re: MCB vs Secretary of State

leon — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 23:32:49 -0000

Do you think Sunny would let him comment here after the MCB implodes?

If he did I'd walk. There's a line and Idiot Bungaglow is on the wrong side of it.

Re: Why the Taliban should never come to power

leon — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 23:30:29 -0000

It's going to fail, Obama's has even hinted as much, no one wins in Afghanistan...this is going to be Obama's Vietnam.

Re: I still blame police brutality

leon — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:55:26 -0000

So who has done more to help the environment, me or a protestor who goes on airplanes?

That's not my point, my point is your view of the police in this situation does not look credible given it's not based on substantial experience.

When you've seen the tactics up close you would have a different opinion.

And this isn't a partisan thing, those Countryside Alliance protesters had a wake up a couple years back in Westminster when they experienced the police in a protest situation.

Re: I still blame police brutality

leon — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:20:14 -0000

Rumbold,

Genuine question, how many actual protests have you been on?

The reason I ask is all your points appear to based on incredibly naive/inexperienced assumptions.

Re: I still blame police brutality

leon — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:23:46 -0000

Anyone who've been on serious actions knows it doesn't matter how 'peaceful' you are. The police always raise the tensions. They do lots of things that camera's don't pick up like shout abusive stuff at you. You get close and they do things like tug at you or even crap like pinching because it causes an immediate physical reaction which then justifies their response.

As usual we're seeing a lot of keyboard warriors chiming in here with no real world experience of policing or radical protest.

Re: I still blame police brutality

leon — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 05:17:20 -0000

Rumbold, by your logic every Muslim must condemn terrorism every time they criticise foriegn policy.

Sunny can rightly chastise the lack of liberty without being responsible for the actions of every single person at the demo.

I'm with Sunny on this, having attending quite a few protests over the years [from anti war ones and the old May Day ones] I've seen first hand the tactics used by the Police. What happened yesterday is no surprise at all.

Re: Live at the G20 protests in London

leon — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:58:50 -0000

I think Sunny has had issues with his iPhone's twitter app...

Re: Live at the G20 protests in London

leon — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:00:44 -0000

The BBC has this vibe going on like they're just itching for it to turn into a riot...

Re: The ‘Obama effect’ comes here too

leon — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:15:34 -0000

But furthermore, my experience is that most people who get involved in politics through identity politics then expand to also include other remits, because they start getting familiar with the political system.

Yep I've got some data that shows exactly that.

Re: Andrew Gilligan skewered!

leon — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:48:37 -0000

I'll ask again:

Allow me to ask the haterz, tell me exactly what criminal charges have been brought on Lee Jasper? What convictions have been made? How much prison time has he done for the things you allege?

Re: Alternative Movie Watch – no.2

leon — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 05:58:35 -0000

Or keep any eye on the Prince Charles cinema?

Re: Alternative Movie Watch – no.2

leon — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:39:42 -0000

Sounds interesting...oh god I did not like Crash at all, made me cringe all the way through.

LOL @ BenSix, how are you even old enough to remember that movie?! :P

Re: More on white phosphorus in Gaza

leon — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:09:19 -0000

The reason no-one gives a shit about what’s going on in Sri Lanka is because there’s no Jews or Americans involved.

Bollox.

Re: More on white phosphorus in Gaza

leon — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:43:34 -0000

I'm not sure why any of this stuff about HP and Dave T is really a surprise. Both are well known supporters of the slaughter of innocent human beings if it fits their politics.

Both are morally repugnant and on the lunatic fringe of politics...

Re: Comparing Israel/Palestine with Sri Lanka

leon — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:27:46 -0000

Israel is a colonial enterprise out of history, a temporary abberation which will be superceded eventually

When you say 'superseded' exactly what do you mean?

Re: Comparing Israel/Palestine with Sri Lanka

leon — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:04:40 -0000

Don't bother replying to SE, he's being dos'd (deleted on sight).

Re: Comparing Israel/Palestine with Sri Lanka

leon — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:06:54 -0000

What a bizarre and desperate post.

What a strange and skewed thing to say. Setting the record straight seems like a good idea to me, if only so you have something to refer to when the HP idiots start bleating with their whatabouttery...

Re: Thatcher faces BBC ban over ‘golliwog’ remark

leon — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:20:34 -0000

Doesn't Eric Clapton now live on one of the Caribbean islands?

Re: Snowball fights: theory and practice

leon — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:05:58 -0000

The lesson is: attack is the best form of defence.

Re: BNP try to muscle in on protests

leon — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:54:24 -0000

I did hesitate before posting that, didn't want to give the impression you just described, but reasoned it's worth stating every now and then. We do get combativeness on here sometimes and I think some people don't realise that some of us are actually very friendly in real life with each other!

Definitely, would be great to meet you, might be an idea to float another meet when the weather gets a bit better..

Re: BNP try to muscle in on protests

leon — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:42:57 -0000

I should say, I've met Rumbold in real life and found him to be a thoroughly decent fella!

Re: BNP try to muscle in on protests

leon — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:37:44 -0000

But based on your thoughts expressed here if Rumbold is a right winger then would it be okay to call you part of the loony left? I consider myself Centre Left which you could challenge and I find Rumbold a little right of the Centre — but right winger he is not. well in my humble opinion ie.

He's a rightwing libertarian. Which in my experience isn't what you'd call centrist. It wasn't a slur on his good name, just a general observation.

I note the figure of 80% hasn't been shown to be accurate, in fact it looks like it's based on the German context. My point wasn't that Europe doesn't do things which we might not like it was questioning the assumption that 80% of our laws are made centrally at a European level. I have noticed it's right wingers who use it. I've yet to see a lefty or liberal use it.

Re: BNP try to muscle in on protests

leon — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:41:19 -0000

Rumbold, the 80% figure is meaningless if you don’t separate out regulations which we would have had anyway, but have been modified in order to achieve european standardisation.

I've often wondered about that figure, it's only ever bandied about by right wingers which makes me suspicious of it's accuracy...

Re: Speaker’s Corner Sundays on Pickled Politics

leon — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:58:25 -0000

Get writing Desi! :D

Re: Speaker’s Corner Sundays on Pickled Politics

leon — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:08:11 -0000

EXCELLENT idea, and long over due. Now all those people that bitch that we don't cover everything under the sun can put up or shut up.

Re: I see black people… everywhere

leon — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 06:19:15 -0000

Haha love it! Public Enemies 'Fear of a black planet' would have far less resonance now. About damn time!

Re: The Settlements

leon — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 06:35:13 -0000

Sobering viewing...interesting point about the demographics, I've heard that before. Wonder what long term impact the shift will have?

Re: Still angry over Gaza

leon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:27:21 -0000

Good post mate, much needed and timely (given we're experiencing a breather in heated exchange at the moment)...

Re: Protest against Foreign Workers

leon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:53:41 -0000

Leon, I think the key point is that the market is constructed and underpinned by the state. Providing law and order, workers rights, upholding contracts, justice, giving social insurance to prevent individuals from ruin all help the market run smoothly. So you’re right, ‘open market’ is probably a better phrase to use than ‘free market’.

The term free market is laughable term that nobody in their right mind should use (at least without falling about laughing at it). It doesn't exist. 'Open' market is marginally better but still misleading.

Chomsky said it best; 'socialism for the rich, capitalism for the poor'. That's the basic set up of the 'free' market.

Re: Protest against Foreign Workers

leon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:51:14 -0000

Yep, BBC news had footage of BNP advans driving about near them...typical really.

Re: Protest against Foreign Workers

leon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:24:41 -0000

Does anyone actually believe a free market exists?

Re: Funding u-turn will help women groups

leon — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 06:16:40 -0000

Any more personal abuse and I'll be deleting your comments. You're constant snide remarks and attempts to characterise simple and obvious things as negative has gotten beyond funny.

Re: Funding u-turn will help women groups

leon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:50:18 -0000

It’s just so silly to call all non white women black. Farcical.

Is that what they're doing?

Re: Funding u-turn will help women groups

leon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:20:24 -0000

Leon - Ok, untwist your underwear. You sound like a tinpot dictator!

It's a simple request, no need to start with the snide remarks. If someone really wants an answer why not go to the source, you know do your own research, think for yourself. A little intelligence would go a long way...

Re: Funding u-turn will help women groups

leon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:46:07 -0000

Relating this to the other post about V Sharma resigning - I don’t believe Virendra Sharma attended these even though SBS & the issues are squarely in his patch

As a concerned citizen have you written to him asking him why? Here is his email: sharmav@parliament.uk

Write to him asking, then come back and tell us what he said.

Re: Funding u-turn will help women groups

leon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:43:47 -0000

For all the good will I wish SBS, there really is something not quite right about this. If cohesion is A Good Thing, which it is, I struggle to see why there should be exemptions for groups that manage to generate a media profile.

You're talking about cohesion but missing out on equality hence you're confusion. Inequality in society means that different types will require different responses.

Re: Funding u-turn will help women groups

leon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:41:55 -0000

Basically are there race criteria they have to operate under?

Here's SBS' phone number: 020 8571 9595

Give them a ring, ask them your question, come back here and tell us their reply.

Re: Banging heads together

leon — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 08:36:48 -0000

I don't even know what an 'aracial thinker is' but yeah see your point.

Re: Friday caption contest (cow version)

leon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:09:07 -0000

He thinks he's one of the Three Wise Men, unfortunately:

1) He's not
2) He's over 2000 years late

Re: Deleting racist comments?

leon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:38:48 -0000

Furthermore in the past I have had posts deleted for suggesting that Israel was playing with european emotions and guilt and getting away with it’s own crimes.

Don't be cute. You said all that then ended it with crap about Jews. You're a fucking idiot, you continue your flame baiting and racist shite and you'll just be banned.

Re: Deleting racist comments?

leon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:37:08 -0000

I am astonished. The first time I looked I knew, but I suppose that was probably well after you came across it.

I never said I agreed with it's politics, just that it was an interesting read (in the general scheme of things, you have to remember there were very few blogs of note back then, no Iain Dale claiming it as his own etc). I think it was the Eustonite crap that made me think there was really no hope for it.

Re: Deleting racist comments?

leon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:06:06 -0000

Personally I think you should continue begetting bigots.

Indeed. For the most part blogs get the commenters they deserve, see Guido's for a good example of this.

I gave up reading HP some time ago despite it being one of my regular reads when I first got into blogs etc (little history, when I first met Sunny, one of the things I suggested was to read HP although of course he was ahead as the game as per and already was!).

I used to regularly recommend it. I was impressed by their outting of the HuT guy that had managed to get a job as a Guardian reporter (another small piece of history, I met him a few months before his outing and had figured out his leanings).

But yeah it's a waste of time now...

I think PP’s policy of making it clear that slavering bigots of whatever stripe will be out on their ear is a better policy in the long term. Also medium and short.

Cheers. We do try and get things right as best we can. We delete crap when we have to and as soon as we see it. We can't be online 24 hours a day but I think we've done ok so far.

Re: Deleting racist comments?

leon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:14:16 -0000

I do think it is a bit wankerish to devote an entire post to the subject of a comment on a comment thread, but, you know, fair enough…

It's entirely appropiate to make our current deletion and banning policy (I use the term lightly) completely clear.

We've had a huge rise in traffic, which means new readers and commenter's. They need to be made to understand how we do things here.

Re: LA Jews shut down Israeli consulate

leon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:38:21 -0000

Actually we do, but we're not going to put up with racist turds or trolls undermining the community we've all built here (and by we I mean everyone who writes and those who comment below the line who's actively returned to discuss and debate).

I wouldn't worry about who we 'endear' to visit the site, our traffic is doing well enough.

Re: LA Jews shut down Israeli consulate

leon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:09:14 -0000

Just don’t hold him up as a moral example.

Well, his point can be well made even if he's not up to scratch on the scale of morality we'd like to see a politician maintain.

Re: LA Jews shut down Israeli consulate

leon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:03:52 -0000

I despise him, not for the statement he made, but because I am sure that he made it, and others similar, to cover his backside.

He's a politician, all politicians are responsive to their constituents. Votes mean power.

Re: LA Jews shut down Israeli consulate

leon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:57:34 -0000

It isn’t being tolerated by admin, but you expect an influx of newcomers at times like these.

We've had a 100% rise in the number of daily readers in the last couple weeks. Incredible really but with it comes the idiocy of certain new commenters...

Re: LA Jews shut down Israeli consulate

leon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:54:39 -0000

Chairwoman, I'm talking about for the moment, not disengaging generally...just think it's a good idea to step back every now and then, take a breath etc.

Re: LA Jews shut down Israeli consulate

leon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:38:01 -0000

I mean them, they're baiting. It's not worth it as much as it's an understandable temptation...

Re: LA Jews shut down Israeli consulate

leon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:28:17 -0000

Oh my GOD, I am so fucking sick of you people putting words in my mouth.

This is getting too painful to watch. Katy, please take a step back, take a breather (perhaps make some cardamom ice cream :D ), it's not worth getting so riled up over.

Re: LA Jews shut down Israeli consulate

leon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:47:00 -0000

Jai's comment #11 is spot on, that's how I judge whether to delete (in part).

Re: LA Jews shut down Israeli consulate

leon — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:13:42 -0000

Great action!

Re: When is violent resistance justified?

leon — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:47:15 -0000

I don't know why we're hung up on religion, self determination and armed resistance against an occupying force has happened without God being involved you know!

A good way to understand resistance is to think of your country being invaded; if you had the arms and the means would you take up the fight on a military level to fight them? How far would that go? Are military targets ok? Is targeting political leaders that back the occupation ok? How about civilians if polls show 90% or more back you being oppressed?

Re: Condemning anti-semitic attacks

leon — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:40:44 -0000

I've deleted his racist shit.

Re: Trouble in Birmingham with Labour seat

leon — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:31:29 -0000

Didn't report what? The riots and tons of stuff was covered quite a lot by the msm.

Re: “Wipe them out!”

leon — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:59:36 -0000

Poor deluded fools...

Re: Death toll in Gaza tops 1,000

leon — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:47:00 -0000

I really don't think the Israeli's are vampires.

Re: BNP members found in the immigration service

leon — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:00:12 -0000

The problem with the BNP is that it is clearly a racist party, dedicated to persecuting foreigners and non-whites.

That's the process, their aim is to remove us from our own country.

Re: Asian television in the UK

leon — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:53:19 -0000

Heh I was going on about the plethora of Asian female newscasters a year ago and was told I was over emphasising.

I really have no idea how that's come about, I guess something happened about ten years ago which caused the trend we're seeing now...?

Re: Asian television in the UK

leon — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:38:50 -0000

Reaching out to mixed couples and families as an audience might not be such a terrible idea…

I think we should see more of that anyway, given the demographics (mixed race people projected to become the biggest ethnic group in the next 20 or 30 years)...

Re: More thoughts on Harry and racism

leon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:11:20 -0000

Anyway, much ado about nothing.

On this we can agree. See my comment on the original Harrygate post...

Re: More thoughts on Harry and racism

leon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:02:58 -0000

Er but I did! The Mirror had the story, I linked to it. Amazing thing html...

Re: More thoughts on Harry and racism

leon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:51:09 -0000

Great story by The Mirror. That’s MIRROR.

Ok I'll bite, what's your point?

Re: Gaza: having ‘profoundly unhealthy’ effect on UK Muslims?

leon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:04:45 -0000

It’s a global world now, just get used to the idea.

Exactly. Also, some of the comments on here are just beyond funny, don't you people understand your common humanity? :D

Re: Death toll tops 900

leon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:54:50 -0000

Sad, really, that the jews learnt nothing about human rights from the Holocaust

You were making your point fine until that last line. Any veering into Anti Sematism will be deleted.

Re: Death toll tops 900

leon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:24:59 -0000

This wouldn't have started had Israel not broken the ceasefire.

Re: Heathrow expansion decision looms

leon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:02:19 -0000

Therefore, most criticisms of Heathrow are tempered by the realisation that the area would be worse off without it.

I'm sure the tempering will stop once people in the area are under 10 feet of flood water due to climate change...

Re: Peaceniks Today

leon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:57:59 -0000

Does anyone else see parallels between what happened over Georgia and what is happening in Gaza?

Interesting question, I don't follow the Georgia situation really (only so many hours in the day etc) but I do support all people's right to self determination. How that's achieved and under what condition's however are another story.

Re: Peaceniks Today

leon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:45:36 -0000

I think Sunny and the rest of the PP editorial team do a wonderful job and they do their best to get rid of nutters without hampering the flow of the debate.

Would like to echo Rumbold and say cheers, much appreciated.

In addition I should say we don't ban people without consideration, it's never an easy decision (personally I hate having to but at the same time won't tolerate people trying to purposely undermine the great community of contributors here).

Re: Peaceniks Today

leon — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:24:31 -0000

What we’re doing is providing some balance to the view that the Pro-Palestinian rally on Saturday was full of potential suicide bombers and the one on Sunday was full of fluffy bunnies.

Exactly. Challenging idiotic reporting or media narratives is critical.

Re: Peace, just as long as Israel isn’t criticised

leon — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:26:30 -0000

I have problems with your references to “100,000″

What problems?

Re: Peace, just as long as Israel isn’t criticised

leon — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:10:04 -0000

The BBC reports have started with trouble at the protest, colouring the perception of the protest and ignoring the 100,000 or more that were peaceful protesters so yeah I think the BBC are being idiotic here.

I have to say I think that 200 people being violent is quite a lot of people in terms of group size

The point is they were an extreme minority from the day, you can't report the actions of a violent 200 hundred as equal to the actions of a peaceful 100/150,000 and be taken seriously!

Re: Peace, just as long as Israel isn’t criticised

leon — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 10:44:19 -0000

You can’t support Israeli action now and say you’re for peace.

Israel is doing a great job of forcing world opinion against itself with it's war crimes...

Re: Peace march in London today

leon — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 20:51:58 -0000

Leon bailed out (as usual :P) and it was near impossible to find anyone else.

I did text you with my reason for not attending. But thanks for the 'joke' nonetheless.

Re: Prince Harry caught on film calling Asian soldier ‘Paki’

leon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:09:54 -0000

Don't want you to feel bad mate, just stop with the snide remarks about people's class (especially as you really have no clue about our backgrounds). I did source it, I gave totally honest and valid reasons for how I sourced it.

Btw, if you're hoping for the universe to give you a neutral news blog you're in for a very loooong wait. There's no such thing; every news outlet, whether blog, radio, newspaper or tv, has an agenda. Apart from the BBC, which is perfect.

Re: Prince Harry caught on film calling Asian soldier ‘Paki’

leon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:59:43 -0000

Leon is without a glimmer of pomposity, unlike myself.

Don't be so harsh on yourself, you're a top bloke. Sure we don't have the same politics but you made complete sense to me when I met you in real life.

Re: Prince Harry caught on film calling Asian soldier ‘Paki’

leon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:57:51 -0000

he’s sometimes comes across as a pompous arse….. I guess sourcing it to his public school upbringing was a natural choice.

Sheesh, get over yourself! If you met me in real life you'd laugh at yourself as much as I am now.

Look, are you trying to tell me that there isn’t some ridiculous anti-tabloid bias here?

Haha! Yeah we're rabid man, utterly rabid. We can't stand common people's rags er I mean holy tabloid scriptures! :D

Re: Prince Harry caught on film calling Asian soldier ‘Paki’

leon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:57:09 -0000

I am not sure what public schools have to do with it. I went to one, and I don’t remember the lesson about not linking to stories from tabloids on a blog.

:D

This actually made me laugh out loud! :D

Re: Prince Harry caught on film calling Asian soldier ‘Paki’

leon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:47:09 -0000

You always cite the broadsheets when they are the source. Tabloids break stories — sometimes very good stories.
Get out of your public school pompous bunker.

Always? I normally use the BBC or Guardian, hardly always using broadsheets now is it? I used the Mirror link because someone emailed the writers with it.

I actually didn't know it was a NoTW story originally but even that isn't really relevant, I use sources which contain the most detail/better written/interesting to read and never consciously choose to use the paper that broke a story.

I gotta be honest mate, your snide remarks about class are long past boring (I never went to Public School!).

Re: Prince Harry caught on film calling Asian soldier ‘Paki’

leon — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 10:35:58 -0000

Don’t you think that you should give credit where credit is due i.e. by naming the paper which broke the story?

No.

Re: An end to whataboutery

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:46:36 -0000

Refresh #14

Heh very true, the intellectual value is exceptionally low but then that's not the point it's to muddy the waters, cause flames wars and distract us from harsh realities. Because you know, we need protecting and stuff...

Re: An end to whataboutery

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:30:11 -0000

Ah just read some stuff here and there, it appears both Refresh's and mine version sits with Sunny's well enough...

http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=172...

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=...

Re: An end to whataboutery

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:27:00 -0000

Refresh has it right as far as my understanding of the term goes...

Re: Former Israeli Air Force Captain: “Gaza invasion is a war crime.”

leon — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:18:06 -0000

One person's traitor is another's hero.

Re: Former Israeli Air Force Captain: “Gaza invasion is a war crime.”

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:19:01 -0000

Yep very. I think it's important we show stuff like this.

I did try to find some footage of just the interview but couldn't find any decent ones...man I gotta get a hard disk based video recorder with DVD burner built in....

Re: Former Israeli Air Force Captain: “Gaza invasion is a war crime.”

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:36:29 -0000

Disclaimer: Pickled Politics is not affiliated with the person/web site that uploaded this video, nor does posting it's link constitute an endorsment of the site or any of the links promoted at the end of the video.

Re: A rally to support Israel, not peace

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:17:26 -0000

I think that chairwoman (18) makes an interesting point. There may well be more people genuinely wanting peace than events would suggest.

I think there is, and I think it's our (ie good folk here and elsewhere) to seek out examples of that and share it widely.

Re: A rally to support Israel, not peace

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:28:22 -0000

Think of how much trouble could have been prevented if everyone had marched against the rocket attacks during the so-called ceasefire. A stitch in time…

Think of how many deaths could have been prevented if everyone had marched against Israel's breaking of the ceasefire on November 4th.

Re: A rally to support Israel, not peace

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:42:22 -0000

Yeah, well that’s obviously proof you were right all along Sunny. We are not worthy.

Sure because that's what he said. I wish you plebs would actually engage in what's being written on the screen not just arguing with what's in your heads.

Re: Will they prove God’s existence?

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 04:54:20 -0000

Hahah this is f**king funny!!!

Re: Obama will talk to Hamas

leon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:42:18 -0000

I've deleted SE's comments, anymore shit from him like that will be deleted also.

Re: Direct action is not real action

leon — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:54:49 -0000

Heh yeah and he bought a motorbike not longer ago too. :P

Re: Direct action is not real action

leon — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:25:51 -0000

ooh don’t tell me, Sunny’s gone and joined Plane Stupid.

:D

You really don't have a fucking clue do you??! I aint saying a word on a public forum Sid. ;)

Re: Direct action is not real action

leon — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:41:46 -0000

actions have consequences and should be properly thought through

You mean like you did when you titled your post with possibly the most idiotic title ever posted on PP?

Re: Direct action is not real action

leon — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:38:49 -0000

I think the tragedy is that you don’t recognise that cheap stunts by Plane Stupid is itself “pathetic sneering” at the work of *real* environmental activists.

Hahahahha...if you only knew...

Re: Direct action is not real action

leon — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:45:31 -0000

fugster, well said.

Re: Direct action is not real action

leon — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:48:35 -0000

Again do you have any evidence that the odd bit of DA turns people off or contributes to this 'loony left' perception? Or is it that the millions poured into screwing this issue up by PR companies has a bigger affect on what the public think?

Seriously, you guys are a getting a bit Daily Mail like in your over-reaction to essentially trivial happenings...

Re: Direct action is not real action

leon — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:02:10 -0000

Has anyone got any actual evidence of this action causing people to miss funerals and/or weddings. Or is this just one more of those things we're supposed to believe, herd like, when it suits us?

Re: Direct action is not real action

leon — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:08:09 -0000

I wonder how many people commenting on here actually know anything about DA, it's history (and associations with the various anarchist movements around the world), it's uses. Or even about Plane Stupid and it's form of organising...

Re: Well done Plane Stupid

leon — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:28:11 -0000

Heh this 'group' reminds me of the old Reclaim the Streets stuff (and anti road protest generally) of the 90s. Good to see it back. :)

Re: Sonal Shah and the VHP

leon — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:18:32 -0000

Jesus, kinda shows up a flaw in the Obama judgment and vetting procedure doesn't it!?

Re: Rise of the plebs

leon — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:47:10 -0000

Well what do you expect? The headline is the first impression any story makes. You chose that one and for some readers it's going to colour the reading of the rest of the piece...

Re: Rise of the plebs

leon — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:19:57 -0000

Me too.

Re: Forced Marriage Act tested

leon — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:48:25 -0000

I think though that children will be reluctant to see their parents go to jail

Depends on the parents. Growing up I knew a few people who's parents where abusive and if they could have been free of them earlier they'd turned out better...

Re: Pakistan faces terrorist attack

leon — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 17:25:03 -0000

And by Pakistan you mean what? It's barely a country in any sense that we in the West understand. It's due to fragmentation and civil war if you ask me...

Re: Welcome to the weekend hippies!

leon — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 17:23:25 -0000

Zeppelin beats Floyd anyday…

Haha no f'cking way! Zeppelin was mere cock rock, the Floyd expanded your mind man!

Hello Picklers!

And goodbye, because I am off to listen to the whole of Dark Side Of The Moon in the dark, right now.

Heh I don't think I've done that since I was about 16, and there was weed involved then too. :D

sigh Pink Floyd was a bit before my time.

It's never too late man! I'm 33 so they're technically before my time too but to hell with it, the music's good.

Re: The chip that controls us

leon — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:06:38 -0000

But he’s criticising him on the basis of his blackness - saying that black people should only behave in a certain way otherwise they’re traitors. That’s just patronising.

Is it only patronising when a white person does it? There are plenty of black people who agree with Pilger.

Re: Police planning to racially profile events

leon — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:26:17 -0000

but why the need to know our skin colours?

In the Census they don't ask for skin colour.

Re: Police planning to racially profile events

leon — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:34:25 -0000

besides surely this is all too much work for the Police,

The club profiling issue yeah, but then they've just been given new powers to demand we show ID of some form when they want so I doubt they'll complain...

Re: Police planning to racially profile events

leon — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:23:56 -0000

I think they're a must for things like the police when it comes to stop and search.

I'm not particularly hung up on the fact that the state classifies people really; no industrial society can exist without some planning, planning means mapping things like population, and part of that will be things like the census.

To those that don't want to be categorised by our society I'd seriously suggest going to live in a jungle as a tribes person! In our society we're never getting away from it. I just don't think information has to be collected to such extremity or used consciously to control us.

Re: Police planning to racially profile events

leon — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:57:45 -0000

Outrageous is putting it mildly.

Aint that the truth.

I wait with baited breath to hear the cries of ‘infringement of liberties’ from all those Tory bloggers who stood behind Damian Green.

But the people who goes to these gigs are not members of the Political Class, so they won’t.

Very well said.

Right. That is fucking it. This means war.

Well, at least there'll be a few friendly faces in Belmarsh when shit hits the fan. I'm not joking, the way this government is indulging it's Orwellian wet dreams is beyond a joke.

Re: On Al-Jazeera English at 9:30pm

leon — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:03:56 -0000

Yep, and they do a lot of coverage of a story too, going to have to make a conscious effort to watch them more often...

Re: On Al-Jazeera English at 9:30pm

leon — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:52:35 -0000

Heh yeah it did go well, although that other guy was boring as hell and nearly put me to sleep...

Re: On Al-Jazeera English at 9:30pm

leon — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:21:23 -0000

Nice one Sunny! Looking forward to it. :)

Re: Hitler fails as an artist…again

leon — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:30:44 -0000

Who in their right mind would pay ten grand for that crap??

Re: The ‘wealth creators’ myth

leon — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:01:31 -0000

Excellent piece Sunny, highlighting the disparity between market myth and reality is exactly what we should be doing more of.

I wonder if there could ever be a system by which bankers could be held directly liable and prosecutable for crashing the economy?

Interesting idea, although to work you'd need to able to give convincing evidence of a direct link I'd thought...

Re: Starbucks to go fully fair-trade

leon — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:30:31 -0000

That's true, their coffee is one of the worst I've tasted coffee shop wise...

Re: Starbucks to go fully fair-trade

leon — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 05:28:48 -0000

Their coffee may be fairtrade but that doesn't mean they've stopped their bullying corporate business practices...

Re: Global Blasphemy Law

leon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:25:34 -0000

What a second, why shouldn't I have the right to offend people about their fairy tale beliefs? This whole thing takes religion far too seriously...

Re: Global Blasphemy Law

leon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:32:28 -0000

Hahaha this is great!

is quietly enlisting the leaders’ support for a global law to punish blasphemy

No better promoter and unifier for the cause of Atheism will be found than this! I say let them try, and they'll see the response they'll get.

Re: On Question Time Extra, Thursday

leon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:35:08 -0000

Haha! Sounds like a plan! :D

Re: On Question Time Extra, Thursday

leon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:21:39 -0000

Perhaps we need a live blog for QT and QT Extra? :D

Re: Down and out in Waziristan

leon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:10:12 -0000

No it's not, I wasn't sure and asked! :P

Re: Down and out in Waziristan

leon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:03:53 -0000

The first and most important step is to get over the barrier that terrorism is a noble revolutionary reaction to imperialism and therefore somehow beyond reproach.

I hope that isn't directed at me because if it is you're beating up one hell of a straw man there...

I share your doubts but you asked for measures, I'm not an international specialist, not trained in global diplomacy but offered my limited opinion as best I could.

What's your solution to the problems we're discussing? Is it really just predator bombing every suspect the US wants until there's not terrorists left?

Re: Down and out in Waziristan

leon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:41:09 -0000

What measures would you suggest to break the cycle of terrorism in Pakistan?

It can't happen by either of the options you give.

Ideally (I won't be holding my breath) I'd go for UN involvement, hand over parts of the country or the whole thing to the UN, bring in peacekeepers, rebuild it from there. Any country that acts in a way to deny another's sovereignty should be subject to UN involvement of some kind.

Think of how Ofsted works with failing schools and you have something of a model.

But as I said I'm not holding my breath as without massive worldwide public pressure the powers that be will simply do what they can get away with.

Let's be honest, without all of us being organised and effective we're just not players in The Great Game...

Re: Down and out in Waziristan

leon — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:57:38 -0000

How do you know that the four dead people were terrorists?

The government tells us. And you know we never commit acts of terrorism. Only them, hence it's right when we say 'fuck you due process' and execute any old Brown people we don't like.

Re: Down and out in Waziristan

leon — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:36:43 -0000

Yeah I have a few pipe dreams like that. Try not to think about them too much however as they leave me feeling quite disheartened. Much like this thread.

Re: Down and out in Waziristan

leon — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:39:19 -0000

Great world we've created when the choice is full scale conquest or execution with little or no regard to the law...

Re: The ‘we are f*cked’ weekend thread

leon — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:31:30 -0000

Anyone else think those adverts on the right are a getting more and more pornographic??

It's got that I can't view PP at work now because scrolling past that will mean a lot of explaining (we have 20 inch wide screen monitors at work so you can imagine how big the image is!)...!

Re: Bush’s legacy

leon — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:55:52 -0000

Shame doesn't come into it, its politics. Was anybody really not expecting Bush to do this in his last days?

Re: Thanks Al-Qaeda!

leon — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:16:18 -0000

Bananabrain, indeed.

Re: Thanks Al-Qaeda!

leon — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:33:10 -0000

Seriously this is such a tedious tactic by AQ. Does anyone really think they think Malcom X is an 'honourable black American' and who the hell are they to decide which black people are honourable not!??!

AQ are just playing games here; plainly they're hoping it'll will divide the left and force a response to their liking from Obama.

Sunny, I saw this before and decided not to publish because frankly I didn't want to give those SOB's any further publicity on this.

Re: Human rights for the BNP

leon — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:59:04 -0000

When people quote the old 'first they come for...' line they forget who's coming for who.

Re: Employers warn staff on BNP list face dismissal

leon — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:36:37 -0000

is that all I’m remembered here for?

Hey I got a long memory when it comes to people that insult me over talking sense about idiocy...:D

Re: Employers warn staff on BNP list face dismissal

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:25:07 -0000

Sorry to be unpopular, but all this does is bring out lynch mob mentality and I wasn’t crazy about the list of paedophiles being printed in the tabloids a while back either

But you didn't mind when it was in defense of your precious Shilpa Shetty...

Re: Painting the White House black

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:47:27 -0000

I'm sure there must be a few white supremacists spitting yet more blood over this. Amusing thought...

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:16:41 -0000

Comment deleted.

I say again:

Any linking to or posting up contacts from that list will result in a ban from the site. This applies to new commenter's to people who've been here from day one.

Any attempt to cause PP legal trouble over this will not be tolerated.

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:44:45 -0000

Like it not we are natural allies in a broader coalition.

Indeed, which is why I've always enjoyed your contributions and been a little annoyed when you've thrown around abuse about us writers not being working class enough etc.

But part of me - that bit which is conscious of my own whiteness and that of my children — is a little alienated by the narrative sometimes adopted by some commenters because it can occasonally seem exclusive, old skool, and not the post-racial future I want for my kids.

Seem exclusive but not intended to be for my part. But I appreciate your context being that I share in it due to my family ties.

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:05:54 -0000

Whoa!

I was just puzzled as the question seemed to come right out of leftfield!!

This is not the start of an epic polemic, just a brief aside. I’ve tried to be as explicit as possible. I was just trying to see whether Sunny’s occasional swings had anything to do with external influences. I thought I had spotted something that would make more sense of it. If you don’t want to answer my question, then don’t. It’s not important.

I have my own theories (not mentioning it here so don't ask, you want answers come to a PP meet!) but none of what you consider to be Sunny's 'swings' have anything to do with me.

To be clear, influence is the wrong word to use anyway, I have none with him. He doesn't seek my council nor do I offer it. The dude's his own man.

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:29:51 -0000

Happy to oblige: because I generally applaud his work but on the few occasions when he has fucked up in my eyes it is because he has adoped a less ethical and tribal position. So?

This looks like a bit of a derail, what are you driving at?

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:23:38 -0000

But do not think for a moment that you are defeating the BNP.

I don't think 'I' am. But we are yes.

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:22:16 -0000

If you realised the implication of that you’d be ashamed of yourself.

I'm not advocating physical violence.

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:20:24 -0000

So how much influence do you have over Sunny Leon?

Why do you ask?

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:19:55 -0000

You could not have appreciated it very much when they initimidated you when they posted your photos on RedWatch.

On the contrary. I mentioned it to my employer, I spoke with my family about it (including seeking advice from legally inclined friends and a mate who's a copper). I thought long and hard about it...but now this rather funny irony!

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:40:55 -0000

Where is your perspective?!

Indeed.

Here we go again: Politics as a process, a means to an end.

Well no one batted an eyelid when I was criticised for suggesting the US shouldn't be allowed to invade where they like (it's just real politick I was reminded). I figure the best way to get people's attention/get them thinking is to point out what I see and know.

Sid, I really thought you were more aware of the realities of politics than this.

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:57:12 -0000

We do need to draw the line on singling out ordinary individuals and the potential damage to their private lives.

Why? To stop the BNP means destroying their capacity to effect change. Outing their members will deplete their resources (especially if said members lose their jobs). It's also exacerbating further the divisions within the party.

You can't pussyfoot around if you really want a different society; sooner or later it's going to mean conflict of some kind.

This is politics, this is how it works.

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:47:17 -0000

Please do not post up links to the list. Any further postings of this type and users will be banned.

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:37:09 -0000

By outing the personal details of every member and their families, so that they too be susceptible to this kind of attack by anti-BNP types?

I never said that. There are details which indicate employment, those employers can be discreetly contacted regarding those individuals. Personally (and speaking as someone who had their photos posted on Red Watch for intimation purposes) I've no problem fighting fire with fire on this one.

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:26:20 -0000

There is way too much schadenfreude from certain quarters who seem to think that people who lose their jobs because they happen to be a member of a democratic party is justifiable.

I've got no problem with any police offer or teacher losing their job because they're members of a fascist party (albeit one dressed in democratic clothing). None at all.

Nor do I think that outing them is the way to fight fascism in this country.

How very nice and middle class liberal of you. Tell me, how do you think people who've been beaten unconscious by BNP types or had shit smeared on their front door should fight fascism?

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:03:02 -0000

Question is Leon, Sunny et al, do you think PP SHOULD publish it?

No.

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:48:13 -0000

What's the law say on emailing people the list?

Re: Banging heads together

leon — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 07:40:29 -0000

Eh?

Re: Banging heads together

leon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:37:58 -0000

I was out in Bexley over the last few weekends leafleting against the BNP which came within eight votes of taking a seat, I didn’t see a single non white face.

Really? How come you never invited any to join you?

Re: Banging heads together

leon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:36:59 -0000

Don’t tell the white working class abour fascism we suffered it and defeated it to build the country that you all now enjoy.

You didn't fight it alone nor did you rebuild this country alone.

Re: Banging heads together

leon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:48:04 -0000

white people deserve a voice too

If there's something wrong with their vocal chords I'd suggest they make an appointment to see their doctor.

Re: Banging heads together

leon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:09:33 -0000

Was this inspired by the comments over Gaza?

Re: Banging heads together

leon — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:20:50 -0000

Oh? Says a great deal about what, exactly?

That things on PP have been so heated lately that the usually composed (to the point of restraint) Rummy is feeling the need to publicly implore.

What else did you think I meant??

Re: Banging heads together

leon — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:14:38 -0000

I must say this is the most impassioned I've seen Rumbold, which says a great deal really...

Re: Banging heads together

leon — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:07:22 -0000

Yup, check out the master race indeed. Gormless fucking idiot that he is. Doesn't he know the future is one he can't live in?

Re: PCC investigating ‘Jewish hit list’ story

leon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 06:22:09 -0000

I thought “The Green Room” — along similar surreal lines, and also based in a hospital — was unusually funny too for a British sitcom, when it was on Channel 4 a couple of years ago.

Yep that was pretty good. I used to love Monkey Dust too, that was some strange s*#t! The cyclists in that were fantastic!

Re: PCC investigating ‘Jewish hit list’ story

leon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:02:48 -0000

You think Family Guy is better than Father Ted?

FT isn't even the same universe as FG...oh yeah I also love Spaced (that really shouldn't surprise given my age/generation)!

Re: PCC investigating ‘Jewish hit list’ story

leon — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:42:39 -0000

Oh yeah and Scrubs and My Name Is Earl!

Re: PCC investigating ‘Jewish hit list’ story

leon — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:40:38 -0000

I also like the oldies like Cheers and the newer oldies like Friends (that last part may surprise some)...

Re: PCC investigating ‘Jewish hit list’ story

leon — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:27:34 -0000

The humour is just bland to me...I prefer things like Peep Show or Frasier (and of course Family Guy!)...

Re: PCC investigating ‘Jewish hit list’ story

leon — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:15:58 -0000

Watched the IT Crowd a few times, it's fairly tepid and Chris Morris is/was wasted in it. The Mighty Boosh I found about as unfunny as Father Ted...

Re: PCC investigating ‘Jewish hit list’ story

leon — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:47:01 -0000

Oh god I can't stand Father Ted...

Re: PCC investigating ‘Jewish hit list’ story

leon — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:05:03 -0000

Who's Father Jack?

Re: PCC investigating ‘Jewish hit list’ story

leon — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:52:18 -0000

Heh yeah I like people with passion, makes life fun!

Re: PCC investigating ‘Jewish hit list’ story

leon — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:42:10 -0000

Rumbold and Leon are probably the best mods I have seen on any site I have visited, despite the fact that Rumbold is plain wrong on virtually any political issue and that the first words Leon addressed to me were ‘Fuck off’.

Heh this made me actually laugh out loud!

I know I can be combative, especially when I'm having a no patience day but I should say you're without doubt one of my favourite people to read on here. Just a shame we don't see more of you.

Oh and if you ever come to a PP meet you'll find I'm far nicer in person. ;)

Re: They really care for human rights, at Harry’s Place

leon — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:26:28 -0000

i mean, if you say something’s racist, i trust your judgement and integrity more than, say, to pick a random example, lee jasper.

Phew! You had me hitting the search button for a second then wondering when I'd accused something of racism!

Re: They really care for human rights, at Harry’s Place

leon — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:05:33 -0000

if leon says something is racist, do we trust his judgement or tell him he’s being over-sensitive?

You what?

Re: They really care for human rights, at Harry’s Place

leon — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:03:52 -0000

The Katy Newton cloaking device. Lose an arguement and run, run, run away.

Pathetic.

That's uncalled for.

We need to show her that, apart from a few weirdos, that is not true.

Indeed.

I respect and admire Katy and Chairwoman.

And you've proved this by saying not wanting to read abuse about themselves is pathetic?

I'm tired of your bloody mood swings; one minute you're being constructive and friendly, the next petulant and obnoxious.

Cut it out. Whatever it is that's fueling it stop it or stop posting here while under it's influence.

Re: They really care for human rights, at Harry’s Place

leon — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:54:17 -0000

this is the question:

Is Global Democracy Possible?

Interesting event, I read Monbiot's Age of Consent when it first came out. Interesting idea but basically a non starter and not likely to happen in our life time...

Re: They really care for human rights, at Harry’s Place

leon — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:53:21 -0000

I think Bananabrain has thrown his toys out of the pram and walked away with the ball…

I think you're attempts at flame baiting were uncalled for.

The problem is that no-one who has attacked Israel’s actions has really explained what Israel should have done to combat the immediate problem of the rockets.

Are you sure? Israel ends the occupation, pulls back to pre 1967 borders and the Palestinian people's suffering will drop and mean (possibly) that they wont feel so desperate that they turn to electing Hamas to represent them. Thus ending Hamas' ability to fire rockets into civilian areas in Israel.

The above in various forms has been discussed the world over, and brought up several times on here.

Re: They really care for human rights, at Harry’s Place

leon — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:25:06 -0000

bananabrain, you thick idiot,

Please stop with the personal attacks.

Re: Proof of Thailand’s inhumane treatment of refugees

leon — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:44:08 -0000

It being nothing new doesn't really make it right though does it?

Re: Proof of Thailand’s inhumane treatment of refugees

leon — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:20:57 -0000

just like Palestinian lives aren’t worth a shit to you and ur fellow warmongers over at HP sauce mr T.

And this would be the reaction which is caused by trolling.

Please don't respond to flame baiting, it's not worth it.

Re: Proof of Thailand’s inhumane treatment of refugees

leon — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:11:17 -0000

David, keep this up and I'll be deleting your posts on account of trolling.

Re: ‘We care for human rights’, just not Palestinians

leon — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:11:21 -0000

I don’t think i have ever heard the term, ‘class’ or ‘working class’ mentioned on here, ans you all consider yourselves on the left, funny sort of left!

You either haven't been around very long on here, or you don't know how to use the search function.

Try doing your research before throwing around unsubstantiated accusations.

Re: ‘We care for human rights’, just not Palestinians

leon — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:05:43 -0000

:D

*starts plain' sum Apache Indian*

Re: ‘We care for human rights’, just not Palestinians

leon — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:04:12 -0000

Heh Leon.

Actually, lemme make a small addition, we niggaz are gonna allow respek to our main Telegraph reading Wigga Rummy The Bold. You is now a Honourary Nigga!

*does black power raised fist*

Re: ‘We care for human rights’, just not Palestinians

leon — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:00:26 -0000

But, hey, as long as “brown people” are ok, why the fuck should you care.

Yeah that's what we stand for man, fuck whitey and that includes the whitey Jews and Eastern Europeans whities; big up da brownies, dem peeps are da best and better dan de rest! We be Niggaz fo Life Mofo (tm)!

....

Dave you're a fucking prick.

Re: Tony Benn = hero

leon — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:49:53 -0000

could it be that lifetime membership of the awkward squad, though admirable in itself, does not necessarily translate into unqualified admiration for all tony benn’s statements, positions and associations?

Who said it was unqualified admiration for all his statements?

If you look at one of my posts right near the beginning you'll see I quite clearly said:

That aside you don’t have to agree with everything he said to admire his main and substantial point about the BBC’s decision. Or the fact that he totally called them on it live on air.

Attempting to muddy the waters of his admirable act with unsubstantiated accusations isn't helpful. People are suffering and dying in Gaza due to a catastrophic humanitarian disaster and that should remain our focus.

Much respect to Tony Benn for having the guts to challenge the BBC's awful decision and get the relevant info out live on air.

Re: Tony Benn = hero

leon — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:54:24 -0000

I don't know why we're getting bogged down in defending Tony Benn when what he did live on air was admirable and far beyond anything virtually any seasoned politico has done.

Re: Tony Benn = hero

leon — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:10:57 -0000

Or they set a honey trap with Israeli supermodels. Some of them are really hot, y’know.

Re: Tony Benn = hero

leon — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:59:59 -0000

Bloody Asians, coming over here and stealing our jobs, shagging our women and our goats…..

Hey I'm very happy for Asian women coming to the UK, very happy indeed. :D

Re: Tony Benn = hero

leon — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:55:16 -0000

As an aside I think this is the first time the videos box has provoked so much discussion!

Re: Tony Benn = hero

leon — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:39:15 -0000

that PP was about standing up for marginalised minorities.

We do, we fight/oppose bigotry. But that's not the same as saying this site is 'minority centred' we talk about much more than what minority ethnic people go through (although that is still a signficant part).

I just don't think PP can be boxed in quite as easily as it once was. We're bigger, broader and perhaps a little more combative now than we once were...

Re: Tony Benn = hero

leon — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:21:25 -0000

It’s so good to hear a high-profile icon of the Left repackaging the myth that Jews control the British media for the twenty-first century. And even better to read what used to be an inclusive minorities-centred blog citing it with approval.

To be fair he didn't say Jews he said Israeli's and I think it's clear he was talking about the government.

That aside you don't have to agree with everything he said to admire his main and substantial point about the BBC's decision. Or the fact that he totally called them on it live on air. Which is the reason I assume Sunny posted this video (I would have posted it also had I seen it earlier).

On point of fact this hasn't been a 'minority centred' blog for quite some time. It's been broader than it's initial Asian/BME focus for a good while now.

Re: Tony Benn = hero

leon — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:11:23 -0000

What a dude! Even bringing up the fact the BBC reporters don't like the decision. Damn shame he's too old to run for Parliament again...

Re: BBC’s disgusting decision over Gaza

leon — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:49:23 -0000

Well this fire is burning bright! How about a little more fuel?

http://www.chickyog.net/2009/01/26/mark-thompso...

Look at this bastard, January 2009:

BBC boss Mark Thompson has again defended the decision [not to broadcast a charity appeal for Gaza], saying it would jeopardise the BBC’s impartiality.

Look at this bastard, November 2005:

[D]irector general, Mark Thompson, has recently returned from Jerusalem, where he held a face-to-face meeting with the hardine Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Although the diplomatic visit was not publicised on these shores, it has been seized upon in Israel as evidence that Thompson, who took office in 2004, intends to build bridges with the country’s political class.

Re: BBC’s disgusting decision over Gaza

leon — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:57:43 -0000

You first Leon, eh. I say go for it Anas, Leon!

I'm actually considering it, to be honest I'm fast approaching the position that the BBC shouldn't be license fee funded and it should fight, like all other outlets, within the market.

It's output is almost the same as other companies so why the hell not let it make some money and save me some?

Re: BBC’s disgusting decision over Gaza

leon — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:26:45 -0000

The BBC are bang out of order with this. I reckon complaints aint enough, we need a license fee boycott, that'd put the shits up them.

Re: Sleepwalking to a dumbed-down world

leon — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:59:11 -0000

Can bloggers really fill the gap?

Has email meant no one uses the telephone anymore?

Re: Stirring up Troubles

leon — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:32:14 -0000

It seems like a step back to many.

Really? Who is this many you're talking about?

Re: Being even-handed is soooo unfair!

leon — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:37:19 -0000

Anyone else think the Sunny/Lenin spat above came off like two ex lovers have a little friction for old times sake?

Re: Being even-handed is soooo unfair!

leon — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:54:45 -0000

I reserve the right to comment on it.

I appreciate that, but try and work with me here, I'm just trying to pre-empt things spiralling back into the merry go-round we've seen umpteen times.

Time to move on, also that's background context not the foreground/direct topic at hand and I reserve the right to moderate as I see fit to stop thread derails.

Re: Being even-handed is soooo unfair!

leon — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:38:32 -0000

I really don't think we need to get bogged down in former real or perceived accusations. Isn't it time to move forward?

Re: Being even-handed is soooo unfair!

leon — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 06:42:04 -0000

Mitchell is a good choice, the Northern Ireland experience will serve him well.

Re: How far does Palestinian right to resistance go?

leon — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:32:22 -0000

I do absolutely think that Israel should be seen to be contributing to rebuilding the civil infrastructure in the Gaza Strip if that is acceptable to the people who are there.

Agreed. I can't see why they'd turn down the assistance, and the offer would be a big boon to any peace effort.

Re: How far does Palestinian right to resistance go?

leon — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:37:17 -0000

If only such a thing existed in anything but our collective imagination!

Aint that the truth!

@leon, #42: quite right, provided of course that its human rights apparatus was not monopolised by iran, syria, libya and sudan.

Or Israel and the US didn't vote against or veto everything that'd make a difference...or if Britain didn't say one thing then slyly do another via their diplomats, we could go round and round this forever...

Re: Friday caption contest (cow version)

leon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:30:53 -0000

"David wasn't impressed his request for something white and creamy resulted in a free cow."

Re: Strike on Gaza school ‘kills 30′

leon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:00:53 -0000

Just stop saving us from ourselves, why don’t you?

I'm not 'saving' anyone, it's called moderation. And frankly with some of your erratic comments of late it's much needed.

Re: Strike on Gaza school ‘kills 30′

leon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:02:28 -0000

Well, I don't want to go round and round this but it's easy to get drawn in, I've seen it happen in the last week more than usual. Hence my comments.

Re: Strike on Gaza school ‘kills 30′

leon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:14:40 -0000

There is not a person on here that can’t stand up for themselves.

I should clarify that because I think you've missed my point. I know people can, my point is we're getting a higher than usual level of trollish commenter's with a smattering of bigoted idiots and the usual defend Israel at any cost types (amongst others).

A number of them will try and skewer discussion here with inflammatory posts, it's better to recognise what's going on than get drawn into these idiots bullshit. Just thought I'd point that out before it gets stupid...

I'm all for the community (and that includes the reasonable and respected 'pro' Israel regulars) looking after itself.;)

Re: Strike on Gaza school ‘kills 30′

leon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:32:13 -0000

And this means we require a degree of vigilance and constructiveness from our regular (and highly respected I might add) commenter's.

Re: Strike on Gaza school ‘kills 30′

leon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:31:14 -0000

We certainly are getting a higher than normal level of flat earthers for sure...

Re: Muslim group asks Brown to condemn ’state terror’

leon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:59:02 -0000

I consider that clarifying their position on the original cause of the violence materially affects the arguments on this blog.

Sorry, not good enough. If you were sincere you'd ask them directly rather than raise it here. We're not spokespeople for their organisation.

Re: Muslim group asks Brown to condemn ’state terror’

leon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:10:17 -0000

Bollocks. That’s EXACTLY how it works

Indeed but you know action taken on who's selling the arms (to both sides) can limit the impact the revenge has and encourage them to consider other options to resolve the issue...

Re: Muslim group asks Brown to condemn ’state terror’

leon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:17:08 -0000

And wouldn’t you all be totally outraged if there was (a) A Young Jewish Advisory Group, and it was (b) Asking the Government to do something similar.

What 'state terrorism' are Jewish people subject to?

Re: Muslim group asks Brown to condemn ’state terror’

leon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:16:10 -0000

Where’s the voice of Trevor Pillips now?

Eh??

Re: Muslim group asks Brown to condemn ’state terror’

leon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:13:24 -0000

I’ve a question for YMAG. Do you deny Israel’s right to exist?

I have a question for you, why don't you contact them directly rather than posting the question on this site?? Could it be you'd rather derail/troll this thread?

Re: More anti-immigrant reporting

leon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:21:21 -0000

Even if it really was 2 million leaving without being replaced would that really be a surprise? Living in London is expensive and in some parts increasingly dangerous.

What's wrong with wanting a better and safer life elsewhere?

Re: Asian women and hard drugs

leon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:44:13 -0000

i don’t think it’s got anything to do with how you’re brought up…

I think upbringing is a real factor in this. The stricter (or more to the point the more your restricted compared to other kids in what you can do) your upbringing the more freedom you will desire (I know this from going to Catholic school and seeing all the guys go mental the minute they could get away from their parents).

It's not a hard and fast rule but as I say I'm convinced your upbringing plays a real role.

As Bill Hicks (pbuh) put it:

“I’ll tell you something honestly about drugs, honestly, and I know it’s not a very popular idea, you don’t hear it very often anymore, but it is the truth: I had a great time doing drugs. Sorry. Never murdered anyone, never robbed anyone, never raped anyone, never beat anyone, never lost a job, a car, a house, a wife or kids, laughed my ass off, and went about my day.”

Heh heh excellent quote! :D

Re: Asian women and hard drugs

leon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:14:22 -0000

It's probably only a story because there's this weird taboo that Asian girls don't go around snorting coke (or fucking guys or drinking, we all know what the Gora are like eh? Not our girls etc) etc.

It's funny, I can see real parallels between the reputation and reality of Asian girls and Catholic girls...

Re: “Anything which doesn’t kill Hamas makes them stronger”

leon — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:08:40 -0000

It's at times like this I wish more Israeli citizens would watch excellent films like Munich and pay close attention to the point the Mossad agent makes at the end...

Re: Israel starts using chemical weapons

leon — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:54:17 -0000

Right, I've deleted the slang words for Jewish person (and posts making reference to them).

The tone was was anti-sematic. I will not tolerate racism against Jewish people.

Any further slang of this type will also be deleted, repeat offenders will be banned.

Can I ask that PP commenter's not make reference to them in future if they appear thereby safeguarding their comments from moderation also.

Re: Why I’m (mostly) a Buddhist

leon — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:08:26 -0000

There is certainly something at least quasi-religious about your drive to own every games console ever made…

:D

Well I am playing a game called Halo right now...

Re: Why I’m (mostly) a Buddhist

leon — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 14:27:43 -0000

I've read the bible cover to cover more than a few times (raised Roman Catholic; was seriously considering entering the Priesthood at a very early age) and there's nothing in it I couldn't figure out for myself.

Re: Why I’m (mostly) a Buddhist

leon — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 22:49:33 -0000

What’s relevant, I think, is to think about how we should live our lives and what makes it more enriching.

But see here's a problem, the natural state for us Atheists is do just that, to get on with. It's the religious that try to impose this sillyness that you can't just live your life without God...they keep that shit to themselves and it will all be a lot easier.

Re: Gaza demo: thoughts and pictures

leon — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:58:26 -0000

And for the record, I’ve found out that’s it’s Capisce (for anyone who cares).

Heh I was going to correct him but couldn't be bothered...

Re: Gaza demo: thoughts and pictures

leon — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 11:14:37 -0000

Some interesting posts on this blog:

http://ingaza.wordpress.com/

Re: Gaza demo: thoughts and pictures

leon — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 17:49:20 -0000

I'm going to go to the next demo with a placard reading:

"We are all Houmous"

We'll see if anyone gets the Mighty Zohan reference...

Re: Gaza demo: thoughts and pictures

leon — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:33:59 -0000

How did you figure it was 10,000 people? Media reports 5000...

Re: American opinion split over Gaza

leon — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:28:12 -0000

Jesus she's brave! She must have it really made to risk her career like this...

Re: American opinion split over Gaza

leon — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 12:36:18 -0000

I’ve heard them talk of ‘weakening Hamas’ and ’stopping missiles’.

And what do you think in reality that means?

Israel has supremely more power (economically, politically and military) than Hamas or any Palestinian group and the ability to use it as they please. Such is the luxury of being a client state of the US...

Re: The propaganda war from Gaza

leon — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 11:28:39 -0000

Governments and similar organisations use the expression ‘PR’ when what they actually mean in ‘Propaganda’ or quite frequently ‘Agit-prop’. Heaven forbid that they should use the correct terms. After all that’s what Dr. Goebbels did, and ‘PR’ is so much nicer.

Well said.

Re: The propaganda war from Gaza

leon — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 11:16:28 -0000

Worth a read: http://ingaza.wordpress.com/

Re: The propaganda war from Gaza

leon — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:44:03 -0000

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/78...

Israel has tried to take the initiative in the propaganda war over Gaza but, in one important instance, its version has been seriously challenged.

The incident raises the question of how to interpret video taken from the air.

Israel released video of an air attack on 28 December, which appeared to show rockets being loaded onto a truck. The truck and those close to it were then destroyed by a missile.

It turned out, however, that a 55-year-old Gaza resident named Ahmed Sanur, or Samur, claimed that the truck was his and that he and members of his family and his workers were moving oxygen cylinders from his workshop.

Metal workshop owner Ahmed Sanur [photo courtesy of B'Tselem
Ahmed Sanur is challenging Israel's claim that rockets were targeted

This workshop had been damaged when a building next door was bombed by the Israelis and he was afraid of looters, he said.

The Israeli human rights group B'Tselem put Mr Sanur's account on its website, together with a photograph of burned out oxygen cylinders.

Re: The propaganda war from Gaza

leon — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:36:56 -0000

A video which shows just how IDF are 'weakening Hamas' (as one PP pro Israeli commenter put it):

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=3b3_1230864719

Please note this is not work safe, should not be run with minors nearby or be viewed by those with weak stomachs.

Re: The propaganda war from Gaza

leon — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:48:07 -0000

Do you think some of the pro-Israel commentators here could be part of that PR effort?

Yep I've wondered about that but more broadly about trying to derail discussions on blogs and forums, posting false or biased stats etc, all with the aim of feeding the narrative that Israel is the victim and the Palestinians are some regional super power destroying everything in their path...

Re: Kabaddi comes to Britain

leon — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 12:42:07 -0000

Or better yet… PP v Harry’s Place 5-a-side?

I think that would be a 'bad' idea on account that certain PPers might just enjoy beating seven shades of shit out of them a little too much...:D

Re: In Gaza, civilians are just collateral damage

leon — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:56:44 -0000

Marvin, Are you the spokeperson for Israili state, because everything you say, is exectly the same I hear from Israeli officials.

It's why no reasonable person will believe a word that he writes.

Re: In Gaza, civilians are just collateral damage

leon — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:43:06 -0000

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/78...

Israel has tried to take the initiative in the propaganda war over Gaza but, in one important instance, its version has been seriously challenged.

The incident raises the question of how to interpret video taken from the air.

Israel released video of an air attack on 28 December, which appeared to show rockets being loaded onto a truck. The truck and those close to it were then destroyed by a missile.

It turned out, however, that a 55-year-old Gaza resident named Ahmed Sanur, or Samur, claimed that the truck was his and that he and members of his family and his workers were moving oxygen cylinders from his workshop.

Metal workshop owner Ahmed Sanur [photo courtesy of B'Tselem
Ahmed Sanur is challenging Israel's claim that rockets were targeted

This workshop had been damaged when a building next door was bombed by the Israelis and he was afraid of looters, he said.

The Israeli human rights group B'Tselem put Mr Sanur's account on its website, together with a photograph of burned out oxygen cylinders.

Re: In Gaza, civilians are just collateral damage

leon — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:45:54 -0000

Re: Man who cycles slightly faster than other men knighted

leon — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 10:41:37 -0000

I'm not sure what I think of these 'honours' given that it's a Monarch giving them and the history there...

That said Terry Pratchett certainly deserves far more praise and adulation than most writers from this country!

Heh if PP was the Discworld, who would be which characters (both writers and regulars)?! :D

Re: Gaza protests across UK this weekend

leon — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:01:50 -0000

Hmm I might be there...

Sofia, I'm the same, the anti war 'protests' went nowhere ultimately -in terms of their objectives- but I also blame the politically impotent stwc too...

Re: How political parties misjudge online campaigning

leon — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:23:06 -0000

How about...the Movement for More Beer for Leon? I'd be up for that, might even throw you a few favourable blog posts too...

Re: Holocaust in Gaza

leon — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 20:50:05 -0000

Don't know about anyone else but I like a bit of Jew infestion, lifts the soul it does...

Jesus...what a fucking thread.

Re: Holocaust in Gaza

leon — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 13:51:20 -0000

Does anybody here actually believe that if Hamas had the military capability that Israel has that they wouldn’t be using it daily.

Nope. It's just history, one group kills another, the oppressed group get some power and make sure they don't get oppressed by killing others, the newly oppressed work towards getting power so they can kill and maim to preserve their own 'security'. On it goes...

Re: Holocaust in Gaza

leon — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 13:47:30 -0000

Leon, this was not the same as an unmanned drone attack on a single building which was the case with the killing of the terrorist Rashid Rauf in Pakistan. This looks like long range and wide area tacket.

You advocate a power killing people they deem terrorists, Israel from I can tell is doing the same just with less precision. By your own logic you should have no problem with this. You said it yourself, 'the only good terrorist is a dead one', Israel says Hamas are terrorists, and kills them, you both should be very happy.

So what if some 'innocent' civilians get slaughtered in the process, you've got to break some eggs to make an omelette right?

Re: Holocaust in Gaza

leon — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 11:40:44 -0000

Sid, I'm not sure what your point is. You already advocate state sanctioned executions of anyone deemed a terrorist so why shouldn't Israel kill who the hell the they like?

Re: Defending C4’s alternative Christmas message

leon — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 22:00:29 -0000

Excellent piece Sunny, very well said.

Oh and for the record: Devil's Kitchen is a snotty nosed little cunt.

Re: The Pope on Gender

leon — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:09:40 -0000

Put simply, the pope can fuck right off. A former nazi who can't fuck has no right to be telling me or anyone who we can or cannot fuck.

Re: I’m Agreeing with Nick Clegg

leon — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:27:37 -0000

My experience is everyone who never gets a bonus doesn't like them. I've no problem if some one wants to pay me a phat wad of cash extra simply for being there.

Re: iPhone blogging test

leon — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:58:37 -0000

Heh! Isn't there a wordpress app for the iPhone?

Re: Silly studies

leon — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:41:54 -0000

How do you define 'nothing', how do you define 'understanding', how do you know what recieved wisdom is without testing everything?

Re: Free Israel’s Young Conscientious objectors

leon — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:35:23 -0000

Excuse me but do Israelis tell you how to run your national affairs?

We live in a globalised interdependent world. Get over it.

Re: Free Israel’s Young Conscientious objectors

leon — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:47:16 -0000

to weasel out of national service

Nice way to characterise human compassion.

I'm all for this campaign, and against enforced national 'service'. If they don't want 'serve' why should they.

Re: Boris lets rape victims down

leon — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 05:52:12 -0000

This is a fucking outrage.

Re: Democracy by comparison

leon — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:40:44 -0000

Not unless you support the need for Bush and Blair to face an International Criminal Courts tribunal and be tried for Crimes against Humanity.

Why would anyone give a shit about that? I mean aren't we just supposed to sit back and let the powerful do as they please, you know the only good terrorist is a dead one etc. Only way to make sure that's true is to allow powerful country's to kill and invade [in violation of any law] as they please, right?

Re: Democracy by comparison

leon — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:53:03 -0000

Not insulting a guest is an old tribal custom? Really? Here throwing a shoe at someone could get you up to 6 months’ imprisonment. It’s called assault.

Heh yep.

On a related note I found it very amusing the Western media with their "Throwing a shoe is a big sign of disrepect in Arab culture dontcha know?"!

Seriously, what culture is chucking a shoe at someone seen as respectful!?

Re: What shall I write about?

leon — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:32:21 -0000

as its xmas: fatherhood - how your life would change/what you would do if you discovered a baby (that was yours but the mother had never told you until now) had been suddenly left on your doorstep one morning, say on xmas day before all the rellys were due to arrive for xmas?

:D :D :D

“Why people should be allowed to keep some of their own money instead of the state stealing it all.”

“Boris Johnson- why I have his poster on my wall.”

“Vegetarians- just grow up.”

Haha! I really like these especially that last one!

‘It’s time for brown people to vote Tory’

Haha-oh wait?!

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:36:38 -0000

Apparently Popbitch had it up and had no problems. Also, this list is so widely distributed now that I doubt anything can be done to stop people getting it.

Anyone know the legality of publishing it on a US blog?

Re: BNP membership list leaks online

leon — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:42:36 -0000

This is gonna royally mess up the party, great news from where I sit!

Re: What’s the point of outrage now?

leon — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:57:40 -0000

Nevertheless, we don’t seem to get that political victory should not be taken for granted ever.

Indeed. I've always liked the saying: "Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom"

Maybe when Nadine Dorries become Conservative home office minister.

That's the stuff of nightmares mate...

Re: Asian Identity Guilt Syndrome

leon — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:03:41 -0000

God I thought this only affected muslim men who conveniently ‘forget’ their religion, and suddenly become born again muslims when it comes to choosing a wife…(usually from ‘back home’)…

Yeah that was what I was driving at...

Re: Asian Identity Guilt Syndrome

leon — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:29:57 -0000

Oh, and Asian women are just bloody difficult to figure out.

LOL! Lines like that (about Asian or any women for that matter) always make me laugh. Obviously not all men are as clever as me as I've always found women pretty straight forward to figure out. :D

Re: Asian Identity Guilt Syndrome

leon — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:39:29 -0000

This phenomena seems to be affecting an increasing number of my peers.

Yep, I've seen/heard similar things over the years, young Asian guys going out partying etc, enjoying life while at Uni then swinging the other way and becoming proper traditional and quite conservative as they get into their late 20s/early 30s...

Re: Obama’s 60 Minutes interview

leon — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:21:34 -0000

It works perfectly fine for me...

Re: ‘Honour’ killing supporters rewarded

leon — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:28:02 -0000

These people should resign from the human race.

How can they resign from something they're not part of...

Re: John Pilger’s race baiting

leon — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:59:53 -0000

Should the sins of the father be visited upon the son?

Re: John Pilger’s race baiting

leon — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:57:11 -0000

Sigh...some of the comments on this thread are depressing as hell to read...

Re: John Pilger’s race baiting

leon — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 10:56:30 -0000

With Obama a lot of activists on the left feel uncomfortable about the immunity Obama seems to have acquired in which his race may well play a part.

There may well be something to that. It'll be interesting how many times racism is brought up if a white person dare criticise Obama for anything.

I can see parallels to Palin where if you said anything critical or negative about her you had to first negotiate a mindfield of sexism accusations just to land a [political] blow...

Re: John Pilger’s race baiting

leon — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:38:22 -0000

I am concerned by your complacency Leon. It is indicative of an intermittent PP tendency that has occasionally made my blood boil.

It's an observation of reality. Are you saying I should lie to people about what I see and know?

Re: John Pilger’s race baiting

leon — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:09:47 -0000

(who’s going to attack US if OBL is killed, Pakstan?)

I didn't realise anyone post Sept 11 was still thinking of attacks/conflict/wars in such old terms...

Re: John Pilger’s race baiting

leon — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:03:33 -0000

Say what?

You asked how I could predict the far left reaction to Obama, I explained in the simplest way I could think of. I'm sorry but if you want it any simpler you're going to have to go back to infant school and start you're whole understanding of the world from scratch. Then we'll talk. ;)

Re: John Pilger’s race baiting

leon — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:31:28 -0000

Ok, put simply, if you understand what terms like Anarchist, Liberal Reformer, Socialist, etc mean you can quite normally predict what people of those viewpoints will think about any given political situation or outcome.

For example, you can bet that an Anarchist will not be as thrilled by Obama's election as the Liberal Reformer.

Nader's comment weren't intended, from what I can see, to be racist but to grab a headline, shape a narrative etc. It was an appalling tactic but still a tactic none the less. As much as one as Sunny calling Republicans scum for example.

This is politics, this is how it works.

Re: John Pilger’s race baiting

leon — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:32:43 -0000

The hard-left reaction to Obama’s presidency has been an eye-opener.

Seriously?? It's entirely predictable imo.

Re: John Pilger’s race baiting

leon — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:14:24 -0000

Indeed, neither do I.

America's response to Sept 11 was bad judgement. I mean the first thing they did was fly members of OBL's family out of the country, not call them in to take statements. They should have responded by way of a criminal investigation. Although, we know they wanted war, and the Neo Cons had their plans for the ME....such is the actions of the powerful.

Re: John Pilger’s race baiting

leon — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:04:59 -0000

There’s plenty of people here who have done their own bit for race-baiting, so it is interesting to see your reaction when the shoe is on the other foot.

Well you know as they say, what's good for the goose...

Are we saying that the US should have engaged in diplomacy with OBL after the attacks?

Jesus, you're lack of appreciation of the notion of international law and the dynamics of power is staggering!

Re: John Pilger’s race baiting

leon — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:03:42 -0000

But if OBL was there? Of course.

So a super power should be able to violate international law (and a sovereign nations territorial integrity) on the basis that they could execute someone they don't like?

Re: Comment for the Weekend Open Thread

leon — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:21:30 -0000

He would've been sooooo cool man, sooooo cool!!!

Re: Trust in top politicians ‘falls’

leon — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:52:57 -0000

Those things are not mutually exclusive are they?

A couple of things, bloggers just aren't that powerful. We're being used [by what's known in the political sphere] as a 'scapegoat'. Also, the disillusionment and distrust with/of politics, political parties and politicians existed long before social media came on the scene.

Re: Tackling Trevor Phillips

leon — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:03:59 -0000

The universe conspired to help Obama win, basically.

LOL! I think you'll find it was a very human made win, no 'god' or universe involved. ;)

Re: Dizzy Rascal for Prime Minister!

leon — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:52:58 -0000

The South Park episode is f'ing funny!

Check it out: http://www.southparkzone.com/episodes/1212/Abou...

Re: Dizzy Rascal for Prime Minister!

leon — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:36:32 -0000

Estelle did TRY to make a go of it with her music, and didn’t really get anywhere!

I just think she isn't as talented and when that was reflected in the way she was treated she cried racism and buggered off.

Re: Dizzy Rascal for Prime Minister!

leon — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:56:22 -0000

Well, Dizzee understood the need for collective action better than any of the other BBC analists.

Yep.

He also nicely cut through that nationalist question about whether he feels British by saying yeah he's here.

I have much higher respect for him staying and making a go of it here with his music rather than complaining and buggering off to America (I'm looking at you Estelle).

Re: Dizzy Rascal for Prime Minister!

leon — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:01:47 -0000

Yep, I read about him earlier this year, I'm sure there'll be plenty of people claiming/hoping to be the British Barack Obama in the coming months and years...

Re: Obama’s victory: too much emphasis on race

leon — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:30:19 -0000

Yep saw it, the LG Test Blog comment is by me. ;)

Re: Obama’s victory: too much emphasis on race

leon — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 07:45:26 -0000

Refresh, you and me both. I can't be bothered with engaging with him given his obvious pathological desire to turn every thread into something about the black people he hates...just ignore him is my advice.

Re: Obama’s victory: too much emphasis on race

leon — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:19:17 -0000

Nothing that has been said or will be said on this forum, will detract from the fact THAT I’ve got a great big massive smile on my face. Trust me when I say, I’m not alone.

Heh I know what you mean, still find myself even now a few days later just smiling over this.

Re: Obama’s victory: too much emphasis on race

leon — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:45:27 -0000

Yes let's not slide into an i/p thread...

Anyway, check out Dizzy!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/us_el...

Re: Obama’s victory: too much emphasis on race

leon — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:37:02 -0000

Banabrain,

I think his choice (although at the time of writing not accepted) is a shrewd and good one. I also think only a lunatic could conclude that any FO 'mistake' (criteria for mistake being open depending on ones political views) could flow from him.

But anyway, still early days yet. Team Obama hasn't even been fully appointed and we're already talking about who's fault it may be for hypothetical mistakes made at some speculative future point!

Re: Obama’s victory: too much emphasis on race

leon — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:22:58 -0000

I'm beginning to wonder that unless you're black or have a strong connection (through solidarity, shared experience etc) with black communities the significance of this won't be the same for you.

I won't go into it publicly but I've spoken to family over the last twenty four hours who've been in tears on the phone. Tears of joy that they've lived long enough to see this, tears of relief that the years of being told they're not good enough and the pain of racism (both historic via slavery and present through abuse) has taken a new positive turn, tears of amusement that the worlds most powerful nation is now run by a black man; the emotional impact is profound. None of them see that that is the only factor but it is a factor and a legitimate one at that.

It was a victory for all Americans, not just African Americans.

Sure but had your fore mothers and fathers been slaves perhaps you're internal reality would be stirred a little differently because of this.

I really don't see why any of this should be mutually exclusive, why can't black people feel this in a empowering sense within the overall context of how well the campaign was run. It's not either/or and I'm tired of people trying to down play one aspect of this victory in preference for another to be frank.

Re: To America

leon — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:35:29 -0000

Something that is getting a little lost in all this is the campaign, the local groups, the scale and impact of the organisation and mobilisation. The people made this happen, the Obama campaign sent out this email to remind them of that fact:

I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.

We just made history.

And I don't want you to forget how we did it.

You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change.

I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign.

We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next.

But I want to be very clear about one thing...

All of this happened because of you.

Thank you,

Barack

Re: To America

leon — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:58:32 -0000

No.

Re: To America

leon — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:14:48 -0000

Exactly. Consider how the GoP went after Clinton and you can see Jon Stewart will probably have more material in the next four years.

Re: To America

leon — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:14:11 -0000

Somewhat ironically, Obama’s victory (and the massive movement amongst the general American public aiming to achieve this) has probably done considerably more to promote the attractions and benefits of democracy to the rest of the world than the military campaigns and political efforts during the past few years.

Indeed. No doubt embassy's round the world will be making that point in their own way. And I seriously doubt we'll see any Neo Con being happy with that!

This has been a remarkable 24 hours, my phone has just had text message after message since 5am this morning. I just had a call from my Dad who started with the words "Yes we can!".

No doubt the rightwing will desperately try and frame everything about this and our reactions but to hell with it, for now I'm just smiling. Cold light of day analysis can come later...

Re: US Election Results: Live Blogging at Liberal Conspiracy

leon — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:20:34 -0000

We've started a little early! It's up and running now, Vikrant please do join us the US based view would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Dirty election tactics in Missouri

leon — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:08:50 -0000

Yep we've been hearing of some of this over in the UK. Flyers being handed out telling people that democrats vote the day after the polling day and republicans on the day it self.

The thing that interests me is we don't seem to hear much about who's putting this shit out. Yet when a democrat linked group like ACORN make a few mistakes it's national news...

Re: McCain camp try anti-semitic card

leon — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:40:28 -0000

HP and PP together are actually stronger; not that i’m suggesting they should merge, i just think that they’re more similar than one might think.

In what way?

Re: McCain camp try anti-semitic card

leon — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:14:27 -0000

Indeed. Anymore of this derail and it's comments closed for this thread.

Re: McCain camp try anti-semitic card

leon — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:02:34 -0000

Rumbold, please leave it the derail has gone on long enough. This is a good thread without all the DT stuff.

Good update Sid.

Re: McCain camp try anti-semitic card

leon — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:50:42 -0000

Well anyway, anyone fancy dragging this thread somewhere near the topic at hand?

Re: McCain camp try anti-semitic card

leon — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:59:47 -0000

I mean, that would be truely the worst type of scaremongering, race-card playing, gutter politics, wouldn’t it?

The worst? Seriously?

DT you must have lived an exceptionally sheltered life to think that Sunny writing a piece like that is the worst type of 'scaremongering, race-card playing, gutter politics'! :D

Re: Where’s the feminist outrage?

leon — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:05:33 -0000

This whole thing is bullshit, excellent piece on LC:

http://www.liberalconspiracy.org/2008/10/30/blo...

Brand, Ballie and Ross are all as bad as each now if you ask me.

Re: Happy Diwali

leon — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 06:43:09 -0000

Er...

Re: Happy Diwali

leon — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:15:43 -0000

Do you eat loads of special curries today to celebrate?

Sweets, can't remember their names but I love the green ones! :D

Re: Happy Diwali

leon — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:47:19 -0000

Happy Diwali everyone! Now pass me the Indian sweets!! :D

Re: Its going to be a long week

leon — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:32:25 -0000

Vikrant, didn't know that cheers for the correction.

Re: Its going to be a long week

leon — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:13:39 -0000

Gege, it is the campaign can't accept donations from you though.

Re: 75% of Jews back Obama

leon — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:40:30 -0000

Sid, oh right. In that case his comments will be deleted then.

Katy, for you my sweet I'd end all diets. :)

Re: 75% of Jews back Obama

leon — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:06:08 -0000

Two and a half percent of the population, so why all the attention every four years? I think I can answer that.

Comments like this remind me how little some people understand electoral politics. The reason they're made a big deal of is they are a group of voters that can be ID'd by a commonality and they exist in a key or key battleground states. It's simply a campaign.

Re: 75% of Jews back Obama

leon — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 06:52:43 -0000

Besides, I doubt she’s widely read in America.

A real blessing...

Re: Phil Woolas: Populist agent provocateur

leon — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:45:52 -0000

El Cid, keep the cheap shots to your self and focus on the topic at hand please.

Anyway,

Jon Cruddas is picking up the same scent as Sid:

http://www.politicshome.com/Landing.aspx?Blog=4...

Mr. Cruddas said that he feared that the British National Party would "capitalise on the downturn of the economy."

"There are housing labour market insecurities. Moreover, those communities that are taking a large proportion of the strain of immigration are often poor. There’re big organisational challenges. It’s going to be an issue that’s not going away," he said.

Re: Phil Woolas: Populist agent provocateur

leon — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:31:21 -0000

Hey Sid, good post I've been wondering about exactly this in recent weeks too. It'll be interesting to see how this pans out and the response given the anti racist movement is perhaps at its most fragmented at the present time...

Re: It’s insane

leon — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:33:39 -0000

It really is history in the making, remarkable that in only 40 years since MLK and the civil rights movement American is on the cusp of possibly electing an Black President! :D

Re: How left-wingers destroyed Sarah Palin

leon — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:11:05 -0000

5cc, please don't encourage him, he lives to derail threads with his obsessions...

Re: Helping Obama on the ground

leon — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:43:26 -0000

Great update Sunny, looking forward to reading more of your experiences and reflections on how they run the campaign on the ground.

Re: Powell Endorses

leon — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:18:56 -0000

McCain could have easily did what Powell did and said so what if he was? Fact is he consented to stir up that ugly monster with Palin and his negative attack ads.

Compare and contrast; the campaign is the measure of the man.

Re: Powell Endorses

leon — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:49:46 -0000

By the way, here is a picture of Obama and his grandfather.

It’s striking that he looks very much like him.

Yep was just looking at that photo and thinking much the same...

Re: Powell Endorses

leon — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:48:15 -0000

Stooge: He’s an Arab

McCain: No, ma’am. He’s a decent family man…

Yeah because you know you can't be both...

Re: How far does Palestinian right to resistance go?

leon — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 06:15:33 -0000

You know a fully functioning UN with proper policing powers could do wonders here...

Re: Quilliam Funding Shocker

leon — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:24:11 -0000

Indeed.

Fug, please stop derailing this thread.

Re: Quilliam Funding Shocker

leon — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 06:19:05 -0000

I personally think Quilliam needs to do more on the ground. Organise groups in local communities and university campuses.

I'm not sure they do need to as this isn't what Think Tanks are about. Think Tanks exist to formulate policy ideas, essentially to do the Government and oppositions thinking for them.

They're not front line service providers or grassroots community organisations.

Re: These are the people Obama left behind

leon — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 06:26:09 -0000

I'm impressed by the new ethic code and the stuff about lobbyists. Obviously the devil is in the detail but on the face of it this is a very welcome change. Start as you mean to go on etc...

Re: Covering Muslims and Jews

leon — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:52:12 -0000

The irony, of course, is that if you are Jewish, you are more likely to suffer a hate attack than any other ethnic minority in this country.

What data set are you basing this assertion on?

Re: Covering Muslims and Jews

leon — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:41:34 -0000

They’re trying to cover up their war crimes, these are the same type of people who approve of Asians being attacked in the UK and half of them probably work for the Daily Mail.

Can you please engage constructively?? Flinging about unsubstantiated accusations is not helpful.

Re: Covering Muslims and Jews

leon — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:40:27 -0000

Nor does talking about anti-semitic attacks in Britain reduce the chances of Jews calling for peace. On the contrary, it reinforces the point that you can be anti-war but not anti-Jew.

Seriously, I feel like I've just wandered into the Twilight Zone reading that. It's crazy it even needs to be said...

Re: Covering Muslims and Jews

leon — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 06:37:25 -0000

but when there are massacres in the Congo, disease in Zimbabwe, civil war in Sri Lanka etc.

Indeed but we can't cover everything and writers should be free to cover things (within the obvious editorial guidelines) that interest or resonate with them.

I say this to PP writers but more importantly our readers and commenters: if you think we're covering something too much or would like to see something else covered there's a simple answer; write a piece for us!

The door is open, well written and relevant pieces from you guys and gals will always be considered.

Re: Covering Muslims and Jews

leon — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:41:35 -0000

When the terrorist attacks in Mumbai were happening, should I not have covered them because it might increase attacks on British Muslims?

Indeed.

Re: Live blogging Obama’s inauguration

leon — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:21:26 -0000

Ethics? Wonder if that's a word that will come back to haunt them (think Robin Cook)...?

Re: Live blogging Obama’s inauguration

leon — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:15:38 -0000

Haha I bloody knew you'd attempt a live blog, tried to log onto to comment (while you were fiddling away with your iPhone) but the reception in that room was a little crap...

Re: The final toll on Gaza

leon — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:19:17 -0000

1300 people lost their lives so the Israeli government can maintain power and attempt to influence President Obama's Middle Eastern policy...

Re: Israel prepares evacuation; Hamas claims victory

leon — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:21:18 -0000

Funny how this whole invasion wraps up neatly before Obama takes office isn't it? The current Israeli government has proved itself to be opportunistic to a deathly extreme.

Anyway...

* Saudi king pledges $1 billion in Gaza reconstruction aid

Is that actually as big a number as it sounds? Also what are the strings attached to that (no aid is given without strings)...?

Re: Rushanara Ali raises questions about Gaza

leon — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 06:42:39 -0000

you people really dont know anything about local politics do you?

Who do you mean 'you people'?

Re: Rushanara Ali raises questions about Gaza

leon — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:11:03 -0000

Does anyone think that constituents in places like B G & Bow or Dewsbury, Bradford, Southall, etc. need a different type of MP?

First off, welcome to the blog!

Now to your point, let me ask a question. What do you mean by a different type of MP?

Re: Rushanara Ali raises questions about Gaza

leon — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:09:28 -0000

She's one of the most personally likeable political candidates I've ever met.

She is fighting what will be George Galloway's (formerly Oona Kings) old seat so it makes sense she identifies and articulates the concerns of her potential constituents.

Re: London’s ‘embassies’ saved

leon — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:22:53 -0000

(Via Conservative Home)

Christ alive it's not often you see that written on here!

Re: Mixed-race news

leon — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:22:43 -0000

Trevor Philips has talked of a ’sea change’ in the way we perceive race which suggests the EHRC is preparing the ground for a whole new approach to race, away from the old school, confrontational ‘brown vs the rest’ mentality.

It's been apparent that Trevor Phillips has been 'preparing the ground' for the last half decade...

11 years ago it was 1998 (worrying, eh — time really flies); I’m sure that many people on PP can remember ‘98 as though it was yesterday.

Yep the future isn't what it used to be. I can remember twenty years ago like it was yesterday and I'm only 33!

Re: Mixed-race news

leon — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:16:48 -0000

I believe the country can only benefit through more mixed race relationships. Quite apart from the couple themselves and their offspring, the wider families of each will eventually come to see themselves as sharing in something important.

Nice sentiment. And while reality can be quite different (sometimes to quite horrific extremes) your point is one I always hope for.

Re: Mixed-race news

leon — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:34:14 -0000

Ancestrally blended and blessed.

Heh I like that term.

Re: Mixed-race news

leon — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:39:51 -0000

Yep the numbers of MR people is rising. The CRE (before it was disbanded) did release a report a few years back that projected MR people would be the largest minority ethnic group in the UK within our lifetime.

Re: Friday caption contest (cow version)

leon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:10:47 -0000

"I've never shat in front of a cow before!"

Re: The man can do no wrong

leon — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:46:45 -0000

Heh yeah you can almost see Obama saying to his advisor:

Obama: "Guys, how are we going to deal with Clinton"

Adviser: "Well Sir, Sec of State spends a great deal of time out of the country..."

Obama: "WTF? Get her a plane ticket now, she's my new Sec of State!!"

:D

Re: The man can do no wrong

leon — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:00:58 -0000

it demonstrates that being non-partisan and willing to embrace ‘enemies’ also has strategic benefits.

Lol yeah but kinda obvious though aint it?!

Re: Is This Thatcher’s Britain?

leon — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:28:29 -0000

The thing of course is that it may not be the choice of others in your contact list which you may inadvertently supply these networks.

Eh? If they're not on FB and I invite them to join its their choice to accept or reject the invitation. If they're already on FB it's their choice what data they put up.

The only area this is slightly grey is things like photos, I'm happy to de-tag or delete ANY photo of ANY friend who requests it.

But anyway, this was a discussion about whether people feel more disconnected in our society now then 30 odd years ago. Really can't be bothered to go round and round over dead ground discussion wise.

On that point I'd say the lack of social housing is a big factor, and perhaps job insecurity (or people changing work often, no job for life). I've lived in four different boroughs over the last four or so years, four different councils, four different MPs representing me, most of my neighbours were renting privately and therefore no one really took much and interest in each other. It's curtailed my inclination to get involved in something locally.

(As an aside this is something those of us interested in Obama's campaign techniques need to be very aware of if we want them to be used here by the way)

I'd love to be able to set down some roots, get stuck in some local campaign but without social housing or buying a place it aint gonna happen in the near future...

That said perhaps the nature of community has changed and we have quite reconciled that on a human/emotional level?

Re: Is This Thatcher’s Britain?

leon — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:02:35 -0000

Always look for the agenda, very few reports are neutral, there is always a reason for them.

None ever are, nor can they ever be. Seriously guys it's no big revelation!

Re: Is This Thatcher’s Britain?

leon — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:55:12 -0000

but that does not preclude us from being aware of all the terrible things!

Well I never said it was mutually exclusive, just that there's more than one side to each story.

I'm fully aware of the potential problems with FB, I'm also aware that's it's my choice what data I put on it. I'm not attached to it any real sense other than it's useful NOW. These things are tools nothing more, I'm interested in what can be done with them not them themselves.

Re: Is This Thatcher’s Britain?

leon — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:09:15 -0000

My point about facebook is really that it does not have a moral purpose other than to generate value and revenue for itself. The fact is that you and others are willing to give facebook that value by doing all the work ie place all your personal and sometimes intimate details on their servers as well as all your contact list.

You're making quite a few sweeping generalisations and assumptions there...I didn't say it was critical but it has been useful. And like I say I've found friends on there I'd have literally no way of finding again (bar spending tens of thousands on a private investigator!).

Quite frankly if FB makes a few million off that I can live with it, because the friendships have value beyond mere money.

It is also excluding, for a number of reasons. It excludes those who are not broadbanded, those who are not so IT literate or those who think blogging and online activity itself is isolationist.

So I shouldn't use websites I like because there are some poor people out there without email access? Please, that's a stupid arguement! It's not the fault of any website that someone doesn't have broadband access.

But anyway, we could be here all day arguing about the value of social networking.

I'm more interested in your belief that the 'market ideology' alienates people. What are you basing that on?

Re: Is This Thatcher’s Britain?

leon — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:16:58 -0000

The thing about facebook is that you are part of an online business, and your need or interest in likeminded people is monetised.

What isn't? That wasn't the point however, you seem to be saying that business inherently alienates people from each other. Is that a correct understanding of your point?

Re: Is This Thatcher’s Britain?

leon — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:23:44 -0000

On the point about Facebook I'm not so sure. My experience has been entirely positive, in fact it and MySpace have been instrumental in re-connecting with some very good old friends I'd have no hope of finding otherwise!

That's why I'm curious about the mention of technology, because in my experience it brings me more closer to people that it does push me away (the amount of random conversations I've had in games shops about some game or another...).

Re: Is This Thatcher’s Britain?

leon — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:44:54 -0000

Like I said, not a fashionable point to make, but I think it is not unreasonable. Or maybe it’s a load of old twaddle, qui sait!

Would you say technology (as you describe it) is the symptom of the problem or its cause?

Re: Documentary on Forced Marriage Unit

leon — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:41:30 -0000

Heh heh yeah tis true.

Re: Documentary on Forced Marriage Unit

leon — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:36:14 -0000

She's a good presenter, has been involved in some good political campaigns, but I find her voice irritating!

Re: Quick Thought on Inter-Racial Marriage

leon — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:40:06 -0000

disapprove

That's putting it lightly mate, very lightly indeed.

Re: Sir Gulam Noon: raise drawbridge now I’m okay

leon — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:20:39 -0000

LFAT I think you'll find many immigrants attempt to integrate just fine over the years, the established communities here haven't always been quite as welcoming as you'd like to think...

Re: Sir Gulam Noon: raise drawbridge now I’m okay

leon — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:09:42 -0000

Utterly bonkers.

Re: Andrew Gilligan comes to Sky

leon — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:46:00 -0000

Gilligan is the worst kind of journalist scum, in fact he makes hacks look like noble searchers for truth!

Re: Andrew Gilligan comes to Sky

leon — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:44:43 -0000

Sunny, that title...hmmm it's a bit misleading isn't it?

Re: British Pakistanis in Mumbai unlikely

leon — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:09:26 -0000

The Indian government pretty much makes it near impossible for British Pakistanis to get a visa there, whether on business or for pleasure.

Had a conversation about this very fact this afternoon in the office, a colleague detailed him and three friends trying to go on holiday in India, two of them where refused Visas, both Brit born Pakistanis.

The finger pointing is a convenient way of distracting from something you said last night on QTE. India's lack of intelligence on attacks like these.

Seems to me that that organise a plot as complex as this using multiple units in multiple locations would take time and planning. Some of that would mean them doing reccy on their targets; how come nothing suspicious was picked up in the months or even year or so before?

What are the intelligence capabilities, internally, of the Indian government?

Re: Quote for the Weekend/Open Thread

leon — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:47:41 -0000

Atheists, feel free to substitute whatever you want in place of God :p

See the problem here is sentence demands you surrender yourself to something.

It's not, 'I will have the serenity' or 'I will take active measures based on reason to be a better person' etc but leaving it up to something else...The sentence only works in the manner its intended if you believe. :P

Re: What does India do now? Some thoughts

leon — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:41:14 -0000

since Al-Qaeda doesn’t really have political demands.

That's not true, they do and have offered negotiations in the past. Besides, AQ isn't strictly one group or even groups, it's more a network/franchise idea. That's plenty of opportunity to divide and conquer them via drawing some into a negotiation process (processes like that are the death of terror groups), amongst other things...

Re: What does India do now? Some thoughts

leon — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:21:13 -0000

According to TV they’ve murdered five of the Jewish hostages. Remember this when the MCB next attend Holocaust Memorial Day “to keep up appearances”.

Please keep the testosterone to a minimum. We don't need this shit on this thread.

Re: What does India do now? Some thoughts

leon — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:20:00 -0000

i wonder if this will be mentioned?

Well, if you mention it you won't have to wonder. ;)

Re: What does India do now? Some thoughts

leon — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:27:19 -0000

Saying ‘we never negotiate with terrorists’ is a naive idea when its unclear who the terrorists are. In every such situation you have to wean away the moderates and non-violent agitators while minimising the danger that violent extremists can cause.

Very well said.

There's also a lot of 'back channel' communication that goes on. Those people who spout Bushisms need to recognise the actual reality of dealing with terror is more complex than simply uttering 'you're with us or against us' or 'the only good terrorists is a dead one'.

Re: Tory frontbencher Damian Green arrested

leon — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:11:02 -0000

It is always difficult to comment on stories when there is so little information available, but it is interesting how the reaction from the Conservatives seems to be “how dare you arrest him- he is an MP. Aren’t they supposed to be above the law? He’s one of us.”

Yep, agree on both counts. There seems to be a little bit of a phycological impact with this.

Re: Tory frontbencher Damian Green arrested

leon — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:39:42 -0000

Well the police think they have a working definition!

Re: Tory frontbencher Damian Green arrested

leon — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:23:05 -0000

Looks like the Tories are going on the attack on this, George Osbourne is on Question Time tonight and goes on about it. Iain Dale is putting forward the 'another step towards totalitarian state' line which will no doubt stir up the Conservative Libertarian brigade.

It is interesting the timing of this though. This week it's begun to look like the Tories were getting their act together regarding attacking the government and this will derail that. Ever since Peter Mandleson has returned they've not been having the best time have they...?

Re: ‘There are Muslims who are Sikhs’

leon — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:26:58 -0000

Oh dear, Davey Milipede should really do his research, or fire his advisors!

Re: On Al-Jazeera English at 9:30pm

leon — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:11:38 -0000

You can watch is here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00fw75s/Q...

Re: On Al-Jazeera English at 9:30pm

leon — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:02:15 -0000

LOL! Rumbold, I thought that too, she was all over the place, and totally reading from briefing notes. At the end she was visibly shaking with nerves and looked like she just wanted to run!

I’m actually trying to be more calm and disciplined, like Obama. Don’t want to come across as the Angry Asian Man and all that

I think you achieved that; the power of your arguements and calm approach combine to create an effective weapon.

Definitely the best TV performance I've seen of yours.

Re: On Al-Jazeera English at 9:30pm

leon — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:08:04 -0000

Yup, Sunny totally pwned!!

Re: On Al-Jazeera English at 9:30pm

leon — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:48:00 -0000

This other person is patronising. Also she comes across likes she's just spouting sound bites/party lines, unlike Sunny who's actually making sense and presenting thoughtful observations/opinions...

Re: On Al-Jazeera English at 9:30pm

leon — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:45:18 -0000

Good answer by Sunny about there being different types of terrorists etc.

Re: Powell Endorses

leon — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:02:29 -0000

I'm yet to be convinced Powell won't be playing a significant part in the coming Obama administration...;)

Re: Powell Endorses

leon — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:42:00 -0000

Long expected but a real boon for the Obama campaign. Wonder if Powell will be the new Sec Defense?

Re: Obama avoids the ‘angry black man’ label

leon — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:50:41 -0000

Seeing as this is a cross post, I'll cross comment...

The genius of the Obama campaign hasn’t been the way they’ve raised money, or innovative use of new technology to inform and mobilise. It’s been the ’steady as she goes’ strategy. No wild highs when things are going great and no deep depressions when hitting tough times. Cool heads prevail…

They used it to great effect against the Clinton’s (whose campaign resembles McCain’s in the level of indecision and inability to stick to one strategy) and now McCain is being subjected to it.

Obama has a great deal more work to do to convince those likely to be afflicted by the Bradley effect so his chosen path is certainly a shrewd one. When you’re a little different to win you have to do all you can to not ‘frighten the horses’ so to speak…

Re: Cleese on Palin

leon — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 15:14:02 -0000

Brilliant comment about Palin being basically a parrot (and nice Python reference too)...

Re: To Obama Skeptics

leon — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:57:18 -0000

So why are we getting so bloody excited with whoever becomes American President?

Nothing to do with the massive power the US has over UK foreign policy, and even judiciary when it comes to terrorist 'suspects' then...

Re: W

leon — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:57:24 -0000

Yup excellent tunes! Love the TH! :D

Looking forward to the film too...be interesting to see the take Ollie takes on him.

Re: Journeys around South Asia

leon — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:01:54 -0000

Don't you mean Primark Kismet?

Re: Non Moral Reasons to Eat Less Meat

leon — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:48:51 -0000

We may be able to survive without meat but it tastes good dammit! I love a good steak, love proper kebabs, and Caribbean dishes like pudding and souse etc.

Tried being a vegetarian once for about a year and hated it, really can't see me going back to that.

Re: The polls are looking good!

leon — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:01:00 -0000

I would urge caution using this old chestnut: don't count your chickens before they've hatched.

We've been here before. In 2004 signs were pointing toward a Kerry win. There's still twenty days to go before voting. If you think a week is a long time in politics well it's an eternity when it's an election period.

Obama is ahead strikingly in the almost meaningless national polls but he is ahead in key battleground states (and a few states Bush won last time too).

I have cautious optimist but let's not start calling it for Obama just yet...

Re: I’m back from the war zone

leon — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:49:20 -0000

Welcome back!

Re: Palin guilty of abusing her power

leon — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:52:56 -0000

Leon, it is not like you had a post on Sarah Palin where you started with McCain is smarter than he looks going by his choice for running mate.

Yeah and that was written as a first reaction in the first twenty fours hours of the news breaking, over five weeks ago! I think you'll find my views have shifted rather quickly away from that quite some time ago...;)

Re: Palin guilty of abusing her power

leon — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:07:45 -0000

Please let's not let billydicky derail this thread into another tedious race bitch.

This thread is about Sarah Palin, all hail the demise of the GoP chances of getting the White House!!

Re: Two more Muslim MPs

leon — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:39:54 -0000

Wow, you sure do provoke a Stalinist reaction if you dare criticise the mighty Labour party at the moment.

Look guys just because you got favourite Prince of Darkness back and the PLP has fallen into line doesn't mean the rest of us lefties have too.

Re: Online Activism in the UK

leon — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:38:45 -0000

Anarchy may be too strong a word — I accept that Leon

It's not too strong a word, it's entirely the wrong word imo but I see a bit more clearly where you're coming from now.

Re: Online Activism in the UK

leon — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:16:19 -0000

I was talking about anarchy with regard to primaries for candidates for MPs

I'm really struggling to see how ordinary [non party member] people being able to vote one who a party put up as a candidate will create anarchy.

Re: Online Activism in the UK

leon — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:54:01 -0000

I agree with everything Rumbold said in comment 26.

Re: Online Activism in the UK

leon — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:52:59 -0000

The only tricky area I foresee requiring much discussion and debate would be in setting up a list of favored candidates,

Well observed, it's this area that the idea faces a real challenge (questions about whether it'd enjoy real world success come a bit after that stage although it is inter related).

Re: Online Activism in the UK

leon — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:35:16 -0000

And quite honestly I’d like to hear more from you, but your posts tend to be snippets and short on analysis.

Well...different strokes for different folks as they say. I'm not the type of blogger to write long missives for the world (I'll leave that to Sunny :D ), I like throwing up a quote with a sarcy comment more plus I find I'm so bloody short on time that by the time I get to finish something a little crafted it's a week later and discussion has moved on.

I often rattle of view of events/situations/etc in the comments when I get the chance though...

I should be clear regarding supporting progressive candidates, I'm more than happy to do that for other parties other than just LibDems and Labour. I'm waiting for Sunny to come back to talk about exactly that (great minds eh Shariq).

Re: Online Activism in the UK

leon — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:06:54 -0000

Brutally, those that live by the internet could very easily find that they die by it.

I don't see how using the net to organise for the 'real' world is 'living by the Internet'.

The net (and within that blogging/social media) is a tool which when used properly compliment not replace real world activity.

Re: Online Activism in the UK

leon — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:05:25 -0000

Refresh,

by PP do you mean all it's writers and the culmination of their contributions or do you mean Sunny?

Re: Will we all die on Wednesday?

leon — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:24:57 -0000

But isn’t it good to know that the next generation is so… er… well… yes.

Re: Will we all die on Wednesday?

leon — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:48:12 -0000

We're still alive!! Amazing...:P

Re: Will we all die on Wednesday?

leon — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:28:03 -0000

Man you need to get out of St Georges once in a while...;)

Re: Will we all die on Wednesday?

leon — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:57:24 -0000

LOL! Tooting aint that bad compared to some places in London.

Re: Will we all die on Wednesday?

leon — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:31:57 -0000

he did it 7000 million years before us?

Heh. If we can create the universe doesn't that make us Gods? And make God kinda redundant? :D

Re: Will we all die on Wednesday?

leon — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:49:20 -0000

It's an amazing story. Remarkable that our species have already reached the point of technological advance that we can actually recreate the moment just after the Universe it self came into being. Crazy!

As for the theological implications well if this succeeds I'd thought it'd be clear; if we can do what was once assumed only a God could what does that say for God? ;)

Re: I got rid of my books!

leon — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:42:10 -0000

Leon - who would just drink jamaican rum and be so, so chilled that the site would freeze.

WHAT??? No way man, I drink Bajan rum only!!

I think we should have another book club get together when I get back.

Excellent idea!

In case anything goes wrong, Leon will be the man to refer to.

MWA HAW HAW! *Dons Darth Vader outfit and plays Imperial March soundtrack*

:D

Re: I got rid of my books!

leon — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 07:32:44 -0000

Yep was great to meet you guys yesterday! I got rid of mine too, and picked up a few good ones. Book trading is cool.:D

Re: Republican hypocrisy

leon — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:20:46 -0000

Great video, let's hope it isn't just the usual democrat voting people seeing it and those indy/floating voters get an eyeball full of it from now until polling day.

Re: British newspapers’ readers explained

leon — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:34:27 -0000

El Cid, I do, I read the Mirror often and also the Sun when I feel like boiling my blood with rage.:)

Re: British newspapers’ readers explained

leon — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:00:33 -0000

Heh classic clip. I read the Guardian, Times, FT, Telegraph, Indy, Telegraph and (often through gritted teeth) even the Daily Mail from time to time.

Re: Faith and trust

leon — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:58:32 -0000

I doubt any teacher is that important in the development of someone’s philosophy on life.

Heh you obviously never had any good teachers (big shout out to Mr Doherty!).

Re: Faith and trust

leon — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:26:24 -0000

I went to a Roman Catholic primary school, secondary school and 6th form and turned out Atheist. As did many of my school mates. If that's the effect of faith schools I'm all for them! :D

Re: BNP running gun camps for kids

leon — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:41:32 -0000

As Leon says and to comment this goes on all the while in Mosques all around the Country and they are seen to enforce it. At least the BNP would fight for their country and care about what happens to it.

Fuck off I never said or implied that. My point was bloody obvious imagine the outrage and freaking out (Mail readers frothing at the mouth) if this was a Muslim group that did this.

Re: BNP running gun camps for kids

leon — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:22:52 -0000

Being obvious is a lost art in today's troubled world...

Re: BNP running gun camps for kids

leon — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:22:13 -0000

Odd I could've sworn I posted: "Imagine the reaction if this was some Muslim group that was caught doing this?"

Re: Sunny elsewhere – Sky News and Green conference

leon — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:43:46 -0000

I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say I’m very proud of you.

Yup and with Dave Hill getting a bump up to the Guardian with his London blog this is a great week for left blogger invasion of the msn! :D